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Saturday, October 15, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 43

About Us

Scammers digging for your home tax

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

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A Leader Special Report sponsored by Cottonwood and Liberty Station Bar.

Noted Heights author Anne Sloan has a new photo history book hitting shelves soon.

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Page 7B

The INDEX. Church....................................................... 7A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Coupons. ................................................. 8A Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries.............................................. 8A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 9A

Beer fast becoming big business in area

W

e’re back for a second year for our Big Beer edition and we’re starting to think there might be something to this craft business besides tasting good.

Inside, Senior Reporter Landan Kuhlmann dives into what it takes to get into the business by talking to aspiring brewers and ones that are just getting their sea legs.

The Leader’s Betsy Denson gets to work surveying the area of what

breweries we can expect to come to the neighborhood, one’s that are here and what exactly does a brewery real estate shopping list look like?

Our sports guy, Jonathan Valadez, dabbled in beer this week to see if there is a trend in craft – is it a millennial or status thing? Or is there something in finding a unique and rare beer?

We shine some spotlight on a

Heights artist who’s getting creative for a local brewery and their creative forces - Kim Hogstrom has the lead on that.

Our sled driver, Christina Martinez, nerds out with a home brew; pays a visit to all of our six breweries to feature her favorite beer from each; and shines some spotlight for an Oak Forest resident that’s serving up monthly beer dinners under the radar.

New Leader-area homeowners should be on the lookout for what appears to be a monetary solicitation under the guise of filing a homestead exemption application.

In recent months, some residents have received official-looking forms with legitimate company letterhead up top; however, upon further inspection, this particular form also contains a clause at the bottom saying Shady solicitations the homeowner are everywhere must complete these days. Another the form and tax consulting comsubmit it along pany is encouraging with an addicitizens to submit tional fee in orAppraisal Review Board service apder to have the plications through application aptheir company, proved. even though Harris Many homCounty won’t accept eowners have them in that form. nearly fallen prey to the solicitation, and See Full Story Harris County Page 3A Appraisal District representative Jack Barrett cautioned homeowners against sending any money, as it is in no way required by law for a homestead exemption in Texas to begin with.

“Applying for your homestead exemption in Texas is free and is done through your local appraisal district,” he said.

“They don’t need to send in any money to anyone.”

Barrett reiterated that though the aforementioned advertised service is technically legal, anyone receiving such a letter should immediately contact their local appraisal district to verify anything.

“It’s sometimes confusing for people when they get that official-looking document in the mail or get that phone call, so they react without thinking,” he said.

That said, the documents do state in fine print that the said company is in no way affiliated with any government agency.

In order to help homeowners, Barrett said the process is as simple as visiting the district’s website (www.hcad.org).

Once there, residents can go find their property (whether by their name, their address or the property/account number) to verify claims made by any third party.

“We have the service so that when something comes up, they can spot that this is not true and ask the proper questions and let us know,” Barrett said.

Heights’ Summerhouse setting new standards

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data on the prevalence of autism in American children. The agency’s study revealed that 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) have “Autism Spectrum Disorder” which encompasses a number of developmental disabilities.

Notably, the numbers have continued to rise since the results were published. Some experts estimate that the statistics are now 1 in 44 in the US. A federal ruling issued in 1975 assured all children a public school education, despite disabilities. But what is to become of this growing number of young adults after high

school?

That is the question Heights resident Donna Fruge asked herself when her intellectually disabled daughter, Summer, graduated from school.

“I searched everywhere for continuing education opportunities but none were sufficient. They were more like babysitting services than education,” Fruge said. “Children do not just ‘grow out of’ autism. I needed to do something but what could I do?”

The mother answered her own question by launching The Summerhouse in 2012 in a bungalow in the Heights. When one drives by the little home on Columbia Street, one would not suspect that positive impact it is See Summerhouse P. 2A

Summerhouse founder Donna Fruge congratulates Summerhouse graduate Spence Adams at last year’s celebration. Spence is now working in an upholstery shop and enjoying his Independence. (Contributed photo)

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The culprit? Well it’s a horse, of course

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Though Texas is far from the perpetuating “Texans ride horses to school” stereotype, the animal is a common sight in the state; however, that doesn’t mean morning commuters and schoolgoers in Shepherd Park Plaza weren’t a little shocked at the scene which greeted them Monday morning.

Authorities first got a call shortly after 7 a.m. Monday following the sighting of—wait for it—a horse running loose at the intersection of Pinemont and Wheatley.

“We don’t know where it came from, we just know it was running loose over there on Ella. It just kind of got loose from wherever it was on

Earlier this week, a horse sent Constables on a chase down N. Shepherd. They corraled the fellow in Shepherd Park Plaza. (Contributed)

Wheatley,” Dep. James Moulden with the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office said. “Between them trying to round it up and the horse running, it just kind of ran into our

neighborhood.”

The beast eventually made its way up N. Shepherd to 43rd and to Alba before cutting over into Shepherd Park, where deputies were able to

Police Reports • October 2-8 OCT. 2

Assault 12:46 PM 1500-1599 YALE Theft 6:30 PM 1100-1199 RUTLAND Theft 8:01 PM 1100-1199 W 21ST Robbery 3:50 PM 2600-2699 AIRLINE Theft 6:40 AM 2100-2199 LAWRENCE Theft 8:30 AM 900-999 LAWRENCE Theft 9:45 AM 3600-3699 N MAIN OCT. 3

Theft 4:01 PM 200-299 20TH Theft 6 PM 600-699 E 12TH Burglary 6 AM 800-899 E 28TH Theft 5:30 PM 1100-1199 ALEXANDER Theft 8:01 PM 1100-1199 DOROTHY Theft 2 PM 400-499 E 37TH Burglary 6 AM 1200-1299 ARMSTEAD OCT. 4

Theft 7 PM 800-899 W 24TH Theft 9 AM 2200-2299 LAWRENCE Theft 6 AM 3900-3999 N SHEPHERD OCT. 5

Theft 10 AM 300-399 W 19TH Theft 3:30 PM 1100-1199 YALE

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into the attic area of the apartments as well, destroying them.

“Luckily they were able to put the fire out quickly,” HFD Public Information Officer Jay Evans said, noting a passage of about 20 minutes between when personnel arrived and when the blaze was extinguished.

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Burglary 1:30 PM 500-599 E 23RD Burglary 9:45 PM 2800-2899 YALE Burglary 7:45 AM 700-799 E 18TH Theft 11:35 AM 1400-1499 STUDEMONT Theft 3 PM 4400-4499 NORTH Theft 5:30 PM 1300-1399 MOY Robbery 12:43 PM 4700-4799 NORTH

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Evans said no one was injured in the fire. However, the two units destroyed by the blaze, tragically, were those of Durham Elementary students. They are now in need of money for shelter, new clothes and food. Visit gofundme.com/ desfamilyfire to donate.

Summerhouse from P. 1A having on the lives of those inside.

The Summerhouse opened its doors with six student clients. Furge had amassed a board of trustees, and acquired a 501(c)3 nonprofit assignment. The young mother established the agency with the mission of providing young adults with intellectual disabilities, the highest quality programming available to enable each to become valued, respected, contributing members of society.

Today, The Summerhouse operates with a full time class of 15 student clients and a 3.3 student-to-teacher ratio. The agency has achieved its objectives, and then some. Graduates become working, independent, happy, adults.

“For example, we recently had a young lady graduate who is working in the bakery in Kroger.

We provided a job coach to help in the transition and, today, they love her and she loves her work,” Fruge stated with a smile.

The Summerhouse is celebrating its fifth year with a fundraiser early in October, called “Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats.” While the theme sounds like fun, the location ratcheted that up a notch. The party was held at Wabash Feed and Garden Store on Washington Avenue. Attendees danced and dined, and partied among the ducks and chickens, lemon trees

get it contained at the dead end at the back of the culde-sac around Curtin Road.

Moulden, who lives in Shepherd Park Plaza himself, was only too happy to lend a hand in corralling the horse.

“We knocked on a neighbor’s door, and he let us keep him corralled in his yard until we could get a trailer to come haul it off,” he said.

Though it was quite a way to begin his work week, it was far from unusual—Moulden has seen at least six horses corralled in the area during his career.

“I’m born and raised in Texas and had horses growing up, so it’s not something I’m not used to being able to handle,” he said with a chuckle.

Thankfully nobody was harmed in during the capture.

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ELLA Robbery 4:35 PM 5100-5199 NORTH Robbery 7:25 PM 5300-5399 NORTH Burglary 6 PM 900-999 PINEMONT Burglary 6 PM 900-999 PINEMONT Burglary 3 PM 900-999 PINEMONT Theft 5:38 PM 900-999 E 40TH

Area students in need following apartment blaze Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at Mirabella Apartments Monday morning, just a short drive from Durham Elementary School. HFD personnel were called to the scene around 5:45 a.m. Two apartments were heavily engulfed when personnel arrived, and the fire appeared to shoot up

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and jars of honey.

The event set a new standard of fun over the typical, stuffy nonprofit fundraiser. “It was packed,” said Fruge, “and people didn’t want to leave! Mayor Turner came by to say hello, and we are not finished with the tally, but right now it is at $62,000!”

The Wabash property had been donated for the evening by Gary Mosley, owner and founder of the Creeks Restaurant Group. Mosley bought Wabash earlier this year, as the feed and garden store is moving to a larger location on North Shepherd. Mosley is also a board member of The Summerhouse, and is proud to help the agency achieve its goals.

“The Summerhouse is doing great work,” Mosley said. “What is to become of these young adults? There is no guidance after high school, and our clients have nowhere to turn. Summerhouse is helping. I try to reach out to the local business community to work with us. So far, we have made some strides,” Mosley stated.

The size of the Heights property limits the school to 15, so the agency is on the search for a larger property. All suggestions are welcomed.

For more information, or to reserve tickets, go to www.summerhousehouston.org/

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Oak Forest Park entering second stage of revitalization

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com An Oak Forest staple for more than half a century is entering the second stage of a facelift intended to provide it and surrounding communities with a space which encourages inclusiveness and community interaction.

Newly-revitalized Oak Forest Park, acquired in 1951, will be the first accessible, all-inclusive playground of its kind in Houston’s central-northwest area when completed, meant to address the inaccessibility of playground equipment which pre-dates current ADA guidelines, an issue Oak Forest has struggled with for years.

The park’s chain link fence will be replaced with a mesh windscreen, the basketball court will be restriped, a dual height water fountain with dog bowls will be installed and benches with donor plaques will be added. Contributions for the current phase will support the “More Than 1Way 2Play” campaign.

“This is just something that’s

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Kids engage in a blacktop battle at Oak Forest Park. The basketball court will be re-striped as part of the park’s ongoing revitalization.

really important to us and we think it will be really terrific for the community as well as those outside Oak Forest,” said sweetFrog owner Judy Brown.

SweetFrog’s grand opening is this weekend, and the store will be donating a portion of the entire weekend’s profits to the campaign.

Once funded, the second phase will also feature new picnic tables and park benches with donor recogni-

tion plaques, engraved pavers forming the “Pathway to Play” and more.

“People from all over can come and use it and enjoy it,” Brown said. “We just think it’s a wonderful thing to support the community, and I know the neighborhood does too.”

When the revitalization runs its course, those with special needs will also have the ability to swing, slide and climb with family and friends like never

before and feel a sense of inclusion maybe not achievable had action not been taken.

“Kids, and parents, with special needs simply want a place to play where they aren’t defined by their disability, where they can blend in and play with others instead of feeling isolated,” the project’s brochure reads.

“It’s just a place for the community to gather and for children and adults to experience other people’s handicaps and how they are just the same as anybody else,” Brown said.

“Everyone can come together and work together and live together. They can just accept and enjoy each other no matter what.”

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Kroger, Dynamo honor HISD educators For the Leader Waltrip High School Band Director Jesse Espinoza darted through the aisles of a local Kroger supermarket with a Houston Dynamo player close by. His goal: grab as many groceries and products as he wanted in four minutes with midfielder Andrew Wenger as his partner. Espinoza was named the top Classroom Champ by the Dynamo Charities and Kroger on Wednesday, Oct. 5, during a special celebration at the store. He, along with Karol Galindo from Sherman Elementary and Elsa Tiangco from Benbrook Elementary, were honored as Classroom Champs for being teachers who make a profound impact in the lives of their students. As the top honoree, Espinoza won a four-minute shopping spree in Kroger.

“It’s a great honor,” he said.

“I love that the parents nominated me. But it’s all about the kids I teach every day. I’m just super excited and this is for them, actually.”

Dynamo President Chris Canetti named off many of the Waltrip Ram Band student

Contributed photo Elsa Tiangco (Benbrook ES), Jesse Espinoza (Waltrip HS), and Karol Galindo (Sherman ES) were honored as Classroom Champs by the Houston Dynamo and Kroger. Espinoza won the top honor.

accomplishments, including high college acceptance rate and scholarship money.

“I know that all of us had a teacher in our lives that we look back on as someone who had a very important role in our success,” Canetti said.

“So it’s awesome to pay such tribute and recognition (to them).”

Galindo and Tiangco were presented with $250 gift cards.

All three also were invited to an upcoming Dynamo game.

“Nothing I do is for me,” Espinoza said. “I want everyone to know that. It’s all about doing things for Waltrip High School and more importantly the children. It’s a great honor

ARB service application should go through HCAD For The Leader District Judge Robert K. Schaffer, administrative judge for the state district courts in Harris County, is instructing citizens to send applications for Appraisal Review Board service directly to him through the Harris County Appraisal District human resources division.

A solicitation for service was sent to realtors by O’Connor & Associates encouraging applicants to submit their applications to O’Connor & Associates.

“All applications for ARB positions must be made directly by the applicant through HCAD,” he said. “It has come to my attention that third parties are soliciting applicants for ARB positions. I will not accept applications submitted by third parties on behalf of applicants for ARB positions.

To be clear, there are no third parties authorized to accept or submit applications for ARB service.”

The ARB was created by the Texas Legislature to provide an independent judicial review of taxpayer protests of valuations established by HCAD. Applications must be submitted to Judge Schaffer through the HCAD human resources division and received no later than October 14. Service would begin in January 2017.

Roland Altinger, HCAD’s chief appraiser, said the O’Connor email is misleading

and I appreciate it but it’s all for the kids.”

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the public because it says they will submit the application “for consideration by the Harris County Central Appraisal District on your behalf.”

“The appraisal district is not connected with the ARB nor does the district have any say in the ARB selection process,” Altinger said. “In addition, the application requires specific private and confidential information that should not be given to a third party. The Texas Senate Select Committee On Property Tax Reform and Relief has focused attention on transparency in the system throughout the state, so I do not think it is acceptable for a tax agent to solicit members of an independent board that hears and decides on tax protests.”

More information is available at www.hcad.org. Only current application forms from this site will be considered.

Application forms may also be obtained by calling the ARB executive office at 713-9575265.

If that number is busy, call the office of the Taxpayer Liaison Officer as a backup contact at 713-957-7499.

Calls requesting information on ARB service requirements should go to 713-957-5265.

Applications should be submitted to: Judge Robert K. Schaffer c/o HCAD Human Resources P.O. Box 920975 Houston, Texas 77292-0975

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Saturday, October 15, 2016 • Page 4A

Technology won’t solve my extended illness

I

acquired a fairly serious illness in my mid-20s that I just now feel comfortable sharing with my loyal readers (which number somewhere around 14, with half of them probably happy I’ve contracted the malady).

Here’s what happened: I spent the first 18 years of my life chasing some sort of ball.

If I wasn’t running to the other end of a basketball court, I was chasing a line-drive in center field.

And in my spare time, I was carrying a golf bag through wooded hazards searching for Titleists.

And if I wasn’t doing that, I was in desperate search of a swimming pool because I had mowed three yards with my brother earlier that day as the latter member of PJ’s Lawn Service.

Miraculously, through all those activities, I was admitted to a state university, which is where I should have detected the early signs of my illness.

It turns out that graduating college actually requires some semblance of coursework. Not only must you attend a majority of the classes, but you must also read complete books and write complete papers. Doing so required a person like me to sit in a chair and study.

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

College wasn’t just about writing history papers on German U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. After all the studying, what a guy like me really needed was a good meal, which is when I introduced such delicacies as wings and cheese enchiladas into my diet. And what I needed after such a fine meal was, quite obviously, fine beer. And by fine beer, I mean as many as I could get for the least amount of money.

The problem, of course, was that I wasn’t chasing a ball around anymore, unless you counted my buddy Kevin driving me in a golf cart through the woods to find the Titleist I ducked-hooked. And what came next put the ailment in complete overdrive.

I did just enough in college to obtain gainful employment upon graduation. What I learned about my job was that I had to sit at a

desk for annoyingly long periods of time (great pieces of journalism like this don’t just pop out in 15 minutes. Sometimes they take upwards of an hour).

I have now been sitting behind a desk for nearly 20 years, trying to earn an honest living, and I’ve finally realized that I need to stand up and do something about my illness.

A few weeks ago, I turned 42 and my family bought me a friend who now serves as my personal doctor.

No, it’s not a dog, though one of those wouldn’t be a bad idea if my wife and I weren’t already stir crazy with two rascals dumping plastic dinosaurs and burp cloths all over our home.

These days, I’m wearing my new friend around my wrist. I figured if I owned one of these Fatbits, it would at least give me a starting point for how disgustingly stagnant I have become.

If you don’t have one of these Fatbits, let me tell you a little about them. First of all, they’re technically called “Fitbits,” because that’s far less condescending than telling the owner he’s become an oval-shaped pile of lard.

Each morning, after a quick charge, you strap this thing on your

wrist, which helps you burn about 247 calories because the design is absolutely wretched. In fact, I have successfully removed every hair from my wrist trying to make this bit fit.

If you tap the face of the Fatbit twice (this requires great force and exact tapping), the wrist-band tells you the time. I know! What a great discovery! But if you keep tapping, you are told how many steps you’ve taken today, how many miles you’ve walked, how many calories you’ve burned sitting in your chair, and how many minutes of vigorous exercise you’ve completed since 6 a.m. Today, that would be a big zero, because I’m trying to write about this fine piece of technology.

All of those functions seem great, but they pale when compared to the personal nudges this sucker gives you during the day.

On my first day wearing the expensive jewelry, my wrist began to vibrate, and I thought the watch was angry because it wanted me to remove a few more hairs from my arm. Instead, in a font I thought they retired with the Commodore 64, I was asked a very simple question: “Up for 150 steps?”

Actually, yes, I’d love to take 150,000 steps away from this con-

The family plot thickens THE CEMETERY – This is a family reunion, although I shall do all the talking to save your family a lot of trouble and money. My families’ plots hold both my mother’s family next to my father’s. I was just a tad when many of them were laid to rest, so all I remember is the vast amounts of food spread out back at the house.

Here is my mother’s father, Walter Lynn Cox. He came to Texas when he was 9 months old in a covered wagon. His wife, Lillian, told me how she used to gather with her little friends on a street corner in East Texas and throw rocks at the “blue bellies” as they rode by on their horses – the Union cavalry. But her tombstone says she was born in 1879, long after Reconstruction was over. Maybe she just bore a grudge.

Have you ever visited your family plot and learned things about your forbearers that you never knew? I knew that my uncle, Walter Lynn Cox, Jr., served in the Marines in WW II, but his tombstone says he also served during the Korean War. I didn’t know that.

The wife of a cousin seems to have had a baby who died at birth. My mother was a Daughter of the Republic of Texas, but I see that she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. That explains the gold teeth, watches and wigs. All told, I count 16 grave sites.

There is still room for more.

Like me.

Now start taking notes to make things easier: Does anyone know which bank holds your safety deposit box, and where the key is? How are they going to get their hands on all those silver bars Uncle Cosmo liberated from a Nazi coal mine? Avoid the $250 charge for blowing open the box, and there are complicated laws about opening a safety deposit box after the owner has departed. You don’t have a will? The State of Texas has one for you, but the lawyers will end up with most of your estate. Make sure your will specifies exactly who gets what. “I leave to my worthless daughter and her deadbeat fifth husband my razor and toothpaste.” That will save everyone trouble, and it means your spouse doesn’t have to get rid of your razor and toothpaste. Again, be

Lynn Ashby Columnist

specific. My son the lawyer says the most vicious, blood sports he handles are family fights over an estate.

Money. How many checkbooks, savings accounts and hidden cash in shoeboxes do you have? Does the IRS know about your accounts in the Cayman Islands? No? Keep it that way. Leave a list of where you hid your fortune, with passwords. If you are like most of us, you have 450 passwords on your computer. Make a list of them, too, and tell everyone exactly where you hid it. “Go to the bathroom and look under the razor and toothpaste.” You have a burglar alarm? Does your next-of-kin know how to turn it on and off ? (The last burglar to hit my house looked around and left a small donation.) You probably have a private stock of wine at your club, all locked up. How can your children get to those boxes with their little plastic spigots? Put the code on your list.

Let’s back up and consider that you’re not dead yet, only going. Studies show that relatives spend a vast amount on keeping Grand Pa alive as long as possible, so terminally ill patients are a cash cow for hospitals. I have instructed my family that, when I am too far gone to light a cigar, just pull the plug. You want an obit? That’s journalese for an obituary in the newspaper.

Don’t leave it to your hysterical spouse (“He kept talking about the Cayman Islands.”) to figure out just when you won the Nobel Peace Prize.

(It’s OK to jazz up your life story, who can correct it?)

My own obit is modest, limiting my honorary degrees to 43 and explaining that I donated millions to colleges and hospitals under the pseudonym of “Anonymous.”

In my obit, I “died.” Others prefer “Gone to her reward,” “Hit his last tee shot,” and “Entered the Pearly Gates to greet the people she never

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liked.” Honest, I once read: “In lieu of flowers, please vote for George W. Bush.”

Now we must consider your funeral. Your family is so distraught that they can’t think straight, and will spend too much because funeral homes have their business down to a science. When you walk into the display of caskets, most people automatically turn to the right. That’s the most expensive model. In gradual order, as you walk in a semi-circle to the left, they get cheaper and less ornate.

Once you have picked a casket – I have chosen a very nice one stenciled “Kenmore Cold King - this end up” -- the costs keep rising with flowers, a huge portrait of the late lamented, music and an emcee. Don’t hire pallbearers, rent a forklift. Some prefer cremation, but I think that might hurt.

Specify that after the fu-

neral, you are throwing a party at the local VFW hall with lots of food and liquor.

That assures a good attendance. Where to buy a plot?

Avoid any place being touted as “with a great view.” Write your own epitaph and, like the obit, keep it mildly truthful. Thomas Jefferson wrote his own and specified that not one word be changed. It does not mention that he was President, but you may. There was a story that a tombstone in Aberdeen, Scotland, read: “Here lies the body of Mary McQueen. She was a virgin at seventeen. A remarkable thing in Aberdeen.” While doing some stories there, I went hunting for that epitaph. The cemetery’s caretaker said it was all a tall tale, but added a lot of people went there looking for it.

Ashby defies death at ashby2@comcast.net

ference call, but I can’t.

A couple hours later, I got another request from my friend: “Want to take a stroll?” Again, I was in the middle of a project at work, so I ignored the imposition.

Apparently, my Fatbit came installed with feelings.

“Let’s move,” was the third message. Whoa. What happened to my understanding friend?

Next came, “Let’s roll.”

Then it got simple: “Go!” Finally, the Fatbit got downright angry: “You look like an ovalshaped pile of lard.”

OK. I get it.

I’m not sure how long I’ll keep this so-called friend on my wrist, but not because of his curtness.

The day after I started wearing it, I read an article that using this sort of technology causes many people to pack on the pounds, and I can understand why.

On Day 3 of my Fatbit friendship, I spent almost the entire day at my desk and was told I walked 6,000 steps.

Technology is great some of the time. Then again, wouldn’t we all be better if we just spent a little more time chasing a ball?

Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

The reader.

Reader thinks HEB is a bully Dear Editor: I certainly would like to see a fine vendor such as H-E-B, locate in the Heights area. However, I am disappointed with H-E-B efforts to “bully” their influence, to dominate local political issues.

It is the domain of the residents of the Heights to determine the wet/dry issue, free from corporate threats. Does this lead to H-E-B or others in the future using threats to obtain their goals? The Houston Heights, is a valuable and unique community. It needs to remain in the control of the residents. Wet/Dry, it is the people’s choice.

Jerry Pinckard Dear Editor: It’s good to see H-E-B finally revealed as the driver of the Houston Heights Beverage Coalition. Over the weekend, workers at the W. 18th H-E-B told me that their store would be closing in 2018.

The employees believed that the election had already taken place.

While I understand that H-E-B needs to make a profit, this illustrates the influence of money on our elections. In order for one company to profit, this referendum is added to the ballot. I have spoken to several people who oppose the change and others who are unaware/indifferent, but none of them has $100,000 to fund any opposition. I should hope that most voters realize that H-E-B is not taking this action as a community service.

H-E-B regional president Scott McClelland states that this will be a boon to the local economy, the same hollow assertion that Kroger always makes about its tax abatement. If H-E-B is truly “not simply coming in and pushing their ideas,” I would like to suggest a store very similar to the Fiesta that was there.

A taqueria,boots, Mexican folk art, along with a wide variety of cookies, candy, fresh produce and pasta.

Jason Hochman Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Businessmen 5. Million barrels per day (abbr.)

8. From a distance 12. Ruth’s mother-inlaw 14. Performer __ Lo Green 15. Drug for Parkinson’s disease, L-__ 16. Composure 18. Broadcasts cartoons (abbr.)

19. Used for baking or drying 20. About alga 21. Food grain 22. Not messy 23. Super Bowlwinning Bronco 26. Egg-shaped wind instrument 30. Get rid of 31. Being enthusiastic 32. A bird’s beak 33. Pores in a leaf 34. Time of life 39. Yuppie status symbol 42. Parasitic fever 44. Gallantry 46. Put this in soup 47. Small dog

49. Malay people 50. Third-party access 51. North winds 55. Peruvian mountain 56. Annual percentage rate 57. Mourning garments 59. Network of nerves 60. Guided 61. Nests of pheasants 62. DJ Rick 63. No seats available 64. Patty

dOwn

1. Tennis player Ivanovic 2. __ Nui, Easter Island 3. Cotton pod 4. Air pollution 5. The real __, the genuine article 6. Taken to 7. Holds artificial teeth 8. Greek mythical figure 9. Small depressions in the retina 10. Vertical position 11. Shout at length 13. Conceivable 17. White (French) 24. Singer Charles 25. Ancient

Mesopotamian 26. Canada and the U.S. are members 27. Cognitive retention therapy 28. Much __ About Nothing 29. Georgia rockers 35. Cologne 36. The products of human creativity 37. Brazilian city (slang) 38. Honorific title in Japan 40. They can die 41. Candy is inside this 42. Verizon bought them 43. Semites 44. Marine mollusk 45. Entertains 47. Made of crushed fruit or vegetables 48. Town in Apulia, Italy 49. Unresolved root or sum of roots 52. Invests in little enterprises 53. Spanish city 54. Search 58. Midway between south and southeast

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, October 15, 2016 • Page 5A

Resident’s new book introduces modern Houston Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com The Houston Heights has a story to tell—and Anne Sloan is determined to not let its history and story fade into oblivion as development engulfs the Houston region.

Within the sequel to her original book—a snapshot of the Heights from 1900-1950—Sloan picked 10 images representing each decade’s happenings in the neighborhood from 1950 up to the turn of the century in her new book, “Houston Heights,” part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of Modern America Series.

Within its pages lie stories of “places and spaces” (where she has gone block by block from 4th Street all the way to 20th Street featuring places such as Donovan Park, the WW II monument and more), Houston Heights events such as the centennial celebration in 1981, the house sales and more, and features on businesses and arts

as well as the families who have shaped the modern Heights.

“It’s a story about what’s going on in the Heights today. This neighborhood has a history, and it’s nice to write about that history,” Sloan said. “I enjoy telling the history of the neighborhood.”

She finds a special joy in how the area’s mixed homes remain a symbol for where today’s Heights came from, and seeks to preserve that history one key stroke at a time.

“We have older ones, new ones, some that have been repurposed. I’m a historian and like the preservation of history, and that’s what this book is meant to do,” she said.

The payoff of a year-long endeavor for Sloan comes when she encounters a resident who raves about the work or is eternally grateful for her stories bringing back amazing memories of a time they believed would fade meekly into history.

Anne Sloan’s new book.

“You feel as though you’ve touched people’s lives and their hearts and you’ve made them remember something they had forgotten or hadn’t thought about in awhile,” she said.

“That’s regional history, and I think there’s a place for it in today’s world.”

In her mind, many places which have amazing stories behind them get swept under the rug and lost—and her fear of

the Heights moving in the same direction drives her to beat the drum for the region’s story.

“I know it’s not like these places have scholarly works written about them and aren’t earth shattering, but they’re regional history,” she said.

One of the more interesting stories in Sloan’s book lays in a shop behind 11th Street and Studewood which used to be Pappy Daily’s record distribution--because in that studio is where a Texas country legend got his musical start. When Pappy Daily’s grandson contacted Sloan, he spun the story of his “Ace In the Hole” college band which desperately needed a singer, so they posted an ad at Southwest Texas State in San Marcos; and lo and behold, none other than George Strait came knocking.

“His first recording was at a studio behind 11th Street and Studewood,” Sloan said. “That little band has been George

Get ‘in the zone’ at Orangetheory Fitness

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com I can’t remember the last time I burned more than 500 calories in a workout. But I did last week at the new Orangetheory Fitness studio at Sawyer Heights.

Robert Aguirre, head trainer for Sawyer Heights, said that the most important thing to focus on was that time spent in the zone. And just what is that zone? According to their website, the physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC. When I got there to check in I strapped on a heart-rate monitor under my t-shirt so they could monitor me during the 55 minute class. During the workout, the goal is that you will spend 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84 percent or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to being in the zones 4 or 5. The “afterburn” effect of this is an increased metabolic rate for 24 to 36 hours after the workout.

But first things first. When I

arrived I was a little nervous because I was both unfamiliar with the program and a sporadic attendee at any gym. Tommy, my trainer, took me and one other newbie through to show us the equipment which included treadmills, rowing machines and suspension unit systems with free weights and benches.

He told us that we would rotate among them at regular intervals.

Aguirre says that the classes are on a four day cycle of endurance, strength, power and then a combination of all three. I was there on an endurance day.

With my group of 15 or so fellow class members, we started on the treadmill, doing intervals where we were encouraged to push ourselves, then go back to base – e.g. less strenuous – activity. For a while I watched the monitor obsessively, wondering if my increasing heartrate would eventually bring someone to check on me.

Then I relaxed a bit and just enjoyed the workout. The music was good, loud but not too loud, and I wasn’t embarrassing myself. After our treadmill inter-

val, we moved to weights, then the rowing machine, then back to weights, mixing the treadmill back in at some point. My knees aren’t great so Tommy showed me some alternative exercises to do with the weights.

Aguirre said they get a fair number of people who come over from CrossFit due to back or knee injuries. He says that Orangetheory keeps up the intensity of CrossFit without the emphasis on weights.

When we finished I was exhilarated and a day later I felt a little sore, but good sore.

The Orangetheory model seems to be catching on. Aguirre has been a personal trainer for nine years and is also one of four Orangetheory founding trainers in Houston. He was at the San Felipe location for three years before coming to Sawyer Heights.

Aguirre said there are 450 studios open in the United States with 400 more underway. There are also studios in 12 countries. All of them follow the same class schedule so if you were in Japan, you’d be doing the same thing going on in

Houston that day.

According to Aguirre, the studio at West University is among the busiest of all the Orangetheory facilities and he thinks the Sawyer Heights location is on pace to match or beat it. The lady on the rowing machine next to me told me that she used to go to the San Felipe location until Sawyer Heights opened. Aguirre says that there are a number Orangetheory members at their other Houston locations who live in the Heights and are likely to switch over to Sawyer Heights.

“It’s such a dense area here,” he said.

This week, they are starting a weight loss challenge, where participants will come three times a week for six weeks. The winner of the one they did in Cinco Ranch lost 36 pounds.

Also coming up close to Halloween is Hell Week with activities like Nightmare on Plank Street and Invasion of the Burpee Snatchers.

I’ll be back, just maybe not for Hell Week.

For more information, visit www.orangetheoryhouston.

The calendar.

HART MEETING Bethany UMC The second monthly meeting of the Houston Association of Retired Teachers for the 2016-17 school year will be held Oct. 14, at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3511 Linkwood.

Social time begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 10 a.m. meeting. Tim Lee, TRTA executive director, will provide an update on TRS Care funding and the Texas Legislature. Members are encouraged to bring one coloring book with a small pack of crayons for the Shriner’s Hospital. The HART Directory will be available for pick-up, and HART Holiday Luncheon ticket can be purchased for $35.

TED POE LUNCHEON GHACC Texas Congressman Poe, a leading advocate in Washington for limited government, free markets, low taxes, and individual liberty, will be speaking at the luncheon held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 14. The event will be at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N. Loop West.

Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. Information: 713861-6735, heightschamber.org.

GOSPEL BRUNCH The Forum at Memorial Woods Join the Forum at Memorial Woods, 777 N. Post Oak Road, in welcoming Vincent Powell, American Idol Finalist to the stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 15, as he presents a unique repertoire of Gospel songs, for the first annual Gospel Brunch. Reservations are requested from non-members.

Information: 713-514-5022, areich@5ssl.com, theforumatmemorialwoods.com.

GRAND (RE)OPENING SweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt Hop over for delicious frozen yogurt, discounts, balloon artist, and visits with mascots Scoop and Cookie. Build your own truck woodworking station from noon2 p.m. A portion of weekend sales benefit the Oak Forest Park More Than1Way 2Play Campaign for an accessible playground. SweetFrog is located at 1214 W. 43rd St. Information: facebook.com/event s/364685083921720/.

FREE CONCERT WITH LEAH WHITE NiaMoves Houston’s own award-winning children’s musican, Leah White, will be performing a special concert for friends of crescendo family music and the Heights Kids’ Day of Music. Admission is free, but donations for HKDM will be accepted at the event. The performance will be from 3-3:45

p.m., Oct. 15, at NiaMoves, 508 Pecore St. Information: facebook. com/events/592117584304199/.

BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Author Mae Sue Leslie, a Garden Oaks resident, will be signing her book “A Trip to The Zoo!” Saturday, Oct. 15, from 1-3 p.m., at The Book Scene, 1820 W. 43rd St. Bring the kiddies for face painting, prizes, games, snacks and fun. Information: 713-869-6117.

19. The public is welcome. Come meet the candidates.

STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and live entertainment, Oct. 21 (third Friday of each month). Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $15 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, www. txlegion560.org.

NORTH SHEPHERD COMMUNITY ALLIANCE Nundini’s Italian Table Constable Alan Rosen and candidate Joe Danna will have the opportunity to meet with business owners, local residents, and school leaders at the North Shepherd Community Alliance.

The meeting will be held at Nundini’s Italian Table, 500 N. Shepherd Dr. at 6:30 p.m. Oct.

HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET Animal Justice League Come out for some shopping at the 2016 Holiday Artisan Market benefiting Animal Justice League, held at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. The event will be from 9 a.m.3 p.m. Oct. 22. The vendor fee is $50. Information: facebook.com/ events/1789579354633905/.

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DOWNSIZE SEMINAR The Forum at Memorial Woods The Downsize Seminar will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 26, at The Forum at Memorial Woods, 777 N. Post Oak Road. Information: 713-956-0870.

OAK FOREST UNCORKED 2016 Oak Forest Homeowner’s Assn.

Oak Forest Uncorked 2016 is the fourth annual wine tasting event that supports the Oak Forest Neighborhood Security Program. The event will be held at Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., from 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 5.

Tickets, currently available online at Uncorked.myoakforest.org, are priced at $60. After Nov. 3, tickets will not be available online and can be purchased at the event for $75. Information: 713-203-2156, markal@sbcglobal.net.

Strait’s backup band for 40 years. Willie Nelson also made one of his first records here.

George Jones and others all got part of their start here.”

This and more are the kinds of stories and features which can be found in Sloan’s work, and those which she enjoys spinning to no end in her efforts to tell the tale of the modern Houston Heights.

“What I’m trying to do is find

interesting things. That’s what this book is about,” she said.

“I don’t know if people will be interested, but if they read the stories maybe they will be.”

Sloan will be hosting a community book signing Nov. 13 from 2-4 p.m. At the Historic Heights Fire Station at 107 W. 12th Street. Residents can order the book online at arcadiapublishing.com

All Are Welcome

Bible Facts vs.

Church Fables All visitors will receive a free 300-page book--

Christendom Astray from the Bible

Sunday • OctOber 16 • 6pm 1846 Harvard Street • In the Heights We don’t want your money - no collection will be taken. christ is coming soon and will reign on the earth.

Sponsored by

The Berean Christadelphians For more info: 713-861-2263

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Saturday, October 15, 2016 • Page 7A

Neighbors: FM Black Middle School fundraising efforts a success

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Boy Scouts and adult leaders from Troop 655 conducted a service project for Martin Dies Jr. State Park and the US Army Corps of Engineers recently. The Scouts built duck boxes to provide safe habitats for the ducks, protecting them from predators such as alligators, at B.A. Steinhagen Lake.

Troop 655 is chartered by St. John’s UMC on North Houston Rosslyn Road.

Happy, happy birthday to Lennon Gallegos who celebrated his 6th birthday with a fantastic party on a beautiful fall day recently at Jaycee Park. Lennon, who loves Star Wars and is fascinated by meerkats, had a blast on his special day with family and friends from Garden Oaks Elementary, Oak Forest Elementary and Zion Lutheran, who joined in the fun along with Lennon’s siblings EsmÊ and Luka, his parents Dana and Emmanuel Gallegos, and his grandparents Rosabel and Lorenzo Gallegos and Kathy and Ricky Bowers. Lennon,

your neighbors send you lots of love and happy wishes!

What a fun and amazing start to Homecoming Week at Frank Black Middle School!

All on one day, a three-part whammy of fun and frivolity ensued. First, students thoroughly enjoyed an incredibly successful first-ever Foam and Frisbee event. Hosted by the FBMS PTO and chairs Mindy Mitchell and Carrie Consolvo, the Foam and Frisbee event was an attempt to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest frisbee toss. All students gathered on the field, each class in carefully marked and measured grid zones, and tossed frisbees to a partner without stopping for a period of time and followed that up with a run through a mountain of foam! The Foam and Frisbee event was well organized, the students (and Principal Castagnoli, too!) had a great time with absolutely everyone joining in the fun, and pledges raised by the students thus far totaled $14,544 on the day of the event. 100% of the funds raised are going straight to

the students and school and will provide for much needed equipment for classrooms and school grounds.

Second, after school on the same day, students, teachers and families enjoyed another successful Homecoming Tailgate! With lots of booths, lots of kids and lots of fun, hopefully lots of funds were raised for the various FBMS organizations who participated. This fundraiser was geared specifically for school groups to earn some much needed funds for their field trips and equipment, for example – Cheer sold Chick Fil A sandwiches and tea, Dance sold novelty items and candy, Debate offered a dunking booth where good spirited Principal Castagnoli was dunked along with other willing victims, National Junior Honor Society had a Pie The Teacher booth – a huge hit! (pardon the pun), and other groups offered carnival games, confetti eggs, food, and more. And third, the campus was still bustling after Tailgate with the 7th grade football game as well as 7th grade and 8th grade volleyball games

– and I am happy to report all 3 teams won their games. Go Panthers!

The PTO would like to thank Kroger for donating 1,200 bottles of water, Oak Forest Fire Station No. 13 for donating 885 gallons of water, the amazing 50 plus volunteers who made the day possible, and all of the homeroom teachers and staff that kept the event running smoothly. And last but not least, a big thanks goes to Tim Weltin for all of his hard work and dedication to the students, and for keeping the music going all day long!

No need to cook on Friday night! Friday, Oct. 14, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. is St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church’s Men’s Club’s Annual Fall Fish Fry, a special tradition in the community. The succulent, fresh, hand-breaded catfish, flash fried on the spot, along with hush puppies, french fries, coleslaw and iced tea, is sure to please. Coffee and delectable desserts will be available, too. You may dine in or take out at the East Hall at 3600 Brinkman between Wakefield and W. 34th St. Tickets

program will be recognized during this worship time.

Garden Oaks-Oak Forest Game Day is from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 22. The cost is $5 per person.

For more information, visit www.oakspresbyterian.org or call 713-682-2556. Oaks Presbyterian is located at 1576 Chantilly Lane.

ing the World. The keynote speaker is Pauline Allen. There will be four breakout sessions on the topics of Forgiveness, Courage, Faith and Supreme Humility. The registration fee is $10.

Registration form and information is available online at www.stmonicahouston.com.

From the Pews.

St. Stephen’s holds The Fellowship worship service “The Fellowship,� a worship service for everyone in a relaxed and comfortable setting, with contemporary music and worship, and Communion, will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Spooktacular, a fun, free Halloween event for children and parents will be held Sunday, Oct. 23, from 3-5 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.

Bazaar and Super Bingo at St. Monica St. Monica Catholic Church, 8421 W. Montgomery Rd., will hold a Zydeco dance from 8 p.m.-midnight and will feature Step Rideau and The Zydeco Outlaws. Gumbo and boudin will be sold at the dance. Tickets are $10 presale and $12 at the door.

The Bazaar will be from noon-7 p.m. Oct. 16. There will be food, music, moonwalks, games, and face painting. Raffle drawing is at 7 p.m.

Call 281-447-5837 or email stmonica@sbcglobal.net.

Fitness program now at St. Matthew’s A fitness program, led by certified fitness trainer, Kathleen Smith, is available from 56 p.m. every Sunday evening.

Those participating in the program should bring a yoga mat/beach towel, water bottle and optional small dumbbells.

The Fall Festival will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 22. There will be a variety of events, petting zoo, pumpkin patch,

crafts, silent auction, and food.

Admission is free.

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. For information, call 713-697-0671 or visit www.stmatthewsmethodist. org.

St. Mark’s features annual Pumpkin Patch St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore, is featuring their annual Fall Pumpkin Patch in connection with the Fall Festival, Oct. 15, which includes food, music, a bounce house, Blessing of the Animals, bulb and bake sale, and artisans from Heights First Saturday Art Show.

The Pumpkin Patch will continue until Halloween, Oct. 31, or until all pumpkins are sold.

Call 713-861-3104 or visit the website at www.smumc. org for information.

Men in Mission barbecue at Zion Lutheran Zion Lutheran Church’s Men in Mission will host their annual barbecue dinner from noon-1:30 p.m. Oct. 16, in Zion’s Great Room. All free will offerings will go toward the Men in Mission’s Seminary Student Scholarships.

Zion Lutheran is located at 3606 Beauchamp. Call 713869-1493 for information.

Blessing of the Animals at Oaks Presbyterian Bring the pets to church at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 16, for a special pet-friendly praise and worship service. Oaks Presbyterian Church provides an award-winning animal therapy program, called Books And Kids-Power And Knowledge, in which dogs and their “human parents� read with children in schools. The BAK-PAK

St. Ambrose Men’s Club to hold spaghetti dinner St. Ambrose Men’s Club will be holding their annual spaghetti dinner from 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 21, in the school cafeteria. The dinner consists of spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread and tea. The cost is $9 per plate.

Advanced tickets will be sold only. Tickets can be purchased from Men’s Club members before and after Mass Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.

Call 713-686-3497 for information. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is located at 4213 Mangum.

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are $8 for adult plates and $5 for child’s plates. Tickets are available at the Parish office, St. Rose School, from any St. Rose Men’s Club Member, at the door or on Eventbrite at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event

TEMPORARY CROWNS Chase Baker, D.D.S.

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f you’ll be waiting for a crown to be fitted to a tooth, chances are you’ll be given a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. The “temporary� will have cosmetic value in maintaining the appearance of your mouth. It will also serve some important functions, such as maintaining the proper space and bite relationships with adjacent and opposing teeth.

Often the temporary crown will be made of acrylic material of the exact shade to match your other teeth. But it is not intended to last very long, only until the permanent crown is in place to give the tooth long-lasting protection.

Sometimes a temporary crown may have to last several months. This can happen if other work has to be completed before the crown is put in place. If this is the case, a longerlasting temporary crown can be made.

The temporary crown is usually cemented in with a very weak cement so that it is easily removed. If it should come off before the permanent crown is ready, be sure and tell your dentist. An unprotected tooth could cause further problems.

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

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GriefShare to be held at Houston’s First Baptist Houston’s First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Frwy., will hold GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays seminar at 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Dinner will be provided before the seminar at 6:45 p.m. in the reception room. Childcare is not available. RSVP by Oct. 20.

Call 713-957-6762 or email janette.arterburn@houstonsfirst.org for information.

Reg?oeidk=a07ed9a5el1eb8 dcf51&oseq=&c=&ch=. The Men’s Club is always very generous and each year the Fish Fry proceeds go back to the Parish and benefit Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the St. Rose School.

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Women’s Conference at St. Monica St. Monica Catholic Church is holding a Women’s Conference from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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ife often seems to alternate between abundance and scarcity. Sometimes there is too much rain, and at other times, not enough. Before addressing how to create more abundance in our lives, we should first ask whether we should want more abundance, and if so, what kind. It is possible to have an abundance of bad things or even too much of a good thing. The promotion at work that comes with a raise in pay may also come with so many headaches that we find our self wanting our old job back. Sometimes the quickest route to a life of abundant joy is to simplify our life and get rid of some of our material possessions. Wisdom warns that material things can be “golden shackles� that tie us down and make us miserable. So, how do we attract positive abundance in our lives? Trust in God’s goodness, but also work hard and work smart.

Live simply, and live within, or even better, under our means. Save something from every paycheck, but also be sure to be generous, giving to charity, to our church, and to those less fortunate than us.

Paradoxically, those who give the most seem to attract the most abundance; fruit grows on the trees and wheat in the fields, and God wants us to both live and to give abundantly.

And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.

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Page 8A • Saturday, October 15, 2016

Mythbusters: Pit Bull edition mixes, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, and any dogs made up of or resembling these breeds. Pit Bulls are physically powerful, strong, agile, and energetic dogs with an unrivaled joie de vivre. They are also known for the determination they bring to any task. These traits can sometimes combine to make the Pit Bull “too much dog” for an inexperienced pet parent or a family with small children, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they can’t be loving, wonderful dogs in the right homes.

So, let’s dive right into some of the myths surrounding this breed: Myth 1: Pit Bulls are vicious to humans and other dogs The reality is that most Pit Bulls are not aggressive toward people; many are extremely sociable and adore children. A Pit Bull who passes a behavioral evaluation poses no more of a threat to people than any other large dog.

The American Temperament Test shows that Pit Bulls consistently score above the average for all breeds tested over the years.

Myth 2: Pit Bulls have powerful jaws that lock on their victims There are no unique mechanisms in the jaws of Pit Bulls, and these dogs cannot lock their jaws.

Additionally, in a test of biting

Dear Tabby, We are looking into adopting a dog and are seeing so many cute Pit Bull-mixes in the shelters. We’ve heard so many bad things about Pit Bulls that we’re nervous about bringing one into our family. What’s your take on Pittie-mixes?

Pittie-Curious in The Heights Dear Pittie-Curious, As luck would have it, October is Pit Bull Awareness Month, so there is tons of information out there, advocating for the great dogs that are of Pit Bull-descent.

Many things have contributed to the prejudice against the breed.

Unscrupulous breeding by less-than-upstanding citizens, negatively sensationalized (and often false) media accounts, and longstanding myths surrounding these types of dogs have led to their vilification.

The general term “Pit Bull” refers to a number of breeds and

pressure that included a German Shepherd, a Rottweiler, and an American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of bite pressure.

Myth 3: Adopting a Pit Bull is just like adopting any other type of dog While behaviorally-sound Pit Bulls make excellent family companions, the reality is that adopting a Pit Bull does require some special considerations. For instance, dog-to-dog aggression can be an issue with these dogs, and despite your best socialization efforts, a Pit Bull may become dog-aggressive upon reaching maturity (roughly two years old). This will affect your ability to have other pets in your home as well as your responsibility for ensuring that your dog never has the opportunity to injure someone else’s beloved pet. Also, Pit Bulls face misunderstanding and prejudice from many people who do not know much about them, so adopting one requires a willingness to consider your friends’ and neighbors’ concerns and to educate them about Pit Bulls in general and your dog in particular.

The reality is that, as with all breeds, there are great Pit Bulls and Pit Bulls who–due to poor breeding, handling, or socialization–are not suitable as pets. But, if you have done your research

The Obituaries.

Alta Faye Carr, 76, born July 20, 1940 in Holt County, Neb., died Oct. 2, after a lengthy struggle with pneumonia. She is survived by her children John, Douglas, and Steven, brother Donald, and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Asssociation.

Manuel Montana, 90, born June 24, 1926 in Elgin, Texas, died Oct. 4. Montana was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He is survived by his brothers Marcus and Leandro Montana, children Cynthia Soria, Theresa Hernandez, Gloria Rios and Manuel Montana Jr., nine grandchildren, and six greatgrandchildren.

March 21, 1929 in Burlington, NY, died Oct. 7. Heinrich, having served in the United States Army, achieved the rank of Sgt. 1st class and was a platoon leader at the 38th parallel. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Joyce Heinrich, his children Robin Archer Jr., Ray Heinrich and Wayne Heinrich, and four grandchildren.

Bruce Heinrich, 87, born

Effective Veterinary Care

and are prepared to invest some time into your new Pittie-mix, you just might find that your new addition is the best decision you’ve ever made.

Do you have a burning question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.

Taking Action to plan ahead, be prepared, and prevent problems is the basis for cost effective healthcare. This Proactive Healthcare is far more beneficial, convenient and affordable than Reactive Care (waiting until an ill pet requires crisis medical management).

Healthcare is also more cost effective if it is not fragmented (ie., services broken up and performed at various facilities). It takes far more Doctor’s time to correctly gather data, analyze and diagnose a patient’s current condition if healthcare (exams, tests, vaccines, vet only prescriptions) comes from various facilities.

Mistakes, miscommunications, and unnecessary repeat of tests are less likely if we Avoid Fragmented Healthcare.

Establishing a current and complete Doctor/Patient relationship with a trusted primary care veterinarian and facility is vital to your pet’s Best Care. Best choices of care can be offered there or referrals properly made to other trusted facilities that serve the best interests of the pet and client.

Pet of the Week

Meet Nina. Nina is a 1 year old Rottweiler who’s had a rough go of it. Nina is currently working hard to gain some much-needed weight and heal from possible chemical burns on her face and body. Nina is sweet, loving and only wants to cuddle. She’s learned basic commands and is eager to please. If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Nina contact Scout’s Honor rescue at info@scoutshonor.org.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

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The sports.

Saturday, October 15, 2016 • Page 9A

Waltrip QB striving to be among elite few

By Jonathan Valadez For The Leader

Across the country, there are more than 8,000,000 high school athletes playing sports, but only 480,000 of them will go on to compete in college, according to the NCAA. Waltrip High School senior Brantley Williams Jr. hopes to join the ranks of the .06 percent after receiving an initial offer to play football beyond high school.

“I was very excited since it was my first offer and felt it was truly a blessing that someone saw something in my abilities,” Williams said.

Williams, who is a two-year starter at quarterback for the Rams, got the offer from Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL. He said that Dwayne Taylor, Trinity’s recruiting coach, contacted him after the coach watched his game film from the past two seasons.

During his junior year, Williams compiled 814 yards passing and added 10 touchdowns after taking over firststring duties.

Waltrip’s Brantley Williams, Jr. strikes a pose during practice.

The Rams’ senior signal caller aims to be one of the elite few high athletes to play at the college level.

Contributed photo

“I was excited to get a chance to play, but nervous as well,” Williams said.

With a year of experience under his belt, he has grown more comfortable in his posi-

tion and has thrown for 850 yards and eight touchdowns through seven games this season.

Williams has also added to his repertoire by focusing on

LHN’s Hernandez is Athlete of Week What has been your most memorable moment/game as a player so far?

Winning homecoming was a great accomplishment for us as a team, and it was a great game to be involved in.

Which team has been the most difficult that you have played?

Cypress Christian was a very well-rounded team and was a good challenge, and it’s always a fun opportunity to play those types of teams.

If you could play anywhere in college, where would it be and why?

The University of

Hous-

ton, because it’s amazing what they’ve done with the program and the football atmosphere there is incredible.

his passion.

What drew you to the sport(s) you are now playing/why do you play your respective sport?

My favorite meal before a game is chicken alfredo.

My coach saw potential in me to be a football player when he watched me play in a basketball tournament, and ever since I started playing football, I’ve fallen in love with the sport more and more.

Who is your favorite athlete/biggest influence?

My favorite athlete is Tyrann Mathieu. I love the way he plays the game of football and

his ability to take off and run with the football.

“I think my game has improved with my speed, because I feel that I am faster than I was last year,” Williams

said. “I add to my team by being able to run and throw, because defenses have to honor your ability to run if you can.”

Becoming a dual-threat quarterback has expanded his game, which has made the offense better than last year.

The Rams have already have scored 24 more points in district this year than last and still have three games to go.

Waltrip is 4-3 overall and 4-1 in district with a chance to make the playoffs for the second straight year with Williams under center.

He said that the team could make the postseason if they continue to win the games that they’re supposed to and keep on working to get better every week.

In addition to the work he has put in on the field, Williams has found equal success in the classroom.

“My GPA is currently a 3.6,” Williams said. “The reason grades are important to me is because grades get you into college.”

Williams is motivated to achieve high marks in school

because playing college football was a goal way before he received an opportunity to play at Trinity.

“My dream has always been to play at (Louisiana State University),” Williams said.

“I grew up watching LSU, and I’ve always liked their football team.”

Williams is a Louisiana native and came to Houston from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

He said that he thought he and his family were going on vacation instead of evacuating since he was so young when Katrina hit.

His family decided to remain in Houston after the hurricane.

Williams’ father, Brantley Williams Sr., coaches the varsity running backs and the freshman team at Waltrip.

The younger Williams said that when he gets to college he would like to major in kinesiology, so that he can become a coach like his father.

“My biggest influence is my dad,” Williams said. “I feel I should follow in the same steps as my father.”

Adam Hernandez

What is your go-to food or meal before a game?

Who is your favorite musical artist?

I like a lot of music, but one of my favorite artists is Kendrick Lamar.

Do you have any pregame rituals, if so, what are they?

I say an individual prayer before each game, and I have my pregame playlist I always listen to.

Lutheran High North

Local business is our business.

Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com

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