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Inside Today: Enjoy these Fall treats in Food & Drink • 1B

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

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Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 50

An In-Depth Report: Pitfalls of Permits

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

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

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Waltrip High School band faces budget restrictions Like many other programs at local high schools, the Waltrip High School Ram Band is facing challenges regarding its fundraising and its ability to cover costs for instruments and equipment. While band officials are hoping budgets might change in the future, the group may be facing an uphill battle

See P. 6B

Photos by Betsy Denson On Thursdays, city engineers meet with project managers ot answer specific questions about plans or provide a final review.

How local businesses are navigating the complex world of permitting

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com It’s becoming a fairly regular occurrence in The Leader area – the announcement of a restaurant or retail center, followed by excitement and anticipation of an opening at some point in the near future. Then a lull or stop (or in some cases, not even a start) in said development with the given explanation of – we know you know what’s coming – permitting issues.

It’s happened with Surfing Cowboys on Ella Blvd. Lance Fegen told The Leader this summer that they were delayed in starting work on the former That Pizza Place because the building wasn’t permitted properly for the live music they want to offer out back. The Treadsack group behind Down House recently told CultureMap that they wouldn’t be opening Hunky Dory/Foreign Correspondents this fall on N. Shepherd as originally planned because they’d just received their construction permits.

And the BerryHill on Ella? While franchise owner Park Blair hasn’t commented publically, there are plenty of online pontificators who speculate on the permitting issues he might have run into.

So what gives? Well, the short answer is that it’s a multifaceted process to get a commercial construction process off the ground. And according to Senior Staff Analyst Alvin Wright with the City of Houston Public Works & Engineering Department, that’s a good thing.

“Safety is a key,” he said. “We want businesses to have the most favorable place they can, but certain requirements have to be in place. We are a tool to keep them in business.”

A permit-seeker arrives at the Houston Permitting Center with a It’s the length of time that takes, as well as the delays, that cart of plans. frustrates many.

“Five years ago, we told tenants it was 120 days from time of lease to build the space,” said one commercial developer. night in the building”, meaning that they were on someone’s desk for review. In October 2014, that number had risen to “Now they don’t have permits by then.”

Blame a booming city for part of the problem. Sheila Blake, 1,700. Interestingly, the commercial permits sold from 2012 an assistant director at Houston’s Permitting Center (HPC) to 2014 did not increase by much – from 1,616 to 1,785.

HPC staff numbers meanwhile have stayed steady at said that from June 2012 through June 2014, the number around 400. Blake said that they now have the funds to hire of commercial plans reviewed each month rose from just under 1,600 plans to over 1,900. Blake said that in January additional staff – the HPC has a separate city budget and 2013, there were an average of 600 plans that “spent the is mostly self-sustaining – but because there is a learning See Permits, P. 3A

Garden Oaks residents to vote on options for local drainage project

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

THE INDEX. Church

City aims to combat kush abuse with ban

6A

Classifieds

4B

Coupons

5A

Food/Drink Obituaries

1B 7A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzles

2A 3A

Residents of Garden Oaks will have their voices heard regarding the streetscape designs for Alba Street and Golf Street as part of the Shepherd Forest - Gardon Oaks Storm Water Drainage Project, after the Garden Oaks Civic Club voted in favor of a $2,500 measure to mail surveys regarding the project’s design to approximately 1,400 homes in the community.

During a special meeting Tuesday evening at Garden Oaks Montessori School, the civic club’s leadership took a vote on the measure and also discussed the options presented to the community. The survey, which had been previously requested by Houston City Council Member Ellen Cohen, could determine the redesign of Alba and Golf Streets during the $18.5 millon project.

See Drainage, P. 3A

Houston City Council members and law enforcement officials are hoping to combat the growing use of kush, also called synthetic marijuana, with the approval of a new ban on the drug which took effect immediately last week.

City council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance, which prohibits the “pos- Photo courtesy of National session, sale, Institute on Drug Abuse manufacture and distribution of illicit synthetic drugs (‘Kush’).” According to the ordinance, production of such synthetic drugs is rampant because “manufacturers continually reconfigure the banned substances to produce new synthetic drugs not subject to existing regulations.” The ordinance maintains that regulation of these drugs on a local level is necessary to help target substances and compounds that have evaded federal and state regulations.

Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said use of kush has been on the rise in Houston for the last two years, particularly due to its availability and cheap cost when compared to other drugs. Kush can be found in convenience stores and smoke shops across Houston and the drug has found its way into The Leader area.

“I think we’re seeing its use grow across the board,” Rosen said. “The ones that actually manufacture it are trying their best to stay ahead of the laws and law enforcement by switching a little bit of the chemical structure of the drug so that it’s still technically legal.”

However, kush is far more addictive and potent than drugs like marijuana, See Kush, P. 2A

State Rep. Bohac cuts ribbon for new flyover For The Leader State Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) joined TxDOT officials and Houston-area representatives Oct. 10 to cut the ribbon on the new direct connector between Highway 290 and I-10.

The new 1.4 mile flyover lane is scheduled to open in the next week and takes motorists coming inbound from Jersey Village on 290 directly to I-10 westbound towards Katy. According to a press release, the estimated cost of the connector is approximately $25 million, with much of the cost coming from the lane’s elevated steel infrastructure.

“Having represented this area of Houston for over a decade and having participated in numerous community TxDOT meetings regarding the design of this complex and challenging interchange, it is particularly rewarding to take part in the ribbon cutting of this vitally important traffic improvement project,” Bohac said. “Everyone that has driven in northwest Houston knows that the I-10/610/290 mixing bowl is not only difficult to navigate, but can be dangerous. This new direct connector will mean that you can travel between 290 and I-10 without ever having to put See Flyover, P. 2A

Photo by Jonathan Garris Mark Klein, government liaison for the Garden Oaks Civic Club, addresses concerned residents regarding Houston’s proposed drainage project that could widen roads and add sidewalks.

THE PUBLIC. Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Page 2A

Girl finds camera in school changing area Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet School will be instituting a new policy for collecting students’ electronic devices after a student found a boy’s recording device inside a changing room at the school.

The Leader news partner KHOU spoke with the 7th grade girl, Isamary Fajardo, who found the device which she identifed as a Playstation Portable game console. The handheld console is capable of recording video and she told KHOU that sh esuspects

that’s why it had been placed in the area where girls change clothes.

The young girl immediately told her teacher what she had found and the school subsequently sent letters home to parents, saying the device belonged to another student at the school.

“I knew what it was because I’ve seen him playing with it before and I’ve seen him playing with it outside school,” Isamary Fajardo told KHOU. “[My classmates] are worried

about it. They don’t have too much trust and stuff.”

The letter states that no compromising images were found on the device and tells parents that students’ electrionics will be collected a thte beginning of each school day.

The device in question has been securied and will not be returned to the student, according to the letter.

“They’re kids and do stupid stuff,” Local parent Emily Ward told KHOU. “I wouldn’t put it past a kid at any other

thetic marijuana is popular among young people, and has now become the second most-used drug by high school seniors. The drug can cause increased heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations, leading to unpredictable and aggressive behavior, Rosen said.

“We have made numerous arrests due to the effects of people taking these drugs,” Rosen said. “ While the onset of kush across Houston occurred rapidly, Rosen believes the ban is a step in the right direction in

attempting to control the sale of illicit synthetic drugs. Due to the nature of city ordinances, penalties for those with synthetic drugs would likely be class C misdemeanors until the Drug Enforcement Administration steps in to do a similar, sweeping ban, Rosen said. However, the ban does give law enforcement greater authority and ability to take action regarding those who manufacture, possess or sell the drugs.

“I’m really happy the city took this approach to banning these substances,” Rosen said.

school to take an inapporpriate picture. I think it’s cool that the school is taking a stand against it.”

The school is reportedly enforcing disciplinary action in accordance with HISD policy.

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Kush, from P. 1A Rosen said. While it may be marketed as incense and often “not for human consumption,” the reality is that the drug can have severe side effects on its users and can exacerbate existing health issues.

“The real dangerous part about the drug is that there is no consistency in the manufacturing process,” Rosen said.

“We’re finding a lot of the manufacturers don’t measure how much they actually put in, so the experience for each person differs in many ways.”

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, syn-

Police Reports • Oct. 3 - Oct. 7 OCT. 3 Burglary 7:53 AM 2400-2499 OXFORD DR Robbery 9:11 AM 800-899 E 29TH ST Theft 8:45 AM 3900-3999 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 2:40 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 11 AM 200-299 YALE Theft 10 AM 3000-3099 N LOOP W Theft 12:18 PM 1000-1099 HERKIMER Theft 2:20 PM 5400-5499 LARKIN Theft 12:21 PM 800-899 SLEDGE Robbery 7:20 PM 3000-3099 ELLA BLVD Theft 2:25 PM 5400-5499 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 1:25 PM 1000-1099 PINEMONT DR Theft 10:33 PM 900-999 SNOVER Theft 11 AM 700-799 JANISCH RD OCT. 4 Theft 8:45 AM 200-299 E 30TH ST Theft 12:01 PM 3000-3099 YALE Theft 12:03 PM 1100-1199 DART ST Theft 3 AM 2200-2299 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 3:41 AM 1500-1599 BEVIS ST Burglary 6 PM 5300-5399 NOLDA Theft 8:30 PM 4200-4299 SHERWOOD LN Theft 2 PM 5700-5799 LARKIN Theft 7:30 AM 5600-5699 N SHEPHERD DR OCT. 5 Theft 6:06 AM 1500-1599 RUTLAND ST Theft 10:40 AM 700-799 E 24TH ST Burglary 12 PM 700-799 E 20TH ST Theft 6 PM 1100-1199 WAVERLY ST Theft 11:35 AM 1000-1099 NICHOLSON Theft 5:44 AM 4400-4499 MARINA ST Theft 10:51 AM 100-199 E CROSSTIMBERS Burglary 5:30 PM 700-799 JANISCH RD Theft 5:24 AM 400-499 W 17TH ST Theft 3:11 AM 400-499 W 17TH ST Theft 3:35 AM 600-699 BAYLAND AVE Theft 5 PM 1100-1199 WAVERLY Burglary 7:30 PM 1080010899 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 8 AM 300-399 E WHITNEY E Theft 9:30 PM 4500-4599 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 2 PM 1100-1199 ROY ST Burglary 10 PM 1200-1299 LAMONTE LN Theft 10 AM 5400-5499 N

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uan and Alicia Garcia, of Houston, Texas are pleased to announce the engagement of their lovely daughter, Julia Josephine Garcia to Michael David Skrabacz, Jr., son of Michael and Karen Skrabacz of Southern Maryland. The couple met in Petaluma, California and were engaged in Seattle, Washington. Both Julia and Michael have served in the U.S. Coast Guard for the past 5 years and are currently attending the University of Maryland.

A Spring 2015 wedding is planned.

Do You Need A Job? Interview with area employers for full time, part time and seasonal opportunities at Near Northwest Community Job Fair

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Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Page 3A

Permits, from P. 1A curve associated with the jobs, it will be a while before customers see the benefit.

“People say [the process] is byzantine,” said Blake. “But most buildings are a one off custom product. It’s very complex.”

Ironically, the HPC, which opened in June 2011 and consolidated the majority of the city of Houston’s permitting and licensing entities, is a product of the process itself.

How it works Last week, The Leader took a tour of the HPC and also sat down with Alvin Wright, Shelia Blake, Deputy Assistant Director and Head of Plan Review Earl Greer, and Marketing Lead Katie Hassett to learn more about the process.

A condensed timeline of a major commercial renovation or new commercial construction, which Wright provided, shows that the whole process from the purchase of land to the certificate of occupancy is estimated to take between 3036 months. About two-thirds of that time is under the owner’s control – the middle portion is where the HPC does its work.

The first stop for the project manager is what Blake calls the “racetrack” where the clock starts and where a HPC representative receives a permit application and complete construction plans. Plans must be at construction stage to be considered.

At the racetrack, the permit seeker gets an affidavit notarized signifying that they are either the owner or designated agent of the property owner and that the property either doesn’t have deed restrictions, or that the requested improvements to the property don’t violate existing restrictions.

The plan review process according to the HPC takes an estimated two to six months, depending on the scope of the project. First it moves through the following appropriate external departments (Traffic & Transportation, Health, Planning Department, Fire Marshall, Water/Sewer, and Flood Plain). Then the project cycles through what one local student of the process good-naturedly

calls the “seven-headed hydra” – the internal departments of structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, storm drainage, sprinklers and utility review.

The clock stops when the plans are rejected by one or more of the internal departments during the day 11 through day 21 review who kick them back to the permit seeker to be corrected for either code or ordinance compliance.

The project manager may be the owner of the development, the architect or engineer involved in design – an estimated 50% of commercial projects are required by state law to have architect and engineer involvement – or the general contractor.

Blake said they get their fair share of newbies who come in “with a design on a napkin” to seek advice and information. There is also a thriving business of plan/permit runners too who charge as much as $5,000 to shepherd plans through the process.

“They know which line to stand in,” said Blake. “Many of them are savvy about the process.”

Pitfalls and Progress With so many steps that need to be followed, it is no surprise that not every permitting path runs smoothly.

But there are those that move more quickly than others. Lothar Hofbauer and wife Tiffany are the owners of the Pengu Swim School in Garden Oaks, who served as their own general contractors during permitting and construction.

They submitted their permit in December of 2012 and were approved by February 2013.

HPC’s Earl Greer said the total approval process took 41 calendar days, with two revisions along the way; the city had the plans for 22 days and the Hofbauers for 19.

Compare that to one Leader area restaurant, still in limbo, who got their two requests for revisions back from HPC between 10 and 20 days. The restaurant waited three months each time to resubmit their plans. Blake said that sometimes with cases like this funding for the requested changes

Woodland Park to celebrate centennial For The Leader

The Friends of Woodland Park are encouraging local residents to help raise funds for the park Oct. 17 as the greenspace celebrates it centennial.

Originally named Highland Park, the park dates back to 1900 and was the inspiration for William Wilson’s decision to develop the Woodland Heights neighborhood, according to a press release. It became the city’s second public park in 1914, and the Friends of Woodland Park are aiming to use funds to refurbish and restore the park.

Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, a silent auction and music during the park’s Trails at Twilight celebration, which will be hosted from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Woodland Park Community Center, located at 212 Parkview. More than 50 auction items will be available, including vacations, like a historic visit to Philadelphia, a romantic

weekend in Napa Valley, gift certificates to Heights eateries and businesses, theme baskets, flags flown over the US and Texas capitals and other items.

Tickets can be purchased at www.friendsofwoodlandspark.org/shop or by check at $100 per person to: The Friends of Woodland Park, P.O. Box 71, Houston TX 77001. Honorees for the event include Houston Parks & Recreation Department Director Joe Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Montalbano and Bridgestone Americas.

The park was originally more than 30 acres on Little White Oak Bayou, the park featured a lake for boating, a water slide and a pavilion that hosted weekend dances, according to the release.

Freeway construction shrank its borders and eliminated the lake, but the remaining nearly 20-acre track near Houston Avenue offers a microcosm of wilderness for Houston residents.

people are listening to us,” Arnold said.

The survey would likely be sent out in the next week to Garden Oaks residents, GOCC President Sheila Briones said. Residents will have the option to select a choice of streetscape wide for both Alba and Golf streets based on choosing zero, one or two sidewalks.

The first streetscape width would be from 23 feet to 30 feet, which is similar to the existing streetscape, or the 27 foot to 41 foot city standard design. The latter would offer added curbs and gutters and both designs would replace the existing speedbumps.

Technical concerns regarding drainage and easement space would be gathered into a separate document which would also be sent to the PWE, Klein said. Surveys would also likely be needed by Nov. 10.

More information can be found online at www.gardenoaks.org.

construction has been sporadic for the last two years. Their last approval for a restaurant addition was in February of 2014.

Ryden sums up the situation – at least with regard to our hopes – perfectly. “Social media has accelerated expec-

tation, while reality, in the form of greater building code requirements, financial requirements and oversight and permitting hurdles has grown and increased the time required.”

In other words, patience, grasshopper.

For an extended look at this report, and to find more resources, read more online at our website at www.theleadernews.com

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Drainage, from P. 1A The city originally proposed to widen both Alba and Golf to 27 feet, add curbs and gutters, add five foot sidewalks on both sides with 2 feet between the curb and the sidwalks and also widen the total streetscape to 41 feet from sidewalk to sidewalk, over the current approximately 20 foot width.

Mark Klein, former civic club president and current government liaison, said the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the Public Works & Engineering Department is “unprecedented.”

“The city is going to complete a storm water drainage project,” Klein said. “That’s it.

But we have a chance to provide our input with completing these surveys.”

Garden Oaks resident Shellye Arnold said the change in tone from the PWE has come primarily from a change in leadership.

“While this may or may not give us the chance to truly influence this project, at least

could be the issue. Or, as with many restaurateurs, they have a lot of irons in the fire.

With Pengu, the Hofbauers hit two unexpected issues during the process. One, they had to hire their own private inspector to evaluate the quality of their concrete – Blake said that there are several such special inspections that the HPC can’t use a city inspector for – and two, a city inspector didn’t approve their surface drain, which had already been approved by HPC. The disagreement was due to a different interpretation of the code and was resolved at a HPC review meeting. It pushed the opening back from September to mid-December.

One of the biggest, and most expensive, snafus that a developer can run into is the matter of easement – which is the right to cross or otherwise use someone else’s land for a specified purpose.

Oak Forest archictect Ryden notes that the city’s setback is 25 feet from the street. Blake said that in some plans that come across their desk the project manager doesn’t show an encroachment, so although the plans may be approved, the issue comes to the forefront in the field.

Some conjecture that it was an encroachment issue or something similarly major that has caused the delay at Berry Hill. The restaurant applied for a building permit in 2011 and

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THE TOPICS. Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Page 4A

You’ll need some lawyerly advice for this election

A

bout once every year, I try to give you all a good talking-to about the importance of the electoral process, why it’s important for you to vote, and why our little triangle of the metropolis needs more accountability from our elected officials.

For the few of you who follow this column, you know I’ve often bemoaned the embarrassing voter-turnout numbers (somewhere in the high single digits or, if we’re lucky, low teens), and I’ve done all but offer each of you a stipend if you’d take a few minutes to go fill in the ScanTron sheets down at the local school house.

This week, my calendar says we have just more than two weeks until our next election, and as a member of the respected media (cough, cough), I need to once again educate our readers about the importance of this election cycle.

So I opened my personalized sample ballot (which you all can do by visiting the Harris County Clerk’s website), and I nearly lost my lunch.

On Nov. 4, or earlier if you qualified for one of those mail-in ballots that I still don’t understand, your ballot is going to ask you to choose candidates for 93 different races.

You’ve got your bog boys, or girls, on the ballot, such as the Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner of the General Land Office – as opposed to the Specific Land Office, which is not on your ballot this year.

You also have the wonderful opportunity to re-elect Sheila Jackson Lee, although I noticed she does have opposition from a Republican, a Green Party and Independent candidate. If any of you have heard of (or from) Sean Seibert (GOP), Remington Alessi (Green) or Vince Duncan (Independent), would you please call our office immediately. I visited Seibert’s official campaign website and found that the last time he updated the news from his campaign was in 2012. Apparently, he’s on the ballot and running a vigorous campaign.

There are other important races on this ballot. Kim Ogg and Devon Anderson are in a heated campaign to win the District Attorney’s seat, and the way we prosecute criminals in Harris County rides heavily on

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

who wins this election.

Then you’ve got Jack Cagle up for reelection on the County Commission, while Chris Daniel and Stan Stanart are trying to keep their seat at the District and County Clerk offices, respectively.

But as I scrolled through this year’s ballot, here’s what almost made me toss my lunch: Of the 93 individual races on this ballot, 74 of the positions we’re supposed to elect are judges. Who even knew we had 74 judges in all of Texas?

You’ve got 29 district judges you need to elect, eight family district judges, county criminal judges, probate judges, justices of the peace, chief justices and just regular old Supreme Court justices.

In our make-believe lecture hall, may I ask those of you in attendance to raise your hand if you had an actual interaction with a judge this year? (Attorneys, please remain in your seats.)

If most of us are run-of-the-mill, lawabiding citizens, how many times in our lives are we actually going to stand before a judge? I can imagine we’ve all tried to get out of a speeding ticket. For those of us lucky enough to have found wedded bliss, maybe we’ve stepped inside the probate judge’s office. And I guess there are those of you who lost your wedded bliss and needed to pay a visit to the family judge.

But my informal poll (better known as a guess) says most of us spend almost no time in front of a judge each year, yet our ballot for this Nov. 4 election has us electing 74 of them.

I reached out to a couple of political consultant types to find out what in the world I’m supposed to tell our readers this

week. How, with any sort of responsibility, can I tell you all how to make an informed decision at the ballot box?

As you might have guessed, I was told to send you to the lawyers. That’s right, if you want to know which judges to elect, just ask the Houston Bar Association.

They do a poll of the lawyers who actually appear before these judges, and they’ll tell you how to vote. Sounds Democratic enough for me.

“Whatever you do,” one political insider told me, “tell people that this straight-ticket voting is not a good thing.”

Consider it done.

So I visited the HBA’s website, where they kindly posted a copy of the anonymous poll of lawyers in Houston. They offered up suggestions for 58 of the races on your ballot (including the Attorney General race), and to no one’s surprise, it appears most of the lawyers voted straightticket. In these 58 races, lawyers in Houston support 51 Republicans and seven Democrats. Hope that clears things up for you.

I am the son of a lawyer, the husband of a lawyer and the brother, nephew and cousin of lawyers. I know lawyers and I can only thank the Good Lord that I am not one of them (just kidding, Dad). Apparently, though, reaching out to lawyers for election guidance may be the best option we have left. Consider this: There are 100 members of the U.S. Senate and 55 declare “attorney” as their occupation. I bet it’s more.

There are 156 lawyers in the U.S. House of Representatives. Just for fun, there are also two physicists, six engineers, one microbiologist, three pilots, five software company executives and two almond orchard owners in Congress.

Sorry folks, the lawyers take the cake.

Ask them about Nov. 4.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

Put some northern exposure on bucket list THE CAFÉ – Ah, yes, a little French music, French soup, croissants, and I can’t understand a word the yuppies at the next table are saying. Is this Paris? No. Louisiana? Not exactly. This is Olive + Gourmando on the corner of some street names I can’t pronounce.

This is Montréal, which most Americans also mispronounce.

We say mon-tree-ALL. The name comes from that big hill over there, the royal mountain, or mont-ree-ALL, as in Texas’ royal road, Camino ree-ALL. Why are we here? To enjoy the fall foliage, and you can, too, if you hurry. All the leaves are changing from green to red. The Canadian flag has a big maple leaf on it, and the leaf is now red, as well.

A quick tour of this city, which is quite nice – sort of New Orleans’ French Quarter without all the vomit left by last night’s drunk tourists – and it should be on your bucket list. The main attraction is the food, and it is delicious. One of my sons says Mont-ree-ALL has the best food in North America. This café, Olive + Gourmando, for instance, is supposed to have wonderful croissants. I order two. They are sold out of them and it’s only 11 a.m. It seems the bakers get up at 3 a.m., start baking, and lines form to buy out the place shortly after opening. I order some to be held tomorrow. Elsewhere up and down the street there are cafes and restaurants and wine shops almost shoulder to shoulder. Even the Montréal Casino has a great restaurant on top, with a splendid view of the skyline.

The next time you come here, make reservations ahead for Restaurant Lemeac, a short distance from Old Montréal.

Order the smoked salmon.

Then there is L’express, very crowded and very French. One day my wife and I took a long walk around town and needed a good lunch. We found a very un-French café with no atmosphere, but we were desperate.

Wonderful salad and everything goes well with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Between meals, check out some really interesting places, like the Museum of History of Montreal which is currently featuring “Scandale!” -- the sordid history of this city from 1940 to the 1960s when it was sort of

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

Chicago North. Some of the biggest criminals were the police and politicians. (A new report said a recent mayor’s administration was corrupt.)

Also, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, absolutely beautiful.

Canada almost became part of the U.S. with Benjamin Franklin leading the charge.

Franklin and others thought it was logical the French-Canadians would like to throw off the British grip, and he came to Montréal to make his case.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Army invaded and captured the city, but the locals didn’t like that, and after seven months the Americans left. John Wilkes Booth spent some time in Montréal, and reportedly once drunkenly gallivanted throughout the city telling anyone who would listen of his plan to kill Lincoln. After the Civil War, Confederate President Jefferson Davis stayed at a manor house here.

Despite the French Quebecers refusal to become our northern state, since then there have been tensions between them and the Anglos here. During WWII Mayor Camillien Houde protested against army daft conscription, and was put in a prison camp from 1940 until 1944.

Even so, at that time Montréal bank vaults were used as the secret hiding place for the gold bullion of the Bank of England and the British Crown Jewels.

The face of QE II still smiles from Canadian currency.

After centuries of Montréal being the largest and most important city in Canada, in the 1980s and 90s the Quebec separatists began a drive to leave the nation and make Quebec an independent country. So worried were the Anglos that large banks, businesses and others fled. Between 300,000 and 400,000 Anglos left Quebec, many for Toronto, which is now Canada’s largest and most important city. May-

Of the 93 races on the Nov. 4 ballot, 74 of those are asking the general population to elect judges.

Based on completely unscientific evidence, the majority of us appear before actual judges about zero times each year. In other words, how are we supposed to responsibly elect officials with whom we never interact. According to one political insider, our best bet is to simply ask the lawyers.

be the Quebecers should stop pretending they’re French.

I’ve told this story before, but it’s worth repeating. Once, when flying back from Paris to Houston, our plane went right over Montréal. I turned to a Frenchman sitting next to me and said, “Do you know that Montréal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world?”

He nodded and replied, “Yes, and isn’t it a shame.”

A few things we should know about our neighbor to the north: We are each other’s Number 1 trading partners.

The 1976 Olympics were held here, and they put Montréal on the map. However, expenses put the city $1 billion into debt. From 1969 to 2004 there were the Montréal Expos major league baseball team. Today they are the Washington Nationals. Montréal is currently the largest North American city without a baseball franchise. Alexander Graham Bell, Rachel Roberts, Barenaked Ladies (apparently a most interesting hockey team), Jim Carey, Michael J. Fox, Celine Dion and Justin Bieber are from Canada. So are/were Art Linkletter, Keanu Reeves and Alex Trebek. Except for the French Quebecers, the Canadians speak a form of English, but they say things like “aboot” and “shed-yule” and they go “on holiday.”

Speaking of holidays, the province of Quebec, which includes Montréal, has a unique event: Moving Day. It began when the province mandated fixed terms for leases of rental properties, and falls on July 1, which is also Canada Day. Today the vast majority of leases are still a year long, and in 2004, approximately 120,000 households moved on or around July 1, about 4 percent of the population. Don’t come here then.

So this young man is applying for a job. The prospective employer says, “Sorry for keeping you waiting but I was just on the phone to Canada.”

The young man says, “Canada? All they have are loose women and hockey players.”

The maybe-boss replies, “I’ll have you know my wife is from Canada.” “Oh? And what team did she play for?”

Ashby is aboot at ashby2@comcast.net.

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THE READER. Historic preservation clarity

Dear Editor: Protected Historic Districts are vibrant living neighborhoods of legacy architecture, mature trees, bikeways, families, empty nesters and professionals. Protected historic districts make up one per cent of the entire Houston area. The beauty of protected historic districts are verdant gardens, and abundant mature trees. I applaud the Historic Commission for their vision and foresight to preserve the protected historic districts from un-compatible construction that destroys the intrinsic and valuable essence of our neighborhoods.

Those desiring over sized and multi family options have many options and opportunity in the remaining 99 percent of Houston and greater region.

Angela DeWree

Businesses serving customers

Dear Editor: Once again my compliments on [Jonathan McElvy’s] timely, important editorial. I have a different perspective and would like to add a few points that I use to decide whether I will continue to patronize a business.

One of my first considerations is personal safety.

If a business is located in an area where I feel insecure, I avoid it unless I am with someone else. That includes shopping after dark. If I am exiting a store laden with packages, I ask for someone, preferably a man, to accompany me to my car. That to me is a big plus and speaks to a business that considers the safety of its customers.

I do admit to using Amazon. I can shop in the privacy and safety of my home and have the benefit of many choices by virtue of a key stroke. However, that does eliminate the touch factor which is at times important. Let me give an example of a customer opportunity lost. I am a knitter. Like most knitters, I love the feel of beautiful, soft, luxurious yarn. I love looking at pattern books and matching yarn to a new project. A few years back, my lys (local yarn shop) on Shepherd closed. I was bereft. A fellow knitter told me about another knit shop about two miles away. I decided to check it out. When I entered the shop I received a friendly greeting. So far so good. I said I was new to the shop and would like to look around. The shop did not carry a couple of my favorite brands, but did have a good selection. I purchased a package of needles and during the check-out process bemoaned the fact that my lys had closed and I

was happy to find another shop. The salesperson asked for my email which I provided and I said that I was interested in participating in knitalongs and other shop activities. I never heard a word from that shop. Now, it might be that my email was misplaced in the course of the day’s business. Fast forward a year. My granddaughter who had just started college wanted an afghan in her school colors. A very specific request of a Nanna who is only too happy to move heaven and earth to please her grandchild. I decided to wipe the slate clean and went back to the shop as if it was my first visit. The person who approached me was not very helpful with regard to finding the color I needed, but I decided that I liked the quality of a certain yarn even though the color wasn’t perfect and made my purchase. The cost was $120. Not cheap, but I wasn’t looking for cheap, I was filling a request. About a week later, I was on my computer and received an email from an online yarn shop.

Just out of curiousity, I typed in the brand of yarn that I had purchased. Lo and behold, there was the exact yarn in the perfect color and for half the price. I did order from the online shop and my granddaughter received a beautiful afghan for Christmas. I never went back to the shop in town, not because of the price. I never went back because of service. My former yarn shop would have checked to see if the right color was available and given me the choice of purchasing a full bag, which I would have been happy to do. This shop went for an immediate sale and lost a permanent customer.

Recently, I attended a holiday market at a local church. There were about 50 vendors. The variety of merchandise, the quality of the merchandise and the ease of going from one vendor to another made for a very successful start to Christmas shopping.

Other considerations which I look for, convenient parking, good lighting and sales help that is familiar with the merchandise. Businesses need to remember that the population is aging but older folks prefer to shop in person. In order to attract and keep that segment of society businesses should accommodate them with extra chairs, perhaps an area for a bored husband or wife to sit and read while the other shops and especially in hot weather, a cool environment and the offer of a cool drink.

Just one person’s opinion.

Marianna Jayson

Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Page 5A

Art a la Carte: Plan an in season meal with Dinner on the Farm This Saturday, another type Friday of art has my attention: food.

Fancy – A Jewelry Show We’d be nowhere without it 5:30 p.m. Texas Art Asylum and it is certainly an art form 1719 Live Oak, Unit L, Houspreparing and serving it, don’t ton, Texas 77003. you agree?

Irene Adame, Molly Block, On that note, I Taylor Clendennen, am volunteering as Rachel Goodman, a server Saturday Kimberly Irvin, Helen at the 2014 DinKent, Debbie Neuner on the Farm man, Lorraine RichFundraiser. Benardson, Joan Son, efiting Last OrSam VanBibber and ganic Outpost and Jane Ward.

Central City Co“Undead but not Op, the five course Unloved” Group farm to fork meal Exhibition 6 − 9 p.m. served alfresco East End Studio Galstyle comes with Mitch Cohen lery 708 Telephone a brief description Arts Columnist Rd Suite C, Houston, before each servTexas 77023. One ing by Chef Jeremy Goodwin night only. Art inspired by of Single Man’s Kitchen.

Zombies, and other undead Things like where the food related creatures. Join in with was sourced from, explaining a zombie makeup contest. the ingredients and why they This Mirror is Broken 7 − were chosen. Artisan cheeses, Midnight at The Hardy and local produce and organic Nance Street Studios main gallamb! lery, 902 Hardy Street, HousFor shopping and eating ton, Texas 77020. The three local food that is sustainably artists approach self reflection raised and free of pesticide and growth through painting residues, synthetic hormones, and drawing. Em Connor, Algenetically modified organ- lison Currie and Stacy Smith. isms, and questionable addi- Continues Saturday during the tives; it doesn’t get better than open studios event. this. Last minute tickets will probably be available, I have Saturday details to follow. Bon Appétit!

Annual Fall Festival 9 a.m.

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- 2 p.m. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church 600 Pecore, 77009 benefiting local hunger missions. Pumpkin patch, annual blessing of the animals at 10 a.m. and arts, crafts, bulb and bake sale.

Rain Date: Craftacular 2nd Saturday - 1025 Studewood in the Heights at HelloLucky. Noon to 4 p.m. Pop Shop hosts. This is an indy pop up market on the sidewalk surrounding Teresa O’Conner’s store, Hello-Lucky.

Texas Fresh: Beyond Organic - Dinner on the Farm 4 − 9 p.m. Last Organic Outpost 711 N. Emile Street, 77020 tickets are $75.

Come savor a meal in season with foodie friends and farmers. Experience dining family style in the urban oasis of Emile Street Discovery Farm. Proceeds go to Last Organic Outpost and Central City Co-Op. By Chef Jeremy Goodwin of Single Man’s Kitchen. Check the website for availability and details www. centralcityco-op.com.

Glass Free Grounds Over The Bayou 7 − 9 p.m. Willow Street Pump Station 811 N. San Jacinto Houston, TX 77002. Opening reception. Artist Mark Nelson with children and adult volunteers collected

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1500 pounds of broken glass bottles from 18 parks and turn it all into marbles! The art will be on view through November 22. Loreta Kovacic and the Alchemist Piano Theatre performs.

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Joseph Reinholtz, Amy Lin and Lulu Fang. Original art pieces by Palmer and his 2014 Escapist Artists. The mission of the Escapism program is to forever destroy the stereotype

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Hot Mamas - Women On Fire 6 − 9 p.m. 18 Hands Gallery 249 W 19th Street Houston, TX 77008. Five women ceramists who use wood to fire their work. Work includes both functional and sculptural by nationally known Tara Wilson, Linda Christianson, Joy Tanner and JoAnne DeKeuster will have work displayed along with Houston artist Michelle Matthews. www.18handsgaller y.com, info@18handsgallery.com, 713-869-3099.

The Afternoon of Escapism 12 − 3 p.m. John Palmer Art Gallery & Studio 1218 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008.

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Page 6A • Saturday, October 18, 2014

FROM THE PEWS. 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. 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. James Lutheran St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd St., will hold a festival and fundraiser featuring music, food, a raffle, and various activities for children.

The event will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 18.

In addition to pupusas, barbecue, enchiladas, and mole dinners will be sold for $8.

Children’s activities will include a jumping castle, face painting, and games.

Dinner tickets can be purchased ahead of time by calling 713-686-1577 or emailing the church office at stjameshouston@aol.com, or at the festival.

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. 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.

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. through Oct. 31.

There is free admission Oct. 31, to Trunk or Treat held from 6-8 p.m. For information, call 713-686-7689 or visit www. gospeltruthchurch.org.

Spooktacular event at St. Stephen’s St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will hold Spooktacular, a fun and safe Halloween event for children of all ages and

thier parents. The free event will be from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 26, in the fellowship hall.

Call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org for information.

MANNA hosts its inaugural fundraiser MANNA is hosting its inaugural barbecue and silent auction fundraiser to be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1, in the parking lot of MANNA. The Leather Apron Foundation is sponsoring the dinner. Tickets are $15 (pre-sale) or $20 (at the door) and can be purchased at MANNA’s Resale Store located at 1806 W. 43rd St. or online at www. eventbrite.com/directory and search MANNA for the event.

Silent auction items are also needed. To donate or to volunteer for the event or serve on the committee, please contact Patricia Dornak at 713-504-5486 or email her at pdornak@gmail.com.

MANNA will also be hosting an Ice Cream Social from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 9, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, located at 3600 Brinkman.

and School, located in downtown Houston since 1879 will celebrate their 135th anniversary at a special celebration service at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 9.

The Rev. Donald G. Black will be the speaker. Former members and school graduates are welcome to attend. Children’s activities are planned from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 800 Houston Ave. Call 713-224-0684 for information.

Selling, Leasing & Property Management

Stacie Lynn Arzymanow,

Norma Gail (Carson) Baucum, 75, born June 3, 1939

in Broken Bow, Okla., died Oct. 8.

She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Douglas Clayton Baucum, son Wade D. Baucum, twin daughters, Amy Sue Baucum and Amanda Gail Baucum, and two grandchildren.

Kenneth Wayne Boudny,

77, born March 8, 1937 in Taylor, Texas, died Sept. 25. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Boudny Drawdy, sister Betty Hurst and one grandson.

Carol Rose Godair Clements, 76, born Sept. 19, 1937

in Des Arc, Ark., died Sept. 17, following a decade-long battle with cancer. In 1955, Clements graduated from Carlisle High School where she lettered in basketball all four years and took her team to state. She then moved to Houston, where she met and married the love of her life, James “Jim” Richard Clements. They were married for 42 years when he passed away in 1998. She is survived by her daughter Carmen Jarl, sons Kyle and Stephen Clements, brothers Gordon, Homer and Truman Godair, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for ovarian cancer research, P.O. Box 4486, Houston 77210-4486 or The Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, 12526 County Road 3806, Murchison, TX 75778.

Emily Portele Gillis, 81, born March 2, 1933 in Marlin, Texas, died Oct. 6. Gillis attended All Saints Catholic Elementary School and Incarnate Word Academy and was a cheerleader for St. Thomas High School. She

was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and sang with the St. Ambrose Church Choir. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, George Gillis; daughters, Rose Anne Sims, LaVerne Garcia, Emily Stepchinski and Mary Gillis Larson; sisters Ann Kurtin and Lillian Goodwin, 11 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Realty Associates DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT

Thomas Kraig Kelley, 55, born June 8, 1959, died Oct. 1.

Wilma Louise Kelley, born in Bremond, Texas, died Sept. 26, at Vintage Park in Ottawa, Kan. Kelley lived all but the previous three years of her life in Houston at 6722 Limestone St. She is survived by her son J.C. Kelley, brother Kay Weaver Jr., two granddaughters, and three greatgrandchildren.

Iva Dell Pou, 99, born Oct. 7,

1914, died Oct. 6, one day shy of her 100th birthday.

Nathan J. Romeo, 58, born

Feb. 16, 1956 in Houston, died Sept. 30. Romeo was employed by the Veterans Hospital for more than 30 years and was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by son, Freddy Romeo, brother Anthony Romeo, sister Diane Lamonte, and one granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or call 1-800-DIABETES.

Stanley H. Upchurch Jr., 88, died Oct. 12 in Eustis, Fla. Upchurch was from Leesburg, Fla., and formerly of Houston.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at Page-Theus Funeral Home Chapel, Leesburg, Fla., with Inurnment to follow at a later date at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

Services have been entrusted to Page-Theus Funeral Home, Leesburg, Fla. Online condolences and memories may be shared by

Joey is fabulous!!!

I have been to many high end salons ($), and Joey’s haircut was better

Birdie Frances Vodehnal,

78, born Feb. 19, 1936, died Oct. 1.

3415 Oak Forest Dr.

832.291.1216

info@haumsalon.com Mon-Fri 10A - 8P • Sat 9A - 3P like us

Charlotte Eleanor Whitworth, 97, born Feb. 10, 1917

in Kellogg, Idaho, died Sept. 28.

Whitworth is a 1935 Old Sam Houston High School Downtown graduate. She retired from Texas Commerce Bank of Houston after 34 years. She graduated from the American Institute of Banking, and was active with the Board of Governors and chairman of various committees during her banking career. She was past president of Houston Heights Women’s Club, and a 50 year member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #63, Past Presidents Club, and Retired Eagles Activity Club, District II. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Hazel Whitworth.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles State Project Shriners Burned Institute in Galveston.

Richard Taylor

MASTER STYLIST 38 Years Experience Specializing In Corrective Colors & Perms

CFG 3712 Alba Rd

713-692-CURL 713-692-2875

FAMILY DENTISTRY State-of-the art procedures, instruments & techniques

1822 W. 18th

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Emerging antibiotic resistant germs are a real concern to the human and animal healthcare communities. Yes, we will need better drugs in the future, but at the front line of this never-ending battle, we primarily need responsible people so germ mutations never start. The overuse of antibiotics is dictated by doctors but driven by everyday people. Doctors prescribe unnecessary amounts due to lifestyles that could be improved upon for the benefit of all.

Preventative Medicine helps to Prevent antibiotic overuse, this Prevents drug resistant germs.

Obviously, proper shelter, water, nutrition, hygiene, cleaning, and waste management are key to germ control. Fewer antibiotics are used if good practices are in place.

As for Veterinary Preventative Medicine, we can prevent antibiotic overuse by promoting: 1. Proper Vaccine programs 2. Internal Parasite Control Programs - Heartworms/worms 3. External Parasite Control Programs - Fleas/Ticks & others 4. Dental Care Programs - Both professional and HomeCare These programs would significantly reduce respiratory, intestinal, skin, periodontal, and many other preventable infections veterinarians must treat everyday with antibiotics.

If we are responsibly concerned about antibiotic resistance, then we will take proactive measures to best prevent parasites and disease in the first place.

WWW.FAIRBANKS.VETSUITE.COM

CARE

1214 W 43rd Ste 300

CREDIT

713-682-7939

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1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd.

(713) 688-7761

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

713-864-1470

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, Pastor

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

7151 Fairbanks N. Houston (1 mile North of HWY 290)

(713)-937-7274

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BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

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t may seem odd that the very first of the beatitudes bestows a blessing on the poor in spirit and promises that the kingdom of heaven is theirs (Matthew 5:3). Should we not seek spiritual riches rather than spiritual poverty? One chapter later we are told to store up treasure in heaven, for “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

The blessing for the poor in spirit is not meant to denigrate spiritual treasures but rather to elevate the spirit of poverty and humility. Jesus says repeatedly that he did not come to call those who are already saved, but rather to save the lost.

The healthy do not need a doctor, but the sick do. We would do well to remember here that the scribes and Pharisees were paradigms of virtue, rich in spirit and proud of their piety, but, didn’t seem to need or heed Jesus’s message. Jesus had vastly more to offer the weeping adulteress who was thrown at His feet than he did to her accusers. And He had more respect for the impoverished widow who humbly put her two small coins in the temple treasury than the wealthy who made a show of putting in larger amounts. God loves the poor, and those who are poor in spirit even more, so we should count it a blessing when we are feeling lowly and humbled.

Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 4:9-10

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

Member of MANNA

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Rev. Herschel Moore, Pastor

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 office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

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Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

Mathew Naftis, D.D.S.

Ad # 22283

Reverend Noelie Day

TEMPORARY CROWNS

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1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689

(713) 682-2556

1820-1 W. 43rd. St. • (713) 290-1905

Exam, X-Ray & Cleaning $ Regularly $100

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

$140.00 Value

We accept Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance, Workers Comp.

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Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948

2995

EXAM & $ X-RAYS Expires October 31, 2014

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of antibiotics overused.

“One of Houston’s Top Dentists” — HTexas Magazine 2004-2014

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Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Nursery Provided

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We Can All Help Prevent Drug Resistant Germs

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Check out our reviews

visiting www.pagetheusfuneralhome.com.

IF NOT CALL ME!” 832-884-4169

Get A Cut That’s Causing Talk!

Trinity Lutheran celebrates 135th anniversary Trinity Lutheran Church

Gloria Waychoff, 89, born May 20, 1925 in Webster, S.D., died Oct. 3. In the 1940s she spent the early part of her career working for the family circus, the Sheelar Troop, as a trapeze artist.

She was also an active member of the local VFW chapter and a passionate loves of cats. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

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“If you have a good honest mechanic - Keep him.

Specializing in the treatment of • Headache • Arthritis • Sleep Loss • Scoliosis • Leg & Arm Pain & Numbness • Tension • Whiplash

713-906-5481

THE OBITUARIES. 42, born in Bartlesville, Okla. in 1972, died Oct. 1. Arzymanow is survived by her husband, Nick, two children Hayden and Kaitlyn, parents Beth and Terry Ivey, and sister Angela Eggleston.

Fredrick’s

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4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

THE CALENDAR.

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 are $20 at the door. 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. 17-Oct. 31. Information: Sinclair. pta.events@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY AND PET APPRECIATION DAY Resource One Credit Union A day of fun for both pet and owner. Pet perks include low cost vaccinations and micro-chipping, grooming, adoptions, and pet costume contest. The event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct.

18, at Resource One Credit Union, 1400 W. 43rd St. Information: 281-720-0550.

BOOK OF LIFE FREE SCREENING AARP Movies for Grown Ups The movie will be shown at 2 p.m. Oct. 18, at Edwards Houston Marq’E Stadium 23 Imax and RPX, 7620 Katy Frwy. Call or access the RSVP link to reserve tickets. AARP membership is not required to get tickets. Information: 1-877926-8300, aarp.cvent.com/BOOKOFLIFE_Houston.

FALL FESTIVAL Oak Forest Park The Oaks Business Association in partnership with The Hartman and Associates Famous Pumpkin Patch, will hold a Fall Festival, from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 25, at Oak Forest Park. Featured are a bouncy house, dunking booth, hay ride, face painting, vendor booths and food trucks.

HALLOWINE PARTY HYPO Come to The Corkscrew, 1308 W. 20th St., for Hallowine 2014, which will have costume contests, food, drinks, and dance music. The free event will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 31. Information: www.heightschamber.com, 713861-6735.

Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Page 7A

FALL FESTIVAL Collier Regional Library The library, located at 6200 Pinemont Dr., will be hosting its annual Fall Festival from 2:304:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Come to the library to make crafts and treats, play games, and enjoy face painting. Prizes will be given to the best costumes. Information: 832393-1740, collierregional@gmail. com.

MANNA INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER The 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: 713504-5486, pdornak@gmail.com, www.manna-houston.org.

RENAISSANCE FALL FESTIVAL Oak Forest Elementary Oak Forest Elementary, 1401 W. 43rd St., will have a Renaissance themed Fall Festival which will be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 15.

Wristbands are $20 presale and $25 the day of the festival and can be purchased online beginning Oct. 29. Information: 713-6132536, www.oakforestpta.com.

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Reunions WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1974 40TH REUNION The reunion will be 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.

Visit the website to RSVP and purchase tickets. Information: www.waltripclassof74.com.

WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1979 35TH REUNION The reunion will be at 7 p.m.

Oct. 18, at the Cadillac Bar party room, 1802 Shepherd Dr. Free admission. Casual attire. Other Waltrip classes are welcome to attend. RSVP by email. Information: 713-417-4407, 281-6209603, waltriprams79@yahoo. com.

St. James Fall Festival Saturday, October 18,2014 11:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. St. James Front lawn & Fellowship Hall 1602 West 43rd Street Houston, TX 77018 For more information please contact us at 713.686.1577 or email us at stjameshouston@aol.com

Food Entertainment Raffle DJ/Live Music featuring , “Nick Gaitan, Robert Rodriguez, The Umbrella Man” Children’s Activities

WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1969 45TH REUNION 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.

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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

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of Th e H e i g h t s

Page 8A • Saturday, October 18, 2014

Neighbors: greetings and gratitude from Africa

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Several columns ago, you read about our Shepherd Park Plaza neighbor Jackie Madden, when I wrote about her request for assistance in sending desperately needed medical supplies over to Liberia where she spent two years as a missionary in the recent past. Jackie’s experience there has opened a window for us to a community full of loving, hardworking and dedicated neighbors (sound familiar?) half a world away who, before Jackie’s reaching out to and sharing with the community here, were just nameless faces on the nightly news. Jackie would very much like to share this heartfelt note of thanks with everyone who contribut-

Contributed photo Rev. Fr. Matthew with the first of seven pallets of aid supplies sent from Houston to Liberia.

ed. Jackie writes, “I received the most wonderful email this morning. The medical supplies that were collected the past month have been received in Liberia, they are very, very, very, happy! It was a group effort with many many generous

hearts involved. Please continue to pray for the people of West Africa. God bless.”

The email Jackie received from Africa reads: “The final pallets of 6 arrived Fridaywere cleared today, from the airport and delivered to

Sr. Barbara Brilliant, FMM. These make up the total shipment of 7 pallets. Attached is a photo of the unpacking of the first pallets: That is me in the middle assisting the men.

The SMA Community Liberia joins the church of Liberia to express thanks and gratitude for these much needed materials. I assure you that this will help the local church in its contribution to saving lives and preventing the spread of this deadly virus that is killing so many of my people.

The Archbishop Lewis Zeigler will send his personal appreciation. You are all in our daily prayers and ask that you keep praying for us in these difficult times. God Bless you! Rev. Fr. Matthew Abu B. Cole, SMA Parish Priest, St. Mulumba Parish, Monrovia.”

Preparing your pet for moving day

Dear Tabby, I’m going to be moving soon and there are a few things that I’m concerned about: First, I’m very concerned about finding a pet-friendly rental. Secondly, I’m concerned about how to prepare my pets for the move and lastly, I’m going to miss reading your column in The Leader! Can you help to alleviate my concerns?

Being transferred in Timbergrove Dear Transferred, First, we’re sorry to see you go but please know that you can always read my highlyinformative and utterly-witty column online at: www.theleadernews.com.

Secondly, moving is hard.

It’s hard on everyone in your

home. Moving is considered a major life stressor and it’s just as rough on the animals in your life. If possible, when choosing the new area that you’ll live, try to keep your pets in mind.

If you have a dog, good parks and good dog-walking areas are important. For cats, finding a home or apartment with lots of windows and ample places for them to stretch out is important.

Unfortunately, when renting, it’s often difficult to find a landlord who will allow pets. There are several helpful websites that offer directories of petfriendly rentals, such as www. peoplewithpets and www.petrealtynetwork.com. Discussing your pets with a potential landlord is an important first step when researching new rental properties. You’ll never win by trying to keep a secret pet in your new rental.

Ahead of your move, it’s a good idea to go ahead and compile a stack of references from old landlords, your vet, your pet sitter and whoever else can vouch for you and your pets’ responsible ways.

This might help prove your case to a potential new landlord. Also, many landlords and

apartments require a hefty pet deposit and oftentimes, extra rent tacked on to accommodate your pets. So, you might want to start scrapping together your pennies for this possible unexpected expense.

If you’ve secured a petfriendly rental and are preparing to make the move, there are a few ways to ease the transition for your pets. The ASPCA suggests the following, “You can help your cats (and skittish dogs) adjust to the moving process by bringing in moving boxes early, and by keeping your furry friends in a familiar room you plan to pack up last. On moving day, keep your pets in a quiet room with the door shut, or at a friend’s house. This will ensure that your cat or dog won’t get scared and try to make a quick getaway while the movers load up the truck.”

Once you arrive at your new place, the ASPCA recommends slowly introducing your pets to the new home, one room at a time, as opposed to letting them run freely right away.

This will reduce the stress of the new place and allow your pets to explore slowly while still being able to head back to

their one-room, “home base” when needed. Hopefully within a few days, your new “digs” will feel more like home to everyone.

Have a question for Tabby?

Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail. com.

Pet of the Week

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1720 West Loop North Next to Whataburger

Next to Whataburger

610

Hempstead

832-867-1076 We Repair phones, screens & laptops

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Meet Bobbie. This stunning, four month old kitten was living with brother Luigi, dangerously close to a busy street. Luckily for these kitties, a concerned animal lover swooped in and whisked them off to a safe, warm foster home. Life in the foster home is good, but a forever home would be grand. Wouldn’t Bobbie (and possibly even Luigi too?) be the perfect fit for your family? If so, contact Save A Cat rescue at: www.saveacatrescue.org.

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Open House November 9 1:00 p.m.

Schedule a tour today.

Please call 713-864-6348 Houston’s 114-year all-boys Catholic college preparatory high school, a socio-economically and ethnically diverse community teaching Christ’s message while upholding human dignity and fostering a just society.

St. Thomas ignites minds and promotes life-long learning in the Basilian Fathers’ tradition of Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.

4500 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77007 w w w. s t h s . o r g