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Inside Today: Time to start talking about holiday stress management • Page 1B

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10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

SATURDAY | November 9, 2013 | Vol. 61 | No. 2 | www.theleadernews.com | @heightsleader

St. Thomas wins bid for land

THE BRIEF. www.allenSOLDit.com

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by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

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Constable finds solution to property of deceased

Dorothy Lowe, the Heights resident who was posthumously victimized when scammers took belongings (including a vehicle) from her home on W. 17th Street, willed all of her possessions to the American Cancer Society (ACS), according to Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen.

Lowe, who passed away in her late 80s in May 2010, didn’t have any apparent heirs, so Rosen couldn’t pursue a case when neighbors reported seeing two women and a man allegedly break into the home, ransack it and look for valuables.

Now that it’s clear the ACS has the legal right to Lowe’s possessions, Rosen’s office has legal recourse to pursue a case should the alleged scammers resurface.

St. Thomas High School will become the new owner of the adjacent property, Houston ISD’s High School for Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice (4701 Dickson Street, at Shepherd Drive), pending HISD board approval at its monthly meeting on Nov. 14.

HISD held a final round of bids on Nov. 1. St. Thomas had the highest bid at $60 million, to Elk Mountain Ltd.’s $49,272.914.

On Oct. 15, Elk Mountain’s bid was $47,927,114 – all cash – compared to St. Thomas High School’s

The bidding process was thrown out earlier this year after school board members were inappropriately lobbied $45 million bid.

Unlike the initial round of bidding in July, which had aspirants offer a purchase price and leaseback terms while the new LECJ is being built, lease terms were already built into the October bid, so all that’s competitive is the sales price.

HISD asked both parties to come back with a final bid by Friday, Nov. 1. In July, St. Thomas had a slightly

higher bid than A.V. Dickson, a real estate investment company whose leaseback terms were considerably lower than St. Thomas. But that process was ended when it was determined both parties had improperly lobbied school board members.

Houston ISD will use the funds from the sale to build a new, state of the art High School for Law Enforcement elsewhere in Houston.

FINALLY It’s been 54 years since Reagan High School won a district title. They did it last week with their win over Waltrip. See a recap of the milestone, Page 7A.

Veteran’s Day: The Next Great Generation

by Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com

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What

Can U O YFind Inside

ARE YOU MISSING SOME PHOTOS? 1 1/2 pounds of photos found on Oak Forest Drive, south of Du Barry Nov. 1. Call 713-681-1820.

FORD MERCURY SABLE (1999): Great body, runs very well, $2,200.

832-884-9762.

MOVING: 16.1 cu. ft. freezer, $100; sofa, $100; Chippendale-style dining room table w/eight chairs, 88” x 48”, $500; queen bedroom suite includes dresser, mirror and nightstands, $400. 832-439-4845, 281-970-3323.

(11-16) MOVING IN/MOVING OUT? Call Frank to haul off trash/junk. 832-8935697. (TF) FULL-TIME NANNY: Need good references and experience. Live-out.

Contact (832) 350-4186.

For more, see Classifieds, Page 4B

THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classifieds

2A 3A 4A 6A 5A 4A 7B 4B

Voters keep mayor but doom ’Dome

Ret. U.S. Army. Capt. Marcos Garcia, left, and friend, Mark Rosenfelder, enjoy barbecuing outside Garcia’s apartment on Sunday. Below, Garcia, a member of American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks, served as a platoon leader in Mosul, Iraq in 2007-08. (Photos by Michael Sudhalter)

Garcia looks to reinvigorate American Legion

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com Houston resident Marcos Garcia remembers the first Veteran’s Day he spent as an employee of Dow Chemical in Deer Park two years ago.

“When I first started at Dow, they put up a bunch of American flags,” Garcia said. “It meant a lot to me. I shy away from the spotlight, but that meant a lot to me that they put those flags up.”

The 33-year-old engineering project manager retired as a U.S. Army Captain five years ago and says that each Veteran’s Day becomes more special to him.

“As the years go by, it becomes

more nostalgic,” Garcia said. “The Army becomes a sense of real pride for me. I don’t know where I’d be right now without the Army -- it helped with my work ethic, and it helped me realize how much you can get done in a 24-hour period.”

Garcia, who was born and raised in El Paso, moved to Houston in 2008 after retiring from the Army.

“I have an Engineering degree, and this is a hotspot for engineers,” he said.

In 2011, he became involved with American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks. Although he’d played American Legion baseball in high school, he was unaware of

It wasn’t what you might consider the hottest of campaign seasons in Leader areas, but a couple of citywide elections, along with two school board seats made for interesting banter in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s vote.

In unofficial vote tallies, Houston Mayor Annise Parker won without breaking a sweat, avoiding a runoff despite the eight candidates seeking to unseat her in a final possible term.

Ben Hall, her closest competitor, spent millions on the race and still only garnered 28 percent of the vote. Parker finished with nearly 57 percent of the vote and proclaimed her love for Houston in a victory speech and mass email the following day.

“I love this city,” Parker said. “And thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of working with you for another two years to make the best even better.”

Voters in Harris County also were asked to either support or reject a bond issue that would have granted $217 million to refurbish the wilting Astrodome, and 53 percent of voters nixed the idea.

And in Proposition 1, which asked for funding to build a new criminal processing center, voters said yes – by a margin of just 456 votes with more than 224,000 people voting.

Anna Eastman easily won another term on the Houston Independent School District Board, soundly defeating Hugo Mojica 77 percent to 23 percent.

In the Houston Community College-District 1 race, Yolanda Navarro Flores will need to go extra rounds to win the position after winning 49 percent of the vote. Of the 12,056 votes cast in that race, she finished 113 short of winning outright. She’ll face Zeph Capo in a runoff, who finished with 27 percent, while Kevin Hoffman ultimately forced the runoff by collecting 24 percent of the votes.

In local Houston City Council races, neither Ellen Cohen (District C) or Ed Gonzalez (District H) faced competition, guaranteeing another term on the council.

Before election results were in, Cohen already began talking about her plans for an-

see Election • Page 8A

see Garcia • Page 8A

Shorter holiday shopping season has local businesses starting early

by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com While no one has coined a name for the week after Halloween – Black Friday or Small Business Saturday – it’s evident that holiday shopping has begun. The cold(er) weather is one clue. The Nutcracker Market at Reliant is another.

And then there are the stores throughout The Leader area, from 19th Street out 290, that have begun their preparations.

After a lively First Saturday Arts Market on 19th Street last week, early holiday shoppers hit the street on Sunday. Heights resident Renee Blaize bought an apron from Coda and children’s clothing and notepads

Gloria Saldivar shows sister Janie Garcia the table runner she bought at Jubilee. She said she will use it for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

(Photo by Betsy Denson)

from Thread – all to be given as Christmas gifts. Elizabeth McCain and daughter Ava hadn’t made any purchases but instead

were getting ideas, both to purchase and to make.

According to the calendar, it’s a good

thing people are starting their shopping a little early. And it’s even better for local businesses. This year, there are only 26 “official” shopping days between Black Friday (Nov. 29) and Christmas Eve. In fact, it is the shortest shopping season since 2002.

Last year, there were 32 days in the shopping season.

According to a small business research group, Manta, 50 percent of small businesses say they will maintain their current sales strategies during the holiday season. That also leaves 50 percent of local stores that say they plan to change strategies.

Manta says the best tip for local business-

see Shopping • Page 8A

Page 2A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • @heightsleader

Clerk assaulted during robbery

Molly’s Mutt House burglarized

Molly’s Mutt House, 3410 N. Shepherd, was burglarized on the morning of Oct. 31, but the suspects left quickly after an alarm sounded.

Owner Molly Taylor said the suspects used a crowbar to break into the back of the store and they took an old dell Laptop, which had been used as a backup to her main computer.

Taylor reported the crime to HPD,

Smith which is currently investigating it.

Video footage captured the burglary.

One suspect was wearing a gas mask and the other had a ski mask.

“In case it was an inside job, I had my tech guy disable the access from the laptop,” Taylor said.

Taylor said she now must take extra

A 56-year-old male clerk was assaulted with a pistol by three suspects who demanded money from the cash register at the Gulf Mart store, 5051 Yale, at 12:10 a.m. on Oct. 31.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital to be treated.

There’s no description of the suspects at this time.

Aggravated robbery on Sherwood

A 29-year-old male went on a date with a female in her 30s, who stayed the

TxDOT to hold meetings for north Houston Highway Improvement Project Toll Road from north of downtown Houston to Beltway (BW 8) North; and I-610 and BW 8 North between I-45 and Hardy Toll Road.

The purpose of the public meetings is to present information about, and receive public feedback on, reasonable alternatives for highway improvements in the North Houston corridor; the alternative evaluation process; and how community feedback has been incorporated in the planning process.

After the meeting, the information presented will be available for review and reproduction on the project website, www.IH45NorthandMore. com; and at the TxDOT Houston District office, 7600 Washington Ave. The meetings will be held in an open house format from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, will hold public meetings for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project.

The meetings will be held on Nov. 14 at Aldine Ninth Grade school, 10650 North Freeway, and on Nov. 19 at Jefferson Davis High School, 1101 Quitman Street.

Spanish-speaking project team members will be available to talk with Spanish-speaking attendees.

The project limits are from the interchange of US 59 and SH 288 to the interchange of I-45 and Beltway 8 North.

The study area includes portions of I-10, US 59 and SH 288 near downtown Houston; Hardy

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Theft 10:00 AM 200-299 9TH Theft 12:45 PM 4500-4599 N SHEPHERD Theft 3:13 PM 1400-1499 STUDEMONT Theft 6:45 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 6:30 PM 300-399 T C JESTER Robbery 1:15 PM 2800-2899 BEAUCHAMP Theft 9:40 PM 5100-5199 SHEPHERD Theft 12:00 AM 1300-1399 DIAN Theft 7:00 PM 2700-2799 LINK Theft 6:00 PM 400-499 T C JESTER

OCT. 27

Theft 12:01 AM 3800-3899 CENTER Theft 3:00 AM 2000-2099 43RD Theft 8:00 PM 1100-1199 COTTAGE Theft 8:00 PM 3000-3099 ELLA Theft 5:00 PM 5200-5299 SCHULER

OCT. 28

Theft 5:30 PM 200-299 19TH Theft 1:30 PM 1300-1399 CORTLANDT Theft 6:30 PM 1100-1199 17TH Theft 7:15 PM 1400-1499 BEALL Theft 1:40 PM 5200-5299 LARKIN Theft 2:00 AM 1200-1299 SHEPHERD Theft 9:45 PM 0-99 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 2:00 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY Theft 11:50 PM 900-999 DURHAM Burglary 9:45 PM 1000-1099 KERN Theft 9:00 PM 3400-3499 SHEPHERD Theft 10:00 PM 4000-4099 JULIAN Theft 5:30 PM 900-999 BYRNE Theft 5:00 PM 4400-4499 DIRECTORS ROW

OCT. 29

Theft 9:00 PM 2200 BLOCK OF LAWRENCE Theft 8:05 PM 4700-4799 43RD Theft 10:00 PM 1500-1599 HARVARD Theft 6:00 PM 1900-1999 SHEPHERD Theft 7:00 PM 400-499 OXFORD Theft 11:00 AM 1300-1399 43RD

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Robbery 6:00 PM 4200-4299 SHERWOOD Theft 11:55 PM 2600-2699 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 10:00 PM 4800-4899 LAMONTE Theft 12:00 AM 1100-1199 MALONE Theft 9:30 PM 1300-1399 GOLIAD Theft 2:00 PM 300-399 19TH Theft 4:10 PM 1000-1099 20TH Theft 2:00 PM 900-999 NICHOLSON Theft 12:00 PM 1100-1199 16TH Theft 9:05 AM 100-199 39TH Theft 4:47 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP SER Theft 7:15 AM 1800-1899 ELLA Theft 10:00 AM 1500-1599 STUDEMONT Robbery 1:15 PM 4700-4799 WASHINGTON Theft 8:40 AM 2500-2599 N. LOOP W Assault 01:30 PM 1700-1799 HOUSTON AVE Theft 12:00 AM 1100-1199 DEL NORTE Burglary 12:00 PM 200-299 COCKEREL Theft 12:05 AM 100-199 NORMA

OCT. 30

Theft 07:00 AM 6000-6099 NORHILL Burglary 02:15 AM 3400-3499 SHEPHERD Theft 11:30 AM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD Burglary 10:10 AM 500-599 ARLINGTON Assault 03:00 AM 700-799 PINEMONT Burglary 08:45 AM 1400-1499 ALTHEA Burglary 08:37 AM 1400-1499 ALTHEA Theft 11:10 AM 3500-3599 MANGUM Theft 11:00 PM 900-999 MALONE

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Assault suspect brought in on other warrants

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A 67-year-old male under investigation for a Class C assault was booked into the Harris County Jail on unrelated city warrants at 3 a.m. Oct. 30 in the 700 block of Pinemont.

The man was arguing with his 53-yearold wife when he allegedly pulled a knife, threatened her and pushed her to the ground. The victim had no visible injuries.

Man found dead on North Shepherd Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a man found at 3400 N. Shepherd about 1:50 p.m. on Saturday. The identity of the male victim is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homcide Division Sergeant M.A. Holbrook reported: The victim was found leaning against a chain link fence below the railroad crossing overpass. A motorist saw the victim and called the Houston Fire Department to the scene, where the man was pronounced dead. It appeared the victim was homeless and had been living under the overpass. Other males in the area were interviewed and stated the victim had appeared to be in ill health in previous days. The victim’s cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Police Reports, Oct. 25-Nov. 4 OCT. 25

night at his apartment in the 4200 block of Sherwood Lane on Oct. 29.

At approximately 7:30 a.m. the next morning, the female called four or five friends (a mixture of males and females) and asked them to come to the victim’s apartment, at which point they arrived with knives and stole his cell phone.

The victim contacted HPD to file an aggravated robbery report.

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measures to protect the back door. She said it’s possible that at least one of the suspects may have been an ex-employee, because they seemed to “automatically know where to go.”

Doyleneshi Smith, 20, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer at 2:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at The Fox Hollow nightclub, 4617 Nett.

Smith had allegedly caused a disturbance inside the nightclub and was removed but ran back inside.

HPD officers tried to remove her from the club, and she allegedly spit on them and kicked them as they led her out.

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Woman arrested for assaulting officers

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OCT. 31

Arrest 10:45 PM E 40TH

NOV. 1

Arrest 02:35 PM E 40TH Arrest 04:19 PM E 40TH Arrest 09:01 PM 1100 BLOCK OF W 38TH Theft 07:30 PM 300-399 19TH Theft 06:30 PM 1500-1599 YALE Theft 05:10 PM 1500-1599 YALE Theft 07:30 PM 200-299 16TH Theft 10:00 PM 1000-1099 21ST Arrest 02:23 PM E 40TH Burglary 07:00 AM 1600-1699 T C JESTER Theft 06:30 PM 900-999 DURHAM Theft 01:30 AM 3100-3199 WASHINGTON Theft 07:30 PM 2500-2599 HOUSTON AVE Theft 08:00 PM 2500-2599 HOUSTON AVE Theft 08:00 AM 2300-2399 18TH Theft 01:30 AM 4600-4699 NETT

NOV. 2

Assault 08:30 AM 1300 BLOCK OF W 39TH Theft 09:30 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP W Theft 11:00 AM 800-899 MARTIN Theft 01:00 PM 4900-4999 WASHINGTON Theft 12:01 AM 1100-1199 PEDDIE Robbery 12:30 AM 3400-3499 HOME

NOV. 3

Burglary 02:27 PM 500-599 28TH Assault 01:00 AM 1300 BLOCK OF W 34TH Assault 08:21 AM 1200 BLOCK OF W 41ST

NOV. 4

Arrest 07:10 AM 1500 BLOCK OF W 39TH

Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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U PAY LESS ~ U GET MORE! 2830 HICKS • 713-869-8321 • ArnesWarehouse.com

Page 3A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • @heightsleader

YOUNG PROS Thirsty Explorer

Food Truck Festival to be held this weekend

Salata 185 Heights Blvd. www.salata.com Salads: $8-$11 Salad Wraps: $7-$9 Soups: $2-$4 Kid Friendly: I know I always have trouble getting The Bomber (my five-year-old going on 15) to put back green roughage LE’s Favorite: Spicy Chipotle Chicken Salad

Review: First sleek salad bar finally hits our area

Some years back, Leader Eater and an old friend would sit up until the wee hours of the morning and gush about what we thought was a novel restauranteuring concept. There should be a fast food joint where you can make your own salads, we would say with great pride to each other, thinking we were the only ones in this great gastronomic land that had thought of such a thing. It would be just like Subway – you go down the line and build a salad with customizable toppings. You wouldn’t have to be constrained by the already-decided-for-you salads at steak houses and casual sit down places, we would lament. Adult beverages would eventually empty, ashtrays would fill and when night turned to morning we would chalk the conversation up as a culinary pipedream.

Well, those greened up and liberating fast food conceptions of my yesteryear have evolved not only into reality but a full-blown trend (with me not involved in any way). And it has officially hit our end of town with the arrival of Salata on Heights Boulevard.

The bright pastel and sleek interior emotes healthy eating, which starts at the beginning of an assembly line of lettuce and a superfluous string of possible toppings.

From the trio of leafy beginners, Leader Eater mixed the Romaine hearts and Spinach, excluding the Spring Mix (which actually wasn’t even available). I only scraped the surface of options available for

eventual tossing at the end of the line. An agreeable young lady in a chef ’s coat followed me along the line as I pointed out the toppings.

With the greens in a generic silver bowl, my lettuce masterpiece evolved with cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, black olives, banana peppers, some feta cheese and a vinaigrette dressing. I finished off with thickly coated cubes of Spicy Chipotle Chicken and some toasted bread.

Come to think of it, these are all things that I put on my sandwich when I go to Subway. Come to think of it, Salata is really just Subway without the baked bread racks behind the toppings. And you can actually get these salads tied up in a tortilla wrap so the similarities are many. Salata is offering you roughage over bread, which sets it apart from Subway. But the big difference between the ubiquitous sandwich shop is that my salad was ten bucks at Salata, where my typical sandwich would run me at least a few dollars less (with chips). That being said, I’ll probably be heading back to Salata in the near future because compared with my two favorite salads in the neighborhood – the Fried Chicken at Dry Creek and the double Venison salad at Sammy’s Wild Game Grill – ten beans is a steal. And even if Salata’s slide-down-the-line, Subwayversion of healthy fast food isn’t the most innovative idea in eating, there is still some good value in a quick, somewhat healthy salad.

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Leader Nibbles

Barbeque lovers around Texas have had their eyes on the doors of Pierson and Company since the famous Oak Forest barbeque joint closed its doors last year. Longing looks can be replaced with tangible taste now that the 5100 TC Jester Blvd. location is open again.

Patrons will find the beloved barbeque joint just as they left it, family owned and operated, smelling of smoky mesquite and cozy (yet limited) seating. Barbeque pit master Clarence Pierson has returned to his post after a double-knee surgery, and told food writer T.C. Reid that his first few weeks back he will be producing limited quantities of barbeque, particularly during the lunch hours. In due time, Pierson and Co. will return to its former full-fledged glory, but for now, get there early and be patient. Pierson and Co. is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until the barbeque runs out.

The Heights General store is bringing new business, fresh produce and fine dining to the former Harold’s store on 19th street. The historic store has been gutted and remodeled, and will open to the public in Fall 2013. There have been partial openings for charter members, but the official opening date is still to be announced.

The first floor will be dedicated to local produce, cheeses and meats and artisan bread.

There will also be a juice and coffee bar, wood fire pizzas, a selection of prepared foods and a gift shop. On the second floor, patrons will find fine dining, a rooftop terrace and private interior as well as an anticipated menu from Chef Antoine Ware (formally with the Hay Merchant and Federal Grill). And while THGS resides in a dry area of Houston, a private club membership will allow a route around that rule. Founder Alli Jarret told Houston Business Review that her goal in opening Heights General Store was to create a “neighborhood home,” for the area. “The Heights is about knowing your neighbors and supporting the local community.”

Paste Untapped is an Indie music and beer festival taking place at Discovery Green Saturday, Nov. 16 to close out Houston Beer Week. There will be more than 70 breweries and 200 beers, including Saint Arnold, Karbach, Ballast Point, Brooklyn, Firestone Walker, Real Ale, Sierra Nevada, Southern Star, Founder and Goose Island.

Bands will include The Walkmen, Heartless Bastards, Big Black Delta, The Tonton, Wild Moccasins, The Suffers and Walker Lukens.

Tickets are $25. For more information, find Untapped Festival on Facebook or Twitter.

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Cyclone Anaya’s has new features on the menu for November. The drink features include the Herradura Ocean Blue Margarita, with Herradura Silver Tequila, Blue Curacao, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice and lemon-lime soda, served up or on the rocks; The Herradura Skinny Margarita, with Herradura Silver or Herradura Reposado Tequila, Splenda and fresh lime juice; Jack’s Honey Ginger, with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, fresh lemon juice, topped with ginger ale, served up or on the rocks.

Cyclone Anaya’s featured shots include Soco Pineapple Bomber, Herradura Honey Shot, Cinnamon Repo and Kamikaze Kickoff.

Happy Hour starts at 3 p.m. during the weekdays, with wine features for $5.

There are also half price bottles of wine for Wine Down Mondays and Tuesdays.

Cyclone Anaya’s is located at 1710 Durham Drive at I-10. For more information, visit www.cycloneanaya.com, or find them on Facebook.

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Yucatan Taco Stand and Tequilla Bar

Yucatan Taco Stand is moving inside the loop, setting up shop at 1001 Studewood St. The Latin-inspired restaurant that boasts “award winning tacos, signature nachos and world-class margaritas” currently has locations in the Woodlands, as well as two near Dallas and Oklahoma City, but will open their new Houston location in January 2014.

Paste Untapped Festival

Cyclone Anaya’s New November Features

Pierson and Company BBQ reopens

Heights General Store

Houston Beer Week is upon us! This eight day community event, Nov. 9-16, encourages bars, restaurants, retail establishments, distributors and breweries to create unique craft beer-related events throughout Houston. The goal of Houston Beer Week is to support craft beer week in Texas and the community through charitable works. To find out more about all of the Houston Beer Week events taking place, visit http://houstonbeerweek.com/ .

Crisp will celebrate their one year anniversary with the Walk The Vine 2013 Beer and Wine Festival from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, which includes a festival T-shirt, a raffle for prizes, and a portion of the proceeds going to Friends For Life Animal Rescue and Adoption Organization.

There will be live music from noon to 4 p.m. featuring Trey Clark, face painting, a balloon artist and petting zoo for the kids.

There will be $4 beer and wine and food tickets, which will include giant pizza by the slice. Confirmed beer and wine vendors include Karbach, St. Arnolds, Buffalo Bayou, Benvolio, Thorny Rose, Haras, Guenoc and Elsa Bianchi, Constellation, Glazers and Pioneer. For more information, find Crisp on Facebook.

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Members of the Heights Young Professionals Organization (HYPO) in costume at Cavatore Italian Restaurant for their Halloween networking event. (Submitted Photo)

Walk The Vine 2013 Beer and Wine Festival

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The Houston Food Truck Fest will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Stereo Live, 6400 Richmond Ave. There will be over 20 trucks at the event, includThirsty ing Bernie’s Burger Bus, Chi’lantro BBQ, Explorer Chocolat D’Arte, Fraiche Mobile Kitchen, Golden Grill, Good Dog Hot Dogs, Happy Endings, Koagie Hots, L’es-Car-Go French Gourmet Kitchen on Wheels, Ladybird Food Truck, Muiishi Makirritos, Phamily Bites, Pho-jita Fusion, Pocket To Me, Soul Cat Cuisine MFT, Big-Z Thai Corner, The Goodie Box, The Waffle Bus, Tila’s Tacos Truck, and Yummyz Kitchen.

“Houston Food Truck Fest was created because we are food truck junkies and drive all over town looking for the best food trucks,” said Festival organizer Martin P. “We are pulling our favorite trucks together for another spectacular day of good eatin’, music, and family fun.

For more information, visit http://houstonfoodtruckfest.com. Tickets can be purchased at http://houstonfoodtruckfest. eventbrite.com/.

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Page 4A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • @heightsleader

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s is often the case when I write something controversial, I tend to get emails or phone calls deriding my decision to tackle a subject that some felt I had no business discussing in the first place.

Last week, we used this space to talk about the proposed vote on a bond issue that would spend $217 million to plan what to do with the Astrodome, suggesting we were spending a lot of money to save a trophy. After Tuesday’s vote, apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought that way. More than 128,000 people, or 53 percent, of those who voted felt the same.

I can promise my column last week had nothing to do with the ultimate decision. Any political analyst would tell you that this was a long time coming. There were no PACs called “Down with the Dome” campaigning against the bond.

In fact, the only campaigning on the issue came from groups trying to save the facility. So the fact the measure failed says more about the change in demographics of this city – there are a lot of people living here who don’t have the same memories.

Last week’s column didn’t incite a riot, but I did have an angry reader who left

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

a couple of messages and answered a follow-up email from me. The crux of his thoughts were: “I don’t consider you misinformed... just completely uninformed. And with your pulpit, that’s sad,” the writer said.

I asked this person if he’d consider writing a letter to the editor – no matter if the vote had already taken place. I still thought it would be valuable to publish an opinion different from mine, just so readers would understand that people saw the issue a completely different way.

Obviously the timing was off, and the reader declined the option. However, the messages he left made me think a little more about the purpose of both my column and the role of a newspaper in this community. It was evident this reader

THE READER. Attack on another pet

Dear Editor: I’m writing in regards to your article from Saturday about the two black German Shepherds. Our cat was attacked on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6:50 a.m. in the Heights. My husband witnessed the attack and saw two big black dogs attacking her. He screamed at them, and they proceeded to run off with her.

When he started to chase them, they dropped her. She tried to run off but her whole back side was completely paralyzed. We had to take her to the 24 hour Vet Clinic on I-10 and have her put down.

I tried making a report with animal control but didn’t really get anywhere.

I tried making a report online with the police department, but this complaint did not qualify. I have not been to the storefront yet, I wasn’t sure what good that would do, but now that I read your article I think I will.

Lastly, I want to mention that I live near the Shiloh Club, and the end of the attack on our cat, Squekers, was most likely caught on video, as they monitor the side parking lot, and that’s where the attack ended. If this ever has to go to court, or whatever the procedure is on this, it should not be a problem for me to get a copy of that video.

Thank you for your time in this matter, and for bringing the other attacks to light.

Deborah Hinton

St. Thomas wins final bid

From Facebook/THE LEADER.: This is great news! Congrats to St. Thomas. I’m sure a lot of time, effort and prayers were put into reaching this outcome. God bless!

Carol Hernandez

was extremely upset about what I wrote.

Last week, this newspaper began its 60th year of publication, and maybe on this birthday of ours, it would benefit our readers to better explain our role, as we see it.

If you glance back on the opinions of newspapers, people have always viewed us somewhere below the legal profession.

William Faulkner said, “The best fiction is far more true than any journalism.”

Mark Twain (and this sounds eerily familiar) said, “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you’re misinformed.”

According to H.L. Mencken, “A newspaper is a device for making the ignorant more ignorant and the crazy crazier.”

And Lyndon B. Johnson had this thought: “The fact that a man is a newspaper reporter is evidence of some flaw of character.”

You can go back to the very first newspaper in the United States, Publick Occurrences published in 1690, and find folks who despised newspapers and their purpose. You can also find a few who seemed to get it.

Garrison Keillor wrote, “A good newspaper is never good enough, but a lousy

From Facebook/THE LEADER.: Great to hear since my best friend’s daughter is studying to be a midwife.

Tena M Clark

From Facebook/THE LEADER.: I am really happy to see stories about options for childbirth, however I didn’t really agree that this article was very balanced in presenting the pros and cons. In fact, the article completely ignored several scientific papers on this subject including one recently published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology finding a higher rate of stillbirth with home birth. Many doctors and midwives are happy to tailor their practices to the families’ wants and desires, but within the safety net of a hospital or birthing center.

Camille Boon From Facebook/THE LEADER.: Our daughter has had two home births...in Mendocino, Calif., and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.....Camille Boon, do you believe the “propaganda expressed by insurance & drug companies?... Obviously...

Randy Wootan

Rich keep ordering more drinks THE CLUB – Welcome back, old shoe. Sorry we had to temporarily revoke your membership in Club One, a fellowship obviously made up of the wealthiest Americans who live in the top 1 percent. But you did take a tumble when you had to pay that billion dollar fine to the SEC. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Member after member and untold corporations have been writing checks to the feds to stay out of the slammer.

Notice almost none of them are serving time for stealing billions.

Silly Madoff and Stanford should have been jailed for simply not hiring the right lawyers.

Waiter, we’re a little dry here.

Now where was I? Oh, yes, you were asking who and how many qualify for membership. Forbes’s list of the world’s billionaires has added more than 200 names since 2012 and is now at 1,426. The United States once again leads the list with 442 billionaires. That’s us.

On the other hand, the IRS figures to make the top 1 percent only requires an income of $369,691. Not bad, but it’s less than the minimum annual wage for a decent halfback. If that’s all it takes to climb to the 1 percent bracket, there must be a whole lot of poor people down there, although we don’t have much to do with them, of course. Still, that figure is more than five times the $69,126 you need to enter the top 25 percent and more than 10 times the $34,338 in income to make the top 50 percent.

Now about us. We’re doing pretty well despite the Great Recession. According to an analysis of IRS figures dating back to 1913 by economists at the University of California, Berkeley, the Paris School of Economics and Oxford University, the very wealthiest Americans earned almost 20 percent of the country’s household income last year. That’s our biggest share since 1928, the year before the stock market crash. Meanwhile, incomes of the very richest, the 0.01 percent, shot up more than 32 percent last year. Indeed, the gap between the richest 1 percent and the rest of America is the widest it’s been since the Roaring

A SH BY AT L ARG E

‘20s. As for the bottom 99 percent, the income of that group went nowhere between 2009 and 2011.

That’s why we call ourselves “job creators.” I had to hire another food taster. Win one for the gapper. Which reminds me, where are our drinks?

How did we do so well? The rising stock market, mostly, which is ours. The Dow Jones industrial average more than doubled in value since it bottomed out early in 2009.

About half of households hold stock, directly or through pension plans and such. But the richest 10 percent of households own about 90 percent of the stock. Actually, it is we who occupy Wall Street, a fact we don’t like to broadcast.

Another way we have practically commandeered the American economy is through corporations.

Corporate profits hit a record this year as a share of U.S. economic output. And we chief enchiladas did wonderfully well. In 2012, according to the Economic Policy Institute, chief executives of the nation’s largest companies earned 273 times as much as the average American worker. Back in 1965, the typical CEO earned only about 18-20 times what the average worker took home. What are the unions going to do about it?

They’re dying. Union membership has dropped from 23.3 percent in 1983 to 11.3 percent this year, according to the Labor Department.

Obama shouldn’t try to drag down the top cats, but rather lift up the great unwashed. Remember, a rising tide raises all yachts.

We’ve all heard, time and again, “Half of Americans don’t pay income taxes.” Keep saying it long enough and people will believe it.

Actually, the figure is 43 percent who don’t pay federal income tax-

es. They pay lots of taxes directly or indirectly: fees and fines, property taxes, school taxes, sales taxes, taxes on gasoline, pitchforks and torches. Individual income taxes only contribute 45 percent to the fed’s budget. Everybody pays the remaining 55 percent. Just remember, in Texas no one pays a state income tax, but Austin still wrings billions out of us.

Most members of Congress qualify for our club. There are currently 245 millionaires – 66 in the Senate and 179 in the House.

Obama is in the top 1 percent, but don’t expect us to invite him in the club. Rick Perry’s net worth is estimated at just over $1 million, which is not bad for a poor boy who has been a Texas state employee most of his adult life.

Well, let’s not get bogged down in numbers, as I was telling the IRS auditor. Besides, we pay our taxes.

According to the IRS the top 1 percent of earners received $1.5 trillion in 2010. We paid $355 billion in federal income taxes, for an average tax rate of 23.4 percent.

Or as Leona Helmsley told her housekeeper, “We don’t pay taxes.

Only the little people pay taxes.”

Helmsley later went to prison for federal tax evasion, which is why we bounced her from the club. I mean, getting caught, really.

That brings up two former members, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. They had to go. Wanting to increase taxes on us, giving away their fortunes to feed starving children.

As a member of Club One, there are a few secrets, sayings and such you should know. Stand before the mirror and work on, “Do you have any Grey Poupon?” Use “summer” as a verb. As in: “This year I’ll summer in the Hamptons.” Change your children’s nicknames to Muffy and Skip. Be sure you know the secret code for your bank account in the Cayman Islands, not to mention Zurich. It is virtually required that you don’t have a front license plate on your Lamborghini. They so mess up the grill, don’t you think? Ah, here come our drinks. Thank you, Mitt.

Ashby is taxed at ashby2@comcast.net

© Copyright 2013 McElvy Media LLC

Jonathan McElvy

Home births becoming more popular

From Facebook/THE LEADER.: Completely agree. A park would be nice.

Ryan Johnson

paper, and it’s the one we try to follow.

Newspapers like The Leader should be resoundingly positive, highlighting the people and the good things in our area.

We should use local writers who live and work here. We should promote businesses, no matter if they use us to promote themselves.

But just as Arthur Miller said many years ago, good newspapers get people talking to each other. Conversations about our great sports teams and local businesses are part of that discussion. So, too, are conversations that make some of us angry. Most times, that anger is directed at me. That’s part of my role leading a conversation, and it’s one I’ve accepted, even though it doesn’t always make me the most popular person in the community. (And my poor mother gets upset.)

If our newspaper doesn’t start conversations, if we don’t keep our community talking, if we don’t try to improve things through communication, then what is our purpose?

In the end, if we highlight the lives of the people who live here, and if we challenge ways our lives could be better, then we’re doing our job.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

OUR STAFF

From Facebook/THE LEADER.: I graduated from LECJ, glad the property went to St Thomas!

Kim Cotten Croley

Astrodome not worth saving

newspaper is a joy forever.”

Arthur Miller said it better: “A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.”

There are two schools of thought on the purpose of a community newspaper.

The first thought is that local, weekly papers (and their websites, Facebook pages, etc.) should be bastions of all that is beautiful. Under this philosophy, your only local news source should avoid anything controversial, publish pictures of pretty puppies, tell stories of all the wonderful people, write articles only on those businesses who advertise with us, and do as much fist-pumping and glad handing as possible to make sure everyone knows what a wonderful place we live.

Along with happy stories and kind reporting, these community newspapers tend to publish an inordinate amount of news on those organizations that can afford to hire PR staffs that will write press releases (or free copy, as I like to call it).

When that happens, we have stories to fill our pages – no matter if they’re even in the area – and in reality, those stories are only published to fill holes between the paid advertisements.

Of course, there’s a second philosophy on running a local, community news-

Publisher & President

Built by LEE BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1957-1969 TERRY BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1969-2012

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd, Suite A P.O. Box 924487 Houston, TX 77292-4487 Phone: (713) 686-8494 Fax (713) 686-0970

jonathan@theleadernews.com

Frank Vasquez

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Associate Publisher frank@theleadernews.com

Editor michael@theleadernews.com

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www.theleadernews.com facebook.com/THE LEADER. @heightsleader Circulation: 33,683 copies weekly NEWS DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays CLASSIFIED WORD AD DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Tuesday RETAIL AD DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays

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Any erroneous statement which may appear in The Leader will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. In the event of errors or omissions in The Leader advertisements, the publisher does not hold himself liable for damages further than the amount received by him for such advertisements. The Leader’s distribution is independently audited by the Circulation Verification Council.

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Page 5A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

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Page 6A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • @heightsleader

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS

OBITUARIES

Santo “Sam” Joseph Ciatto, 82, born in Washington, D.C., died Oct. 31.

Ciatto was a graduate of Notre Dame University. He served as a priest in the Holy Cross Congregation in 1961 and ministered in Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. In 1976, he left the priesthood in hopes of starting a family. In his words, “God called me in, and God called me out.” Ciatto worked as a personnel director and retired in 2003 from Offenhauser Company. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Margi; children Monica, Rebecca, Paul and Anthony, and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Casa Juan Diego, P.O. Box 70113, Houston 77270 (cjd.org) or Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 1100 Parthenon Place, New Caney, TX 77357-3276.

Life Line Screening at St. Matthew’s UMC

Memorial Hermann Life Line Screening will be at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd, Nov. 8. Five screenings will be $149 or single screenings for $60. Pre-registration is required. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-792-8479, or go online at www.lifelinescreening.

Malcolm Howard Dyke, born May 16, 1957 in Southhampton, England, died com/community-partners.

Oct. 24. He was a charming, creative, determined and talented cook. Dyke is survived by For information visit www.sthis loving partner Cathy, his three daughters Jennifer Iris Hale, Sarah Louise Dyke and matthewsmethodist.org or call Rebecca Jane Dyke, sister Jane Kavanagh, and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions 713-697-0671. may be made to the Houston Humane Society.

Jimmy Ray Godwin, 72, born March 30, 1941 in Dennison, Texas, died Nov.

2, after a long battle with diabetes. He was a 1959 graduate of John H. Reagan High School and attended the University of Houston before beginning his career in computer programming. Godwin, an entrepreneur, cofounded Houston Data Center and later its successor Outsource Data Center. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Virginia; sons Keith and Kevin Godwin; daughters Connie Sue Gilseth, Kelly Godwin, Tracey Godwin and Tara Burrer; brother Charles Godwin, and nine grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

White Oak Baptist hosts women’s retreat

White Oak Baptist Church, 3615 Mangum Road, will host a trip to Round Top Retreat Center in Round Top, Texas for a women’s retreat Nov. 8-10. All women 18 and older are welcome. The topic of study is prayer. The cost is $140, which includes lodging, five meals Paul Jackson, born July 4, 1933, died recently. He served his county in a two year and materials. Cost for seniors 60 tour of duty in Korea, and later worked for Hughes Tool. In 1962, he started a telephone and older is $115. answering service called, Answer All and owned that business for 13 years. Jackson later Call 713-392-0040 for informaput himself through air conditioning repair school and became a licensed air conditioning tion. repairman and worked in that industry for 12 years. After that, he worked as a local four wheel truck driver until retirement. He is survived by his son Matthew, daughter Sarah Jackson Panagos, brother Cullen Jackson, and six grandchildren.

Movie Night at St. Stephen’s

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will remembered as a fantastic mother and for her love of arts and crafts. Lee was one semeshost Family Movie Night at 6:30 ter away from obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is survived by her husband p.m. Nov. 8, in the fellowship hall.

Sheldon Lamont Lee; daughters Shelbria Jackson, Lynnbria Jackson and Shelynbria The movie is approved for all ages.

Jackson; parents James Mather Sr. and wife Mary, and Dorothy Lee Porter and husband Admission is free. The church will Michael; sisters Netta Lee, Jessica Lee, Tamika Mather and Dwanka Mather; brothers provide popcorn and lemonade.

James Mather Jr. and Ron Mather.

Bring blankets and pillows. Families are welcome to bring dinner Santos Mireles Jr., 75, born April 15, 1938, died Nov. 3. He is survived by his wife, with them.

Herminia; children, Patricia Aguilar, Sophia Flores, JoAnn Flores and Felix Avila; sisters All in the community who are Maria Cabrera and Rebecca Lagano, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. grieving a loss are welcome to attend a free grief seminar at 10 a.m.

Margaret Mary Podraza, 85, born Oct. 6, 1928 in Stoneham, Texas, died Oct. Nov. 19, in Room 101. The speak27. She attended Marshall High School in Houston was employed by the Federal Reserve er will be Rev. Kevin Otto’s wife, Bank. Podraza is survived by her sons Gary, Alan and Brian, daughters Sharon and Kim, Ginger, counselor with Interfacebrother Albert Yorek, sisters Pauline Harris and Sadie Husband, four grandchildren and Samaritan Counseling Centers. two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Call 713-686-8241 for visit Catholic Community, 3600 Brinkman, Houston 77018. www.stsumc.org for information.

Linda Marie Lee, 37, born April 7, 1976 in New Orleans, died Oct. 31. She will be

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First Baptist Church Heights pastor inauguration

To celebrate the return of the Rev. Larry Young as senior pastor, First Baptist Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., is holding an inauguration worship service followed by a free luncheon Nov. 10.

Young previously served as senior pastor from 1994 until his retirement in 2010.

The worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. with the fellowship luncheon to follow.

Call 713-861-3102 for information.

Many TALC activities in November

All veterans in the community are welcome to attend the Third Age Learning Center Veterans’ Day celebration Nov. 11. There will be patriotic music and singing, refreshments, door prizes and a special recognition of all veterans in attendance. Big Ed and the Happy Band will present a special patriotic program beginning at 10:30 a.m. and lunch is available at noon for $3. Festivities will be held in the All Saints parish hall, 215 E. 10th St. Call the church to make reservations.

A Fiesta Fundraising Lunch will be held Nov. 15, in the church parish hall. The event is sponsored by Fiesta Food Store and door prizes will be provided. The event also

Church Guide Oaks Presbyterian Church

Grace United Methodist Church “The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Nursery Provided

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

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

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

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

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

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

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

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

Member of MANNA

1822 W. 18th

concludes the TALC fall semester and there will be refreshments, music by the Strummin’ Saints senior band, class demonstrations and displays of stain glass, jewelry, machine quilting, watercolor and more. The program begins at 10 a.m. with lunch at noon. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the TALC lunch desk in the parish hall.

Call 713-248-1277 for information and lunch reservations.

and will benefit local food pantries.

Reservations are not required.

Call 713-861-0016 for information.

Live Nativity at St. Mark’s

A Live Nativity will be held at 6

Ad # D

PREVENTING ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS

St. Ambrose School holds Fall Festival

The Fall Festival will be held from noon-6 p.m. Nov. 16, at St. Ambrose School, 4213 Mangum Road, and will also kick off the Steps for Students campaign.

There will be games, food, music, Discovery Dome, laser tag, face painting, vendors, petting zoo, photo booth, train, obstacle course, quad jumper, silent auction, chili cookoff and more.

For information visit http:// sashornets.org/news/fall-festival.

Free health fair at Hope Episcopal

p.m. Dec. 15, at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore.

The Live Nativity will include live animals and camels.

Call 713-861-3104 for information.

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

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f your child has an orthodontic problem, you can save time and money if the problem is spotted early. Even better, you may be able to prevent major orthodontic problems from developing if you work closely with your dentist. That means paying special attention to your child’s primary or “baby” teeth.

Malocclusion — a “bad bite” — results when the upper and lower teeth do not come together as they should. This can have many causes. Harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can cause this. So can overcrowded teeth, missing teeth, or permanent teeth that do not erupt properly.

Through regular dental checkups begun at an early age, often many orthodontic problems can be avoided. At the same time, your child can learn good oral hygiene habits. If any problem develops often it can be treated before it becomes serious.

Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., will host a free community health fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nov. 16.

Free screenings available inPrepared as a public service to promote better dental health. clude blood pressure, vision, PSA From the office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., for men, flu shots (vouchers) for 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406. all who are uninsured, and the elderly on Medicare. There will be information on fitness, nutrition, healthy snacks, dental and health information along with face paintTemporary Strip Door Systems ing for the children, door prizes Convert a garage to a comfortable and goody bags. and functional room with easy Services will be provided on a access to the outdoors. first-come, first-served basis.

Adult Spiritual Formation classes are held every Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. and continue until 50% OFF December. The book “The Twelve 7 13 4 RENTAL 5 5 6 5 2 8 Spiritual Disciplines,” by Richard Visit Heights Showroom at 728 W. 22nd Sat/Sun Noon-6 J. Foster and Emilie Griffin will be Ad # 34881 used. No book purchase is needed.

All study materials will be provided. The presenter is the Rev. Bobbie Knowles. Refreshments will be served.

Call 713-682-4627 for information.

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Thanksgiving worship service and supper at All Saints Catholic

For the past few years, volunteers from several Heights churches have organized a Thanksgiving gathering. The observance has been hosted by a different church each year. The purpose of the community Thanksgiving observance is to raise awareness of the needs of local food pantries.

Dave Humphreys (St. Mark’s Methodist) and Alice Bongers (Zion Lutheran) are heading the planning group. Other churches with members volunteering to serve on the organizing committee are St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Beacon Light Outreach Ministry, Heights Christian Church and Grace United Methodist Church.

This year, All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., is host church. All Saints will hold a Thanksgiving worship service at 7 p.m. Nov. 25. There will be a light potluck supper from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Bring a plate of sandwiches, soup or dessert. Donations of canned food items are appreciated

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

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New Drug Resistant Heartworms

Recently in neighbor states along the Mississippi River, dogs have developed deadly heartworms while taking traditional monthly preventatives. This is very concerning to veterinarians and responsible pet owners who properly test and prevent for this mosquito transmitted parasite.

The vast majority of heartworm cases are still due to poor compliance with testing and prevention.

With the emerging threat, it is more important now than ever, to test rst and use safe approved drugs purchased only through authorized dealers. Most brands named companies will still guarantee and pay for heartworm treatments but only if owners are compliant through veterinarians.

Don’t be confused - only your veterinarian can prescribe heartworm preventions.

All dogs and cats need to be tested, treated and prevented for parasites. Your community veterinarians are there to help against common everyday threats that are here now and those emerging.

Your veterinarian has better methods to prevent New Resistant Heartworms.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

FAIRBANKS ANIMAL CLINIC WWW.FAIRBANKS.VETSUITE.COM 7151 Fairbanks N. Houston (1 mile North of HWY 290)

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

WHY LOVE ENGENDERS LOVE

M

irror neurons are nerve cells in the brain which re both when the individual acts and when the individual observes someone else doing the action in question.

They were discovered by Italian neurophysiologists in the 1990s who were studying hand and mouth movements in macaque monkeys. What they discovered, almost by accident, is that the neurons controlling these movements became active when the monkeys saw people picking up food and eating. Since then, mirror neurons have been found in many areas of the brain and it has been proposed that large areas of the human brain may act in a similar way, explaining why we suddenly feel happy when we see someone laughing and smiling, or why we might inch when we see someone trip and fall. Perhaps this is the explanation for why emotions tend to engender similar emotions in others and has been proposed as the neural basis for empathy.

Of course it doesn’t take a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist to know that happy people make others happy, while angry or anxious folks make others angry or anxious. So, we should try to be happy, be lovable, and make the world a better place by smiling at everyone you meet.

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

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Page 7A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • @heightsleader

They are the champions, my friends...

Reagan wins first district football title in 54 years recipe for disaster,” Bulldogs head coach Stephen Dixon said. “It’s huge. To win our first district title in 54 years brings big time school spirit.”

Reagan will wrap up the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday against Davis (4-5, 3-4) and then begin their UIL Class 4A playoff quest against the winner of Friday’s Tomball High-Tomball Memorial game at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Delmar-Tusa Stadium.

The last time Reagan earned a district football title, the head coach was Joe Tusa, an 87-year-old Timbergrove resident who went on to become Houston ISD’s athletic director.

The Bulldogs have won eight straight games, dating back to a 35-21 loss to Class 5A Westside (7-2) in the season opener on Aug. 30.

Until the Waltrip game, Reagan’s closest district game was a 36-point win over Milby on Oct. 4.

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

The Reagan High football team celebrated its first district championship in 54 years last Saturday. The Bulldogs defeated Waltrip, 28-14, to clinch the 4A-21 title at Delmar-Tusa Stadium. (Photo by GulfCoastShots.com)

Winning a district championship had seemed like a long shot as recently as three years ago for the Reagan High football team.

But Bulldogs sixth-year head coach Stephen Dixon Sr. has steadily built the program into a contender with playoff appearances in each of the past two seasons.

In 2013, Reagan hadn’t played a close game since late August, so last Saturday was supposed to be a coronation, or better yet, a formality for the program’s first district championship in 54 years.

Instead, the Bulldogs (8-1, 7-0) found themselves in a battle until the final two minutes, outlasting archrival, Waltrip, 2814, in both teams’ Homecoming Game at Delmar-Tusa Stadium.

“When you have six turnovers, that’s a

Left: Reagan High senior Leslie Meza, left, was named RHS Homecoming Queen, and Reagan senior Andrew Cortina was named Homecoming King. Middle: Reagan High sophomore running back Fred Cooper, right, runs the ball during the first half of the Bulldogs’ 28-14 win over Waltrip last Saturday. Right: A Gatorade-soaked Reagan head football coach Stephen Dixon, right, congratulates Bulldogs senior running back Tavon Dodd after the Bulldogs won the district title last Saturday. Bottom: Reagan High football players prepare to run on to the field for the start of last Saturday’s Homecoming Game, which they won 28-14, over Waltrip. (Photos by Michael Sudhalter)

How the Bulldogs became district champions...

Aug. 30 - Westside 35, Reagan 21 -- Senior running back Tavon Dodd scored two touchdowns.

The Bulldogs led 21-20 in the fourth quarter of their only loss of the season.

Sept. 7 - Reagan 38, Jones 16 -Senior quarterback Eric Duran scored three touchdowns as the Bulldogs earned a non-district win.

Sept. 14 - Reagan 59, North Forest 14 - The Bulldogs made a Ad # 37318 statement with a big resounding win over the defending district

champions.

Sept. 21 - Reagan 63, Wheatley 14 -- Reagan scored a season-best 63 points after taking a 49-0 halftime lead against the Wildcats.

Oct. 4 - Reagan 56, Milby 20 -- Reagan celebrated the news of foreign exchange student Magnus Kinne being declared eligible with a big road win over the Buffaloes.

Oct. 11 - Reagan 56, Sharpstown 13 - Reagan senior quarterback Eric Duran scored a seasonbest five touchdowns against the Apollos.

Oct. 18 - Reagan 41, Austin 0 - The Bulldogs recorded their first shutout of the season.

Oct. 26 - Reagan 59, Lee 0 Reagan sophomore running back Fred Cooper rushed for two touchdowns, and the Bulldogs held an opponent to 14 points or less for the fifth time in eight games.

Nov. 2 - Reagan 28, Waltrip 14 A different Bulldogs player scored each touchdown for the first time this season as Reagan overcame six turnovers to defeat Waltrip.

Class 4A-District 21 standings

Reagan High senior wide receiver Malcolm LaFleur celebrates the 4A21 title with a district championship dance.

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Page 8A • The Leader • November 9, 2013 • @heightsleader

Garcia • from Page 1A

Jonathan McElvy contributed to this report.

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in the holiday shopping mood, he is combining shopping with community service with the Second Annual Party for Pooches benefiting Barrio Dogs on Nov. 16.

Bliss on 19th, Jubilee and Style Cycle will donate 10 percent of that day’s sales to the cause, and there will be live music and food trucks who will also donate 5 percent of their sales.

According to Racquel Chavez at Langford Market, they’ve had holiday shoppers since mid-October, mostly buying smaller gift items like jewelry.

Heights resident Regan White was out enjoying a late afternoon walk last week while her husband stayed home to watch the Texans.

She stopped in Red Rocket, which features vintage and rockabilly clothes and accessories, because she “loves vintage.”

White’s 15 year old son is all about electronics now so she doesn’t shop for him much on 19th Street any more, although she said she’d be back for her work’s Secret Santa gifts.

“I’m sure I’ll go crazy then,” she said.

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what the organization did until he visited one day.

“There’s a camaraderie that could only be felt through the military,” Garcia said.

While many of the veterans at the American Legion are older folks, Garcia said it’s important to encourage veterans returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to join.

“A lot of guys my age are getting out of (the military),” Garcia said.

“We’re going to need an American Legion, and we’re going to have to recruit young people.”

Garcia’s family has a proud militarty history. He has five siblings, including one who is a Navy pilot.

His father and some of his uncles served in the Vietnam War. Garcia joined the Army in the summer of 1998, a couple of months after graduating high school.

He later earned an ROTC Scholarship to the University of TexasEl Paso and decided to become an officer.

He was stationed at Fort Sill, Okla., Fort Lewis, Wash. and Fort Benning, Ga. before he deployed to Mosul, Iraq from 2007-08 where he was a platoon leader of 30 light infantry soldiers.

Garcia chose not to share specif-

es is to “Think Local. Focus and capitalize on your local knowledge and connections: You know your customers and your locality much better than the neighboring big businesses.”

That’s what local store owners say they are doing.

Dale Johnson, co-owner of Eclectic Home, said people have already asked him about their holiday decorations which they put out the week before Thanksgiving. He noted that while shopping is strong, most customers are still buying for themselves.

He anticipates a good holiday shopping season though. “We’ve purchased more [merchandise] than last year,” Johnson said.

While national retailers have expressed concern about their numbers, that doesn’t seem to be the case for Elizabeth Blanton at Lift.

She said customers are already filing away inspiration for future purchases.

“The ornaments are starting to sell,” she said.

Another strategy, according to Manta, is finding a creative marics from his service in Operation keting approach. And that’s what Iraqi Freedom but said that it gave Dan Long, owner of Bliss on 19th Street is doing. While he anticihim great perspective on life.

“It was probably one of the pates the cold snap will get people things I’m the most proud of that I’ve done in my life,” Garcia said. “I Election • from Page 1A learned that you don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’re pushed to the limit. I never take other term – right after she gave a a day for granted. My worst day thankful sigh of relief.

“First, I have to say that I’m very (here in Houston) isn’t that bad of happy that I was running uncona day.”

Garcia’s military status gave him tested,” Cohen said. “I appreciate the opportunity to attend gradu- that the people of this district have ate school, free of charge. He’s confidence in me.”

Cohen said her plan wasn’t to currently enrolled in a Master’s in come up with new and innovaBusiness Administration (MBA) program at Texas A&M, and he’ll tive things to do for her district, graduate in 2015. He said it’ll help because that’s not the priority of a him manage more projects and council member.

“Sure, there are things we want people.

Although his undergraduate de- to get accomplished, but I want to gree was in Civil Engineering, he’s make sure we continue what we’ve currently working as an Environ- started,” she said. “I want to make sure there is single-stream recymental Engineer.

“I have a passion for sustain- cling in every household in Disability and water treatment,” Gar- trict C. Hopefully, that will happen within the next two years.” She cia said.

Although he’s very busy with stressed the word “hopefully.”

Among other issues important school and work, Garcia plans on staying involved with the Ameri- to her constituents, Cohen said she’d obviously continue to work can Legion.

“I recently read something on issues of public safety. But even that said ‘a generation of veterans more pressing than that is making should never forget another gen- sure the infrastructure of the district is improved. eration of veterans’,” Garcia said.

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Mayor Annise Parker announced the members of the 2013-2014 Mayor’s Youth Council last week.

Two St. Pius X juniors, Sarah Godwin and Andrew Sokulski, and a Reagan senior, Deijah Bordenave, are among the 45 high school students who took the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony held in Houston City Hall Council Chambers on Oct. 29.

“I’m excited to be part of the Mayor’s Youth Council,” Sokulski said. “I really wanted to be involved in local affairs and leadership classes.”

Said, Godwin, who’s a Greater Heights resident, “I really Bordenave wanted to do service hours and give back to my community.

I know you do a lot of service projects on the (MYC), and that’s something to look forward to.”

Established in 1998, the Mayor’s Youth Council provides young Houstonians with the opportunity to learn about city government, gain leadership skills and serve as a voice for Houston’s youth.

Godwin The students were selected from a pool of over 200 applicants. The applicants consisted of students ages 14-18 who live and attend high school in Houston. The final selections were based on written applications, interviews and community leadership experience.

Structured like the Houston City Council, the Mayor’s Youth Council is composed of the following posts: Council Chair Sokulski (Youth Mayor), City Secretary, Chief of Staff, Communications and Technology Director, Special Projects Director, Volunteer Director and 11 district and five at-large Council positions and their Senior Aides.

Shopping • from Page 1A

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Local students selected for Youth Council

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Ellen Cohen “In some of the older communities in my district, like the Heights, we have some pipes that have been underground since 1927. We need to fix those things,” she said.

If Cohen had to sum up her agenda for her next term, she said it would be to focus on quality of life, “because people want to move here,” she said.

“We have tree issues. Beautiful trees in our area that look to be threatened to be cut down,” she said. “We are a city of trees, and we need to look at the language [that] protects them.”

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