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Inside Today: Go inside a Bungalow Revival renovation • Page 1B

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Despite ﬁx, low water pressure still a problem

The mystery of low water pressure for some residents in the Lazybrook and Timbergrove areas persists, even after the replacement of a valve on 18th Street that was believed to be part of the problem. Alvin Wright, public information officer for the city’s Department of Public Works, encourages residents to keep calling “311” so the city can track the situation. Wright said replacing the valve may not have fixed the problem and added that more rainfall doesn’t result in higher water pressure. “I have lived here since 1972 and never had this issue until a few months ago,” Timbergrove resident Jerry Marburger wrote in an e-mail to councilwoman Ellen Cohen’s office. “Not only is the problem with me, and my subdivision Timbergrove on this side of bayou , but also Lazybrook and Holly Park subdivisions. This is well known and been in the Leader newspaper.” A representative from Cohen’s office said they haven’t received many calls regarding low water pressure. When they do receive a call, they forward the information to DPW, via a 311 report.

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

REMEMBERING LIBBY LEE

Many people remember longtime Heights resident Libby Lee as the wife of the late Clayton “Mr. Heights” Lee Jr., but Mrs. Lee, who passed away at age 95 at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, made just as many valuable contributions to the community. Graveside Services were at Forest Park Lawndale at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and Reverend Chris Bryan ofﬁciated. “In many ways, Libby Lee embodied the spirit of the community she called

Complete obituary, Page 6A Libby would be proud of where our community is going, Page 4A home for 95 years, the Houston Heights,” said Terry Burge, a longtime friend and president of the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce. “Loyal and lovely, charming and wise, she was ﬁercely independent yet always generous and gracious. Libby was one of the few remaining bridges between the Heights’ golden past and its thriving present.” Elizabeth (Libby) Weatherford Lee was born

If you need a room in this area, book it now by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

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THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classiﬁeds

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

see Lee • Page 8A

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in Bryan on Aug. 8, 1918, but to paraphrase the age old saying, she got to the Heights as quick as she could. Lee joined the Baptist Temple Church in the Heights in 1925 and was a member for nearly 87 years. She sang in the church’s choir for 33 years and was a charter member of the “Lifeline” Sunday school class. She graduated from Hamilton Middle School and Reagan High. She was a proud Reagan Redcoat drum major in the Class of 1936. Lee was very involved in the Heights civic community as a member of the Houston Heights Woman’s Club, and a past president of both the Houston Heights Women in Rotary and Women’s Auxiliary to Plumbing and Me-

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f we do one thing this time of year, we eat. We go to mom’s house for a traditional meal. We take the family to a restaurant when our feet are tired and our dishwasher is full. In today’s edition of The Leader, we offer a special look at the food that makes up the holiday season – local and celebrity recipes – and we even give you tips for how to prepare if you’re hosting your family for the ﬁrst time. Find The List inside today’s paper.

When Connie McCreight and her husband, Bob, bought Sara’s Bed and Breakfast from her parents in 1988 – who had purchased it themselves in 1983 – there wasn’t an overwhelming demand for their services. “People didn’t know what to do with us in the beginning,” According to Paige she said. But times Cassel, Hampton have changed. “I think we’re the Inn & Suites loses its lone ranger,” said business travelers McCreight, referduring the holidays, ring to the closing but picks up its of the Sycamore ‘leisure’ travelers at Heights Bed and the same time. Breakfast in October. Her 11 rooms are all booked for Thanksgiving and there’s one room left for Christmas. She said she gets customers with family in the Heights and Washington Corridor as well as Garden Oaks and Timbergrove too. Sandy and Allan Tkacz of San Antonio were enjoying a night to themselves before visiting their daughter in Memorial. “We love the Heights,” said Tkacz, who has a cousin there. “We’ll be back in a couple of weeks for the home tours.” Sara’s is popular because of the private baths, although some are bigger than others. “One room has the bath across the hall,” said McCreight. “It’s the last room to go, usually to a teenager or a single person.” Other amenities include Wi-Fi, mini-

see Rooms • Page 8A

For shoppers, local gems are the place to go by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Part of ﬁnding the right gift is knowing just where to look for it. And while some people may enjoy the crush of humanity at the Galleria this time of year, there are others who prefer to stick a little closer to home. Leader readers suggested a few local stores and boutiques which might not be on your radar, but should be. Linda’s Pearls and Jewelry is tucked into the corridor shops on 19th Street and owner Linda Brito-Smith said they don’t advertise, but this little shop is not to be missed. Open for eight years by appointment only and two years as a walk-in store, Linda’s Pearls and Jewelry specializes in fresh water pearls incorporated with semi-precious stones like agate, jade and turquoise. Customers can buy a ready made necklace or design their own because the shop will string and knot it for you.

“Others take two to three weeks to string a piece of jewelry but we’ll do it while you wait. It’s cheaper too,” said Linda Brito-Smith. She charges $45 an hour. Most of her business is word of mouth and walk-ins. She said she gets a lot of business from people who bring in jewelry of sentimental value to be restrung or because their heirloom pearl necklace has gotten too short. Brito-Smith and co-owner husband Michael have full time corporate jobs in the oil and gas industry, so the store is open on weekends, noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday as well as by private appointment. Down the street next to Menchies, Urban Soles is owned by Inge Feagin, who has had the shop for six years. “We focus on people who like to walk and hike,” she said and carries brands like Clarkes and Birkenstock.

see Shopping • Page 8A

Ellie Tyson looks at Darlene’s handbags as Marcy Conn and Jane Holzapfel look on.

Page 2A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Loan your cell phone? At your own risk by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

In recent months, the Houston Police Department has had several robbery and theft cases in which victims’ cellular phones were taken away from them. In some instances, a suspect requests to use a cell phone to make a call and leaves with it. Because cell phones are used for

so much more than making phone calls, it becomes a major issue to replace it. HPD’s public affairs department encourages the public to report anything that is suspicious. However, individuals can use their discretion when deciding whether to allow a stranger to use their phone. “I’ve been asked before,” said Sean Pope. “Some guy that looked

really shady asked to use my cell phone. I was very uncomfortable. I let him because I had other people with me. I probably wouldn’t do it again. There’s a ﬁne line between being a compassionate human being and being stupid.” A woman named Kendra said she wouldn’t take the risk, “unless it was an obvious emergency, like someone who just got into an accident.”

Danny Ray said he’d allow someone to use it, but he wouldn’t be fooled twice. “I can’t see myself saying no to someone,” Ray said. “Once it got stolen once, I wouldn’t do it again.” A woman named Rachel agreed, saying “Enough people have helped me out along the way, but I’d run them down if they stole it.”

Police: Too soon to tie antique burglaries together by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com Police say it’s too early to make a connection between the two, but there were two Garden Oaks burglaries that involved antiques last week. The ﬁrst one occured at Miller’s Cafe, 3830 North Shepherd, at some point during the evening of Nov. 12. Suspects broke the glass in the door and stole some vintage neon signs, along with a cooler and beer. The management of Miller’s declined to say how the burglary may have happened. Blue Moon Antiques owner Alex Leach, however, was willing to share what he thought was the cause behind a burglary that took place sometime during the late hours of Nov. 13 or the early hours of Nov. 14. “The last couple of weeks, we’ve had some shady characters come in,” Leach said. “We have crackheads up and down the street. Some of them come in and try to sell us stuff.” Blue Moon’s door was ripped out and among the stolen items were jewelry, antiques and even Elvis collectibles. “They had no fear of getting caught,” Leach said. “They ransacked everything, and they shat-

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An employee at Blue Moon Antiques cleans up shatttered class on the ﬂoor. The store was burglarized in the late hours of Nov. 13 or the early hours of Nov. 14. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter) tered glass.” Leach estimates that there was $15,000-$20,000 in lost merchandise and $3,000 in store damage. Because the store doesn’t have insurance, those expenses will be paid out of pocket. Police asked him to share photos of inventory, and he believes the suspects will go to other antique stores or pawn shops to try

to sell what they stole. “They’re going to (visit) all of the antique stores in the area,” Leach said. “If they leave Houston, we’re screwed. I’m hoping they’re stupid.” Leach said he’s concerned about the neighborhood, especially considering robberies at many of the nearby fast food restaurants. “We thought we were safe with

bars on the door,” Leach said. Earlier in the week, there was a robbery at Cash Biz, 4222 Ella. It happened at 10:20 a.m. on Nov. 12 when a suspect entered the store with a gun, demanding money before ﬂeeing with an undisclosed amount of cash. Like the other cases, HPD continues to investigate it.

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Police Reports, Nov. 9-17 NOV. 9

Theft 6:30 PM 4700-4799 MAIN Theft 2:39 PM 11000-11099 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 4:30 PM 4200-4299 MAIN ST Theft 7:00 PM 600-699 10TH ST Theft 9:30 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY CT Theft 8:00 PM 2500-2599 CENTER ST Theft 9:50 PM 1000-1099 19TH ST Theft 11:00 PM 1100-1199 27TH ST Theft 9:30 PM 800-899 ROY

Theft 2:30 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP SER Theft 12:00 AM 600-699 9TH ST Theft 10:30 PM 300-399 25TH ST Theft 8:00 AM 2700-2799 CORNELL ST

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Burglary 6:45 AM 900-999 RUTLAND Burglary 8:00 AM 900-999 TEETSHORN Assault 4:15 PM 100-199 YALE Burglary 7:45 PM 4600-4699 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 9:20 AM 2700-2799 18TH ST Burglary 5:00 AM 3800-3899 SHERWOOD LN Theft 3:00 PM 500-599 19TH ST Theft 12:18 AM 500-599 5TH ST Theft 10:00 AM 1400-1499 NORTH LP W Theft 5:00 PM 800-899 22ND ST Theft 7:00 PM 1600-1699 NORTH LP W

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Worker robbed on Fisk

A 33-year-old male hired to work at a residence in the 4600 block of Fisk was approached by two white males in their 20s at 11:05 p.m. on Nov. 11. One of the suspects took out a pistol and ordered him to get on the ground, which he did. At that point, the suspects reached into his pockets and stole cash and a cell phone. They ﬂed in a white pickup truck. Robbery Division is investigating the case.

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Minor arrested in Pinemont robbery A 14-year-old suspect who swung a crutch at a 42-year-old woman and stole her purse in the 700 block of Pinemont at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 was arrested. The suspect ﬂed the scene and two witnesses saw what happened. They detained the suspect until police arrived. He was referred to the Harris County Juvenile Probation Authority on a robbery charge.

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Theft 10:00 PM 1400-1499 WILDE ROCK WAY Burglary 8:00 AM 1200-1299 SAWYER Theft 11:08 PM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 10:00 PM 4300-4399 SHERWOOD LN Burglary 9:00 PM 2000-2099 MANGUM Theft 7:20 PM 1600-1699 DETERING ST Theft 7:30 PM 1600-1699 DETERING ST

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Page 3A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Greater Heights president: We’re going to be more pro-active by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com The Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council (Super Neighborhood 12) has decided to become more pro-active in its approach toward the issues affecting it. But the Council can’t accomplish those goals itself, said presi-

dent Blake Masters. “We’re going to visit all 12 civic clubs personally and ﬁnd out what their issues are,” Masters said. “We’re going to knock on doors of constituents and become pro-active at City Hall.” Masters emphasized that the Super Neighborhood isn’t antidevelopment, but they want to ensure “responsible development”

Greater Heights Super Neighborhood (SN 15) is looking to become more pro-active.

for the sake of their communities, which include Clark Pines, East Sunset, Heights West, Houston Heights, Lower Heights, Montie Beach, Park Square, Proctor Plaza, Shady Acres, Sunset Heights and Woodland Heights. “We want to get to the table with developers, meet with them and have a relationship with them, so they consider us when they make decisions.” Masters said. “If they value our relationship, they’ll factor that into how they do things. We have an opportunity to do more and be the voice of the community that’s missing.” Masters and Super Neighborhood vice president Mary Abshire pointed to 2009-2010 when the Super Neighborhood was just beginning to organize. They had to react to the Yale Wal-Mart construction, even though the project was technically in the Super Neighborhood 22 (Washington Ave.) area. Still, the project impacted the Greater Heights’ stakeholders. The Greater Heights Super Neighborhood worked with the Wal-Mart developer for improvements, but they were playing catch up through the process.

Montie Beach president looks to preservation Montie Beach Civic Club incoming president Ryan Leach wants to ensure that the blossoming subdivisions near I-45 and Main grow responsibly. Leach said the Civic Club, which represents the Brooke Smith, Oakdale Place and Lizzieton Terrace subdivisions, will be working with the city to achieve Chapter 42 designation. Chapter 42 is a City of Houston ordinance that regulates minimum lot size and lot line setback. “Lot line setback says you can’t build past a certain point on your property,” Leach said. Leach said securing these regulations will prevent building multiple townhouses on narrow streets that can’t support the trafﬁc. “Without (these regulations), you can tear down three houses and build a townhouse right in the street,” Leach said. “We want to prevent overcrowding of our area. I think (that type of development) “Wal-Mart was thrown into our laps, and we had to react,” Masters said. “We were still a new organization.” Abshire said the pro-active approach is one that the Super

Montie Beach Civic Club is looking preserve its unique neighborhood through Chapter 42 ordinance regulations.

is always a possibility. Developers are already spotting our area.” In order to make Chapter 42 a reality, ten percent of the area’s homeowners must sign a petition. Or the Civic Club could go block-by-block and get 51 percent of the homeowners on each block to sign. Either way, it protects the area that signed up for it for 20 years. “Our goal is to get the whole neighborhood, but we have to do it strategically,” Leach said. --Michael Sudhalter

Neighborhood had always intended to do, but now they ﬁnally have the opportunity for it. One of the organizations that the Super Neighborhood hopes to partner with is the Greater Heights

Chamber of Commerce. “I think it’s great,” Chamber president Terry Burge said. “The neighborhood needs to be as uniﬁed in its voice as it can.”

Allegiance expands, adds Independence Bank Locally based Allegiance Bancshares, Inc., has added to its fold. With one branch already located on Durham, Allegiance will now have two in the area after completing a merger with Independence Bank earlier this week. Allegiance Bancshares, Inc. announced today the completion of the merger of Independence Bank with and into Allegiance Bank Texas, the wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.,

effective on Nov. 15. Independence Bank operated three banking ofﬁces in the Houston Metropolitan Area. As of Sept. 30, 2013, Independence Bank reported total assets of $221 million, total loans of $134 million and total deposits of $198 million. The merger was completed Nov. 15. Okan Akin, President and CEO of Independence Bank, joined Allegiance Bank Texas as a Director and as a Regional Bank

Office President and Deputy Chief Credit Officer. Lawrence G. Fraser, former Chairman of the Board, and Matthew Hartzell, former Vice Chairman, of Independence Bank, joined Allegiance Bancshares, Inc. as Directors. Mr. Fraser will also serve as a Director of Allegiance Bank Texas. Bradley Bouillion, Rodney Nabors and Mark Owen joined Allegiance Bank Texas as Bank Office Presidents of their respective Bank Offices.

“The completion of the merger with Independence Bank is an important event in Allegiance’s history. We have worked with Okan Akin and his team over the past several months and we couldn’t be more pleased with the quality of the people and the bank that we have combined with,” commented George Martinez, Chairman of Allegiance Bancshares, Inc. “Upon completion of the operational integration, the customers of both banks will be

able to use any of our locations across the Houston Metropolitan Area.” “We are excited to consummate the transaction, which provides greater beneﬁts to customers of both organizations. We see opportunities to expand customer services and to offer convenient, new locations for our customers,” said Mr. Akin. Along with a location on Durham, Allegiance will also have a branch on 290 just north of Pinemont, and another on 610.

THE CALENDAR. BRAZILIAN STYLE THANKSGIVING Fogo de Chao

Bring the family for a unique Thanksgiving dining experience from noon to 8 p.m. at Fogo de Chao, 8250 Westheimer Rd. Choose from an abundant variety of deliciously prepared Brazilian meats, classic side dishes, as well as a farm fresh salad bar. The cost is $45.50 per person (salad bar only, $24.50), children 6 years and under eat free and children 7 to 12 years of age dine at half price. Information: 713-978-6500.

SCARBOROUGH WINTER FESTIVAL Scarborough High School

Scarborough, 4141 Costa Rica, will host a Winter Festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7, with a rock climbing wall, photos with Santa Claus, games, food, arts and crafts and performances. Call 713-613-2200 for more information.

MOVIE IN THE PARK Oak Forest Park

The last movie in the park for the year will have food trucks from Bernie’s Burger Bus, Koagie Hots and Porch Swing Desserts serving at 4 p.m. Dec. 7. A Charlie Brown Christmas will be showing at 5:30 p.m. and Elf at 6:15 p.m. Non-perishable foods will be collected for Kids’ Meals (Meals on Wheels for Children). A list of needed items can be found at www.kidsmealshouston.org/host-a-donation-drive. Bring ﬁve items from the list and receive a coupon for $5 towards any food truck.

PUBLIC POETRY Collier Regional Library

This series is a partnership between Public Poetry, a 501(c)(3) non-proﬁt organization, and Houston Public Library. Events are held at 2 p.m. on the ﬁrst

Saturday of each month. The event will be held Dec. 7, at 6200 Pinemont Dr. houstonlibrary.org.

HELMS WINTER FESTIVAL Helms Elementary School

Come by for some good family fun at Helms Winter Wonderland in Texas, from 3-6 p.m. Dec. 7, at Helms Elementary School, 503 W. 21st. There will be food, fun and games at this free event. Information: helmsfestival@gmail.com.

OFHA’S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Candlelight Park Community Center

The Oak Forest Homeowners Association will be hosting its second annual Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m., Dec. 14, at 1520 Candlelight Lane. Breakfast tacos will be provided by Frida’s, along with a holiday movie and a craft table for the children. Bring a camera (sorry, pets are not allowed in the community center for pictures). A $5 donation is appreciated.

OPEN HOUSE St. Jerome’s Catholic School

St. Jerome’s, 8825 Kempwood, will host open houses on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, log on to www.stjeromecs.org or call 713-4687946.

Every week OAK FOREST RUNNING CLUB Oak Forest Chill

This free social running club, part of the Oak Forest Homeowners Association, meets at 3542 Oak Forest Drive at 6 p.m. each Tuesday. Brother’s Pizzeria provided post-run food. Information: 281-6859929.

Fresh Arts to host Winter Holiday Market Fresh Arts is pleased to announce its eighth Annual Winter Holiday Art Market (WHAM), a juried art sale and citywide celebration of Houston’s most talented and diverse artists. WHAM offers a wide variety of art and specialty items made by more than 60 local artists of all disciplines including painting, sculpture, and photography, as well as jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more. Unique, authentic, homegrown, and community based, the Winter Holiday Arts Market is the premier venue for local artists to engage directly with the public thereby solely beneﬁtting Houston’s ﬂourishing arts economy. Different from the typical holiday hustle and bustle, WHAM offers attendees the opportunity to support some of Houston’s remark-

Now you can book your time online.

ably gifted artists while enjoying live music, free beverages, food for sale by local vendors, art demonstrations, performances and the opportunity to purchase and explore a variety of arts and crafts made solely by local artists. Since its inception, WHAM has generated roughly $400,000 for local artists and it continues to grow as a well-recognized and important venue for the Houston area art community. WHAM is a three-day affair, kicking off with an exclusive Preview Party and Happy Hour from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, and resuming on Sat., Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets to the Friday night Preview Party are $10 for general public and free for Fresh Arts members.

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Page 4A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

I think Libby would be proud of where we’re headed I

n a few days, my wife and I are loading up our ever-expanding child (the two-month-old destructor of milk and diapers) and making the trip back to my home in Alabama. We’ll visit family, some of my oldest friends, and eat real barbecue – sorry Texas. Yes, I know what you’re thinking here: I’m telling the entire world, or those who still read these dinosaur newspapers, that our house will be vacant for a period of time, leaving a clean shot for the jerk criminals who steal stuff. No worries. I keep snipers in my trees, and my house is surrounded by the best neighbors, who all yield rakes and shovels. Go ahead. Try to steal our wind chimes. I get excited about my rare trips home for a couple of reasons. First, I love Alabama for its trees, rivers, beaches, golf courses and, well, football. More important, I don’t get to see my family very often, and taking little Hank home to meet his uncles, aunts and cousins is something any new dad relishes. No matter how much I love our community, our diverse way of life, and all the activities we have here, I’m like anybody else – I love my home. And I love it most because of the people who helped shape me. Which brings me to a story we have on the front page of today’s paper. Libby Lee, one of the dearest women you’ll ever meet, passed away at the age of 95 last week. I don’t know that you’d call

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

Libby the “Mother of the Heights,” but she and her late husband, Clayton Lee Jr., were the closest thing the Heights had to a First Family. They loved this community, helped solidify the Houston Heights Association, served through the Rotary Club, and led the construction of the World War II monument on Heights Boulevard. I only met Libby a couple of times, and I never interviewed her for a story. But our editor, Michael Sudhalter, talked to her back in July for a section we published called, “The Vision.” Michael talked to Libby about the good old days, asked her what she loved about her community, what she would improve, and what her late husband would have thought of the changes we’ve seen in the past decade. One of Libby’s answers caught my attention. While reﬂecting on the past, she said she could recall a time when everyone knew each other. “It was like a big family at one time,” she said. “I always

THE READER. ‘Scenic’ Houston

Dear Editor: First, I have a working relationship with Scenic Texas and the Scenic City Certification Program. I am familiar with their efforts to improve Houston, Texas roadways and all Texas cities’ aesthetic value. These are all things worth fighting for. With that in mind, I found your headline regarding the Scenic City Certification awarded to Houston is very misleading. You state “Houston named one of the most scenic cities in Texas?” Really, I ask you? Where did you get that information? I don’t see that language -- “one of the most scenic cities” -- on the Scenic City Certification website nor do I see it in the city’s press release... Is that a made up “fact” or an assertion made by someone you didn’t bother mention in your article? The Scenic City Certification Program’s awards are only given to cities that APPLY for the certification. Houston applied and had the necessary criteria in

hoped it would stay like it was.” After talking with Michael, who did the interview, I asked what she meant by that. Was she not happy with what has happened in our area? Did she not like the growth? Why was there hesitance about the incredible transformation we’ve seen here? It seems Libby was upset about one thing, specifically. She was a member of Baptist Temple Church in the Heights for 87 years – yes, you read that right. Last year, the church decided to sell part of its building to a developer, who obviously has plans for retail space. It’s fair that Libby didn’t like the thought of her church becoming an outpost for another quirky Austin restaurant (or whatever it becomes), but I think there was something even deeper in what Libby said in her final interview with The Leader. During the ups and downs of all of our neighborhoods – whether its the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest or the neighborhoods of North Houston – the one thing that has always held us together are the people. When the Heights struggled through the ’70s and ’80s, people like Libby and Clayton never wavered. They stayed true to home, promoted the good, and tried to fix the bad. And it goes beyond the Lee family. I remember an interview I did earlier this year with a man named Daryl Rickaway, who lives in a neighborhood of North Houston. I was so struck by his

place via ordinances. It is that simple. The Scenic City website even states it isn’t a “beauty contest.” The mission of the program is: “...to support and recognize Texas municipalities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces, with the longterm goal of improving the image of all cities.” Plenty of folks would consider Fredericksburg one of the “most scenic cities in Texas” but the fact that they have either not applied for the certification or didn’t have ordinances in place does not make it any less scenic, now does it? Thus, Houston applying and getting a certification also does NOT make it “one of the most scenic.” It simply means it is receiving recognition for its efforts. Obviously, everyone would like to see enforcement on the backside of those efforts. Houston has tons of work to do to truly be scenic. We can’t do anything about our geography so we must focus on things that we can control. I suggest that you circle back to Anne Culver and

ﬁnd out more about what the organization is trying to do and perhaps join in the eﬀorts to push for improvement rather than poo-poo positive gains. You might even like to take a down and dirty look at the Scenic Houston Streetscape Guide to see all of the things Scenic Houston is calling out our city and municipal planners out on, including not enforcing rules and standards already on the books. Cole Schweikhardt Dear Editor: Picked up a fresh copy as I left the Y after workout this morning and read your article. You are totally right! The devil’s in the details of a scenic Houston. We can’t expect Scenic Houston or COH to be the scenic police. The lingering roadside issues you photographed and noted are every man’s responsibility. If each one of us focused less on the hasty outcome and more on the importance of care and surroundings as

Have you gotten bowled over? THE GROCERY STORE – Only two products can fill an entire aisle: beer and breakfast cereals. I gave up counting the various brands of the latter: Raisin Nut Bran, Cinnamon Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 12 different kinds of Cheerios, Snap, Crackle and Pop. The average American spends about 13 minutes a day preparing and eating breakfast, and a lot of that is cereal. Do you eat cereal for breakfast, or feed it to your children, spouse, homeless former Astro? Quite probably you do. According to IRI Builders Panel data, the breakfast cereal market has a cold cereal household penetration rate of 91.6 percent and a hot cereal household penetration rate of 61.8 percent. That’s pretty penetrating. Here’s an interesting point: cereal is relatively cheap, so when the Great Recession hit America, cereal sales went up. Now that the economy is getting better, at least for hedge fund managers and energy company CEOs, more people are returning to breakfast at cafes and to-go spots, choosing eggs benedict and bacon-with-crabcakes. So cereal sales are stagnant, and the industry is turning some of its ads toward adults. As you probably know, James Caleb Jackson is considered the father of flakes. He hatched a cereal called granula in 1863. It was dreadful and had to be soaked in water overnight to be soft enough to chew. George H. Hoyt came up with Wheatena about 1879 and put it in boxes, which made his product a lot easier to handle than shoveling it out of a bag. Cornflakes were created by soonto-be-rich John Harvey Kellogg, a physician, who worked at a sanitarium – a health spa not an asylum. It was run by Seventh Day Adventists at their headquarters in Battle Creek, Mich. which ever since has been “The Cereal Capitol of the World.” The locals preferred Capitol to Capital and the Battle Creek City Council even voted to make that word official. Eventually there were 40 cereal companies in the town. Charles Post developed GrapeNut Flakes and Post Toasties in Battle Creek, that made him millions. Post, who had dabbled in Fort Worth real estate, then

A SH BY AT

L ARG E

bought 225,000 acres on the Texas plains and set up a complete town called Post City, now Post, Texas. It was so dry out there that he spent thousands trying to create rain by ﬁring four-pound dynamite charges off the Caprock every four minutes over several hours. It didn’t work. By 1924 General Mills entered the picture with Wheaties. These are still the giants of the industry. Here is yet another shelf of cereals. Not only do they beckon children with pretty packages but they teach spelling, too: Froot Loops, Rice Krispies, Choc Fruity Dyno-Bites, Krave, Craklin’, Chex and Trix. This box teaches both bad spelling and breaking the law: Cap’n Crunch. His uniform shows him to be a fraud. Crunch is a commander, not a captain. The Wall Street Journal in jest reported that the U.S. Navy had no record of Crunch and that the NCIS was investigating him for impersonating a naval ofﬁcer. These are just the cold cereals. Across the aisle are just as many cereals to be served hot: Cream of Wheat, Quaker Oats, etc. Almost from the beginning the industry advertised heavily. Today the breakfast cereal ads are second only to automobiles. Originally the cereal makers pitched to adults, then to children and now, as we see above, it is turning some effort towards adults again. That explains Bear Naked Fit. But kids are still a major market. Have you ever checked children’s TV shows on weekend mornings? Tony the Tiger rules. In 2007, the average American child viewed 757 cereal ads on TV, and 98 percent of these ads promoted unhealthy cereals that would be banned from advertising to children in Britain. Some cereal companies put their brands on the bottom shelves in grocery

recollection of his neighborhood as a child, his perfect memory of his neighbors, and his commitment to the safety of his streets even today – decades since he played in the park near his home. I remember a back and forth with a young lawyer in the Heights, Jonathan C.C. Day, who wasn’t exactly happy with my take on a development issue, but who sat down with me, offered ideas and ways to improve the community through art. I remember just a few months ago when a group from Oak Forest was quite angry with me for my opinion on private security, and how folks like Lucy Fisher Cain, Nora Loera and Matt Mitchell stood up for what they believe, which was the protection of their homes and loved ones. They care, and that’s what matters most. In my day-to-day dealings in our community, where I communicate with a whole lot of people, I am obviously struck by the transcendent growth of our neighborhoods and businesses. But the physical growth can’t compare to the people here who care about where they live. In about 30 seconds, I wrote down the names of Paul Carr, a staple in the Heights, Terry Burge, head of our Chamber and the man who built The Leader into an institution. I think of folks like Walter Shepherd, who quietly gives more to the young people in our community than you can ever imagine (and he likes it that way – sorry Walter).

stores so that small children can spot them. “Mommy, please can we get Choc-Sugar Honey Tarts and Tooth Fairy Decay?” Incidentally, one story had it that Kellogg was in the horse feed business and when Americans turned to cars, he changed his horse feed to breakfast cereal, but apparently that was just an ugly rumor started by horses. Also, some economists have determined that the breakfast industry spends more on the cereal box than its contents. The manufacturers do spend a lot on paper, ink and paying sports stars who dominate the packaging (“Breakfast of Champions”), but the continuing change in international prices in corn, wheat, rice and sugar -- lots of sugar – plus paying the peasants in Ethiopia to harvest them, makes it hard to compare. Still, those are good stories. Every now and then some goody two-shoes points out that our kids are eating a bunch of junk, but nothing happens. A few years ago there was even a Congressional hearing on the nutritional value of breakfast cereals. An industry nutritionist testified that if you take a bowl of cereal and add milk or cream, some bananas, strawberries, maybe grapes, that was a most nutritional meal. “What if you just consumed the milk and fruit?” a nosey Congressman asked. There was a long silence and I don’t remember the reply, possibly because there wasn’t one. How profitable is the breakfast cereal biz? One study noted about the early days: “Combining cheap grains with cheap sugar was like printing money. A 75-cent bushel of grain could now yield 12 dollars worth of cereal.” Today in this country cereals are about $11.5 billion-a-year industry. To keep the bowls filled, the industry is adept at changing. Fiber used to be the fad. Americans couldn’t get enough fiber, so Tony the Tiger changed his stripes. Brans were good. Then the shelves got organic. Next healthy food came into vogue. Guess what? Wheat and sugar are healthy. Something called Kashi is a hot cold cereal. To combat the to-go craze, now some cereals are to-go. Pass the eggs benedict. Ashby is bowled over at ashby2@comcast.net

I think of public ofﬁcials like Ellen Cohen, Ed Gonzalez and Alan Rosen. I think of entrepreneurs like Ken Bridge. I think of the Hartman family, or other Realtors like Pat Walker, Bill Baldwin, Allen Frieze and all the others I’ll get in trouble for not listing. The Realtors in our area are pretty unique because I get the sense they really care about the homes where we’ll live. This was never intended to be a listing of the Who’s Who in our community, and I don’t want it to be perceived as such. But as I heard the news of Libby Lee’s passing this week, and then recalling her comment about being “a big family,” I couldn’t help but think that maybe, in her passing, we’re quietly becoming exactly what she hoped. And here’s what really struck me: As my wife and I drive young Hank home to visit my family, I realize that this community, our neighborhoods, will be Hank’s home when he grows older. He’ll make his friends here. He’ll come back to visit our community with the same excitement I have in a return to Alabama. He’ll probably even like the barbecue. I think Libby would be proud of that. I think she’d be proud that, as we transform, we’re doing a pretty good job of meeting our neighbors, building relationships, all the while preserving the things our predecessors appreciated most.

we do our work, we’d be a better city, no matter who’s mayor. Janice Van Dyke Walden

Thanks for the paper

Dear Editor: The Leader has been delivered to our house in the Heights for as long as I can remember. Most of the time I typically just tossed it in the recycle bin. However, since you have taken over the paper it has become my mainstay newspaper publication. It has become an outstanding piece of work. In my opinion it is much better than the Houston Chronicle and other city newspapers that I have read over the years. I appreciate the weekly delivery and the great work you are doing. It is much appreciated. Keep up the good work. Brian

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

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The Puzzles. Solutions 6Bclasssi of today’s edition Solutions in on thisPage issue’s ed section.

ACROSS Cont... 46. Pear-shaped vowels 47. Creator of 23 across 49. Leavened rum cake 50. “Much __ About Nothing” 51. Two-sided discussion 56. Snakelike shes 57. Fold 58. Removed writing 59. Away from wind 60. Small time unit (abbr.) 61. Look at with xed eyes 62. Former Soviet bloc 63. Vision organ 64. Three-banded Armadillo

CLUES DOWN

CLUES ACROSS 1. Pepsi is one 5. Kilocalorie (abbr.) 8. Canadian yers 12. Bright eshy seed covers 14. Exclamation of triumph 15. Dawn (Spanish) 16. Former Spanish currency 18. Illuminated 19. A benet bestowed 20. Spanish beaches

21. Solid water 22. Baby owers 23. Surrealistic comic strip 26. Uncontrollable tremors 30. Dapper 31. Ear shell 32. Russian river 33. #1 soup noodle brand 34. Relating to a tube 39. Air Reserve base (abbr.) 42. Relating to Deism 44. More dried-up

SUDOKU

1. “’Lil Abner” cartoonist Al 2. Pitcher Hershiser 3. Elvis’s daughter 4. Mt. Lebanon resort town 5. Islamic civil and religious leader (var. sp.) 6. Mexican American 7. A sideways pass 8. Bunny 9. Threatening rain 10. Where one abides 11. Ardent devotees 13. Not moving 17. Ghastly pale from distress 24. Midway between E and SE 25. Writing materials sellers 26. Even golf score 27. Fabric of camel or goat hair 28. Hide from police: on the ___ 29. Patti Hearst’s captors 35. Universal Standard Time (abbr.) 36. British thermal unit 37. Own (Scottish) 38. Digital display material 40. Fall back to a former state 41. Tom __, former LA mayor 42. Runs PCs 43. Wear away 44. Russian marten furs 45. Item used for 58 across 47. A Scottish Highlander 48. Rolls-__, luxury car 49. Jeff Bridges’ brother 52. Bay Area Transit Authority 53. As fast as can be done (abbr.) 54. Metric prex for 10 to the 12th power 55. Frankenberg river

Page 5A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

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Page 6A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Helping those in need

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS Thanksgiving lunch at Oaks Christian

Oaks Christian Church, 1216 Bethlehem, will be hosting a free community Thanksgiving lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Turkey and dressing along with various side dishes and dessert will be served. All are welcome. Call 713-688-7761 for information.

St. James celebrates ﬁrst two years of redevelopment

St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd St., and its Family Life Center welcome the community to a special worship service at 9:45 a.m. Nov. 24, to celebrate its ﬁrst two years of redevelopment. A slide presentation will highlight its various ministries and special events as it continues its community outreach. A reception will follow. The sixth annual Children’s Christmas Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 9:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 15. Saturday day camp activities include arts and crafts, music, cookie decorating and more. Sunday will include participation in worship with music, followed by an awards ceremony and reception. The camp is open to children from 4 to 12 years old. Lunch will be provided. For registration or information, call 713-686-1577 or email stjameshouston@aol.com.

Pictured above is Dr. George Junkin from Northwest Chiropractic Center, Betty Godso and Chris from the Mission of Yahweh. Northwest Chiropractic Center holds a food drive every year, to help feed those in need. On Nov. 12, all services were donated in exchange for donations for the food drive. The Mission of Yahweh feeds needy families every Thanksgiving and Christmas in addition to the homeless women and children in their shelter. Northwest The Archdiocesan Choir and Orchestra Chiropractic Center is located at 11510 Northwest Fwy., 713-686-0828. presents ‘In Memoria’ www.DrJunkin.com. Like us on Facebook page for upcoming events. “In Memoria” is a concert dedicated to the new Pope Francis, and will

be performed by the Archdiocesan Choir and Orchestra of GalvestonHouston at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., at 3 p.m. Nov. 24. The featured work for this concert will be the Coronation Mass by Mozart with chorus and orchestra. Call 832-641-6319 for information.

OBITUARIES Thelma Grace Beckham Brown, 85, born Dec. 13, 1927 in Chandler, Texas,

died Nov. 16. Brown was a longtime member of Temple Oaks Baptist Church. She is survived by sons Cliﬀord and Rex Brown, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Peggy Ann Fowler, 61, born July 21, 1952, died Nov. 13. Fowler, who was born with Down Syndrome, lived for several years at the Center Serving Persons With Mental Retardation, where she met her boyfriend of 17 years, Bernard Fontaine. She enjoyed bowling, Girl Scouts and Special Olympics. She is survived by her sister Patsy Ruth Fowler Brautigam. Memorial contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation, www.dsrtf.org. Phyllis Ann Gressett, 77, died Nov. 13. She is survived by her sons Don, Doug and Russell Gressett, sisters Lois Petrich and Gayle Mulkey, brother Kenneth Byrd, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. JoAnn Houston Flowers Hassett, 83, born July 15, 1930 in Delevan, Kan., died Nov. 15. Hassett lived in the Heights and grew up in St. Marks United Methodist Church. After graduating from Jeff Davis High School, she attended the University of Houston and graduated with a bachelor’s and a teaching certificate in social sciences. She later earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught for more than 30 years, 29 of which were spent teaching in the Houston Independent School District. Most of her career was spent teaching government and economics. Hassett is survived by daughters Kay Flowers, Karen Stephens, sister Billie Jean Batson, step-daughters Debbie Hart and Diane Hassett. Memorial contributions may be made to the music program at churches she attended.

Church volunteers present Interfaith service and supper

D. Elizabeth “Libby” Weatherford Lee, born Aug. 8, 1918 in Bryan, died Nov. 16. She attended Helms Elementary School, Hamilton Junior High School, and Reagan High School. One of her proudest moments was the day she was elected to be the Drum Major of the Reagan Red Coats for the fall of 1935 and spring of 1936. Lee was a longtime member of Baptist Temple Church, where she sang in the choir for 33 years. She was a charter member of the “Lifeline” Sunday school class, member of the Houston Heights Woman’s Club, member and past president of the Houston Heights Women in Rotary, and past president of Women’s Auxiliary to Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors. She was also a past recipient of the Marcella Perry award in 1992. She was preceded in death by her husband and the true “Love of her Life,” Clayton Floyd Lee, Jr. Survivors include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heights Rotary Foundation for the World War II Memorial and Clayton Lee Plaza, 448 W. 19th St., Box 364, Houston 77008. Jeﬀrey Alan Stott, born Sept. 19, 1973, died Nov. 15, in Iowa Colony, Texas. Mark Randall Sturtz, 62, born Sept. 10, 1951 in Corpus Christi, died Nov. 9. He moved to Houston shortly after graduating from Carroll High School in 1969. Mark began a career in sales that lasted until his death. He worked for R B Fittings and Flanges for the last 15 years. Sturtz is survived by his parents George and Marilyn Sturtz, daughters Kelly and Kortney, siblings Rhonda, Eileen and Randy, and ﬁve grandchildren.

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The 2013 observance of the Heights interfaith community Thanksgiving service will take place at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E, 10th St., 427 West 20th St. • Suite 212 at 7 p.m. Nov. 25. (across from Heights Hospital) Volunteers from several Heights-area churches have staged the nondenominational service, which each year is hosted by a different church 713-864-2621 Fax: 713-864-2622 with a different guest preacher. A freewill offering to beneﬁt Heights food pantries will be collected �� during the service. �� The service in the church will be preceded by a potluck supper in the All Saints cafeteria, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Potluck supper attendees are Ad # 33490 asked to bring either a plate of sandwiches, a pot of soup, or dessert, as well as a donation of canned food to beneﬁt food pantries. There is no charge for the potluck supper. For information, call 713-861-0016 or email HCCHouston@att.net.

Thanksgiving meal at Heights Presbyterian

Heights Presbyterian Church, 240 W. 18th St., will hold a Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 28. Come by for turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, corn, candied yams, cranberry sauce, roll, dessert and iced tea. There will also be door prizes and musical entertainment. If one is not physically able to attend, a meal can be delivered. Call 713-861-1907 for information or reservations.

Johnson Memorial students raise funds in Trike-A-Thon

Maye Frances Hutson, died Nov. 11.

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Students at the Johnson Memorial Preschool at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., held a Trike-A-Thon on Nov. 7. They learned safe riding habits while raising funds to beneﬁt St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The Solitaires, a fellowship and support group for widows and widowers, will hold their monthly meeting Nov. 30, in the fellowship hall. A catered lunch will be served. For information, please call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org.

Breakfast with Santa at Zion Lutheran

Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp, will be hosting Breakfast with Santa from 9-10:45 a.m. Dec. 1. There will be breakfast, crafts, stories and pictures with Santa. Donations of canned goods or other nonperishables for the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry will be collected. Call 713-869-1493 or visit www.zlchouston.wix.com.

What Food and Items To Avoid 1. Grapes & raisins recently have been found to contain an unknown kidney toxin in dogs. Macadamia nuts also contain an unknown toxin harmful to dogs.

2. Onions and large amounts of garlic can damage red blood cells in dogs & cats leading to anemia. 3. Chocolate & caffeine can affect the heart & nervous system. 4. Bones and fat can cause pancreatitis and G.I. obstructions. 5. Spoiled food or garbage can cause food poisoning. 6. Pica (eating non-food items) such as peach pits, plastics, corn cobs, toys, rocks, sticks or string/thread can cause G.I. obstruction and death. 7. Raw meat/eggs can harbor deadly bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Also tapeworms and toxoplasma cysts in raw meat can affect pets and people. 8. Plants are better not consumed. We maintain a list of poisonous plants. 9. Human medications such as Tylenol or asprin will kill a cat. Advil and similar drugs can kill dogs. Some medications are safe and effective if properly dosed. 10. Other common poisonings we see are from rat/mice poisons, insecticides and anti-freeze. Also over the counter ea topicals that are labeled “for use on dogs only” will kill a cat.

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Live Nativity at St. Mark’s

A Live Nativity will be held at 6 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.

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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 Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

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

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

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

�� (Disciples of Christ)

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

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761 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 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

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

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

C

harles Dickens was no saint. His personal and family life left much to be desired, yet it is worth pointing out a couple of his worthwhile accomplishments. Dickens almost single-handedly invented the Christmas holiday as we know it today; that is, as a joyous community-wide holiday with numerous celebrations. Before Dickens, the birth of Christ was commemorated in England and America in special church services, but no one would have thought of something so worldly as street decorations and parties with banquets and desserts and dancing. You probably also know Dickens as the great novelist who was credited more than anyone else with reforming the cruel social system of his day. You may even know of his childhood hardships: being forced to go to work in a blacking factory at age 12 while his father was in debtorís prison. But why didnít those harsh life experiences make him just another hostile, hopeless thief like so many others? How did his suffering motivate him to lift himself and others out of poverty and to change his world rather than to surrender in bitter defeat? In his own words, he wrote, ìI know that, but by the mercy of God, I might easily have been, for any care that was taken of me, a little robber or vagabond. by Herschel E. Moore, Pastor, Heights Christian Church Heights Blvd. at 18th St.

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Page 7A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Art a la Carte: Art Show Extravaganza

Good Dog 903 Studewood www.gooddogfoodtruck.com Hot Dogs: $5.50-$6.50 Sandwiches and Salads: $7-$13 Milkshakes: $6.25 Kid Friendly: Hot dogs are a kid’s best friend (and plenty of coloring materials helps too) LE’s Favorite: Ol’ Zapada Hot Dog and a Fizzy Mint Lemonade

Review: Everyone craves

the taste of a good hot dog

You know that your city’s food truck scene has matured to mainstream legitimacy when the original mobile concept has gained enough popularity (and proﬁtability) to move itself into a brick and mortar building. The gourmet dog dudes behind the rolling version of Good Dog are the latest to go sedentary. (This doesn’t mean their truck has been retired -- rather taking a dual threat approach joining the likes of Eatsie Boys and Bernie’s Burger Bus, who has lined up a gig inside Reliant Stadium.) Good Dog took up the space vacated by Big Mamou on Studewood and the dog dealers didn’t do much to the building but put a coat of baby blue and white paint on the clapboard house. The biggest change inside the restaurant is the addition of a small bar along the back wall leading into the kitchen. It gives the place an added dimension with stool seating and Texas beers on tap. But the focus of this place is all franks. The hot dog heavy menu has much more than your run-of-themill wiener, which was the recipe for its cult following as a food truck. The offerings of gastronomically modiﬁed hot dogs doesn’t deviate much from what they are slinging out of Good Dog’s mobile version but has a few of its own twists. There’s Good Dog’s signature Chitown, New Yorker, Chillin’ and the fried batter hugged Corny Dog. Some enticing additions like the Curryous Frank, which features cilantro chutney and sweet potato crisps, and the Picnic Dog, topped with beer and chorizo chili and potato salad, made it a tough choice when Leader Eater stopped in recently. I went with the Ol’ Zapata because of the multi-faceted medley of soft muenster cheese,

caramelized onions, bacon and jalapeno relish. This collection of toppings is in stark contrast to the traditional chili and onion combo that deﬁnes the original supped up hot dog – the chili dog (or a Coney Island Dog where I grew up). My Co-Pilot went down this road with the Chillin’ Dog, which she loved, but I just can’t get on board with the raw onions and chili thing. (The Red Potato Salad is a winner on the side of any of the dogs but the Short Bus Potato Chips were sporting too much oily residue.) No matter your preference of hot dog toppings, the freshness of their cylindrical meat – sourced from Black Hill Ranch Meats – and the buttery goodness of the bun it’s in – courtesy of Houston’s own Slow Dough Bread Co – are the building blocks that make these franks incredible. In fact, The Bomber (my ﬁveyear-old going on 15) stuck to just this basic formula – dog and bun – while Good Dog’s homemade condiments sat on the side. She chowed down on that dog like she hadn’t eaten in weeks (and spent the rest of the time sneaking sips from my extra delicious Fizzy Mint Lemonade and coloring in Good Dog’s urbane coloring sheets with their in-house inventory of colored pencils). A hot dog in its most basic form is a retreat to everyone’s culinary beginnings in this country – a universal staple of summer barbecues, an essential item in a camping cooler and a quick whiff of them takes me to the bleachers of a ballpark. This is Good Dog’s secret to success. Even though they are all grown up now, with a house of their own and a fancy fund of toppings, everyone digs a hot dog.

This is the weekend that anyone is more likely to stumble upon an art show than a land mine in a dog park. Credit should be given to the person who pioneered it all, Motherdog Studios founder, John Runnels, who also started Artcrawl Houston, 21 years ago this Saturday in 1992. Mitch Cohen This art- Arts Columnist ist run event has expanded only slightly beyond its origins in the Artists Warehouse District at the north end of downtown Houston. I don’t recall exactly when I ﬁrst attended this event. I know it was at least 1996, when walking from studio to studio was the norm, and you were as likely to ﬁnd yourself in an artist’s kitchen as you would the studio back then. As popularity rose, so did attendance and the artist roster. Today, even with artist studios the norm, Artcrawl Houston is still the best event to meet artists and talk to them about their work - and for many, that will be in their studio. There is free parking at UH Downtown. In addition to Artcrawl, two other events have made this their annual holiday soirée, albeit more than one evening. WHAM, Winter Holiday Art Market, hosted by Fresh Arts is Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Winter Street Studios. If you can only make it one day, make it Friday evening. It will be the best ten bucks you’ve ever spent. Saturday and Sunday are free. While downtown, the Via Colori Street Painting Festival is a big

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Leader Nibbles Restauranteur plans new Tex Mex joint ‘El Camino’

Restaurant entrepreneur Ken Bridge is at it again, this time with Tex-Mex ﬂavors. Bridge and his company, Delicous Concepts, are building the restaurant where the Redi Room music club and a Conoco gas station now stand, at the corner of White Oak and Studewood. Bridge told Houston Press he plans to add onto the existing Conoco building, “and adding about 5,000 more square feet of restaurant and outdoor patio space.” Bridge continually has centered his restaurant empire in The Leader neighborhoods, including Pinks Pizza, Lola’s and Shepherd Park Draught House. And while Tex-Mex restaurants are many in this city, “El Camino,” as it’s being called for now, is sure to have its own Ken Bridge take. Bridge told Houston Culture Map that the idea behind his newest endeavor is “to have the food we all love. There will be fajitas and margaritas all in a cool vibe with great service.” The restaurant is currently unnamed,

but Bridge has been calling it “El Camino,” paying respects to his own 1965 Chevy El Camino. The restaurant is slated to open early next year.

Little Bitty Burger Barn

Little Bitty Burger Barn is under new management as of Nov. 1. Owner Orlando Delud recently bought the burger shack, but is pledging to keep the menu the same. The former owners, Jay Hengtgen and Ricardo Luna willingly handed over their restaurant, telling the Houston Press they “had advertised it was for sale, and that’s when he [Delud] approached us.” Hengtgen and Luna plan to recreate Little Bitty Burger Barn’s success in Hengtgen’s home state of Wisconsin, taking their Houston menu and adding a midwestern touch. While burger fanatics are surely sad to see the duo leave, have no fear about losing the famous burger barn, because the sweet potato wafﬂe fries, jalapeño burgers and chicken fried steak sandwiches are here to stay.

Thursday, Nov. 21

Hunter Gatherer Happy Hour and Holiday Preview. A Trunk Show at La Camella, 3122 White Oak Dr. #B; 4-7 p.m. Shop new styles just in for winter and the holiday season and sip on a tasty libation. Enjoy 10% off your purchases too. Big city, small shopkeepers Camella Clements (owner of La Camella, est. 2010) and Teresa O’Connor (owner of HelloLucky, est. 2008) formed a partnership in 2013 to combine efforts for the virtual world, and Hunter Gatherer was born. Artists Opening Reception - Koelsch Gallery, 703 Yale St.; 69 p.m. Ann Huey’s style has been labeled seriocomic, literal and definitely fun. Also artist Sally Bennett, an abstract expressionist, who is currently working on a series of paintings titled “reconstructions.” Through December 21.

ter Street Studios, 2nd Floor, 2101 Winter St. Preview Party: Friday, Nov. 22, 6-10 p.m. ($10 general admission). Free admission Saturday and Sunday: Sat., 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Every year, Fresh Arts hosts the Winter Holiday Art Market – one part curated festival, one part holiday party, and all kinds of fun.

Artist Christina Todaro will be at the JoMar Visions Gallery inside Hardy/ 21st Annual Artcrawl Hous- Nance Studios during Artcrawl. ton (www.artcrawlhouston.com) (Submitted photo)

Saturday, Nov. 23

- 10 a.m.-9 p.m. At various artist studios and spaces, including Motherdog Studios, 720 Walnut. These are the other places I’d most likely visit ﬁrst: Elder Street Artists Lofts, 1101 Elder St.; CRAWL D’ART 2013 at Atelier Jacquinet 913 McKee St.; and JoMar Visions and Hardy & Nance Studios, 902 Hardy St. Via Colori Street Painting Festival is Nov. 23-24, 901 Bagby St. In its seventh year, 200 artists will converge on the streets surrounding City Hall at this two day event. This is the only street painting festival in Houston. Last year the free event attracted more than 30,000 attendees with its art, music, activities, and food and drinks.

Via Colori benefits The Center for Hearing and Speech, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping deaf children listen, speak, and read. Houston Re-Market - 4302 Harrisburg, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The goal of Houston Re-Market is to foster responsible consumerism. The market features approximately ten very affordable vendors who use recycled and reused materials and other sustainable practices in their craft. Visitors are encouraged to bring their recycling and swap items too. Of course you’ll find a food truck or two and live music. Cohen is the founder and organizer of First Saturday Arts Market.

Neighborhood IceHouse

Meet your neighbors, book your party!

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Friday, Nov. 22

3542 Oak Forest

8th Annual Winter Holiday Art Market is Nov. 22-24 at Win-

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Free Wi-Fi Eat for a Cause is bringing celebrity cook John Mueller back to town to sell his world-famous BBQ in a fundraiser benefiting Houston’s homeless veterans through event partners the Houston Housing Authority and the Coalition for the Homeless. The event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Cottonwood, where John Mueller will smoke a literal ton of meat, for sale by the pound. This kid-friendly event will feature live music, a silent auction, and t-shirts and koozies for sale, benefitting Housing for Houston’s Heroes. Wet your whistle at the bar which serves hand-made cocktails, wine by the glass, $2 Lone Stars, and over 40 beers on tap. John Mueller is a third generation pitmaster whose food has been featured in Texas Monthly and the New York Times. Last February, they sold out in less than two hours and raised $7500 for homeless vets. So get in line when the sale begins at noon and load up on brisket, handmade sausage, Mueller’s acclaimed beef ribs, and traditional sides before they sell out. For more information about the event, find Eat for a Cause on Facebook or visit http://www.housingforhouston. com/news/bbq-charity-event-to-benefithomeless-veterans-on-nov-23.aspx. Cottonwood is located at 3422 N. Shepherd.

Tacky Holiday Sweater Party ��

hit and now in its seventh year. Artists, of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels are given some guidance in the art of street painting with a special kind of chalk, then assigned their artwork and set loose on the streets surrounding City Hall. For two days as the artists create on their hands and knees, a full fledged festival with music and food and crowds of spectators hover close enough to critique. This is way beyond drawing tic-tac-toe or trees and dogs, you’ll find works so convincing in realism that you’ll trip walking by. If you can do it, I’d encourage you to visit this one Saturday and Sunday. Seeing the final renditions of the artists work is great fun.

The Heights Young Professionals Organization (HYPO) is partnering with Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) this holiday season for multi-group networking at a Tacky Holiday Sweater Party and Toy Drive for MAM’s Christmas Share Program. The event will be held at Cottonwood from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. om Thursday, Dec. 5 and attended by HYPO, MAM Young Leaders Organization (MYLO), West Houston Young Professionals (WHYP), JMU Houston Alum and any other interested jolly old souls. Attendees are asked to wear an overthe-top holiday sweater and bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event. MAM’s Christmas Share Program hopes to help over 600 children in need celebrate Christmas with a bag of toys(valued at $50) and a twin sized blanket. The children who receive toys are from local families who receive emergency financial assistance between October and December 2013. MAM’s mission is to help people meet their basic needs. To carry out their mission, they assist families facing financial crisis to avoid homelessness, offer programs enabling long-term financial self-sufficiency, assure children an improved school experience and provide value to their member congregations and the community. They assist 17 zip codes in the Houston Area, including the Heights. For more information about MAM, visit http://www.maministries.org/christmasshare/index.htm . Cottonwood is located at 3422 N. Shepherd.

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Page 8A • The Leader • November 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Neighbors: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? Natalie Phillips - The biggest tradition we have for Thanksgiving is that we begin the day by going to Mass as a family. It kind of puts things in proper perspective. Another tradition surrounding Thanksgiving is to skip Black Friday shopping and go to see a movie as a family. There’s usually something family friendly and new playing that week, so that’s what we do. Jane Ann Roberts - “Optimism is my reality” is my mantra and I really try to use it this time of year. The Roberts family volunteers at the Big Feast at the George R. Brown on Thanksgiving Thursday and we host our holiday on Friday. This works out wonderfully – we get to have all our kiddos and their special someones, wonderful relatives and neighbors (and family of our heart - the Andersons), and all those that have no one to celebrate with. We have the annual Roberts vs. the Anderson football game at about 1 p.m. It is a nice break from the kitchen as we all go down to the park to watch (the game used to be in our front yard until we outgrew it!). Then we head back to watch football and play games while dinner is being prepared. We all gather around the smorgasbord on the kitchen island, hold hands, and are led in grace by the oldest in the group. This is then followed by yummy desserts and spirits around the ﬁre out on the back deck. This is best if there is no rain and the air is crisp! Sometimes more friends show up grabbing a plate of leftovers and heading out to the

Lee • from Page 1A

Rooms • from Page 1A

chanical Contractors. She was involved in the local schools and chaired the Houston Heights Association’s Centennial Banquet in 1991. Melvalene Cohen, one of Lee’s friends from those civic groups, remained friends with her through their 90s. Cohen turned 90 earlier this year. “I have known Libby since the middle 1950s,” Cohen said. “She was a nurse for a doctor who was my father’s cousin. She was never as happy after Clayton passed away than when he was living and they did things together. She was a great asset to the community, and she will be missed greatly. She had so many friends, having lived in the Heights all of her life.” Cohen recalled a good time when the Heights Woman’s Club threw a birthday party ﬁve years ago – for Lee’s 90th and her 85th. “We rode in a carriage up and down 19th Street, then went to the clubhouse,” Cohen said. Laura Virgadamo became a close friend of Lee’s shortly after she moved to the Heights in 1991. Virgadamo kept Lee company and helped take care of her in latter years. “I’ll remember her sense of humor and her goodness,” Virgadamo said. “She was the best friend I’ve ever had.” Frank Dailey, one of Lee’s neighbors, enjoyed his many conversations with the Heights icon. “I could spend days talking to her -- it’s a tremendous loss,” he said. “She always had solid advice for me. We saw each other almost every day. She’d be (walking) outside until a few months ago.”

fridges, and daily breakfast. McCreight said they serve it every day except for Chirstmas and Thanksgiving morning and they always have coffee and brownies. Heights resident and cook Jeannie Pinckard presides over the morning meal and accommodates requests like the Tkaczs’ gluten free pancakes. “I make a lot of eggs over easy,” she said. McCreight used to do special events but now just concentrates on the rooms, although she does rent out the building, including all rooms, to others. There’s a birthday group booked in December and last August a corporation rented Sara’s out for the entire month. “We’re either really busy or we’re not,” she said, “but we’ve been fortunate.”

Business is down, leisure is up

Paige Cassel, regional director of sales for the Hampton Inn & Suites on I-10, said that when business travel slows during the holiday season, hotels look for leisure travelers to make up the difference. “Our business is down 35 percent during the holidays but there’s a 25 percent increase in leisure,” said Cassel. Her hotel offers a Heights family rate [to the Greater Heights area] which is 10% off the best available rate, as well as a complementary room night for those in town for a family illness on Thanksgiving or Christmas day. Other local hotels mentioned by Leader readers as their go-to for out-of-town guests are the Sheraton Brookhollow, Spring Hill Suites at 290 and 610, and the Courtyard Houston Brookhollow. The La Quinta at 290 and 43rd gets a mention because of their pet friendly policies. Jenna Taylor said that her sister-in-law goes a little further to the Hilton Americas-Houston because of the Starbucks and easy access to Discovery Green for her teenagers.” She also uses Hilton points. My parents-in-law like Sara’s because it’s closer,” said Taylor. Cassel explained that while many of their guests are visiting nearby family, the Hampton on I-10 is a tertiary market, meaning that once Galleria and Downtown hotels ﬁll up, people come to her property next. It is a draw because guests can walk to Memorial Park and unlike many downtown hotels, parking is free as is breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Lisa Holdman, director of sales at the Courtyard Houston Brookhollow, concurs with the slowdown in business travel and said that weekends are typically slower if they don’t pick up a group. Leisure visitors, company Christmas parties and weddings ﬁll in the slack.

deck. I refuse to spend time in the kitchen cleaning as I want to spend time with all these special people. I drag out all those special dishes from all those memorable holidays including the Swanson’s TV turkey dinner my mom and I served on her special plates - just the two of us at many a tiny holiday. Today my family of all sorts has grown so that we have a mountain, or two, of dishes, pots, pans, serving dishes and leftovers to clean up over the rest of the weekend! This year, Emily will be marching with the marching band in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Waltrip’s Ram Band has been chosen to be the ﬁrst band following the Grand Marshall! We will be celebrating without two very dear family members this year - my mom and our brother/uncle of heart. But we know they will be celebrating with us, smiling, laughing and hugging us from time to time! We will toast them. And this is all so much fun, we do it all again for Christmas!

Congratulations to the Countess

Brianna Leigh Malota, a freshman student at Waltrip High School, recently won the title of ninth grade Countess during the Rams Homecoming game at Delmar Stadium. Congratulations to her and the other seven winners of the 2013-2014 Waltrip HS Homecoming Court. Go Rams!

and Chris Landry, Ray and Anita Rodriguez, Christy Gavlick, Diane and Phillip Kattchee, Gladys Turney and Joe Euresti, Mary Patronella, Rhonda and Charley Williford, Mike and Kat Fisher, Fr. Clint Ressler, Dorothy and Mike Vetrano, Bill and Janeal Whiteﬁeld, Jane Luco and newlyweds Mark and Beckey Sacco. The much anticipated band Brave Combo won over a whole new group of fans who kept the dance ﬂoor packed. After this event, the word on the street is Fr. Clint can rock the Hokey Pokey like no one else. Proceeds from this event will help Parker’s Park Project in West, Texas.

in the Heights on Nov. 8. Karen Carr extends sincere thanks to Brandy Miller, Lorissa Robinson, Barbara Fisher, Sonya Fisher and Denise Gaudiano, all of whom played a special role in planning the event. Over 100 silent auction items were sold including quilts, Texans tickets, homemade Czech pastries, jewelry, purses, trips and gift certiﬁcates. A special thanks to SPJST Lodge 88, the Center for the Grace Foundation, and all of those who generously donated to the live and silent auctions. A few of our neighbors who polka’d the night away are Paul and Kathy Marek, Jay and Tina Roberts, Linda and Rusty Reichle, Kim

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Polka for the Park

Polka for the Park was a blazing success and a very good time was had by all at the SPJST Lodge 88

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Allan and Sandy Tkacz enjoy a pancake breakfast at Sara’s Bed & Breakfast on Heights Boulevard. (Photo by Betsy Denson)

Rental properties ﬁll a niche

Former Houston and current Lafayette, Louisiana resident Jim Farasey purchased his two bedroom, two bath condominium in Woodland Heights after he took over his late wife’s interior design shop. “I needed to have a place for vendors to pick up things from,” Farasey said. “We used to have a place in Montrose but [keeping it] didn’t feel right after she died.” After he sold that business, he kept the condo because he liked having a place in Houston but “it was a little bit too expensive to just sit there.” He found that the best solution was to offer it as a short term rental, on Corporate Housing by Owner and now on HomeAway and Vacation Rentals by Owner. “People come from all over the world,” he said. “I’ve had Europeans, and people from Israel and Nigeria. Houston is becoming a bit of a destination.” Those looking for holiday accommodations use it too. Farasey said he once rented to a lawyer who lives less than a mile away from the condo because she had family coming to town. He said that most people stay for 10 days or less, but the retired teacher arriving soon from Denver will be there through March. “She doesn’t like it there in the wintertime,” says Farasey.

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Happy Thanksgiving, neighbors! The leaves are changing color, the air is cooler, the scent of wood fires burning wafts along some evenings, and it is turkey time! Everyone loves Thanksgiving – gathering with family and friends, the wide array of food, turkey with crispy roasted skin, delectable pies, family, togetherness … and then there are those who remember eating too much or fighting over who gets to sit where, or as one of our neighbors puts it, perhaps the traditional and sacred annual sport of sarcasm blossoms on Thanksgiving in your house. Crowded gatherings and heat in the kitchen aside, what would Thanksgiving be without a few traditions? I asked our neighbors throughout several neighborhoods to share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions with us: Silvia Ortiz - It hasn’t happened every year, but we’ve been trying to make it a tradition ... after Thanksgiving dinner we take all the kids somewhere fun ... one year it was a movie, another year it was ice skating at Discovery Green. The kids really like this, although the adults are sometimes too tired after all that eating. Kim VonBruno - Thanksgiving tree. Take a bare branch and “plant” it in a pot. Cut leaves in fall colors out of construction paper and place paper leaves, tape and a few pens in a basket. Family members fill the tree by writing what

they are thankful for on the leaves and putting them on the tree. Jennifer Faulk - After dinner we go to the Uptown tree lighting. They have ﬁreworks too! Lucy Fraga Fisher Crain - My favorite tradition used to be running the Turkey Trot with my sons. We did that for about six years and I enjoyed running on Thanksgiving Day with my sons and friends. Afterwards, we’d go home and have our wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Joy Christine Stevens - After attending the Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Turkey Trot each year, we are starting a new one this year. We also go around the table and each person writes ten things they are grateful for from this year. Each year, we read some from former years and add more for the current year. I’m writing a journal for it, too! Family Thanksgiving Journal. Ernest Villarreal - My favorite tradition is house hopping. As I child I loved visiting the different homes of family members each Thanksgiving and it is still my favorite thing to do. Stephanie Davis - My favorite tradition is our annual softball game before dinner. Everyone plays – grandparents, aunts and uncles, visiting friends, and children. No one is exempt unless pregnant or injured! Mary Kubeczka - We stand in a big circle holding hands and everyone has an opportunity to say what they are especially thankful for and we follow up with a prayer.

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by Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

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Shopping • from Page 1A The shoes are priced at the manufacturer suggested retail price and customer service is key. “I’m here all the time,” said Feagin. “I buy the product, try the product on, and figure out the needs of the customer.” Studewood may not get the foot traffic that 19th Street does, but Oolala owner Judy Pfardresher has built a customer base over the 10 years she’s been at her location. Many of her shoppers are local and as the economy improves she’s seen traffic return from throughout the metro area. “Clothing is a big draw for me,” said Pfardresher, who is now expanding her focus to women in their 20s and up. “I carry hard to find brands too.” She’s got cowboy boots for the first time, and Peek A Boot Socks to go with them. The store also offers home décor, bath and body products and jewelry from local artists. Pfardresher said affordability is important to her: “If you’re looking for something under $30, we can do that for you.” They also have higher end items as well. Oolala used to be the only retail shop on the street and Pfardresher said the influx of restaurants has helped the area. “If we want the Heights to be a destination, we need to show how much all of the Heights has to offer,” she said. Judy Myers at the children’s boutique Tulips and Tutus is in the same building as Pfardresher and sub-leases from her. Previous to 2008, she was on 19th Street across from Bliss. Word

of mouth is also important to Myers, who has a Facebook page where she posts about new products and specials. She does Pinterest as well. She used to offer more toddler clothing but says Target took a chunk of that business, so she focuses on clothing for infants as well as gifts, toys, books and specialty shoes. Her tutus are very popular as are the personalized school hair bows. “If we don’t have them for your school, we can make them,” said Myers. Myers likes the new glitter sunscreen for a stocking stuffer: “When the glitter disappears, it’s time to reapply.” Many people might drive by the unassuming RJ’s Boots on Ella without realizing what – and who – lies inside. Rocky Carroll, like his father before him, has been making custom boots for decades. He said he’s made boots for eight U.S. presidents and the Queen of England too. “They were red alligator with QE2 on the pulls,” he said. “I’d like to make a pair for Princess Kate. She’s so gorgeous. George too. Size 1 with the English Flag.” Prices range from $500-$40,000 and although the boot making process can take several months, Carroll sometimes works on a tighter time frame, like when President George W. Bush ordered a pair for Kenny Chesney and got them ASAP. When a customer comes in, Carroll will draw their foot and make a mold. He’ll match their drawing or picture of what they want the

finished product to look like too. “I haven’t seen a pair of boots I can’t make,” he said. “No other bootmaker can do what I do.” Darlene’s Flowers and Gifts has been around since 1969 with sisters Susan Tate and Judy Bankhead at the helm for most of that time. They are located off of Northwest Freeway, near Mangum Road, in the same complex as the Kinkos – and although road construction has been the norm for quite a while, Tate says it hasn’t cut into their business. “TxDOT has done a good job of keeping the driveways clear,” she said. “In the long run, this is going to help all of us.” Three years ago, the sisters opened the boutique portion of their shop and according to Tate, it has really taken off. “There are not that many in the area,” she said. They are fully in the holiday spirit with gift items and holiday apparel. Darlene’s carries Big Budda, Betsey Johnson and SR Squared handbags and candles from Aromatique and Swan Creek. Their flower business is still thriving and benefits from in-house delivery. Tate said they have several customers who do standing orders, including one couple who send flowers weekly to her mother and a bank that has a Monday delivery for the five women who work there. Darlene’s hosts Holiday Open Houses for area groups and associations too. “This place is our passion,” said Tate. “We wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

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