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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, November 26, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 49

About Us

A blessing beyond measure

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

Buyer for Heights Waterworks revealed

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

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U P C O M IN SES

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Contributed photos The Gallegos family, above, is just glad to be together this Thanksgiving. Left; Lennon Gallegos got a much needed transplant earlier this month.

Pop Shop Houston Festival, brings an alternative to your typical Black Friday.

Page 7A

Transplant just in time for the holiday

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Spending the Thanksgiving holiday in the hospital probably wouldn’t be high on any family’s list of things to be grateful for – but for the Gallegos family, that’s just where they want to be right now.

That’s because Emmanuel and Dana’s 6-year old son Lennon, who until recently was a student at Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet, recently got a much-needed bone marrow transplant. Diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia in June of this year, a genetic disease that mainly affects the bone marrow and results in decreased production of all types of blood cells, Lennon was in bone marrow failure and at increased risk for developing leukemia. “It was a process to get to a diagnosis,� said Dana Gallegos of

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Lights on. Heights Theater re-opens to the public.

Page 3B

the emotional journey. “[Lennon] has always been a little guy. Between three and four years old he wasn’t growing like he should. We were referred by his pediatrician for further testing and had blood work last November that showed an abnormally low number of red blood cells.�

There were other smaller physical markers for Fanconi Anemia too – like a missing muscle in Lennon’s right thumb pad and some hyper pigmentation on his neck – but as the disease is so rare, and because Emmanuel and Dana did not know that they were carriers, giving their children a one in four chance of having Fanconi Anemia, no one connected the dots.

It took until May to see a hematologist and at that time the family found that all components of his blood were low. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of bone marrow failure

but also thankfully revealed that Lennon did not have leukemia or pre leukemia. Finding a donor for a bone marrow transplant was critical. “Our immediate family went in to be tested but no one was a perfect match for him,� said Gallegos. “Then they looked at the international registry and it blew my mind that only two people popped up as matches, both in Europe.�

Gallegos said that the donors were pursued and it was completely at their will whether to participate. The first donor got pretty far along in the process but couldn’t do the donation until January. That was too long for Lennon to wait as he could have developed leukemia at any time. Fanconi Anemia can affect all systems of the body, making transplants risker the more the

CAR INSPECTOR NEEDED: Part-time. Current license required. Call 713-315-7650.

Apply in person at 3301 Ella Blvd.

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The INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A

Since 1980, HITS Theatre located at 311 W. 18th Street in the Heights has been nurturing the performing arts talent in our community’s children. Thousands have found their natural gifts under the guidance of nonprofit HITS’ dedicated, professional instructors: vocalists, choreographers, and directors.

Now the community can help the students with a vote through the Yelp Foundation’s “Gives Local� grant competition. The theatre is one of only three Houston-based nonprofit agencies that made the final cut. The organization that secures the most votes, or hits, on the website, wins $5,000.

The school provides services for between 1,000 and 1,200 local children each year, with many receiving partial or full needs-based scholarships. If they win the competition, 100 percent of the grant will go back into operations: costumes, props, sets, lighting and

SOME WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PACKAGES FROM THIEVES • Install security cameras if affordable. • Leave special delivery instructions for drivers • Make sure to require a signature for the package • If you live in a gated area, leave the gate open so the courier can put the package inside the gate, then lock it * Have the package delivered to your workplace instead of home

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Dave Cook with Cushman & Wakefield confirms that the Alliance Residential Group is the winning bid, out of 19 offers, for the old Heights waterworks, a two-acre site between West 19th and West 20th streets. He said that the bid amount will not be made public until the purchase is voted on

by City Council.

The company has announced a public meeting at the Heights Fire Station at 107 W. 12th St. on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. to share with the public their plans for a mixed use development. The announcement for that meeting says that “per statute, the city can only accept the highest bid for sale.�

According to the company Linkedin page, “Alliance is one of the largest, Photo by Betsy Denson private U.S. multi- Alliance Residential Group has family companies been revealed as the high bid with 35 regional of the historic Heights Pumpoffices throughout ing Station the nation� and is “a fully-integrated company focused on the development, acquisition, construction and management of residential and mixed-use communities in the United States.�

Alliance says that “the preservation of the three historic structures located on Tract 1 is a top priority for Alliance and they look forward to sharing their plans for community improvements with neighbors.�

How to protect holiday goodies

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Contributed photo Members of HITS Theatre perform. The theatre needs votes from the community to win $5,000 in order to further education in the arts.

more. The money will serve to help HITS students achieve a premium learning experience. “This contest requires no personal donation from voters – just a click-through vote. It’s a way for locals to support charities they care about. And community members can vote once a day from Nov. 29 to Dec. 9 at yfgiveslocal. org,� explained HITS Theatre’s

Director of Development, Christina Trunzo. “Yelp’s goal with this contest is to raise awareness of local organizations that are contributing directly to the community,� Tranuzo continued. “HITS is focused on developing the full potential of our youth through the experience

As holiday season rears its head once again, the hunt is on for that perfect gift for a loved one, no matter how far and wide the search may take someone. However, the annual world and nationwide shipping – in conjunction with that pesky work schedule which keeps many residents busy during the day – presents an all-too-familiar danger lurking in the midst of the merriment.

When the perfect gift finally pops up on Amazon or some other online catalog, we can’t transfer it to the checkout screen, shipping options or the online cart quick enough. But what happens if a package is scheduled to arrive when a resident is not at home?

At that point, it all too often becomes open season for opportunistic thieves hoping to strike before packages reach their intended recipients.

According to a 2015 Princeton Survey Research Associates International study, more than 23 million Americans had packages swiped from their front porch last year as thieves take advantage of the gap between delivery and arrival of the intended recipient. Thus The Leader decided to research some holiSee Tips P. 2A

See HITS P. 3A

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The public.

Saturday, November 26, 2016 • Page 2A

City, USACE to address completion of bike trail

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As a frequent biker, Heights resident Thomas Jackson depends on the plethora of winding bike trails to traverse the area, whether it be for work or leisure; however, one particular incomplete segment has drawn his ire in recent months.

The segment in question will connect the existing MKT Trail over White Oak Bayou on the north bank and run along the north bank to tie into the existing trail already winding through Stude Park and under Studemont. However, Jack-

son says the section between Studemont and the bicycle trail (which was part of a city plan) has been incomplete for several years.

Thus instead of being able to take a bicycle trail to pick up the trail leading directly to the northwest part of town, Jackson must travel the alternate trail running along Spring Street, which runs through a congested shopping center.

“Every cyclist I know doesn’t use that trail because cars don’t ever stop, they just pull out into the middle of the bicycle trail before taking that turn,” he said. “It’s just so clustered, and I can’t stand it.”

According to city representative Alana Reed, the project is currently pending approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Corps due to the bridge over the tributary being within the floodplain.

Jackson, however, said that has been the answer for months and that progress seems to have been halted.

All he asks is for an update or answer on the progress of the trail, concerned for the safety of both himself and his fellow bicyclists.

“It (the connection to the trail) isn’t even 100 yards, but they just haven’t worked on it, and when I ask what the status

is they really don’t want to answer that,” he said.

Reed said city officials have a scheduled meeting with USACE on Nov. 28, with hopes of having more details and clarity for Jackson and other residents regarding the connector trail following that meeting.

“The city and region have made great strides in supporting the growing number of people bicycling, and safety is a top concern,” she said.

“We understand this gap is an inconvenience, and we are working with USACE to resolve it as soon as possible.”

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deliveries, Harrison suggested the installation of motion activated lights around the porch, or really any sort of light source available.

“Crooks are scared of lights, so as much light you can have, the better off you’re going to be,” he said.

In order to head off any such incident to the best of their abilities, Harrison stressed that planning ahead and using every tool at their disposal (such as tracking

numbers, etc.) to gain the best estimate of a package’s arrival is the best way for residents to combat the opportunistic thieves.

“The myth may be that you can’t do anything about it, but I don’t think that’s true,” he said. “I believe if you can think ahead of time, you can stop them from stealing your packages, and the way to do that is to have a good idea of when that package is going to be delivered.”

Tips from P. 1A day tips to help residents ensure their perfect surprise gift is home for the holidays.

“A lot of times they will follow these package couriers (UPS, FedEx, etc) to see where the pacakge gets dropped off in order to gauge how easy it is to go and steal whatever is there on their porch,” said Chief Patrol Officer Lofton Harrison with the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.

When that pesky work schedule prevents one from

arranging a compatible delivery time, one of the best options in Harrison’s mind is to alert a neighbor who is often home during the day that a shipment is arriving so they can keep a watchful eye on the doorstep — neighbors helping neighbors.

“When somebody’s expecting it, they can usually take your package in instead of having it just be left on the doorstep,” he said.

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Saturday, November 26, 2016 • Page 3A

Residents sound off on many holiday blessings

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Amidst all the honking horns, traffic and typical dayto-day busy-ness, it can be easy to forget how blessed we are to even have places to be and people to see, and a few residents took some time this week to share with the community what they are grateful for this holiday season, ranging from the simple pleasures such as a job or car to family time and beyond.

For the Janacek family (Tim, Rebecca, and Hunter), the holidays are a time to appreciate their surroundings and the blessing of family.

“We are very thankful for our community which we have lived in 19 plus years,” Rebecca Janacek said. “We are also very blessed to have my 103year old grandpa here with us for yet another Thanksgiving holiday.”

Heights resident and store owner Cindy Dean echoed a

Contributed photo Heights residents Paul and Stephanie Babb. The couple is thankful for their neighborhood remaining like family despite rampant growth in the area.

that I have a job and car—really just the simple things. It’s not really all that complicated for me,” he said.

Longtime Heights resident Paul Babb simply remains thankful for another year with the blessings in his life which were too many to count.

“I’m thankful for my wife and children, great friends and a neighborhood that still feels like family. I’m thankful to wake up each day and feel hopeful, for good health and to live in America,” he said.

“I’m thankful for 14 Pews, bike paths, Hughie’s sandwiches, Jose Altuve, school teachers, Heights Boulevard, Ray Kurzweil, Olivewood Cemetery, sunny skies, books and newspapers and the salsa verde pizza at Star. And I’m especially thankful for sarcasm.”

On a more serious note, Candlelight Plaza resident Beryl Kaminsky said her worldly travels have deepened her thankfulness for being able to live out her days in this

similar sentiment as she thankfully prepares to welcome dozens of family members from all around the Lone Star State for the rare occasion on which they can all gather.

“I have family in Dallas, Corsicana, Georgetown and more—all over,” she said.

“This is my day, everybody comes to my house. Last year

we had 32 (people) and this year it’s looking like 23, so I’m looking forward to that.”

For Ray Kuglar, the holiday season is a time to reflect on the simple things in life he knows not everyone enjoys.

“I’m just so thankful for the work that I get to do and people that I’m always surrounded with on a daily basis, the fact

the pre-transplant regimen which included radiation and four days of chemo.

“It looked like a bag of red blood cells,” said Gallegos. “I got to push the clamp on the bag that released the new cells in his body.”

Gallegos described her son as incredibly cooperative through the whole ordeal.

“He’s been so brave and strong,” she said.

The family – including older sister Esme and younger brother Luka – will be in Minneapolis for close to 100 days so Lennon can be observed as an outpatient once he is released from the hospital. He will be in isolation for a good portion of

that time. The whole crew is staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Third grader Esme attends a school at Ronald McDonald.

Lennon might be able to join her at some point but for now he has a teacher who spends an hour a day with him in his hospital room.

Dana had to quit her job as a teacher at Zion Lutheran in Heights. But Emmanuel has been able to work remotely.

And friends are housesitting for them in Oak Forest.

All in all, Gallegos is counting her family’s blessings this Thanksgiving. The transplant has resolved the bone marrow issue and taken away the pos-

come disciplined team players, creative thinkers, and confident communicators. Children learn by attending after-school and weekend classes held throughout the school year.

All classes culminate in public performances at HITS Theatre on West 18th Street.

The highlight of the entire HITS’ year is a free, Broadwaystyle production held over six

performances at Miller Out- shy that they wont speak in the door Theatre each spring. hallway,” explained Trunzo.

This production attracts be- “Then, we watch them learn tween 20,000 and 30,000 peo- and grow confidence. During ple over all six performances. the final performance, when Currently, the students are all the children take that bow, preparing for a production of it’s that magic moment when “Footloose,” next spring. we know we have made a dif“I think one of the most ference.” rewarding experiences aboutNB:10” For more information, go to HITS Theatre for us is watch- yelpfoundation.org. ing the children come in so

Blessing from P. 1A condition is allowed to develop. Unfortunately for Lennon, the second donor in Europe was ruled out as a possibility after further testing.

With the live donor search exhausted, another avenue opened up. In a search of donated umbilical cord blood, an anonymous donation revealed a “perfect match”.

Although the leading doctor for transplantation using cord blood, Dr. John Wagner, was at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, the Gallegos family was undeterred. Lennon had his transplant on November 9 and Gallegos describes it as a little anti-climactic after enduring

country, despite how divisive certain periods can become.

“Our system allows us to disagree with one another yet come together, knowing longstanding checks and balances keep any person or persons from creating a dictatorship,”

she said. “Our long history of transferring power peacefully without political opponents being jailed or assassinated is noteworthy. I was reminded recently how few nations function as well as ours has for so long.”

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Another gift is that the family’s insurance has covered almost everything.

Thanksgiving dinner will be in the hospital and although Lennon doesn’t have much of an appetite right now, he did preview some pumpkin pie recently.

“I’m just so grateful we are doing this together,” Gallegos said. “Separating us was not a viable option for our hearts.

We were like, ‘this is what we have to do, we’re a family.’”

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Saturday, November 26, 2016 • Page 4A

We’re going to knock on your door next week

W

hen I was a kid, my first job was mowing lawns.

My older brother and I walked around our neighborhood with a red, bag-less mower, a Weed Eater and a broom trying to scrounge $15 from our less-than-eager neighbors. Heck of a deal, huh?

Mowing in straight lines was not the hardest part of the job. Instead, it was asking customers to pay us for our work. There was something utterly frightening in knocking on the door and asking for the check.

Years later, I figured out why: When you’ve completed a job and you ask someone to compensate you for that job, you know your work is about to be judged. Before writing the check, our customers walked around the yard, making sure we didn’t miss any spots or kill any of the saplings they had planted the day before.

(True story: I destroyed Mr. Holt’s tiny vineyard of apple tree saplings, and he tried to rescue them by piecing them together with Duct tape. And please don’t ask how I confused a small tree for a tall blade of grass.)

After a few years of being a professional lawn technician – or whatever they call the yard boy these days – I lost some of my dread of asking for payment. In large part, I realized I had nothing to fear because my older brother, Paul, always made sure we did a good job, in spite of my propensity

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

for slaying saplings.

Once every year, I write a column to our readers to explain a program we have at this newspaper called “Voluntary Pay.” The first week of December (next week’s edition) you’re going to find a letter from me, along with an addressed envelope, asking you to consider making a voluntary contribution to The Leader.

And every time I write this column (and every time we have 30,000 copies of a letter printed), I always get the feeling that I just finished mowing your lawn and I’m about to make the dreaded trip to your doorstep asking for a check.

But there’s a difference in this letter and those days of collecting $15 for some yardwork.

We publish a free newspaper and, by definition, that means we do not charge to deliver local news to your front yard. Asking for readers to support our newspaper, then, seems a bit hypocritical, right?

That’s not the only problem with

a program like “Voluntary Pay.” There once was a time when getting news delivered to your home was kind of unique. Long before the days of social media and endless wifi networks, newspapers (both big and small) delivered a product you couldn’t find anywhere else.

These days, you are saturated with news and, to many, we’re just a small stone in a growing mountain.

Whether we’re around in a decade from now, in the grand scheme of things, likely isn’t important to the majority of our readers.

Don’t get me wrong: Our “Voluntary Pay” program does not make or break our company. We have loyal advertising customers who believe that our newspaper does a great job of informing and entertaining the readers who patronize their businesses, and in our most successful years of “Voluntary Pay,” the checks we receive make up about 2 percent our total revenue.

But these days, as newspapers like The Leader fight to remain relevant in the lives of our readers, getting support, even if it’s voluntary support, is a big deal to our company.

Back when I was a teenager, I lost my fear of asking for a check because my brother and I did a good job with the work we were given. In much the same way, I am incredibly proud of the work we do at The Leader.

No, we aren’t the fastest to get

you news, unless you follow our website or social media pages, but when it comes to covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and all the neighborhoods in our area of Houston, I don’t believe there’s a news organization that rivals the work of our staff.

There are a lot of wonderful news sources all over Houston.

Some of them cover real estate and development, but I don’t believe any of them cover real estate and development in our area like The Leader does.

There are news sources that cover education in Houston. None of them cover the schools in our coverage area better than The Leader.

When the Heights Opera was close to shutting its doors, our newspaper helped keep them open.

When a new developer wanted to remodel the Heights Post Office in a look unbefitting of the neighborhood, only one news source brought the attention to light and helped change the entire design. In the past year, we have written stories about more than 200 local businesses – no one comes close. And no one covers the art, food and beer scene in our neighborhoods better than The Leader.

One of the interesting angles to come out of this year’s carnival of an election was that some of the most used digital media platforms are actually an unfiltered mess of

When a college becomes a university Did you win or lose in the recent democracy inaction?

Probably both. Texas scored big, at least some did, a few bombed. The Democratic Party showed once again its ineptitude, and the muchvaunted Latino vote never manifested. Texas’s winners were the early Trump supporters including Gov. Greg Abbott, Lite Gov. Dan Patrick and Atty. General Ken Paxton. How so? President-elect Donald Trump will nominate a like-minded justice to keep the U.S. Supreme Court arch-conservative. It will overturn all those bothersome interferences from Washington dealing with Texas’ laws on abortion, voter ID, pollution, gerrymandering and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Texas taxpayers will benefit by not having to continue paying multi-million dollar legal bills the state has been racking up defending our right to discriminate against those lesser mortals.

Our state legislature remains firmly in the hands of hard-line (some would say cro-Magnon) lawmakers who maintain their power to draw up new legislative and Congressional lines after the next U.S. Census when Texas will get two or more U.S. representatives. One guess as to which party will get them.

Another big Texas loser is Sen. Ted Cruz, although he was mentioned as attorney general. He now will have to dismantle all those “Cruz in ‘20” banners. So will Sen. Marco Rubio who vowed not to run for the Senate again then did, and won. Let’s see, there was that other Bush, Jeb! and Rick Santorum, plus a herd of hopefuls. Now their chances are gone. Winners are those who land federal positions, starting with his cabinet. Newt Gingrich was being touted as Secretary of State. Within a week we shall be at war with Finland. Rudy Giuliani our next Attorney General? Hey, Hillary, you’ll look great in an orange pants suit. Among the other losers are the thousands of Obama appointees who are working on their resumes – judges, department heads, Smokey the Bear. The U.S. is the only country that replaces its ambassadors with every change in administration. Why do we do that?

Campaign contributors. FBI Director James Comey was a loser no matter who won.

He had the uncanny ability to chap both candidates and both sides. He’s three years into a 10-year term and can’t be fired, but Trump can confiscate Comey’s truncheon.

This brings us to the Clintons. The Oval Office’s glass ceiling remains shatter-proof. Gone are the glory

Lynn Ashby Columnist

days of raking in millions on the speaking tours, and the Clinton Foundation has a cracked slab. Then there is her autobiography, which is probably on hold until a publisher can be found; maybe she’ll distribute it by email. Actually, Hillary’s last book didn’t do too well, but they still have their fortune, plus all they’ll make on the Clinton Presidential Library with its admission fees, Tshirts (“It takes more than a village to support us”) and the Monica Lewinski Weight Watchers Diet Manual. Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t say he’s a winner, but has booked the Lincoln Bedroom for inauguration day. Incidentally, Trump’s speech writers have changed the presidential oath to “so help me--me.” The media are big-time losers. Trump, who calls the press “scum,” has said he wants looser libel laws so that he can sue any publication that says catty things about him. Expect the First Amendment to be put on an ice floe and pushed into an ocean that used to be the Arctic. (Global warming is a myth.) The winner is Fox News, which even now is planning a sit-com, “Good Fences.”

Big winners are late night TV comedians. No Drama Obama was eight long years of drought for comic writers.

Hillary is dull, so punch lines would have been scarce. But Trump? “He learned about foreign affairs by having several of them, plus what he picked up at the International House of Pancakes.

Trump thinks Siani is the plural of sinus. The West Wing will now be known as the Right Wing. But seriously, folks….” Military contractors are lining up K Street lobbyists to get some of those billions that Trump promised to spend on defense. He will pay for it by cutting out all federal funds for Planned Parenthood and public broadcasting. How many times did The Donald say, to cheering crowds, that he will build a wall along our southern border, and Mexico will pay for it? Who wants to bet it will actually be done, and if it isn’t, it’s not his fault?

Pre-voting news stories noted the heavy turnout at the polls. More early voting, long lines, etc. In fact, fewer

If you have a local story that may be of interest feel free to email us. news@theleadernews.com

voters cast their ballots this time than last. So much for the heavy voting hoopla.

Ditto for the “sleeping giant” that was supposed to be the Latino vote. Jorge Ramos, who got in a shouting match on TV at a Trump news conference, kept boasting about how the Latino vote would decide the outcome. No way, Jorge. They voted heavily for Hillary. She lost.

Certainly big losers were the pollsters. I can’t find anyone who predicted that Trump would win so easily.

The explanation is simple: voters were asked who they would vote for. Most people answered, Clinton, and they did. Hillary beat Trump in the popular votes by 1 to 2 million. But, like Al Gore, she was defeated by the Electoral College, aka, Trump University: 306 for Trump,

232 for Hillary. How can pollsters ask: Which way are your state’s Electoral College votes going to be cast?

Until they figure that out, these polls are useless. The millions of Americans who voted for Trump said they want lower taxes, smaller government and fewer regulations; they are sick of being ignored by Washington, and what have you done for me lately? These are the same people who want Medicare, Social Security checks, a cop on every street corner (to regulate?) and subsidies for their biofuels. Oh, and free college education. Which is it? Some might call that blatant hypocrisy, others call it a winning formula.

Ashby wins at ashby2@ comcast.net

information that may or may not be true. One digital publication, BuzzFeed, determined that more people on Facebook were engaged (sharing, commenting) with fake news stories than they were with real stories from publications like the New York Times, the Washington Post, NBC News and many others.

Overnight, it led to sweeping changes from both Facebook and Twitter that they’d stop allowing “fake” news on their platforms.

Meanwhile, in the same week, Facebook announced that it has unintentionally mislead its advertisers by inflating the number of impressions their advertisements receive.

I know this newspaper is an oldschool way of delivering news, but I also know one thing for certain: There’s nothing fake about what The Leader publishes. Unlike all the websites and digital sources of news you see each day, there’s only one medium that cares solely and completely about this area, and that is us.

When you see next week’s letter from me, I hope you’ll consider supporting the work we do. If not, we’re still going to publish, and we’ll still deliver a product for as long as our customers allow. But when you’re as proud of an organization as I am of The Leader, it’s not hard to knock on the door and ask you to consider writing a check.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com © Copyright 2016 McElvy Media LLC

Built by Lee Burge, Publisher from 1957-1969 Terry Burge, Publisher from 1969-2012

Jonathan McElvy

Publisher & President jonathan@theleadernews.com

Frank Vasquez

Associate Publisher frank@theleadernews.com

Jane Broyles

Business Manager biz@theleadernews.com

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.

News Deadline: Noon on Mondays Classified Word Ad Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday Retail Ad Deadline: Noon on Mondays

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

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. ‘ER’ actress Leslie 5. The Ibo tribe 10. Weapon 14. Olympian Jones 15. Moth genus 16. In addition 17. Neighborhood in Rio 18. Anoint 19. Insect repellent 20. Indigenous person 22. Tooth caregiver 23. Vacation here 24. Aware 27. 7th letter Greek alphabet 30. Actress Ling 31. Gandalf’s real name 32. Luxury car 35. Evildoer 37. Cricket term (abbr.)

38. Primal goddess of the Earth 39. More depressed 40. Cattle genus 41. Dish 42. Not west 43. Founder of Babism 44. Speak rapidly and foolishly 45. Fall back, spring forward 46. Where you sleep 47. Inform 48. Former CIA 49. Salts

52. Bleated 55. Never sleeps 56. Cavalry sword 60. Ceramic jar 61. Cyprinid fishes 63. Home to Cathedral of San Sabino 64. Edible Indian fruit 65. Lake in Botswana 66. University of Miami mascot 67. Perceives 68. Yellow-fever mosquitos 69. All humans have one

dOwn

1. Reveal secrets 2. Private school in New York 3. Pancake 4. Cichlid fish 5. Independent Voters Association 6. Nonviolent advocate 7. Suburb in Copenhagen 8. Heavy cotton garments 9. Self-addressed envelope 10. A way to make wet 11. Genus of trees 12. Millisecond 13. Kiss ballad

21. Unlock 23. ___ mot 25. ‘Joy Luck Club’ author Amy 26. Catch 27. __ and flowed 28. Monetary units 29. Scorched 32. Italian aviator 33. Things to eat 34. Waddles 36. A Queens ballplayer 37. It’s on your driver’s license 38. Talk 40. Witty conversation 41. Satisfies 43. Sound unit 44. Placental mammal 46. Offer 47. Flower cluster 49. Stamps 50. Palmlike plant 51. Developed poliomyelitis vaccine 52. Newhart, Marley, Dylan 53. Wings 54. Away from wind 57. Slugger Ruth 58. Musician Clapton 59. Gamble 61. Desoxyribonucleic acid 62. Female sibling

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, November 26, 2016 • Page 5A

The calendar.

MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR Heights Young Professionals Meet, network, socialize and make direct connections with area professionals. This month’s event will be hosted by Revolver Bourbon Social, 6502 Washington, from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1. The cost is $10 for non-members before Dec. 1, and $20 non-member at the door. Register online.

Information: info@heightschamber.com, heightschamber.org, 713-861-6735.

MOVIE NIGHT Friends of Woodland Park The Friends of Woodland Park will be hosting Movie Night featuring “It’s A Wonderful Life,� at Woodland Park Community Center, 212 Parkview, Dec. 2.

Check-in is 6:30 p.m. followed by the 7 p.m. movie. Proceeds benefit Star of Hope Mission. New or gently used, clean blankets are requested, to be donated to Star of Hope Mission. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on.

Sponsors are: Memorial Hermann Hospital-Heights, The Leader Newspaper, DaCapos Pastry CafĂŠ, Greenwood King Properties in the Heights and Montalbano Tires.

Information: www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org.

BLUE ROOM PARTY SPJST Lodge #88 The SPJST Lodge #88, 1435

Beall St., will host a Blue Room Party Dec. 3, from 5–10 p.m. with dinner, drinks and dancing to the Red Ravens. Tickets are $35 per person and must be paid for by Nov. 15. Information: 713-8695767, www.lodge88.org.

AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Dec. 5, in the community room at 1520 Candlelight Ln. The meeting is open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m. This month will be a Christmas gathering. President is Richard Rabe, vice president is Terrell Holiday. Information: 713682-4022.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS LUNCHEON Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their first Health and Wellness Networking Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The luncheon will be at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Come meet and network with local professionals in health care and wellness associated industries.

Guests include Allison Winnike and keynote speaker Judge Ed Emmett. Call or email for ticket

information. Information: 713861-6735, events@heightschamber.org.

1635 N. Loop W. Classes include: Prepared Childbirth, Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, Sibling Class, New Moms and Babies Group, and Maternity Facility Tour. Call or visit the website for a full listing of classes. Information: 713-222-CARE, memorialhermann.org.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Oak Forest Homeowners Association The Oak Forest Homeowners Association is hosting some upcoming holiday activities for the whole family. Breakfast with Santa will be from 9-11 a.m.

Dec. 10, at the Candlelight Park Community Center. Information: info@myoakforest.org, www. myoakforest.org, 713-688-6342.

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES The Mainstream Connection The Mainstream Connection, 415 E. Crosstimbers St., offers Citizenship Classes. If you are a resident or just want to begin taking this class, please call for additional information. The office is open Monday through Friday, and offers assistance with Resident renewal forms (I-90) and Citizenship, (N-400) Applications and the I-130.

Notary Public services available.

Information: 832-831-1688, www.tmc-Houston.org.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Belmont Village Hunters Creek Belmont Village Hunters Creek, 7667 Woodway Dr., will hold a Holiday Open House, from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 10. Sip festive cocktails and sample hors d’oeuvres specially prepared by the Belmont Village chef. Enjoy lively entertainment, browse the boutique, and have a photo taken with Santa. Tour the facility and learn about premier programs, services and amenities. RSVP at 713-781-1505.

THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO SPJST Lodge 88 Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., is held every Thursday night (unless otherwise noted, or announced). Bingo pads are $5 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Early bird special starts at 7 p.m. with regular bingo games beginning at 7:30 p.m. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88. org.

NEWBORN CARE Memorial Herman Greater Heights Let us help prepare you to welcome your new baby through our classes at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital,

LEGALLINE: FREE LEGAL ADVICE Houston Bar Association The Houston Bar Association offers free legal advice over the phone through LegalLine from 5-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month.

Consejos Legales for Spanish speakers is the first Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m.

Information: 713-759-1133, www.hba.org.

Medicare Information Seminar at St. Stephen’s Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. St. Stephen’s will host a Medicare Information Seminar Nov. 29, at 10 a.m. in Room 201. There is no charge to attend. “Messy Church,� a familyfriendly worship experience, will be held Nov. 30, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Dinner will be served, followed by crafts and activities, and a short worship service.

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at

2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.

Craft and Farmer’s Market at Heights Presbyterian Heights Presbyterian Church, 240 W. 18th St., will hold a Community Craft and Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m.5 p.m. Dec. 3. Space rental is $30.

Call 713-861-1907 for information.

St. Rose of Lima to hold a Holiday Market St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community, 3600 Brinkman, will hold a Holiday Market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3.

There will be holiday gift shopping, handcrafted and gourmet items, silent auction from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., pictures with Santa, concession stand and more than 30 booths to shop.

Email terri_517@hotmail. com or call 713-692-9123.

Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at the YMCA The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Harriet

Ricky Gordon Rhodes,

Mary Beth (Lynch) Strahan, 71, born Jan. 22,

1945, died Nov. 16. A loving wife, mother, and gentle soul, Strahan was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Elizabeth Ann Lynch, and brother, Kenneth Lynch. She is survived by her husband, James Strahan,

son, Steven Strahan and wife Michelle, grandchildren, Hannah Strahan and Mekayla Strahan, son, Scott Strahan, and daughter, Melinda Strahan.

Arthur Benavides Whitcher, 92, born April 21,

1924 in Houston, died Nov. 14.

Whitcher served in the Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific during WWII. He married Elida Valadez on Sept.

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and Joe Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend this nondenominational Bible study.

Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.

to schedule a pick up.

MANNA has partnered with the Women’s Resource of Greater Houston to offer free financial classes and increase financial literacy in the community. The class is called Money Matters and will help teach the basics of money management. Classes are held the first and third Wednesday of each month from noon-2 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd Street.

MANNA’s newest program - Community Outreach Program will be the nucleus of linking services to those who might not otherwise have access. Volunteers are needed for this project. Call 713-5045486 or pdornak@gmail.com.

Orientation is July 27, at 2 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church located at 1602 W. 43rd St.

All Saints TALC begins 30th year with new classes All Saints Third Age Learning Center senior program begins its 30th year of offering local seniors a variety of activities.

New classes offered include an Intro to Facebook, a bilingual U.S. Citizenship Preparedness class and a Let’s Play Chess class.

All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., offers a hot lunch, cooked on-site Monday-Friday during the semester for $2. Lunch reservations are accepted until 10 a.m. each weekday and can be made by calling 713-248-1277.

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From the Pews.

Senior event at First Church Heights First Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., will hold a Senior Time event the last Tuesday of every month. Come and enjoy visiting other seniors in the area. Guest speaker is Diane Ayala, Senior Living Specialist, will discuss affordable senior living. The event is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 29, and sponsored by Cameo Caregivers and First Church Heights. Light refreshments will be served. There will be no senior event in the month of December.

Call 713-447-1251 for information.

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23, 1945. He was employed with the Southern Pacific Rail Road for more than 35 years.

He and his wife, Elida were active members of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for more than 50 years. Whitcher is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elida; daughter Alice W. Kopacsi and husband Thomas; sister, Barbara Enriquez, two granddaughters, and three great-grandsons.

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giving thankS to your tEEth Chase Baker, D.D.S.

A

s Thanksgiving approaches, what better opportunity to be thankful for your teeth?! Our teeth provide so much to make our lives better that a little thanks is well deserved.

Teeth are extremely important in assisting in our speech production. Many letters require our teeth in order to be formed. V, F, S, T’s for example use all teeth to allow for proper pronunciation. This will certainly come in handy while saying your Thanksgiving prayers before your meal and cheering on your favorite football team.

Our teeth allow us to enjoy that Thanksgiving turkey and delicious sides by being the first line of digestion. Chewing our food helps to break it down and make it easier for our bodies to obtain the nutrition provided by our foods.

Without our teeth, we may only be able to enjoy the mashed potatoes!

Of course, our teeth provide us with our smiles! This will come in handy after having a great day spent with our families.

So while we’re being thankful for the good things in life, be sure to include your teeth and good dental health. They’re an important part of your health and happiness.

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

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ust as we can change the direction of a stream by digging channels in the earth, so too can we change the direction of our lives by developing our minds and bodies. Just as an arrow must have straight fletchings in order to fly straight, so too must we have a properly developed mind and body. A wise person will consider this a matter of primary importance. Do we work to develop our intellect, or do we fill it with whatever happens to be present at hand? Do we read books, magazines, and newspapers that are likely to teach us something, or is our reading primarily just a diversion? Do we try to learn from those around us or are we more interested in the latest gossip? And, we should realize that it’s not just about our minds. We cannot have a healthy mind in a sick or decrepit body. Do we take efforts to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and avoid toxins?

If we do not develop our mind and body properly, then we are squandering our greatest resource: our very self. Therefore gird up the loins of your minds, be sober, and rest your hope fullyupon the grace that is brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

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Page 6A • Saturday, November 26, 2016

Neighbors: Kubeczka receives pilot license; Waltrip gives back with day of service to go, Sam! Sue Schmidt, our neighbor in Garden Oaks, would like to send a shout out to her hero and good Samaritan neighbor Dana Blankenship, a resident of Oak Forest, for all of his hard work with Rescued Pets Movement. Schmidt reports Blankenship is a founding member and works tirelessly with RPM and BARC to get survival rates soaring since RPM’s inception.

Welcome home Sapida family! Jensen and Sarah Sapida along with their young sons Marshall and Walker and family pet Tempy moved to Belize a couple of years ago and worked on a tiny resort island, Thatch Caye, as managers of the resort utilizing their extensive hospitality and managerial experience. Potty training in paradise was Sarah’s defini-

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Congratulations to Sam Kubeczka who has fulfilled all the requirements, passed his tests and received his pilot’s license! Kubeczka, grandson of long time Shepherd Forest Section 1 residents Edmund and Florence Kubeczka and son of Dennis and Melissa Kubeczka of College Station, is 19 years old, a Freshman at Texas A&M University in College Station, and has been flying since he was 16 years old. He graduated with a 3.8 GPA from A&M Consolidated High School in College Station and is an engineering major at TAMU. Kubeczka also works part time at the Bryan Airport. Older brother Eric is a Junior at the University of Texas in Austin majoring in English Lit. Way

tion of parenting on a tropical island as the family simplified and streamlined their belongings and habits, did without McDonald’s chicken nuggets and midnight runs to Walgreens for baby Tylenol among other conveniences most American parents take for granted, weathered storms (tropical storms, that is), and at the same time, enjoyed daily SCUBA diving excursions with guests, glorious sunsets, new friends and the adventure of a lifetime.

The Sapidas moved back to Oak Forest just in time for Halloween, and their friends and family are thrilled to have them all back stateside, just in time for the holidays.

Waltrip is calling it “The Big Give.” On Dec. 16, Waltrip High School’s entire student body will participate in a day of service. Students are being asked to partici-

pate in activities both on and off campus. The students on campus will be conducting a fundraising rally benefiting the Oak Forest Park on Judiway and Health Occupations Students of America (“HOSA”) students will be conducting a food and toy drive.

Waltrip is looking for larger projects or activities off campus that will allow a large number of students to work collaboratively. Juniors and Seniors plan to work off campus volunteering from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and they are available to do small as well as large tasks. Tasks are needed! You can help by: providing volunteer opportunities for juniors and seniors; donations of toys for a community toy drive; donations of canned or non-perishable foods for a food drive (i.e., canned goods, cereals,

grains, etc.); and volunteers to help chaperone field service activities. Contact David Santana at Waltrip High School at (713) 688-1361 or email him at dsantan2@ houstonisd.org for more information. Students are expected to perform community service as part of their graduation requirements and this day will be a chance to complete some of these hours as well as an opportunity to give back to the community at the same time.

Frank Black Middle School is proud to share the news that the FBMS one-act play cast and crew took second place in the entire school district at their recent competition. FBMS also took home honors in several other categories: Best Actor - Rylan Carroll; All-Star Cast - Jackson Bayles and Samuel Dill; Honorable Mention

- Meredith Jacoby; and AllStar Tech – Alice Waters.

Ladies – mark your calendars for Sat., Dec. 3, when a Women’s Self Defense Class will be held at Frank Black Middle School in the gym from 9 a.m.–noon. The class, open to the community and women ages 12 and older, will be taught by Master Derek Stinson, a 5th degree Black Belt in Chun Kuk Do. You don’t want to miss this! Bring your teenage daughters, teenage Girl Scout Troops, your sister, your mother, your best friend and your neighbor. Learn lifesaving techniques for defending oneself in crucial situations. $25 per person or $40 for two if you bring a friend. Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in and pay at the door, cash or check. See you there!

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ART

Saturday, November 26, 2016 • Page 7A

Art Valet

Thirsty Explorer

By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist

Forget black Friday, Pop Shop Houston Festival is here Black Friday? You? Oh, please; you would not be reading my column if you were one of “those” people. To insure you have a fabulous shopping weekend, I have got the best shopping tip you’ll get this season. Ready?

Pop Shop Houston Holiday Fest 2016, right around the corner from the Heights at Silver Street Studios - 2000 Edwards - starts Friday and is open all weekend for your shopping, eating, dancing and DIY (do-it-yourself) pleasure. Admission is $8 all weekend - kids 12+ under free, Sunday is only $5 and free after 3 p.m. Get passes and more details on the website: popshopamerica.com.

The first time you arrive at a Pop Shop Festival, you might be confused, thinking you’re at a music concert, food truck festival or DIY work shop bonanza or just the biggest indoor/outdoor art market on the planet. All the above would be correct! Maybe not the

An inside look of the the venue and the amount of space for shopping at Pop Shop Festival.

Contributed photos A vendor pop-up booth, full of fashion finds.

for people that don’t usually craft or create.

This year, my favorite new DIY is that you can gift wrap your own packages in style for free.

I also wouldn’t miss the fall inspired cocktails

by Double Trouble or The Octopus Project live Saturday and The Fashion Show Friday on Friday.”

I found these familiar names on the art roster: photographer Dan Westfall, jewelry and metal artist Chrissy Doolen, Paige Brooks of Without Remorse, painter Danyelle Lakin, Linda Wagner of The Silver Acorn, Valerie Gudell of Cultured Critter Collective and Tom Rye Art. Pop Shop Houston Holiday Fest, Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards Houston, 77007.

November 25 – November 27 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. $8 admission all weekend- kids 12+under free, Sunday is only $5 and free after 3 p.m. Get passes and more details on the website and the full lineup on the Facebook event page: popshopamerica.com.

biggest, but who can tell inside the cavernous event hall of Silver Street Studios.

Cohen is an artist and founder of First SaturI asked founder and event coordinator, Brit- day Arts Market, find him at ArtValet.com tany Bly, why shop at Pop Shop?

“Because it’s the most fun you can have this holiday season,” Bly explains. “No lines. No malls. Just fun. Pop Shop is full of modern, unique, and stylish goods. You can find something for everyone. Don’t like shopping? Well, good news - we have art exhibitions, food trucks, live music, and fashion shows. Don’t miss the fashion show Friday at 6:30 p.m. or The Octopus Project Saturday at 6:30 p.m.”

We agreed that sounded kind of like a marketing sound bite - so I asked what one thing she would recommend you not miss at Pop Shop.

“One thing?! LOL. I dare anyone to come to Pop Shop and only do one thing,” she said Hand made soaps, in all kinds of shapes and “The DIY’s are impossible to resist, especially scents. One of many gift ideas to be found.

Leader Nibbles

Small Business Saturday spotlight: Unos P’nches Tacos

Don’t miss The Octopus Project this weekend Amongst, what I’d like to believe as one of our best neighborhood holiday shopping stops, is a great band that you need to get to know. The Octopus Project, an Austin based act, has been releasing joyous party music since 2002, following a musical path that veers through blown-out rock’n’roll, vivid electronic colors, surreal pop and expansive psych landscapes, according to their website. As performers, they’ve earned a reputation for elaborate multimedia experiments and extremely loud, extremely fun live shows.

Plan for things to get weird, in every great way.

The Octopus Project is stopping in at the Pop Shop Festival at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26. Entrance to the festival is $8, show included.

Don’t miss this great band.

Hibernation: The Art of Nicky Davis There is all new work on display at Insomnia Video Game Culture from the Hous-

Featured art by Nicky Davis, the featured artist at Insomnia Video Game Culture, located at 724 W. 19th St.

ton born artist, Nicky Davis.

“Surely, you’ve seen his work around town, as Davis is an accomplished muralist, painter, and all around swell dude,” Insomnia Video Game Culture said. “He really doesn’t know what his paintings are about, but they are cute and creepy and you most likely will get free beer.”

Avoid the madness that Black Friday always is, and instead, come enjoy art,

Facebook photo The Octopus Project will be in Houston this weekend at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Pop Shop Festival - 2000 Edwards St.

food, drink, and music among friends, family and fellow fans in an environment where good vibes flow.

The event is free, and family friendly.

Save the date for 6 - 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 at Insomnia - 724 W. 19th St. Holiday Fashion Truck Fest Twelve Fashion Trucks will

descend upon Onion Creek Cafe for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

The party will kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 and end at 7 p.m.; same hours for Saturday. Onion Creek is located at 3106 White Oak Dr. Email christina@theleadernews.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @FromTheLeader

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Hours will start early at 6 a.m. for breakfast, and a Thanksgiving meal on the menu for lunch - turkey, dressing, pie and all the fixings. Hours will be flexible on closing, catering to customer needs.

Simos Diner is located at 5004 N Shepherd Dr.

By Christina Martinez

christina@theleadernews.com

One of my favorite parts of writing this column, is sharing enjoyed meals in the neighborhood. This Saturday, being Small Business Saturday, a movement to promote shopping local, I thought it would be fitting to share a new favorite.

Located off of Calvacade, Unos P’nches Tacos is a family run restaurant, with everything coming out of the kitchen tasting like abuela’s cooking.

The menu is hand-written, high above on a chalk board, seperating breakfast tacos, breakfast plates, tacos, tortas, gorditas, quesadillas, sopes and more.

“Our mission: is to provide quality food using home made recipes and fresh product,” a hand-written message from the chef reads.

The restaurant is colorfully decorated with Mexican art, loteria designs on the tables

By Christina Martinez Managing Editor

A beef fajita taco, picadillo taco, with a side of chips and salsa and a Mexican coke.

and a continuous warm family welcome from the staff.

Unos P’nches Tacos is a family joint you need to get to know. Stop in and see what is on special at 1402 Northwood St. Simos Diner open for Turkey Day Open for business since 1971, the family run diner

Krab Kingz Seafood opens first permanant location Offering Southern-style garlic seafood plates for lunch and dinner, Krab Kingz is moving into the neighborhood at the up-and-coming White Oak Bayou Village, also home to the newly opened Raspado Xperts.

Krab Kings is hopeful for a December opening at 6600 Antoine Dr. Stay tuned for more.

Email christina@theleadernews.com

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