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Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 2

Leader of the Year

About Us 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494

Walter Shepherd

news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER.

For nearly four decades, The Leader has selected its “Leader of the Year.” The honor in 2016 goes to a man who has devoted the second half of his life to serving others.

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339 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008

See Story • Page 2

High speed rail hits bump in court case

Top 10 Stories of the Year

Beers & Bulldogs

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Birthday wishes

The INDEX. Church........................................................... 7 Classifieds.............................................. 11 Coupons. ..................................................... 8 Food/Drink/Art................................... 13 Obituaries.................................................. 7 Opinion. ....................................................... 5 Public Information............................. 4 Puzzles.......................................................... 5 Sports. ....................................................... 10

H-E-B hits the ground running One domino effect of Proposition One passing is another which has

See Top Stories P. 9

See Rail P. 9

The changing of Reagan High School’s name to Heights High School led to protests around campus and the threat of a lawsuit. In the end, the name changed, dominating many of the headlines from the Heights in 2016.

2016 marked by conflicts over growth along-with-everyone kind of year the neighborhood craves.

The stories below are not ranked in specific order, though we tried to place the most prolific toward the top.

Compiled by Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A big birthday wish goes to Bertha Manning, celebrating her 103 birthday on Dec. 26. Bertha is a resident at Brookdale Heights and had a weekend of celebrations! Bertha enjoyed cake, flowers and festivities with her community and says “it pays to be 103!” Bertha moved to the Heights when she was 10 years old, and recalls her family having “the only car on the block.” She attends Candlelight Church of Christ and was so happy to receive birthday flowers from her church minister. Happy belated birthday, Bertha! And many more. (Photo by Christina Martinez )

The issue of a high-speed train in Houston continues to make waves. In February of 2015, area residents made their displeasure heard about a route which would follow the BNSF route that travels through Oak Forest prompting Texas Central Railways, a private company leading the bullet train project, to announce that it would make a recommendation to the Federal Railroad Administration to use a Union Pacific route down Washington Avenue and out Hempstead Highway.

Texas Central said in June it District Judge Tad did not hasn’t purchased Halbach grant summary the land for the judgment in a case station yet, which brought by Texans is now planned to Against High-Speed be in the area of Rail. That means 610 between 290 their suit against and I-10. The lo- Texas Central is set cation will be in for trial in July. the vicinity of the Northwest Mall area and METRO Northwest Transit Center area.

Now comes another stumbling block for the project. Texans Against HighSpeed Rail, Inc. released a press release last week about the decision of District Judge Joseph “Tad” Halbach to deny the Texas Central Railroad & Infrastructure’s motion to be declared a railroad with eminent domain.

If Texas Central is not a railroad with eminent domain authority, then it cannot legally enter onto private property, or force landowners to sell their property under the threat of eminent domain.

“In short, everything Texas Central has been telling landowners for the past year has been completely false,” stated Texans Against High-Speed Rail.

Landowner Calvin House, an owner of 440 acres in northwestern Harris County

It wasn’t all about drinking in 2016, but by a survey of headlines in The Leader over the past 12 months, it sure seemed that way at times.

The top stories of the year, as selected by The Leader staff, focused heavily on selling beer in stores and selling beer companies that had their roots in the area.

Interestingly, many of the bigger stories of the year cultivated in 77008, meaning Oak Forest and Garden Oaks, largely, had the quiet, get-

No more dry laws Perhaps one of the more contentious local discussions of 2016 involved the decision of Heights residents to strike down a centuryold dry statute that has prohibited grocers from selling beer and wine for off-premise consumption. Proposition One (spearheaded by H-E-B

and the Houston Heights Beverage Coalition) passed by an overwhelming majority, garnering nearly 67 percent of the vote on election night.

Houston Heights Beverage Coalition spokesperson and Heights resident Steve Reilley said the long-awaited payoff of the campaign represents a major transitional shift in the mindsets of Heights residents.

Cohen: Putting public safety first

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader The year 2016 was a big one for Houston City Council Member, Ellen Cohen, District C. The 75year-old, two-term councilwoman’s district encompasses a portion the of the Houston Heights, Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest – The Leader’s readership. What did the she accomplish, and what can we expect in 2017?

January, 2016, was an exciting month for Cohen. Houston’s new mayor, Sylvester Turner, tapped her for Mayor Pro Tem over 15 other council members. Mayor Pro Tem includes acting as the mayor when Mayor Turner is unavailable.

Cohen can often be found leading

This is the first in a 3-part series of interviews with the Houston City Council members who represent our area of the city.

city council meetings today.

That prestigious appointment is not what Cohen views as the year’s high point. “I think I am most proud of the issues of infrastructure we addressed,” Cohen stated. “For example, we were able to expedite the Yale Street Bridge construction, shaving 18 months off the schedule. We anticipate conclusion in February, 2017.”

Cohen was also involved in Shepherd Drive’s reconstruction, spear-headed the Garden Oaks

Capital Improvement Project, and secured $430 million in Capital Improvement Plan funding for District C over the next five years.

The councilwoman is no less proud of her attention to other matters.

“Public safety is at the top of city council’s list of responsibilities,” Cohen explained. “We were able to allocate $245,000 from the Council District Service Fund for the Houston Police Department, earmarking funds for the North Division to target the Antoine Corridor. I also fought for funding for an additional police cadet class, bringing the total to five,” she stated.

See Cohen P. 8

Houston City Council Member, Ellen Cohen, District C, (center) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $1 million renovation of Wright Bembry Park in Shady Acres, Oct. 2016. (Photo courtesy of Jacob Young)

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Page 2 • Saturday, December 31, 2016

For ‘shepherding’ projects, participation, Walter Shepherd is our Leader of the Year Story by Cynthia Lescalleet

W

alter Shepherd wakes each morning thinking “I can make a difference” and believing “an opportunity will present itself.”

Over his lifetime of volunteering, Shepherd has found many such opportunities, particularly ones benefiting the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Waltrip High School.

While some of his participatory impact has come from “having a vision” – and a need to carry it through – some began simply as an encouraging conversation with those he encounters.

Shepherd, 83, is The Leader’s 2016 Leader of the Year. True to form, this year’s recipient hopes his recognition might encourage others in this community to find their own way to do the same.

The easiest way to do that, he says, is to “believe in what you’re doing. Have confidence that what you do makes a difference.”

Walter Shepherd said it was important to put the ‘C’ back in YMCA, which is why he helped build the Doty Family Memorial Chapel at the Harriet & Joe Foster YMCA on 34th Street. (Above photo by Cynthia Lescalleet. Photo at right by Jonathan McElvy.)

Flock and Awed Given Shepherd’s community involvement both noted and behindthe-scenes, many who meet him wonder whether he is related to Shepherd Drive or Shepherd Park Plaza, where he and Dot, his wife of 58 years have lived since 1968, by way of Lazybrook.

Nope. Not related. But he is a shepherd nonetheless, one tending to needs and gathering others to help do so.

“I’m glad to have found my gift,” he says. It came in handy during his successful sales career in insurance and

it continues to play into his effectiveness as a volunteer. “I love people. I love that challenge. I can motivate and encourage.”

And recruit. And connect. And inspire. And delegate. And mentor.

Similar descriptive tags pop up when colleagues, friends and family explain Shepherd’s modus operandi.

“He’s extraordinarily genuine, there to help, to brainstorm or to chat,” says See Shepherd P. 3

CHANGING SOMEONE’S TOMORROW, TODAY The YMCA is creating a positive impact in our community through programs devoted to academic achievement, chronic disease prevention, swim safety, outreach and strengthening youth and families.

The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA congratulates Walter Shepherd as Leader of the Year. Thank you for your years of service to the community and the YMCA.

ymcahouston.org YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Page 3

Shepherd from P. 2 Emily Garcia, advancement director at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where his wife is a Eucharistic minister. Shepherd was on the campaign committee for the recently completed capital project and founded the Scriptures Sharing program, going strong 20 years later. “He’s very giving, of his time and of his opinion (in a good way),” she adds.

Despite his positive nature, however, Shepherd doesn’t believe his name on a project carries any weight, she says.

But that’s not true. “People respect him. If his name is on a project, they are likely to consider it as worthwhile.”

Howard Moon has been Shepherd’s friend since 1962, when both were early in their careers at American General.

They later were business partners at Moon Shepherd Insurance, now Moon Shepherd Baker. Moon quips his cohort retired in 2000 “for health reasons; he was sick of us.”

Follow-up and followthrough are among Shepherd’s calling cards, Moon notes. “He has always been a go-getter” and “has never met a person he couldn’t make a pitch to, whether for insurance, for the YMCA or the Lord.”

He knows when to talk and when to just listen. Shepherd’s real knack, however, could be getting others to step up (and perhaps think the idea was theirs all along), Moon says. “He’s a light that inspires you.”

Shepherd counters modestly that his approach succeeds because he’s “supporting work that benefits others.”

As a volunteer coordinator of baseball at Waltrip, for example, he assisted in the 1985 development of the baseball complex – a field that has since carried his name – coached the Colt League Team back in the ‘70s, and originated an annual golf tournament benefitting the team that’s still going strong.

Why the Y? The YMCA has been a constant in Shepherd’s life since his childhood in West University Place, when he first began playing basketball and baseball, lifelong pursuits both. While in his 60s, he earned 16 medals in eight years of competition in the Senior Olympics. Today, he starts most mornings shooting baskets on the court that carries his name at the Foster YMCA, where he has been on the board “for about 50 years.” He was part of the development committee when Harriet and Joe Foster were considering their sponsoring gift. His other roles there include high-yield fundraiser, youth coach and staff mentor.

In 2008, YMCA of Greater Houston recognized Shepherd’s commitment with the David D. Allen Award, bestowed to those who exemplify the highest ideals of the YMCA and who have had a significant impact on it.

Shepherd says he is especially gratified by a YMCA project he launched in 2000: The Doty Family Memorial Chapel he had built sits on campus and hosts such pro-

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Walter Shepherd’s work hasn’t just earned him respect in this community. His work has been so extensive that both the YMCA and Waltrip High School have placed his name on athletic facilities.

(Photo by Cynthia Lescalleet)

grams as a weekly scripture sharing for men. He considers it a way to “put the ‘C’ in YMCA.” “There are countless men my dad has positively impacted through the years with his visionary leadership in this scripture sharing group, a legacy that will endure at his YMCA,” notes his younger son, Brent.

Given Shepherd’s lengthy involvement at the former Northwest Y, it is perhaps understandable that he appears to consider campus his home turf. The staff appreciate his presence so much they keep his beverage of choice, hot chocolate, on hand to offer him.

“He’s a fabulous leader who inspires you to meet the potential within yourself,” says Rosemary Lengefeld, who was the Foster YMCA’s executive director until her recent shift to district director at the Trotter YMCA. That coaching style has worked on the field, on the court and with the staff he mentors.

Shepherd’s daughter, Lori

Marie Baumgarten, recalls how when she and brothers Brent and Mat were children, leadership training was part their upbringing.

“Our dad uses any spare moment to give back to the community and do for others while finding a way to encourage others to do the same,” she says in an emailed account. “It doesn’t have to be a special season or even require a reason for him to find a way to motivate, inspire and help others.”

Mat Shepherd agrees: “He tries to see the goodness in people, and lead them in the direction he thinks he sees but they might not yet.”

Thank you, Mrs. Pegado “You have to be what you are and do what you do,” says Shepherd, admittedly rephrasing an observation his single, working mother would pronounce in his youth: “Son, you will do whatever you want to do.”

Similarly formative was a smooth tactical maneuver by Mrs. Pegado, his fourth-grade

teacher, he says. She combatted his extreme shyness by making him a class “greeter.”

“I’ve been greeting people ever since,” he says, learning through that how relationships – with people and with God – are at the core of so much of what he has accomplished.

So far.

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Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Page 4

Council approves selling Waterworks building Media outlets reported the December 20th approval by the Houston City Council of the sale of the historic Heights waterworks to Alliance Realty Partners for $15.2 million.

The council item about the sale said that the purchase price is “way above the appraised fair market value.” Alliance was the top bidder of 19 entities.

As Council Member Ellen Cohen re-

minded the 100 plus person group who attended an early December meeting at the Heights Fire Station, the land was currently owned by Public Works and Engineering and was not currently being utilized. Although Cohen said that the sum being offered for the property was very high, she could not name the sum until the council vote.

Cyrus Bahrami, who oversees develop-

ment, investment and construction operations for the Houston office of Alliance, told the group that they were one of a number of multi-family offers.

Cohen addressed the tough financial straits that the city was in, especially with regard to pensions, and said that the money from the sale would be significant.

“The Mayor is looking at the bottom line,” said Cohen.

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HITS wins prestigious Yelp grant For more than 35 years, HITS Theatre has inspired local children through the magic of theatre. In Nov., 2016, The Leader ran a story about the nonprofit organization’s selection as a “Yelp Foundation Gives Local” grant contestant. The community stepped up to help.

“We are excited to share that HITS won First Place in the “Yelp Foundation Gives Local” grant contest!” said Director of Development, Christina Trunzo.

“Thanks to votes from the community, we will be awarded a $5,000 grant. We are so grateful to everyone who voted for us.”

The funds from the Yelp Foundation will be used to support HITS’ performance-based theatre classes for students in grades 1-12. The spring line-up will feature students in grades 1-6 performing Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. in their Heights theatre home. HITS will celebrate its 30th Anniversary production at Miller Outdoor Theatre with the musical, Footloose, at the end of March.

“The grant funds will to allow us to offer our students the very best in theatre education,” Trunzo concluded. Visit www. hitstheatre.org.

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Settle in for a week full of commercials and football THE TV – “Down, set, Omaha eight. Black bear forty-seven. Tight right court jester!” And the play begins. Are you ready for some football? If not, switch to the Trump Channels, aka CNN and Fox News, because all that the networks will be showing are football games, mostly of the bowl variety. Which contests have you marked on your calendar?

Maybe the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl or the Nova Home Loans Bowl.

As we can see, higher academics joined with TV networks and good ol’ American greed to make another buck by selling naming rights to post-season college football games.

Thus the Cotton Bowl is now the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, the Sugar Bowl is the Allstate Sugar Bowl (played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome)? How many wingbacks are there in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl? How long will you remember the Valero Alamo Bowl? Can you be in the Red Zone in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl? It’s only a matter of time until we have the Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Bowl.

The ancient Rose Bowl has maintained a fig leaf over its privates with the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual. Incidentally, we all know that the Rose Bowl is the first, and granddaddy, of all the

Lynn Ashby Columnist

post-season bowl games, but what’s the second oldest? El Paso’s Sun bowl, 1935. The Sugar and Orange Bowls claim they are the second oldest, but their cases are weak.

A quick story about the Sun Bowl, as told by Burt Reynolds on the “Johnny Carson Show.” Reynolds was the third-string halfback on the Florida State team that was playing in the Sun Bowl. Knowing that he wouldn’t be playing in that game – he had sat out most of the season – he and some teammates went to Juarez the night before the game, where Reynolds got totally plastered.

At game time he was sitting at the end of the bench, paying no attention to the game. The starter at his position got hurt, then his backup went down. From far away, he heard a voice yelling: “Reynolds, get your helmet and get on the field!” There

was just one problem, as Reynolds told it: All game long he had been throwing up in his helmet.

Years ago there were only a few major bowl games pitting the winners of the various conferences.

We had the Cotton Bowl in Dallas featuring the champions of the old Southwest Conference, the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, with the SEC champs, both on TV at the same time, then the Rose Bowl with the Pac 10 champ on Pacific Coast Time, and finally the Orange Bowl at night preceded by one of the strangest parades of the year. Over time, games have come and gone.

Stadiums have changed, too.

Mostly the games go indoors for winter comfort. As a lad, my brother and I would sell programs at Cotton Bowl games on an icy Dallas New Year’s Day. It was so cold (how cold was it?) I actually had people approach me, not to buy a program, but to buy my woolen cap and scarf.

Looking back, why was I selling those stupid programs when I could have made a tidy fortune setting up a booth selling jackets, scarves, woolen caps and gloves? The Cotton Bowl is now played in the comfort of Cowboy Stadium, or AT&T MegaBox. The 1942 Rose Bowl was originally scheduled to be played in the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena,

Calif. But it was moved to Durham, North Carolina, due to fears about an attack by the Japanese on the West Coast following the attack on Pearl Harbor three weeks earlier.

Incidentally, during all college football games, including the bowls, the halftime is filled with commercials. OK, they pay the freight. But then they show four aging jocks sitting behind a desk telling us that Amherst is taking a licking from Williams (before 600 rabid spectators), and that Ramblin’ Rick Raspberry may break the passing record in the Upper Michigan & Lower Manitoba Conference. Couldn’t we see the bands, instead? Those students work very hard, practicing new formations and tunes weekly, and some shows are really impressive. Show the bands!

Major bowls don’t have any trouble filling the stadiums and getting top TV money, but others have had problems. Baylor once played in the late Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston, and, last I heard, never did get paid. To host a bowl game, usually the idea begins with a group of city leaders forming a committee, which rounds up a sponsor (the Belk Company) to underwrite some of the costs. The committee then taps volunteers to put up signs, host pre-game banquets and buy a

bunch of tickets which they hand out to employees, big customers and anyone else who promises to show up in 30 degree weather to see East West Virginia State play Oregon A&M. For the schools, it’s a big deal to be “bowl eligible” and then selected. Indeed, have you ever heard of a school declining a bowl invitation? The school selected has to pay the coach and his assistants a bonus because they must work a few weeks after the regular season is over, while their colleagues coaching non-playing teams are sitting on the couch watching bowl games on TV or, more likely, sending out resumes because they got canned. Schools promise to send the team, band, cheerleaders and mascot, and buy a certain number of tickets.

When all the bowl games are over, the top two teams left standing play for the championship, but the contest doesn’t seem to have a commercial sponsor – yet. But stand by for lots of car ads. It’s being played in Toyota Stadium. Anyway, it’s time for me to settle down on my couch, which is now my legal voting address, and watch some team I never heard of play another team which remains anonymous. “Down, set, bird dog right, alto solo!”

Ashby watches at ashby2@comcast.net

The reader.

Post Office Nightmare

Dear Editor: This goes out to everyone who wants the State to be in charge of health care. Government bureaucracies have de minimis incentive to provide quality customer service. Their primary goal is perpetuation/ preservation via regulatory entrenchment, and not efficiency via commercial innovation. The USPS has been soundly outstripped by competing private enterprises such as UPS and FedEx, people motivated to please and to profit, rather than to spend their careers as fire-proof drones marking time till retirement. (P.S. As for health care, many insist that medicine must not be left to private enterprise, because profiting from someone else’s misery is obscene. Well, I would be obscenely miserable if I starved -- thus I don’t begrudge our food industry its profits, seeing the free-market affordable abundance which gluts all the aisles at every grocery store in town).

J. Reynolds Dear Editor: I too have been a victim of undelivered mail, or major delays. There have actually been weeks where I get one delivery. Then they cram the mailbox so full of a week’s worth of mail. Tearing envelopes and exposing mail. Most of it is junk mail. I could write books on my opinions on junk mail, but I will save you on this. I will say that the Post Office needs to do away with bulk rates that a large portion of the commercial mailers pay. Even when the regular user gets a rate increase, the bulk mailers still come out much better.

I get mis-delivered mail constantly. Most of the time, it is for my neighbors, but sometimes the mail is for addresses on the other side of Houston. When you give it back with “Wrong Address” written on it, it comes back the next day. I got a miss-delivered letter the other day, that had “Wrong Address” written on it 3 times before it was delivered to me. The address on the envelope was “Wood Forest” and the zip code was 77013, which is on the far east side of Houston. I live on Woodcrest 77018. I hand delivered it back to my mail carrier and asked that it not be delivered to me again.

I have complained at the Post Office on T.C. Jester a couple of times and was told that they are understaffed and they have to borrow employees from other locations.

For business, we have major problems. All of them were reported either in person, by their online email (with no response), or by calling the 1-800-ASK-USPS. I’ve been told that I will get either calls or email responses, but THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN. It is a waste of time to be on hold for 45 minutes and then nothing happens. I even complained to the Executive Customer Service line and was told that our issues were going to get a response because they are serious. They told me that the manager of 77018 would be calling me as well as the Executive Customer Service to follow up, only to get nothing!

We occasionally send Certified Mail, with Return Receipt Requested.

Some have never been delivered, and never returned. If they are delivered, it can take months to get your green signature card back.

Recently, I got a refused Certified letter back, that was refused 60 days earlier. Last week there was an orange note in our PO box that said we had a certified letter. I gave the note to the Postal clerk and 35 minutes later she came to the window and said that they cannot find the letter because no one wrote the certified number on the note. They made a copy of the note and got our phone number. They said that they would call when they find it, but I have not received a single call.

One of our best-paying customers had a past due invoice. When I called, they informed me that they mailed a check in March. I was calling in June. They reissued a check on June 30th. In August, we still had not received the original check, nor the replacement. They ended up paying by credit card. Two weeks later, I received the replacement check from June 30th. And in the second week of December, we received the original check post marked March 30. This was one of 5 customers whose checks were delayed severely by the Post Office.

We don’t trust the Postal Service anymore. Our P.O. Box is constantly full of mail that belongs to boxes around us. Who knows if they are getting our mail.

Personally, I believe that the Post Office is imploding upon itself. They have no clue how to make it work, having uncaring employees (many are doing the best they can with limited resources), and it has become a service that is not reliable. My opinion is that they should do what has happened in Germany, France, and other European countries, by letting DHL, or other package express companies handle the regular mail.

I listened to the Postmaster General, who appeared in front of Congress two months ago. It was disgusting to listen to this woman who repeatedly told Congressional members that the Post Office has made much progress in cutting costs and making the service reliable and cost-effective (But still losing over a billion dollars a year). My opinion is that they need to provide all their services online to eliminate having to stand in line for 30-45 minutes for simple services like Certified Mail.

But innovation will do no good if the mail doesn’t get delivered, or delivered in a timely manner. Especially after seeing news reports where people have caught Postal carriers dumping mail in sewers and ditches, versus delivering it. In addition, the Post Office needs to charge the same rates for bulk mailers as all the other customers. It might have been an advantage many years ago, but they spend a lot of time with bulk mail and less time with my bills and checks. I wonder how many residents notice that bulk mail is always delivered on time.

The Post Office used to have a reputation of being reliable, affordable, and friendly. That is no longer the case. Telling your readers to go online or call to file a complaint is a waste of time.

Bruce Coy Dear Editor: We have lived in the area for 18 years and have used the Oak Forest post office as needed for our postal needs. It is clear that there is a leadership and customer service problem at that location. There are numerous problems, some highlighted in the article. The most recent poor service incident we had was in getting passports for our children.

Despite having made an online reservation several weeks in advance, upon arrival we were told that they weren’t doing passports that day.

The postal clerk was clearly only interested in transacting with the people in line to mail packages, so our issue was slowing down their productivity. The postal clerk was of very little help except to call for a supervisor. It took 15-20 minutes to get the supervisor to come talk to us and explain that they were not responsible for the mistake.

Apparently, only one person was qualified and they were on a planned vacation. They blamed the problem on the central reservation agency.

That is not what a customer wants to hear. I was ready to start teach-

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com ing them how to fix their broken process. However, they did contact another post office to take care of the passport. We went to the location on Long Point and they provided dramatically improved service. It was a night and day difference. Oak Forest earned a “D” and LongPoint received an “A” in service quality. Thanks for focusing on the customer service problems at our local post office.

Eric Lokker Dear Editor: Thank you for bringing to light the delay issues surrounding the Oak Forest Post Office in Landan Kuhlmann’s article last week. I have complained many times about the slow delivery (standard outgoing and incoming mail taking 2-3 weeks to arrive), and fear my complaints have gone into the same black hole as the others.

While the accompanying late fees piling up on credit card debt and other bills are troublesome, worse yet is the wrath that comes when Mother’s Day cards arrive several days late.

Chris Komarek

Gratitude for the Post Office

Dear Editor: I am writing to express my gratitude and admiration for the workers of the USPS branch on Judiway. As a resident of Oak Forest for nearly five years, I have had excellent service at my home from carriers who I have seen working so hard sometimes after dark and all day through the blistering heat of summer. I have been at the postal branch very frequently during all seasons of the year and I have always seen the public treated with courtesy and competency.

To write a critical article on the postal service at the peak of their busiest season is like criticizing your local grocery store or favorite shopping mall for having parking problems or being crowded or having waiting lines during Christmas shopping season. There will always be complaints and room for improvement even with more expensive mail services, such as FedEx and UPS. In the face of the closures of the main Post Office downtown and the Heights branch post office coupled with the increase of residential properties and businesses in all areas of the general Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest neighborhoods, in recent years, our Oak Forest branch is doing a fine job overall and I would bet that the vast number of residents and businesses served would share this sentiment.

Barbara and Calvin Simper

HEB wants garage, close proximity to Shepherd

Dear Editor: As reported by the Leader on Dec. 24, HEB now wants a variance that will allow them to build their two story supermarket within 10 feet of North Shepherd Drive as opposed to the 25 foot setback required by city ordinance. According to the twisted logic of HEB spokesperson, Scott McClelland “What we’re trying to accomplish here – given the Heights is more of an urban area – is create an urban feel and the size of the setback determines just how urban it can feel.”

First, I hate to see the Heights turn into another Midtown with no trees and with tall buildings looming over sidewalks and blocking the sky. Second, I don’t believe that “urban feel” is what attracted most residents to the Heights, but that they appreciate a close-in location with a leafy and quirky charm (which is sadly disappearing fast). Third, I resent the fact that HEB just can’t play by the rules that everyone else must follow. HEB organized and paid for a campaign to overturn the 100 year old restrictions against selling alcohol in the Heights. Now HEB wants special treatment to build a two story supermarket within 10 feet of Shepherd Drive. You can be sure that their whining and special requests won’t stop there, they will be sure to always want more.

I say we that we call their bluff and tell them that if they don’t like the rules, to build their store somewhere else.

Roger Barnaby

Our area is contracting and that’s great

Dear Editor: Thank you for this article. The problem with “progress” (I use that term loosely) is that what made Oak Forest great in the first place is being lost. Our sizeable lots are being overrun with mcmansions and gigantic fencelines. Privacy? Ha! No more. If you own an original home your backyard is now being peered down into from the second floor of your new neighbor. The only people with any privacy are the new ones.

Gone are the days of talking to your neighbor over the fence while still maintaining a comfortable distance between houses.

My family is 4th generation here. I remember when kids played at the park and in the streets until the lights came on. Families would do their own yard work too. Now paid companies do the yard work while kids are wholed in their own suites in the new houses playing video games. I like my neighbors, I just hate their house.

Small businesses will eventually be forced out. Sad because everything that was once the desirable will be gone. Me personally, I won’t ever sell. My house may be the only original left standing but it’s not going anywhere.

Brooke Jackson

the leader Puzzlers.

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WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 6 • Saturday, December 31, 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Page 7

The calendar.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Dance, Dec. 31, featuring The Moonglow Orchestra from 8 p.m.– 12:30 a.m. There will be a Balloon Drop and a Champagne Toast at Midnight, with breakfast to follow.

Tickets are $35 per person and are on sale now. Information: 713869-5767, lodge88.org.

GIFT FOR ANIMALS Houston Humane Society Make second chances possible.

Whether an animal is abandoned, abused, injured or hungry, your generous support of Houston Humane Society helps us care for each homeless pet that comes through the doors. Donations can be deducted from your 2016 tax return. Information: houstonhumane.org, 713-433-6421.

BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Local science fiction author Larry Rhodes will be signing his new book Graphene, Saturday, Jan. 7, from 1-3 p.m. at The Book Scene, 1820 W. 43rd. Stop by for books, fun and snacks. Information: 713-869-6117.

AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Jan. 9, 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 feature Harold Nelms, registered pharmacist, who will discuss the immune system and the functions of the body. President is Richard Rabe, vice president is Terrell Holiday.

Information: 713-682-4022.

CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce This year’s Crawfish Festival is Saturday, March 4. Exhibitor booths start at $100 and sponsorships start at $250. Sponsorship deadline for first round of posters is Jan. 9. For details on participation in the parade, selling goods or to sponsor this year’s Crawfish Festival, contact Jill Johnston at the Chamber office. Information: 713-861-6735, events@heightschamber.org.

INTRO TO SQUARE DANCING Fairbees Square Dance Club Fairbees Square Dance Club, is hosting two free Intro to Square Dancing nights, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and Jan. 19. Come see what Modern Western Square Dancing is all about. Great low impact exercise, fun, food, and free! The classes will be held at Memorial Drive Lutheran Church, 12211 Memorial Dr. No partner required, older children (preteens and teens) welcome, good family

fun in a healthy, non-smoking, non-drinking environment. Basic Square Dance Lessons will begin the following Jan. 26, 6:45-8 p.m., $5 per person per lesson. Information: 713-957-2762.

19TH STREET SIP AND STROLL Merchants of 19th Street Join the merchants of 19th Street for the first Third Thursdays event of 2017, Sip and Super Bowl! Let’s celebrate this historic event as our City prepares to host Super Bowl LI. We will be honoring ReBuild Houston. The event will be from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 19.

Information: facebook.com/ events/686202358211236/ STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and live entertainment, Jan. 20 (third Friday of each month). Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out.

The cost is $15 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook. com/AmLegionPost560/, www. txlegion560.org.

ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Reserve a table and invite clients to hear from one of the nation’s leading economists about the economic outlook for Houston and

beyond. Dr. Bill Gilmer, a professor of Economics at the University of Houston, will discuss business, employment, interest rates, energy and real estate. The event will be from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Jan. 26, at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Information: 713-8616735, heightschamber.org.

OPERATION VALENTINES American Legion Post 560 The American Legion Post 560 is asking the community to create hand-made Valentine cards to honor veterans and active duty military. The deadline is Jan. 27, to ensure timely sorting and distribution. The post will be open from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 20 and Jan. 27, to receive Valentines. Look for the giant mailbox inside the post, located at 3720 Alba Rd. Information: 281-507-6321, txlegion560. org.

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES The Mainstream Connection The Mainstream Connection, 415 E. Crosstimbers St., offers Citizenship Classes. Classes are starting soon. The office is open Monday through Friday, and offers assistance with Resident renewal forms (I-90) and Citizenship, (N400) Applications and the I-130.

Notary Public services available.

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

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.

Monthly pancake breakfast at St. Matthew’s The free monthly pancake breakfast will be Jan. 7, 8:3010 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Bring friends and family and enjoy pancakes with all the trimmings. Immediately following the breakfast there will be a joint meeting of the Lydia

Circle and United Methodist Men. Plans will be made to work together on projects around the church and community. Members should make plans to attend the meeting at 10 a.m. in Room 107.

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. For information, visit the website at www. stmatthewsmethodist.org or call 713-697-0671. ‘Alpha’ series at The Vineyard For those interested in exploring the meaning of life, The Vineyard Church of Houston is hosting a series of 12 sessions titled “Alpha.� Alpha is a chance to find out more about the basics of Christian faith in a fun, relaxed setting.

Food is provided, and there is no charge, no pressure and no follow-up. The first session will be from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 17. The series runs weekly through April 4. Three class times are available at two locations including the Heights and Medical Center areas. To register, visit www.houstonvineyard. org/alpha.

The Vineyard Church of Houston is located at 1035 E. 11th St., and is a multi-cultural

Christian congregation. For information, visit www.houstonvineyard.org.

All Saints TALC ends Fall semester All Saints Third Age Learning Center, will be celebrating its 30th year of its senior program, and will hold the 2017 Spring Registration Jan. 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parish hall. The Spring Semester will begin Feb. 6 and conclude on May 5.

All Saints Third Age Learning Center is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-248-1277 for information.

Senior Time Event at First Church Heights Senior Time Event meets the last Tuesday of every month at First Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., in the fellowship hall, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

This month’s meeting will be Jan. 31, and will feature guest speaker Attorney Caroline Kuipers of Hayes and Wilson, PLL, who will discuss wills, probate and estate planning for seniors and a light breakfast.

Call 713-447-1251 for information.

The Obituaries.

Finley Dunn Boothe, 89, born Dec. 10, 1927 in Hochheim, Texas, died Dec. 18. Boothe was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, and served his country during World War II. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Boothe is survived by his daughters Deborah Scheffer and Teressa Pavlas, brother Bobby Boothe, five grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Windsong Care Center – Activity Department, 3400 E. Walnut, Pearland, TX 77581.

Carolyn Cecile (Bullard) Caysonis, 78, born Nov. 4,

1938, died Dec. 2. She is survived by her children, George, Alvis, Theresa, and Elizabeth Ann; siblings Doris, Brenda, Cheryl and James, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Dec. 31, at All Saints Catholic Church, followed by the 10 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuber-

ous Sclerosis Alliance.

Lillian S. Graeter, 98, born Oct. 26, 1918, died Dec. 14.

Lewis James Kitchens, 85, born July 10, 1931, died Dec. 16.

William H. Lukens, 94, born March 1, 1922, died Dec. 19.

Margaret Louise Oringderff, 86, born Oct. 29, 1930 in Tulsa, Okla., died Dec. 12, after a brief struggle with cancer. She graduated from Fort Scott High

West 34th St.

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

FREE GARDENING CLASSES Beauty’s Community Garden Beauty’s Community Garden, 3201 Airline, holds free gardening classes the first Saturday of every month. Call to reserve a space.

Volunteers are also needed to teach gardening classes. Information: 832-910-8261, Beautysgarden1@gmail.com.

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New Year’s blended service at St. Stephen’s One blended service, with traditional and contemporary music, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Enjoy refreshments before the service at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Sunday School classes and afternoon Bible studies will not meet on Jan. 1. Adults age 50+ are welcome to attend Senior Activities Day, Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the fellowship hall.

Domino games begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a soup and sandwich meal at 11:45 a.m.

Love offerings are encouraged to help cover the cost of lunch.

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.

Aztec StorAgeS

Routine Male Cat Neuters

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 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.

MANNA provides resources for the community Gently used donations allow MANNA’s mission in helping those in need. Contact the Resale Store at 713-686-6440 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.

Call 713-504-5486 or email pdornak@gmail.com for information.

School and went on to pursue her nursing degree from Drury College in Springfield, Mo. Oringderff was employed as a pediatric and obstetric nurse, taught nursing, and spent most of her nursing career as a school nurse in the Aldine School District. She was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church. She is survived by her children Gary Andrew Bates and Cherilyn Anne Wood, three grandchildren, a granddaughter through marriage and her greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren.

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emergency measures Chase Baker, D.D.S. estorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.) have a way of R breaking or getting lost at the most inconvenient times ... like over the holidays when there’s no time to see your

dentist. The only long lasting repair is that which is made by your dentist, but here are a few emergency measures.

If a filling falls out or a tooth breaks, it has to be replaced by the dentist. You can ease some of the discomfort by rinsing with luke-warm water and then placing a piece of cotton soaked in oil of cloves into the cavity. Your local pharmacy should also have temporary dental filling material that is very inexpensive and can hold you off until you can be seen by the dentist.

If a crown or a bridge come off, don’t try putting it back on with commercial glue. Ideally, the crown needs to be placed back in so that the tooth doesn’t begin to move which would prevent the crown from fitting back on. Vaseline or denture cream can hold it in place temporarily until you can get in to see your dentist.

Don’t try to repair a broken denture yourself. It could damage both the appliance and the tissue against which it rests. A broken denture or fractured denture tooth is a real emergency and can be repaired quickly by the dentist.

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.

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Develop a Discerning spirit

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directory

First FirstChurch Church Heights

Weekly Sunday Services • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. • Morning:10:30 a.m. • Evening: 4:15 p.m.

1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday School ........9:15 am Sunday Worship......10:30am Thursday Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:00pm

Pastor C. David Harrison 201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org

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

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earning to discern the good from the bad is essential for all of us on our spiritual journeys, and we are all on spiritual journeys. Part of the difficulty of discernment is that there is often very little to distinguish the good from the bad. For example, is dancing wrong?

It really depends on the type of dancing, since there are dances of praise to God which are recommended in the Bible (Psalm 149:3), and there are dances that evoke lust (Mark 6:22). Is drinking wrong? Jesus converted water into wine as His first miracle (John 2:1-11), but preaches against drunkeness and gluttony (Luke 21:34). God gave us our minds as tools for life, and that includes developing a critical faculty of judgement that allows us to discern the good from the bad. Quite importantly, even the act of judging requires discernment. Jesus tells us to “Judge not, that you be not judged,� (Matthew 7:1) and the context indicates that He is telling us not to make condemning judgements of others. But, in 1 Corinthians 2:15, we are told that “The spiritual man judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.� The truly spiritual person is adept at discerning virtue and vice, but they do not sit in judgement over others. Almost anything can be good or bad, depending on how it is used. Strength, intelligence, and loyalty are certainly virtues when tied to a good will, but if used for evil purposes, these things become vicious.

So, we should develop our spirit of discernment, relying on our conscience and our good judgement. However, we should not be too quick to condemn our neighbors because we don’t know their hearts.

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1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577

4

Page 8 • Saturday, December 31, 2016 The High Speed Rail proposed by Texas Central has been contentious, even in this area.

Public meetings were held last year as residents expressed concern about the route of the rail. Now, it looks like the company is going to court over their power of eminent domain.

How do you care for a long-haired cat? the process as well.

What you feed your longhaired cat can also help in their beauty routine. As always, feeding your cat the highest quality pet food you can squeeze into your budget will pay off in the quality of their coat. Also, consider that cats on dry food diets aren’t getting the moisture their organs need to function efficiently. A GI tract that is moisture-depleted is less able to transport a hairball than the digestive tract of a well-hydrated cat eating a species-appropriate diet.

If you find yourself in a situation where your longhaired kitty is in dire need

Dear Tabby, I’ve recently inherited a longhaired cat. Up until now, I’ve always had short-haired cats, so I have no idea what kind of maintenance this new cat will need. Help!

Tangled up in cat hair in Timbergrove Dear Tangled Up, Even though healthy cats habitually groom themselves and are fastidious by nature, many long-haired kitties need a little (or even a lot of) extra help keeping their coats beautiful, but it’s nothing that you can’t handle. Yes, longhaired cats require a bit more maintenance than their shorthaired counterparts, but with a little time and attention, you can make sure that your new kitty is well maintained in the beauty-department.

It’s a good idea for any owner of a long-haired cat to prepare to spend some time helping their pet with grooming chores. Your kitty’s coat may only need some TLC once a month – or you may need to tend to it daily to keep your cat looking and feeling good. Fortunately, many kitties absolutely love being brushed or combed, and many who are initially hesitant can learn to enjoy

of a makeover and you just can’t manage it on your own, try to find a mobile or inhome groomer who is very experienced with cats. The biggest advantage to having a groomer come to you is that your kitty won’t be exposed to the sights, sounds and smells of other animals during what will be a stressful event. It also saves you from having to drive her anywhere. Consult the National Cat Groomers Institute of America (NCGIA) for guidance on finding a groomer in your area.

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

Pet of the Week

Meet Callie. This super-smart, sweet and loving terriermix is great with people and dogs alike. Callie has a fair amount of energy, so living in an active home would tickle her pink. But, as much as she loves to run and play, Callie also loves to cuddle on the sofa--so, she’s the perfect dog for most any family. Callie is crate-trained and very eager to please. To learn more, go to: www.animaljusticeleague.org.

Rail from P. 1 who has been tangling in court with Texas Central, was pleased with the decision.

“Texas Central came to my property six different times asking for a survey,” said House.

“Every time they told me they had eminent domain. Then, they sued me, and I had to hire a lawyer. Now I see why they never could show me a piece of paper saying they had eminent domain like condemning authorities are required to do. It’s because they never had it to begin with. I’m glad the court ruled in my favor, but I sure didn’t like being harassed for months, sued, and forced into court.”

Lawyer Blake Beckham who helped defend House said the ruling “makes it crystal clear that Texas Central is not a railroad and does not have eminent domain authority. With no legal authority, no money, and no approval

to construct, the project is on a train to nowhere.”

Texas Central expressed disappointment in the court’s decision and believes their arguments will prevail at trial.

“The decision does not set any kind of precedent, and we will show in a full trial that state law, established for more than a century, clearly gives railroad companies the right to conduct land surveys without interference,” said Texas Central in a statement. “This is needed to determine the most advantageous high-speed train route. Meanwhile, we will continue to work with landowners in a direct and respectful manner as the project moves ahead as planned.”

The trial date is set for July 3.

Cohen from P. 1 Cohen chaired a number of committees in 2016 including the Quality of Life Committee, and championed the creation of a Green Street Corridor in the Heights to protect trees on Yale St. It is the first Green Street Corridor in Houston.

Parks remain important to this council member. Cohen is responsible for the revitalization of Wright Bembry Park in Shady Acres, and advocating for a “Playground for All Abilities” for Oak Forest Park. She also secured $240,000 for playground equipment replacement in TC Jester Park.

Is the divisive national political climate a deterrent to governing in Houston? “The thing about city council is we serve as neither Republicans nor Democrats. A pothole is not Republican and trash pick-up is not Democrat.

Houston’s issues have no party affiliation, and city council members serve cohesively as a result,” Cohen stated.

As Mayor Pro Tem, does CM Cohen have higher aspirations, we asked? “Yes,” she stated. “I have aspirations to be the best Mayor Pro Tem the city has ever had. We have a great mayor in Mayor Turner, and I will continue to do whatever I can to help him, and the city in the future,” she concluded.

Join Us!

Mini murals have enhanced the area Councilwoman Cohen closed 3,000 constituent cases in 2016, and was named “Civil Rights Hero” by the Anti-Defamation League. CM Cohen has also been instrumental in adding public art to District C. She partnered with artists to create “mini murals,” a project that addressed unsightly traffic control cabinets. The murals added to the signal cabinets beautified neighborhoods and enhanced community cohesiveness. Mini murals can be found at: ·Antoine Dr. at Pinemont Dr. ·W. 43rd St. at Rosslyn St. ·W. 43rd St. at Oak Forest Dr. ·W. 18th St. at Ella Blvd ·W. 19th at Yale St. ·W. 6th St. at Heights Blvd. ·Center St. at Heights Blvd.

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Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Page 9

Happy New Year from Cecil and Janet

Thanks For A Great 2016!

Need to list your home in 2017 give us a call.

Karbach, based in the area, sold to Anheuser-Busch in 2016. The small, craft-beer company that started here, made the list of top stories this year.

Janet & Cecil Schmidt

713.419.7918

Top Stories from P. 1 prompted heated discussion within The Leader’s community—the incoming of a new H-E-B at the site of the old Fiesta at 23rd Street and North Shepherd Drive. In order to accommodate the smaller fouracre site, H-E-B’s newest store will be constructed with parking underneath the 80,000square-foot, two-story store.

Houston Division President Scott McClelland has assured the public that H-E-B remains committed to creating a store residents can be proud of and call “their” H-E-B despite prevailing uneasiness, citing a desire to include local artist works on the exterior walls, among other local flare paying homage to the Heights and its history.

Reagan name change stirs controversy Despite rampant outcry, HISD approved a $1.2 million budget in August to change the names of seven schools which the district said were named after prominent Confederate leaders, including Reagan (now Heights) High School. The decision sparked an immediate fire in the Leader community, with protests and threats of a lawsuit, as many residents were not shy about making their dissenting opinion heard on the matter. However, the outcry was not enough to halt the change from becoming official Aug. 11.

North Shepherd gets a makeover There are two distinct parts of North Shepherd - the one south of 610 and the one north in the Garden Oaks area.

It’s the north area of North Shepherd that began to feel the growth of the area. Along with already popular Grindhouse, the area became home to Alabama Furniture, Wabash Feed & Garden Store and Frost Bank. If it slowly began in 2015, this important strip of roadway took off in 2016.

Water works station sold, development to begin This is a story which saw several fairly contentious community meetings after the city sold the property to Alliance Residential Group, who detailed their plans for the property last month. Cyrus Bahrami, who oversees development, investment and construction operations for the Houston office of Alliance, said that the plans for the southwest and southeast corners of West 20th and Nicholson include one eight-story, 275unit apartment complex and one six-story 63-unit complex.

Alliance’s partner in the deal, Harres Exezidis, also has plans for two to three restaurants on the waterworks site.

Resident reactions to the sale have been mixed, with many bringing up concerns such as additional traffic the development would bring to the area, as well as safety in the case of students at nearby Helms Elementary. For others, flooding remains paramount in the wake of two floods this past year.

Politics Is there really anything more than can be said about this election cycle? As a whole, the 2016 election season represented a massive shift on the national and global level and has many in the nation on edge heading into 2017; however, this area of Houston saw relatively calm results as many incumbents and Democrats rode a wave of support in the season’s elections, with record numbers racing to the polls. From Sheila Jackson Lee striking down another challenger and Heights resident Kim Ogg’s defeat of incumbent District Attorney Devon Anderson to Ed Gonzales defeating incumbent Sheriff Ron Hickman and Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen retain-

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No one would dispute that the Heights historic vote to become a ‘wet’ community was one of the biggest stories of the year, as it was followed by news that H-E-B would locate in the area.

ing his position, this area saw Democrats rule the day. Rosen cruised to victory over challenger Joe Danna in a rematch of the 2012 heavyweight bout, garnering 138,439 votes to Danna’s 73,734 in the 2016 edition; while Jackson Lee defeated challenger Lori Bartley in garnering 73 percent of the vote. Additionally, though Hillary Clinton lost the war, she won the Houston presidential battle, garnering 706,471 votes in Harris County as opposed to Trump’s 544,980 290/610 Interchange moving ahead, Yale Bridge to open soon It’s no secret that The Leader area is booming, serving as a microcosm of the city’s overall growth. With such growth brings an abundance of extra motor vehicles, and several projects aimed at abating the congestion it causes took major steps forward in 2016, between construction on the I-610 and 290 interchange and the Yale Street Bridge.

The 610 and 290 interchange (right in the middle of The Leader’s readership area) has been one of the US 290/ Hempstead Corridor Program project’s major focuses, with multiple projects occurring near the interchange to build direct connectors both inbound and outbound as well as extend main lanes from 610 all the way to the Grand Parkway. Christmas also came along in unexpected ways for the Heights this year, as TxDOT announced earlier this month the Yale Street Bridge is on course for a February 2017 re-opening — 10 months ahead of schedule.

Karbach sells to Anheuser-Busch The dynamic of area craft beer underwent a monumental shift, when Leader-area brewery Karbach Brewing announced in November that they had been extended an offer to join the world’s largest brewing company as part of its High-End Division. Karbach said in a company statement that the merger should allow the company continued growth and more focus on breaking new barriers in craft beer production. Reactions from other area brewers were mixed in nature, from a happiness for Karbach to worries that it’s another example of smaller breweries fading into history Memorial Hermann reaches even greater heights in 50th year In 2016, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights commemorated half a century in the greater Heights community. Along with expanded facilities, a TIRR Pediatric Outpatient Rehab department, hybrid operating room for higher-end vascular surgeries, electrophysiology lab and new front entrance represent just a few of the ways the hopsital’s care reached new ‘Heights’ in 2016.

Heights Theater re-opens The iconic Heights Theater on 19th Street officially reopened to the public on Nov. 23 following delays, setbacks, and unexpected challenges which prevented the original early summer opening. Builders had to remove an existing floor reveled a sub-floor with original tile, while each tile had to be removed by hand according to historic code. Additionally It turned out the building was several inches higher in the front than the back, causing flooding that required engineering, and there is a waiting line at the permitting office for the city of Houston. Despite it all, the beloved neighborhood spot looks stronger than ever.

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Staying active is key to staying healthy. That’s why Joint Center specialists use the most advanced treatments to get you moving again.

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Call 713.272.1888 or visit jointpain.memorialhermann.org for more information or to make an appointment.

L O C AT E D AT 61 0 A N D E L L A B LV D

Page 10 • Saturday, December 31, 2016

Slomcheck continues construction of winning teams at LHN

By Jonathan Valadez For The Leader When John Slomcheck agreed to take the job as the Lutheran High North girls basketball coach in 2011, he figured that he would be a stopgap until the school found their next head coach.

“I was an (Amateur Athletic Union) coach, so I thought I’d jump in for a year,” said Slomcheck.

The Lions’ previous coach, Chris Johnson, had just left to become an assistant at Texas

Christian University, which left the vacancy at LHN. He recalled that first year as rough because he started five freshmen, and many times, they had to defend older and more experienced players. The Lions finished the 2011-2012 season with a 9-16 record, which was the first losing season of Slomcheck’s career.

Although he was discouraged with how his first year went, he decided to come back the next year, which meant getting the Lions in the gym and practicing as soon as the off-

season hit.

“All we did was plug away and grow together,” Slomcheck said. “That’s all you can do. You can’t feel sorry for yourself.

You’ve just got to get better.”

After building chemistry and improving their skills, the Lions came out the following year by winning five of their first seven games and ending the year with a 22-15 record and a playoff berth.

Fast forward five years later, and Slomcheck is still at the helm at LHN and has helped establish the Lions as the team to

beat in their district after taking home the league title the past two seasons. In the two previous seasons, the Lions went 709 overall and have also reached the final four in the playoffs in both of those years, including a state runner-up finish in the 2014-15 season.

This year, the Lions are 11-8 and on the verge of losing more games than they had the previous two seasons combined.

Their losses this year can be attributed to the difficulty of their schedule, though, as they have played some of the top

schools in the state in Kinkaid High School, Legacy Christian Academy and Houston Christian Academy, who rank 52nd, 78th and 88th, according to Maxpreps.com.

Slomcheck said he designed this year’s pre-district schedule to be as tough as possible to get the Lions ready for the playoffs.

“I wanted to play a multitude of teams,” he said. “I wanted to play faster teams. I’m not really worried about preseason record. We need to be ready for that one weekend in February.”

After winning district the past two seasons and making the playoffs the past four, Slomcheck said that those feats are no longer the team’s goals but rather mere accomplishments.

While district titles are quite the achievement, the Lions have their eyes on a prize that has eluded them, despite coming just one and two wins away from it in consecutive seasons.

The Lions’ path back to the state championship game begins when they open up district play against the Woodlands Christian Academy Jan. 6.

Celebrating the beginnings and growth of Leader area businesses.

121 Years 81 Years

Historic Hollywood Cemetery, Inc. 3506 North Main Street, • Houston, TX 77009 713-227-5109 Established 1895

Shipley Do-Nuts

71 Years

Adolf Hoepfl & Sons Garage

67 Years

3410 Ella Blvd. • Houston, TX 77018 (713) 682-4343 Corporation Established 1988

4610 North Shepherd • Houston, TX 77018 713-489-8476 Established 1946

2210 Ella Blvd • Houston, TX 77008 713-622-0460 (or) 713-861-4134 Established 1949

51 Years

Buffaloe Floor Covering, Inc.

44 Years

Northwest Eye Associates

43 Years

3831 Pinemont • Houston, TX 77018 713-686-3589 Established 1965

1740 W. 27th St., Suite 180 Houston, TX 77008 713-864-8652 ESTABLISHED 1972

5801 Bingle Rd. Houston, TX 77092 713-895-9948 ESTABLISHED 1973

38 Years

Mildred Holeman Realty

37 Years

Northwest Chiropractic Center

33 Years

4001 N. Shepherd Dr. Ste 112 • Houston, TX 77018 713-691-6434 Established 1978

11500 NW Frwy. Suite #201 Houston, TX 77092 713-686-0828 ESTABLISHED 1979

2310 Yale Street • Houston, TX 77008 713-861-1125 Established 1983

31 Years United Capital

30 Years

29 Years

1225 North Loop West, Suite 1030 713-869-1144 Established 1986

2150 W. 18th Ste 206 • Houston, TX 77008 713-862-5419 Established 1986

3574 W. T.C. Jester • Houston, TX 77018 713-681-3288 Established 1987

28 Years

28 Years Stephanie Fulton, MD

26 Years

Wendy Prater Attorney

6121 Pinemont • Houston, TX 77092 713-680-0658 Established 1988

1740 W. 27th St., Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 ESTABLISHED 1988

1919 N. Loop West • Houston, TX 77008 713-802-9171 Established 1990

23 Years

Oak’s Batter Up Texas

23 Years

Auntie Changs Dumpling House

21 Years Phyllis A. Oeser,

320 W. Tidwell Rd. • Houston, TX 77091 713-957-2323 Established 1994

2621 South Shepherd • Houston, TX 77098 713-524-8410 Established 1993

4001 N. Shepherd #121 - Houston, TX 77018 713-692-0300 Established 1995

17 Years

17 Years

16 Years

2217 W. 34th St - Houston, TX 77018 713-686-6622 Established 1999

730 North Post Oak Dr. • Houston, TX 77024 713-807-8264 Established 1999

13732 NW Freeway • Houston, TX 77040 713-996-8600 Established 2000

12 Years

12 Years

10 Years

Financial Life Management

Payne’s Automotive

JVP Jewelry

Mashue’s Landscape & Design

The Foam Store

Dana Shinn Realtor

1900 N Loop West, Suite 270 • Houston, TX 77018 281-822-1900 ESTABLISHED 2004

9 Years Master Car Care

2305 Yale St. • Houston, TX 77008 713-862-6630 Established 2007

The Reyna Group Dana@danashinn.com 713-598-1126 ESTABLISHED 2004

NEW BUSINESS HONOR

Prosperity Bank

T-Shirt Works

The May Group LLC

Right Plan For You

Atha’s Florist

Attorney at Law

Rachael’s Hallmark

A/C Man

14173 N. 10 Freeway • Houston, TX 77040 713-460-COLD(2653) Established 2006

1 Year

Angie Nobles, LCSW

Therapy for women & teen girls 733 E. 12½ St. • Houston, TX 77008 713-355-7155 Established 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Page 11

The Classifieds.

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

PETS MANNA - DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Your neighborhood thrift store appreciates any and all donations. We can arrange pickup for large items or large donations. Call 713-686-6440 or donate at 1806 W. 43rd St. Thank you. (TF)

Start The New Year Feeling Your Best.

Fitness is built in small, steady stages. Let us help you get started with our two day program and then you can build on it.

Jacki Sorensen’s Fitness Classes Begins January 9 at Advent Lutheran Church 5820 Pinemont.

Mon. and Wed. 5:45 pm Call Anna 713-817-0778

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PETSITTER? Available for the holidays. Please call Linda, 864-905-4642.

Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifieds get great response and cost less than the daily paper.

Hiring now!

THE PURPLE CAT RESALE AND GARAGE SALE: Tuesday 10-2, WednesdayFriday 10-4, Saturday 10-3.

2126 W. 34th St. Benefiting Animal Rescue. (TF)

You simply can’t find a better advertising value than The Leader.

full time wareHouse, line Production & driver

3 Day New year wareHOUSe Sale

Call for interview

281-272-1875 CommerCial kitCHeN

(Saturday Limited Hours)

Now HiriNg

1614 W. 22ND St. Houston, TX 77008

Cook Food PreParatioN

Come visit us or look at our webpage www.rogerhowardappraisals.com

Will train.

Call for appointment FOR SALE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

WE BUY/SELL GUNS: Top cash paid. FFL concealed handgun classes. 713-6944867. (TF)

We carry all of your Self-Defense Needs!

Check out our website at www.gradeaammo.com **satisfaction guaranteed**

Since 1976

• Grooming • Boarding • Pet Supplies 9900 N. Houston Rosslyn

713-849-9000

www.royaltypetcenter.com

Assisted Living FOR SALE

PEST CONTROL

• Care Associates • CnA’s & Med/techs

PEST CONTROL

• Cooks • Kitchen Utility Workers

Contractors and Handymen,

Cherokee

• Termites • Roaches • Ants • Silversh • Rodents

Free Termite Inspection

713-682-6801

Garage Sale Shopping?

Go online

are you looking for additional work?

A new Home Services company is opening in the area and we’re looking for quality home repair professionals who are dependable and reliable.

W. Little York

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Yale St.

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If this sounds like a fit for you and if you have experience in any of these areas or other home services, call us at

Call 713-294-5678

713.628.1689

Pecore St.

White Oak Dr.

Watson St.

d

Heights Blvd.

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N. Shepherd Dr.

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Greater Heights

N. Durham Dr.

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Post Oaks Rd.

Lazybrook Timbergrove

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T. W. Ella Blvd.

W. 18th St.

610 Washington Ave.

Used 1 time, cleaned and ready to go!

Berry Rd.

Airline Dr.

ain

N. M

4

W. 34th St.

Katy Memorial Dr.

Oak Forest Garden Oaks

Yale St.

Ella Blvd.

. lvd

Wirt Rd.

Antoine Dr.

10

Crosstimbers St.

5

N. Shepherd Dr.

2

Fulton St.

Candlelight Plaza Shepherd Park Plaza

Longpoint Rd.

Westview Dr.

Tidwell Rd. Pinemont

B W. 34th St.

Spring Branch East

Hammerly Blvd

Rosslyn Rd.

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Silber Rd.

 Interior and exterior minor painting  Door install/repair  Minor tile and caulking repair  Drywall and window repair  Appliance repair  Gutter cleaning repair  TV wall mount installation  Fence and gate repair  Honey-do lists

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W. Tidwell Rd.

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Langwood Kempwood Dr.

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Specifically, we need contractors on a per-job basis. Our company will provide the insurance coverage for the work, the jobs, and set up the job times. You provide the tools, work and dependability. All jobs on paid on a per-job basis with repeat work for the best contractors. Full-time work is a possibility

Bingle Rd.

136" Round White Polyester 120" Kiwi Green Round Polyester 90" x 132" Cotton 90" x 150" Cotton Napkins White Cotton 20" x 20" $1 each

Royalty Pet Center

Positions oPen

FOR SALE

Among others, services include:

TABLECLOTHS

Tues. & Thurs. 7am - 6pm Wed., Fri. & Sat. 8am-5pm

Brookdale Heights

Bingle Rd.

SLEEP BETTER

713-682-1158

5800 N. Houston Rosslyn Houston TX 77091

DRIVER: CDL-A. TEAM DRIVERS WANTED: $5,000 sign-on! No-touch, drop and hook reefer freight. New business - run max miles.

2016 Volvos. Pet and rider policy. Excellent benefits.

100% employee owned with free retirement. Call today!

800-239-9001. (1-21)

Sell it fast with an inexpensive Leader classified.

• AT T E N T I O N •

832-818-4970

713.686.6622

t %0( 4"-0/ )05&-

Call for appointment

2121 Pinegate Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Upgrades, Installation, Conguration (Virus-Removal) Home - NetWorking

FOAM store

MECHANIC WITH EXPERIENCE on Econoline vans needed. Experience with A/C, alternators, brakes and suspension. Tools required.

Salary commensurate with experience. 713-681-3600.

(TF)

Cell (713)444-8517 (713)682-5246

Mitzi Bonded

NURSERY WORKER WANTED: Local church seeking individual to work in nursery on Sundays 8 a.m.1 p.m. and Wednesdays 5:30-8 p.m. Jody, 832-5401063. (TF)

Hollister Rd.

the

Affordable Pet Care In Your Home Will Treat Your Loved Ones As My Own

Apply in person and fill out application • No phone calls accepted

Home, Small Ofce Computer Repair

Memory Foam Mattresses

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED FOR CHURCH SHUTTLE: Approximately six hours a week. Must have CDL and passenger endorsement.

Call 713-681-3600. (TF)

M&M Pet Sitting

Must have experience with seniors.

COMPUTERS

GRADE A AMMUNITIONS

DRIVER: CDL-A. Now hiring solos and teams! Great signon bonus. SE Regional runs.

Home most weekends. 2016 Volvos. Paid vacation and holidays. 100% employee owned. Free retirement.

800-239-9001. dolphinline. com. (1-7)

Front and Back Office Experienced.

Bilingual Spanish/English Please call 713-869-0115 Fax Resume 713-869-9857

281-272-1875

BLUE MOON ANTIQUES: Antiques and collectibles.

Providing estate sale services. 3311 Ella. 832-286-7882. www.bluemoonantiqueshouston.com. Like us on www.facebook.com/bluemoonantiqueshoustontx.

(TF)

FULL-SIZE SIMMONS EXTRA FIRM FLAT MATTRESS SET: $830, originally $2,313. Encasement cover never removed. 713861-3319. (12-31)

MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED

Valid drivers license required.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00AM to 3:00PM

FOR SALE FOR SALE

Northwest Houstonians have been getting results with Leader classified ads for more than 50 years.

Crockett St.

WEEKLY map page www.theleadernews.com

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The New Year.

Saturday, December 31, 2016 • Page 13

2017

Two sleeping kids for sale at the Farm Stand at Petrol Station, located at 938 Wakefield Dr. (Photo by Christina Martinez)

Calendar Recharge and refocus on simplicity Neighborhood parties to ring in the new year New Year Bash at Ginger & Fork

The Heights Cantonese and Hong Kong restaurant cordially invites you to come countdown to 2017 on Saturday, Dec. 31!

Enjoy a six course meal with a complimentary glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve, party favors, and NYE menu available all day.

Ginger and Fork says there is a meal for everyone, with vegetarian, vegan, AND gluten-free menus available.

And the cherry on top? You will be entered into a raffle drawing to win a MAGNUM bottle, their featured champagne, Piper-Heidsieck 1785 Cuvée Brut, when you enjoy a six course NYE meal.

There will be live music performance by local favorite, Jason James, from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Ginger and Fork is located at 4705 Inker St.

Brunch at Urban Eats for NYE

Urban Eats will serve brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on NYE. Enjoy mimosas by the glass or champagne bottle service.

Urban Eats is located at 3414 Washington Ave.

J. Black’s New Years Eve Party

Ring in the New Year with J. Black’s - Houston.

Dinner, drinks and dancing all at your neighborhood bar on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Join for a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and the DJ will be live from 8 p.m - 2 a.m.

J. Black’s Houston is located at 110 S. Heights Blvd.

New Years Eve at Johnny’s Gold Brick

Come celebrate the new year with your friends here at Johnny’s!

JGB will be cranking out your favorite classics cocktails to ring in the new year. Enjoy drink specials on Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, French 75s, Auld Langs, Cava and Champagne both by the glass and bottle all night.

Complimentary champagne toast at midnight; doors open at 2 p.m. No cover, no reservations, come as you are.

Johnny’s Gold Brick is located at 2518 Yale St.

In a handed pen, the farmers market jam lists ingredients on the custom Sullivan Happy Heart Family Farm label: “Ingredients: Mulberry, Sugar, Lemon, Pectin.” The jar is recycled, the price sticker is reverent and the jam appearance has simplistic quirks that you’d want from any good market find.

Farmer Cathy Sullivan is widely known for her fresh farm eggs, produce and the ever changing goods that flow with what’s in season.

Farmer Cathy and the Farm Stand at Petrol Station set up like clockwork every Saturday on Wakefield Drive, across from the Petrol Station, direct neighbors with Wakefield Crowbar and Great Heights Brewing Co. The market carries various and rotating vendors, like “the coffee guy”, “the compost guy” “the nutrition lady” and, new to the group, “the bread guy.”

A strong Saturday lineup starts with a morning Saturday class at The League

NYE at the lodge

Dance the night away to the big band sounds of the Moonglow Orchestra, and celebrate 2017 with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, on Saturday, Dec. 31 at SPJST Lodge 88!

Reserve a table for you and friends at the lodge.

The SPJST Lodge is located at 1435 Beall St.

Managing Editor

Elite Training Facility on 34th Street, with a Farm Stand visit immediately following class - naturally including breakfast from Mickey Morales at the market. Breakfast is followed by a browse to grab eggs, check out what Cathy brought in from the farm, and a circle to see what’s new and what I have to have.

With my last visit, a jar of Cathy’s Mulberry Lemon jam made it home, and I found myself figuring what all I could put jam on.

The jam is simple, with just the four ingredients penned on the label; the simplicity carries the jam to be that much sweeter.

As we carry on through 2017, I’d like to start sharing more sweet and simple finds

Email christina@theleadernews.com

By Mitch Cohen For The Leader Happy New Year! Now what? How are we suppose to greet each other without happy or merry preceding the next holiday? Namaste?

No, I thought that was a sauce when I first heard it. Can’t say ‘whatever’ that word is out.

I’ll let my editors work on this - they love lists. Right, y’all?

Being that nostalgic time of year, and also my usual time to look ahead at the art scene, here is my watch list and predictions for the art scene in Houston. Well, a summation at least!

A recent drive through the Heights had me slack-jawed seeing all the new development. Shepherd and Durham will be unrecognizable this time next year, and that thought led to the question, will there be new art galleries? I suspect not, but I hope

Cohen at the Saint Arnold Warehouse at the HUE Mural Festival 2016.

a few.

The popularity of art studios will continue to rise as artists find their own audiences and participate in group activities that draw thousands of patrons. You can still successfully “gallery hop” a few times a year around here.

From conversations I’ve had with artists, however, a dedicated art gallery/boutique in the area would be a welcome addition and I bet it happens.

Reviewing last week’s column, I have a sneaky suspi-

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www.Cavatores.com Kathy Sullivan’s Mulberry Lemon jam from Sullivan’s Happy Heart Family Farm can frequently be found at the Farmstand at Petrol Station with farmer Kathy.

Art Valet: What 2017 holds for the art realm

New Year’s Eve at Sonoma in the Heights

Join the Heights wine bar in transforming Sonoma to a festive evening of giving farewell to 2016 and ringing in 2017 with delicious wine and food. Complimentary party favors and sparkling wine toast at midnight!

Enjoy specials on champagne flights and bottle service.

Email to reserve at reservations@SonomaHouston.com

Christina Martinez

like Farmer Cathy’s hidden gem jam. Whether it be a market visit, new recipe, dinner at a neighborhood favorite or new restaurant openings, local will be our evergreen.

Beautiful, hand-made jam deserves spotlight and our neighborhoods are the perfect stage.

cion that Houston will see something new on the art scene, something totally unexpected and cool. We don’t live in a city that waits for something to happen, we make it happen.

Here are 2017 events to keep on your calendar. My markets on first and second Saturdays; the Memorial Park Bayou City Art Festival (March 24); the Art Car Parade (April 8); The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (April 8); White Linen Night (Aug 5); The HUE Mural Festival (mid-October); Fall Biannual at Sawyer Yards Creative Campus (October 6).

See you next year!

Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market, find him at ArtValet.com

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