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Saturday, February 27, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 9

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Precinct One Constable’s race a fight between experiences

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INSIDE.

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com The key word in the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office Race appears to be “experience,” not unlike the District 139 race.

On the Democratic ticket is incumbent Alan Rosen, Cedrick Collier and Jack Boatner. On the Republican side running unopposed is Joe Danna who was defeated by Rosen in the previous election.

On working to keep his job as Constable, Rosen points to his record over the past few years while in office as evidence of effective leadership and vision. During his first year in office, Rosen said he saved $2.2 million in the department, $1.3 million the following year and says he is on track to help save about $1.2 million this year – all by doing what he calls “streamlining” the department and utlizing money seized in game room raids to purchase police equipment. He also highlighted starting the Child Predator Apprehension Team and how his office handles mental health and juvenile warrants for Harris County.

“This job is an administrative job and there’s really no competition with anyone who is running in this race,” Rosen said. “I run a $3.5 million budget and I don’t believe anyone else has run anything close to a $1 million budget. I have also worked in every capacity, from street patrol, to working with mental health warrants, to marine patrol and criminal warrants.”

Rosen also said he takes pride in what he feels has been reconnecting the communities with Precinct One. Among some of his programs have been extended use of social media

The Do-Over Having space for vegetables and fruit can be a challenge in The Leader area with the extensive development. However, Linda and Simon Eyles took a decidedly different apporach by incorporting edibles directly into their home. Find out how they did it in this month’s edition of The Do-Over.

Find it on 1B

INSIDE.

Crawfish Festival Looking for the best crawfish festival in town? Once again, the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is readying for their annual festival, this time with a brand new parade featuring local officials, youngsters and, of course, plenty of crawfish and fun.

Contributed Photos by Garen Ohanian Heights residents enjoyed a morning and afternoon of music, face painting, food trucks and fun at the unveiling of the area’s first Mini Art Mural Box on Heights Boulevard. Sponsored by Kathlyn Curtis and painted by Shelbi Nicole, the art box is part of an effort to beautify neighborhoods by painting utility boxes to provide some character to neighborhoods.

Find it on 2A

INSIDE.

Spring Sports Previews

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Church

4A

Classifieds

4B

Coupons

5A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

7A 7B

Opinion

3A

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 3A 7B

For information on the District Attorney’s Office race, see page 6A.

American Legion Post unites local WWII veterans, families

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader

The INDEX.

See Constable P. 2A

American Legion Post 560’s volunteers organized a very special celebration last week – a steak dinner dedicated to the World War II veterans living in the community.

America is losing World War II vets at the rate of about 300 a day. Often called “The Greatest Generation,” these veterans have seen more than most of us

would in three lifetimes.

The battles we read about in our history books such as the Battle of the Bulge, the landing at Normandy, or the occupation of Japan – these are experiences our neighbors had first-hand.

Remarkably, American Post 560 was able to identify 22 of these great men living in The Leader’s readership, and 19 joined the post for its celebration.

About 250 family and friends also joined the vet-

erans. The Sam Houston R.O.T.C. color guard managed the flag presentation.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 40 led the Pledge of Allegiance and American Legion Post 560’s Chaplin offered a prayer.

The highlight of the evening was when Post 560’s Commander Richard Voorhies introduced each individual veteran, his branch of service and life experiSee Legion P. 5A

Contributed Photo Local World War II veterans had the chance to talk about their experiences as part of an ongoing effort by American Legion Post 560 to document the life and times of the rapidly declining WWII veteran population.

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Saturday, February 27, 2016 • Page 2A

Police Reports • Feb. 16 - Feb. 20 FEB. 16

Theft 4:21 PM 1500-1599 WAKEFIELD Theft 4:45 AM 1600-1699 LIBBEY Theft 2 PM 1000-1099 W 20TH Burglary 10:30 AM 4200-4299 W 34TH Theft 5:41 PM 600-699 E 19TH Theft 2:15 PM 1400-1499 W 20TH Theft 6 AM 4200-4299 ROGERS Theft 4:39 AM 1200-1299 DURHAM Theft 4 PM 4100-4199 SHERWOOD Theft 9 PM 4300-4399 SHERWOOD

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Greater Heights Area Chamber Parade kicks off annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights For The Leader The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights will begin with a 10 a.m. parade for the March 5, 2016 event. The parade will travel down 19th street, beginning at Yale Street and ending at the 411 West 20th Street festival site. The festival hours are 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Grand Marshal for the parade will be Alma Alvarez, Miss Texas Latina. Among the participants in the parade will be U.S. Congressman Ted Poe, numerous local high schools, the Garden Oaks Montessori School, Westside Lexus, Smitty Regula’s Chicken Car, Houston Roller Derby skaters, Tommie Vaughn Ford, Bike Houston, Yoda Car and many more.

For a decade, the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce has held an annual

community Crawfish Festival in the Heights. This event has grown steadily over the years to its current levels of success. It is an open to the public free admission festival including live music, the finale of the annual Idol of the Heights singing contest, performances by students from local schools, exhibitor booths and shopping opportunities, a Kids’ World area of rides and activities, and of course crawfish! Each year we see thousands of residents from all over Houston attend and this year we are expecting an attendance of over 7,000! Happy Fatz will return to provide hot dogs and gourmet desserts, and we welcome Papa Murphy’s Pizza to serve cheese and pepperoni pizza for non-mudbug eaters.

Three pound plates of crawfish, corn and potatoes are $18 if pre-ordered before March 1 and tickets may be purchased on line

at www.heightschamber.com.

Huge discounts are being offered for groups buying presale; $300 gets you 15 crawfish plates, 100 festival tickets (good for beverages, food and entertainment). More than 80 display tables sponsored by individuals or businesses will be in the Shoppers Paradise area.

Crawfish Festival sponsors include: Budweiser, Houston Highway Credit Union, Members Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights, Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 and ESPN 97.5FM, “Everyone is invited to share in the fun,” said President Jacob Millwee. “This is a wonderful opportunity to reward customers, employees and their families.” The public is invited and the event is free. Find out more information on Facebook or on the Chamber website at www.heightschamber. com/Crawfish-Festival.

Constable from P. 1A

Rosen

Collier

and email updates to residents living in neighborhoods across the precinct and the expansion of the Building Bridges Teen Summit program which is designed to reach out directly to at-risk youth and minority students across the area.

“I think for a long time here in Precinct One they did a great job but they didn’t communicate with the public enough,” Rosen said. “When I took office, I implemented community oriented policing as a way to get police officers to get to know the people who they live and work with.”

Under this model, officers must get out of their car and speak with people several times an hour as a way to interact with residents and build trust but also to develop a relationship to help deter crime.

“Police officers naturally cannot prevent crimes entirely by themselves,” Rosen said.

“We have to have the public’s input.”

Rosen has garnered an extensive list of endorsements from public officials and other organizations including Houston mayor Sylvester Turner, city council member Ellen Cohen, and State Senator Rodney Ellis. He also received endorsement nods from the Harris County Deputies Organization, the Houston Police Officer’s Union, Houston GLBT Political Caucaus, the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston and Vicinity and the Latino Labor Leadership Council.

“I have a proven track record and I want to continue down this path of caring for our residents,” Rosen said.

day after the election,” Danna said.

Among his qualifications, Danna has worked in the area for over 20 years and managed Texas Department of Transportation grants for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs, has worked with the FBI, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and other entities in Precinct One and was chosen by local sports organizations like the Houston Texans to provide police motorcycle escorts.

“The Precinct One Constable’s Office needs what I’ve been doing for nearly 20 years,” Danna said. “That’s working with the community and making a huge difference there.”

Danna said fighting crime is the most important issue in the precinct, but that he would also work to raise the morale of deputies which he said needs to be turned around. He is also in favor of changing some of the hiring practices to focus more on a deputy’s ability to deter crime in the field and assist with residents and one-one-one interactions with superiors.

“Crime needs to be dealt with but employees need to know where they stand when they’re working in Precinct One,” Danna said.

Danna said the Constable’s Office needs better communication with the neighborhoods and would create a Citizens Advisory Commitee consisting of property owners, business leaders and others in the area which would meet with deputies on a quarterly basis to find out where their needs are. He also wants to create a plain clothes anti-gang task force and utilize social media more heavily.

“I want to see families walking up and down the streets everywhere in Precinct One,” Danna said. “We need to get back to using common sense to fight crime and it’s real difficult to manage a law enforcement agency without it.”

Joe Danna Danna, however, contends that he will be gaining better steam against Rosen and said the incumbent Constable isn’t qualified for the position, pointing to Rosen’s beginnings as a reserve deputy. Danna also said that he had only campaigned for three months in the time leading up to the last election for Precinct One, leaving a far shorter amount of time to reach out to voters.

“I started this campaign the

Cedric Collier Collier said his chance at becoming leader of Precinct One would continue the fulfillment of his dream to always be a

Danna

cop. It would also be a chance to, he says, restore more accountability and transparency to the department.

Currently a sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Collier has over 20 years of law enforcement experience, working in district patrol and detention, and managing 18 deputies through the Motors Assistant Program. He also works as a public information officer for the department and has SWAT and negotiation training.

“I have a vast amount of experience, far more than anyone in this race,” Collier said.

Collier has also lived in the Acres Home area his entire life and this offers a unique perspective – and an advantage – in the election.

“The biggest challenge is not understanding the communities you’re working in,” Collier said.

“You can’t use Bellaire or River Oaks tactics on youngsters in places like Acres Homes. They are different.”

Collier wants to better support mentoring programs for at-risk youth and partner programs that would partner officers with local organizations like churches and other committees.

Working with employers to offer second chances to those convicted of minor, non-violent offenses could also help the economy of Precinct One and would utilize extensive community relations programs.

“We need to do a better job of reaching out to the community and seeing what they really need,” Collier said.

While he said he and others harbor no ill will towards the incumbent, Collier criticized what he sees as the nature of politics behind endorsements and hoped voters would choose based on the experiences of the candidates.

“I haven’t been a reserve deputy doing this on the weekends,” Collier said. “I’ve been putting my life on the line for this and the proof is in the pudding. When lives matter, is it the best speaker or the most popular person you really want?”

Theft 2:32 AM 5600-5699 YALE Theft 8:05 AM 7600-7699 KATY FWY

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Survived by a son, Carlos Estela of Lima, Peru, and five children by marriage Juana, Victor, Maria, Samuel, and Abraham Gomez, as well as 11 grandchildren, all residents of the U.S. Maria Gomez-Bezanis is a resident of the Houston Heights. She will be greatly missed by all who were touched by her kindness, smile, and love, whether she was serving snow cones at Southbound Snocones, caring for children, reading to and visiting the elderly at Houston Heights Tower, or being a devoted mother, daughter, and grandmother. She will always be in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at a private residence on Saturday, February 27th. For further information, please contact her daughter Maria at 832496-8720.

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The Topics.

Saturday, February 27, 2016 • Page 3A

When mentoring becomes more important than talking platitudes We have some bittersweet news for some of our longtime readers who might have missed it.

Michael Sudhalter the current editor of the Fort Bend Sun and former editor of our own Leader will be moving on from his position here at McElvy Media.

As much as I want to wish him all the best, I can’t, but I promise this is only due to him being a fan of the Boston Bruins.

Of course I’m only half-joking about this, as Michael has been instrumental in many ways, particularly when I first took up the editor position nearly two years ago. There’s something great about being able to work with someone who not only offers great advice through mentoring, but can also be a wonderfully approachable guy as well.

Instilling virtues and confidence in others should be the aim of every member of society, but I understand that isn’t always the case.

It reminds me, although admittedly somewhat tangentially, of how many people running for public office are saying how much they want to expand mentoring programs for young people across the county.

It’s something I picked up on while writing this year’s crop of election stories, particularly for the District 139, Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office, and the District Attorney’s office. Many of these candidates said the same thing – more and more at-risk youth are in need of guidance from mentors and most simply aren’t getting it.

That notion is reflected in studies published by the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. According to their 2013 report, approximately 3,176 cases were referred by the Houston Police Department alone, with 1,190 by the Sheriff’s Office and 698 by the Constable’s Office. There were nearly 13,800 referrals for boys ages 10 to 16 and older and over 3,000 cases for girls within the same age group.

While administrative actions – defined by the department as events such as “hold as material witness, request for change in custody or motion for release and transfer,” – take up a substantial portion of these cases, over 2,000 offenses were classified as felonies and nearly 5,500 were classified as A and B level misdemeanors.

In HISD, the vast majority of referrals are for African American and Latino students, at over 3,200 referrals. Caucasian students consist of only 366 throughout 2013.

Speaking from anecdotal experience and coming from a community where a lot of my friends were economically disadvantaged, the numbers are definitely concerning. I feel there’s a tendency to trivialize some issues during an election cycle or perhaps people sometimes grow ambivalent about some of the problems facing our county. Things that are out-of-sight or out-of-mind often don’t get the same atten-

Jonathan Garris Editor

tion from the people who have to deal with these issues day-in and day-in. However, with the uncertainty of the Houston economy in the back of our collective minds and with so many offices related to the justice system up for election, problems like the lack of mentoring for atrisk youth and minorities are rearing their ugly heads.

Getting mentored in an office in your mid-20s by a newspaper editor is a far different ballgame from helping a kid who likely feels he might not have much of a future, and I would never be so foolish as to say they are one and the same.

However, I did grow up primarily in a singleparent household through my adolescence, but the reality is I had a mother who had the opportunity to be there for me and economic support – something I know for a fact that many of these youngsters going through juvenile probation lack unfortunately.

I know far too many people who fall into the just world fallacy with a genuine belief that poor people are only poor simply because they don’t work hard enough or that kids get into trouble only because they’re lazy or bad kids.

These people rarely stop to consider that there are people out there, particularly children who have no control over their lives, who have cards stacked against them in such a way that they simply don’t have a chance without help or intervention of some kind.

That help needs to come from the community and those of us who enjoy the economic opportunities and mobility that poor, disenfranchised residents simply don’t have access to.

Electing a candidate for District 139 or the District Attorney’s Office who pledges to enhance outreach programs and mentoring initiatives for youngsters is certainly a step in the right direction. However, these programs are going to need boots on the ground from all of us, whether it’s by a measure of allocating time or money (or both). After spending such a long time going to a district which was classified in the second lowest socioeconomic status in its state, I know from experience that there are plenty of young kids that don’t need platitudes from elected officials. They need help.

Passing on a well-lit torch to children is a problem for all of us, whether we want to admit it or not.

The reader.

Lobbyists just a bunch of feticide nuts?

Dear Editor: Let’s run something up the flagpole, and see if it makes a splash: “Accessible and affordable medical care, being necessary to the health of a woman, the right to abortion, shall not be infringed.” Now would a highly organized pregnancy-termination lobby vigorously opposed to any restrictions whatever -- you know, due to the good old slippery-slope argument -- roundly be dismissed as just a bunch of feticide nuts?

J. Reynolds

Residents voice dissent over Reagan name change issue

Dear Editor: They are also considering changing the name of John H. Reagan High School in Austin, Texas. What I have to say: As an alumni and graduate, 1989, myself, with my former classmates, WE have already changed the meaning of John H. Reagan. THAT is the place where I learned to be inclusive, to look within first, and forget about what is on the outside.

The community we build as students, with the help of our teachers has already changed the meaning of the name. I believe that what we did there, ending racial divide and coming together has already had the man, John H. Reagan, roll over many times in his grave.

Let’s keep him on a roll. We are one and forever, together, Reagan High!

D.D. Dear Editor: Don’t just blame the Houston school board trustees for changing the names of our schools. This is a grass roots movement started by Rodney Ellis and is solely a way for reverse discrimination by Black race haters like Mr. Ellis.

There are members of the HISD school trustee board that will go over a cliff if Rodney Ellis asked them to.

It is shameful that if given a little power that those minority leaders that were voted into their positions will take discrimination to this level just to show the White community that they have a way of what they think is getting even with things that happened 200 years ago.

These actions don’t help race relations, they create a larger divide between us all.

I make this comment as an American veteran patriot who

proudly served with men of many colors and believes that we all bleed the same color blood. Like the old saying goes that our parents taught us, “It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch” Frank “Ronnie” Chavez Dear Editor: I am so proud of my Heights heritage (1967 Reagan Grad) gained without any knowledge or forethought of what happened some 200 years ago.

Heck, I named my first daughter Reagan. Should I now, under the same misguided ideaology, change her name?

Wouldn’t that be ridiculous? I certainly think so but, it’s the same logic used in this frivolous and embarrassing attempt to erase well meant memories.

There was never any hate of this nature that I recall. To be singled out 49 years later for prejudiced hatred is an affront to my honor and dignity.

Maybe we should exhume my parents for their ridiculous hatred for enrolling me in this school filled with your perceived hate.

Yes, this sounds as ridiculous as it is … aren’t our kids confused enough with political correctness? And, the taxpayer money wasted should be enough to relieve each of you of your jobs as “Trustees.”

In the end, the kids will still be confused and Heights History will be dealt a deafening blow.

A blow each of you will forever be responsible for.

Please leave politics out of this equation and concentrate on teaching real equations in our schools … think of the kids here.

Stephen “PeeWee” Warren Dear Editor: What a pitiful lesson to our youth today about how meaningless majority rule and public opinion means to a dictatorial group like the HISD Board. How better to discourage Community Involvement when your voices are totally ignored.

These HISD thugs should be ashamed of themselves, but I have no doubt the ridicule and scorn of the public doesn’t bother them in the least. They have their agenda, and by gawd they are going to do just the hell what they want. All who vote for the name change should be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail.

Pete Sommers Dear Editor: The HISD Board is teaching revenge to the students. We must be careful who we elect

to the school Board and any other position. I must hasten to add that Anna Eastman is an extremely good Board member and truly has the best interest of the children at heart.

Howard Moon Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

No belt-tightening around the governmental waste THE POST OFFICE – My next fortune is going to be made selling the U.S. Postal Service “Next Window Please” signs. The employees are working as hard as they can, giving a new meaning the term “going postal.” But there is still a line, which gives me time to consider a new Coast Guard cutter, the Thad Cochran, the scandal that wasn’t, 336 VA hospitals and, of course, this particular post office.

It all has to do with hypocrisy, again. Let’s begin here.

Everyone is always beating up on the postal service, and it’s a staple for late night TV comedians. Actually, my postal carrier is the only federal employee I meet regularly, if you don’t count my contact in the Federal Witness Protection Program. And I get very good home delivery service. Maybe I should print up bumper stickers reading: “The Alamo Was Defended By Government Workers,” or: “Men on the Moon – Courtesy of Your U.S. Government” and see if that would cut down on the ridicule.

Congress constantly complains about the cost overruns and debt the USPS endures.

Often they have thundered: “The post office should be run like a business!” That’s exactly what the postmaster general is attempting to do. But every time he tries to cut costs (no Saturday service) or streamline operations, Congress says no. Example: Wal-Mart, one of the world’s most successful operations, is closing hundreds of its underperforming branches. The, USPS is trying to do the same, but Congress objects. You don’t have to look farther than Texas. An Inspector General’s audit reviewed 33 of the 114 Postal Service relocation projects identified for three fiscal years - 2011, 2012 and 2013. One was the Southmore Station in Houston’s Third Ward. The neighborhood, aided by U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, protested. That post office will stay open.

Next we have the muchmaligned Veterans Affairs Department and its non-scandal.

In 2014 it was reported that 44 veterans in the Phoenix area died while on a waiting list to see a VA doctor. The source of this figure was a statement

Lynn Ashby Columnist

made by Rep. Jeff Miller (RFla.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: “It appears as though there could be as many as 40 veterans whose deaths could be related to delays in care.”

That number was seized by grandstanding politicians and radio talk show morons and the figure soon climbed to 44.

But the Office of the Inspector General at the VA could find no such victims, although any group investigating itself is suspect. Then the Washington Post went looking for the scandal and found six possible – that’s possible -- cases.

As the cliché goes, one is too many, but the story was overblown if not false.

This next story is a totally provable scandal: The VA could save $25 million a year if it closed outdated and unused facilities. That’s not from some government watchdog group, it’s from VA Secretary Robert McDonald. He has been pressing Congress for permission to dispose of 10 million square feet of space that the department doesn’t use or need. Among those is a facility in Hot Springs, South Dakota, which once served Civil War veterans of the battles of Gettysburg and Antietam. We must suspect they are no longer on a waiting list.

Then there is the former quartermaster’s office in Minneapolis which has been vacant for years and fallen into disrepair. The VA says it has 336 buildings that are vacant or less than half-occupied. That $25 million a year to maintain those properties is money the VA would rather spend hiring 200 registered nurses or pay for nearly 150,000 primary care visits. Why can’t the VA sell these obsolete and decaying structures? An honest answer from Florida Rep. Corrine Brown: “We support closing some of the VA facilities ... just as long as you don’t close any in Florida.”

We have a $640-million

Coast Guard cutter that was never requested and isn’t needed, but is being built anyway.

It seems the U.S. Coast Guard is replacing some of its aging fleet with top-of-the-line 418feet cutters. The Coast Guard has had five built, and three more are under contract, but as for one more: “The Coast Guard has not identified a need for additional (cutters) at this time,” the CG said. Wrong.

Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi stuck an earmark in the defense bill allocating funds to build another cutter by Ingalls Shipbuilding at its facility in Pascagoula, Miss. Oddly enough, when Cochran was in a tough re-election campaign he received heaps of campaign funds from – you’ll never guess – Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Mere chump change compared to other scandals. The Department of Defense is no longer a military organization. It is a jobs program. Every time the Pentagon tries to close a base, those guardians of our pocketbook in Congress and elsewhere cry that their dirigible base is all that stands between ISIS and America.

Backers of Fort Campbell, Ky. even hired Washington lobbyists to protect their base. The Pentagon operates an enormous real property portfolio with over 562,000 buildings and structures on 523 bases, posts, camps, stations, yards and centers, many unused.

The Army and Air Force alone have between 18 percent and 30 percent excess infrastructure, which they would like to get rid of some way.

When it comes to base closing, Texas – with 20 military facilities -- has actually gained thousands of relocated soldiers, and stands to benefit more than most states. That’s traditional – Texas always gets its snout in the trough. Dr. Samuel Smith of the U.S. Army at Camp Charlotte, Texas, on July 4, 1879, wrote, “The whole state of Texas counts on the expenditure of money for Army supplies, and when a Congressman tackles the appropriations bill he joins issue with the whole state from Dan to Beersheba.” As for my own post office, it’s on the chopping block, but wait till the USPS hears from my Congressman.

Ashby is unneeded at ashby2@comcast.net.

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Powder mineral 5. Ten million (in India) 10. Culture medium and a gelling agent 14. Cain and __ 15. Bullfighting maneuvers 16. Baseball’s Ruth 17. Venice beach 18. Infirm due to old age 19. Attentiveness 20. Mortify 22. Whale (Norwegian) 23. Family Bufonidae 24. “A Passage to India” author 27. Ocean 30. Dad’s partner 31. Owned 32. Swiss river 35. Female golf star Gibson 37. Base 38. A way to summons 39. Acquit 40. Male parent 41. Brendan Francis __, author 42. Rattan 43. Aromatic hot beverage 44. Inflorescence 45. Former CIA 46. Make lace 47. Airborne (abbr.)

48. Thieving bird 49. H. Potter’s creator

52. Frequency 55. Nothing 56. More lucid 60. Riding mount 61. Deducted container weight 63. Molten rock 64. In this place 65. Ancient upright stone slab bearing markings 66. Rumanian Mures River city 67. Mentioned before 68. An heir (civil law) 69. Without (French)

dOwn 1. W. Samoan monetary unit 2. Baby’s feeding apparel 3. Queen of Sparta 4. Shut 5. Certified public accountant 6. Payment for release 7. Red twig dogwood 8. Basked in 9. Midway between E and SE 10. A way to detest 11. Mother of Cronus 12. In bed 13. Bolsheviks 21. Farro wheat 23. CNN’s Turner

25. Farmers of America 26. Small amount 27. __ and Venzetti 28. Hers in Spanish 29. Belongs to sun god 32. Expressed pleasure 33. Small terrestrial lizard 34. Regenerate 36. Own (Scottish) 37. The cry made by sheep 38. Chest muscle (slang) 40. Explode 41. Notice 43. Pitch 44. Run due to the batter 46. Fight referee declares 47. Alternate forms of a gene 49. Shifted in sailing 50. One who cables 51. Elaborate celebrations 52. Expresses pleasure 53. Carbamide 54. Persian in Afghanistan 57. 1st capital of Japan 58. Welsh for John 59. Radioactivity units 61. Tanzanian shilling 62. Hyrax

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, February 27, 2016

The calendar.

MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR HYPO Make direct connections with other professionals from all over Houston. This month’s event will be hosted at Black & White from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 25. Complimentary appetizers will be provided. Black and White is located at 1001 Studewood. The cost is $20 for non-members at the door. Information: info@heightschamber. com, www.heightschamber.com.

and will feature workshops, a vendor fair, door prizes. Lunch will be provided. No children allowed. The event will be at DePelchin Children’s Center, 4950 Memorial Dr. Registration is required as space is limited.

If emailing, please include first and last name, phone number, referral source and email address.

Information: 713-682-8911, houstonboardroom@mch.org.

IDOL OF THE HEIGHTS Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce The 7th Annual Idol of the Heights preliminary rounds ended with 16 contestants proceeding to the semifinals this Friday, Feb. 26 at Karbach, 2032 Karbach St. The final 10 contestants will continue on and perform at the finals March 5, at the 13th annual Crawfish Festival, 411 W. 20th St. Information: 713-861-6735, www.heightschamber.com.

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP EFFORT Oak Forest Homeowners Association The Community Clean Up Effort is the initiative of the OFHA to keep the neighborhood clean.

This month’s clean up will be Feb. 27, and meets every last Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Invite your friends and neighbors and sign up to volunteer. Information: www.myoakforest.org, 713-688-6342.

MYSTERY WRITERS BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Local authors Hardy Roper and Diane Twilley will be doing book signings from noon-4 p.m. Feb. 27, at The Book Scene, 1820 W. 43rd. Information: 713-869-6117.

RELATIVES AS PARENTS CONFERENCE DePelchin Children’s Center This free workshop will be from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27,

SOIL PREPARATION WORKSHOP Wabash Feed Wabash Feed, 5701 Washington Ave., will feature special guest Tom Leroy, Montgomery County Extension Agent Emeritus, who will discuss the importance of soil preparation and raising vegetables in the Houston area.

Leroy will give his top tips, picks and tricks. He will be signing his book, The Southern Kitchen Garden following the class. Please register in person or by phone.

The workshop will be from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 28. Information: wabashfeed.com, 713-863-8322.

WALTRIP WELLNESS FAIR Waltrip High School This unique wellness fair, sponsored by Memorial Hermann Greater Heights, will be held for students and families to promote wellness, health and community in a fun setting. Food will be provided by Hartz Chicken (on Pinemont) for the first 30 people.

The event will be from 4:15-6:15 p.m. March 1, at Waltrip High School, 1900 W. 34th St. Information: 713-668-1361.

SPRING CRAWFISH BOIL Krewe of Cajuns and Cowboys Pre-purchase tickets now to the Krewe of Cajuns and Cowboys’ 11th Annual Spring Crawfish Boil for $25. Tickets are also available for $30 at the door. The event will be at 11 a.m. March 5, at Lucky’s Pub, 801 St. Emanuel.

Credit Cards will be accepted at the door. T-shirts will be provided

at the event on a first-come-firstserved basis. Free crawfish and beer provided while supplies last.

Live music will be performed by John Vincent Curry and DJ Kyle Berg. All proceeds will go to Texas Children’s Hospital. Information: www.cajunsandcowboys.org.

FISH FRY Reagan Masonic Lodge Reagan Masonic Lodge No. 1037, 1606 Heights Blvd., is holding a Scholarship Fundraiser Fish Fry, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 5. All proceeds go to College Scholarships for seniors at Reagan High School. Plates include fried catfish, cole slaw, fries and hush puppies. The cost is $10 per plate or $30 for a family pack (serves 4). Pre-order by leaving a message at 713-861-1037.

Cash, check, credit/debit cards accepted. Information: www. reaganlodge1037.org.

GARAGE SALE Poe Cooperative Nursery School Poe Cooperative Nursery School will hold their 41st annual garage sale from 8 a.m.-noon, March 5, at Poe Elementary School, 5100 Hazard. With donations from households throughout the inner Houston area, the huge inventory continues to be a strong draw for garage sale fans as well as local families who look forward to the annual tradition. Information: poecogaragesale@gmail.com, www. facebook.com/poecogaragesale.

JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS SPRING SALE Resurrection Church Come check out the largest consignment sale in central Houston. The sale will be held at Resurrection Church, 2025 W. 11th St., March 3 through March 5. Consignors wanted. Information: 713-861-9149.

AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be

held at 10 a.m., March 7, in the community room at 1520 Candlelight Ln. Special guest will be Carilyn Hall of The Rose of Texas Continuous Care Service.

The meeting is open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m.

Information: 713-681-1133.

THE FOREIGNER Houston Family Arts Center Larry Shue’s award winning comedy, “The Foreigner,� is coming to the Houston Family Arts Center, 10760 Grant Rd. This madcap farce will debut on the Garza Main Stage March 11 through April 3. Information: www.houstonfac.com, 281-5876100.

UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS M.D. Anderson Family YMCA The M.D. Anderson Family YMCA, 705 Cavalcade, is featuring several activities for the month of March. CPR Classes will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 12. The cost is $25 for members, program only $35. Contact margaret.solis@ ymcahouston.org. Spring Break Camp is from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

March 14-18. Contact Gloria.guzman@ymcahouston.org. Practice for Spring Youth Sports begins March 21. Games begin April 2.

Contact Laqueda.davis@ymcahouston.org. Tax filing assistance is available each Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Mariea@ ymcahouston.org. Information: 713-697-0648.

PUBLISHERS WORKSHOP Houston Writers Guild Learn what it takes to get your manuscript in front of the right people. The Houston Writers Guild presents “Prepare to Present Yourself to Agents and Publishers Workshop� at McGovern Community Center, 7405 Stella Link, at 9:15 a.m. March 19. The cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Information: www.houstonwritersguild.org.

From the Pews.

TALC holds Valentine’s Day party All Saints Third Age Learning Center (TALC), 215 E. 10th St., offers classes and activities that will continue until May 6.

Senior Adults in the community are welcome to participate in activities that TALC offers such as classes in computer, Conversational Spanish, mah jong, computer, woodworking, line dancing, stain glass and much more. There are also special parties, seminars, day trips and birthday parties. A hot lunch is served at noon Monday through Friday for $2.

TALC will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a party on Friday, Feb. 26, in the parish hall.

Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with refreshments, door prizes and live music by Big Ed and the Happy Band.

For lunch reservations or information, call 713-248-1277.

Oaks Presbyterian welcomes guest preacher On the third Sunday in Lent, Feb. 28, Rev. Dr. Rose Niles will be the guest preacher from Austin Theological Seminary. Also a poet and author, Rev. Niles draws from her immigrant, bi-racial, Afro-Caribbean and Australian heritages as she seeks to affirm the full humanity of all people.

The Eat, Pray, Read! women’s book club is at 7 p.m.

March 1. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd will

be discussed. All women who enjoy reading and having dinner with friends are welcome to join the group.

Donate reusable items, clean and in good condition, to the Oaks Presbyterian Church annual garage sale. Items are being collected through March 31 for the sale on April 2. Hours of collection are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays.

Oaks Presbyterian Church is located at 1576 Chantilly.

For information go to www. oakspresbyterian.org or call 713-682-2556.

Taize Service at St. Stephen’s A Taize Service, praying through singing and silence, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2. Short choruses are repeated while meditating on Christ’s love.

All are welcome to attend Family Movie Night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 4. Admission is free. Popcorn and lemonade will be provided.

Bring pillows and blankets for watching the show.

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call the office at 713-686-8241, or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.

Pancake breakfast at St. Matthew’s St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church will host their

free monthly pancake breakfast from 8:30-10 a.m. March 5, in the fellowship hall. The community is welcome to come and share the meal of pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit and breakfast drinks.

The Lydia Circle will meet immediately after the pancake breakfast in room 107. A devotional/program about the Saints will be presented. There will also be someone from the YMCA to explain about some of the outreach programs they offer.

Sunday morning worship starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.

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.

ship service is at 10:50 a.m.

Call 713-861-3104 or visit www.smumc.org for information.

MANNA Resale Store seeking donations Your continued support and generosity is amazing and greatly appreciated. “Gently used� donations allow MANNA’s mission in helping those in need. MANNA is available to pick up donations. Contact the Resale Store at 713-6866440 to schedule a pick up.

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Upcoming worship services at St. Mark’s St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore, is holding upcoming worship services in preparation for Easter. Palm/ Passion Sunday services are at 8:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m., and will feature a Palm Procession.

Maundy Thursday will be at 7 p.m. March 24. Good Friday, Service of Tenebrae is at 7 p.m. March 25. Holy Saturday, Service of Light is 7 p.m.

March 26.

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our general medical history has a lot to do with the type of treatment you will receive at your dentist. For example, if you are taking a drug affecting blood clotting, the dentist should be informed so as to be aware of potential hemorrhaging problems should he have to extract a tooth.

A patient with high blood pressure should certainly inform the dentist. Certain anesthetics and medications should be used in preference to others.

If you have some form of heart condition, the dentist may change his method of working with you. The patient with a cardiac pacemaker should certainly inform his dentist. The dentist might have planned to do electrosurgery, a technique that utilizes high-frequency current to remove gum tissue. If the pacemaker doesn’t have proper shields or safeguards, the high frequency current could cause it to stop or become erractic.

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

It is the Norhill Church of Christ.

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Hear The Gospel - Mark 16:15; Roman 10: 14-17 Believe The Gospel - John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6 Repent - Luke 17:3-5; Acts 17:30 Confess - Mathew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10 Be Baptized - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2:11-13 Live Faithfully Till Death - John 8:31; Revelation 2:10; Hebrew 10:23 The Norhill Church of Christ is a non-denominational church located in the near north side of Houston in the inner loop 77009 area.

It has operated as a church of Christ since 1927, it is located at 634 West Cottage on the corner of West Cottage and Reagan streets.

The Norhill Church of Christ teaches only the Bible, without reference to any man-originated creed. Bible study services for all ages are held at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Sunday morning Worship begins at 10:15am. Sunday evening worship is at 5:00pm Wednesday evening worship and Bible study is held at 7:30pm.

Norhill welcomes everyone to attend worship or Bible study to learn more about the truth of the Bible.

Please call 832-465-1879

West 34th St.

First FirstChurch Church

You are cordially invited to the church that can guide you in what you must do to be saved.

February 10th off of Ella between Gardenia and Lamonte. Zappa has a pink collar with clear rhinestones.

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Wisdom and Well-being

P

hilosophers have almost always touted the connection between wisdom and happiness.

Aristotle, by defining us as rational animals, comes close to guaranteeing that through the correct exercise of reason we might become happy. But, Aristotle was aware that our passions and appetites could lead us astray, since they are essentially irrational, and so for Aristotle, the good life requires the correct use of reason in practical matters, what he calls ‘phronesis’ or ‘practical wisdom.’ This practical wisdom is the result of a lifetime of experience.

Aristotle says that no young person can be truly wise in the ways of life because he has not experienced enough of it. Likewise, the book of Proverbs is addressed to the moral education of the youth, repeatedly saying such things as ‘Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,’ and ‘My son, do not forget my teaching.’ (Proverbs 1:8 and 3:1) The connection between practical wisdom and wellbeing has been empirically verified by the psychologists Richard Nisbett, Igor Grossmann and others. They defined practical wisdom as consisting of 5 aspects: 1) willingness to resolve conflict; 2) willingness to search for compromise; 3) recognition of the limits of personal knowledge; 4) awareness that more than one perspective on a problem can exist; and 5) appreciation of the fact that things may get worse before they get better. It turns out that the wiser we are, when judged by these criteria, the happier we are.

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

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

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713-864-1470

Saturday, February 27, 2016 • Page 5A

Legion from P. 1A ences. The crowd clapped and cheered as the gentlemen stood up to be recognized.

More than a few family members were in tears. “I am without words to describe the feeling I had. It was one of overwhelming pride and gratitude,� said Post 560’s Sargent in Arms, Edgar Mendez. Mendez is himself a young vet and served in the US Marine Corp in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It was wonderful

to be able to recognize these great men and their service. I will never forget it.�

One of these great men who was attendance at the celebration is Martin W. Narendorf, 91, who joined the US Army in March of 1943, at the age of 19. Narendorf received numerous medals of honor for his service, including a Purple Heart. He took a shell in the back during a fight, an injury that continues to give him

trouble to this day.

Narendorf married, and bought a home on Wakefield Dr. in 1960 where he and his beloved wife raised six daughters and two sons. Today, the couple boasts of 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Along with his son, Narendorf was in attendance at Post 560’s celebration, and had a wonderful time. “Many of the family mem-

Would You Wait a Lifetime To Brush Your Teeth?

bers approached us after the event and told us how much it meant to them. They were truly moved,� said Commander Voorhies. “Mr. Narendorf’s family was one of them.�

The Leader spoke with Narendorf earlier this year. We asked this former soldier if he lost any friends during his service in World War II. His answer was haunting. “They were all my friends,�

Narendorf said.

FEBRUARY IS YOUR PET’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Did you know? Bacteria from peridontal disease can spread through the bloodstream and damage internal organs (hearts, kidney, etc.)

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Page 6A • Saturday, February 27, 2016

Expert Opinion

Good habits make for good vehicles with Nline

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Getting ahead of vehicle problems before they turn into massive headaches is something John Ferrata III has plenty of experience with. At NLine Automotive, a full service auto repair shop at 3030 Ella Blvd., Ferrata and his family have been in the automotive business for about 21 years and at their current home on Ella for last 18 or so.

With all of the cars and people coming and going through his company’s bays, his advice is simple when it comes to knowing when it’s best to come in for service.

“I think people just need to pay attention to their maitenance schedule,” Ferrata said. “People need to make sure they have basic services like tire rotations done regularly and transmission services are key.

Generally, the people that tend to maintain

their vehicles get a little better get a better life out of their vehicles.”

With the spring season creeping up, this is a prime time for double checking cooling systems for engines and ensuring that

nLINE Automotive

3030 Ella Blvd. @ Loop 610 713-862-5544 www.nlineauto.com transmissions have proper fluid levels. It’s also wise to check in with his technicians regarding the air conditioning system, as hoses tend to rupture in the summer months which can make life miserable for anyone familiar with the Houston heat.

“If they have a check engine light then

they need to address that promptly, too,” Ferrata said. “It generally comes on to protect the catalytic converter so the owner would be able to check it quickly.”

Ferrata also said that people should ensure tires are in good shape with an efficient amount of tread. He said he and his technicians will work to get their customers ready to drive in the summer. In case of the rare emergency, his business also offers a 24 hour towing service available for those rare late-night emergencies.

“We want to do the best job we can,” Ferrata said. “I grew up in this area and we all kind of feel this is home.”

Nline Automotive is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays with a 24 hour towing service available by calling 713-864-3200.

For more information call 832-648-1613 or visit www.nlineauto.com.

Contributed Photo NLine Automotive’s team of specialists are ready to provide routine maintenance and service to local customers.

Candidates ready their gavels for District Attorney’s Office primary

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com With primary voting in Harris County beginning next week, one election many voters are paying attention to is the race for the District Attorney’s office – a position which overlooks the third largest jurisdiction in the US. On the Democratic ticket is Morris Overstreet, Kim Ogg and Lloyd Wayne Oliver potentially against Republican incumbent Devon Anderson (running unopposed in the primary).

Devon Anderson first won election in 2014 and previously served four years as a state district court judge before serving another four years in private practice, according to her website.

According to Anderson’s website, she also grew the office by over 80 new positions and “increased training for staff in all areas of the office ensuring the implementation of new technologies and strategies to stay ahead of criminals.”

During her time in office, she highlights the prosecution of Harlem Lewis who was convicted of murdering a police officer and awards from the Association of Women Attorneys, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Crime Stoppers.

According to the website, Anderson was also named presiding officer of a new task force focused on providing assistance to juvenile offenders.

Her website can be found at www.andersonda.com.

Overstreet has been elected twice to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in the 1990s, authoring and delivering more than 500 decisions. A life member of the National Bar Association, Overstreet also served for five years as a prosecutor in the 47th Judicial District at the District Attorney’s Office in Amarillo, TX, and later become first assistant district attorney.

According to his website, no decision of his was ever reversed on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He also believes in reducing the focus on drug penalties and moving non-violent offenders into rehab programs versus jail time.

Overstreet also said he will push for body and dashboard cameras for all police officers in the county, and his experience as both a prosecutor and a judge makes him uniquely qualified for the district attorney’s position. His website can be found at www.morrisoverstreet.com.

Ogg, the previous Democratic nominee in 2014, also believes in revising the criminal justice system to avoid sending low-level drug offenders to jail and said many of these non-violent offenses receive a “disproportionate amount of attention.” A former Harris County prosecutor and managing partner of a familyowned law firm, Ogg wants to reshift the focus of the office to help cut down spending large amounts of time and money on non-violent crime versus crimes like robbery.

“As the chief criminal law-

yer, the burden would fall on me to meet with local law enforcement and come up with a plan to shift the monetary weight for law enforcement and prosecution,” Ogg said.

Ogg also argues that drug laws (and the application of justice in general) disproportionately target minorities across the county, saying that a great portion of marijuana possession cases involve Hispanic or black males under 25 who are generally economically disadvantaged.

“We also have a problem with bail as the poor people in our county can’t get pre-trial bonds,” Ogg said. “We need to look at the facts behind each case and I don’t think that’s being done. I don’t think there’s a clear focus on public safety or the individual application of justice.”

She also voiced her support for body cameras and said she would help increase transparency among police officers to win back the trust among residents who feel they have been disenfranchised by police.

“I want people to understand that electing the district attorney has a big impact on their daily lives,” Ogg said.

“The district attorney can improve on the protection for our citizens by emphasizing public safety and holding policemen accountable if they act unreasonably.”

For more information, visit www.kim-ogg.com.

Answering the Call of the Wild

Dear Tabby, I love watching the wildlife outside my windows, but am often concerned that I’ll happen upon a wild animal in distress.

What can I do if I find an injured or abandoned squirrel or bird in my yard?

Worried about Wildlife in Woodland Heights Dear Heart-Healthy, Isn’t it amazing, the interesting creatures that we have here in inner-city Houston? Many of us enjoy filling our birdfeeders and watching the birds and squirrels in our yards. However, it’s not uncommon, (when you’re invested in wildlife) to find an animal in distress. Lucky for us, The Wildlife Center of Texas is located a hop, skip and a jump from us and is happy to help.

A non-profit organization, staffed with an army of incredible volunteers, the Wildlife Center of Texas takes in over 9,000 injured, orphaned or abandoned animals a year. The mission of the Wildlife Center is to care for injured, ill and orphaned wildlife through rehabilita-

tion, public education and release, with the specific goal of returning the animals to their native habitat with an optimal chance of survival. This involves emergency care, long-term rehabilitation, conditioning for release and ultimately, release back into the wild.

So, what should you do if you find an animal in need?

According to the Wildlife Center of Texas, deciding if otherwise healthy wild animals need human intervention is somewhat of an art. Many fledgling birds, rabbits and fawn are accidentally stolen from their parents by well meaning people. By following these steps, you can help any creature in need: • Observe before you step in. Often, the mother of a (seemingly) abandoned baby will step in after a while and take charge of the situation

• If it is decided that a baby animal needs human help, it will need to be kept warm.

Do not bring the baby into the air conditioning unless you place it in a box, on a heating pad set on LOW. • Do not feed or give water to the animal. Great harm can come to an animal that is fed the wrong food at the wrong time or in the wrong way The Wildlife Center never charges good citizens bringing in an animal for care, but they gladly welcome donations. They’re open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm through February then 9am6pm from March through August. Please visit: www. wildlifecenteroftexas.org, call (713-861-WILD) or visit in person at 7007 Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024.

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

Pet of the week Meet Marge.

This sweet, senior lady is approximately 10 years old. Marge is about the easiest dog you’ll ever meet. She’s just waiting for the right person to notice her...could that be you? If so, contact K-9 Angels at www.K-9AngelsRescue.org or www.facebook.com/ k9angelsrescue.

Senior eXP

March 30, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • SPJST Lodge 88 (15th & Beall)

The Leader and Memorial Hermann Greater Heights is hosting a day-long event geared toward seniors in our community, and you’re invited.

The Leader’s 2016 Senior Expo is designed to be a service to the numerous seniors who live in our area.

We’re asking businesses all across the community to take part in this day-long event that will provide information about issues that are important to you.

There will be speakers attending to help with health care concerns, including the impact of the new Affordable Care Act, and what it means to Medicare.

Professional finance planners who can help you take that dream trip or manage your fixed income better. And attorneys who will talk to you about any legal concerns you have.

But this isn’t going to be all serious business, either. We’ll have snacks in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. There will be games and activities going on throughout the day and prize give-aways from local businesses.

The best part, besides the food, fun and fellowship is that it is all FREE! All you have to do is register.

What to Expect at the 2016 Senior Expo • FREE Admission • FREE Food & Drinks • Educational information on health, finances and legal concerns • A chance to meet experts who will offer free advice on a number of issues important to you • An opportunity to mingle with friends • $500 in gift card giveaways

senior expo reGisTrATion Name Phone # Address Email Address

MAil to: The leader - Senior Expo P.o. Box 924487 Houston, tX 77292 CAll uS: (713) 686-8494 do it oNliNE www.theleadernews.com (see “Senior” tab)

Food, drink

ART

Saturday, February 27, 2016 • Page 7A

Art Valet

By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist

Things get three dimensional this week with artist Joel Anderson Do you stereotype artists? I think most of us have a vision of what an artist is supposed to be “like”, and in most cases, we might all be wrong. From my experience, artists are from all walks of life; some are self-taught, some educated, some are lifers, like me, (we disagreed that coloring on the living room walls was a bad idea).Then there is artist Joel Anderson, who found creativity in retirement.

Anderson, a Heights resident since 1997, is a mixed media artist and works primarily with encaustic. Encaustic dates back to the ancient Egyptians, a wax based paint composed of beeswax, resin and pigment; kept heated until applied and then reheated with tools or a heat gun. The results are as varied as there are paint mediums, but Anderson told me he has a bit of a twist on his creations.

“I have carried a part of my Information Technology background into my art by incorporating digital elements into the pieces,” Anderson said.

What’s your background?

“I am originally from Iowa. I got a Computer Engineering degree from Iowa State University, got a job here [in Houston] with Shell, and remained with them for 33 years before retiring two years ago,” Anderson said.

How did you “become” an artist?

“After retiring I envisioned myself being a woodworker,” Anderson said. “My retirement gift was a miter saw instead of a gold watch.

But while surfing YouTube to learn how to make float frames I stumbled upon Jon Peter’s channel. He has a lot of wood working videos but also dabbles in art, and it was his encaustic videos that really hooked me on the medium and the possibilities of integrating digital graphics.

“Throughout my IT career my need to create art had burst through a few times - woodworking crafts, stained glass, acrylic paintings - but it seemed the ‘job’ always managed to eventually stifle the art,” Anderson said. “So when I finally retired I was able to let the creative side finally flourish.”

Tale Spin, detail with 3D printed objects.

Anything new in the studio?

“I purchased a 3D printer last July, so my current work integrates 3D-printed objects into the encaustics.”

You know my favorite question, surprise us!

“I used to be a masters swimmer, and the culmination of that period in my life was a 12.5 mile swim around Key West.”

Anderson is a member artist at Archway Gallery, where some of his work is always on view. A solo reception was held in February and Anderson has the distinction of being the first solo encaustic artist to exhibit at Archway as well as the first one featuring 3D. His work is on view through March 3.

Archway Gallery, one of Houston’s and the nation’s oldest artist-owned and operated galleries, is located at 2305 Dunlavy and is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday.

“My current studio - Flagship Studio, Joel Anderson Art Global - is in actuality in my carport,” Anderson said laughing. “But I will be opening up a space in The Silos in the next couple of months. You can also find him at First Saturday Arts Market on March 5 and follow him on the web: JoelAndersonArt.com.

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@ gmail.com or visit him on the web at ArtValet. com.

Featured artist, Joel Anderson’s exhibit, #Heatstroke 3D, is on view at Archway Gallery through March 3.

Leader Nibbles

The Big Eyed Fish launches crawfish brunch

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com Add the American Southern Cuisine eatery, Big Eyed Fish, to your weekend lineup for crawfish. The Washington Avenue eatery launched their crawfish brunch on Feb.18, and will be offering the crawdads on Saturday and Sunday.

“The weather is so beautiful,” said Owner Megan Adams. “And everyone wants to sit outside on our patio. So you know what that means? It’s crawfish season at The Big Eyed Fish!”

Crawfish will be market price per pound, including corn, potatoes and mushrooms in Big Eyed Fish’s homemade spice mix.

The Big Eyed Fish is located at 908 Henderson 77007.

Cheese pairing with Saint Arny’s and Houston Dairymaids This Friday, Feb. 26, the Houston Dairymaids will be setting up at Saint Arnold’s pub night.

The Houston Dairymaids will be on hand

Photo by Kim Coffman Big Eyed Fish is now offering crawfish during brunch both Saturday and Sunday.

with beer and cheese pairing flights for purchase. Find The Mozzarella Company’s Cella, Rogue Creamery’s Echo Mountain Blue and Beehive Cheese’s Barely Buzzed. They will also have cheese for sale.

Saint Arnold Brewing is located at 2000 Lyons Ave. Email christina@theleadernews.com

North Houston’s 50 Year Tradition

Spaghetti Thursday

Every Thursday 11:00 am - 1:15 pm Spaghetti Meatballs Italian Sausage Chicken Pork Chops Lasagna Eggplant Parmesan Salad Garlic Bread Desserts Beverages

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Thirsty Explorer

By Christina Martinez Managing Editor

A tribute to the Cumbia Queen, Selena I remember the good old - D&T - and back to Cottondays way back when. Saturwood. day mornings my mom would Southern Goods is located let my sister and I sleep in and at 632 W 19th St. eventually would come wake Hop Up Market up her sleeping “angels” with her usual cute, soft whistle.

8th Wonder Brewery will be She’d get us out of bed, give hosting its first Hop Up MarPhoto from YouTube us a morning squeeze and ket from 12 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, usher us into the kitchen to Selena Quintanilla making Feb. 28 at WonderWorld. Find her 1995 Houston Astrodome help start breakfast. crafts, art and more.

I can remember my mom entrance.

8th Wonder Brewery is lomoseying over to the living at any stop, buses will con- cated at 2202 Dallas St. room to put on her favorite tinuously circle the route to Selena album “Amor Prohibi- - Cottonwood - Petrol Station Email christina@theleaddo” and dancing her way back - Hughies - Southern Goods ernews.com into the kitchen.

I think many of us have a story remembering Selena Quintanilla, and she will always have a special connecYour neighborhod Bookstore tion to Houston. The Tejano icon played her final Rodeo • New, Used and Collectible Books • Houston show Feb. 26, 1995 for a record-breaking crowd of more than 65,000 people.

713-869-6117 This Friday is the anniver1820 W. 43rd St sary of her final Houston roHouston TX, 77018 deo show, and a tribute will like us on Facebook be played to her at 9 p.m. at Meteor Lounge. Relive the legacy and the life of our Cumbia Queen with a night of hits and remixes on the anniversary of that landmark performance. No cover for the night, 21 and up.

Meteor Lounge is located Join us for at 2306 Genesee St.

The Book Scene

Hey Kids..

FREE Pizza Night!

“La Reina Selena” 2nd annual Selena Tribute Show Save the date for another tribute show starting on March 4, through March 11 at East End Studio Gallery.

Yappy Hour at Rudz Yappy Hour at Rudyard’s Pub will benefit local Houston animal rescue at 12 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27.

Invite your friends and family to come spend the day at Rudz. Pets are welcome (including cats on leashes!).

Rudz offers a full menu, bar and has many craft beers on tap.

In addition, they will have items to auction and sell, door prizes, art from local artists, golf packages, doggy gift baskets, booze, gift cards, and more. Fosters will also be looking for forever homes.

Entry is free, however, guests are encouraged to bring a small pet item(s) such as a toy, cloth towels, cleaning products or cash donation.

Odell Brews Cruise and Clues Southern Goods would like to invite you out for the Odell Brews Cruise and Clues. Starting at 5 to 10 p.m., this Saturday, Feb. 27, expect bands, great food and several different Odell Brewing Beers.

In addition to Southern Goods, Odell is hosting a pub crawl around the Heights.

The pub crawl is free of charge to participate. Get on

NOW Every Wednesday Night.

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1 Free Table side kid pizza with each adult entree purchase.

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