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Saturday, April 2, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 14

About Us

Reagan alumni aim to settle name change issue in court

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

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Supporters of the Reagan High School Save the Name organization are setting their sights at having a day in court according to a post circulated on social media.

According to a letter posted to Save The Name’s Facebook page, organization president Howard Moon chaired a meeting March 22 introducing legal counsel to alumni of both RHS and Jefferson Davis High School, consisting of Danny Goforth as head counsel with J Rolfe Johnson and David Vandeburg as Advisory Council.

According to the letter, Sons of Confederate Veterans member Bill Boyd also attended and was more recently involved with a court case regarding University of Texas’ removal of statues commemorating members of the Confederacy. A similar lawsuit was also filed in New Orleans by the numerous organizations challenging the city’s legal standing in removing Confederate monuments. A federal court ruling in January ruled against the organizations and a judge said the city provided “substantive due process” through public hearings, according to a story in The Times-Picayune.

The local group acknowledges the challenge ahead.

“Be advised that the actions of the

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Turning over a new leaf Previously the Inwood Forest Country Club, the White Oak Conference Center is able to host a variety of events. When Giang Tran visited the facility looking for a place to host her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary she saw the potential of the center. As the new director of sales, it’s now her job to make sure everyone else sees it too.

See Name P. 4A

Find it on 1B

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Art Car Photos by Jonathan Garris It has taken months for students at Reagan High School to finish this year’s art car but the result is a boisterous vehicle that evokes Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and its band members, along with other popular songs. In particular, it sports a large, life-size recreation of Freddie Mercury which will stand atop the car.

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Reagan High School channels spirit of Queen for art car

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By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Rebecca Bass has been helping build art cars since 1990 and each one has seemingly taken on a life of its own. This year, students at Reagan High School are hoping that, with the help of Bass, they once again take home a big award at the annual Art Car Parade in downtown Houston with their Queen-themed art car.

This year features an over-the-top focus on what is widely considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

While the overarching theme is Queen in all of its glory, the car itself bears the namesake of perhaps their most popular ballad – Bohemian Rhapsody. Last year, the group won for channeling the spirit of Jimi Hendrix for their first ever entry, called “Electric Ladyland,” and the school won the Mayor’s Cup Trophy and $2,000 in cash.

“There were some lyrics in that song the kids wanted to do but we really couldn’t put stuff like guns on it for the ‘Mama, I killed a man,’ verse,” Bass said with a laugh. “We

tried to make it more of a gypsy thing in the end.”

Students working on the vehicle got added boosts from the community, along with Bass who was hired part-time by HISD to help with art car projects. Charming Charlie donated broken and busted jewelry to attach to the vehicle and the var itself sports four major sculptures. They include a dragon (for Dragon Attack), guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and what Bass calls two ladies with “ample derrières” for Fat Bottom Girls.

The biggest part of the car, however, is a giant sculpture of frontman Freddie Mercury, sporting his iconic yellow jacket with pans made from rhinestone jewelry.

The process was a bit challenging but the end result is something students like senior Mark Flores are proud of.

“Some days we would work on the sculpture, like whenever we would get tired of working on the car so much,” Flores said. “The frame goes all the way through the sculpture and we built around it.”

See Car P. 2A

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader

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Time running out for more Bike Plan comments For The Leader

Annual Spring Home & Garden Tour begins in Heights One of the most popular Heights-based events of the year is happening this weekend and it’s not too late to join the fun. The annual Houston Heights Association’s Spring Home and Garden Tour will happen from noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. This year, six homes are open to the public.

For those who are new to the HHA’s Spring Home and Garden Tour, you’ll soon discover why it’s such a success.

The event offers a remarkable snapshot of the community’s one-of-a-kind history and flavor as displayed through its homes.

This year’s tour is titled “Harmony: Blending Past and Present.” The collection includes restored historic homes as well as recently constructed properties that echo the charm of the community. The homes in “Harmony” were selected specifically to highlight the changes to the neighborhood.

The annual tour is hosted by the Houston Heights Association, a nonprofit organization with the mission of fostering a sense of community among the diverse segments of the neighborhood. Proceeds from HHA fundraisers go directly back to the Heights for beautification, restoration, and maintenance of the Heights Blvd. esplanade, Marmion and Donovan Parks, and the Houston Heights Fire Station.

Among many other endeavors, the HHA supports educational activities in local schools, administers the Heights

File Photo by Jonathan Garris Cyclists wanting to voice their input on the proposed Bike Plan have only weeks left to submit their comments.

Contributed Photo by Mark R. Williamson The Truxillo Home on Harvard Street will be one of the homes featured this year at the annual HHA Spring Home & Garden Tour.

Constable Patrol Program, and monitors land use issues.

The association deserves considerable credit for plucking the historic community back from the downturn in the 1970s and 1980s.

In the case of this year’s home tour, more than 3,500 people are projected to attend, many from other areas of See Tour P. 2A

Mayor Sylvester Turner today released the draft of the Houston Bike Plan, the next step in the City’s efforts to help make Houston a safer, healthier, and more accessible bicycle-friendly city. This Bike Plan integrates with the ongoing Bayou Greenways 2020 project and identifies additional bike facilities needed to achieve safe access to these attractive bikeway corridors from more neighborhoods.

“I’m pleased to release this ambitious, yet realistic plan for making Houston an outstanding place for riding a bicycle,” said Mayor Turner said. “Providing safe, convenient means for cycling to parks, schools and jobs is an important part of providing healthy mobility and recreation choices for Houstonians. I urge residents to review the document and then send us feedback.

Your input is essential to ensuring we have a comprehensive plan for moving forward.”

Once fully implemented, this Plan will triple the existing bikeway miles and provide six times more high See Bike P. 2A

The public.

Police Reports • March 19-25 MARCH 19

Theft 3:58 AM 1100-1199 W 34TH Theft 12:57 PM 200-299 E 11TH Assault 7:09 PM 4700-4799 NETT Theft 5:30 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 5:30 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 7:40 PM 3000-3099 VOLLMER

MARCH 20

Theft 9 AM 11000-11099 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 11:36 AM 6900-6999 N MAIN Theft 4:31 PM 400-499 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 2:15 PM 10800-10899 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 11:10 AM 11000-11099 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 6 PM 400-499 E 26TH Theft 8:01 PM 1100-1199 PEDDIE Theft 9 PM 4400-4499 KOEHLER Burglary 10:55 AM 1600-1699 SHEPHERD Burglary 8:07 AM 6300-6399 WASHINGTON

Robbery 6:30 PM 1000-1099 PINEMONT Theft 6 PM 400-499 E 26TH Theft 8:01 PM 1100-1199 PEDDIE Theft 9 PM 4400-4499 KOEHLER Burglary 10:55 AM 1600-1699 SHEPHERD Burglary 8:07 AM 6300-6399 WASHINGTON Robbery 6:30 PM 1000-1099 PINEMONT Theft 5:40 PM 200-299 N LOOP W

MARCH 21

Burglary 12:14 PM 2000-2099 HARVARD Theft 3:20 PM 2800-2899 WHITE OAK DR Theft 8 AM 600-699 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 3:51 PM 2700-2799 W 11TH Burglary 11:06 AM 300-399 W 17TH Burglary 9 AM 900-999 W 31ST Theft 7:32 AM 2400-2499 JUDIWAY Burglary 11:06 AM 300-399 W 17TH Burglary 9 AM 900-999 W 31ST Theft 7:32 AM 2400-2499

Saturday, April 2, 2016 • Page 2A

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MARCH 22

Burglary 7:27 AM 1500-1599 NASHUA

Garden Oaks Montessori wins national award

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Congratulations are in order for Garden Oaks Montessori which is one of three HISD schools to receive a 2016 National Merit award from Magnet Schools of America. The other two schools were Lovett Elementary School, and the Energy Institute High School.

Garden Oaks is one of 258 public magnet schools and programs nationwide to receive the award, according to an HISD press release. They were selected for their commitment to high academic standards, school diversity, specialized curricula and in-

struction, family engagement, and community partnerships.

Nearly 400 magnet schools and programs from across the country applied for the award.

Garden Oaks Montessori earned a Magnet Schools of Distinction Award, which is the second-highest distinction awarded to schools. HISD says “it is one of the district’s three Montessori magnet programs emphasizing highly personalized and collaborative learning to help students develop social skills, cognition, and physical coordination, as well as their own interests.”

“We are delighted to receive this national award from Magnet Schools of America,”

said Principal Lindsey Pollock.

“The hard work of our parents, students, staff and community members are coming to fruition as we develop and sustain our public Montessori program at Garden Oaks. Just today our project advisory team met to review color schemes for our bond project that will add 65,000 square feet to the campus and accommodate up to 900 students in PK3 – 8th grade. This year we received over 1,000 applications for 60 available spaces for next year.”

The schools will receive the awards at the Magnet Schools of America Conference on May 6 in Miami.

Burglary 5:30 AM 1500-1599 NASHUA Assault 3:40 PM 500-599 E 38TH Burglary 4:15 AM 900-999 ENID Theft 6:53 AM 300-399 27TH Burglary 4:30 PM 5800-5899 PETTY Theft 4 PM 1200-1299 N DURHAM Theft 1 PM 1300-1399 W 31ST Burglary 9 PM 3100-3199 WHITE OAK Burglary 4:35 AM 400-499 THORNTON Theft 6:30 PM 1100-1199 PATTERSON Theft 3:45 PM 3500-3599 ELLA Burglary 11:55 PM 100-199 S HEIGHTS Burglary 2 PM 1800-1899 BINGHAM Theft 11:30 AM 1200-1299 W DONOVAN Theft 12 PM 10500-10599 NORTHWEST FWY

MARCH 23

Theft 9 AM 2900-2999 SHEPHERD Burglary 8:01 AM 1600-1699 KNOX Theft 6 PM 1800-1899 SAL-

Precinct One: Gun stolen from home in Heights Around 6 p.m. Monday, March 28, deputies responded to a house in the 1200 block of Ashland Street where evidence indicated an unknown burglar had entered through a back window two days earlier and stolen a pistol from the master bedroom. A resident said he was out of town then and received a home alarm notification but that the home security system apparently had failed to automatically notify police.

Deputies sent a report to the Houston Police Department for investigation.

FORD Burglary 4:30 AM 1100-1199 CREEKMONT Theft 4 PM 1000-1099 W 12TH Theft 5:49 PM 1000-1099 W 12TH Theft 2:49 PM 1200-1299 W 20TH Theft 3:30 PM 500-599 N SHEPHERD Theft 10:01 AM 1500-1599 N LOOP W Theft 6:45 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN Theft 11:30 AM 2400-2499 WILDE ROCK WAY Theft 4 PM 5600-5699 YALE Theft 2:30 PM 3100-3199 MANGUM Theft 5:32 PM 200-299 W 20TH Theft 3:20 PM 1000-1099 W 12TH Theft 5 PM 1000-1099 N SHEPHERD Theft 9:05 AM 5000-5099 YALE Theft 11:24 AM 1300-1399 JUDIWAY Burglary 8:20 AM 6300-6399 WASHINGTON Burglary 8:51 AM 6300-6399 WASHINGTON Burglary 7:15 AM 100-199 DETERING

MARCH 24

Theft 12:11 PM 900-999 T C JESTER Robbery 11 PM 3600-3699 N MAIN Burglary 7 AM 100-199 E JANISCH Theft 4:53 PM 3400-3499 WHITE OAK Assault 8:07 AM 2700-2799 W T C JESTER

MARCH 25

Theft 7 AM 2300-2399 N SHEPHERD Theft 1:33 PM 1300-1399 N DURHAM Theft 2 PM 100-199 W 7TH Theft 10 AM 100-199 W 7TH Theft 7:06 AM 600-699 HEIGHTS BLVD Robbery 7:35 AM 1300-1399 W 43RD Burglary 5:09 AM 1800-1899 MANGUM Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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Car from P. 1A Flores said it was the first time he helped plan something as big as this, but plenty of brainstorming and teamwork from students helped out.

“Freddie Mercury and Queen give you so much to work with,” Flores said.

Flores also said that, while some students might quit after a few weeks of working on the car, seeing the finished artwork and noticing how people react to the cars at the parade makes all the hard work worth it. Students don’t get credit for the program but do receive community service hours, Bass said.

“This isn’t a class,” Bass said. “I can’t fail them if they don’t show up. They show up here because they want to be here.”

Sophomore Noel Riall and Flores both worked on last year’s car and Riall said she loves working on it and enjoys some of the secondary advantages of working in a group project like this.

“I have severe social anxiety but the fact I’ve had to

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Photo by Jonathan Garris The glitz and glamour of the car’s sculptures was provided in part

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interact with a group, and that Bass is such a great teacher, has helped me out a lot,” Riall said. “It’s just great overall.”

“It’s really cool to see other people’s cars and talk to them and it gives you a new perspective on it when you see their cars go by and you think about how much heart and work into something like that,” Flores said. “I know how that feels

now because we feel the same way when people see our car go by and they just freak out and love it.”

See Reagan’s art car April 9 at the 29th Annual Houston Art Car Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. in downtown Houston along Smith Street. For more information, visit www. thehoustonartcarparade.com.

comfort bikeways through Key Connection Projects to help connect neighborhoods and activity centers to a city-wide network. · Establishing a long-term vision to add 861 miles in highcomfort bikeway facilities, including nearly 600 miles that will be developed over time as streets are reconstructed. · Creating a Bicycle Toolbox that contains comprehensive approaches and recommendations for the design of bikeway projects, a policy framework, and programs that will educate and encourage more people to bike.

With the draft Plan complete, the City is seeking feed-

back from Houstonians. Visit the website at HoustonBikePlan.org for more information and to let the City know what you think. The public comment period closes April 11, 2016. The City will then modify the draft Plan based on the feedback received from the community.

Funding partners for the project include BikeHouston, Houston Parks Board, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

raiser of the year. We could not do this without the participation of the community.”

This year’s tour includes one of the most iconic in the Heights – the Truxillo Home at 1802 Harvard St. This Victorian with its dramatic tower was the only spec house built by the original developers of Heights and its architectural design is one of only two remaining in Houston. In 1974, Heights resident Bart Truxillo purchased the house and launched its restoration. The home is now a Heights landmark in the protected Houston Heights East Historic District and is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places.

This year marks the first on the tour for another Heights

icon: the Alexandre/Clarry Home at 2200 Harvard St. This contemporary property offers a blend of the historic and modern and features a meditation room with a secret passage to the “Winter Bedroom,” Brazilian cherry oak floors, and four wood-burning fireplaces. The bold rooftop steeple blends the home’s modern design with many of the local Heights Victorians.

Advance tickets for the tour are $20 and can be purchased at www.houstonheights.org.

Tickets may also be purchased on the days of the event for $25 at the Houston Heights Fire Station, at the corner of 12th and Yale streets.

Bike from P. 1A comfort bikeways miles than what exists now.

The draft of the plan already represents a significant amount of public engagement.

The City and its partners sought input at over 70 community meetings and events.

The project received over 1,000 public comments and nearly 3,000 online surveys were completed.

The Plan recommends: · Creating 328 miles of high-comfort bikeways through modest investments in short-term projects such as street restriping and wayfinding signage on low-volume, low-speed streets. · Adding 86 miles of high-

Tour from P. 1A Houston or neighboring counties. As always, comfortable shuttle buses are available to transport tour visitors from the Heights Fire Station to the homes, for those who do not wish to wrestle with parking.

This year, cyclists who ride bikes from home to the homes on the tour will find racks at each location and a “bicycle valet” to assist with logistics.

“It takes hundreds of volunteers to offer the spring tour and we are grateful to them all,” said Stacey Courville, President of the Houston Heights Association. “We have home tour docents, bicycle valets, ticket seller volunteers, and many more. This really is a community effort, and it’s the association’s biggest fund-

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Reagan

Save The name Let’s Not Give Up On Reagan Name Yet!!

A group of supporters for keeping the Reagan name are looking at filing a restraining order. If you would like to join us as a Bulldog, Friend of a Bulldog, or in opposition to political correctness, please let us know. To impress the court of our sincerity and concern we need over 1,000 people to donate $10 or preferably more to the cause and mail to: Reagan Save Name P.O. Box 800149 Houston, Texas 77280

The Topics.

Saturday, April 2, 2016 • Page 3A

Finally, some optimism at City Hall I

f you’ve read our newspaper – specifically this page – with any regularity over the past few years, you know I’ve been openly critical of the way the city of Houston was managed by the previous administration.

Let’s not mince words here: I believe the administration of exMayor Annise Parker was nearly a complete disservice to the very people she was elected to represent. Sure, we all can find positives in any political term, and Parker did much to advance some of her core causes. She looked after our parks.

She worked hard to preserve the arts and much of the character of Houston. And she fought like mad for the social issues important to her constituents.

Otherwise, our poor infrastructure was not improved (or even addressed) until her final year in office. Our streets were left in shambles – but hey, at least there were no cameras on those streets giving us entrapped tickets. Most importantly, or egregiously, our city’s disheveled finances were shoveled down our pothole-filled block in hopes another administration had the solution.

Last year, voters in Houston thankfully were forced to elect a new mayor, and I’ll admit I struggled with whom to support, especially in the runoff. Bill King

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

had spent months campaigning on his ability to run this city like a business, and I truly believed that’s what our city needed most. But I also liked Sylvester Turner’s passion and understanding of our city.

He had spent decades navigating the political compromises of Austin, and I felt quite certain he could work with any group of council members seated around him.

My concern with Turner was largely that he spent most of his campaign promising a better life for the people of Houston, and he seemed to shy away from specific talk on specific solutions. To me, a mayor cannot walk into office and explicitly bring people out of poverty. Rather, a mayor must lift an entire city in order to lift the lowest levels.

I have never suggested I know everything about the history of Houston politics. I am not a native son and have only lived in this city for a decade. But after watching Mayor Turner during his first 90

days in office, I’m beginning to think we picked a completely capable person to run our city.

Within 10 days of assuming office, Turner launched a program designed to relieve our city streets of the holes that break our axels.

If a person reports a pothole, the city promises (nearly all the time) to have that pothole repaired in one business day.

Pouring asphalt in a hole is putting an Ace bandage on a slice that needs stiches, and what I like best about Turner’s approach to this cosmetic treatment is that he knows just that.

“It is definitely only a short-term fix, but it is a step that we need to take to get us to the long-term solution,” he said in announcing this plan.

I’ve also learned that Turner was dead serious when he told voters that he’d work to improve the quality of life for every person in this city. Earlier this month, his office launched a program called “Turnaround Houston,” which will include resource fairs for people faced with “barriers to employment.” Among the services of “Turnaround Houston,” the program will “offer access to job training, resume writing, tattoo removal, social service agencies, educational institutions, counseling and intervention to help hard to

If repairs are needed, you’ll be lifting heavy waits THE KITCHEN – Not again.

My ice dispenser doesn’t seem to be working, I’ll will have to call the repairman, although I’d rather go to the dentist for a root canal. Not only is he usually on time, he’s cheaper. A repairman -- or delivery person -- coming to your home is no big deal, except that it’s a big deal when there seems to be a parade of them. In recent weeks I have had the cable people visit, the burglar alarm folks, the yardman with countless problems including something about the Border Patrol -- I couldn’t understand him -- the a/c guy and the refrigerator repairman four times.

Our story goes like this: An appliance breaks or a sink starts making funny noises or maybe it’s just time for the monthly or yearly checkup.

So you look for the phone number for Jake or LeRoy or the Fly By Night Plumbing Co. (“Press 1 if your shower is overflowing, press 2 if your toilet won’t flush … press 45 if your….”) Or you may be put on hold even though your call is very important to them, and all their associates (two) are busy with other customers, so you listen to some Sirius music (the love theme from “Patton”) until Gloria or Jose or more likely Akmed, who goes to the same English as a Second Language class as my yardman, gets on the line. Then you try to make an appointment. Akmed asks what day you want, adding, “This is 2016, right? March?

April?” You can tell this may be a problem. We settle on the next Friday, sometime between Thursday and Saturday. “Let’s say noon. I’ll be fully awake by then.”

You know how tiring you can get just sitting in an airport terminal waiting for your delayed flight to leave? You aren’t doing a thing but killing time reading the paper, watching TV on the wall, with no sound, maybe hitting the bar, except it’s 10 a.m. The wait can be exhausting. Well, so is sitting around the house all day, keeping an eye on the clock and the front curb, waiting for the white van with the side panels reading: “May The Pest Man Win – our killin’ is thrillin.’” And you can’t leave the house even to take out the garbage (the garbage disposal is broken, which is why you are awaiting the repairman).

You were told he would call 30 minutes before arriving. So what if he calls while you are taking out the garbage, and you miss the call? He draws a line through your name and the whole drama begins again.

The guy comes to fix your broken doorbell, rings the doorbell, no answer because the doorbell doesn’t work.

Mine doesn’t work because a woman wire worker running

Lynn Ashby Columnist

lines for my burglar alarm – the neighborhood has a Viking problem – drilled a hole in a wall and cut the power line to the doorbell. I figured the reason she made a mistake was that she couldn’t see where to drill because she was wearing a ski mask. Do you ever wonder about people who install burglar alarms, then ask if you’ll be taking any out-oftown trips in the near future?

The only solution to my broken doorbell wire was to tear out the wall, and by then the alligators were nibbling on my rear and the swamp was still full. So we have a doormat reading: “Doorbell broken – yell Ding! Dong! Real loud.”

It works.

The only thing worse than a repairman arriving late is one who arrives early. Last week I was awakened by a phone call. “Hi, this is Cosmo with What’s Watt Electrical, and I’m running early. Can I come by now?” I inquired, “Where are you?” He replied, “Parked in front of your house.” This segues into one of the mysteries of our fix-it warriors. The truck pulls up to your curb, as usual, its sides plastered with signs so your neighbors know your vodka still isn’t working. You go to the door, and no one is there. The van just sits out front. And sits there.

No driver’s door opening, no back of the truck opening either. What’s he doing, eating lunch? Playing games on his smartphone? Probably trying to figure out which is a wrench and which is a screwdriver.

At this point we must consider the warranty. A warranty is something you pay extra for in case what you just bought doesn’t work. This makes no sense, but a warranty can come in handy if, say, you are peeling the legal labels off your new dishwasher (“Do not use for clothes, plants and small pets.”) and it falls over or blows up. But note that most appliances, computers and anything with moving parts breaks the day after the warranty expires.

This is not to criticize all those who fix our problems.

The electricians, plumbers, roach stompers (I use a very cheap pest control company) and deliverers of our furniture, kitchen equipment and wet bars, are a necessity.

Some even accept my advice.

“I think that gizmo goes into that thingamabob,” I say wisely. She nods in agreement.

“Yes, this lightbulb screws into this lightbulb socket.”

Another repairman solved my mechanical problem by showing me the On and Off switch. Have you escorted a workman out of your house, only to go back to the work spot and discover a hammer or wrench or needle? We must be careful which strangers we let into our house. A friend in the neighborhood had some carpets installed. After the crew departed, he noticed one of them had left his wallet.

Searching through it to find a phone number or address, he came upon a court order for the owner’s appearance – in a criminal court.

It is now Friday and I am still waiting and still no repairman. I don’t care what time it is. I need a drink.

Ashby is under warranty at ashby2@comcast.net

employ Houstonians turn their lives around.”

I’ve seen all kinds of city services offered, but how wonderful is it to read about a city offering to help people with unfortunate, late-night ink mistakes clean up their looks?

In his first 90 days, Turner has tackled a recycling contract that was poorly negotiated by the previous administration, and while Turner has taken the high road and refused to assign blame, he has helped find a solution with Waste Management. Most don’t know how close we were to losing our green bins.

And no, I haven’t forgotten my greatest concern: Turner has already made a wonderful – and much needed – change to the way our city budgets. He has forced city departments to budget based on performance, rather than on previous year budgets. He has asked departments to eliminate duplicate positions wherever possible. He has asked for an expense decrease across the board. He has announced that the city won’t fill more than 50 open positions and expects to eliminate 40 other positions in the city.

I’m not the only one who has noticed this, either. Moody’s, which recently lowered the city’s bond rating, suggested Turner’s administration is doing the right things

to improve Houston’s rating and financial status. Included in their applause was the fact the city is creating a budget that projects oil prices to reduce to $19 per barrel.

Obviously, we don’t need that to happen (and trends suggest otherwise), but Turner is being conservative with our money and that’s sorely needed.

All of those things are important, but Turner has made one other move that should give us all hope in his first term. About a month ago, Turner convened a meeting between all the law enforcement agencies in the city to talk about ways the Sheriff ’s department and Houston Police can work together.

If you’re like me and wonder why we often see an HPD car and a Constable car on the same street at the same time, maybe this is the start to a solution to do a better job with the resources we have.

We are early in Turner’s tenure in office, and I have no idea what will happen in the next 90 days, much less the next two years. But for those who were skeptical of his election, we all have reason for optimism.

We need a mayor who is consistent, who addresses problems and who works with the hand he’s dealt.

Don’t let us down now, Mr. Mayor.

Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

The reader.

Parents choose to opt out of STAAR

Dear Editor: It is once again time to subject our children and teachers to the annual standardized testing routine that Texas calls STAAR. With one huge caveat – this process actually began, for most HISD students, at the beginning of the school year.

Schools test students the first week of school. Then there are the practice tests. And test prep. And benchmarks.

And snapshots. And tutoring during the week and on Saturdays. At the state level, Texas has spent $500,000,000 on testing alone from 2010-2015.

This cost doesn’t include the money our districts spend on implementing the test, buying supplemental materials, additional staff and additional administration – estimated to be an additional $500,000,000.

Money that is no longer available for student enrichment classes such as music or art.

Money that could be used for PE teachers, librarians, nurses.

We, as a nation, have gotten away from teaching our children to think. We now teach

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com them to take tests. We have made school less enjoyable.

They are no longer a place where the passion for learning is encouraged for every student. We now test over and over. If a school isn’t performing then the solution is even more testing. The stress levels at these schools is beyond normal. It is toxic.

I’ve heard some parents say that their children or their school is not affected by the STAAR. My response – if your child is enrolled in an HISD school their entire curriculum is dictated by the STAAR. It doesn’t matter if the school is a supposed Montessori school or an IB school. The district’s curriculum is developed to adhere to the STAAR tests.

Your children may pass with flying colors. Their teachers may not be stressed because they know they will not be punished for low test scores.

If you are lucky enough to get into a “good” school that has high parent involvement and the parents have deep pockets, then good enrichment programs are likely available to the children, funded in large

part by the PTO/PTA organizations at those schools.

But at the end of the day your child, like mine, is subject to the same curriculum that HISD requires for all our children. The lack of arts that previously encouraged creativity and analytical thinking are gone. The PE programs and recess time that is necessary for students to burn off energy have been reduced. They take the test starting this week and how they do on the STAAR exam will determine whether or not they pass to the next grade. All other measures of performance have been moved to the side. The STAAR has become the sole factor that decides whether a student is promoted to the next grade.

Unless you and your child opt out of taking the STAAR. Two or three days testing should not determine the advancement of our children.

Their entire school year should be looked at – by opting out we force the school to review the child’s entire portfolio for

See Reader, P. 4A

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Teletype (Computers) 4. Loose-fitting sleeveless garment 7. They __ 8. Extinct Turkish caucasian language 10. Tall N Zealand timber tree 12. Piedmont city on the River Gesso 13. Burl __, storyteller 14. Made up of 50 states 16. Not or 17. Given a monetary penalty 19. Unnilpentium 20. ISU town 21. Equality for everyone 25. A lyric poem with complex stanza forms 26. Actress Farrow 27. Scottish caps 29. Gobblers 30. __ Lilly, drug company

31. Process an animal hide 32. Describe in perfect detail 39. 1000 calories 41. American National Bank (abbr.)

42. MN 55121 43. Everyone 44. Substitute 45. Rubber, marching or head 46. Dance Latin rhythm 48. Inside of 49. A way to let know 50. Morning moisture 51. Point midway between S and SE 52. Sales messages

dOwn 1. Duty 2. Whatchamacallit 3. A citizen of Yemen 4. __ Dhabi, Arabian capital 5. Nickname 6. One seeded fruit (alt. sp.)

8. Fiddler crabs 9. Troughs of bricks 11. Exploiter

14. Atomic #104 15. Italian ice-cream 18. Algerian dinar 19. Consume 20. Macaws 22. Insignificantly small 23. Tooth caregiver 24. Direct toward 27. Bluish green 28. Caliph 29. Faucet 31. The bill in a restaurant 32. Capital of Tocantins, Brazil 33. Explosive 34. The most abundant of the rare-earth group 35. Japanese sock 36. Kampala is the capital 37. Raged 38. Provides with property 39. Miniature racing vehicle 40. Signs 44. Express pleasure 47. Bridge-building degree

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, April 2, 2016

Neighbors: Local life scout and volunteers aid ODC Pony field ing baseball. Zach has continued his baseball career and is proud to be playing on the St. Pius JV Baseball Team. Way to go, Zach !

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Zachary E. Jez, 15 years old and a sophomore at St. Pius X High School, is a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 540 out of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Zachary led his Eagle Scout Project on Saturday, Mar. 26th at Oaks Dads’ Club Pony Field at 1025 Judiway. Zachary recruited and organized 60 volunteers who worked a very respectable total of 274 man hours. For the project, Zachary coordinated the replacement of 3 exterior doors and the scraping, power washing and painting of 3 buildings and a storage container. Zachary and Troop 540 would like to thank the many volunteers who came out to help as well as the following businesses for supporting the project: Bison Building Materials (donation of 3 exterior doors), SherwinWilliams at 3510 Ella Blvd. (donation of all the paint, rollers, tape, caulk and brushes), and Marco’s Pizza at 3440 Ella Blvd. Zachary played baseball at the Oaks Dads’ Club from T-ball through Pony League and knew that’s where he wanted to do his Eagle Scout Project because he wanted to give something back to the Club where he grew up play-

Welcome to the world precious Anthony Paul Briceno! Anthony was born at Texas Children’s Women’s Pavilion on March 29, 2016, at 9:02 pm and weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. and was 20¾ inches long. Proud first time parents are Mark and Ariel Briceno of Candlelight Plaza. Welcoming Anthony are his beaming grandparents Ernest and Elizabeth Villarreal and Albert and Connie Briceno.

Eager babysitters are aunts and uncles Janny, Matt and Jesse Briceno; Alex Morales; Allison, Abby and Zachary Villarreal; and Anthony’s cousin Ava Briceno. Congratulations Ariel and Mark!

A huge shout of congratulations goes out to Abby Aldis who has been accepted into University of Texas’ Plan II and neuroscience programs and will be attending UT in Austin in the fall. Hook ‘em !!

Emily Aldis and Alexandria Vinklarek are playing on the Westside softball team together. Alexandria is heading up 3rd base and Emily

covers home base as catcher and 1st baseman.

Our neighbor in Oak Forest, Mary Gibson, who just so happens to be school nurse at Waltrip High School, saw an old friend she has not seen in 47 years and was thrilled to reconnect. Gibson and Kathy Webb Haynes lived down the street from each other on Cheshire during their senior year in high school. Gibson said, “Kathy and I, along with Shannon Harrah, Barbara Van Deventer, Karen Murray Vanek & Nora Glenn, worked together at HL&P in the old Houston Lighting & Power Co. building downtown at Walker & San Jacinto after graduating Waltrip in 1967.

When I got a car, Kathy, Barbara, & Shannon carpooled with me until I started college at University of Houston. We had all lost touch with each other, but Kathy, Shannon, Karen and I have renewed our friendship on Facebook.”

After attending Haynes’ son’s wedding recently, Gibson said, “It was so good to see Kathy & Scott after all these years!”

The Emerald Oaks Girl Scout Community is hosting its first Mother Daughter event in several years with Mom & Me Under the Sea. Each Girl

Zachary Jez

Scout and the special woman in her life will enjoy a day at Moody Gardens Aquarium and a ride on the Colonel Paddle Wheel Boat. Also included will be a delicious continental breakfast, snacks and a patch commemorating the day. It promises to be a splendid day!

And congratulations to Bella Trevino whose patch design was chosen for the event!

Contributed Photo Members of Troop 540 work together for the Eagle Scout Project at Oaks Dads’ Club Pony Field.

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St. Matthews United Methodist Church is having a huge rummage sale this Saturday, Apr. 2nd, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kid’s stuff, clothing, household items, bedding and linens, Christmas and holiday décor and more. All proceeds benefit the church. St. Matthews UMC is located at the intersection of N. Shepherd and Crosstimbers.

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Name from P. 1A HISD school board are strictly politically motivated and presently there is no case law that has ruled against a school board for changing a schools [sic] name,” the letter, signed by Save the Name site administrators Ronnie and Linda Chavez, said. “Our counsel does not believe we would prevail if we approached this case directly against the actions of the HISD

school board. [Goforth] agreed with our views that this school is still not being held accountable by anyone and is proceeding with their agenda with no regard for the input of the community.”

Currently, the group’s legal counsel is preparing paperwork for presenting Harris County with an injunction against HISD. The group is looking to raise around

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$12,000 to prepare and file the first round of court proceedings and Moon will set up an account solely for the purpose of funding the group’s legal fight.

As of March 27, the group has approximately $2,269 raised. Those interested in donating can make out checks to: Reagan Save the Name, PO Box 800149, Houston, TX 77280.

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Reader from P. 3A the year rather than a one day test. This is an important first step.

Just as important, opting out puts focus on HISD policies that we disagree with. The following statement, taken from the Community Voices for Public Education (CVPE) website, express perfectly our concerns with HISD policy: Opting out is a way to call attention to local HISD policies that should change. Write to the HISD School Board expressing concerns about the following: · HISD should not use test scores to evaluate teachers. It is the only school district in the Greater Houston area and most of the state to do so. · HISD should not use STAAR as a promotion standard for grades 3, 4, 6 and 7. The state only requires that STAAR be a promotion standard at grades 5 and 8. · HISD should not use test scores as an excuse to close schools. It should instead support struggling schools and seek to make them

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better by implementing the community schools model.

Instead, standardized testing should be limited, should be low stakes and used only for diagnostic purposes. Assessments are best able to support student learning when written by those closest to the students--their teachers.

Opting out is only the first step. We must push the HISD board to change their policies or push for new board members that understand the damage that is being done to our children and our schools. We encourage others to join us in opting out. Contact the CVPE for information. They can direct you to those of us that have been through the opt out process. Those who have said enoughis-enough.

Ken and Kim Martinez Proud parents of three HISD students

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Saturday, April 2, 2016 • Page 5A

The calendar.

CRAWFISH BOIL American Legion Post 560 Garden Oaks American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Road, will host a Crawfish Boil and live entertainment from noon til sold out April 2. The cost is $30 per plate. Information: 713-6829287, www.facebook.com/AmLegionPost560/, americanlegionpost560.org.

BOOSTER CLUB CASINO NIGHT St. Pius X High School Want to support athletics at St. Pius X? Place your bets on SPX and become a sponsor or purchase tickets. Casino Night will be April 2. Dinner will be from 6-8 p.m. in Herzstein Gym, and gaming will be from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at The Commons. St. Pius X High School is located at 811 W. Donovan St. Information: 713692-3581, stpiusx.org.

T21 SPRING FESTIVAL Friends of Down Syndrome Come out and have some fun this Saturday, April 2, from 1-4 p.m. at the Friends of Down Syndrome T21 Spring Festival.

Enjoy games, prizes, music, food and fun at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 306 E. 15th St. This family-friendly event is free of charge, with lunch (sausages) provided by the Spirit Cookers, a Houston area cooking ministry.

For more information on T21 events through the Friends of Down Syndrome, which are open to all people with disabilities who are 13 years of age or older, visit friendsofdownsyndrome.org or call 281-989-0345.

COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host the Moonglow Orchestra, Big Band Music, from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. April 2. The cost is $15 per person. There is a dress code. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all Saturday night dances, starting at 7:30 p.m. and during intermission. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Information: 713-8695767, lodge88.org.

PROM DRESS GIVE-AWAY Lone Star College-CyFair The 12th Annual Prom Dress Give-Away benefiting teens without the financial means to purchase a dress for prom this spring is set at Lone Star College-CyFair Branch Library, Rm. 131, 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Sunday, April 3 from 1:30-4:30 p.m., and Saturdays April 2, April 15 and April 23 from 1-4 p.m.

Information: elise.j.sheppard@ lonestar.edu, 281-290-5248.

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 through April 3.

Visit the website for showtimes and tickets. Information: www. houstonfac.com, 281-587-6100.

AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., April 4, in

CRAWFISH FEST 5050 Acorn Come out to the Crawfish Fest and support the revitalization of Oak Forest Park. There will be Cajun cuisine, craft beer, putting and football toss contests with prizes, games, and activities for the kids. Co-chairs of the event are Kendall Spangler and Elyssa Horvath. The City does not have Oak Forest Park designated at this time for any public funding, so it is up to the community to help its improvements. The event will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 9. Crawfish plates are $20 through April 1 or $15 for a sausage plate ($25 and $20 after April 1). Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact elyssa@core-landing.com.

Information: www.myoakforest. org/events/2016-crawfish-fest.

the community room at 1520 Candlelight Ln. Special guest will be Ralais Harper, Rehabilitation Therapy Fitness Instructor at YMCA on West 34th. The meeting is open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meetand-greet at 9:30 a.m. Information: 713-682-4022.

APRIL EVENTS The Health Museum Mindfulness Classes for children ages 6-8 and one parent will be on Sundays, April 3 through May 22, 1-2 p.m.; children ages 9-11 and one parent will be on Sundays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. April 3 through May 22. Register online.

Mindfulness classes to cultivate positive emotions will be held Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. April 6-May 11. Free Family Thursdays: Go Green is from 2-7 p.m. Thursdays April 7, 14, 21 and 28. This series will concentrate on living Earth-healthy. Boy Scout Merit Badge Classes will be held 9 a.m.5 p.m. April 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. April 24.

Senior Wellness Day: Embracing Nature is from 9 a.m.-noon, April 12. The Health Museum is located at 1515 Hermann Dr. Information: www.thehealthmuseum.org, 713521-1515.

BREAKFAST CONNECTION Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Come network with fellow chamber members, share business concepts, hear about a new business concept, and build on those new relationships while enjoying a hot breakfast. The guest speaker will be Council Member Michael Kubosh, At Large Position #3. The breakfast will be at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West.

The cost for members is $20, and non-members are $25. Please register online. Information: 713861-6735, heightschamber.com.

JOINT PAIN SEMINAR Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Memorial Hermann Greater Heights will be hosting a complimentary Joint Pain Seminar at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8. Everyone is welcome to attend this event. For more information or to register, call 713-222-CARE.

SPRING FLING AND SOCIAL Sunset Heights Civic Club Come out and meet neighbors and talk to law enforcement.

From the Pews.

St. Stephen’s holds car show St. Stephen’s 2016 Car Show will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

April 2, in the Education Building parking lot. In addition to the vehicle show, there will be special activities for kids in the fellowship hall and Boy Scouts Troop 604 will have lunches for sale. A special White Glove tour will be available for the hearing and sight impaired.

Admission is free. It’s not too late to register a vehicle for the show. All types are welcome: classic, muscle, hot rod and more. Pre-registration is $10 per vehicle, increasing to $20 per vehicle the day of the show. Forms are available through the church office and website.

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.

Oaks Presbyterian holds garage sale Oaks Presbyterian Church, at 1576 Chantilly, is holding their annual church garage sale from 8 a.m.-noon, April 2, with no early deals or sales.

Items for sale will include furniture, antiques and collectibles, clothing, household items, bed linens, fine china, piano, tools, toys, technology, TVs and sporting goods. Don’t forget to shop for delicious home baked cakes, cookies, breads, and more goodies.

There will also be a variety of plants for sale.

For information, visit www.

oakspresbyterian.org or call 713-682-2556.

St. Matthew’s holds free pancake breakfast The monthly free pancake breakfast will be held April 2, 8:30-10 a.m., in the fellowship hall. The community is welcome to come and share in the meal, then stay for the Treasure Sale. This will be a fundraising event for the church.

Many items will be available for purchase at the garage/ treasure sale. Come share in the food, fun and fellowship.

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. Call 713697-0671 or visit stmatthewsmethodist.org for information.

Shoes of Hope campaign held at The Community of Faith Church Every kid deserves shoes that fit. A Shoes of Hope campaign will be held by Samaritan’s Feet and Houston/Harris County leaders and organizations.

Shoes will be distributed April 2 at The Community of Faith Church, located at 1024 Pinemont Dr. Call 713688-2900 for information, or donate online at www.samaritansfeet.org.

Bravura Concert to be held at All Saints The Bravura Concert Series will present “Passioni� and will be featured by Angelo Ferrari.

He will be joined by Stacey Franklin, Soprano, and accompanied by collaborative pianist Frankie Kelly. Music will in-

clude opera, zarzuela, popular broadway tunes and sacred music. The concert will be at 5 p.m. April 24.

All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653 for information.

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community is located at 3600 Brinkman. Call 713-692-9123 for information.

TALC holds various classes for seniors 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.

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

St. Ambrose to hold annual bazaar St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum, will hold their annual bazaar from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 24. The Telstars will perform. The show will start at 3 p.m. Bring the family for food, fun and entertainment. The theme for this year is “Never Underestimate the Power of Faith.�

The bazaar committee is looking for groups, companies and/or individuals for sponsorships. For information, call 281-851-6324 or 713-4439254.

Call 713-686-3497 or visit stambrosehouston.org for information.

MANNA Resale Store seeking donations Gently used donations allow MANNA’s mission in helping those in need. MANNA is available to pick up donations.

Contact the Resale Store at 713-686-6440 to schedule a pick up.

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

St. Rose of Lima holds Spring Festival The 2016 Spring Festival is scheduled for the weekend of May 1, kicking off with a live auction and dinner at 6:30 p.m. April 29, in the parish hall.

Tickets are $35. The Sky is the Limit is this year’s theme.

Purchase wristbands for the children to play and enjoy the midway from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There will be lots of entertainment for the kids. Each presale pass includes one hot dog, chips and drink, one can of silly string, bubbles and unlimited access to the age appropriate entertainment.

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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.

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SCrEEning For oral CanCEr Say “Ahhh!�

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

A

pril is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and as such we will be focusing on early detection and the potentially life saving efforts made by your dentist.

At each check up with your dentist, you should be receiving an oral cancer screening as a part of your evaluation.

This is simple and painless and often times you may not even realize that this has been done. First, your dentist will check your x-rays for any changes that may be noted in the bone. While doing your visual exam, they will check your cheeks, lips, gums, palate, throat, tongue, and under your tongue. Your dentist may also use a special light that is able to detect changes in your tissue before it can be seen (more on this next week). Your dentist will finish with a palpation exam checking for any swollen abnormalities in your jaw muscles and will feel like a relaxing massage.

While oral cancer is a scary thing, oral cancer screenings are super easy so there’s nothing to be afraid of here. Sit back, say “Ahhhh!�, and enjoy a massage. Your dentist will do the rest...and might even save your life.

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

The PooR in SPiRiT

W

hat does it mean to be “poor in spirit?� And why did Jesus counsel that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are poor in spirit? If we look at the relevant passages of scripture, it becomes clear that being poor in spirit is directly compared with a spirit of poverty, and is the essence of what God wants from us. Consider Isaiah 66:2.: “But this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.�

And in the Beatitudes, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that those who come before God in a spirit of humility, in mourning, and in sincere meekness are favored over those with a sense of righteousness and spiritual pride. Consider the similar advice from the epistle of James: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.� (James 4:6-10) And although it can be quite difficult, especially when we are feeling proud of our spiritual accomplishments or are “on top of the world� spiritually; we would all do well to cultivate a sense of spiritual poverty.

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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

Member of MANNA

Page 6A • Saturday, April 2, 2016

Dealing with a teething puppy

lar ones in this category) in8F?R .?ICQ 6Q %GDDCPCLR! teresting multi-surface toys

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which combine fabrics, ruboffers ber and even professional rope materials; and flexible nylon/thermoplastic personalized care that caters directly to our polymer toys in a huge variety of shapes and sizes (Nylabone puppy teething toys) and even edible toys such as the popular Nylabone Durants have Chew and HealthyEdibles bones. Choosing the right become our own family.

Some of these toys are place for your loved one is designed an important specifically to be frozen or even refrigerated, Dear Tabby, provide We got a puppy! We love him and maintain that coolness so, but he’s teething and chewing for a period of time. The cold on everything (and everyone) in helps reduce swelling and inthe house. How do we deal with flammation in your puppy’s little gums and also help to puppy teething?

Teething woes in deaden the discomfort or Woodland Heights pain.

Dear Teething Woes, You’re experiencing one of the least-charming aspects of new puppy ownership: the teething phase. There are a number of reasons puppies nip, bite, and chew.

This behavior starts before puppies even leave the litter—as soon as they begin to develop teeth, they begin receiving feedback on their bite strength from their mothers and littermates. Another reason puppies bite is because it makes exciting things happen; biting earns attention.

Aside from the social aspects of chewing, chewing serves a physical function as well. As adult teeth are erupting from the gums (between 14 and 30 weeks of age) the pressure that chewing puts on his gums helps to make them feel better, and it also encourages the baby teeth to fall out and leave room for the adult ones to grow in.

So, what can you do to discourage your puppy from chewing on inappropriate things during this trying phase? Good chew toys are a must. These include sturdy, durable rubber chew toys; (Kong puppy teething toys are some of the most popu-

As for as how to cope with the behavioral aspects of chewing and biting, a firm stance is necessary. When you play with your puppy, let him mouth on your hands.

Continue play until he bites especially hard. When he does, immediately give a high-pitched yelp (as if you’re hurt) or a loud, stern “NO!� and let your hand go limp. This should startle your puppy and cause him to stop mouthing you, at least momentarily. Praise your puppy for stopping or for licking you. Resume whatever you were doing before. If your puppy bites you hard again repeat. Repeat these steps no more than three times within a 15-minute period.

With a little discipline, some handy chew toys and a lot of patience, you should be able to convey to your puppy that biting people and other household items is unacceptable. Puppies are eager to please and quick to learn, so hopefully the teething phase will be a distant memory soon. Good luck with the training!

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

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Pet of the week

Hi! I’m Tony May.

Meet Kiera.

Kiera is an 8 month old shepherd mix who’s known for her beautiful eyes and huge smile. Kiera loves to run and would make an excellent running partner. Shepherds are famous for being highly trainable, and Kiera is already showing signs of intelligence and trainability. Kiera loves other dogs and is ready for her new beginning. To learn more about Kiera, contact Scout’s Honor Rescue at: info@scoutshonor.org.

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The Obituaries.

Lawrence James Boriskie, 84, born May 7, 1931 in Bryan, died March 23. Boriskie proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy after leaving the family farm. He retired from Cameron Cooper in 1996 after 34 years. After retirement, he began working with Evelyn at their tax and bookkeeping service. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2917, PNA Koscuiszko Lodge 165 and a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church. Boriskie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn, son Phil Boriskie, daughters Janell Marin and Cheryl Burgess, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to The Westview School, 1900 Kersten Dr., Houston 77043.

Josephine “Jo Ann� Brown, 75, born Nov. 26, 1940 in Clinton, Okla., died March 20. She is survived by her brother, Jimmie (Charlie) Brown. Memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy at www.charities.org/charities/united-cerebral-palsy-ucp.

Charles Paul Drury, 79, born May 29, 1937 in Angleton, died March 22. Drury served in the U.S. Army and Texas National Guard.

He retired from Shell Oil Company in the late 1990s. He served as a volunteer assistant football coach at St. Ambrose for almost 40 years.

He was also a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus fraternal service organization. Drury is survived by his sons Jeffrey Alan Drury, Gregory Paul Drury, and Kevin Michael Drury, sister Mary Ann Machac, and eight grandchildren.

Maria A. Sanchez, 79, born July 2, 1936 in Monterrey, Mexico, died March 23. Sanchez started a small business and worked full-time with the City of Houston. On July 4, 1976, she became a U.S. citizen.

After retirement, she devoted her time to volunteer service through St. Vincent de Paul and the Guadalupane Society of St. Ambrose Church.

Maria became a lector and Eucharistic minister. Sanchez is survived by her children Leticia, Maria Teresa and Henry Jr., and three grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Church or MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Florence Bilski Sicola, 83, born Nov. 29, 1932, died March 22.

She is survived by her son Sammy Ike, daughter Sara, sister Everista Bilski, two granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 30, at St. Theresa Catholic Church with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m.

March 31, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, with luncheon to follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church fellowship hall.

Mary (Shearer) Solberg, died March 19. She leaves behind her three sons Jerome, Jeff and Josh, and two grandsons.

Ruby Mae Stone, 82, born May 26, 1933, died March 19. Stone was a member of Oak Forest Baptist Church. She retired from Houston Police Dept after 20 years of service Class #15. She was a member of Oak Forest Chapter #1080 OES, and Melrose Assembly #204 SOOB. She is survived by daughter Glenda Cummins, son James Stone, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Forest Baptist Church.

Homeowners insurance is a crucial part of owning and protecting a home. That’s why the The May Group LLC has worked so diligently to understand the insurance priorities of homeowners and their residential properties in the Memorial, Greater Heights, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove, Oak Forest and Shepherd Park areas. In fact, the exact location of your home may mean your home’s risk profile is slightly different from that of your Houston neighbors’ right down the street. No matter the specifics, we have coverage that’s right for your Houston home, and our agents can help further personalize your homeowner’s policy.

How so? Beyond the location, the property itself often has very different kinds of assets that can be protected through home insurance coverage. The structure and dwelling coverage are the backbone of most policies, but The May Group LLC offers plenty of additional coverage options through Nationwide. These options cover things like a detached garage or other buildings, contents and valuables, or even a number of exclusive coverage programs like Better Roof ReplacementÂŽ. Plus, if the time ever comes when one or more of our homeowners need to return a home to its former glory, the Nationwide On Your SideÂŽ Claims Service offers extra peace of mind.

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Food, drink

ART

Saturday, April 2, 2016 • Page 7A

Art Valet

Thirsty Explorer

By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist

By Christina Martinez Managing Editor

Artist finds inspiration among bison, life

100th Beer Dinner at Rudyard’s Pub shines Texas craft

First Saturday Arts Market is here this weekend and with it, a whole cast of characters from all over Houston will converge on into the Heights. One of my favorite people and artists returns with them, Kingwood painter, Holly Nowak.

Last week we met Oak Forest resident Joe Apa and told of his plans for his 100th beer dinner this weekend. The event is shaping up nicely and if you don’t have plans this weekend, grab a ticket and head to Rudz.

On the craft beer lineup, you’ll find nods from Houston’s best, one from Austin and one from Blanco. Each brewery is bringing a specialty brewed beer just for the event. Here’s the lineup.

What is your background as a painter?

“I have created art since I could hold a crayon,” Nowak said. “I attended Texas Tech University but I am mainly self-taught. I draw, paint, sketch or create something every day.”

You have unique style, tell me more.

“I love to experiment. Most recently when I started painting as my profession I decided to challenge myself. I began using a palette knife as well as a brush. My school of thought is if you are intimidated by something new then you should definitely take it on. I enjoy the creativity of challenging myself.”

You went on an inspiring camping trip recently, alone?

“I’ve never gone alone. Recently I decided I needed to really dig deep and clear my head for a new series I’ve started. I went to Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway with my awesome dog and studio mascot Scout. It was an amazing adventure and I met a lot of nice people, did a lot of sketching and photography. I am a Texas girl and I love to paint the Texas landscape and Bison. Caprock Canyons is home to the state’s Bison herd. I can’t put into words how much that trip did for me other than to say it was truly spiritual.”

Tell me about Galveston and your art there.

“My work is currently in two places in Galveston. The Bryan Museum Gift Shop and Affaire d’ Art Gallery. Both the museum and the gallery have been so wonderful. In August my new series “The Storyteller” will be on display at the Affaire d’ Art and I’ll be the featured artist. It is also Artwalk the same night in Galveston.

Featured art entitled, Sandhill Crane, which won “Best of Crane” at the Crane Affaire in Galveston. It will be featured in the Galveston Island Visitor and Tourism Publicity this year.

Contributed photos Featured artist Holly Nowak takes a selfie in front of a bison herd.

At my first ArtWalk (with Affaire d’ Art) a representative from The Bryan Museum was out looking for an artist who did work that would fit in their museum gift shop. I was approached with the blessing of the gallery owners and the next day my husband and I were treated to a private tour of the museum. It is amazing!”

“I am a 5th generation Texan and native Houstonian, but I also have deep roots and a special place in my heart for Galveston. My Great-Great Grandparents came to Galveston’s port in the early 1800’s. My family is buried in the cemetery just off Broadway and we visit their graves often when there. My Great Grandmother was expecting my Grandfather during the 1900 storm - the family tied her to a pole and she survived and delivered my Grandfather just 10 days later, Can you imagine? I love Galveston and the museum is an awesome addition to the island.”

The Bryan Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to the Southwestern United States. Nowak was telling me that the gift shop, where you can find Nowak’s Texas themed paintings, is located in what was once the carriage house to the Galveston orphanage built in 1895. The Bryan Museum is located inside the award winning restored orphanage building with over 70,000 items.

Nowak is the only “living” artist whose work is available there.

Exactly how many kids do you have, and chickens?

“That’s funny! I have two human children.

Zane and Izzy both of whom I adore. I also have two bunnies, eight hens, a dog and a cat (who thinks he is a dog); I absolutely love animals! My studio is located just steps from my back door. I garden, grow my own vegetables, collect our own eggs and enjoy the inspiration I get from every living thing I am surrounded by each day. I like to say - My Life Is My Art. I might add, I also adore First Saturday Arts Market. Mitch, you’ve taught me a lot and are always professional and encouraging. I also am forever blessed by all the artists I now call friends that I’ve met through First Saturday Arts Market and Affaire d’ Art Gallery.”

Thanks Holly! Meet this dynamic artist this weekend at First Saturday Arts Market and keep up with her many adventures on her website, hollynowakfineart.com.

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him and get more info about the market at ArtValet.com.

Leader Nibbles

Garden Oaks residents open Mels’ Seafood Shack

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com Garden Oaks residents and sister duo, Melinda and Melissa Faust, were raised near the lakes and bayous of Louisiana. As kids, the sisters remember buying crawfish by the pound, spreading out the newspaper and having a crawfish throw down - without restaurant prices. The two made their way to Texas in 1998, and say they’ve had a hard time finding their LA tradition, thus starting their newest venture - Mels’ Seafood Shack.

While you might think “Mels’” is a typo, the name is, in fact, correctly spelled. The two sisters both go by “Mel” and so was born Mels’ Seafood Shack.

The shack, food truck is currently focusing on to-go boiled crawfish and fixings. The space has picnic tables to enjoy the boil on-site and is also BYOB. The sisters say they have plans

of expanding the menu and hours after they get their sea legs. Find Mels’ Seafood Shack at 2521 N. Durham Dr.

Breweries Real Ale Brewing Co., Saint Arnold Brewing, Karbach Brewing Co., Southern Star Brewing Co., (512) Brewing Co., Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., B-52 Brewing Co., 8th Wonder Brewing Co., Lone Pint Brewing Co. and Brash Brewing Co. Event Details What: Joe Apa’s 100th Beer Dinner When: 2 – 6 p.m., Saturday, April 2 Where: Rudyard’s British Pub – 2010 Waugh Dr. Tickets available for $75 (Includes live music, 10 beers and 10 courses – http://www. rudyardspub.com/wordpress/ 100th-beer-dinner-festival/)

Facebook photo A shot overlooking Hermann Park at last year’s Kite Festival.

Kite Festival 2016 This Sunday, Hermann Park will turn into something beautiful.

From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, the 3rd annual Hermann Park Kite Festival will take over the park.

This event is FREE and open to the public. There will be costumed characters, various stage performances, face painting, bubbles, professional kite exhibitions, hula hoops, parachute races, an interactive DJ, a variety of food trucks and several other activities including train rides, pedal boats

and motorized sail boats in the Jones Reflection Pool.

Parking will be very, very limited. The festival is urging attendees to take an Uber, ride your bike or take METRO Rail.

Volunteers are needed. If you’re interested, email volunteer@hermannpark.org. For more information, visit www. hermannpark.org/kitefestival Email christina@theleadernews.com and follow on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer and @ FromTheLeader

March Madness Music Festival Basketball isn’t the only thing to expect from March Madness. This weekend, a three day long and FREE festival will take over Discovery Green on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This isn’t just any ordinary lineup, either.

Friday From 4 - 10 p.m. on Friday, April 1, catch the following artists.

MAIN STAGE Friday Fall Out Boy – 8:30 p.m.

Panic! At the Disco – 6:30 p.m.

Lukas Graham – 4:45 p.m.

Saturday Kendrick Lamar - 7:15 p.m.

Semifinal #1 Viewing Party – 5 p.m.

Twenty One Pilots – 3:45 p.m.

Jason Derulo – 2:15 p.m.

Conrad Sewell – 1 p.m.

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Hey Kids..

Join us for FREE Pizza Night!

Sunday Maroon 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Pitbull – 6:30 p.m.

Flo Rida – 5 p.m.

Aloe Blacc – 3:45 p.m.

NOW Every Wednesday Night.

TASTE OF HOUSTON STAGE Friday Wrestlers – 5:45 p.m.

Say Girl Say –​ 7:45 p.m.

Saturday Buxton – 1:45 p.m.

The TonTons – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Blue Healer – 4:30 p.m.

Royal Teeth – 6:00 p.m.

Flow Tribe – 7:45 p.m.

Kids FREE table side Pizza.

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

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i ta l i a n r e s ta u r a n t 2120 Ella Boulevard • (713) 869-6622

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Facebook photo A crawdad holding on for dear life in front of Mels’ Seafood Shack at 2521 N. Durham Dr.

Banquet Hall

21st Annual Czech SpringFest Sunday, April 3, 2016 - 11:00 am - 6:00 pm SPJST Lodge #88, 1435 Beall St. (15th Street in the Heights) GUEST ARTIST VitameJAROSLAV ROD, DRATOR from Dubnica nad Vahom, vas Slovensko Republic Will demonstrate the art of weaving jewelry and other art forms

Kovanda’s Czech Band (11:00 am - 2:00 pm) Mark Halata & Texavia (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

Traditional Czech Sunday Dinner - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Adults $10.00, Children under 11 - $7.00 Soup & Sausage with Sauerkraut served at 1:00 pm

w w w.w h i t n eyo a k s h a l l. co m

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Kolache Eating Contest Cultural Exhibits, Silent Auction, Country Store & Vendors Admission - $8.00 - Children under 11 Free Sponsor: Czech Heritage Society of Texas, Harris County Chapter, A Texas 501©3 Non-Profit organization Benefiting the CHSHCC Library & Archives

ou Dobr ’ Chut

For More Info, Call 713-349-0500 or e-mail chsheritage20@att.net

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9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Daily Walk-ins welcome mhmg.memorialhermann.org