This week’s edition of Business Leaders takes a look at a local gym that gets a big boost in an Olympic year as well as a beloved barber and what’s new on 19th Street. Old school barber gets online love 1B · Houston Parks and Rec opens pools 2B • Eagle Scout Prayer Garden 4B Saturday, June 4, 2016 • Page 1B
Discover Gymnastics - Olympic hopefuls By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Carly Markesich, the president of Discover Gymnastics, has come a long way from when she had to hang a sign outside her door looking for gymnasts to train. “We have 2,000 students in here a week,” she said. “We get a boost during the Olympic year too. Every four years there’s a surge.” One of those students is Oak Forest’s Sophia Butler who The Leader profiled last September. Butler and Discover Gymnast Kadence Nguyen are the gym’s two Elite gymnasts. The Elite level is the top level of gymnastics competition. It has two age divisions, Junior (12-15) and Senior (16+). For Butler’s age, which is 11, the Elite category is called Elite Hopes. For the second year running, Butler qualified as an Elite Hopes athlete at the National Qualifier in Auburn, WA this April, where she was first All Around in her age group, first on Beam, second on bars, and third on vault. She competed at Hopes Classic at the National Team Training Center in Huntsville, TX at the Karoyli ranch and qualified to the Secret Classic Hopes Championship. Eighteen year old Simone Biles, a three time World Champion who won the Senior division of the Secret Classic for the last two years, has a near lock on the Olympic team, so that gives you an idea of the company that Butler is keeping. In addition, two Olympic gymnasts have been training at Discover and Markesich will be going to Rio in August to root them on. The first is 25-year old Catalina Escobar, a member of the Columbian National team, who lived
in Houston and trained at Discover until she qualified for the Olympics. Now she’s back in Columbia until she journeys to Rio in August. Markesich said that Escobar would probably be retiring after the Olympics but would likely be back as a coach. The second Olympic hopeful is 40-year old Oksana Chusovitina who is on the Uzbekistan National Team. This will be her seventh consecutive Olympics and while she normally lives and trains in Uzbekistan and Germany, she came to the U.S. to work with good friend and three time Olympic Gold medalist Svetlanta Boguinskaia, who lives in Katy. “[Chusovitina] doesn’t train the same way,” said Markesich. “She doesn’t need to do the same things as a 14-year old because she has the muscle memory. It’s all about staying flexible and in shape.” Of course not every student who comes through the door is bound for the Olympics. “The Olympics is five kids every four years,” said Markesich. “Most people come to us for enrichment. Parents are trying to see what kids are good at, what they like. I tell them if they find any activity that their kids are good at and that they love, then they’re a very lucky parent.” Markesich said it’s the kids who can’t sit still who are the prime candidates to excel in gymnastics. “The ones who are naturally physical and have high energy, good flexibility, some strength and endurance, and of course fearlessness – when we come across those kids we discuss with the parent maybe taking it to the See Discovery P. 4B
Photo by Christina Martinez For the second year in a row, Discover Gymnastic’s Sophia Butler will compete in the Secret Classic Hopes Championship with other Olympic hopefuls.
Masters Barber Shop - Cuts on Karbach By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Karbach Street might now be known more for the local brewery, but for those looking for a quick, no-frills barbershop experience know to turn to Noe Garcia at Masters Barber Shop. Inside his barber shop, tucked away inside Suite A at 2416 Karbach St., Garcia keeps things as simple as he can. Along the walls are a combination of retro pictures and posters mixed with photos of his family. These days, his shop boasts one of the strongest average scores on Yelp among most other businesses, with a perfect rating out of 45 reviews. Garcia admits he’s not exactly a tech-savvy person, but his daughters have read some of the reviews to him in the past. “I’ve been to Noe several times and he is hands down the best I’ve been to in Houston,” Ben F. says in his review online. “You can’t beat the experience and the great conversations that he brings to this place. His prices are too low for such a quality cut and you can’t help but tip the man before leaving.” Other reviews say the same thing, and he’s gotten praise from people both young and old. In fact, Garcia said the Yelp rating and word of mouth has helped him more than anything else and his clientele stays consistently diverse across age groups. “I’m old school,” Garcia says with a laugh. “I’m not really into smartphones or computers and I like to read
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the paper. I still keep hearing ‘I found you on Yelp’ over and over and people have given me a lot of praise on there apparently.” Unless a customer had a negative experience he can help rectify, Garcia said he’d rather keep doing what he does than hunting for more
Business briefs
Opening of Gipsy Girls on 19th By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com This weekend is the grand opening of Gipsy Girls at 726 W 19th St. in the same complex as Mark’s Hair Studio Painting with a Twist and Insomnia Video Game Culture and Vinyl Toys. Gipsy Girls will offer accessories and gifts aimed at tween and teen girls. The store also has a whole room dedicated to karaoke which can be rented for birthday parties and other celebrations. Owner Isabel Sigala who lives in the Heights and is the mom of both a boy and a girl
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says they will be open Saturday at 11 a.m. with a special grand opening event at 3 p.m. At the grand opening, kids and adults can check out the karaoke room which has a stage and lighting. “Since Olive Anne closed there is nothing like this for kids’ parties,” said Sigala. “We have a lot to offer.” Better Business Bureau Recognizes Dove Law Firm, PLLC, with Pinnacle Award Dove Law Firm, PLLC – a law firm located in Shady See Briefs P. 2B
reviews or scores online. “People ask me all the time if I go online but I like to stay home and stay off the internet,” Garcia says with a laugh. The fuzz A lifelong Houstonian, born right here in Harris County,
Garcia said the shop wasn’t necessarily something he first had in mind years ago but he grew into it. “My dad first opened Masters Barbershop in 1968,” Garcia said. “It was first locatSee Master P. 4B
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Page 2B • Saturday, June 4, 2016
Summer starts swim season at Houston Parks and Recreation Department pools operate on a Tuesday through Sunday schedule from 1 to 8 p.m. All parks pools will close on Mondays except where noted for holidays. The Fall Pool Season runs from August 13 through September 5, coinciding with the start of school for many area students. Pools will open during the Fall Season on Saturday and Sunday only from 1-8:00 p.m. All pools will be closed Monday through Friday.
For The Leader The Houston Parks and Recreation Department operates 37 outdoor pools during the summer and fall pool season. The season is scheduled to begin this Memorial Day weekend (weather permitting) and pools will operate on the following schedule. Summer Pool Season begins once school dismisses and runs from June 4 – August 12. Parks department pools will
Parks department pools will open during summer holidays on the following schedule. Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 - May 30, 1-8 p.m. Independence Day, July 4, 1-5 p.m. Labor Day, Sept 5, 1-5 p.m. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department will offer a variety of classes and activities centered on pool and water safety, as well as adult fitness. This includes H2O Learn to Swim Classes
Houston Parks and Recreation Department 2016 Summer Pool Sites
for youth (6-13), SwimWise Classes for all ages, and Water Fitness Classes for adults. All classes are offered free of charge to the public, but registration is on a “first-come, first-served� basis and online registration is required. For specific dates and times of these classes, please visit www.houstonparks.org and click on pools and aquatics.
• Love Park 1000 West 12th Street 77008 • Memorial Park 6402 Arnot 77007 • Moody Park 3201 Fulton 77009 • Oak Forest Park 1400 Du Barry 77018 • Stude Park 1031 Stude 77009 • T.C. Jester Park 4205 West T.C. Jester 77018 • Tuffly Park Pool/Moody Park Pool 3201 Fulton 77009
Briefs from P. 1B Acres focusing on finding solutions to clients’ financial issues, including responding to lawsuits for unpaid debts as well as helping people file for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy – was recognized by the Better Business Bureau during its 24th annual Awards for Excellence as one of 32 companies to receive the Better Business Bureau’s 2016 Pinnacle Award. In recognizing businesses and non-profits for their achievements and commitment to quality in the workplace, the Better Business Bureau selected 292 greater Houston area businesses to honor at the annual Awards for Excellence. Dove Law Firm, PLLC, was one of only 32 companies to be recognized from within this larger group as a 2016 Pinnacle Award winner. The winners are selected by an independent panel of judges based on applications submitted by the business. When Dove Law Firm, PLLC, was asked what it means to receive this recognition, Shady Acres resident Ryan Dove said, “One of Dove Law Firm’s primary focuses is on providing extraordinary customer service. It is an
honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award that symbolizes our focus on customer service.� Coder Kids Houston camp in the Heights Jeff Ward, who was a teacher for six years before finishing his MBA at Rice, recently launched a program called Coder Kids Houston. Ward is offering a summer camp for coding in the Heights at 2500 Yale St. this summer. Visit the website at http://coderkidstx.com/, of the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ CoderKidsTX/ for more information. H-E-B in the Heights? H-E-B confirmed to the Houston Chronicle that it is “working with a political consulting firm in Austin to help change a law precluding beer and wine sales� in the dry area of the Heights. According to the report, the grocer contracted with Texas Petition Strategies to collect signatures needed to secure a place on the November ballot for the measure to legalize beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption.
HEB spokeswoman Cyndy Garza Roberts told the Chronicle that a location in the Heights was identified but negotiations are still ongoing. Houston Heights Beverage Coalition chair Steve Reilley said he is not participating in the efforts to revise the dry laws “at the directive of HEB,� and said there is a mixture of Heights consumers supporting the effort. “HEB seems to have decided to fully and publicly support the effort. This is definitely a development,� Reilley said. “HEB was not behind my personal involvement – I just would like to have an HEB in the neighborhood.�
That’s our Camp Hope theme this year. We will hear about heroes in the Bible, and have fun telling stories about heroes then and now. Camp Hope is our three-week day camp for children ages 5-years old through 6th grade. It is an adult-mentored student-led ministry. Each day, children will hear a new Bible story, learn what it means to their life by creating a craft, eating a snack, playing a game, and experiencing
If you have an item for Business Briefs, e-mail betsy@theleadernews. com
Local business is our business.
the story through the arts and worship.
Monday-Friday, June 13—July 1 Cost is $25 per child per week. The camp hours are 8:30 AM—3 PM. Register at St. James Lutheran Church 1602 W. 43rd - 77018 • 713-686-1577
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The sports. Saturday, June 4, 2016 • Page 3B
W O N
Earning the grade on the diamond
E OP
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Contribued photo St. Thomas earned the highest mark of all teams as they reached the TAPPS state semi-finals before being eliminated by Prestonwood Christian Academy.
With high school baseball season over, how did each play the field? By Jonathan Valadez jvaladez@theleadernews.com
Scarborough Spartans Grade: BFor the second straight year, Head Coach Edgar Villalta was at the team’s helm. He was able to lead the Spartans back to the playoffs, also for the second straight year, before Bellville High School routed them 28-1 in the first round. The club finished with the same district record as last season but were bumped a spot in the 4A Region III District 22 standings. Similarly to last season, Scarborough’s offense was enormous as they put up 161 runs throughout district play. Despite the team’s juggernaut offense, they were outscored 51-27 against Furr and Washington High Schools, who were the top-two teams in the district. Although they made the playoffs, the Spartans play in arguably the softest district in the area. Furr is the only team in the district to crack the top1000 best teams in Texas, according to MaxPreps. St. Pius X Panthers Grade: B First-year Head Coach Charles Johnson took over the reins at St. Pius and was able to improve the team’s district record by one game. Although a one-game jump may not seem like much, the Panthers play in a district with a Texas top-five team and another in the top 80. The other three teams in the district also were the second through fourth-place finishers in the TAPPS state tournament this season. The team’s two district wins this season came against last year’s state champion, Concordia Lutheran High School, and this year’s state runner-up, Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. The team also put up one run in every district game this season and held eventual state champion, Prestonwood Christian Academy, to only one run in the first round of
the playoffs, which was also their fewest runs scored in the postseason. The Panthers will lose nine seniors to graduation, including the team’s captain and catcher Matt Greenwood, but will retain nine other players. Johnson said he looks forward to the returning crop of players and also acknowledged a few up-and-comers to the team. St. Thomas Eagles Grade: A The Eagles soared high this year behind third-year Head Coach Ryan Lousteau. STHS finished first in their district with a 7-1 record and earned the status of third-best team in Texas, according to MaxPreps. After a mediocre season last year, the Eagles returned to win 27 straight games before losing their only game of the regular season to districtrival Concordia. In district play, the Eagles scored four or more runs in every game, while outscoring their opponents 58-27. The team then went on to shut out their first two opponents of the postseason before losing in the third round to Prestonwood. In the Prestonwood game, the Eagles got off to a slow start, falling behind 5-2, before almost mounting a comeback in the final inning. St. Thomas will lose several key players due to graduation this season, including pitchers Matthew Ashbaugh and Paolo Cannatella and second baseman Alex Carnegie. Waltrip Rams Grade: B+ The Rams also finished first in their division after going undefeated under Head Coach Mike Evans. Similarly to the Spartans, Waltrip relied on their bats to win them games as they scored seven or more runs in six district games. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rams were unable to get their offense going as they lost 1-0 to Brenham High School. The team will lose three of their key players to graduation in centerfielder Richard Bailey, pitcher Clayton Malkowsky and third baseman/ pitcher Nick Hollas.
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After St. Thomas High School’s May 24th loss, which eliminated the Eagles from the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools 5A playoffs, the 2016 high school baseball season has officially come to a close in the Leader area. This year, five of the six area teams advanced to the postseason. John H. Reagan Bulldogs Grade: B+ Led by Head Coach David Petty, the Bulldogs returned to the playoffs after a oneyear hiatus, which also happened to be the team’s first year in 6A. Compared to last year, Reagan won three more district games and moved up one spot in 6A Region III District 20 standings. The Bulldogs got off to a slow start to district play by going 5-6, before rallying late and winning five of their last six games, which also helped them leap Bellaire High School for the final playoff seed. Reagan was not a big scoring team this year and relied on their defense to win them many games. Although they were outscored 64-60 in district, the Bulldogs were able to walk away with 10 district games by playing gritty defense and winning many of them in 2-1 fashion. The Bulldogs pitching staff was outstanding this season as they were led by junior Jessie Lawrence and sophomore Ulysus Rodriguez. Lawrence also threw a no-hitter to open district play against Westbury High School on Feb. 23. The Bulldogs lost in the first round of the playoffs to Seven Lakes High School, who is the fifth-ranked team in Texas, according to MaxPreps. In addition to Lawrence and Rodriguez, the club will return nine other players next season. Reagan will lose six players to graduation, including team-captain and second baseman Miguel Grenier, who played big for the Bulldogs. Grenier was the lone second baseman on the team, so the Bulldogs will have a huge void to fill moving forward. Despite losing in the first round, this season has proven that the Bulldogs can play 6A ball. Lutheran High North Lions Grade: C The Lions, who were led by second-year Head Coach Andy Moore, entered the year with high expectations. LHN set many goals throughout the year, with the biggest being a return to the playoffs. The team fell short of the milestone this season, but they are fortunate to have a young core that will only continue to get better. They will only lose one player to graduation this year. After winning their first district game in over five years last season, the Lions were stagnant this year by recording the same number of wins. The organization also scored 17 fewer runs than last sea-
son, while allowing 14 more runs. Most of the players on the team have come up with one another through the Oaks Dads Club, and the group will be an exciting bunch to watch moving forward.
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Professional Directory Page 4B • Saturday, June 4, 2016
Directory of local service professionals pat Walker Pat Walker, a native Houstonian, is a dedicated professional, caring advisor and great neighbor. Her ability to come up with workable solutions to her client’s complex real estate needs has made her one of the best and most respected real estate agents in the city. Need a Real Estate professional? Call Pat today. 713-412-6682 pat@thepatwalker.com
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George G. Junkin, D.c. -nW chiro “Treat the problem itself, not just the symptoms.” This is the philosophy behind the chiropractic practice of Dr. George Junkin. Chiropractic adjustments and healthy lifestyle choices produce the best results. For over 35 years, Dr. Junkin has helped patients get releif from pain due to an injury or chronic condition. The result being fast long-lasting relief. 11500 nW fwy. suite #201 • Houston, tX 77092 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
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Master from P. 1B ed on Hempstead and West 18th Street.” Over the years, between construction and development in the area, Garcia’s father was pushed further and further and (eventually) wound up on Karbach and Hempstead. After another move, Masters Barber Shop finally found a home in the same building as a family friend along Karbach and it’s been there since about 1992. Garcia, instead, had a shop of his own Pinemont Drive and Antoine Drive. He says he was there for a few years before moving to FM 1960 to venture off into something bigger, but things “went south.” “Things kind of went full circle,” Garcia recalls. “I ended up back at my dad’s.” Garcia and his father continued working for years until his father’s health declined, but Garcia said he picked up on many of the skills needed for speed and accuracy. He attended barber college here in Houston
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Mike Clark is the proud owner of the #1 Shipley DoNuts in Houston. We’ve been at this location since 1963. Satisfaction guaranteed to all his customers. See our weekly coupons on page 5A in this week’s The Leader news.
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as a teenager, learning a wealth of anatomy skills and the bodily functions that produce hair and differences in styles in nationalities among other bits of knowledge. He recalls one teacher in particular, Mrs. Osbourne, whom he said was a particularly tough teacher. “However, I remember she checked one of my last hair cuts [and] she said I was a natural,” Garcia said. “That was a big compliment to get from her, especially when you’re so young.” Garcia specializes in flat tops, beards, shampooing and other basic barber services. He cuts hair for children and adults and both men and women. “I have some women with long hair that have been coming here for years,” Garcia said. “They like that I don’t simply wack it all off at once like a lot of other places.” So what does Garcia think keeps people coming back and leaving some of the most stellar reviews out any
local business? He says his philosophy rests not only on simplicity and perfecting the art of a haircut, but also fostering relationships with customers and said that the continued development of the area has boosted his business. “I remember riding my bike up and down Karbach and there was nothing but wood-frame two-story houses,” Garcia said. “I love the changes in the area and the Karbach Brewery has brought me a lot of business. Even with the construction on 290 when the road was closed down people ended up using the street in front as a shortcut and I would get people coming in telling me they had no idea there was a barbershop here.” Masters Barber Shop is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 281-7739651.
in college. She moved to Houston in 1982 and held a corporate job in International Trade for a time before opening her own gym 17 years ago. “I thought if I could do Middle East route development for a global firm, I could run a gym,” she said. The first place she landed was a bit of a fixer upper to put it mildly on Old Katy Road. Markesich started with 7,000 square feet, expanded to 18,000 square feet and then found out that she had to vacate because of the expansion of I-10. “We had 400 students at the time,” she said. “I had to decide whether to close up shop or find a new gym. It was a big decision.” And one that has paid off. Sophia Butler for one is
glad she started taking lessons as a three year old at Discover. She has her eyes on the 2020 Olympics and if that doesn’t work out then 2024. Her mother Gail said that several top college gymnastics programs, including Florida, have sent letters expressing interest in Sophia for future scholarships. Butler said she admires U.S. National Team gymnasts like Simone Biles, Lauren Hernandez and Jazmyn Foberg because of their powerful attitude and in particular Biles because at 4’9’ – “she’s short like me” – she can still do “amazing things.” Five girls every four years – if Butler becomes one of them one day, that would be pretty amazing too.
713-300-5165 • cameron@penneyfinancial.com www.penneyfinancial.com
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Junior’s Eagle Scout prayer garden benefits St. Pius X High School For The Leader Robert Coghlan IV, St. Pius X High School Class of 2017, entered the Boy Scouts of America in the first grade as a Cub Scout. He worked his way through the ranks to become a Life Scout by eighth grade and had all of his Eagle Scout merits complete before entering the ninth grade at St. Pius X. Robert’s father, Dr. Robert Coghlan III, recalls that he studied the Eagle Scout Rank requirements soon after becoming a Boy Scout. “When he transitioned from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, he sat down with the book and only wanted to do the merit badges that were Eagle ones,” the elder Coghlan said. “So he started knocking all those out and then he started trying to do some of the fun ones.” To date, Coghlan has earned 28 merit badges – seven more than are required for Eagle Rank.
Another requirement to become an Eagle Scout is to complete a service project. Coghlan wanted to complete a project for St. Pius X, so he turned to Director of the Office for Campus Ministry, Patrick Spedale for ideas. “We gave several suggestions to Robert and he was most interested in the outdoor Stations of the Cross,” Spedale said. “We wanted something that was not permanent, but sturdy, and could be displayed during Lent.” According to his father, the project seemed to tie together Robert’s faith, his school and Boy Scouts perfectly. And so it began. Coghlan proceeded to raise his own money for the project. Then, with some help from his grandfather and uncle, and in coordination with Spedale, Coghlan researched, designed, built and installed a 15-set Stations of the Cross in the Mason Sebastian Ott Memorial Prayer Garden on
campus. The Belgian ceramic tile and wood stations were displayed during Lent for members of the SPX community to make the journey of the stations each Friday. The project took about five months to complete. “My dad pushed me to get the project done before I turned 18, in order to earn the award,” Coghlan said. “I became a better leader and learned to finish something I started through this project.” “He wanted to do something that would last and that would leave a lasting legacy for the school,” Dr. Coghlan said. “St. Pius X has given us so much, we needed to give back something.” Coghlan hopes to have everything complete in order to earn his Eagle Scout Rank this summer. Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Scouting.
Discovery from P. 1B next level.” Discover offers classes for children, both boys and girls, 6 months of age to 18 years. The classes for the youngest students involve sensory activities. There are also programs for gymnastics, tumbling and cheer. Discover also does birthday parties, camps and a parents’ night out program to make full use of the building. Markesich notes that many of Discover’s older gymnasts are looking to compete in college, and to get a scholarship. “The college scholarships for gymnastics are very good,” she said. “NCAA gymnastics gets a lot of support from schools.” Markesich was a gymnast herself in Pittsburgh before starting to coach gymnasts
Contributed Photo For Robert Coghlan’s Eagle Scout service project, he researched, designed, built and installed a 15-
set Stations of the Cross in the Mason Sebastian Ott Memorial Prayer Garden.