Leader0328a by The Heights Leader and Fort Bend Star

Michael Silva

brought to our readers by neighborhood attorney Phyllis Oeser Call Phyllis at 713-692-0300

This week’s

713.725.8748

Houston Business Journal Top 25 Residential Real Estate Professional

A Tisket A Tasket Come in and fill your Basket See our ad page: 5B

Flower & Gift Shop

Established 1967

michaels@johndaugherty.com johndaugherty.com

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston

“D” Boutique...a dazzling division 10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

Saturday, March 28, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 21

See you next year

Rice Military considers additional security By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

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

AREA SPECIALIST

Like any community leader, Rice Military Civic Club President Andrea DeBaldo wants to help keep her neighborhood safe. That’s why this month the group hosted the first of what could be several meetings over potentially recruiting more help for the neighborhood in the form of a contract with the local constable’s office or a private security company. “This is not a bad area, but but we do have a lot of petty crime,” DeBaldo said. “We held our meeting on March 10 primarily in response to our resi-

Contributed Photo Some Rice Military residents are weighing contract options between Top Gun and the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office

dents’ concerns about crime and if we should move forward or not with

extra security options.” According to Houston Police Department representatives at the meeting, from 2014 to March 2015, crime has remained low. There have been no murders, no sexual assaults and only one robbery reported in the area during that time and car burglaries saw a 40 percent decrease. While the area will see some extra coverage by HPD over the next few months, officials encouraged residents to start a Citizens on Patrol program where neighbors can volunteer their time by driving their local streets to help deter See Security, P. 10A

Putting a spark in a park

Staff photo On March 18, The Leader welcomed over 350 seniors and 48 businesses into the SPJST Lodge for this year’s Senior Expo.

Ê , < 832.419.9969

Thank you to our sponsors:

FIND IT. GARAGE/MOVING SALE: Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29, 9 a.m. 5818 Langfield (behind Shell Station, 7600 W. Tidwell).

Village at the Heights CIGNA Healthspring Tony May

“We Make Real Estate Simple.” Give Us A Call Today!

Thank you to our food sponsors:

Janet & Cecil Schmidt

713. 419.7918

Harold’s

janetschmidt58@yahoo.com

Who made 500 lunches for attendees.

Home ServiceS Premier ProPertieS 713-686-5454

Kojak’s

For serving lunch to all of our food vendors and happy hour hors d’oeuvres.

INSIDE.

Shipley’s

For providing breakfast for everyone who came through the door.

Photo by Betsy Denson Stevens Elementary students make good use of their blacktop, but come this summer the school is looking to reconfigure their outside space with a new SPARK park. The existing playscape will be moved away from the street, among other changes.

Stevens Elementary looking for additional funds for park

St. Pius hosts international Rugby match

48 Vendors

To all of our vendors, thank you.

5 Keynote speakers

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

St. Pius X High School rugby team hosted an international competition between the local high school students and a school from Ontario Canada on March 18. Read more inside.

Find it on 9B

The Do-Over

Oak Forest’s Stevens Elementary has made strides in raising funds for their SPARK Park but they still need the community’s help to make their goal. Right now the current total is $71,383.05, but they’d like to raise at least $30,000 more to build a truly functional, fun playground for both students and community children since SPARK Parks are available for public use during nonschool hours and on weekends. Last fall, the public got a glimpse of a rendering of the completed park from architect and Oak Forest resident Matt Baumgarten with the SWA Group, who also designed the SPARK Park at Travis Elementary and Wilson Montessori. Baumgarten told The Leader in November that the design they’ve proposed seeks to accentuate outdoor education and the ability to walk around. A reconfiguration of the space will move the existing playscape away from the street. Asphalt from the blacktop

Candice Twyman, Better Business Bureau; Toni King, Author and Medicare Advocate; Tony May, The May Group LLC; Dr. Raj Shani, Memorial Hermann Northwest; Rebecca L. Grohmann, Hilbun Law Firm.

Special thanks: Member Trust FCU and the staff at SPJST Lodge 88 for all their work.

area will also be removed. Other features that have been discussed are a wooden deck underneath one of the trees that can serve as an outdoor classroom, installing bike racks in functional places, putting in additional shade, and having science tables at the end of the fifth grade hallway which would be useful during messy projects. Construction is set to begin in late May or early June

The Leader and Memorial Hermann Northwest hold another successful Senior Expo

See Spark, P. 2A By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

Organization aims to serve healthy suppers to children

In this week’s real estate feature, we looked at a renovated and expanded home at 1638 Harvard St. - one of the six properties featured on the Houston Heights Association’s 2014 Spring Home & Garden

Find it on 1B

The INDEX. Church

Thank you to our booth vendors:

Classifieds

Coupons

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

3A 8A

Opinion

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 4A 6B

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader Sitting on Antoine Dr. near 34th St., locals will find a nondescript, red brick building. Its tidy exterior offers no hint of the activity and impact of the people within. A group of dedicated Houstonians operating under the name of “Be a Champion” occupy the structure and serve healthy, organic suppers to more than 7,000 of Houston’s children a day - for free. “Many of Houston’s kids are not getting the nutrition they need,” said Be a Champion’s Founder Jaron Barganier. “They are not getting adequate fruits and vegetables. Then the kids become malnourished and that has a negative impact on their ability to learn. “A malnourished child, is an undereducated child,” said Barganier. Bargainer explained that most chil-

dren in Houston will eat at a free or reduced price, balanced breakfasts and lunches at school, then return to homes where parents are still at work. Hungry, the kids make themselves food such as noodles or cabbed items. Their typical night time meal is highly processed with little nutritional value. That is to say, when they eat at all. “Think about how you feel when you are hungry,” Barganier said. “Most of us get cranky and we actout, just like our kids. In school, the result of malnourishment includes kids losing the ability to concentrate in the classroom. We bring in healthy, organic suppers to help. That way, when the kids go home to highly processed food, at least they’ve eaten their fruits and vegetables. They are in overall better health as a result.” Be a Champion is a non-profit serSee Healthy, P. 10A

This year’s Senior Expo was another success for both The Leader and the community at large, despite some rainy forecasts. After opening the doors to the SPJST Lodge 88 March 18, event staf from The Leader joined dozens of other smiling vendors and community representatives to welcome hundreds of senior citizens to the second annual event, which offers older residents an opportunity to learn about services catered towards their needs and enjoy multiple keynote speakers. At 9 a.m. the doors were opened to the main event where attendees were greeted with coffee, Shipley’s DoNuts and welcoming words from all of our booth vendors. Attendees were given an expo bag filled with goodies and an event map laying out where individual booth vendors were located for them to visit. Seniors at the event were also invited to enjoy lunch from Harold’s, which provided about 500 meals for attendees, and

Contributed photo Students enjoying their healthy foods, contributed by Be A Champion.

Brandon Krueger Realtor

See Expo, P. 5A

Consistent Top Producer and New Construction Expert Market expertise in Garden Oaks | Oak Forest | Inner Loop

First-time homebuyers and builders rely on Brandon’s experience.

832.457.3840 | brandon@yourblvd.com

The public.

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE 7200 Sq. Ft. Lot Zoned Oak Forest Elementary 1329 Richelieu Lane Houston, 77018 $335,000

713.252.9348 scott@scottmdaley.com

Saturday, March 28, 2015 • Page 2A

www.scOttMDALEY.cOM

Precinct One Constables stop trio with burglary tools For The Leader Three men driving in the Heights caught the attention of the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office March 19 for more than just a traffic stop, after an investigation reportedly revealed multiple burglary tools inside of their vehicle. Just after 2 a.m., a deputy saw a suspicious vehicle traveling at very low speeds down neighborhood streets in the Heights area. After initiating a traffic stop, the deputy met with the three occupants

who told the officer they were not from the area. According to the web alert, the driver agreed to a search of his vehicle. Additional deputies arrived at the scene and assisted with the search of the vehicle. During their search, deputies found burglary tools including a cordless drill and ski masks. Each of the suspects were identified and were found to be clear of any warrants. However, each did have criminal histories of burglary, robbery and other person and property related crimes, ac-

cording to the report. The deputies cited the driver of the vehicle for traffic violations and all three suspects were released and no stolen property was recovered, according to the report. A report was taken with the circumstances of the traffic stop and the suspect’s information has been handed to investigators to determine if these individuals were involved in area thefts or robberies. According to the report, the suspects were all Hispanic males and were driving a dark colored (Maroon) GMC

Envoy SUV. Those with information on these suspects or those who believe they were a victim of a theft on this day are encouraged to contact local law enforcement and refer to HPD case # 0346004-15. Garden Oaks HOA On March 21 2015, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Wakefield in regards to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies were advised by the complainant that on March 20 the complainant observed a

Police Reports • March 19 - March. 21

State Rep. Dwayne Bohac sets sights on strengthening security along border For The Leader

State Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) announces authorship of two bills that significantly strengthen border security and help law enforcement crackdown on border-related crime. “The clock ran out a long time ago, and we can no longer wait for the federal government to do its job,” Rep. Bohac said. “With our population expected to more than double to 54.4 million by 2050, it is critical that Texas step in where Washington has habitually failed to protect OUR border. These bills take the necessary steps to increase DPS officer presence on the border, which

will result in the reduction of violent border-related crime and human trafficking.” HB 11 will increase the amount of DPS Troopers permanently serving in the border region which will end “temporary surges” by creating a “year-round, ‘perpetual surge.’” In addition, it will impose tougher penalties for smugglers, classify human smuggling as organized crime, cut the cartels’ supply lines with new southbound checkpoints within 250 yards of the border to curb the flow of stolen vehicles, guns and money from being smuggled into Mexico, and establish a multiagency border crime information center in the Rio Grande Valley led by local law enforcement with assis-

tance from DPS. HB 1450 will create the Texas Border Security Division, organized within the existing framework of the Department of Public Safety. The Division will be tasked with criminal interdiction and will collaborate with and assist local law enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local district attorneys and prosecutors to secure the Texas-Mexico border and prevent criminal cartel- and gang-related activities in the region. Additionally, the bill will require the Attorney General to seek reimbursement from the federal government for any border-security related activities performed by the Texas Border Security Division.

during the 5th grade vs. faculty basketball game, $2/person • March 28 – Community Yard Sale under the blacktop • March 29 – SPARK Night at Raising Cane’s • May 6 – Munchies with Mommy - dinner and bingo night Custom home builder Justin Gordon has pledged to match up to $10,000 of dona-

tions. The school would also like to find additional community partners who could assist with donations and demolition. Those wanting to make a direct donation can go to sparkpark.org/donate and designate their donation for Stevens. For more information about the upcoming fundraisers, visit www.houstonisd. org/Stevens-es.

MARCH 19 Theft 4 PM 5200-5299 CENTER Theft 9 PM 2200-2299 DETERING Burglary 4:10 PM 7400-7499 N SHEPHERD Theft 12:43 PM 900-999 N LOOP W Theft 4:15 AM 4700-4799 CORNISH Theft 11 AM 1300-1399 W 43RD Theft 12:02 AM 4800-4899 W 34TH Assault 2:58 AM 2400-2499 HACKETT Theft 9:51 AM 4400-4499 WASHINGTON MARCH 20 Theft 7:07 AM 900-999 W 21ST Burglary 4:06 PM 1000-1099 W 30TH Assault 9 PM 4700-4799 YALE Theft 11:30 AM 4300-4399 WASHINGTON Robbery 7:10 PM 4700-4799 BRINKMAN Theft 8:34 AM 1300-1399 W 43RD Theft 6:30 PM 3200-3299 MANGUM Theft 3:15 PM 3700-3799 WATONGA Theft 7:20 AM 2500-2599 SHEPHERD Theft 5:30 AM 1200-1299 N LOOP W Burglary 6:35 AM 3700-3799 BRADLEY Theft 10:30 AM 2800-2899 N LOOP W Theft 10:10 AM 2400-2499 MANGUM Theft 3:13 AM 3200-3299 MANGUM

Spark from P. 1A with completion of the park in October of 2015. What the school is able to accomplish with the park depends on the final amount raised. Here are some upcoming opportunities for The Leader community to lend a hand. • March 25 – SPARK Night at Raising Cane’s, mention Stevens for 15% toward SPARK • March 27 – Come experience March Madness

male to be inside his vehicle going through his items. The complainant confronted the suspect at which time the suspect calmly closed the vehicle door and headed west bound on foot. The complainant followed the suspect to his home and contacted deputies. The suspect was identified, and with the statements of witness, the District Attorney accepted the charge of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

MUNFORD Theft 10:15 AM 2200-2299 ELLA Theft 7:46 AM 1500-1599 SHEPHERD Theft 6:31 AM 1000-1099 LEVERKUHN Theft 6:22 AM 200-299 BETRAL Robbery 3:44 PM 4600-4699 W 34TH Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

Don’t Be A Victim! Concealed Handgun Classes

We Buy All Guns

personAl defense WeApons

Buy

sell

TrAde

Black Gold Guns & ammo 713-694-4867 875 Wakefield Dr. Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

In MeMorIaM

Frank Salas

rank Salas, 80, a lifetime Houston resident passed away Tuesday, March 17th after a long illness. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Joan Salas, who passed in 2003. Frank was a veteran of the US Army who served his country fighting in Korea from 1957-1958. Some of his favorite pastimes were spent shooting pool and going fishing. He is survived by his daughter, Shelia Muldrow and children; Zeno, Timothy, Joanna and Latoya. Also daughter Pamula Ayers and children: Gregory, Renisha and Shannon. Frank also had 12 great grandchildren; and 1 adopted son, Tony Salas Jr. Th funeral service will be held Thursday, March 26th at Highland Heights Church of Christ. The viewing is at 9:00 am and the funeral service at 11:00 am. Highland Heights Church of Christ is located at 1005 West Little York Rd.

love to help!

eileen

GAMEL HARTMAN

.com direct

MARCH 21 Theft 6:28 AM 1800-1899 HEIGHTS BLVD Burglary 5:33 AM 200-299

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

We’ll Make Any Floor

lOOk new again! We make light work of your dirt!

832-596-5362 www.BigGuysCarpetCare.com

The Carpet Cleaning & Wood Refinishing PROS Tile FlOOr cleaning

75¢ 3 rOOmS $ 99 500upsqtoft.

Not valid with any other offer Exp 4-30-15

sq ft

SOFa and lOve SeaT

Not valid with any other offer Exp 4-30-15

wOOd FlOOr reFiniShing

200 OFF

Anything over 800sq ft.

Food, drink & Art Saturday, March 28, 2015 • Page 3A

This weekend the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park returns and 30,000 Houstonians are expected to attend their three day event, which will take place on Friday, March 27 from 12 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 Mitch Cohen from 10 to 6 p.m. Arts Columnist To get there, park at Northwest Mall and ride over - one round trip shuttle ride is $3 per adult; children under 12 ride free; and there is no on site parking. Ticket info and more can be found on the website at www.artcolonyassociation. org. My guess is if you read my column, you are familiar with the Bayou City Art Festival. Did you know this festival is ranked 6 out of the top ten art festivals in the country according to Sunshine Artists Magazine? That is a big deal. For Houston artists, getting in is also a big deal. Artists from all over the world apply and the competition is fierce to get accepted. Over 400 artists will be in this weekend’s show, including Heights resident, Kristy Allmon. Kristy Allmon is an award-winning photographer who has been selected to participate in fine art shows and exhibitions across Texas and the nation - including the highly competitive art community in New York. Allmon has been in or invited to dozens of Texas juried fine art shows, but this is her first time at Bayou City Art Festival. Being a huge fan of her work, I was thrilled to hear she got in this year and had to ask her some questions about her work for Art Valet. How did you get started in photography? Did you study it in school too? I received my first camera from my grandfather at age 12. My passion for photography began with the simple turning of a dial from sunshine to cloudy. Later, in high-school photojournalism, our instructor gave us a sheet of photographic paper and a shoebox with a pinhole. He asked us to create a “remarkable” image. I took a picture of a tree standing alone in a field. It was simple really – something I saw every day, but never really noticed. I learned that great photographs are made by the ability to see, not by using expensive equipment. Today, I am fortunate enough to have the fancy equipment and many of the gadgets and gizmos—and they do make the hunt for the per-

fect image easier. However, the perfect image is not about f-stops and high-dollar lenses. The passion begins when I see that I can capture a perspective that might otherwise go unseen. You seem to weave several different techniques into your work, can you describe them? I like having the ability to take the literal I find in the world and add a bit of the imaginary. I add textures and patterns I have captured in my travels from everywhere, including Canada and Boston, to my images to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. I also add vintage items like script from antique postcards and worn fabrics that I have collected over the years. What is you favorite part about photography and what subject? My favorite part of photography is the control it offers me as an artist and a technician to create something that is not quite like what others see. I have always loved people watching and looking for the little things most people just don’t have time to notice. The best stress relief

From 6 to 8 p.m. March 31, you can sample different wine and cheeses for $20 (waived with the purchase of 3 wine bottles), with the cheese locally sourced by Houston Dairymaids. RSVP online.

From Allmon’s Erte inspired Art Deco series available this weekend.

for me is to be off on my own with a lens to my eye viewing the world. Find more about Allmon on her website www.enchantedphotodesign.com and to visit her at the festival this weekend, look for booth number B328. Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@gmail. com or visit him on the web at ArtValet.com.

Seafood Kitchen 11011 Northwest FRWY 832-409-5222 Same center as Academy and Conn’s @ 34 / 290

2 Pcs Fish $4.99

Lunch . Dinner FR& SAT Open Til 10 PM

Music this weekend

Cottonwood has Shinyribs for free at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27 located at 3422 Shepherd Dr. Shinyribs will play country classics and even a few popular covers. The Suffers - one of Houston’s hottest bands will be on The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday March 30. Tune in! Have a tip for Thirsty Explorer? Email christina@theleadernews.com and follow on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer

Thi

rst y E x p

Hosting a party or corporate event? Let us do all the work.

CATERING We can deliver and set up at your home or office. Join us for lunch on our outdoor patio 2120 Ella Boulevard • (713) 869-6622 www.Cavatores.com

Try our

Lunch SpeciaLS

Mango Chicken $6.50 Sesame Shrimp $7.50 Free Wi-Fi • Free Delivery limiteD AreA ($12 min.)

Order online at AuntieChAngs.Com Best Chinese RestAuRAnt - Houston Press

Best Dumplings - Houston Press and Houston Chronicle

2621 S. Shepherd at Westheimer | 713.524.8410

954 Wakefield Drive 713.686.8388

Party Destination

for Business or Personal Events

Get the group away from the grind. nestled in the wooded, quiet Garden oaks, Wakefield Crowbar provides both a relaxing environment and selective amenities to take your party to new heights.

All the right amenities for the perfect party Pool Table Shuffle board darT board TV & Sound SySTem Available 7 Days A Week Call for Pricing 713-540-6222

$ 6.99 6 Shrimps & 2 pcs Fish

7 Days MON-SUN 11AM-9:30

than just doughnuts, however. If you’re a fan of boudin and Gatlin’s Barbecue, you’ll be happy to know that both of these will be incorporated into kolache recipes. Also good news for eager Gatlin’s Barbecue fans.

Fat Cat Creamery won’t be the only sweet option in the North Shepherd shopping center in just a few Still waiting on Ka Sushi days, with HFat Cat Creamery and H-town StrEATs’ soontown StrEATs to-open Hugs & Donuts will have to make opening Hugs & some room in the next coming months, with Donuts at 1901 the opening of Ka Sushi. The sushi bar had N Shepherd Dr. hoped for a March opening, but with the looks Suite 4. The of the current construction, a late summer doughnut shop opening seems more realistic. Ka posted on had Facebook followers worked their Facebook page a preview of their Sushi bar on March 18. up for a grand With the addition of Hugs & Donuts and Ka opening on Sushi, we have a sweet and salty combination March 15, but going up on Shepherd. the opening A photo from March 19, was delayed. letting Facebook followDevotees were ers know that donut and hopeful for an kolache testing was soon to opening the folcome. lowing week, but Hugs & Donuts notified their eager followers on March 20 with the following statement: “Attention people!,” the Facebook post reads. “We won’t be open this week like we thought, but I’m sure you guessed that by now! We are still getting everything set up and also making sure our product is up to our standard before officially opening. Should be in about a week! An updated photo of the current progress of the Kickstarter rewards will also begin distribution sushi bar at Ka Sushi on March 18. at the end of next week!” The wait shouldn’t be long for eager sweet Have a tip for nibbles? Email christina@ tooth lovers. Their Facebook promises more theleadernews.com

30 Shrimps $11.95

This weekend will hold a line-up of rare Houston casks at Houston Firkin Fest, with four of those casks coming right from the neighborhood. The beer tapping will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. March 28, at Hennessy Park located at 1900 Lyons Ave. Beer that will be tapped from the neighborhood will include Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.’s Blackberry Linen’s Revenge – a Russian Imperial Stout with Blackberry and a Cedar-Aged RIPA. Next on the taplist is Karbach’s Three Legged Lab and their Double DryHopped Rodeo Clown DIPA. General admission tickets start at $35 and $10 for your gracious designated driver. Additional sample tickets will be available on-site. Tweet us a photo of you and your favorite brew @ThirstyExplorer.

Wine next week

Leader Nibbles Sweet treats from H-town StrEATs coming soon

Rare casks from neighbor breweries at Houston Firkin Fest

Bayou City Art Festival is here

Calling all craft beer nuts lo r

Art Valet

Also Grilled GrilledPlatters, Platters.Poboys, Poboys Also Etouffee Gumboand andmore more Etouffee,. Gumbo

Visit our website: www.tyseafoodkitchen.com

Signup for our newsletter to stay updated

www.wakefieldcrowbar.com

The Topics. Saturday, March 28, 2015 • Page 4A

Housing market slowdown might be good for area in long run

t always feels good to know that even in a local downturn in the economy, the sky isn’t falling – at least not as fast as oil prices are. Still, the future of the real estate market in our area, and for the rest of Houston for that matter, is on the tongue of plenty of people living in this city, and with good reason. For most people, Houston has enjoyed a insulated existence, independent of some of the downturn of the housing market even during the most intense stages of the recent economic crisis. Home values and home prices, as I’ll talk about here, have been steadily rising throughout the years and more people are calling this area home more than ever before. For me, I call the Oak Forest area my home, but as far as actually owning a home? Fat chance of that ever happening anytime soon. I know it’s very much in vogue these days to rag on my generation for not stepping into what has traditionally been called a rite of passage for adulthood by buying up a home and settling down on a prime bit of property. Home ownership is certainly an attractive proposition for most young professionals I would wager, myself included, but as home prices continue their monumental jump in this area, are we going to be pricing out our future homeowners (or in some cases our current sellers) right out of the area we should be

home throughout our six zip codes sold for about $264,300, and in 2013 that grew to just under $318,100. In 2014, that ballooned to nearly $363,150. Comparing 2014 to 2013, the biggest jump in the number of homes sold came in 77009, which includes much of the eastern portion of the Heights, with a 16 percent jump. Interestingly, the number of homes sold in 77018, which includes the Oak Forest and Garden Oaks neighborhoods, saw a decrease of 10.3 percent in the number of homes sold from 2013 to 2014 but saw an increase in the average price by 14.2 percent to $442,017 in 2014. It’s a similar story for buyers and sellers just north, living in 77091. The number of homes sold saw a slight 9.2 percent decrease from 120 in 2013 to 109 in 2014, but an increase in the average price by 3.8 percent. People have much to be excited about in having their property values rise. I know I would – that is, if I could actually afford to own a home these days. It speaks to the area’s popularity and its attractiveness for commercial development as high-quality establishments continue moving into areas like along Ella Boulevard and in the Heights along North Shepherd and Yale Street. It also points to how a return to normalcy in the market might not be

Jonathan Garris Editor

investing in? Consider the data released by the Houston Association of Realtors, which saw a decline in home sales across Houston for the first time in six months. (You can find more in our Leader Listings section on 1B.) According to them, falling oil prices, related layoffs, limited housing inventory and rising home prices all contributed to the first decline the area has seen in half a year. But what about The Leader area? Turns out we’re doing great. Unfortunately, for people like me we might be doing too great. What many are calling a “normalization” of the housing market might be better for us in the long run. Consider this – according to the HAR, 2,670 homes were sold in the 2012 fiscal year throughout our distribution area. That grew to 3,135 homes sold in 2013 fiscal year, and again grew to 3,316 homes in the 2014 fiscal year. In 2012, the average price of a

If at first you don’t secede... Ski Texas! Go south to Canada! You can’t arrest me, officer. I’m a diplomat! All this will be true if our latest troops from the Republic of Texas have their way. Members claim that Texas never actually joined the Union and, since there is no national government here, they had a duty to form one. They have minted their own silver and gold currency (In Willie Nelson We Trust?) with a state department and a court system, and carry ID cards warning the cops the members are diplomatic representatives of the nation of Texas. Oddly enough, not all law officers buy this tale, for they remember 1997 when supporters of the Republic of Texas abducted a West Texas couple and held them hostage. In the ensuing standoff and gun battle, a member of the group was shot and killed. The leader, Richard L. McLaren, surrendered and remains in state prison. Over the years, other members have been charged with assault, forgery, the impersonation of an officer and, in a 1998 federal case, threats to use a weapon of mass destruction. “They’re a harmless, clueless and interesting group of generally nice older guys with too much time on their hands,” Jerry Patterson, a former Texas land commissioner, told The New York Times Nevertheless, the new soldiers have monthly meetings, sometimes lasting up to eight, hours, and this past Valentine’s Day a gathering in the V.F.W. hall in Bryan -- where each female attendee was given a rose, yellow we must suppose -- another small army invaded. This one was made up of local, state and federal law officers including the FBI. The fuzz seized equipment (flintlocks?), cell phones and briefcases, and dozens of supporters were detained. Some were fingerprinted. According to the Times, the raid stemmed from a nasty altercation the group had with a judge in Kerrville who was ordered to appear at the V.F.W. hall for a “court hearing” involving his role in the pending foreclosure of a member’s home. The judge was also sent two letters ordering him to present “proof of his authority for executing his claimed powers involving a foreign entity,” and warned him that copies might

Lynn Ashby Columnist

be provided to the United Nations. Paul Robert Andrus, who was among those detained, accused the sheriff’s lead investigator of “trespass upon liberty.” He demanded $3 million in gold, money order “or any combination necessary thereof.” Money order? After the raid, the V.F.W. prohibited the group from meeting there again, so the Republic’s next congressional session was to be held at the Ace Buffet and Grill in Waco. Incidentally, this group is in no way associated with the Sons of the Republic of Texas of which I am associated. If the R of T boys succeed and Texas is, indeed, restored to its original size and shape, plus laws, constitution and habits, they may be careful what they wish for. The Republic was about a third larger than Texas is today. The western border ran up to the beginning of the Rio Grande, then due north to the 42nd degree of north latitude, thence along the boundary line between the US and Spain, which still claimed the area. Today that would be the borders between California and Oregon in the west and between Pennsylvania and New York in the east. Point Pelee, Ontario, lies just south of that line, meaning that southernmost part of Canada would be south of northernmost Texas. Most Colorado ski resorts would be in Texas, so our doctors could make a fortune fixing broken legs. Coors, not Lone Star, could be the “National Beer of Texas.” Alas, we had to sell our western and northern portions to the US for some magic beans because we were broke and, besides, the only inhabitants of the area were Comanches who had this thing about collecting Texans’ scalps. In the rest of the remaining Republic, dueling would be outlawed,

but not unknown. (A Houston newspaper editor, Dr. Francis Moore, got elected to the Republic of Texas Senate and worked for an anti-dueling law. Sen. Oliver Jones labeled it, “An Act for the Protection of Cowards.” The measure became law and until 1939 all Texas officials had to swear an oath that they had never taken part in a duel.) Most of our judges would be appointed, not selected as we do today, blindly voting for whomever has an R or D by their names on the ballot. In Republic ceremonies such as inaugurations and the opening of a new session of Congress, dignitaries would proceed down the center aisle of the Capitol chamber including cabinet members, high-ranking officers of the armed forces, ambassadors and, of all things, newspaper editors. We note that this present gang that can’t think straight is not part of the constant movement for Texas’ secession. We hear that push all the time, it’s nothing new and continues. A Texas Congressman, Jim Collins, once introduced a resolution in the U.S. House: “And if Texas citizens favor the establishment of the Republic of Texas, I would ask that both the Senate and House in the U.S. Congress be provided the opportunity to confirm this transfer of authority to the Republic of Texas.” -- April 13, 1978. That’s right, 1978. In last year’s Texas Republican primary for governor, a secessionist who changed his middle name to reflect his cause, Larry Secede Kilgore, received 19,055 votes. Right now Texas, as a state, is first among the 50 in executions and in the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but 45th in SAT scores and 49th in the percentage of low-income people covered by Medicaid. But we’re first in high school football and in loonies who like to mint their own coins and carry their own diplomatic immunity passports. Worst of all, they like to sit through eight hour meetings. Finally, we must remember President Sam Houston’s observation: “Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States cannot make it without Texas.” Ashby secedes at ashby2@comcast. net

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

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd, Suite A P.O. Box 924487 Houston, TX 77292-4487 Phone: (713) 686-8494 Fax (713) 686-0970 News Deadline: Noon on Mondays Classified Word Ad Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday Retail Ad Deadline: Noon on Mondays

Jonathan McElvy

Publisher & President jonathan@theleadernews.com

Jane Broyles

Frank Vasquez

Business Manager biz@theleadernews.com

Associate Publisher frank@theleadernews.com

Jonathan Garris

Christina Martinez

Editor jgarris@theleadernews.com

Managing Editor/Outside Sales christina@theleadernews.com

Carolyn Moore

Phil Stewart

Outside Sales Executive

Jeanette Black

Jake Dukate

run. Especially if those prices were to come crashing down in the next few years. One thing’s for sure – those of us in the “Millenial” generation certainly aren’t flocking to home buying any time soon. In the first quarter of 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau showed a decline in homeownership for Americans aged 35 and under, which declined to 36.2 percent. According to reports, that’s the lowest on record since homeownership was tabulated by age in the early 1980s. It’s certainly discouraging to have to not only pay off crushing amounts of debt and also contend with ballooning prices as wages continue to stagnate and the labor market continues its, dare I say, labored recovery. As these home prices continue their increases, perhaps unsustainably so as Gilmer hinted at earlier this year, those of us who want to settle down here will have to hold off and deal with being priced out of the neighborhood and those who do live here might be seeing a very different, high number on their taxes. For now, I’ll enjoy my apartment and townhome living right here in The Leader’s backyard. If there’s a silver lining to all of this I can be sure of, at least I’ll never have to worry about hiring a plumber or an electrician.

The reader. A rebuttal from one of the ‘Height’s Wackos’

Dear Editor: I would like to address the nameless “Heights Dweller” who wants to obliterate all vestiges of the history from this community. He objects to (1) the Preservation Ordinance, (2) the balloting procedure used by our “crooked politicians” (3) the home renovation restrictions. He seemingly only approves of “New Construction which (according to him) has improved the Heights.” The Preservation Ordinance was designed to save the few irreplaceable structures left in Houston Heights, one of which just celebrated its 100th birthday. The Houston Heights Fire Station, along with the historic churches, and the bungalows are part of who we are. The repurposing of these structures is what gives our neighborhood its character and its charm. Take these away and you will not like what it will do to the value of your house. Many people who live here, and those who come in droves to shop and eat, and go to home tours, would be very sad if you were the person put in charge of designing this neighborhood. You threaten that under a newly elected mayor, your fondest dream “will likely occur, Thank Goodness.” According to you, tearing down the history of our neighborhood has “ improved our neighborhood by making it safer.” if we tear it all down and replace everything with new homes, the Heights will become your idea of the perfect place to live? You state authoritatively that these residents of new homes shop in the local stores and eat in the restaurants and that fact is singlehandedly responsible for the growth of our commercial development. How do you know this? I do know that many of these people residing in the new homes do not join the HHA, do not donate their time to help maintain the boulevard, do not volunteer to docent at the home tours and do not attend community events. You, however, consider them so impressive that you are sure the bungalow dwellers are “jealous” because they do not live in a newly constructed McMansion. Is this a guess on your part, or have you conducted a survey of people who live in bungalows?

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

I attended a marker dedication today (have some preservationist explain what this is). The homeowner welcomed us and said “Old buildings and old people make a community special.” You obviously don’t care for either. I guess that is why they make different flavors of ice cream. In my opinion, the flavor you prefer would be better served in Katy or Sugarland or Cypress, not in the Houston Heights! Sincerely yours, Anne Hulme Sloan A certified “Heights Wacko”

More on ‘Confirmation Bias’

Hello Jonathan, I really enjoyed reading your topic on “confirmation bias” in your March 14 edition. I love to read and learn so finding out that I am practically reading 1/5 of a novel every week is encouraging. I also love the local community feel for the stories provided by The Leader, so much that I can’t wait for my Labrador to retrieve it every week. I also like reading Elizabeth Villarreal article on Neighbors and think I will wander out to see if I can help someone have a better day. Being positive requires work, but is worth it. Cash

The Alamo is not for entertainment

Dear Editor: Remember the Alamo! The Land Office is terminating the management of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas after 110 years. Early members purchased the Long Barrack to protect it from a hotel developer. They must have done something right to manage it for 110 years! The Alamo is a shrine to our ancestors who fought and were killed there. This historic site is not for entertainment. To party, let the visitors use the businesses on the River Walk. It is wonderful that Phil Collins has donated his collection to the Alamo. Let the Texas Titans provide the fundraising for a new building for his collection and leave the Alamo alone. Fellow Texans, support the DRT. Make your voice heard to our legislature to re-instate the “Daughters.” Peggy J. Mondy

Looking back. 35 years ago March 27, 1980

Rosslyn Heights A northside community the city forgot In 1914, the fastest way to get from the farmhouses of the White Oak Bayou to the town of Houston was to flag down the Burlington Northern train on its way in from Fort Worth. There was no name on the nineroom section house the railroad built on the line in 1903, but the train operators knew the stop as Rosslyn Heights. That was almost 70 years ago. The farms of the White Oak community have long been plotted and subdivided into Oak Forest and Mangum Manor. Once distant from downtown

Houston, the area grows closer to the city’s center as sprawling suburbs extend further and further into Harris County. But, like a haunting reminder of those simpler days, Rosslyn Heights remains, not as a quaint turn-of-thecentury neighborhood but a deteriorating community that time, and the city of Houston, forgot. Almost 25 years after the city of Houston annexed the community in 1956, the area has no city water lines and is only partially serviced with city sewers.

20 years ago March 30, 1995

Campaigning for cops Police relocation leaves residents concerned

Inside Sales Executive Graphics Manager ads@theleadernews.com

such a bad thing, even if it is driven in part by falling oil prices. Earlier this year, Dr. Bill Gilmer, director at the Institute for Regional Forecasting, C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, spoke a the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ecnomic Forecast Luncheon and said something that hit home for me in particular. “We have so many people living in apartments because they could not find or afford a house and have been locked out of the market,” Gilmer said. “In over 18 months from now, we’ll likely see home prices stop increasing and, in some markets, they’re going to move into reverse. Those price increases reflected supply constraints that are now going to be gone.” Whether or not that reversal might happen in this area remains to be seen, but for those of us young professionals saddled by the unfortunate reality of student debt , it might not be such a bad thing. For those who already own, it can’t be too pleasant seeing taxes go up and be priced out of your own neighborhood. Growth is a good thing, but when it can potentially come at the expense of people who have already poured their blood, sweat, tears and tax dollars into an area they’ve called home for years doesn’t seem too healthy in the long

Lucy Dukate

Sales Coordinator lucy@theleadernews.com

Any erroneous statement which may appear in The Leader will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. In the event of errors or ommissions in The Leader advertisements, the publisher does not hold himself liable for damages further than the amount received by him for such advertisements. The Leader’s distribution is independently audited by the Circulation Verification Council.

Police in Houston’s North Shepherd district will be moving into new quarters early next year, which leaves residents concerned for the safety of their neighborhood. Their concerns have led residents to conduct a letter-writing campaign to keep a police presence in their area after the police substation

on North Shepherd moves to new facilities being built on West Montgomery. During the Shepherd Park Plaza subdivision’s civic club meeting March 25, residents signed a petition asking the mayor to keep a police operation open at the current location.

Saturday, March 28, 2015 • Page 5A

Expo from P. 1A

Senior Expo winners from Berkshire Hathaway

vendors enjoyed a special lunch provided by Kojak’s Cafe. The expo brought in businesses that catered to the senior community - insurance needs, individual practitioners, fitness, financial advisors, hospitals, planning for the future and more. One happy vendor and long-time advertiser with The Leader had an overall positive experience and has already locked in her booth reservation for next year. “The Senior Expo is a wonderful opportunity to meet and visit with the members of our community,” Attorney at Law Phyllis Oeser said. “My office and I view this event as a day of giving back. Thanks to The Leader for playing such an integral role in our community and bringing us together. We thoroughly enjoy it and look forward to participating again.” Last year was the first inaugural Senior Expo and first of the expanding of The Leader’s commitment to the community. The Leader has put greater focus on bringing events and community gatherings geared directly towards the people who live right here in the neighborhood. “When The Leader decided to begin hosting events in this community, the first group we targeted was our seniors, because they need a place to congregate, to get information and to learn about the resources available to them,” Publisher and President Jonathan

McElvy said. “At no other point in the year is something like this available to them, and if anybody deserves a little giving-back in this community, it’s the people who helped build us.”

By the time event staff closed the doors to the SPJST Lodge, more than 350 seniors and 48 businesses shared the morning together exchanging knowledge and probably more than a few stories. The seniors that attended were generous with saying thank you and feedback from booth vendors were nothing but positive. “Very happy working with The Leader,” one vendor wrote on their feedback card. “I was telling Jonathan, it puts ‘Small Town Feel’ in this huge metro of Houston. Keep up the great work!” Another vendor writes: “I was blessed to get this space and I just really believe in the community experience and support. Possibly could have more vendors – more visitors. More!” Just like the first year, the staff at The Leader learned lessons that we will apply to next year’s Senior Expo. We’ll hope for a better forecast next year, but most importantly we hope the community will continue to join The Leader in bringing events into the community. We can’t wait to see you next year.

Mrs. Bell, at the top, excitedly said, “I never win anything!” She went on to say it was her first time to attend a Senior Expo. She was very impressed with the information presented there for area senior citizens. Mrs. Pierre, 87 years young, at the bottom, was also a first time Senior Expo attendee. She visited the event in order to “learn more about Medicare.” Mrs. Pierre stated she was very happy with what she learned and intends to recommend next year’s Senior Expo to her friends.

New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam

FREE Routine Male Cat Neuters

Years

Contributed photos Berkshire Hathaway – Premier Properties, long-time Oak Forest Real Estate firm, made two Senior Expo attendees very happy. At the top, Mrs. Earlene Bell’s entry was picked in the real estate firm’s give-a-way drawing. Above, Mrs. Delia Pierre won a gorgeous Easter orchid in the drawing with Stacy Mathews. Congratulations to both ladies.

Coupon value up to $4.95

Dine-In Only. No Takeout Orders. Good 3-10 p.m. only.

• Not available on Senior Citizens or Kids Menu • One coupon per table / one coupon per family ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY! No copies accepted • Must be presented before ordering • Expires 4-10-15.

8 medium

713-688-9625

Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon

Mexican Restaurant

FAJITAS FOR TWO

5305 antoine @ pinemont 713-682-3853

Party Room Available

5 OFF DINNER

Buy One Dinner And Receive $5 Off Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value.

DINe IN ONly.

DINe IN ONly. this coupon good mon. thru fri. 3pm til closing.

valid mon.-fri. 3 pm til closing this coupon also good saturday and sunday 11:00 until closing. and all day sat. and sun.not excludes alcholic beverages valid with other offers. not valid with other offers. offer expires 4-10-15 offer expires 4-10-15

(713) 680-0825

Includes sandwich, chips, cookie, pickle, mint, hot sauce & napkin

5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

Mexican Restaurant

WITH THIS COUPON

4618 Dacoma

7 small

* With Wellness Exam

weekdays & saturdays 3:00-6:00 pm. sunday - all day

(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

$ 99 $ 99

75*

• LIMIT ThREE cOuPONS PER TABLE • Full Service Bar - 13 oz. Regular Margaritas $2

* Lunch Specials Daily * Take Out Orders Available * Complete Bar Facilities * Party Room Available (Seats 85)

• Minimum of 10 or more sandwich box lunches per order

Call About Cat Vaccines

free dinner

sandwich box lunches*

Dog Rabies Vaccination

of quality care for your family pets

Buy 1 Dinner Get 1 Dinner FREE

Happy Hours: Mon-Thur 4-8

This COUPON VIP card = customers can use whole 2015 year

1 oFF

FRee

10” pepperoni pizza or 10”cheese pizza

I’m In PaIn...Can ChIroPraCtIC helP me?

Conditions that are danger signals

Offer expires 3/31/2015

20 oz. fountain drink with purchase of 10” pepperoni pizza or 10”cheese pizza Offer expires 3/31/2015

Good only with original coupon at 76 Yale St.(1 block south of new Wal-Mart) & 8200 S. Main St. (next to SUPER TARGET). Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per purchase. Exclusive of tax and gratuity. Not for sale or resale. Void where prohibited. Cash value 1/100¢. No cash back. Additional exclusions may apply. ©2014 Schlotzsky’s Franchise LLC

• Headache • Arthritis • Loss of Sleep • Scoliosis • Leg & Arm Pain & Numbness • Backache • Tension •Whiplash

eXam & X-raYs Must present ad at time of appointment. Expires April 30, 2015.

Reg. $140.00

hudson ChIroPraCtIC

We Accept Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance, WORKERS COMP. Se Habla Español (713) 290-1905

1820-1 W. 43rd. St.

2 Off

authentic mexican restaurant

nOW Open at neW lOCatiOn

Dinner

• Minimum of 10 or more sandwich box lunches per order

This COUPON VIP card = customers can use whole 2015 year

1 oFF

7 small

$ 99 $ 99

With this coupon only. One Coupon Per Table. Dine In Only. Valid Monday - Friday Hours of 3pm til closing. & Saturday 11am-Close Not Valid with other offers Exp 04-04-15

8 medium

Includes sandwich, chips, cookie, pickle, mint, hot sauce & napkin

Great Breakfast Menu! 302 W. Crosstimbers

sandwich box lunches*

FRee

any medium sandwich Offer expires 3/31/2015

20 oz. fountain drink with purchase of any medium sandwich Offer expires 3/31/2015

281-888-4876

Open 7am - 9pm Mon - Sat • 7am - 3pm Sunday

Authentic Mej icano Cuisine

Free Dinner

FREE DONUTS 2 KOLACHES FREE DONUTS Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts Buy 6 Glazed Donuts FREE FREE with purchase of one Get 6 Glazed Donuts dozen donuts or more.

With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.

EXPIRES 4-10-15.

(713) 682-4343

Homemade Mexican Food

dinner

Full Bar

Happy Hour

2-7pm Daily House Margarita or Any Beer $3

Buy One Dinner And Get 50% OFF A Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value. Offer Good Monday-Friday 3pm til closing

Kids Eat for $1 - Mon & Tues from Kids Menu • Free Soft Drink

 Daily luNch SPEcialS  Bar FacilitiES  takE-Out OrDErS availaBlE

EXPIRES 4-10-15.

3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.

50% OFF

Dine In Only After 3:00 pm • Expires 4-10-15

FREE!

Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.

11031 Northwest Frwy 290 Next to Conn’s 832-849-0947

Buy 1 Dinner and 2 Drinks, Get 1 Dinner Free (up to $10.00) One coupon per table

Dine In Only • 1 Coupon Per Table • Must present coupon when ordering. Excludes Alcholic Beverages • Offer expires 4-4-15

Mexican Restaurant

2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th  713-868-5232

OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm

/PSUIXFTU &EVDBUJPOBM $FOUFS #FBVUZ 4DIPPM All services performed by supervised senior students.

Is oﬀering Quality Services At 50% Oﬀ Salon Prices! For Services or Appointments Call Weaves • Braids Highlights Hair Color Relaxers • Perms Salon Hours Haircuts • Styles Tues-Fri 8am-10pm Manicures • Pedicures Sat 9am - 4pm Facials 2910 Antoine Dr. A-107 Houston, TX 77092 Free Manicure with this coupon

713-680-9164

Page 6A • Saturday, March 28, 2015

Neighbors: Scout Master Marc Roberts retires after 20 years of service By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Sincere thanks to Jane Ann and Chris Roberts for submitting this beautiful tribute to their husband and father, Marc Roberts. After 20 years of dedication to Boy Scouting, Marc Roberts is retiring from his position as the Scout Master of Troop 20, sponsored by St. Matthews United Methodist Church. Marc views serving others as a privilege, and he wishes to thank everyone for the opportunities afforded to him over the past two decades. To fully appreciate Marc’s journey, one must understand how it all began. Upon arriving home from work one fall evening in 1994, his wife, Jane Ann, announced that she had enrolled their oldest child, Chris, in Cub Scouts at St. Rose of Lima. She then continued to say that she had also signed Marc up as one of the Cub Scout Leaders. And so it began – all the Pinewood Derbies, camping trips, badges, Blue and Gold Banquets. When his second son, Steven, joined Cub Scouts a

couple of years later, Marc expanded his involvement as Assistant Cub Scout Leader to two dens. When Chris advanced to Boy Scouts and chose Troop 20, Marc went with him. Always eager to be of service, Marc soon became one of Troop 20’s Assistant Scout Masters, working alongside Scout Masters Chris Leavitt and John Barrett. In 2005, Marc officially became Scout Master of Troop 20. During his tenure as Scout Master, he has had the privilege of helping 30 boys fly as Eagle Scouts, including his sons Chris and Steven. Last year, the Skyline District saw 20 young men achieve the rank of Eagle, nine of which were from Troop 20 alone. This is an incredible accomplishment for the boys, as only five percent of those that enter Boy Scouting eventually become Eagle Scouts. Under Marc’s tutelage and the incredible support of the wonderful assistant leaders and parents, Troop 20 has grown from just five boys to its current roster of more than 40. Marc feels that the camping trips are an integral part of the experience or as he calls

Marc, Chris and Steven Roberts

them, the “sizzle” of Scouting. As a child himself, Marc was a Cub Scout for just one year as a third grader in Saudi Arabia where his father worked. His strongest childhood memory of Scouting is that of a camping trip in the desert. Today, when his sons and their friends talk about Scouting, the conversations, laughter, and excitement revolve around the memories and experiences they’ve all shared on their many campouts. For Marc, the most memorable experience would probably be the “Cavalcade” trip. On this excursion, Marc, his sons, and six others spent a summer’s week on horseback,

Reader hopes to be fit to foster a pet

Dear Tabby, I’m finally in a position to potentially foster a pet. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t ever felt like I’m quite ready to foster. How do you know if you’re ready and qualified? Hoping to foster in Forest West Dear Hoping to foster, Do you know who the standout heroes of the animal shelter world are? The fosters. These kind folks perform the selfless act of taking in and loving a pet as their own for a short period of time, before placing them in the hands of their new adoptive family, when their time is up. Is this something that you think you have the guts or the resources for?

There are a few things to consider before jumping in, headfirst, to the world of pet fostering. First up, you need to have adequate space in your home and (preferably) a spacious, comfortable space to separate a foster from your own pets--at least initially. Also, think about the time commitment. While you most certainly don’t have to quit your day job in order to foster a pet, it’s helpful not to have any big vacations looming or other commitments that would take you away from home for long periods of time, for the time-being. When you sign on to become a foster, you and the shelter or rescue group that you’re working with will come to a mutuallyagreed upon time commitment to your fostering. There are short-term fosters (who often take in litters of puppies or kittens who need a place to nap and play until they’re at an adoptable age) and long-term fosters--typically helping pets who have been in a shelter for a long time and just need a break and a refresher course on good household manners. If

the shelter is lucky enough have supplies or monetary resources earmarked for their fosters, they’ll help in that way, but many shelters rely on their fosters to provide the basic needs of the pets they’re fostering. Medical care, however, is typically covered by the shelter or rescue group. No matter what sort of pet you chose to foster, rest easy knowing that the mere act of removing an animal from a shelter--if even for a short period of time--momentarily reduces the strain on the shelter and allows them to save more lives. Also, what better way to assess the temperament of an animal than from a comfortable, quiet home? Knowing a pet’s true colors will greatly aid in getting him adopted to the right family. Fostering is an incredible, generous gift that you can give to a shelter that will enrich your life and the lives of the animals that you help greatly. It’ll change your life, I promise. Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.

exploring deep within the Fort Davis Mountains of West Texas, camping primitively along the way. Over the last 20 years, Marc estimates that he has attended more than 850 weekly meetings and has gone on about 90 camping trips - nine of which were week long summer camps. He has watched boys become men. He has guided so many into helping their community on so many levels. And like the boys have done, Marc has developed lifelong friendships with the many terrific parents and boys involved in Scouting. As his son Chris, who is now 26, once said at an Eagle ceremony, “We may not remember how to tie a certain knot or re-

member some of the specifics of the badges we earned. The main things you receive from Scouting are the memories and lifelong friendships you make while having those experiences.” This has definitely been the case between the young men and adults that Marc has had the pleasure of spending time with along this journey. Troop 20 will continue in the fine traditions that Chris Leavitt, John Barrett and Marc Roberts instilled and pass on to Troop 20’s new Scout Master Todd Guerra who now has the privilege of watching his own sons and those of others experience the world of Scouting. In passing the torch Marc

would like to say “Thanks for the Memories!” Val Smith, MANNA volunteer and head cashier, is celebrating her 95th birthday next week on March 31. Let’s all wish Val a very big Happy Birthday! Mark your calendars – on April 18, Waltrip High School’s PTSA is hosting an evening of dinner, music, and dancing as well as a silent auction. The theme for this year’s event is Building A Community of Heroes. The event will be held at Houston Liederkranz starting at 7 p.m. and tickets are $35 for general admission. Find more information at www. waltrippta.org/.

Hey Kids!

Easter Bunny Photos March 19-April 4 Instant Savings $3 OFF Photo Package Now through April 1st

9500 Hempstead Highway Houston, TX 77092

713-681-1321 www.northwest-mall.com

www.facebook.com/NorthwestMall

Ad # 29672

The calendar. SPIRIT NIGHT AT CHIC-FIL-A Boy Scout Troop 604 Boy Scout Troop 604 is having a Spirit Night at Chic-Fil-A, 925 N. Loop West, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. March 26, and April 16. The troop will earn money from dine-in sales for those evenings. All money raised at the events will help send the Scouts to summer camp in Colorado Springs. QUARTER HORSE RACING Sam Houston Race Park The 2015 American Quarter Horse racing season at Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. West, gets underway March 27. Opening night is Military Appreciation Night offering free admission for Military with valid ID. The Josh Abbott Band will perform following the races March 28. Information: 800211-3381, www.shrp.com. HAPPY HOUR AT LITTLE Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Heights Young Professionals Organization Join the Heights Young Professionals Organization for happy hour networking at Little Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar,

5306 Washington, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. March 26. Information: 713861-6735, www.heightschamber. com HAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER Teens on the Run Come and join the fun at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., 5301 Nolda St. from 6:30-8 p.m. March 27. Great beer and Mexican food for a great cause. Proceeds go to Teens on the Run program. Tickets are $25 if purchased online or $30 at the door. Information: www.teensontherun.org. COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host Joe Valentino â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sock Hop,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;50s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s music, from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. March 27. The cost is $10 per person. There will be no dances held on March 28 or April 4. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Information: 713-8695767, lodge88.org.

From the Pews. St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Car Show moved to March 28 St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Car Show has been moved to Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Education Building parking lot. There will be special activities for children. Boy Scout Troop 604 will be selling hot dog lunches. Vehicle registration before March 28 is $10 ($20 the day of the show). Forms are available on the website. Children and parents are welcome to march in the Palm Procession during the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on Palm Sunday, March 29. St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UMC is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org. Lenten, Easter activities at Oaks Christian Oaks Christian Church, 1216 Bethlehem, will hold Palm Sunday service at 10:45 a.m. March 29. A salad luncheon and Easter egg hunt will follow. The Easter Bunny will be there, so bring the children, cameras and Easter baskets. Maundy Thursday will be 7 p.m. April 2, with communion served. Sunrise Easter service will be at 8 a.m. April 5, with breakfast served afterwards. The main service will be at 10:45 a.m. For information, call 713681-1043. Stations of the Cross at Garden Oaks Baptist Garden Oaks Baptist Church, 3206 N. Shepherd, will have The Stations of the Cross in the fellowship hall from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. March 27; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 28; and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. March 29. The selfguided walk will take about 30 minutes. Call 713-864-4447 or email

ROUND UP 2015 Leather Apron Foundation This event features live music by Darwin Macon, barbecue by Whiskey Wasted Bar B Que, and a silent auction. Bring the entire family for an evening of fun, rain or shine. Kid attractions will include a magic show, face painting, and arts and crafts. Kids aged 4 and under are free. Round Up 2015 will be from 5-10 p.m. March 28, at the SPJST Lodge #88, 1435 Beall. Information: leatherapronfoundation.org. TRASH BASH M.D. Anderson Family YMCA Join M.D. Anderson Family YMCA in this environmental beautification initiative and help clean up around Little White Oak Bayou at Moody Park. The clean up will be from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28. Information: margaret.solis@ ymcahouston.org, 713-697-0648. SPRING FESTIVAL Scarborough High School Scarborough High School, 4141 Costa Rica, will be holding their Spring Festival, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11. Booth rentals are

available. Information: 713-6132200, jcavazo2@houstonisd.org. BOUTIQUE EVENT Haute Dimensions Enjoy mini facials from Natural Hair and Skin Specialists and mini chair massages from Hand and Stone Massage - Rice Village. Shop local boutiques: Haute Dimensions Boutique, Shoe Bar Houston, Toniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasures, Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zipper Purses, T and T Queens and more. The event will be held at Haute Dimensions, 6521 N. Main St., from noon-6 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Information: 713-253-6507, natalie@shootingstarpromotionstx.com. LOOK GOOD...FEEL BETTER SEMINAR Memorial Hermann Northwest Memorial Hermann Northwest is proud to host Look Good...Feel Better, from 10 a.m.-noon, April 13, in South Tower, Classroom C. This free program teaches beauty techniques to women who are actively undergoing cancer treatment. Call to register. Information: 713-222-CARE (2273).

Community Health Fair at Mt. Ararat Baptist The Senior Dream Team of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church is sponsoring a Community Health Fair from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28. There will be topics of discussion for all age groups. Drawings will be held every 30 minutes. Health benefits will be offered at no cost. Mt. Ararat Baptist Church is located at 5801 W. Montgomery Road. Email mabc72. information@sbcglobal.net for information. Palm Sunday service at Oak Forest Baptist Oak Forest Baptist Church, 1700 W. 43rd St., will hold Palm Sunday services March 29. The Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supper will be observed in the 10:30 a.m. service. The choir will perform Easter music at the service. The Fifth Sunday Singing will be at 4:15 p.m. Come and receive a blessing. There will be congregational singing, solos and music from the Gathering Band. A social will follow. For information, call 713682-4942. Stations of the Cross at Hope Episcopal Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., welcomes the community to the Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. every Friday in March. Call 713-681-6422 or visit www.hope-episcopal.org for information. Fr. John Dear presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Walking The Wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at All Saints All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., welcomes Fr. John Dear, who will discuss â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walking The Way,â&#x20AC;? his lifelong commitment to peacemaking and nonviolence. The event will be from 7

p.m.-8:30 p.m. April 8, inside the church with a book-signing after the talk. For information, call 713705-2319 or email thepianoking100@aol.com. Faithbooking at First Church Heights First Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., will host Faithbooking which is the process of documenting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith with pictures and journaling, from 7-11 p.m. April 10. Subsequent meetings will be the first Friday of each month. No experience or supplies necessary. Call 713-410-1508 for information. Rhythms of Grace at St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., will feature Rhythms of Grace Houston Heights, a worship experience for people with special needs and their families. This monthly alternative service welcomes all faith traditions, ages and abilities. The service is held every Sunday at 2 p.m. in the parish hall. For information, call 713861-5596 or visit www.saecheights.org. MANNA brings new services to the community MANNA has partnered with the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resource of Greater Houston to offer Financial Recovery, a program that teaches the basics of money management. Classes are Wednesdays, from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church. All who attend will receive a 50% off coupon to MANNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resale store (1806 W. 43rd St.) MANNA, along with the Health and Human Services Commission assists individuals in applying for and managing their social service programs every Tuesday, from 9 a.m.-noon at St. James Luther-

an Church, 1602 W. 43rd St. St. John United Methodist Church, 4606 Mangum Rd., will be hosting a Good Friday service at noon, April 3. A light lunch will follow. For information, call 713504-5486 or email pdornak@ gmail.com.

AIKIDO & SELF DEFENSE Classes Enrolling Now Japanese Martial Arts 40 yrs experience 8th Degree Black Belt

www.aikibudo-aikido.com

Hair Designer By Appointment Only

281-793-3233 Salonpark.com Suite 218 Ad # 36774

Aztec Storages West 34th St.

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

Lowest Prices in Town!

No Deposit No Late Fees Controlled Access Lighted & Secure COVERED STORAGE NOW AVAILABLE 12'X30'

Call us and compare our prices to

ANY OTHER FACILITY! 713-681-1383

ChurCh Guide FirstChurch Church First

Heights

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery Provided Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

Pastor Larry D. Young â&#x20AC;˘ Pastor C. David Harrison

1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

201 E. 9th St. â&#x20AC;˘ www.fbcheights.org

(713) 682-2556

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

Oaks Christian ChurCh (Disciples of Christ)

Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

1624 W 34th â&#x20AC;˘ 713-686-7689 www.gospeltruthchurch.org

713-861-3102

4040 Watonga â&#x20AC;˘ 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 â&#x20AC;˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. Member of MANNA

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

it is the norhill Church of Christ.

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 6:00pm Wednesday evening worship and Bible study is held at 7:30pm. Norhill welcomes everyone to attend worship or Bible study to learn more about the truth of the Bible.

www.noRHiLLCoC.oRG

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

Ad # 22283

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

InvestInvest in Your Future in Your Future Through Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Past Through Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Past

U.S. Coins

Authorized Dealer : PCGS Appraisals given for banks, estates, attorneys, insurance and individuals.

8435 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024 PHONE 713-464-6868 FAX 713-464-7548 www.buyuscoins.com

Toll Free Number (888) 502-7755 Louisiana Office (337) 291-1191

Why your ChilDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S tEEth arE imPortant Chase Baker, D.D.S.

churchsecretary@gobc.org for information.

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Saturday, March 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7A

1822 W. 18th

Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed. Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

713-864-1470

Weekly Sunday Services â&#x20AC;˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m.

am often asked why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big deal if a child gets a cavity on a baby tooth or loses that tooth early, since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to fall out anyway. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually extremely important that a child maintain their primary dentition for as long as possible for many reasons. Some of these are obvious, and some not so obvious. To begin with, a full complement of teeth will allow a child to eat properly, which will provide them with the nutrients for all of the growing that they are doing. Of course, cavities are painful and will interfere with chewing function. They will also help them to speak properly, a difficult thing to do when missing teeth. And now, the not so obvious...primary teeth help to shape a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face during their growth. Without their teeth in place, the jaws can have a poor growth pattern affecting their overall appearance. Also, primary teeth provide a lead for the permanent teeth to follow. When the baby tooth is lost too soon, the adult tooth can have trouble erupting into its proper position. This causes many problems with crowding as the permanent teeth come into place. Proper homecare and regular trips to your dentist will help to be certain your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teeth are in good shape. Your child should be seen by their dentist every six months starting by their first birthday to keep them in optimal health.

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. Ad # 34409

Feline Heartworm Disease

New information on Feline Heartworm Disease has come to our attention. We feel this information is very important to you. Studies conducted in the Texas and Gulf Coast areas have indicated a surprising presence of heartworm infection in cats. The endemic prevalence of canine heartworm disease and our hungry mosquito population (the carrier of Heartworm disease) lead us to believe that this problem will continue to affect cats in our area. A few good reasons to use a preventative heartworm medication for cats: â&#x20AC;˘ Feline heartworm disease is very difď&#x192;&#x17E;cult to diagnose â&#x20AC;˘ Feline heartworm disease is not easily or safely treated â&#x20AC;˘ Feline heartworm disease affects both indoor and outdoor cats â&#x20AC;˘ Feline heartworm is 100% preventable â&#x20AC;˘ Unlike dogs, No Prior Blood Tests are required before starting Feline Revolution The American Heartworm Society recommends pet owners be made aware of the potentially serious consequences of heartworm infections in cats. Sudden death is a common symptom. Starting your cat on a once-a-month topical heartworm preventative is the easiest and most effective way to prevent this life threatening disease. We recommend Revolution as our product of choice in preventing feline heartworm disease. In addition to preventing heartworms, Revolution also controls ď&#x192;&#x;eas, ď&#x192;&#x;ea eggs & larva, ear mites, round worms and hookworms. (Recommended by Centers for Disease Control). If you have any questions about Feline Heartworm Disease or if you would like to start your cat on Revolution please call.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

FAIRBANKS ANIMAL CLINIC WWW.FAIRBANKS.VETSUITE.COM 7151 Fairbanks N. Houston (1 mile North of HWY 290)

(713)-937-7274

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

The FuTiliTy oF WealTh

I recently came across a very telling anecdote about the futility of wealth, nicely retold by the author Dan Solis in his book Discipleship. The story is told of two Klondike miners who ignore warnings to leave their cabin before winter sets in, or to at least restock their food supplies, but in their lust for wealth the miners continue to heap up piles of gold, until a blizzard sets in and traps them in their little cabin. They are found frozen to death the next Spring, amid piles of gold, a potent reminder that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat gold, or heat our house with it either. We chase after money as if it will provide us with security, forgetting that ultimately no amount of money will stave off death. It may provide a modicum of safety and security while we are here, allowing us to buy a home and to eat well and provide for our families, but that is about as far as it goes. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ultimately buy us happiness, or a place in heaven, or the love that all of us so desperately want and need. So keep your finances in perspective. Money is a means to an end, a tool to buy the necessities (and sometimes the luxuries) of life and not an end in itself. - Christopher Simon Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor. 1 John 4:8

1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Pastor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Richard Walters

4U 4UFQIFO T 6OJUFE .FUIPEJTU $IVSDI " $BSJOH 4IBSJOH 'BJUI 'BNJMZ

4VOEBZ .PSOJOH 8PSTIJQ BOE 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM GPS $IJMESFO :PVUI BOE "EVMUT

4DPVUJOH HSPVQT GPS BMM BHFT )PNF PG +PIOTPO .FNPSJBM 4DIPPM GPS -JUUMF $IJMESFO

3FW ,FWJO 3 0UUP 1BTUPS 8 SE 4U â&#x2014;&#x2020; X X X T U T V N D P S H

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Elizabeth Grasham

Page 8A • Saturday, March 28, 2015

Heights Toastmasters celebrates member’s win For The Leader Heights Toastmasters is pleased to announce club member Richard Blackney won first place on March 5 at the Area level of the Toastmasters International speech contest. Richard’s speech, humorous and heartfelt, was simply titled, “Sports.” Richard advances to Division competition in Houston on April 4. Heights Toastmasters is proud of Richard’s achievement and wishes him the best of good luck at the Division contest. Heights Toastmasters is known for its diverse membership representing a broad range of professions and experiences. It’s also known for being friendly and fun! Like all Toastmasters clubs, Heights Toastmasters strives to provide a supportive, relaxed environment where people can progressively improve public speaking and leadership skills. Heights Toastmasters meets on from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Heights Medical Tower’s basement conference room at 427 W 20th St. For more information, see www. heightstoastmasters.org. Toastmasters International

BOOK

YOUR TIME

Contributed photo Heights Toastmaster member Richard Blackney won first place for his speech ‘Sports’ at the Area level of the Toastmasters International speech contest held March 5.

ONLINE

Scheduling your next appointment just got simpler. Memorial Hermann’s online scheduling tool, ScheduleNow, lets you schedule and confirm your appointment with just a few clicks. Visit our website to choose the best time and reserve your spot today at the Memorial Hermann

is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Today, the membership is 313,000 strong. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 14,500 clubs that make up the global network of meeting locations. Since 1924, more than four million people around the world have become more confident speakers and leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters.

location near you.

PCP s • s P e C i a l i s t s MaMMograMs • ColonosCoPies P h y s i C a l t h e r a P y • er s h e a rt & s t r o k e s C r e e n i n g s

memorialhermann.org

Contributed photo The much-anticipated Houston Heights Women’s Club Arts and Crafts Show will feature a variety of handmade items that are sure to please.

Houston Heights Women’s Club hosts Arts and Crafts show For The Leader Spring has sprung, and with it comes the Houston Heights Woman’s Club’s much-anticipated Arts and Crafts Show. This year, the annual show runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. April 4 at the HHWC clubhouse located at 1846 Harvard St. The indoor/outdoor Arts and Crafts Show is free to attend, open to all, and just gets bigger and better each year. The HHWC prides itself in hosting vendors and artists with products of the highest quality, all of which are handmade. Items available for purchase will include fiber art, fabric and yarn work, hand-woven baskets, handmade jewelry, home-canned pickles and jams, pottery, soaps and much more. “The Arts and Crafts Show is tremendous fun, and will be hopping from the moment we open the doors,” said Lizz Martin, President of the HHWCHeritage Group. “The show is also in keeping with HHWC’s historic mission of promoting painting, music and other fine arts.” The HHWC was organized in 1900 to support literary and scientific undertaking, for

the maintenance of a library, for the promotion of fine arts, and to encourage charitable and educational interests of the Heights. Generations of friendly, community-minded women have joined since, to help contribute to the progression of woman’s issues while advancing and enriching life in the Heights. One of the most popular features of the Arts and Crafts show is the club’s own bake sale. Attendees will find a selection of some the best whole homebaked cakes, unusual cookies, and made-from-scratch pies available anywhere evidenced by the fact that they sell-out every year. “The Arts and Crafts Show is a fundraiser for the woman’s club, and proceeds of the event will benefit the Clubhouse Accessibility Renovation Project,” said Martin. ”However, it is also a wonderful opportunity for our community to demonstrate that we appreciate and value what the artists in our area create - what they do.” Vendor registration is still available depending on space. For more information, contact President Lizz Martin at 281217-6070.

The Obituaries. Rosie Margaret Asch, 92, born Sept. 27, 1922, died March 15. She is survived by her son, Tony Asch, two granddaughters, and several family members and friends. A memorial contribution may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Larry Albert Green, 72, born May 3, 1942 in Houston, died March 18. Green graduated from St. Thomas High School and is a 1965 graduate from the University of Houston. He retired from Reckitt and Colman after 28 years and General Mills after 15 years. He was instrumental in youth sports development as president and coach at Timbergrove Dads Club. Green is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty, daughters Traci L. Allbritton and Kristen D. Shepherd, son, John A. Green, sister Linda L. Cole, brother David A. Green, and five grandchildren. Avis Robinson Hartley, 89, born Oct. 1, 1925 in

Dearborn, Mich., died March 19.

A devout Catholic, she loved her church, and was active for years at All Saints Catholic Church in the Heights. Hartley had a long career as an English teacher at Reagan High School and Sharpstown High School. She is survived by her sisters, Kathy Robinson Archer and Audrey Robinson Conkey. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice.

Louis Haynes Maddox, 85, born Oct. 6, 1929, died March 17. Sharon Hutchings McLeod, 57, died March 19. She

was born to Warren and Pauline Hutchings and was raised with her two sisters in Houston. For the past several decades the community of St. Ambrose Catholic Church filled her life with spiritual growth and fellowship. McLeod is survived by daughter Jessica McLeod and sister Maria Hutchings. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Road, at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 26.

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

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Fashion dandy 4. Cycles per second 7. Strikebreaker 11. Aquatic reptile (informal) 13. Express pleasure 14. Swiss river 15. Contains cerium 17. Ribonucleic acid 18. On top 19. Taxis 21. Banking machine 22. Small salamander 23. Voltage 25. Pointed summit 27. DWTS host 33. In a way, smoked 34. Peat moss source 35. W. African nation Sierra ___ 36. Cocoa plum tree 41. Holiday (informal) 44. Venezuelan capital 46. DWTS hostess 48. Hideouts 50. Actress Lupino 51. The content of cognition 53. Point one point N of due E 55. Plunder a town 59. No. Albanian dialect

60. No (Scottish) 61. Blatted 64. X2 = a Pacific tourist commune 65. AKA option key 66. Angelina’s spouse 67. “Wedding Crashers” Wilson 68. Grassland, meadow 69. Laughing to self (texting)

dOwn 1. Licenses TV stations 2. Metal-bearing mineral 3. Meat from a pig (alt. sp.) 4. A bottle with a stopper 5. Short labored breath 6. Hair washing soap 7. Steam bath 8. “R.U.R.” playwright Karel 9. Beside one another in lines 10. Not straight 12. Former OSS 16. Truck driver’s radio 20. Dried-up 24. Million gallons per

day (abbr.) 26. Encircle (archaic) 27. ‘__ death do us part 28. A single unit 29. A siemens 30. Prohibition 31. V. William’s clothing line 32. Scotland’s poet’s initials 37. Auto 38. Single spot card in a deck 39. Crow sound 40. Former CIA 42. Factory where arms are made 43. Radioactive unit 44. Scoundrel 45. Freshwater duck genus 47. 9 decades 48. Makes tractors 49. 55120 51. Southeast Nigeria people 52. Arab sailing vessel 54. Hay bundle 56. Blood type 57. Driver compartment 58. “Das Kapital” author Marx 62. Consume food 63. Dental degree

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, March 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 9A

A Holy Week of Hope and Reflection What Does This Mean? John 20: 1-18 FOCUS: Jesus rising from the dead means that love is strong than death, and love has victory over the grave. WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed.... What can this story mean for us...here...today? Each of the four Gospel stories accounts we have in our Bible are different. They have different orders of events, they have a different cast of characters, but they agree on a central theme: something happened early on that Sunday morning changing the course of history. Jesus being raised from the dead changed everything, changed the way we view time, changed the way we look at life, changed the way we look at death. She came while it was still dark. In Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gospel there are lots of images of light and dark. Nicodemus, the religious leader, came to Jesus by night. Judas betrayed his leader and our Lord in the dark. Jesus said he was the Light of the World, and in the prologue of John â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first 18 verses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we learn Jesus is the Word of God, the creative power of God, and the darkness of the world cannot overcome that Word. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb while it is still dark.

Mary is the only person besides Jesus who is in all four Gospel accounts of the Resurrection. She is a follower of Jesus, and loved him very much. There is no record here in John of her coming with anyone else. She comes out by herself to the tomb of the one who had been put to death by the Romans, at the demand of the religious leaders of the day. I think we religious leaders still try to kill Jesus, still try to put him in tomb so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to hear him talk about loving those who offend us, those who are different from us, those who are our enemies, those who truthfully want a relationship with God. I think we want to put Jesus away into some place of sentimentality and sweetness, and we pretend that real love doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a cost, that real love doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require a death. Religious leaders, people like me, think we can control access to God, and the truth is that God is wild, untamed and cannot be brought under our control, no matter what we do. But we want to live in a world where real love doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take a commitment, where it is okay to leave if it is uncomfortable and where caring for those that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like us is somebody elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job, thank God. Jesus was put in the tomb by the religious leaders who turned the crowd against him and the government who ordered him killed. He challenged the way the Temple made money by overturning the money changerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tables, by freeing the doves and pigeons sold for sacrifice and he called the leaders out in their hypoc-

risy.

So he had to die.

What do you think would happen if he showed up today? She came to the tomb while it was still dark. She probably planned to anoint Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; body, give a final farewell to her teacher and friend. Here was a man who may have been the only man who ever loved her for who she was and not for what she could do for him. She came alone in the dark, wondering how she would get the heavy stone moved away from the entrance to the cave. When she arrived, she was shocked to see the stone moved away. At once she ran to Peter, the leader of the disciples, and he and the one that Jesus loved and these boys turn it into a race to the tomb. Peter went in, and linen wrappings there, but no body. The cloth that had been on Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; head was neatly folded in a separate place. The other disciple went in, and Scripture says he saw and believed. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what he believed, or what Peter thought, but we know this: they left, and they left Mary there.

PERSISTENCE

Mary stayed. She wept, perhaps now more alone than ever. No one went with her when she went alone in the dark to the tomb. Now the leaders of the disciples left her there, grieving alone. She looked inside the tomb, and there were two angels in white. The Greek word used here means â&#x20AC;&#x153;messengersâ&#x20AC;?. They said to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woman,

why are you weeping?â&#x20AC;? She said to them, They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that is was Jesus. Jesus said to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woman, why are you weeping?â&#x20AC;? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.â&#x20AC;? Jesus said to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mary.â&#x20AC;? Mary didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave the tomb. She stayed, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes when we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what else to do, the best thing to do is nothing. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go home; she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find one of the other disciples; she stayed there and wept. When she looked inside the tomb, the first time we hear of her doing that, she saw the two messengers. From the reading it sounds as if they speak together: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woman, why are you weeping?â&#x20AC;? Then she turned, and there was someone there. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognize him, but why should she? Mary looked at him through tear-stained eyes and asked him to take her to her Lord if he could. She probably barely glanced at him. She must have been falling apart by this time. Her Lord had been brutally and publicly killed, with many more cheering his death than mourning it. Her grief went through the marrow of her bones, and sorrow colored everything she saw. She went alone to the tomb in the dark, and no one came alongside her even when it

looked like the body of Jesus had been stolen. Jesus had been taken from her and her friends did not stay with her, and she wanted to say goodbye and pay honor to her friend and Lord. HEARD HER NAME/I HAVE SEEN THE LORD Then she heard the sound she thought she would never hear again: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maryâ&#x20AC;?. Jesus called her name! Jesus was right in front of her! She went to embrace him, but he stopped her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have seen the Lordâ&#x20AC;?; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

So what does it mean?

Jesus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Word of God â&#x20AC;&#x201C; resurrected from the dead means that love is victorious. The greatest enemy of all is death, and love wins out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no matter what. Poet Leonard Cohen said love was not a victory march, but a broken hallelujah. We move forward in love, through trials and weakness and death. I began our time together in Lent with a story from Wayne Muller, the author of the book

Sabbath. There he told the story of visiting the site of a fire in northern California, where a retreat center had been destroyed. He was there just a couple of weeks after the blaze, and he expected to see the destruction, but he did not expect to see the oak seedlings coming up all over the burned-over landscape. New life began in the midst of the old. The fire of death did not overcome the creation. The Word of God rang out, rang free, and rang true. Easter shows us that love is as strong as death, maybe stronger. Christ showed victory over the final enemy. Mary knew it when she heard him call her name. It means we never know when its over, and maybe it never is. There is always hope, there is always spring, there is always love, and if we persist we will see the final victory of Christ, we will see the new growth and we will hear the Lord call our names. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Sermon Provided by Frank Richard Coats St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday

Oaks Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

HE is

RisEn

Palm sunDay March 29 â&#x20AC;˘ 10:45 am Salad Luncheon Easter Egg Hunt with Easter Bunny

maunDy thuRsDay

Here are the events for Easter week Palm Sunday - 9:30AM Holy Thursday Service - 7PM (Tennebrae Service)

Easter Egg Hunt - 10AM Saturday, April 4th, 2015

Easter Sunday Services

Youth Sonrise Service - 7am Traditional Service - 9:30AM

All are welcome. Please join us for these wonderful events!

St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church

713-697-0671

www.stmatthewsmethodist.org

â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, April 1................... 6:30 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, April 2 ...................... 7:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, April 3........................... 7:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, April 4....................... 6:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Easter Sunday, April 5 Holy Communion at 8:30 am and 10:30 am

211 Byrne â&#x20AC;˘ www.holytrinityrec.org

April 2 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:00 pm with Communion served

EastER sunDay

April 5 â&#x20AC;˘ 8:00 am Sunrise Service Lite breakfast to follow service 10:45 am Easter Celebration

1216 Bethlehem @ Ella Blvd.

Shine Your Light

to the entire community (3"$& $)63$) JOWJUFT ZPV UP

"13*-

: 4"563%"

eggstravaganza

EEEnn

&HH )VOU */'-"5"#-&4 HJWFBXBZT

'6/ "$5*7*5&4 '03 "-LPOB *DF 5SVDL GSFF GPPE

'BDF 1BJOUJOH

(SBDF $IVSDI (BSEFO 0BLT

/ 4IFQIFSE ] )PVTUPO 59 GB D F C P P L D P N ( S B D F ( B S E F O 0 B L T 'P3 NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF DBMM

Page 10A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, March 28, 2015

Healthy from P. 1A vice agency with the mission of helping at-risk kids though after-school mentoring, education and nutrition programs. For its food program, BAC receives funds from the Texas Department of Agriculture. It is the result of the national program spearheaded by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moveâ&#x20AC;? campaign initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama. Under a contract with the Federal government, BAC provides the food, employees, management, distribution, and storage. There is no cost to the school district or organization. How did such a program come about? A blaring need. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake,â&#x20AC;? said Mrs. Obama in 2010 at the introduction of the program. The suppers themselves are

Security from P. 1A delivered directly to kids in classrooms and schools. The food is fresh, attractive and tightly sealed. Each contains items from a rotating menu such as sunflower seeds, baby carrots, string cheese, ham sliders, grilled chicken sliders, and organic, locally sourced fruit. They have proven popular with the kids. Tiffany Ford is one of the dedicated teachers with KIPP Polaris in northeast Houston, and has seen the results of BACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, first-hand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had three kids in class for a catchup session one afternoon,â&#x20AC;? said Ford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After they ate their suppers, one of the boys told me that he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t figure out why he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to focus. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When I ate my orange, I realized I was hungry!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.â&#x20AC;? BAC was the dream of two football players at the University of Houston. In 2001, Bar-

crime. The group also weighed pros and cons with the Harris County Precinct One Constableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office. One or more deputies would be assigned specifically to the Rice Military area at about 40 hours a week with the contact paid 80 percent by residents and 20 percent by county. This would work out to about $76,000 a year or about $6500 a month for the entire neighborhood. With Top Gun Private Security, one of the private firms in attendance at the meeting, the group employs officers often with previous military or law enforcement experience and a canine would also be included in the contract. Participants would also get a yard sign so they know who is participating in

ganier and co-founder James Hong were offensive linebackers on the team and wanted to do something to help underprivileged kids. Barganier had an idea, and drew a diagram for it on a paper napkin. Soon after, the football players launched a summer camp for at-risk kids with an enrollment of six. Fourteen years later, their vision has grown substantially. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown, but we could get bigger,â&#x20AC;? said Barganier. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We could be serving in any school district, church or youth organization. All parents need to do is call the school and make a request. Then, all the interested organization needs to do, is call us. We are here to serve Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kids. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we have always wanted to do.â&#x20AC;?

the program, however an exact cost was difficult for Rice Military officials to calculate at the time of the meeting as it varies upon the number of households that take part. On the Rice Military Civic Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page, some expressed concerns over the statistics cited by law enforcement and said they would support some form of extra security. Rachel Strauss posted that she would be in favor of participating in the program, but had some reservations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have concerns about those stats and am wondering what they call low priority,â&#x20AC;? Strauss said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our neighbor was robbed at gun point in their driveway and our postal carrier was also robbed at gun point. Those seem like they should be

high priority and are violent crimes to me, but then again, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not law enforcement. Jill Ort Haskell said she knows first-hand some of the security issues in the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had someone breaking into our neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truck off of Rose and Reinecke,â&#x20AC;? Haskell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You cannot leave a thing in our cars.â&#x20AC;? For now DeBaldo said she will continue gathering input from the community and a decision would likely be made in the coming weeks. The group is also designating March 29 through April 4 as Rice Military Crime Awareness Week, which will recruit neighbors to help go door-to-door in an effort to gauge futher interest For more information, email president@rice-military.org.

A Holy Week of Hope and Reflection

easter

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

/ 4IFQIFSE %S )PVTUPO 59

Heights Presbyterian

4040 Watonga â&#x20AC;˘ 713-688-5227 Rev. John Cain, Pastor

Maundy Thursday

7:00pm with communion

Good Friday 7:00pm

Easter Sunday

7:00 am Sunrise Service with communion 10:30 am with communion

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

(SBDF $IVSDI (BSEFO 0BLT

4VOEBZ BN BN

LCMS

Heightspc.org 240 W 18th 713-861-1907

Good Friday Service @ 6:30pm Sunday Worship @ 11:00 am

(SBDFDIVSDIMJWF DPN OBSERVE HOLY WEEK & EASTER AT ST. ANDREWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Easter Egg Hunt (Easter Morning) @ 10:15 am

GOOD FRIDAY

Friday, April 3 at 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM

EASTER VIGIL

Saturday, April 4 at 7:00 PM

First Church Heights

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday, April 5 at 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

ST. ANDREWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1819 HEIGHTS BOULEVARD | SAECHEIGHTS.ORG

201 E. 9th St. â&#x20AC;˘ Houston 77007 713-861-3102 â&#x20AC;˘ www.fbcheights.org

Service 7:00 pm

Sunrise Service 7:00 am Breakfast following Sunrise Service Worship 10:50am Nursery available at all services

Fairbanks United Methodist Church

Growing Hearts for Jesus

holy week March 29

Palm Sunday Worship Service .......................10:45 AM

april 2

14210 Aston St. Houston, Texas 77040 www.fairbanksumc.org

easTer services sunday, april 5th

Sunrise service 7:00 am

With continental breakfast afterwards.

Traditional Service w/Communion 10:30 am Easter Egg Hunt w/Reception following service. www.oakspresbyterian.org

Oaks Presbyterian Church 1576 chantilly @ Piney Woods

Easter Egg Hunt March 28

10:00 AM @ Candlelight Park

Palm Sunday Services

March 29 8:30 & 11:00 AM Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palm Procession

april 3

Maundy Thursday Communion

april 5

Good Friday Service

Holy Thursday Service ................................... 7:00 PM

Easter Worship

w/Communion 7:00 pm

St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church

Palm Sunday

Maundy Thursday / Tenebrae

Maundy Thursday service Thursday, april 2nd

Celebrate Easter at

Holy Week Happenings Pancake Breakfast 9:00-10:15am Worship 10:50 am including Elevate! (1st-5th Grade) Resurrection Eggs Easter Egg Hunt (up to 5th grade) 12:30pm Scavenger Hunt (6th-12th gade) 12:30pm

School Open Enrollment for Infant through 8th Grade Now Available!

Share YOUR Easter weekend with us & discover â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Place Where YOU Belongâ&#x20AC;?

Pastor Larry D. Young Pastor C. David Harrison

Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM

800 Houston Ave. Houston, TX 77007 www.trinitydt.org 713-224-0684

Resurrection Services

Sunday School ............. 9:15 am Sunday Worship ........ 10:30 am Good Friday Service .....................7:00 pm

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Maundy Thursday - April 2 Noon & 6:30 p.m. Good Friday - April 3 Noon & 6:30 p.m. Easter Sunday - April 5 Sunrise Service - 6:00 a.m. Festival Services - 8:15 & 11:00 a.m. Modern Service - 9:31 a.m.

Good Friday Service ....................................... 7:00 PM Easter Sunrise Service ....................................7:00 AM Easter Worship Service..................................10:45 AM Easter Egg Hunt ............................................12:00 PM

1245 Heights Blvd. GraceInTheHeights.org

April 2 7:00 PM

April 3 7:00 PM

Easter Sunday Services

April 5 8:30 & 11:00 AM Nursery is available for children 4 and under at all services

2003 West 43rd â&#x20AC;˘ 713-686-8241 Between West T. C. Jester and Rosslyn