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The Leader • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • Page 1B

Remembering the Heights lady who famed bundt cake By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com Before we had an entire channel dedicated to food, and a new cooking competition every week, there was the pinnacle of competitions: the Pillsbury Bake-Off. It gained popularity quickly from the first Bake-Off in 1949 and in 1966, Heights resident Ella Rita Helfrich won second place with the Tunnel of Fudge Bundt Cake. Though not the winner it would still become the most requested Pillsbury recipe ever. “Back in ’66, Houstonian’s TVs were focused on the BakeOff. My good luck became our city’s victory. I have, indeed, been accorded the celebrity treatment and have enjoyed every single moment,” wrote Helfrich in a letter titled Reminiscing. What she never expected was her recipe to go viral. Around 300,000 letters were sent to Pillsbury to inquire after the recipe in the first month after the Bake-Off alone. And when there was an error in the recipe when it went through the wire service, it was printed incorrectly. Home bakers decided to call Helfrich directly, asking what they were doing wrong. This was back when all you had to do was pick up the phone and ask the operator to direct your call. “Grandma made public appearances, signed autographs in grocery stores, and the phone rang constantly for months,” said Jackie Pontello, Helfrich’s granddaughter. Pontello went on to explain how the phone rang so much that eventually her grandfather wrapped it in a blanket, so they could get some sleep. But Helfrich was a good sport, even writing in her letter how she wished she would have had more time to talk to the strangers on the other end of the line because they seemed like such lovely people. Her decision to use the bundt pan was spurred because Helfrich thought it looked fun. The company behind the pan was Nordic Ware, and having only sold around 500 at that time, they thought about pulling it from their line. However, after Helfrich’s recipe became famous, so did the pan. Helfrich became the woman who singlehandedly caused the sale of the pan to skyrocket to 5 million in sales by 1968. The company had to work around the clock to keep up with the demand. The donut shaped cake, with a lava like chocolatey pecan center, was so loved that when Pillsbury decided to discontinue the essential frosting mix Double-Dutch Fudge Buttercream, there was a national outrage from home bakers. Pillsbury came out with a revised recipe for the frosting and Helfrich worked to recreate the frosting the best she could, but many have said nothing works as well as the original recipe. Helfrich had been entering competitions since the 1950s and for the Pillsbury BakeOff alone had worked many years perfecting a recipe. Her second-place win meant so much to her because it was something she loved to do and worked hard at achieving. “This was no spur-of-themoment happening. For more than ten years preceding this special event, my determination to become a bake-off

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T h e Contributed photo Ella Rita Helfrich is shown here with her stack of cookbooks. The Heights resident took a stroke of good fortune at a 1966 baking competition and ran with it, turning into the most renowned bundt cake maker in town prior to her passing in 2015.

finalist kept me dreaming up recipes and (as my food budget proves) wasting a lot of expensive ingredients,” wrote Helfrich. Her determination and her light-hearted spirit inspired the people around her to go after their own dreams, knowing that even if they don’t succeed, at least they gave it their all. Her grandchildren took this especially to heart. “It wasn’t about the money

St. Pius for about 20 years, then she helped start the All Saints Third Age Learning Center, where they offered classes to senior citizens. “Her bouffant hair on a tiny frame was immediately recognizable across the Heights, and a sweeter woman you never met,” said Pontello. Although her attempts at becoming a Pillsbury Bake-Off finalist once again were unsuccessful, she cherished the ex-

Helfrich became the woman who singlehandedly caused the sale of the pan to skyrocket to $5 million in sales by 1968. periences she was given. Years later her own daughter became a finalist and brought Helfrich to the event. Getting to attend the Bake-Off was something Helfrich loved to do even when she was just a guest. In the last line of her letter she wrote, “Just got the mail in. Here’s an invitation to attend the Bake-Off, not as a finalist but as a guest and former winner. Pillsbury is so thoughtful. Once again I’m on cloud nine.” Helfrich was induced into the Pillsbury Hall of Fame as one of the top 10 recipes and her famous bundt pan sits in The Smithsonian in the room next to the reconstruction of Julia Child’s kitchen. She’ll forever be known as the woman who loved to bake, loved her family, and loved her Heights neighborhood. Helfrich left this world in the summer of 2015 after eating the most fitting of last meals: chocolate mousse pudding.

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or the items she won. It was about succeeding in something she loved to do. She was such a good example to all her kids and grandkids on never giving up and chasing your dream. She was a celebrity to us,” said Helfrich’s granddaughter Kristie Grochett Shields. Helfrich loved to try new things in the kitchen, often having to take something from the oven and toss it in the trash, but even so she wasn’t a fan of recipes. Her grandchildren fondly remember countless days accompanying their grandmother in the kitchen. “It was a treat to eat [at Helfrich’s house] and to try her experiments,” said Shields. Shields also mentioned how she loved staying over at her grandparents’ house because she always knew there would be a delicious breakfast, and whatever they wanted, Helfrich knew how to make it. Helfrich was also a leader in the community. She was the PTA president at All Saints and

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Contributed photo These “Little Houses in the Forest” have been popping up throughout Garden Oaks and Oak Forest, and parents and children alike have taken a shine to them.

Tiny demographic taking neighborhoods by storm By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader Just when we think the local community couldn’t get any cooler, it does. The latest creative additions, called “Little Houses in the Forest,” are popping up throughout Garden Oaks and Oak Forest. These tiny homes, no taller than a foot in height, are the lodging of “magic fairies and garden gnomes” who are moving into the community at a steady clip, and delighting children and parents alike. At the time of this writing, there are eight fairy residences scattered around the neighborhood, and a dedicated Facebook group to help visitors locate them. The group, called “Little Houses in the Forest,” is a recent addition to the social media juggernaut, but in its first 12 days, the group gained 110 members. The fairy houses are listed by address on the page. Oak Forest resident Pamela McHenry has a little house at the base of one of the trees in her front yard and is enjoying a parade of visitors. “Our fairies, named Fred and Ethel, moved in a week ago, but I bet 50 people have stopped by to visit,”

she says. “It’s a joy to watch the look on the kids’ faces. You can see their imaginations at work. They ask questions such as, ‘May I knock on the door?’ I always say, ‘Sure, but they won’t answer because they only come out at night.’” Entire families can be seen on walking tours or biking between the little houses. Sometimes handwritten notes or treasures such as seashells are left behind by the children as gifts for the fairies. At some little houses, the fairies leave treasures for visitors instead. On St. Patrick’s Day, McHenry’s fairies left polished green stones for the children to take as lucky charms. On that same day, a little house occupied by two fairies named Sue and Barney and living in a tree trunk on Sue Barnett, left green and gold coins for their visitors. The very first little fairy house was the creation of Oak Forest resident Johnny Rojas. (As wonderful an idea as it is, Rojas shuns any credit for it.) He is hosting two fairies in a tree trunk, fairies named Lebee and Arden, who proudly display a little, tiny Oak Forest logo and SEAL sign in their front yard.

The arrival of Rojas’ fairies spawned the addition of more. What can visitors expect to see at these magic vignettes? Anything that might tickle a child’s imagination, and plenty of it. A good example is the fairy house on Sue Barnett. Garden Oaks resident Sue Kostelecky shared recent additions to Sue and Barney’s house on the LHITF Facebook page. “The front door was painted, the koi pond arrived, the mermaid Lagoon was added to celebrate our warmer weather, and a mailbox was added for incoming and outgoing mail. The adjacent Fairy Park gained some new fairy visitors and a couple of friendly trolls too,” she concluded. Sometimes the Facebook group fields questions from parents who want to come by. “Recently, my three-year-old daughter discovered fairies,” wrote a concerned mother. “I had in mind to visit each house. Please advise a first-time fairy visitor what the proper etiquette is. We don’t want to break any magic spells!” she concluded.

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Page 4B • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • The Leader

The Leader • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • Page 5B

Pastors pulling community back to pews on Easter By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Easter Sunday remains one of the most-attended services each year, and local spiritual leaders will never deny a curious mind or heart. However, the ever-present question for them remains – how will they draw the unchurched or those seeking a worship spot to call home? The Leader decided to speak with area pastors to get a deeper look into their efforts at encouraging a return to the pews this Easter. Challenging calling Pastor David Harrison at First Church Heights said using celebratory occasions such as Easter in attempts to bring in new members is a constant tug-of-war with the allure of modern society. “I believe it takes a very courageous person to remain true to the scriptures and not deviate in a post-Christian world. It is very difficult to stay true to the scriptures and try to meet people’s needs,” he said. “The further we’ve gotten away from true Christian values, it’s almost like the church is making concessions just to get people to come in.” So, Harrison said it’s a question of how he and his congregation can remain true to biblical principles while continuing to meet the needs of people from different local, spiritual and global backgrounds. “What I teach at First Church is to love people, no matter where they come from, but to not deviate from your scriptural convictions to appease anybody – love from a pure heart and sound mind.”

Photo courtesy of First Church Heights (Facebook) Members of the congregation worship at First Church Heights. Pastor David Harrison said he does not necessarily attempt any newfangled ways to draw new members around an occasion such as Easter; but is simply led by the Holy Spirit in choosing what to do on the occasion each year.

For Harrison, salvation and election are strictly a work of God; but the idea of bringing people to maturity is the work of the local church, and is a calling which cannot be compromised in any circumstance – no matter the purpose, time of year, or how pure the intentions. “That work of discipleship is the same for every church, but how we explore and implement it in people’s lives is always going to look different,” he said. In that vein, Harrison said he does not necessarily set out

each year with a plan on how to draw in members for the annual service – rather, he is simply Spirit-led all the time. In 2018, he said, God has laid on his heart a calling to invite three people or families out in the community who are not regular church-goers. So that’s a challenge he has issued to his congregation, and he will not deviate from preaching from the book of Revelation at 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday. “We have to get away from this mindset of them being “CME” members – Christmas,

Mother’s Day and Easter,” he said. “If a person is only going to come to church one time a year, then be sure that service is so awesome, that if they don’t come back until next year, they’re full enough that it will hold them over until next year.” Rev. Lindsay Hatch at Heights Presbyterian agreed with the challenging sentiment; but with a slight addendum that has become a focus of the church’s congregation – how to keep the crowds in the church outside the mass service attendance during

token times. A typical Easter service, she said, brings about 100 to Heights Presbyterian, compared to about half that total the rest of the year. “The Sunday after Easter is one of the lowest attended Sundays of the year,” she said. “I want to encourage people to remember that the Resurrection is still amazing, lifechanging Good News the Sunday after Easter as it is at the empty tomb on Easter morning,” she said. Hatch said Heights Presbyterian will still hold its annual Easter Breakfast, Egg Hunt

for the Children, and Sunday worship service complete with flowering of the cross at 11 a.m. as planned. This year, however, they are adding a new wrinkle to deepen the meaning of the service even more – a Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m.. Maundy Thursday represents the time when Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and celebrates the Last Supper with them, instituting the Christian celebration of Communion. In doing so, Hatch and Heights Presbyterian seek to build an even deeper bond with the Heights community and their own faith. “This year we will celebrate communion and then as people become used to the idea of the service, we hope to introduce a foot/hand washing element as well, hopefully next year,” she said. “Easter is still one of the largest attended Sundays all year, and it’s a great time to renew our faith commitments and get back in touch with God and the community of faith that nurtures us.” Despite not presenting a new front, Harrison said First Church is doing something which deviates a bit from their normal schedule. Instead their normal Bible study last Wednesday, the congregation put on a play called “Someone’s coming to Church,” which focused on three fictional families’ coming of faith stories. And its message, he said, can have a ripple effect far beyond just Easter Sunday. “It’s just about helping folks understand the importance of loving people who normally don’t come to church,” he said.

Home sales turn higher in Spring By Landan Kuhlmann and Betsy Denson Spring and summer are typically a busy time in the housing market and although Hurricane Harvey knocked the city for a loop – in more ways than one – area realtors are optimistic about the upcoming months. Allen Frieze, a real estate specialist in the Heights and Timbergrove, said that the local market has significantly picked up since Hurricane Harvey, and for him, the first quarter of 2018 has been busy. “People have finally gotten their insurance money, so what has happened is that many people – now that they have their money – they have decided to put their house back together in efforts to attempt selling it,” he said. “Three houses I’ve sold this quarter have been Hurricane Harvey houses. The market is hot right now, because we have all those people making decisions post-Harvey and investors who are out looking for a good deal on those who aren’t going to rebuild their home.” Caroline Schlemmer with Greenwood King Properties concurs. “Market activity has grown significantly in first quarter,” she said. “With oil and gas stabilizing and Houston recovering from Harvey, the overall Houston market has a lot of positive factors influencing the increased market activity. Overall, the market still seems fairly balanced between buyer and seller with slightly increased inventory levels.” It’s not just the realtors who are benefiting from this increased activity said Frieze but also those who work with them, including photographers, and title companies. “They are experiencing a ton of business right now and should continue to do so moving forward,” he said. Compared to 2017, Frieze said this year has started off stronger. “We notice it a lot just by working with vendors who accompany the realtors,” he said. “In 2017, you didn’t have to wait for photographers or to have a closing – there was a lot of availability. But right now, we actually need to schedule things, because there’s not nearly as much availability. All signs, at this juncture, point to 2018 being one of those good, healthy years [for the market].” Ashley Day with Circa Real Estate says that she is already seeing a surge in the market on correctly priced listings in a variety of price points. “Multiple offer situations are occurring again, which had significantly dissipated since 2014,” said Day. “The forecast for The Heights, GOOF, and Spring Branch looks bright — I anticipate the surge will continue, especially in the areas zoned to particularly coveted

schools.” Even in a healthy market, sellers need to continue to be wise, according to Frieze. “What I tell my clients is that to accomplish their goals, they need to set themselves up, from Day One, to do that,” he said. “Don’t overprice the homes and make sure all necessary repairs are finished before it goes on the market. I don’t think people are necessarily looking to overpay for a house right now.” Frieze said that people need to look at recent sales when pricing their homes, and not those that were sold a few years ago. “In 2014, we had a crazy, outof-control market, and what your neighbor sold for in 2014 is not what you’re going to be comparing yourself to in 2018,” he said. “However, you also need to be aggressive as a seller with conditions and pricing. Basically, price it to be attractive. And since a lot of people shop for homes online, photo day is the most important day for a seller – the home needs to be as perfect as possible, and the photos need to be outstanding.” For those looking in a particular area, the starting price point varies. Ashley Day said that prices are all over the place in the Heights but townhomes in Shady Acres can stay under $400,000, a Norhill bungalow is in the $500,000 range and Sunset Heights is still attainable under $650,000. In the Heights proper, Day says she’s encountered first time homebuyers in the $700,000 range. “Truly, they are in every price category and size, depending on individual budget and client wants and needs,” she said. For those looking into the Garden Oaks housing market, the entry level is nearing the $400,000 mark according to Katy Hall Wyly with John Daugherty Realtors. “There are lots going in the $300,000s and on the other end there’s a house on the market in Garden Oaks for $1.4 million,” she said. As for Oak Forest, Amanda Cruser with Bernstein Realty said that on the west side it will be be hard to find a single family home with a good sized lot for less than about $450,000. “I think school zones will continue to play an important role in determining home values throughout Houston,” she said. On the east side of Oak Forest, she said that a similar single family home with a lot could be found for under $300,000. “I am hopeful that those homes closer to 290 will see some increase in value,” said Cruser. “Both the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest neighborhoods have some recent construction townhomes that allow entry into the neighborhood for a bit less, due to the smaller lot size.”

Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration for Garden Oaks renovation By Betsy Denson For The Leader Carol and Joe Toups renovate homes all the time, whether it be the homes they own or those they work on for clients through Carol’s company Nautilus Ventures. So when they bought a home in Garden Oaks at 938 W. 41st Street, their first thought was to flip it. Then, they decided to move from the Heights to make it their forever home, downsizing from 4,000 square feet to roughly 1,600 square feet. The reason for this had to do with the proportion of the lot, which is shaped like an arrow head. This shape led them to adapt a design inspired by their admiration of Frank Lloyd Wright, specifically, his love of symmetry. The existing ranch was nearly symmetrical down the axis and only required an extra eight square feet to be exactly so. During the design process they used Wright’s Usonian homes as a guide. The Usonian homes were part of a Wright planned community in New York and were a way of making his designs more affordable to the masses. A 1984 New York Times story said that “the building materials were stone, natural wood untouched by paint and large expanses of glass. Each house is different, but most have flat roofs, carports, big stone fireplaces and open floor plans.” Another 1981 Times piece talked about Wright’s dismissal of the interiors of traditional homes. He called them “boxes beside boxes or inside boxes, called rooms.” Instead his idea for a more organic house was one “that would live in a quiet relationship with the ground” and would be “one that is integral to site, to environment, to the life of the inhabitant.” The Toups define their house as a mid-century modern. They added the eight feet for perfect symmetry, and even opted for his and her carports and patios on either side of the house to keep the balance. Every window and door is the same width at two feet, six inches wide - another part of the symmetry. Wright’s use of glass, wood and brick was also important to the Toups, who added an interior brick wall running the width of the house. The brick runs inside and outside of the house, guiding the eye to the exterior. Joe Toups said they taught the masons how to lay the brick in a

Contributed Photos Top: The interplay of brick, glass and wood is something that was important to the Toups, as those elements were embraced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s Usonian homes were an inspiration for the Garden Oaks redo. Left: The brick wall outside also extends though the kitchen. The cabinetry was made like furniture and is not affixed because it would be impossible to do so against brick. Instead, it can slide out of the specially designed spaces.

linear fashion as Wright would have done it. The glass elements extend directly to the pine ceiling. The cabinetry and wainscoting are rift oak. The floor is antique pine which was salvaged from a demolished church rectory near Minute Maid Park. The Toups’ preference for antique pieces comes into play throughout the house. The bathroom lighting fixtures are hand blown feathered glass. The kitchen features a mercantile display case from the late 1800s. The case was designed into the kitchen. Carol said that much of the kitchen cabinetry was made like furniture and is not affixed to the dweling because it would be impossible to do so against brick. Instead, it can slide in and out of the specially designed spaces. They have added a pond with lilies and instead of window treatments have installed a metal trellis, where plants will serve as a natural covering. As you might imagine, all the open space necessitates a clutter free house which was part of Wright’s idea. “He didn’t want to design closed spaces, such as garages, to collect junk,” said Joe Toups. One of their favorite things about their house is that no one ever knows how to enter. What looks like a wall of windows actually has multiple door entry. “Wright liked that sense of discovery,” said Joe. The Toups say that while their home is “totally uneconomic,” it is

exactly what they wanted. “The small design and market revolution is developing, but it is hard to do,” said Carol. More about the Garden Oaks Home & Garden Tour Katy Hall Wyly with John Daugherty Realtors was the volunteer chair last year for the tour and this year is sponsoring it, as an extension of John Daugherty. “I live and work here, so I do whatever I can to give back,” said Wyly. When looking at homes to feature on the tour Wyly said they were looking for a mix of styles. She says that she is happy with what they ended up with - modern homes, those in the French Country style, and more traditional houses. Some homeowners are restricting the tour to the downstairs. Of the Toups home, Wyly says that although it is new and unique, it feels like it fits. “It strikes the perfect balance,” said Wyly. For those looking into the Garden Oaks housing market for the first time, the entry level is nearing the $400,000 mark. “There are lots going in the $300,000s and on the other end there’s a house on the market in Garden Oaks for $1.4 million,” she said. For more on the home and garden tour visit gardenoaks.org/gocchome/events/home-tour/.

Page 6B • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • The Leader

Local schools in the hunt as Waltrip, Heights baseball fighting for playoff position regular season winds down By Mike Tenney For The Leader The high school baseball season is down to the final month of play and a couple of local teams are not only in contention to make the playoffs, but their district title hopes are still alive as well. Heights The first half of the District 18-6A schedule is over and the Bulldogs look like they will definitely have a big say in the second half regarding who the league champion will be. The Bulldogs are 13-5-1 overall going into this week. After winning their first six 18-6A games, the Bulldogs were 6-1 going into this week with their game against Bellaire Tuesday night completing the first part of their 16game league schedule. And that was a big game for both teams, as they each were 6-1 in district and were tied for second place. Both teams trail 7-0 Westside in the standings while each was a game ahead of Lamar, which was alone in fourth place at 4-2. It is the Bulldogs’ huge 7-6 victory over that same Lamar team a couple of weeks ago that has propelled them into the district title picture. In a tough back-and-forth game, the Bulldogs came up with a couple of late runs to take down the two-time defending district champions. Senior Chris Macias

pitched seven innings and then Andrew Garland came on in the eighth inning and recorded the save for the team’s biggest district victory since they became a 6A program a few years ago. The Heights’ only district loss came last weekend to Westside, 12-3, in a game that was much closer than the final score indicates. The Wolves, in the top of the first inning, scored four runs, but the hosts settled down after that, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third to cut that lead in half. The Wolves pushed the lead to 5-2 in the top of the fifth with a solo run, but broke the game open with a six-run sixth inning to make it 11-2. Each team would add a run in the seventh. Heights, led by head coach David Petty, will begin the second half of the district schedule Monday, April 3, with a 7 p.m. first pitch against Westbury at Butler Stadium. The Bulldogs complete the upcoming week Friday, April 6 with a 4:30 p.m. contest against Chavez at Delmar Stadium. Waltrip The Rams have found their footing in District 245A play, reeling off six wins to start the conference action and take their place atop the eight-team HISD division. The red-and-white has not only gone out in front of the league, they have dominated

their big city brethren, outscoring them 55-10 in their first six 24-5A victories. They also have a two-game lead in the standings going into the second half of the district schedule, which they begin next week. Two of their six wins were extra innings game that couldn’t have ended more differently. They began their important games with a nineinning 10-0 win over Sharpstown in which the Rams scored 10 runs in the ninth for the win. Their other one was their toughest game of the district winning streak -a 1-0 triumph over Madison in another nine-inning outing. The teams fought through eight scoreless innings before the Rams got the run they needed. Other than that, head coach Richard Burriss’s team has been putting up runs, having scored 10 or more in three other wins and scoring nine in a 9-1 beating of Furr. The Rams were trying to end the first half of the league unbeaten when they play Sterling Wednesday evening. They return to the field to start their remaining eight district games after the Easter holiday with the first one scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 when they play Sharptown at Butler Stadium. They end this week with a matinee against Austin, playing them 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at Delmar Stadium.

Contributed photo The Houston Phoenix 10U fastpitch softball team has already won a tournament title despite having only played three thus far. Aside from competition, the team also places importance on sportsmanship, respect and personal growth.

Houston Phoenix softball rising fast For The Leader The Phoenix is rising! The Houston Phoenix 10U team is making waves in the fastpitch tournament world. Coaches Jim Schultz, Mike Machado and Willy Taveras have a perfect mix of 9 – 10 year old players, primarily from our area, who work together to bring home victories.

Having played only 3 tournaments, the team placed 2nd in the March Madness Magnolia tournament and won the championship in the 290 Shoot Out tournament. The Houston Phoenix Girls Softball Association, a newly formed nonprofit, focuses on sportsmanship, respect, and personal growth. The organization plans to add other age groups beyond 10U

and 12U. It hopes to fill a niche in northwest Houston for competitive fastpitch softball. This nonprofit organization relies on donations to help the girls master and hone their skills to target a college scholarship. For more information about the Houston Phoenix, or to inquire about a donation, please contact Jim Schultz at 832-643-3383.

Alabama Furniture brings in new European Designs to its selections By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader For 26 years, Alabama Furniture located at 4900 N. Shepherd Dr. has been wowing its customers with its inventory and incredible pricing of furniture and décor. Owners Sherri and Rion Enroth have developed a loyal customer base as a result of the integrity and value they bring to the experience of buying and selling home furnishings. This one-of-a-kind retail experience specializes in buyouts, consignments, liquidations and overstock inventory. Due to their discerning eye for

quality, the husband-wife team continues to grow the business at quite a clip. “We’ve seen many customers in the past six months who lost everything during Hurricane Harvey,” explains Sherri Enroth. “They are thrilled when they arrive here because we can help them replace three rooms for the price of one sofa at other places.” The Enroths recently bagged an exciting deal; the two entrepreneurs purchased a high-end manufacturer’s liquidation of hand-crafted, Italian furnishings. Most of the items are showroom samples and available nowhere else

in Texas. “We are selling it all at ridiculous savings over the prices on the West Coast, which is the only other place a buyer would find it,” stated Rion Enroth There is another exciting development at Alabama Furniture: Sherri Enroth recently completed her Texas Auctioneer’s License requirements. She can now handle entire estates, so customers can benefit from her years of buying and selling. “Auctioneering is a lot of fun. I really enjoy the excitement of it all,” Enroth concluded.

By Mike Tenney For The Leader The local private school baseball teams are gearing up for a busy month of April with the finalmonth of regular season high school sports now beginning across the state. St. Pius X The Panthers have 10 games -- including eight District 3-6A encounters -scheduled this month as they battle St. Thomas and Concordia Lutheran for TAPPS playoff positioning and even a district championship. The five-teams in the league will play each other three times, including back-to-back games in the first go-round and then everyone ends the regular season by playing each other one more time. The Panthers started this week 1-1 in the district after they defeated Tomball Concordia Lutheran 10-6, but then lost to defending TAPPS 6A state champion St. Thomas, 7-2. In that victory over Concordia Lutheran, the Panthers fell behind 6-1 before they came all the way back to win on a Mason Pamuk walk-off grand slam that broke a 6-6 tie in the seventh inning. St. Pius X played a wide variety of schools the first six weeks of the winter season to help them prepare for this month, when they are fighting to get into the playoffs. They faced a number of large pub-

lic schools at the Spring ISD Kenny Crafton tournament. They saw a number of the area’s best private schools at the St. Thomas Father Wilson/Sister Julia tournament along with a few solid Mississippi schools in the Battle of the Beach tournament they played in that state during spring break. The Panthers are currently enjoying their Easter break but are back at it with three games this week, including two against St. John XXIII. They travel to Katy to play the Lions the first time 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3 and return home two days later to face them in a 7 p.m. contest. Then on Saturday, April 5 they host Beaumont Kelly at 1 p.m. in the first of their backto-backs. Lutheran High North The Lions have some work to do after the first couple of TAPPS Division III, District 5 games did not go their way. Lutheran North began the week 0-2 in league play after they were swept by Northland Christian in their first two games, but under their district schedule, teams can make up some ground in a hurry. Overall, the Lion sit at 6-9. Because the league has seven schools, teams play a 12-game district schedule that has everybody facing each other twice. But instead of playing a round-robin format where everybody plays everybody one and then again,

a few weeks later, the teams in this league are playing each other twice in one week (this allows teams to avoid facing the same starting pitcher two or even three times if the games were spaced out) and then they move on to the next district rival two times in a row. Last week, Lutheran North played Bay Area Christian twice looking to get back on track in the district, and this week they will take on Cypress Christian in a pair of important contests. They will be at Cypress Christian, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 3 and then return home to play the Warriors, 7 p.m. Friday, April 6 to round out the week. Senior pitcher/catcher Colby Bell led the Lions in hitting the first month of the season and sophomore/shortstop Brandon Wiley and senior second baseman/pitcher Ronnie Spanos were both hitting .380 or better as district play began. Senior center fielder Logan Ecoff and sophomore designated hitter/third baseman Brandon Ruiz also began district play sporting batting averages over .300. The Lions have been a streaky team this year with a four-game winning spree and two three-game losing skids, so they are looking to establish consistent play over the last four weeks of the regular season.

Contributed photo Dr. Vonne Jones and Total Women’s Care of the Heights offers a full range of care for women of all ages.

Total Women’s care brings ob/gyn practice to the Heights For The Leader A new obstetrics and gynecology practice is now open and serving women in the Heights and northwest Houston. Total Women’s Care of the Heights offers a full range of care for women of all ages and stages of life. Dr. Vonne Jones, a Houston native and obstetrics and gynecology specialist, has practiced in Houston since graduation from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2008. “Private practice is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Dr. Jones. “Total Women’s Care is a clinic designed around the women who trust us with their care. Our office is in a very private and relaxing environment and offers the very latest in per-

sonalized care for women of all ages,” she said. Located at 2050 North Loop West near the intersection of East T.C. Jester Boulevard, Total Women’s Care is an all-female health team with a passion for helping women reach the healthy lifestyle they want and need. Services include general gynecological care, routine and yearly examinations, adolescent gynecology and counseling, screenings for breast and ovarian cancer, PMS management, general and high-risk obstetrical care, nutritional counseling before and after pregnancy, in-house ultrasound services, family planning and pre-pregnancy visits, reproductive medicine, perinatal care and support, labor and delivery care and

monthly seminars on patient chosen topics. “It is a privilege for me to care for women in my own hometown and we do so in a listening and respectful manner,” said Dr. Jones. “Whether you are an adolescent with questions, an expectant mother or a woman dealing with PMS or illness, Total Women’s Care is created for you. The watch word around here is compassion and that is the kind of care we deliver to every woman who walks into our office.” Appointments with Dr. Jones can now be scheduled at TWCHeights.com or by calling Total Women’s Care of the Heights at 346-320-3188. For more information, visit TWCHeights.com.

Famers Agency offers a multitude of services to local neighbors For The Leader The Famers Agency owned by Agent Lane Lewis located near the corner or East T.C. Jester and the 610 Loop is new… but not new. Even though his insurance agency has only been opened for one and a half years, Mr. Lewis has lived in Oak Forest since 1999 and says he has never had one day of regret settling here. So, he is certainly no stranger to the area. Plus, he spent time in the area as a child with his aunts and uncles, Ginia Wray and Joe Paul Wright and Nell and Curtis Keen, who all lived in Oak Forest and Shepherd Park for many years. Lewis took over the agency from David Lorms

who was moving out of state. Mr. Lorms had operated his agency for many years in the area. “I have been a customer of Farmers since I bought my house and for many of those years, David was my agent,” Lewis said. “I had been in education for a number of years. I was wanting something to call my own for a long time and I always appreciated Farmers and had thought about being an agent. When I found out David was moving, it was the perfect time.” Lewis says his agency, which offers traditional services like auto, home, and life policies, also offers insurance products such as renters and business policies. “We also specialize in toys,”

Lane Lewis - Agent

Lewis adds. By “toys” he means boats, jet skis, motorcycles, motor homes, etc. He has other surprising services as well and suggests giving him a call at 713-688-8669 or visit https://agents.farmers. com/tx/houston/lane-lewis for more information.

The Leader â€˘ Saturday, March 31, 2018 â€˘ Page 7B

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

FOR RENT K. Smith Elementary

Community

PULGA

April 14 â€˘ 8am-3pm 4802 Chrystell Ln.

Come Shop or Sell! Booths for Rent $25

Promote your business â€˘ Clean out the garage â€˘ Great way to fundraise! for more info contact Brenda Espinoza

Brenda.Espinoza@houstonisd.org or 713-613-2542 THE PURPLE CAT RESALE AND THRIFT: Open Thursday - Saturday 11-4 only. 2126 W. 34th St. Benefiting Animal Rescue. (TF)

Discover the Jacki Sorensenâ€™s Fitness Classes!

Held at Advent Lutheran Church 5820 Pinemont. Mon. and Wed. 5:45 pm New Session April 2nd Anna 713-817-0778

MANNA â€“ DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Your neighborhood thrift store appreciates any and all donations. We can arrange pickup for large items or large donations. Donate temporarily at Temple Oaks Church, 2101 W. 34th St. Thank you. (TF)

Sell it fast with an inexpensive Leader classified.

WANT TO BUY

AUTOS & TRUCKS

CA$H TODAY For Unwanted Cars, Trucks, MTX & RVâ€™s Not running OK

832-646-6103

ADULT CARE

Private Senior Caregiver â€˘ Days or Nights â€˘ 15 Yearâ€™s Experience â€˘ References Upon Request â€˘ Transportation if Needed

Call Kim 832-350-1975

Our Guide To Northwest Houston is packed with local information you just canâ€™t find anywhere else ... elected officials, civic associations, entertainment venues, youth sports leagues and much more. Just visit www.theleadernews.com and click on Special Attractions.

FOR SALE BLUE MOON ANTIQUES: Antiques and collectibles. Providing estate sale services. 3311 Ella. 832-2867882. Like us on www. facebook.com/bluemoonantiqueshoustontx. WE BUY/SELL GUNS: Top cash paid. FFL concealed handgun classes. 713-6944867. (TF) The Leader really delivers.

Top Cash paid For Your Guns!

Help Wanted for Landscaping Company

5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625

Now HiRiNg

Part Time Receptionist 1pm to close Mon-Fri and E/O/W Sat. 7am-close 1pm to close Mon-Fri and E/O/W Sat. 7am-close

Monday - Friday and some Saturdays Start at 7am

TDL and English a plus Call 281-932-1142 Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifieds get great response and cost less than the daily paper.

GARDEN OAKS 3-2 REMODELED DUPLEX: Added loft with 8â€™ x 8â€™ exterior deck. Large rooms, hardwoods, shaded yard. Small pets OK. $1,400 monthly, $700 deposit. Call Sam, 281-733-5913.

Part Time Vet Asst.

Lawn service, tree trimming and general ground maintenance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ INVENTORY CONTROL POSITION

Needed for distributor of kitchen appliances sold to builders and remodelers. Excellent benefits; hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. 713-868-3611

HOUSE FOR RENT: 10326 Homestead Road. 3-1-1, wood floors with large backyard. 832-746-6305.

Need a little help around the yard? Our Lawn and Garden Guide has just the professionals you want.

JUNK HAULING

How Sweep It Is...

Manny

Junk Remover

House Cleaning Service Clean is only a phone call away!

Fast & Quick Appointments Cleanups Haul-A-Ways

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RVS/BOATS STORAGE

Call Manny

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Gated - 24 Hour Access monthly rates

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The Leader really delivers.

Insured

281-414-8698 EUGENE HAULS TRASH: Cleans garages, trims trees. 832-890-5453; 713-6315348.

Northwest Houstonians have been getting results with Leader classified ads for more than 60 years.

Looking for a career in the Title Industry? We have a Receptionist Position in our growing and fast paced branch located in the Galleria area. Ideal candidate should be professional, outgoing and self-motivated. This position is an excellent career opportunity for the right candidate! College degree required. Business degree preferred. Title Company or Real Estate experience preferred.

Qualified applicants, please send your resume to resume@greatamtitle.com

Black Gold Guns & ammo 2001 Karbach suite F Houston, TX 77092

713-694-4867

Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

SPECIAL OCCASIONS CHARMING VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT GATHERING: Houston Heights Womanâ€™s Clubâ€™s Historic Bungalow, perfect for small events. Recitals, luncheons, fundraisers - events up to 100 people. Grand piano, stage, round tables, small catering kitchen. Call Shea Hill, 713449-1850, regarding this Heights landmark. (TF)

TAX SERVICES ELECTRONIC FILING & REFUND TRANSFERS Jenny Eggers Garden Oaks Area Tax prep./30 yrs. exp. Se Habla EspaĂąol 713-697-8166

You simply canâ€™t find a better advertising value than The Leader.

Memory Foam Mattresses the

DRIVERS, CLASS-A CDL: Increased pay and new trucks. Dedicated routes. No CDL? No problem! Call Swift today! 855-292-2945. (3-31)

TOP CASH PAID FOR YOUR GUNS: FFL concealed handgun classes. 713-694-4867.

We Buy Guns!

OAK FOREST HOMES FOR LEASE: 3-1-1 w/Den, updated kitchen with appliances, $1,600. Call 713503-0282. (TF)

CLEANING SERVICES

â€˘ ATTENTION â€˘

Contractors and Handymen,

are you looking for additional work? A new Home Services company is opening in the area and weâ€™re looking for quality home repair professionals who are dependable and reliable. Specifically, we need contractors on a per-job basis. Our company will provide the insurance coverage for the work, the jobs, and set up the job times. You provide the tools, work and dependability. All jobs on paid on a per-job basis with repeat work for the best contractors. Full-time work is a possibility

Among others, services include: ď‚§ Interior and exterior minor painting ď‚§ Door install/repair ď‚§ Minor tile and caulking repair ď‚§ Drywall and window repair ď‚§ Appliance repair ď‚§ Gutter cleaning repair ď‚§ TV wall mount installation ď‚§ Fence and gate repair ď‚§ Honey-do lists If this sounds like a fit for you and if you have experience in any of these areas or other home services, call us at

FOAM store

SLEEP BETTER

713.686.6622

Meet Katy

aty Cattoni is a native Houstonian and the youngest of four siblings. She graduated from St. Vincent de Paul, St. Agnes Academy and the University of Houston. Her Mother was from Germany and her Father from Paraguay. Katy enjoys neighborhood activities with her husband of 20 years, Bob. They frequent local restaurants and shops, mainly on 19th Street and in the Oak Forest area. She loves walking her dog, Sophie, and takes care of her neighborsâ€™ dogs when they are out of town (sometimes five at a time). She loves bird watching, photography and cycling. She has also is getting back into rollerblading after a few years break. What does working for The Leader mean to you? â€œWith 25 years in the hospitality industry, THE LEADER has given me an appreciation of working with clients to find out exactly what they need and offer suggestions when necessary. Living within The Leader distribution area for over 15 years, Iâ€™ve been given an inside view of what the community is concerned with. The Leader is exactly where I want to be, to help bring relevant news and information to the community every single week.â€?

713.628.1689

katy@theleadernews.com | 713.686.8494

LAWN & GARDEN GUIDE Frusco Landscape & Irrigation Co.

New Horizons

Gardening Makeover Specialists

Lawn Maintenance Landscaping & Design Sprinkler Repair Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Taylor Herrmann

â€˘ Sprinkler Systems â€˘ Drainage Systems â€˘ Design â€˘ Installation â€˘ Service & Repair

We specialize in Sprinkler Repair

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713-Go-GReen

(832) 435-8685

Stone ď‚§ Sand Gravel ď‚§ Mulch ď‚§ dirt

â€˘ Landscape Design & Installation â€˘ Maintenance â€˘ Irrigation â€˘ Drainage â€˘ Lighting â€˘ Hardscape (pavers, flagstone, concrete) We accept all major Credit Cards

office@mashues.com

Lawn Care

Open 7 Days - Pickup or Delivery

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FREE ESTIMATES â€“ 17 Yrs. Exp.

www.Cornerstone-Materials.com

012*$/&+!&+$

Residential/Commercial FREE ESTIMATES/Credit Cards

www.fruscolandscaping.com

Gilbertâ€™s Landscape

1/""

TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING

(281) 948-4879

713.686.6470 Also Now Hiring Experienced with Driverâ€™s License Apply 7am at 5608 Hoover Houston, TX 77092

LUXURY LAWNS

Lawn Maintenance Landscape & Design Sprinklers/Drainage Systems Free Estimates 20 yrs. exp.

713-688-4244 David Bartula

Your ad can run here

call 713-686-8494

Northwest Lawn Mower Parts and Supply Spring Maintenance Special $49.99 + tax For walk behind mowers ONLY up to 22â€? cut. â€˘ Flush Fuel Supply â€˘ Check Air Filter & Spark Plugs â€˘ Change Oil

parts â€˘ sales â€˘ service

lawn equipment â€˘ small engine chainsaw 4560 W 34TH ST @ MANGUM

713-686-8306

Next to Don Pablitos (Formerly Fiesta Tacos)

w w w. m o w e r s a w s u p p l y. c o m

20## #6.#021 ',!

Dennis Clooney - Manager 25+ Years Experience â€˘ Tree Trimming/Removal â€˘ Stump Grinding â€˘ Fertilization â€˘ Construction Preparation â€˘ Residential/Commercial Insured Liability and Workmanâ€™s Comp

713-683-TREE (713-683-8733) FREE ESTIMATES

Salazar TreeS

Verdeco

Landscaping services

â€˘ Tree Removal â€˘ Trimming â€˘ Topping â€˘ Stump Grinding â€˘ Pruning â€˘ Dangerous Tree Removal â€˘ 23 yrs experience Free Est.

â€˘ Lawn Maintenance â€˘ Fertilize â€˘ Mulch, Tree Trimming â€˘ Flowerbed Cleanup â€˘ Grass Installation

832-434-7101

713-703-6406

Outside

Your ad can run here

interests, inc.

Lawn Maint. Experts

Comm./Res. Free Estimates Living, Serving & Supporting Oak Forest

call 713-686-8494

(281) 914-7747

#ALL TODAY BEAUTIFUL HOME TOMORROW

â€˘ Landscape Installation â€˘ Weather Damage Replacement â€˘ Tree Trim & Removal â€˘ Lawn & Bed Maintenance â€˘ Landscape Lighting â€˘ Organic Soil Amendments

www.richtersservicesinc.com

U S Tree Experts

â€˘ Tree Removal â€˘ Shaping & Trimming Insured â€˘ Free Estimates

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RANGER

Trimming â€˘ Planting Removal â€œTrain up your trees in the way they should grow.â€? â€˘ A+ Rated â€˘ Free Estimates â€˘ Insured â€œMaking Thousands of Houston Trees Healthy & Beautiful for over 33 yearsâ€? 713-690-TREE (8733) Call or Text

Page 8B â€˘ Saturday, March 31, 2018 â€˘ The Leader

COMPUTERS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Home, Small Ofďƒžce Computer Repair Upgrades, Installation, Conďƒžguration (Virus-Removal) Home - NetWorking

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PEST CONTROL Cherokee

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PLUMBING Danielâ€™s Plumbing & Drain Experts

Aaronâ€™s

MPL#37341

NO TRIp ChaRgE 832-441-9683

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VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS: 100 generic pills. Special $99. Free shipping. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 Call now! 888-4455928. Hablamos Espanol.

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A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 855-741-7459. VIAGRA/CIALIS 100MG/CIALIS 20MG: 52 pills. Call today, we can save you cash. Call now, 800-375-3305. LIVING WITH KNEE OR BACK PAIN? Medicare recipients that suffer with pain may qualify for a low or no cost knee or back brace. Call 844-308-4307. CASH FOR CARS: We buy any condition vehicle, 2000 and newer. Nationâ€™s top car buyer. Free towing from anywhere. Call now: 1-800-864-5960. DISH TV $59.99 FOR 190 CHANNELS + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR included, free voice remote. Some restrictions apply, 1-800-718-1593.

125

Drain Clean

with Camera inspection Mention this ad

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

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NEW AUTHORS WANTED: Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit. Limited offer. Why wait? Call now: 866-951-7214. SAVE YOUR HOME: Are you behind paying your mortgage? Denied a loan modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? Call Homeownerâ€™s Relief Line now for help! 855794-7358. HOTELS FOR HEROES: To find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org. CARS/TRUCKS WANTED: All makes/models 2000-2016. Any condition. Running or not. Top $$$ paid. Free towing. Weâ€™re nationwide! Call now, 1-888985-1806. GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1-855-558-3509. AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING: Get FAA Technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 866-453-6204.

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

Royalty Pet Center Since 1976

â€˘ Grooming â€˘ Boarding â€˘ Pet Supplies 9900 N. Houston Rosslyn

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STATEWIDE ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This publication does not warrant nor guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, nor the quality of the goods or services offered. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made and to use good judgment and reasonable care when dealing with persons unknown to you. DONATE YOUR CAR TO VETERANS TODAY: Help and support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398. CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All make/models 2000-2015. Any condition. Running or not. Competitive offer. Free towing. Weâ€™re nationwide. Call now, 1-888-416-2330. GENERIC VIAGRA 100MG, GENERIC CIALIS 20MG. 80 for $99. Great deal! Fast, Free shipping. 100% money back guarantee! Call now, 888669-9343. Se habla espanol. 888-713-3919. AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - career placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 888-686-1704. OVER $10K IN DEBT? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call National Debt Relief at 866-243-0510. DENTAL INSURANCE: Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, real coverage for 350 procedures. 888-623-3036 or http://www.dental50plus. com/58. Ad# 6118.

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FREE ESTIMATES DAVID OJEMAN 713-682-8033

20 Yrs. Exp. - 30 Yr. Resident

Martinez Concrete Works

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Adamâ€™s

WOOD FLOORS 832-515-4214 Repair or Replace Doors/Openers

Repair Specialist

7 Day Service Â˝ HP Sears Openers Installed

295

281-807-5588 713-545-3414

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Credit Cards Accepted

02)-% 2//&).'

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w w w. h o u s t o n h e i g h t s r o o f e r s . c om

Charlie's

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES

J&D HANDYMAN SERVICE

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The Foam STore

ď‚Ť Custom Cut ď‚Ť Memory Foam ď‚Ť Chair pads ď‚Ť Couch Cushions ď‚Ť Mattress Foam 2217 W. 34th, Ste. A.

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The Leader • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • Page 9B

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The Houston Phoenix 10U Fastpitch Softball Team

Pictured: John Ferrata IV, John Ferrata III, Jose Galdamez, Raul Cruz, Vinny Ferrata, Antonio Toxqui, Kevin Simmons, Peter Karfaridis NLine Automotive is a full service auto repair shop located at 3030 Ella Blvd. just off Loop 610 West. We specialize in Alignments, Brakes, CV Axles, A/C & Engine Diagnostic, Suspension and Ride Control. We also offer a unique approach to your commercial fleet maintenance needs by customizing a program to your individual situation. We accept most extended warranties as well as the Car Care One Card. NLine is a family owned & operated business since 1995. We guarantee 100% customer satisfaction.. We grew up in the Garden Oaks-Oak Forest area and we plan to be here for the long haul. We realize our success depends upon the perception of our neighbors. Our technicians are long-term employees. Raul is a graduate of Harris County Community College and a 18-year employee. Jose is a 11-year employee with 30 years of experience. Tony Toxqui has been employed with Nline for 20 years. Vinny is our newest technician and a graduate of Cy-Ridge High School and has worked at Nline for 12 years. Our service writers Peter and John IV are ready to assist you with your automotive needs. Peter is a 15-year employee with extensive experience in the customer service field as an owner and manager. John IV is a graduate of Texas A&M and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Kevin Simmons is our newest employee; he is our general service tech. Visit us on Facebook or just stop by for a cup of coffee.

Top Row Left to Right: Asst Coach Mike Machado, Head Coach Jim Schultz, Asst Coach Willy Taveras. Middle Row Left to Right: Sara Paniagua, Maddy Trejo, Julie Tresco, Abi Odom, Marina Taveras, Izabelle Conpean. Bottom Row Left to Right: Miranda Machado, Kennedy Flenner, Vivian Schultz, Holley Chavez , Stella Romeo (Not Pictured player: Elise Anderson)

For more information about the Houston Phoenix Girls Softball Association or to inquire about a donation, please contact Jim Schultz at 832-643-3383.

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Page 10B • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • The Leader

Local stores offer fashion trends By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com Spring has arrived and although we are sure to feel the summer heat soon enough, it’s time to put the jackets away. The runways usually feature clothes that most people wouldn’t dream of wearing— mostly because they look like a nightmare to put on, but a quick look at into local boutiques shows that they know what’s on trend and what Houstonians want to wear. Lindsay Vila, owner of Saint Lo Boutique, said with fashion it’s important to have a variety. Her boutique features clothes that are more unique, but she also has a good mix of “normal” clothes in store. A pair of bottoms that have an “out there” design can be paired with a simple top. Spring always tends to lean toward pastel colors and Summer toward bright colors and this year isn’t much different. “The maroons and pinks are huge right now,” said Vila. Wear them separate or implement both colors into one outfit, like with a dress displayed at Saint Lo that is flowy with a floral pattern of pink and maroon. What’s on trend for younger women are a crop tops and high waisted pants with a wide leg. For older women high waisted pants never go out of style and for a top anything flowy or floral is a must for spring and summer. Trends are hard to keep up with and Vila believes they’re not always priority number one. “Me personally, I think anything goes. I do like to stay with a little bit of the trend, but I think most colors look good on everybody,” said Vila. Her advice to people unsure of fashion is that you should wear what makes you feel comfortable and happy. Also, if you’re uncertain if you should try something on, you should, because most of the time it looks completely different off the hanger. The assistant store manager at Favor the Kind, Avery Morgan, agrees with Vila on what’s trending. “We’re all about flowy versatile dresses this Spring.

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Making Happy Feet One Sole At A Time! Merrell • Clarks Naot • OluKai Sanuk • Birkenstock Taos • Vionic • KEEN Sanita • Josef Seibel Photo by Zarah Parker Shown here are bags, new spring fashion, and jewelry currently being showcased at The Impeccable Pig in the Heights.

We’re loving the long maxis that are a really nice fabric that feels good in the Texas heat, but you can also dress it up for night,” said Morgan. At times in fashion there’s pressure to buy what’s in style, but Morgan thinks that first and foremost you must be true to who you are. Wear what feels right for you and when you do, the clothes look good on your body. “Pick up the first thing that sparks your eye because that’s your style, even if it kind of makes you uncomfortable and it’s not what you’d normally wear,” said Morgan. The Impeccable Pig’s store manager, Michelle Fernandez, adds to the list of what’s on trend with embroidery and gingham patterns. If gingham is unfamiliar then think Dorothy’s dress on The Wizard of Oz. “Our everyday shopper is the mom, she really needs something that’s versatile. So, we have a supply of dresses that are soft and easy to wear, but still cute. Comfort and cute and easy have been what a lot of our customers are here for,” said Fernandez. She also said that if you’re not sure what to wear, a loose top with fitted bottoms or fitted top and

loose bottoms are always a good combination. For jewelry, chokers and dainty chains are in. Pair them to make a cute layered look, or if chokers aren’t your thing, layer the dainty necklaces as well, which give a clean sophisticated look. When the sun starts shining on a more regular basis, a hat is a great addition. Right now, the mid-brim hats are flying off the shelf. The brim is wide enough not to be a fedora, but short enough not to be considered a floppy beach hat. But fashion isn’t a one-way street just for women, there are a few things men should know as well. For the most part, men have it easy, but as Lindsay Vila of Saint Lo commented, they should mix it up occasionally. Joshua Burts, a clothier at Rye 51 said that men’s fashion doesn’t change drastically, and it’s mostly colors and prints that come and go out of style. This season pink and chambray (denim) are the colors to grab. “Guys need to learn that wearing denim on denim is okay,” said Burts, “there are different colors!” The popular pattern of the season is micro print. Whether

that’s polka dots, squares, or even little animals. It’s a small pattern that repeats itself over and over again. For the man who doesn’t know where to start, Burts suggests the basics. It’s always good to update jeans first. And don’t just stick to the plain dark wash jean but a light wash, maroon, khaki, or grey are good additions to buy. What’s in style are slim jeans—not to be confused with skinny jeans. The definition of a slim jean depends upon how comfortable the wearer is. If they’re too tight, see how they feel in the next size up. “As rule of thumb, if you can’t grab the fabric [off your leg], it’s too tight,” said Burts. There are three must haves for button downs: blue, white, and lavender. Add the staple piece: a navy sports coat, and a man could wear the same thing every day with a slight variation and look effortlessly put together. With fashion it’s always good to remind yourself that the most important thing is to be comfortable with what you’re wearing, but it doesn’t hurt that what’s in style right now is flowy, comfortable, and cute.

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Different ways to get healthy this spring By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com As summer looms, so does the thought of getting into shape. Whether that’s to fit into a certain swimsuit or run a marathon, there are many ways to accomplish the goal set in mind. After talking to local fitness instructors it’s clear that the goal shouldn’t be just season long, but a lifetime. There are many gyms in the area to join, like LA Fitness on N. Shepherd Dr. or the YMCA on 34th St. Members at these gyms have access to equipment any day of the week at times that are most convenient to them. These gyms also offer group programs if working out alone is daunting. But for the novice who has only ever used a treadmill, going to a gym alone can make the process more confusing as they try to navigate how to use and how long to use each machine. At Pure Barre in the Heights, “Your instructor doesn’t take class with you, she is there just to help you and make sure you are getting the most out of your class,” said the owner of Pure Barre, Dory Dale. Pure Barre provides strength training classes based around the ballet bar. Though that could intimidate the newcomer, no dance background is needed. “The idea is to isolate one muscle group, work its fatigue, then spend time stretching it out,” said Dale. Because Pure Barre exercises are so safe it’s perfect for expecting moms, who can continue with it throughout their entire pregnancy. Even people in their late sixties can join and still get a great full body experience because of the modifications they can add to the workout. When it comes to setting fitness goals as a beginner or an experienced trainer, it’s always good to be realistic with what can be accomplished. “it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself, so I think people get really excited and say they’re going to exercise for thirty days straight, but they haven’t exercised in

a year,” said Dale, “That way when something happens, maybe out of your control, like you get sick you can’t [work out], you’re not like oh well in that case I’m giving up on the whole goal.” With so many different options for getting into shape, Dale emphasized the importance of finding the right one and sticking to it because it’s so important to exercise. It not only makes you physically feel better, but with the release of endorphins exercise gifts the mind positivity for the day. Head coach Carrie Stowell of Orangetheory Fitness, whose new location will be off I-610 and Yale Street, believes it’s essential to have fun while getting into fitness because when it isn’t, it’s easier to quit. Orangetheory is perfect for efficiency with a work out of strength, cardio and heart interval training. The routine changes daily, so the work out doesn’t become boring. “It’s always good to be changing things up, so if you’re doing your own thing at home I’d say that’s awesome and keep doing it, but you’re going to want to pair something with that. Whether that’s starting a different class or starting a new regime. Adding something different you haven’t been doing for the past month or year because your body does get complacent,” said Stowell. DEFINE Body & Mind’s philosophy on fitness is that it should span a lifetime, not just a few months. “There are three things that you need to be your absolute best and it’s cardiovascular fitness, strength, and the mindful aspect and the lengthening aspect, which I personally combine together because I feel like they complement each other,” said Casey Alff, the owner of the Heights location of DEFINE. DEFINE offers it all. They have classes for a full body workout, indoor cycling, and one called bounce, which is done mostly on a trampoline. They also offer traditional yoga and what they call mindful classes. In one mindful class hammocks are used, and

Photo courtesy of NNWMD Readers can find flowers such as these at the Near Northwest Management District’s plant sale on April 7.

Near Northwest Management District plant sale is April 7 For The Leader

Contributed photo Dory Dale, the owner of Pure Barre in the Heights, inside her studio. Her unique programs include strength training classes based around the ballet bar.

the other includes ball rolling on a mat. These classes are about lengthening the core and bringing restoration to the mind. It’s best to try to fit one of each type of class in a week. For example, Alff suggested two body classes, one cycling class, and then a mindful class throughout the week. But above all people must listen to their bodies to make sure they’re not over doing it, or even underdoing it. Most of the time exercising in groups can boost motivation because everyone is supportive and excited to be there. When everyone else has a positive attitude it’s much easy to have one as well. Aside from the environment, the results are encouragement as well. “I feel like I am physically fit, but [the body class] will really try me and that’s the beauty of it because it helps build your core and your body muscles and it makes you a better runner. So even if someone has another fitness outlet that they

do, incorporating our classes along with something else that you love will just enhance your whole workout,” said the studio leader at DEFINE, Marybeth Sanders. Most of all, “You can’t out train your diet,” said Alff. It’s always great to be interested in fitness, but if the diet consists of only fried food, it may be tough to stay encouraged while working out. Ease into diet changes the same way the exercises should be eased into. Set realistic goals, and at the right rate, accomplish them. Simple tips given by Alff were to cut the processed food and sugar. With less processed foods it’s easier to eat a balanced meal. So, find the right place to begin or restart the fitness journey, but everyone should remember to listen to their bodies and to be realistic expectations of their bodies. It can be for just a season, but overall the benefits are much richer with a lifestyle change, both physically and mentally.

The Near Northwest Management District and Treesearch Farms will host the White Oak Plant Sale on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the White Oak Conference Center – 7603 Antoine Dr., to raise funds for the continuing maintenance of the White Oak Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden-which is located at this same address. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with a presentation by Heidi Sheesley – owner of Treesearch Farms, and renowned horticulturist. Her entertaining and informative PowerPoint presentation will feature many of the plants that will be available at the sale. The plant sale begins at 10 a.m. and will go until 2:00 or until the plants sell out – which they normally do! Strolling through the White Oak Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, which was designed and planted in 2012, is a great way to get ideas for your own yard and see the actual plants in a garden setting. During Heidi’s presentation, you’ll learn all about the different hummingbird and butterfly attracting plants, what they do, where to plant them and how they grow. Also available at the sale, Improved Meyer Lemon Trees and Heirloom Tomatoes. Did you know lemon trees attract butterflies? Well, just another fun fact you’ll learn at the sale!! Featured plants: Native Purple Coneflower – Echinacea purpurea – a native perennial for that sunny garden. Blooms spring through fall! Pride of Barbados – Caeselpinia pulcherimma – Bright orange and yellow flower spikes adorn it all summer. Loves the heat! Butterflies and hummingbirds love it! Daylily Yellow Landscape Supreme- Hemerocallis sp. ‘Yellow Landscape Supreme’- an evergreen, hardy, tough daylily. Stunning yellow flowers! Ducher Rose- Rosa sp. – The finest white shrub rose for Houston bar none! Fragrant, disease resistant and just down right gorgeous! Blooms nearly year ‘round – even when not blooming the foliage is fabulous. Evergreen!! ‘Coronation Gold’ Yarrow- Achillea filipendulina-Butterflies? Oh yeah!!! They’ll be all over this perennial – great cut flower, fragrant textured foliage – a unique additional to any garden!! Oakleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea quercifolia- Got shade? This beautiful large perennial shrub blooms huge white panicles of flowers in the shadier gardens.

The Leader • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • Page 11B

The Promise of Easter It is no coincidence that the celebration of Easter takes place each year in early spring, commemorating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For Easter is a celebration of rebirth, and what better time to celebrate this than when the earth is springing back into life. The new life of spring reminds us that this world is eternally productive and creative. The apparent lifelessness of winter is only an illusion. Sleeping just beneath the surface, is life and more life, awaiting GodÕs gentle touch to reawaken it. In the same way, Easter reminds us that the death of our bodies is an illusion. Beneath it is life and more life. The Bible tells us that God so loved the world the He gave us His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. We will one day shed our bodies, as the trees shed their leaves and snakes shed their skins, and we will be reborn into life everlasting. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. New K.J.V. John 10:28

Immanuel Celebrates For The Leader This will be Immanuel Lutheran’s 8th year to share the Good News of Jesus with the Heights community through our Easter Celebration. As in years past, the neighbors come together for an hour of fun and fellowship, the Saturday before Easter. The theme, “He is Risen” is carried throughout the activities, prizes and message. While the Easter bunny allows friends of

all ages, a chance to capture a picture moment. The festivities conclude with a huge Easter egg hunt of over 4000 eggs. Children, Ages 10 and under, are separated in two age groups to allow the little ones their own area to hunt and enjoy. This event provides Immanuel members the opportunity to reach out and to get to know the people in the community. Join us Saturday, March 31st at 10:00 am on the corner of 15th and Arlington.

Easter Blessings By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org

Easter is always a fun time of year. Spring flowers, new leaves on trees, green grass all accomplish this time of year. Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter grass, Easter baskets are all colorful and often made of chocolate and other delightful things to eat. I remember as a boy waking up on Easter morning to see what kind of goodies were in the Easter basket. It is easy to get busy with all of the commercial and cultural aspects of a holiday and miss the real purpose of a holiday. As a Christian, I love celebrating at this time of year but for something far more important than baby bunnies and baby chicks. We are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior from the dead. We are celebrating life! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is what gives us hope as Christians that we will

have eternal life. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:16-17 “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” Then in verse 19 of the same chapter it says, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Our joy as a Christian is found in the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. We serve a living Savior. Many people, even those who call themselves Christians, have no joy in life because they don’t live in the reality of Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. They treat this fact as just a fairy tale or something that matters for church but doesn’t matter in real life. The verse is correct, if Christ did not rise from the dead then we are miserable. But if Christ did rise from the dead then everything He said is true and we must put our faith in Him for eternal life and nothing else! I want to invite you to join us at Arise Baptist Church this Sunday for our Easter services at 10am. We will have a breakfast prior to the service beginning at 9am. Join us as we worship Jesus our Savior this Easter!

Resurrection Services

ishop James Dixon, II and The Community Of Faith Church, will host several services to culminate Passion Week. Sermonic Series: “I Owe It All to the Blood.” The sermon series emphasis is that “we” are justified by faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ God’s Son intercedes on our behalf so that we are justified (made righteous) by faith in Him (Romans 5: 1-10, and Romans 3: 18-21). Bishop Dixon’s exegesis of scripture explained that the blood of Jesus secured our “peace with God.” Peace with God” is not “Peace of God” – mental tranquility but an appreciation that the wrath of God is not towards us. The crucifixion – shedding of innocent blood was the atonement for all our sins. So, we have “Peace with God.”

invites all to Easter worship Maundy Thursday, March 29 7:00 pm Service with Communion

Good Friday, March 30 7:00 pm Service

First Church

Easter Sunday, April 1

Heights

Pastor Larry D. Young Pastor C. David Harrison www.fbcheights.org

Resurrection Celebration Day • Sunday, April 1, 2018 6 am – Sonrise Service, Breakfast 7:15 am, 8 am “The Eight” and 11 am “The Experience.”

Rev. Jerry McNamara, Pastor

Pastor C David Harrison

Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday Bible Study 6:30pm 201 E. 9th St 713-861-3102

PassIon Week

4040 Watonga | 713-688-5227

Sunday School ........................9:15 am Easter Sunday Worship........................10:30am-Noon Wednesday Night Prayer & Bible Study .......... 6:00 pm - 7:45pm

713-861-3102 • www.fbcheights.org

1024 Pinemont

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Share Your Easter with us & discover “the Place Where You Belong”

Bishop James Dixon, II and

The Community of Faith Church

1035 E. 11th Street Houston, TX 77009 713.869.9070

7:00 am Sunrise Service 8:00 am Easter Breakfast 9:15 am Children’s Celebration 10:30 am Worship Service www.gethsemanelutheran.org

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Page 12B • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • The Leader

You're Invited To

EASTER SUNDAY

3206 North Shepherd Dr.

J oin us

S aturday, A pril 7, 2018 8th Annual S pring P lant S ale

P roceeds for White O ak Butterfly & Hummingbird G arden and S erenity G arden 9:00 P res entation by Heidi S hees ly Horticulture Expert Treesearch Farms, Inc.

10:00 - 2:00 P lant S ale (O r until sold out)

P la n t

Featured Plants

Ducher Rose, Oakleaf Hydrangea Native Purple Coneflower

Plant Information

http://treesearchfarms.biz/White_Oak_Conference_Center.html

White Oak Conference Center 7603 Antoine Drive, Houston, Texas 77088 Former Inwood Forest Country Club www.nnmd.org

Presented by

Near Northwest Community Improvement Corporation benefit White O ak Butterfly & Hummingbird Proceeds benefit White Oak Butterfly & Hummingbird G arden and S erenity G arden Garden and Serenity Garden

(713) 895-8021 • Grower1@nnmd.org : www.nnmd.com