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Inside Today: Illegal racing frightens Watonga residents • Page 2A
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Saturday, April 1, 2017 • Vol. 62 • No. 13
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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Gunshots shattered the air on Shpeherd Drive early Sunday morning, and authorities are now investigating the drive-by shooting which resulted in one death near a local convenience store. Per the Houston Police Department, the shots rang out around 4:30 a.m. Sunday in front of the Gulf convenience store at 4615 N. Shepherd Drive. The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the victim was sit-
ting in the parking lot with a friend when he was shot. The suspect(s) were seen driving in a gold or tan four-door sedan southbound on North Shepherd. When the vehicle turned westbound onto Curtin Street, shots were fired from inside the vehicle and struck the victim. One source told The Leader the shooting may have been drugrelated, as those types of arrests and incidents can be common in the North Shepherd corridor. “There’s some drug activity going on right at that Gulf Station and near the Metro bus stop on a
regular basis. It’s a problem here,” Thorton Rd. the source said. “But generally, unless they get into an argument with one another, they pretty 4615 North much leave everyone alone.” Shepherd Dr. However, police could not confirm motive or release any Curtin St. additional information on the shooting or the suspects as of Heidrich St. press time. Anyone with information on this incident should contact the W. 43 St. HPD Homicide Division at 713308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. One person was killed in a drive-by shooting on N. Shep-
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Turner’s Turn
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Treadsack restaurants in bankruptcy The Heights was introduced to the Treadsack restaurant group with their first concept, Down House, in 2011. The concept gained quite a buzz before opening, and the buzz continued to carry them to establish a successful restaurant on Yale Street. The buzz carried the restaurant to open their second concept in 2013, D&T Drive Inn. Later in 2015 and 2016, the restaurant group opened Johnny’s Gold Brick, Bernadine’s, Hunky Dory, Foreign Correspondents, and Canard - with the help of investors. In a February 2017 report from the Houston Press, a former employee and book keeper went public with tax evasion accusations after Foreign Correspondents and neighboring bar, Canard, suddenly closed and employee checks bounced. Just this week, the Houston Press is reporting, “an investor in the troubled Treadsack group of Heights restaurants has sued the owners, accusing them of withholding payments and blocking access to the companies’ financial records.” Houston attorney Richard Rothfelder alleges in the lawsuit, filed Monday in Harris County District Court, that he invested $60,000 in exchange for a percentage of net sales of Down House, D&T Drive Inn, Hunky Dory, Bernadine’s and the now-shuttered Foreign Correspondents. - Christina Martinez
In just 15 months, Mayor Sylvester Turner has addressed some of the city’s toughest issues, including flooding, permits and community engagement. He’s also traveled across the world to promote Houston. In this December photo, he was in Bahrain to help Houston land the 2020 World Petroleum Congress. (Contributed Photo)
Mayor picking off one issue at a time By Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com Mayor Sylvester Turner’s social media feed would make a Ferris wheel dizzy. Consider last Sunday’s schedule. He attended church services – three of them – at Jordan Grove MBC, Ecclesia Houston and First Baptist Houston. In between, he stopped at the Holocaust Museum for a quick talk and the Cigna Sunday Streets on 43rd Street in Oak Forest for a little dancing on the pavement. If you think that’s a busy day, it’s
hardly that for a man who spent 20 years in the Texas Legislature seemingly prepping for his turn as Houston’s CEO. In his first year in office, Turner Column: Hiring has tackled vir- firm couldn’t tually every have found a public concern better leader Page 4A raised during a 2015 campaign in which he outlasted 12 other candidates. From pensions to permitting, flooding to flying (as in to Cuba, Bahrain and Mexico, among others), Turner’s wheels haven’t stayed parked for long.
Focus on Non-Profit
Last week, between morning meetings, an appearance at the Bassmaster’s kickoff and a visit to the University of Houston, Turner sat down with The Leader for a quick talk about some of the issues important to this area of Houston. Flooding On March 7, Turner announced a plan to help White Oak Bayou’s continued flooding dilemma. In the past two years, heavy rains haven’t just dampened yards; they have driven families from their homes.
See Turner P. 3A
Mark Williamson knows too well the issues Super Neighborhood 15 (Greater Heights) has encountered in revitalization efforts. With that in mind, when he was elected president for a second time last year, he vowed to be more aggressive in his efforts to restore the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood to the beacon it once was. In an attempt to re-awaken what has fallen from a vibrant super neighborhood to a dormant organization over the last several years, Super Neighborhood 15 gathered for its annual meeting Monday, March 27. Monday’s get together was the first since 2016, and has become annual instead of quarterly – the result of declining interest that seems to have pervaded the group since before Williamson initially left the presidency a few years ago. “The Memorial and Houston Heights super neighborhoods used to be pointed to as examples to emulate. Once upon a time they were extremely active with lots of folks involved,” said Mark Klein, president of Super Neighborhood 12 (Garden Oaks/Oak Forest), who has interacted with SN 15’s leaders in past years. Williamson had been fervently searching for an avenue of reviving it in the years since his last presidency, and Monday signaled what he hopes is just the beginning of bringing Super Neighborhood 15 back to life. “When I was elected last year, I got very busy and didn’t do much of anything to try and revive it then,” he said. “The last time we amended our bylaws we said we were going to have an annual See Super P. 3A
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Super Neighborhood 15 President Mark Williamson addresses attendees at the meeting March 27.
Second of a multi-part series
MANNA continues the mission of local ministries By Jennifer Layer jennifer@theleadernews.com After an oil crisis in the early 1980s local Houstonians were broke and reaching out to their churches for guidance. In 1989 this outbreak of financial need caused 10 churches to band together and create the Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance, also known as MANNA. Today MANNA is known for its small thrift shop and big heart. While serving 13 zip codes and an average of 1,000 people a month,
MANNA has made its mark in this community. Although most people know about their resale shop, MANNA also provides numerous other services. These include a food pantry on 34th Street; financial and nutrition classes on the first and third Wednesday of the month at Saint James; clothing vouchers; a community food fair every third Saturday of the month; and other seasonal events like the Thanksgiving Turkey Tailgate where 200 local families receive fried turkeys.
Looking towards the future, MANNA hopes to grow their services and their reach. “One thing we are doing is outreach, to reach out to the people and ask them what we can do better,” said Patricia Dornak, executive director of MANNA. “We will assess what the needs of the community are and try to create programs to serve those needs.” One of the most important factors in a successful nonprofit is awareness. That’s See MANNA P. 3A
Photo by Jennifer Layer While most people are probably more familar with their thrift shop, MANNA provides a range of services.
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The public. Saturday, April 1, 2017 • Page 2A
Illegal racing endangering public at Watonga Park By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt — and that sentiment is going strong in a local neighborhood in attempts to prevent catastrophic accidents. An ongoing stream of motorcycles, four-wheelers, and other ATVs racing through Watonga Park at all hours of the night is beginning to take its toll on residents living near. “For about the last year, there have been anywhere between one and four fourwheelers and motorcycles at any given time,” resident Regina Adams said, noting
the racers do so even as late as 11 p.m. with no regard for the public. “They’re riding at high rates of speeds, doing wheelies, donuts and racing each other all through the park whether there are people there or not.” Adams has spoken with multiple HPD officers to try getting a handle on the issue — but received a stunning response. “I’ve spoken to an officer who was actually at the Masonic Lodge as this was going on and visible,” she said. “I asked him if there was anything he could do—ticket them or something. He basically said it was a Parks issue and they can’t write a cita-
tion.” Adams has proceeded to contact the Urban Park Rangers multiple times to send someone out. Unfortunately, though a representative is eventually sent out, she said the riders are long gone by the time Rangers arrive—and something must change to head off the problem. “It’s against city ordinance for them to be doing this, so it’s more than a Park Ranger issue, it’s also a law enforcement issue in my opinion,” she said. “I know you’re not supposed to have motorized vehicles in the park, plus it’s very clear that what they’re doing is endangering others — but they told me there’s
nothing they can do.” Not normally one to raise an uproar, Adams said she could not just sit idly by and let this trend continue. “I feel obnoxious doing this (pestering law enforcement), but this is obnoxious what they (riders) are doing,” she said. “Somebody once saw them in the park whenever the Little League kids were practicing, so just the thought of one of those kids chasing after a ball and getting run over is awful.” Division Manager Richard Blake of the Urban Park Rangers sympathized with Adams’ (and others’) sentiments, but said the randomness the accompanies the riding makes it difficult to address.
“We have received calls about the ATVs and have increased our frequency of patrols in that area,” he said. “The riders ride at various times so it is a matter of timing.”
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Time short for feedback on District Guidelines For The Leader The city of Houston’s yearlong endeavor to remove subjectivity from design guidelines for the city’s historic districts is just about at its end, and consultants are looking to garner one last round of resident feedback before drafting their initial proposal. Following the next commu-
nity workshop for the Design Guidelines project March 30 at 6 p.m. at the Heights Theater at 339 W. 19th Street, consultants will set to work on preparing a draft of their plans. They welcome feedback from district residents on recommendations presented in their recently completed Strategy Paper, which is now posted at houstontx.gov/planning/
HistoricPres/Design-Guidelines-Heights.html. Completed Strategy Papers should be sent to Project Manager Steph McDougal at Steph.McDougal@ houstontx.gov. The comment period will last until April 9 so everyone has 10 days after the meeting to consider and respond. Video from the March 30 meeting will be posted by the follow-
ing Monday, so homeowners unable to attend the meeting can offer their feedback on the recommendations presented in the Strategy Paper. After April 9, the consultants will be turning the recommendations into the draft for the Houston Heights (East, West, South) Historic Districts design guidelines document.
Police Reports • March 17-23 MARCH 17
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However, he said the Parks Department and HPD are currently in the process of hashing out methods of coordination between the two departments to regulate and halt such activity.
Carlo Frank Salvato
December 11, 1938 - March 25, 2017
C
arlo Frank Salvato Sr. 78 born December 11, 1938 HighBank, Texas died March 25, 2017. Carlo graduated from Sam Houston State University and had a long career in the liquor business. Quality Beverage Company for 18 years, Canandaigua Wine Co., and Carlos Discount Liquor. He concluded his career in the car business. He was a member Sacred Heart Society and American Legion Post 560 for many years. Survived by his wife Leona Salvato and children Carlo Salvato Junior and Leann Salvato Salmons and five grandchildren as well as his sister Mary Falco Hogan. Leaving behind many friends and loved ones. Interment will be located in the family cemetery in Marlin, TX.
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Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
Next Show: April 12, 2017 7PM Dinner/8PM Show where: American Legion Post 560 3720 Alba Rd. CoSt: $20 (Includes: Admissions/Dinner/2 Drinks
Want to add some laughter to your life? It is almost that time again! Greater Heights Comedy Night will return to American Legion in Garden Oaks on April 12th at 7 PM. Want to know the best part? The event proceeds benefit military veterans of Post 560…so come join us! The April 12th show will keep you laughing with headliner Jimmy Pineapple, feature comedian Barry Laminack, and host Naro Mak. After the evening kicks off with the comedic antics of Naro “that chicken man,” Barry Laminack will tickle your funny bone with hilarious insights into his passion for MMA, addiction to sports talk radio, hobby of searching for better hobbies, and on-going tolerance for his two cats. The evening will finish with sidesplitting comedy from headliner Jimmy Pineapple, who is one of the original Texas Outlaw Comics and also written and directed his own sketch comedy shows at Second City Theatre, Los Angeles and the Improv Olympic, Los Angeles. He has appeared on numerous television comedy specials including Showtime’s acclaimed
stand-up series Full Frontal Comedy. In addition to enjoying laughs aplenty, your tummy will be happy too since Spaghetti Western will be catering dinner this month! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at the Facebook page for Greater Heights Comedy Night by clicking on the “Shop Now” button. Although tickets can also be purchased at the door, be sure to purchase your tickets online to get reserved seating! The admission charge includes entrance to the comedy show, catered dinner in the smoke-free environment prepared by a rotating list of locally owned restaurants, and two drink tickets for alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. Parking is always free! Doors open for dinner at 7 PM, the show starts at around 8 PM, and the fun normally ends around 10 PM.
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Come hungry, thirsty, and ready to laugh.
Proceeds benefit military veterans of American Legion Post 560 3720 Alba Rd. Houston, TX 77018
To purchase tickets Find us on Facebook @ Greater Heights Comedy Night
Saturday, April 1, 2017 • Page 3A
Turner from P. 1A Instead of continuing to treat the symptoms (helping displaced flooding victims), Turner appointed the city’s first-ever Flooding Czar, Steve Costello, and he worked with District A Councilmember Brenda Stardig to convert the 223acre site of the former Inwood Country Club into a detention pond. “We’re going at flooding with a multi-level plan,” Turner said. “Yes, we need more detention, but we’re putting a great deal of emphasis on planning.” According to Turner, the Inwood detention pond will hold more water than a brimming full Astrodome. He pointed to the success of Arthur Storey Park halfway between the Westpark and I-69 on Beltway 8 as a model for what this detention pond will ultimately be. “This isn’t just going to be a place to catch water. It’s going to be a recreational center, and it will be a significant improvement for [flood control] in the area,” he said. Along with that, Turner said part of Inwood’s history of a golf course would be maintained. “We’re also going to open a First Tee location there and utilize the clubhouse,” he said. One big pond isn’t the only solution to flooding in the area, though. Turner said Costello has helped identify more than 100 smaller drainage projects in the city that need immediate attention, and two projects in each of the 11 city council member districts are being completed right now. “When we finish those 22, we’ll move on to the next 22 projects,” Turner said. But there’s another flooding issue that Turner knows must be addressed: Development. When new construction takes place all across the city, absorbent grass and dirt is replaced with notso-absorbent concrete, something this city does not lack. “We have to look at developments and make sure we have a zero-sum game,” Turner said. In other words, if concrete is laid on one block, the city needs a plan to capture that same area of water during storms. “We have to make sure we’re not doing things that will make us more prone to flooding. We can’t put in detention ponds and then take away the benefits.” Part of that responsibility is falling to two departments: Public Works and Planning. Turner said those departments are required to work with new developers to issue permits that adequately address flooding concerns. “We have to change the culture some,” Turner said. “Look, we don’t want to stop growth. We just need responsible growth.” Permitting Ask any business or homeowner about the process for obtaining permits in this city, and that person will pull out half of his or her hair. For years, the painstaking step in getting through Houston’s permitting office has been nightmarish, at best. Turner approached the problem in his first year by moving away from the results and focusing on the process citizens face when they apply for permits. “In most cases, people were dealing with three or four different people when they ap-
Super from P. 1A
plied,” Turner said. “And they’d get different inspectors telling them they had to do different things.” What Turner learned was that city departments, even people within the same department, weren’t communicating. “The process wasn’t streamlined,” he said, bluntly. Turner found the same problem with fixing potholes in the city, which he tackled during his first month in office. “We changed the process [with potholes], and permitting has to be seamless,” he said. The Mayor sounds more like a CEO than a politician: “I send people through the process so they can tell me what the problems are.” Along with fixing the way customers are treated, Turner said the city is spending $4 million with a local company that will develop a website where most permits can be obtained. That site should be ready within the next year, he said. Citizen Involvement The Leader has written often about the lack of representation in this area, and not because city council members don’t do the best they can. This city is so large that no form of government could work better to address needs of the constituents. That results in citizens who feel they don’t have a voice in city government. Turner knows one of the challenges in Houston is to find a way to make more people feel like they’re part of the solution. “Local government works best at the most local level,” he said. “We have to engage homeowners, civic associations, business leaders. We need all of them to be involved.” Turner’s comments came on the heels of Super Neighborhood 15 trying to revamp community interest. “Some of these Super Neighborhoods lack resources,” he said. “It’s something we have to address. We have to empower these groups to have more of a say.”
meeting to have elections, and that we would call meetings as an issue arose. As it so happened, no issue arose in the last year. We haven’t found anything to really rise to the level of a crisis or an interesting topic over the past year, and I resolved to see what I could do now to reenergize it.” Shortly before SN #15 set the date for the annual get-together, however, an opportunity presented itself, in the form of representatives from the Houston High-Speed Rail Watch. Those in attendance Monday saw a presentation for a proposal on how best to connect a possible high-speed rail terminal in the area near Northwest Mall to downtown without undue impact on the neighborhoods in between. Knowing the community response the high speed rail has generated in past years, Williamson admitted to using it as an opportunity to try kick starting the revival and pique residents’ interest — and his hunch proved correct, as nearly
every chair was full during the presentation. “They were interested in coming to our meeting. I wanted to make it a public meeting so that people who were interested would be able to come and speak on that,” he said. “We could have meetings with executive committees just to hear what people have to say, but to make it a full council meeting with the public invited, it was appropriate to have them in this meeting.” Not the first rodeo Monday’s proceedings were not the first attempts to revive what appears to have become a stagnant Super Neighborhood. A similar effort was inspired in 2009 by a crime wave of home invasions and retail store robberies. After, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee initiated a series of public meetings at the Heights Library, Williamson said one attendee voiced the opinion that such an issue was something that
should be handled by the super neighborhood. It was at that moment the light bulb went on, and is what continues to drive Williamson in his revival attempts today. “We looked at each other and said ‘Do we still have a Super Neighborhood?” he said. “We discovered we did have one, but it had fallen into complete disuse. We started the current incarnation — which is sleeping rather than dead — and I’m hoping to wake it back up.” Despite potential obstacles presented by things ranging from a potential lack of resources to a lack of confidence that it helps get residents’ voices heard or something else, Williamson remained cautiously optimistic about the organization’s future. “I’m hoping that Monday’s meeting will help us get back on track,” he said. “We’ll just have to see how it goes.” Those interested can visit the SN15 Facebook page at facebook.com/GreaterHeightsSNC/.
MANNA from P. 1A
Photo by Jennifer Layer It’s the work of dedicated volunteers that has helped MANNA stand the test of time.
why MANNA is looking to become more visible to the other 12 zip codes they serve outside of 77018. On April 1, MANNA will be hosting a food fare in the 77091 zip code at West Little York and Antoine. One quality that separates MANNA from other organizations is the dedication of their volunteer staff. Since their opening nearly 30 years ago, MANNA has
run almost solely on volunteer efforts alone. With only two fulltime employees and two part-time drivers, the rest of the staff is made entirely of dedicated volunteers. “Most of our volunteers have been here 15 plus years,” said Dornak. “One volunteer in particular named Val, she’s the head cashier. Of the 28 years we’ve been open, she has been here for 27 and a half
of them.” Despite the quality of their current volunteer staff, MANNA is still in need of more community efforts. If you are interested in joining MANNA’s team, even if only for one day, you can contact Patricia Dornak at pdornak@gmail.com or 713-682-7556. They are also always accepting donations, both physical and monetary.
The Topics. Saturday, April 1, 2017 • Page 4A
A hiring firm couldn’t have found a better leader
I
n 2015, Houston voters weren’t exactly unanimous in who they wanted to serve as our city’s next mayor. For that matter, politicians weren’t exactly sure who should assume the throne. There were 13 candidates in the November 2015 election, and most all of them seemed qualified for election (I said “most,” not all). Bill King and Sylvester Turner survived the first round of the General Election and if you think Trump-Clinton or Bush-Gore was close, the population of about two city blocks separated the candidates in the Dec. 12 runoff. Turner received 104,711 votes to King’s 104,125. That’s half of one percent difference, if you’re keeping track at home, and after two previous runs at the office, Turner finally won his turn. In a moment of brutal honesty, I’ll tell you that I didn’t think Turner was the right choice for mayor in 2015. I thought the city was headed toward fiscal calamity (we were) and Turner’s credentials and demeanor on the campaign trail didn’t match up with what I thought our city needed at the time. My reasoning made sense, at least at the time. Turner had spent two decades in Austin serving as a state legislator. He had done that job without much opposition, and let’s face it, state and national political governance aren’t exactly the same thing as running a city the size of a small country. (The city of Houston has as many people as the entire country of Jamaica.) In Austin, any decision that needs to be made goes through a sicken-
Jonathan McElvy Publisher
ing spectrum of red tape. Bills pass from interest groups and lobbyists and – sometimes – actual legislators. Then they go to a committee and get sent back for revisions. If they make it out of committee, they end up on 4th Street, where they are discussed over Stubbs, and then, if lucky, the bill gets compared to similar Senate bills where it may get changed, scrapped or actually voted upon. Let’s put it this way: State and national politics are slow, slow going, and I was worried Turner would come to Houston with 20 years of experience in red-taping every single issue Houston needed to fix. I’ve been wrong about a lot of things in my life. Most weeks, our readers are quick to point them out. But I don’t know that I’ve ever been more wrong about a political candidate than I was about Sylvester Turner. In fact, I’m not sure Houston could have gathered the most qualified candidates in the entire country and found someone better than the person we have sitting in the mayor’s office on Bagby. Part of the reason is because I’m not sure Turner ever actually sits down in his office. Recently, I sent a note to Turner’s
communications director asking if I could spend some time with him talking about the issues most important to our area of Houston. Immediately, I was told the mayor’s schedule was booked through April. I got a note back later that day saying he could fit me in for 30 minutes. The reason Turner doesn’t have much time for interviews with people like me is because he has spent his first 15 months in office confronting every issue previous mayors have only serviced with glancing admissions. In his first week, Turner took on potholes and, if you haven’t noticed, those things usually get fixed within 24 hours of being reported. More importantly, our mayor has tackled a pension issue that has haunted our city for the past decade. Maybe I’m so bullish on Turner because, in my opinion, the bar was set pretty low. His predecessor, Annise Parker, had served as the city’s controller from 2003-2009 and mayor from 2009-2015. She was a member of the city council from
1997-2003. Again, if you’re counting at home, that’s 18 years of being elected by the voters in Houston, and we never attempted to seriously address the debt piling up in pension funds to our city’s most valuable servants – police and firefighters. It took Turner nine months to craft a pension plan that could be presented to his old buddies in Austin. Turner will admit the solution isn’t perfect. He likes to call it “actuarial sound,” meaning it keeps us from piling up more debt while fulfilling our obligation to municipal pensions. Potholes and pensions aren’t the only things Turner has done. He’s already implemented enormous solutions to flooding, he has faced a budget shortfall head-on and figured out a way to keep this city running. He has addressed the homeless issue our city faces and even led a movement to clean homeless encampments twice a week. Turner has sent spies into the permitting office to figure out ways our city could help businesses and
In politics, follow the funny THE COMPUTER –I begin each morning by checking my email. You probably do, too. I keep an eye out for political stuff, particularly jabs at opposing views. Of this, about 99 percent are cartoons, slogans, signs and such from rightwingers aimed at insulting left-wingers. Very little comes from progressives, aka, liberals. Maybe it’s because they can’t buy a PC with their food stamps, the warden won’t let them, or they have no sense of humor. This is some of what I got today. “President Trump has nothing to show after his first 40 days.” Then a picture of Nancy Pelosi, and: “said the woman who has nothing to show after her 30 years in elected office.” Another one: “FBI unlawfully ordered journalists not to report on Clinton-Lynch meeting.” (False news. Then how do we know all about it?) “I am a liberal & a Democrat! Nothing I say has to make sense!” A picture of Rosie O’Donnell and: “I refuse to wear Ivanka Trump’s clothes.” “Don’t worry, Rosie, they don’t come in cow sizes.” Mean-spirited, as usual, but pitifully lame. No crazy cartoons, no quotes taken out of context, nary an altered photograph. In the past, the rightwing haters turned out much better material. Zingers about Hillary, Hawaii vacations and Obamacare. Great jabs at Michelle’s White House food garden and the President’s clumsy “Navy corpes-man,” but not many racial jokes, if you overlook the signs showing Obama as a cannibal with bone through his nose. What happened to the declining political humor on social media? Bill and Hillary Clinton were standard fodder for both GOPers and late night TV stand-ups. They could easily imitate that gravely Arkansas accent. George W. Bush was a Republican, so he was off limits and didn’t give us much material, anyway. Then came eight long years of famine. No Drama Obama was aptly named. No hot sex scandals, no bribes or stupid politician’s tricks. Almost everyone liked the First Family, Benghazi was not a humorous matter, employment rates and the economy were improving. Nothing ruins a late night TV host’s career like an honest politician. Then came Trump. Our prayers were answered! The laughs started when he announced his candidacy, got better during the campaign, and his presidency breaks all records for comical material. But now, despite the goldmine of Trumpisms, the three wives, many girlfriends, Trump University, Russian connections, British hackers, sleazy cabinet billionaires, etc., the left side of my PC
Lynn Ashby Columnist
screen remains quiet. Where are those Godless commies with their funny jokes and cartoons impaling the most ridiculous presidency in our history? But it gets worse. While we mourn the lack of gotcha! humor from the rank-and-file left, now that the boot is on the other jack, we must also mourn the total lack of rightwingers’ putdowns. Their plight is obvious: their main targets – Obama and Hillary -- have disappeared, melted away. Both are mostly out of sight writing their multi-million dollar memoires. Obama, as mentioned, was always dull and a joke about him now brings us hardly a smile. Hillary is old news. Telling a Hillary joke is like ridiculing Millard Fillmore, the Macarena or spats. Who cares? For a joke to be topical, it has to be, well, topical. It is the dark side of human nature that we like to laugh at someone rather than with someone. Dems prefer dumb Trump jokes over Clinton yuks. GOPers guffaw at those stupid liberals, but not at that dyed-blond bull’s eye in the Oval Office. So the right is left, so to speak, with weak attempts at humor. Poor Dennis Millar, a very funny conservative comic, had nonstop gigs before howling Republicans while swatting liberals. Now what does he do for punchlines? “How about that Nancy Pelosi? Her face is wearing more plastic than a VISA card.” Dead silence. “They say 24 million Americans will lose their health insurance. Talk about population control. Eat your heart out, Planned Parenthood.” More silence. The big winners are those TV comics who begin every show with Trump jokes, and he really ought to start charging them as head gag writer. Stephen Colbert has overtaken Jimmy Fallon simply by sure-fire laughs with that day’s Oval Office pratfalls. Acidic Bill Maher on HBO has seen his audience grow by almost 50 percent since the presidential elections. “The Daily Show” has its best ratings since Jon Stewart left the program in 2015. “Saturday Night Live” (or SNL as we TV critics call it) has made Trump impersonations, jokes and skits such a staple that it now has its highest ratings in 24 years. We must suspect there’s a link there. This just in: NBC
knows how to milk a laugh and ratings. The network has announced its “Weekend Update” skits on SNL – filled with Trump jokes -- will run during the summer while the rest of the show takes a vacation. But it’s not just the comics who are reaping the ratings. According to The New York Times (if you can trust the press), interest in what the Trumpster’s next move will be has generated more viewers for cable news shows. The leftist MSNBC, which was on the defensive during the blah Obama years, has surpassed the down-the-middle CNN in prime time for the first time. Specifically, Rachel Maddow has more viewers than ever.
On the right, Fox News, the leader in cable news viewers and sex harassment suits, has seen a 31 percent jump in its ratings since a year ago. So we can see that across the board, or remote, TV is going through boom days, and we can thank Trump for that. But I do miss those really telling insults (President Hillary is flying in on Broom One), and downright lies (Obama the Kenyan). We are receiving cold porridge, indeed, from the old guys in their bathrobes in the basement at night churning out venom. We need a bumper crop of bumper stickers, the meaner the better. Ashby’s email is ashby2@ comcast.net
homeowners, and he’s even been successful at helping Houston ISD cut its obligation to a Robin Hood law that would have taken $165 million of Houston taxes and sent them to other districts in the state. Instead, his savvy political move got that number down to $77 million, saving us almost $90 million. But here’s why I’m most proud of Mayor Turner. A few weeks ago, he was seemingly attacked by members of his own party – people who said he wasn’t being progressive enough on social issues. At the end of our interview, I briefly asked him about that, and his answer was a lesson all politicians could stand: He didn’t seem to care much. For Turner, he may have one more election fight in him when his first term expires at the end of 2019. But until then, the guy just can’t seem to sit still. He wants to fix everything wrong with his city, and he’ll travel anywhere at anytime and talk to anybody if it will help. Along with trips to Bahrain, Cuba and Mexico – all in the name of trade and improving Houston – Turner spent Monday in Austin and Tuesday in Washington, D.C. He wasn’t taking trips for the sake of travel. He was promoting Houston and fighting to fix our pension crisis. While it’s fine for the Mayor to travel, if he keeps up what he’s doing now, we need to keep that guy right here, in his office on Bagby, for another seven years. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com
The reader. What will it take to move the needle at 43rd and Rosslyn?
Dear Editor: Dean Neely and team is absolutely wonderful as well as the guys at the Architecture Studio, who specialize in Fire House design work. It would be great to champion MORE small business owners like these guys -- for instance, the Heights has become so “gentrified” with a chaos of architectural styles and cacophony of restaurants that come and go - it would be nice to support an affordable business area at 43rd and Rosslyn for vital professional businesses serving the greater area. Angela DeWree
Oaks Dads’ Club provides the ground work for neighborhood youth
Dear Editor: The greatest thing ever for my three kids. Started there in 1986 and last one ended around 2005. Before that my husband spent his youth at ODC. My grandkids don’t live in the area but I know they would be there if they lived close. I miss it and the many friends we made through ODC. Get involved. You’ll love it and be glad you did. Joni Straker Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss
1. Nonsense (slang) 5. Military leader (abbr.) 9. Removes 11. Streamed 13. Inner ear cavity 15. Where to go after high school 16. Olympics host 17. A day to remember fallen soldiers 19. Forearm bone 21. Bypass surgery pioneer F. Mason __ 22. Judo garments 23. Gentlemen 25. Large wrestler 26. Large integer 27. Makes a soft sound 29. Some claim to have six 31. Sunfish 33. Clan 34. A form of comedy 36. Defy 38. More (Spanish) 39. Sixteen ounces 41. Adventure story 43. Liquid distilled from wood or coal 44. Michigan ghost town
46. Fond of 48. Pearl Jam frontman 52. Clothes 53. Flinches 54. Giving the axe 56. Where planes are kept 57. Intervals 58. Plant’s unit of reproduction 59. Equips
dOwn
1. Cooks by exposure to direct heat 2. Using few words 3. Wood 4. Steer 5. Soft drink 6. Consider 7. Clears from a river 8. Claim again 9. Beige 10. Witnesses 11. Spiked 12. Partidge actor Susan and Marmaduke director Tom 14. __ and Andy, TV show 15. Fraiche and de
Menthe are two 18. Burden 20. Olfactory properties 24. Carbon particles 26. Set of four 28. A sweater pulled over the head 30. Relaxing places 32. Gets up 34. Canned fish 35. __ Blyton, children’s author 37. A conceited and self-centered person 38. Fine-textured cotton fabric 40. Turner and Kennedy 42. Repents 43. Smartphones, tablets, etc. 45. A way to garner 47. Eat them for breakfast 49. Former Tigers third baseman Brandon 50. Oh, God! 51. Canadian flyers 55. One legged Chinese mythological demon
WORD SCRAMBLE
Saturday, April 1, 2017 • Page 5A
The calendar. COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host the Jeff Woosley and The Dancehall Kings, Country Western music, from 8 p.m.11:30 p.m. March 31. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all Saturday night dances, starting at 7:30 p.m. and during intermission. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Information: 713-8695767, lodge88.org. BUBBLEFEST 2017 Houston Vineyard The community is welcome to attend Bubblefest 2017, at Sabor del Northside Castillo Park - Quitman and Fulton. The free event will be from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 1. The festival will celebrate culture, food, music, and art of the Northside. The children’s area will feature huge bubble pits, crafts, and games. Bring your friends. Information: jill@houstonvineyard. org, 713-869-9070. AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., April 3, in the community room at 1520 Candlelight Ln. The meeting is open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m. Information: 713-6811133.
DAY OF SERENITY The Forum at Memorial Woods Live well, stress less! The Forum at Memorial Woods, 777 N. Post Oak Rd., will hold a Day of Serenity, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6. There will be a hot tea bar upon arrival. Guest speakers featured are Robert Landau, who will discuss how to manage stress; and Simone Oliver, who will lead a meditation. RSVP to 713-9560870 or email ecollins @5ssl.com. COMMUNITY YARD SALE Katherine Smith Elementary School Katherine Smith Elementary School, 4802 Chrystell Ln., will hold a community yard sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. April 8. Information: myoakforest.org. TOUR THE ART COMPOUND Heights Garden Club Come view the property of prominent artist Dixie Friend Gay, owner of the garden, house and art studios located on an acre of land off a tributary of White Oak Bayou in the Clark Pines neighborhood. The garden is a collection of native and tropical plants intermixed with beautifully placed art and found objects. Features of the garden include a beautiful mixed-media gate by the artist, artfully designed meandering plant beds and a goldfish pond. The event will be at 10 a.m. April 8, at 1901 W. 14th St. Information: www.
From the Pews. Lenten meals and pancake breakfast at St. Matthew’s The Wednesday evening Lenten meals and lessons continue each week, until Easter. The community is invited to a “lite� meal at 6 p.m., followed by a Lenten lesson. The meal is free. The Lydia Circle and United Methodist Men will be hosting the free pancake breakfast, Saturday, April 1, from 8:30-10 a.m. in the fellowship hall. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. Call 713-6970671 or visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist. org for information. Penance service at St. Ambrose Penance service will be at 7 p.m. April 4. There will be eight priests available to listen to confessions. The Stations of the Cross is 7 p.m. every Friday through Lent. There will also be a Saint Vincent de Paul fundraiser dinner from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria, April 7. The meal will be a meatless enchilada dinner. Tickets will be presold at the Stations on Fridays and at Mass, Sunday, April 2. The cost is $8 for three enchiladas, beans, rice and salad; and $5 for two enchiladas, beans and
rice. Choice of cheddar cheese or queso fresco enchiladas. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is located at 4213 Mangum Road. Call 713-6863497 or visit stambrosehouston.org for information. All Saints senior program celebrates 30 years All Saints Senior Program, Third Age Learning Center is celebrating its 30 year anniversary with a Spring Party Friday, April 7, in the church parish hall located at 215 E. 10th St. in the Heights. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. and will feature class exhibits, refreshments, a decorated spring hat contest, door prizes, and music by the Strummin’ Saints Senior Ukulele Band. Lunch will be served following the festivities at noon for $2. Lunch reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 713-248-1277 by 10 a.m. Friday, April 7. Senior activities day at St. Stephen’s Adults age 50+ are welcome to attend the monthly Senior Activities Day, April 5, in the fellowship hall. Games begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a soup and sandwich lunch. Love offerings are encouraged. Join the Palm Procession on Palm Sunday, April 9, at the
heightsgardenclub.com.
public, Stribrnanka will perform April 29, at the SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 5 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. performance and dance. Advance tickets for the dinner and dance are $20, dance only $12. Tickets at the door for the dance only is $15. Call 713-869-5767 for reservations and more information.
URBAN BALLET CONCERT Houston City Dance Houston City Dance, 1307 Clay St., will present their Urban Ballet Concert at 8 p.m. April 13 and 14, and 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 15. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for students. Information: houstoncitydance.com, 713-5296100.
DARE TO DREAM, DARE TO DANCE Studio Nia Moves Studio NiaMoves is celebrating 10 years at 508 Pecore St. in the Heights. Come by April 29, from 7-10:30 p.m. for Dare to Dream, Dare to Dance - a celebration and gala benefiting The Center For Success and Independence. TCSI offers adolescent trauma therapy and treatment for teen substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. Gala features local belly dance stars, Bollywood dance, show-stopping hoopers, silent auction, food, DJ and dancing. Tickets may be purchased at www.niamoves.com/d2d2.html.
STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and entertainment, April 21. Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $15 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook. com/AmLegionPost560/, www. txlegion560.org. SPRING FLING 2017 K-9 Angels Rescue K-9 Angels Rescue is excited to host the 2017 Spring Fling event at Cottonwood, 3422 N. Shepherd Dr., from 6-9 p.m. April 26. The proceeds will benefit the K-9 Angels Rescue. There will also be a band, a silent auction and some exciting raffle prizes. To donate or for information, email sherri_sera@hotmail.com or call 713-294-6398.
K-9 FUN RUN AND WALK Houston Humane Society Houston’s oldest dog run and walk! Register as an individual or start a team, and raise funds for Houston Humane Society’s life saving programs. Come for the race, stay for the party in the park. The walk will be held at Lynn Eusan Park, at the Univer-
STRIBRNANKA SPJST Lodge 88 On tour from the Czech Re-
beginning of the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. Please arrive a few minutes early. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.
benefit of the church. Call 713-682-2556 for information. Annual Ladies Tea at Oak Forest Baptist Oak Forest Baptist Church Women’s Ministry is hosting its annual Ladies Tea, April 22, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church. Tickets are now on sale and seating is limited. Call 713-682-4942 for tickets and information. Oak Forest Baptist Church is located at 1700 W. 43rd St.
Lenten activities at All Saints The All Saints Knights of Columbus council is hosting their Lenten Fish Fry at the Parish Hall. Dinners are served March 31, from 5-8:30 p.m.; and 3-8 p.m. Good Friday (April 14). Adult plates are $10 and children under 10 are $5. Cookies will also be available to purchase for dessert. The Stations of the Cross will be every Friday at 6:45 p.m. in English and 7:15 p.m. in Spanish. All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-304-1626 for information.
‘The Hands of Lent’ at Advent Lutheran The inspirational Lenten Season series, “The Hands of Lent,� continues with Wednesday worship services are held at noon and 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. A light supper will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. by one of the church organizations. Regular Sunday Worship times are 8 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.(traditional) and 10:25 a.m.(contemporary). Educational hour for all ages is from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Advent Lutheran Church is located at 5820 Pinemont Dr. For information, call 713-6868201 or visit adventhouston. org and the Church’s Facebook page.
Oaks Presbyterian to hold annual garage sale Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1576 Chantilly Ln., will hold their fifth annual garage sale from 8 a.m.-noon, April 1. Available for purchase are clothes, toys, antiques, homemade baked goods, plants and more. All proceeds are for the
The Obituaries. Laverne Huntington, 92, born Jan. 19, 1925 in Enid, Okla., died March 21. She is survived by her daughters, Anne Mitchell and Peggy Hornak; brothers Gerald Ray Robertson and Joel Wayne Robertson, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Dorothy N. Kuhlmann, 93, born June 7, 1923, died March 22 after battling colon cancer. She was employed as a legal secretary until her retirement in 1988. Kuhlmann was a member of First Christian Church of Conroe.
She is survived by her son Joel Kuhlmann, daughter Patrice Turner, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Agnes Marie Pratt, 88, born Jan. 23, 1929, died March 20. She is survived by her children Michael Pratt, Patricia Freeman, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Janet Kay Ross, 56, born Oct. 3, 1960, died March 18. She was raised primarily in the Heights area, and attended Hogg Jr. High and
John H. Reagan (Heights HS), where she graduated with highest honors. She also attended SMU. Her employment career began at Texas Commerce Bank and ended 32 years later at JP Morgan Chase. She briefly retired from Chase and was re-employed by the bank after her retirement. She worked until she became disabled. Survivors include her sister Beverly Nash and brother Larry Ross.
Benni Lou Summers, born April 7, 1956,
sity of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd., from 8 a.m.-noon, April 29. To register, visit HoustonHumane. org or call 713-433-6421. CIRCLE OF LIFE GALA Memorial Hermann Foundation Memorial Hermann Foundation will host the annual Circle of Life Gala, “Celebration,� from 7-9:30 p.m. April 29. The gala will be held at the Hilton Americas - Houston, 1600 Lamar St. For sponsorship and ticket information, call 713-242-4450 or email cathleen.fishel@memorialhermann.org. Information: www. circleoflifegala.org.
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SCrEEning For oral CanCEr Say “Ahhh!� Chase Baker, D.D.S.
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pril is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and as such we will be focusing on early detection and the potentially life saving efforts made by your dentist. At each check up with your dentist, you should be receiving an oral cancer screening as a part of your evaluation. This is simple and painless and often times you may not even realize that this has been done. First, your dentist will check your x-rays for any changes that may be noted in the bone. While doing your visual exam, they will check your cheeks, lips, gums, palate, throat, tongue, and under your tongue. Your dentist may also use a special light that is able to detect changes in your tissue before it can be seen (more on this next week). Your dentist will finish with a palpation exam checking for any swollen abnormalities in your jaw muscles and will feel like a relaxing massage. While oral cancer is a scary thing, oral cancer screenings are super easy so there’s nothing to be afraid of here. Sit back, say “Ahhhh!�, and enjoy a massage. Your dentist will do the rest...and might even save your life. Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406. Ad # 37568
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GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227
• Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. • Morning:10:30 a.m. • Evening: 4:15 p.m.
Reverend John Cain, Pastor Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.
1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942
Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org
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otice that the sixth act of spiritual mercy says to “forgive all injuries.� Thus, we are called upon to forgive all those who wrong us, no matter how large or small the injury. Not only is this good spiritual advice, but it is also good from the mere perspective of human relations. At times, this can be incredibly difficult, especially if we have been wronged gravely or repeatedly by someone who seems intent on harming us. However, by forgiving those who have harmed us, we “bury the hatchet� and thus end the conflict and any associated animosity. Otherwise, we are sure to keep the conflict running and thus increase the possibility of being injured in the future. Great acts of forgiveness are some of the most morally beautiful actions, and often lead to reconciliations which were not thought to be humanly possible. Consider that in places like Rwanda, where acts of genocide were carried out, victims who had their entire families murdered have somehow found it within themselves, and with the help of God, to forgive their enemies. We too should reflect on whether we are carrying around any old grudges and thus have not forgiven all injuries. And then, with God’s help, truly forgive them. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm
4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092
R.S.V. Colossians 3:12-13
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1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577
Page 6A • Saturday, April 1, 2017
Neighbors: Owl family makes home in Lear’s nestbox By Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com
Mark Lear, our neighbor in Oak Forest, has shared an update regarding his family’s resident owls, Owlivia and Owlexander. This is the second year the owl pair has hatched a family in the Lear family’s nestbox. Lear says judging by the changes in their behavior, Owlivia’s eggs have hatched. Owlivia, who has spent the last five weeks almost constantly in the nestbox, is now beginning to make more frequent appearances in the nestbox
Owlivia shows her scruffy and fluffy feathers after hours of sitting on her eggs.
opening rather than remaining down in the box, and Owlexander is delivering food much more frequently. It will be another several days before the owlets are strong enough to climb the nestbox and begin
to peep out the opening. Very exciting! Their babies must be getting big! Mark your calendars Saturday, April 1 - the 5th Annual Garage Sale at Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1576 Chantilly Lane. The sale is to be located in the back parking lot as well as indoors with many items including fresh baked goods, plants, tools, clothes, antiques and more. All proceeds will go towards repairs to the church. Saturday, April 8 - 8:45 a.m.–noon - Women’s Self Defense Class in the Frank Black Mid-
family DentiStry State-of-the art procedures,
dle School Gym. The class, open to the community and all women ages 12 and up, will be taught by Master Derek Stinson, a 5th degree Black Belt in Chun Kuk Do. Learn lifesaving techniques for defending oneself in crucial situations. $25 per person or $40 for two if you bring a friend. Wear comfortable clothing and pay at the door, cash or check. There is plenty of space for a huge crowd, so bring a friend. Email Karate Parent Network President Nancy Polasek at nthildeb@gmail.com for information.
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Follow-up question about cat supplies companion--perfectly suited for apartment-living. So, what do you need to make an adult cat happy in your home? Actually, very little. But, here’s a quick rundown of the basics. Good-quality cat food: Ideally, you shouldn’t switch your cat’s food often as this can cause stomach upset. So, try out the food of your choice and, if it makes everyone happy, then stick with it. Unlike humans, cats can be perfectly content eating the same food every day for the rest of their lives. A scratching post or cat tree: There’s a small chance that your new kitty is already declawed and won’t need a scratching post (and if he’s not declawed, PLEASE don’t even consider doing that to him) but if he’s not, a scratching post offers kitty an opportunity to stretch and care for his claws. A cat tree typically has a scratching post incorporated into it and offers the additional appeal of giving kitty a high place to hang out and climb. Cats love high places and, if you give him an acceptable high place to hang out in your apartment, this might keep him off of your kitchen counters and from jumping up onto your wobbly entertainment center.
Dear Tabby, A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to you, asking which pets would be most apartment-friendly. I’ve settled into my new apartment and, thanks to your advice, I’ve decided to adopt a cat--specifically an adult cat. What sort of supplies does an adult cat in an apartment need? Apartment dweller in The Heights Dear Apartment Dweller, Adult cats are oftentimes looked over at shelters for the “Ms. Congeniality� of the shelter world: The kittens. But adult cats can easily assimilate into a household with little to no adjustment period. They don’t have the bad habits that kittens can have and are a wonderful
A few toys: An adult cat doesn’t need as much stimulation as a kitten does but--make no mistake--adult cats love to play too! Playtime is important for adult cats as it offers them opportunities to exercise and entertainment that keeps them happy and out of trouble. It also serves as great bonding time for you and your cat. A litterbox: For most cats, a simple litterbox does the trick. Especially in the early days of having a cat, you’ll find that you don’t need the fancy, robotic, self-cleaning litterboxes or the other high-tech gadgets. Take into consideration the size of your cat and make sure that the litterbox that you get for him is roomy enough so that he won’t hang over the edge when using it. Also, pick a spot to keep the litterbox and stick with it. If you move the litterbox around, trying to find the perfect spot, you might confuse kitty and this could lead to accidents in the apartment. Flea medications: After a trip to the vet, you can get a prescription for topical flea medications that will keep your pet and your apartment free from fleas. These are typically applied once a
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Meet Angel and Pinkie. These two poodle/Chihuahua mix girls are mother and daughter. They were dumped at a wholesale plant nursery in an industrial part of town. To learn more go to: www.scoutshonor.org or stop by the adoption center on Saturdays from 10-3pm at 1128 Heights Blvd.
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Saturday, April 1, 2017 • Page 7A
Entertainment
Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar is ready to rock
Calendar O Dolce Neve opens 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 Dolce Neve - 4721 N. Main St. The Austin based gelato shop, Dolce Neve, is very close to opening the doors of their second location in the Heights. The official opening date at the 4721 N. Main St. location is slated for Thursday, March 30. The propietors of the family-owned shop all grew up in Italy and aim to recreate the experience of the Italian artisanal gelateria in Texas by serving Italian style, flavorful and wholesome gelatos. Dolce Neve sources its name from the Italian words for “sweet snow.” Dolce Neve will commence regular hours on Friday, March 31 starting at noon, and following the hours listed: Sunday–Thursday: 12–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 12–11 p.m.
Upgrade Your Happy!
6 - 9 p.m. Saturday, April 1 Slowpokes - 1203 W. 34th St. An incorrect date was printed in Christina Martinez’s column. Upgrade Your Happy was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 25, but printed March 21 in The Leader’s March 25 edition. The event, however, was postponed due to weather conditions and rescheduled from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. The event is a partnership with neighbor Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA, showcasing the movie Zootopia. There will be food trucks on-site, prizes and fun.
Houston Whatever Fest
April 1 and 2 Polk St. and Hutchins St. This city’s only music, comedy and art festival returns to the East End of Downtown this weekend. The third annual festival will include more than 80 acts on 5 stages featuring a diverse mix of music genres, top-tier comedy acts and a variety of art experiences, along with culinary options from some of the best local food trucks, Houston-centric vendors, unique street performers, and more! Continuing with its commitment to showcasing national talent alongside up-andcoming performers, the festival aims to provide opportunities for local acts, from musicians and comedians to artists, as part of the annual line up. Weekend general admission tickets are $49.45. Visit houstonwhateverfest.com.
Houston Dynamo vs. New York Red Bulls
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1 BBVA Compass Stadium 2200 Texas St. The home team takes the field this weekend to face the NY Red Bulls. The team is 2-0 for home matches, just recently coming off a road loss.
ver on East 24th Street in the Heights is a lot filled with history. Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, located at 1031 E 24th St., was previously occupied by the owners of Frankel’s Costumes and operated the building as a steak house. Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar eventually took off as a venue in the 80s, recently closing in early 2016 – and just changed hands to four Heights neighbors and partners to re-open the venue as a neighborhood bar. The guitar bar re-opened doors on Saturday, March 25 with Jennifer Caldwell, Scott Fix, and John and April King as the new owners. The four partners frequented the guitar bar before taking the lead, all working in the service industry, and all unanimously
agreed on reviving this bar to be a neighborhood destination. “The last show was in March 2016,” Jennifer Caldwell said. “The owner, who was here before us, also owned Shakespeare’s Pub, and he found himself struggling to manage both places. I was working here at the time and floated the idea of us taking over and we were able to work this out. The other option they had was to turn this place into town homes, and we just didn’t want to see that happen. This is such an important piece of Houston’s history; we wanted to see it continue to thrive and bring in a whole new generation of people that can enjoy the music here.” The guitar bar has stuck to its name over the years and has primarily been a blues, folk and honkytonk club. Scott Fix said they will continue that tradition. “We want to continue doing that, but also branch out and do some rock,” Photo by Christina Martinez Fix said. “It is An original Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar logo neon Dan Electro’s sign that still hangs at the bar. The logo was Guitar Bar, so originally created by a member of Beans that’s what’s goBarton & the Bi-Peds, who often played at ing to lead us as Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar in the 80s.
Managing Editor
for what kind of music we’re going to do.” When it comes to what’s going to be behind the bar, the bar program is going to stick to neighborhood roots and highlight Heights beer. Caldwell said there are breweries popping up everywhere, but they’d like to represent the Heights well. There will be a focus on Texas craft beer, which is something Fix said he’s passionate about, as well as icehouse staples and a full liquor selection. Coming soon, the guitar bar will have a frozen machine, just in time for patio weather and the upcoming Houston summer. Caldwell said to be on the look out for a frozen Moscow Mule. And speaking of patios, the bar’s patio space outside is definitely a place to be. Traditionally, Dan Electro’s has been a music venue. With the new four at the lead they’d like to shift to being a neighborhood bar that hosts live music - one that keeps their neighbors in mind. Email christina@theleadernews.com
Art Valet: First Saturday Art Market open for business this weekend
According to the pedometer on my phone, visiting art festivals is a healthy activity. To the tune of about four miles a day at Bayou City Art Festival last weekend. It was an amazing weekend for an art show too, excluding the rain Friday night. I’d say only the food trucks weren’t concerned for our health, but when are they? If you’re envisioning me zig-zagging across Memorial Park like little Billy from the cartoon Family Circus, you’d be close. I was, in fact, visiting with the 21 Houston area
Kramlich, Jefferson Woodruff, Adriane R. Wiltse, Terry Fromm, Rodney Butler, Joel Anderson, Gaston Carrio, Isabelle Dupuy, Tra’ Slaughter, April Murphy, Homer Allen, Andy Gonzalez, Lauren Luna, Anahait Garzoyan, C.S. Ellington, Syd Moen, Cory Cannella, Kenneth Hudson and Stephanie Shroyer. April 1 is first Saturday (no fooling) so you know where to find me: First Saturday Arts Market. I’m excited because our favorite band returns to perform. The former Heights residents John and Rebecca
Sticky Fingers 3 Sticker Art Show
6-10 p.m. Sunday, April 2 Insomnia Video Games 724 W. 19th St. FREE The third installment of this unique sticker art show celebrates some of Houston’s best and biggest street artists alongside other local artists who may be new to the scene or trying their hand in the art of the slap. The gallery show will feature some classed up slaps, there will be plenty of individual stickers to buy, plus we’ll have a giveaway or two as is tradition. Free to attend, family friendly, and always a good time.
Christina Martinez
C.S. Ellington of Lufkin at her Bayou City Art Festival booth. Ellington will be at the 1stSatArtMarket April 1, located at 540 W. 19th St.
artists who were in the show. Not all, but quite a few have done my shows, so congratulations were in order. The following artists deserve mention in the paper, big congrats to Charlie Hardwick, Angie Spears, Kristen
Stoll call their band Grifters & Shills. They bring more smiles, toe tapping and impromptu dancing than any other group. Their mix of originals and old-school Americana is the perfect kind of festival music. Catch them in the afternoon
Country Western Mi8dPM til night night
Friday, april 7th
A Mix of The Classics and Today’s Hits with DJ Jamie Perry
American Legion Post 560 3720 Alba • Houston TX 77018
no CAsh CoVer!
Instead We Ask You Bring Toiletries, Socks, T-Shirts, Etc to be donated to the DeBakey VA Hospital
Mitch Cohen Art Columnist
3-6 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. Allison Bishop is a singersongwriter who moved to Houston just this January, and I can tell you, we should be celebrating because she is great. Her voice, stories and original bluesy, rock-style are the perfect combos to get our day started. Find music clips, artist interviews and the full roster including preview images of the art on the website. The market is located next to YogaOne Studios at 540 W. 19th St and is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1stSatArtMarket.com. Tea+Art at 613 1/2 W 19 St. will host a wine and cheese reception for Glassell School Ceramic Student Art Show Saturday afternoon 2-5 p.m. The body of work will remain on display through April. Tea+Art is a tea bar and amazing art gallery space. Open Thursdays through Sunday, follow them at teaplusart.com. Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the new Market at Sawyer Yards, find him at ArtValet. com.
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