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Saturday, May 13, 2017 • Vol. 62 • No. 19

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A mission to provide open arms

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A vision from God led Helen Gay to a devoted life of helping the poor, and in 1961 she opened her home to women in crisis. Now, more than 55 years later, her original vision has evolved while continuing to serve women and mothers in need in the Houston community.

The late Gay, who sadly passed away in 2008, was the creator and founder of what she said God told her to call the Mission of Yahweh (‘God’ in the Old Testament), officially established as a non-profit 501(c)3 homeless shelter for women and children in 1972. From a single lonely structure on Algiers at its inception, the Mission of Yahweh has blossomed into what is now a 12-building, 125-bed campus which includes two emergency dorms and one transitional dorm available to both single women and mothers with children in order to serve what has become an ever-growing population of women in need.

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Photo courtesy of Mission of Yahweh A Mission of Yahweh volunteer reads to children. The Houston non-profit offers on-site childcare (among other things) to help women and mothers in need throughout the Houston area better their lives.

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Temporary home, permanent fix “We started out as an in-and out kind of program for emergency help where you’d come here in crisis and get a quick fix, and then you were on your way,” Executive Director Richard Hill said. Today, however, while Mission of Yahweh still takes in women in crisis, the goal is no longer to serve simply as a temporary band-aid.

“Our goal is for them to not return to a life of homelessness—we’re trying to end their homelessness and help them move to a much better place when they leave so that they’ve been able to get their needs met,” Hill said. “We identify what all they need help with, then we work a plan to try getting those resolved while they’re here.”

Upon identifying a person’s need, Mission of Yahweh’s dedicated staff of 20 employees and nu-

See Mission P. 3A

New Heights Christian Girls Choir garners high honor See what they won.

Page 3A

Modern Motherhood

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

The women who protect us A profile of two local women in law enforcement

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The INDEX. Church....................................................... 7A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Coupons. ................................................. 8A Food/Drink/Art................................... 9A Obituaries.............................................. 8A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 9B

A Mother’s Day without her child

While Jane Sellman is right that the phrase working mother is redundant, there are many mothers in The Leader area who wear a number of hats – both at home, and in the workplace and community. Among the most active is surely Heights mother of three Brie Kelman who currently serves on the board of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission, where she is both helping preserve historic properties in the city and helping other young families follow the law to make a home in these protected areas.

Contributed photo Pretty ironic for someone who never imagined that she Brie Kelman balances a number of roles, but none is as important as her role as wife - and mom to Oliver, would be living in Houston. A Georgie, and baby Jack.

Kansas City native and industrial engineer, Kelman was recruited by ExxonMobil out of “He had just moved here two college to come to the Bayou City. weeks before,” she said. “I had always “Houston’s reputation was not great thought I’d marry someone from high ten years ago,” said Kelman. “I didn’t school that I saw at a reunion.” know what to expect.”

Instead, Scott proposed with a picAnother surprise was meeting New nic in the backyard of their first 1920 Zealand native Scott Kelman at a Young Professionals in Energy happy See Balancing P. 10A hour in 2008.

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Mother’s Day will be a bittersweet day for some, including Garden Oaks resident Roseanne Bolger, who has lived in the neighborhood with her husband Cody for two years.

After multiple miscarriages, the Bolgers were overjoyed when Roseanne became pregnant and did not miscarry in the first trimester.

Unfortunately, a diagnosis of Hyperemesis Gravidarum which causes severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance kept Roseanne in the hospital for long periods of time. Then, there was heartbreak due to an infection.

“Our daughter, Tela Clementine, was born prematurely on

March 5th 2017 at 21 weeks,” said Roseanne. “She lived for 30 minutes and we got to experience the indescribable joy of holding our beautiful baby only to have it so quickly taken from us.”

The couple spent their brief time with their daughter bathing her, taking photos and singing to her. Tela comes from a Phish song and Clementine is from an Elliott Smith song.

“They told us if she had been born two weeks later they would have had a better chance of saving her,” said Roseanne.

“We knew she wasn’t going to make it.”

They buried her in New York and Roseanne placed a letter in the coffin that she had written See Without P. 10A Roseanne Bolger treasured every moment she got to spend with Tela Clementine, a daughter who was born prematurely at 21 weeks.

She wants to spread awareness of those who experience infertility, miscarriage, and loss because of premature birth. Roseanne and husband Cody hope to have a biological child of their own through a surrogate.

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Saturday, May 13, 2017 • Page 2A

Local resident puts best foot forward for cancer research

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither should the race for a cure — it does not take having a life personally impacted to take up the cause, just a giving heart. And by a stroke of fate and chance, a Leader-area resident found the opportunity to showcase hers — and has no plans to quit anytime soon.

Clarissa Smith has no family history of breast cancer, or friends personally affected. In fact, her discovery of the Avon 39 Walk For Breast Cancer came sort of upon the winds of fate. Started in 2003, Avon 39 is an annual walk (basically squeezing a full marathon and half marathon into one weekend) in seven cities across the

country aimed at promoting awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

“My husband was always busy around my birthday, and I didn’t want to spend the day alone,” Smith said of what first led her on the path to Avon 39.

“And as it turned out, the race was usually around my birthday.”

Since 2011 (despite a brief two-year hiatus), however, Smith has found a purpose larger than herself in the event, and had her entire worldview horizons broadened. Now, it’s a part of who she is.

“I’ve continued to do it because that first year, I met so many people who were suffering from breast cancer or had a family member affected by it,” she said. “Then I realized I had friends who had family

members with breast cancer. I didn’t realize how widespread this was. I heard the stories, and now I just can’t stop doing it.”

Smith was the team captain of the Solo Strutters, a national team with 83 members hailing from all over, from New Jersey, Colorado to California to Austin, Magnolia and Cypress.

The 2017 Houston walk (April 21-22) raised $1.7 million, with the Solo Strutters raising $102,000 on their own.

“Just this year I had a team member whose wife was diagnosed, and she had her last treatment was on Monday and is scheduled for reconstructive surgery in May,” she said.

“Stories like that are why I do it and what keeps me inspired to do it all these years.”

Each year, the 39.3-mile

walk begins and ends at Stude Park in the Heights—26.2 miles to base camp at (Methodist Church’s name here) on Saturday, then 13.1 back to the starting line. The 2017 edition had a slight variation (24 miles Saturday, 15 miles on Sunday) due to construction around the city, but the Solo Strutters and others remained undeterred.

“Everyone is determined to start and finish the race. We all get blisters, sore muscles and cramps during the walk, but nobody’s complaining,” Smith said. “You see someone struggling, you start talking to them to get their mind off the pain, and next thing you know we’ve gone another four miles—they forget all about it.”

Once strangers, the 83member Solo Strutters are now bound forever by a common

thread, and thrive on encouraging others to push through the pain and remember what they’re fighting against.

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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The late-going dinner crowd at Union Kitchen had their peaceful night shattered over the weekend as the normallyquiet dining spot experienced quite the shock.

Late Saturday night, May 6, two male suspects, later identified as Dhantori Davis,

17, and Chase Chatman, 19, entered the restaurant brandishing firearms and robbing the managers before going customer to customer, stealing cash, wallets, purses and other valuables in the process.

Nobody was hurt in the incident, while the suspects were later caught one neighborhood over, loot in hand, which was returned to all affected par-

ties.

According to the Houston Police Departments, two males pulled up as the suspects entered the restaurant, later driving a short distance away before calling 911 after realizing what was going down.

Davis and Chatman later exited the restaurant and jumped into an unknown vehicle in attempts to flee the scene. In

“Cancer doesn’t take a break if it’s raining or they have sore muscles,” Smith said. “It never stops, so we can’t stop.”

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the process, however, they collided with the bystanders’ vehicle, responding by firing shots in the direction of the bystanders’ vehicle.

Officers were able to track several of the stolen devices to locate Davis and Chatman’s vehicle before cornering the duo around West Little York.

Both are charged with Aggravated Robbery.

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Boys and Girls Country provides families for neglected children Contributed Photo Boys and Girls Country helps houses and feed local youth

By Jennifer Layer jennifer@theleadernews.com

In 1971 a man named Tommy Robinson founded Boys Country on 10 acres of land in Hockley, Texas. Boys Country housed homeless boys. The organization had the boys work the land while being taught a trait, and were then sent on their way.

Following the addition of a Girl’s Country facility in 1980, the Boys and Girls Country were combined in 1993.

As the times have changed so have the methods and mission of this organization. Today Boys and Girl Country houses, feeds, and loves 88 children per year.

Boys and Girls Country aims to change the lives of children from families in crisis by loving and nurturing them in a Christian home environment, raising them to become self-sustaining and contributing adults.

“We provide a Christian home for children from all over Houston whose families are in some sort of crisis situation,” said Liz Bear, community outreach manager for Boys and Girls Country. “This could be any number of things from being in a situation where there is only one parent working who is unable to be home when the kids are, to children living with a grandparent who recently got sick.”

Many of the children in Boys and Girls Country have never had a dedicated parent and have moved constantly between different family members.

What the Boys and Girls Country does that separates

them from foster placing agencies, like the previously featured non-profit Houston Achievement Place, is that they don’t just find a home for the children, but create one large home for all the children to be a part of.

Boys and Girls Country has eleven cottages on their property. Each cottage homes eight children and two teaching parents. The teaching parents are all married couples who live with the children and care for them.

The teaching parents work eight day shifts with four day breaks. They also have single people, usually recent college graduates, who rotate daily.

The teaching parents all devote themselves to the children in their cottage as an act of missionary work.

“We follow a Christian mission, and what that means for us is that every cottage family goes to a different church in the community and all the children are part of the youth group in each of those,” said Bear. “We also have daily devotional in the cottage, where we read a bible passage, and say a group prayer.”

Bear explained that Boys and Girls Country has nothing to do with conversion, so much as it

has to do with their families giving all they can to the children.

The teaching parents are trained to follow a teaching family model which works to teach eight basic life skills, such as how to prepare a meal, how to disagree appropriately, and how to make a hard decision.

“We teach them these things because these kids come from struggling families,” said Bear, “and they get their needs met through acting out and other methods that are effective in a crisis mode.”

In order to teach accountability, each family sits together once a week and each student rates themselves and each other based on how they feel they are fulfilling different skills.

The children’s behavior and actions determine their privileges.

“For example if they are getting really great grades or things of that nature, they will get privileges like more TV time or even a new car,” said Bear. “Kids that aren’t doing so well may have to go to bed early and have more study time.”

Although Boys and Girls Country works to create a lifelong family for these children, they also encourage the bio-

logical families to stay involved.

The children are placed in Boys and Girls Country by the families and not by CPS or other organizations. The parents retain parental rights and allow for Boys and Girls Country to become the guardians.

“Of course, we do want families to reunite, but when we take in a child we plan to be that child’s family for life,” said Bear. “Even during their life in college, we continue to be their

family and support them mentally and financially.”

On average it costs Boys and Girls Country $150 to care for each child each day.

Boys and Girls Country is always in need of after school tutors for the children, and volunteers for special events.

“One of my favorite events is the senior night, when all of our seniors get all dressed up and come together for one big celebration,” said Bear. “Each

senior gets up and talks about their story and how the organization has helped them. It’s about recognizing how far each child has come and them telling the younger kids that they can do this too.”

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Boys and Girls Country family visit www.boysandgirlscountry.org.

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Mission from P. 1A merous volunteers work to concoct an exit strategy to have their residents’ basic needs on the outside, such as housing, medical insurance and income in place when they obtain the means to move on.

“A lot of times they need jobs that are paying $15 an hour or more, not only for permanent housing but so that they can save a little bit,” Mission of Yahweh Development Director Tonya Frye said. “If they’re making $10 an hour, they won’t be able to afford housing for very long here in Houston, and if there’s an emergency, they would end up homeless again. Our goal is to drastically reduce their risk of homelessness again in the future.”

Heeding the call As Houston has grown – thus growing the affected population – Mission of Yahweh has evolved not only in campus size, but in identifying and addressing new and growing needs that seem to be arising by the year.

Just this year, Mission of Yahweh has added a licensed childcare facility to let women with children try to find jobs or be able to get an education. The ministry has also added a transportation program providing a driver and vehicle to help them get to and from important destination points.

One of the crowning jewels, however, is a program called Workforce Integration Now (W.I.N.) an (on average) eight-week Photo contributed Kids joyfully gather around a Mission of Yahweh volunteer. The non-profit organization has 20 employees and numerous community volunteers who are committed to helping women and children in need in the Houston area.

training course designed in partnership with Houston Community College’s shortterm certificate program to help the women obtain job skills and certification so that they can be more successful in the workplace.

“Each year we’re always looking at what we can do improve on what we’ve done in the past,” Hill said.

“We’ve tried to identify what the women need and systematically tried to address those things while coming up with solutions so they have more advantages to make sure they end up in a better place when they leave and address these things while they’re here, but also pave the way for them when they’re gone.”

Mission of Yahweh’s average stay for residents receiving emergency care was 74 days, while transitional residents stay for roughly a year.

“We only have them for a short time, so we want to help them in the least amount of time possible,” Frye said.

While it may be a condensed time frame, the ministry has a history of turning lives around in the accelerated window through additional weekly or monthly classes and services provided for a large variety of subjects, such as computer training, money management, parenting, self-esteem and more.

At the end of 2015, more than half (53 percent) of the women residents at Mission of Yahweh were either working or enrolled

in school, working to better the lives of themselves and possibly their children.

“Our goal is not just to provide overnight, basic needs getting met,” Hill said. “We’re looking for people who want to commit to staying for 3 months to try getting their life turned around—we have a different plan, and not everybody wants that. We look for women that want to change and not remain homeless.”

Never-ending care What happens once a resident is ready for the next stage of their lives and has had their needs attended to—are they stuck out in the wind to fend for themselves? Not by a long shot. Mission of Yahweh has also added an aftercare program designed to stay in touch with its residents long after they leave by having regularly scheduled contact and meetings.

“It’s just to make sure they’re doing alright and see if they have any needs we can help them with,” Hill said.

Unfortunately, all too often driving around this great city, seeing someone homeless is an all-toocommon occurrence. With some help, grace and good fortune, however, Mission of Yahweh is hoping they can make at least a small dent in Houston’s homeless population. For more information on the ministry and its mission, visit missionofyahweh.org.

Photo contributed The New Heights Christian Academy Girls Choir stands proudly with their trophy. Just a few short weeks ago, the group earned Sweepstakes at the annual TPSMEA Concert and Sight-Reading Contest in The Woodlands--even more impressive considering it was the first time any NHCA group had even attended the competition.

New Heights Christian Girls Choir garners high honors For The Leader Congratulations to the New Heights Christian Academy Girls Choir for earning Sweepstakes at the annual TPSMEA Concert and Sight-Reading Contest held at the John Cooper school in the Woodlands, Texas. This is the first time any choir from NHCA has gone to competition. Typically preparation for the sight-reading portion of the contest begins in August at the beginning of the school year. The concert repertoire preparation begins in January.

Because they had never participated in, nor prepared for such a contest before, by

the time confirmation of eligibility to participate was received, students only had five weeks to prepare with Spring Break right in the middle of it.

Nonetheless, the girls set out on a rigorous journey, putting forth their best effort for those five weeks during class rehearsals, and many extra rehearsals, half of which were optional. These included recess-time rehearsals, after school rehearsals, weekend rehearsals, and even a couple of Spring Break rehearsals.

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Saturday, May 13, 2017 • Page 4A

Mothers have a sixth gear no man can measure

By Jonathan McElvy Publisher, The Leader

T

here’s an ongoing gender debate in our country from all sorts of angles – identity, wages and rights, among others.

That debate belongs on the national stage; not here.

Instead, as we dedicate an entire edition of our publication to the women in our community who power our businesses and our homes, I want to share the stories of two women in my life to whom no man can measure.

When I met my wife, Meghan, for the first time, we sat over a restaurant table with our eyes wide and the world before us. I worked in media, she in law, and we both had a blank canvas for the rest of our lives.

Almost two years later, when we said our vows, one of my best friends pulled me aside at our wedding and, in Alabama football parlance, bluntly told me that I “outkicked my coverage.” To the layman, I married a woman I did not deserve.

I had no idea how right he was.

You see, I knew I was marrying a beautiful, caring, devout woman. I also knew I was marrying a woman who had a budding legal career at, arguably, Houston’s best law firm.

But back then, we were just two single people joining up to ride life.

Our focus was on each other and our

My mother, Eleanor (left), and my wife, Meghan, have proven that no man can fathom the tireless ethic, love and grace displayed by mothers.

careers.

Then came our first son. The second arrived three years later, and in those fleeting moments of parenthood, I have come to understand the greatest difference in gender.

It goes something like this: A man finishes a hard day’s work. He is exhausted, he is grouchy, he wants a longneck and a comfortable couch.

He loves on his children, helps feed them dinner and maybe reads them a book before bed. But in the back of his mind, all he really wants is an hour to himself.

A woman finishes a hard day’s work – and my wife probably works twice as many hours a week as I do – and she walks in the door with the

grace of a queen and a shimmer in her eyes. She has spent the entire day waiting to come home to feed her children, wanting to put them in the bath, wanting to clip their fingernails, anticipating tucking them into bed.

The last thing a mother wants is to come home and retreat to a sofa, and that is an energy and a love and an ethic most men cannot comprehend. It is a sixth gear men do not have, and it’s not something the women in our lives learned in some home economics class. This is inherent to them. At least it is in my wife.

When I married Meghan on the edges of the Hill Country, I knew I “outkicked my coverage.” I just

Pols and Polls Apart THE BOARD ROOM – “Hi, I’m with Margin of Error Pollsters, and we’d like to poll the next presidential race for only one million….” That’s as far as I got. ABC, The Washington Post and Fox all agreed to throw me out. I only wish they had first opened the door. Yes, the hardest job in America must be pollster salesmen, because they made a fool out of so many in the 2016 presidential elections. So let’s take a look at what happened, especially here in Texas.

The biggest loser was, obviously, Hillary Clinton (we shall call her Hillary so as not to confuse her with what’s his name), who thought she would win because everyone told her so because the polls said so.

Twice she had run for president, and twice she had lost.

Today she is writing her multimillion-dollar tell-all memoirs, and also penning thank you notes to those who (twice) donated millions to her campaigns and have zilch to show for it. Poor George Soros and all his fat cat friends. Goldman Sachs could have booked a lot cheaper speaker. Alas, when you lose your soapbox, or TV show, your stock falls faster than a speeding bullet. Soon Hillary will join David Letterman and Bill O’Reilly waiting, like everyone else, for a good table at a restaurant.

I couldn’t find a single poll that showed Donald Trump would win the presidency, did you? What happened, we now know, is that more people who were surveyed said they would vote for Hillary than Trump, and they did exactly that. Hillary got 2,850,691 more votes than Trump (65.8 million to 62.9 million). We keep forgetting that the voter polls were correct, but they didn’t matter.

How do you poll an Electoral College? Trump won that vote count 306 to 232. The tipping point was all those blue-collar, high school grads in the Rust Belt. Donald promised them good jobs, and they’ll get them, some day. Maybe. On the other hand, perhaps you really can fool some of the people all of the time.

In future presidential campaigns, news organizations will be very leery of hiring polling companies with their very expensive price tags.

Wonder what Chuck Todd at NBC will do next go-round?

He rose to prominence, and now even has his own Sunday morning talking heads TV show, because of his polls, pie charts and percentages.

“Sixty-seven out one hundred Presbyterians over 30 with less than a college degree in Ohio will….” Lucky him. He even kept his job.

Let’s now look at Texas. Did you know you gave money to Donald Trump? If you ever bought a ticket to a Houston Texans game or watched them on TV, Texan’s owner Bob McNair gave the Trump inauguration $1 million. Considering what McNair paid J.J. Watt to sit, injured on the bench, a million is not that

Lynn Ashby Columnist

much. But don’t let news of that donation get around Houston, because Texan fans did a sharp turn away from the GOP: Back in 2012 in Harris County, Barack Obama edged out Mitt Romney by a tiny .08 percent. Four years later, county voters went for Hillary by a hefty margin: 54 percent for Hillary to 49 percent for the Trumpster. (As for Cowboy fans, Dallas County was even more lopsided: almost 2 to 1 for Hillary: 61 percent to 35 percent.) But overall, Texas is very red, and this being a winner-take-all state, in the Electoral College, Trump got all of our 38 votes. Maybe we’ll finally get a real space shuttle.

In Texas in 2012, Romney beat Obama by a huge 57 to 41 percent. Last November, Trump won Texas by a slimmer margin of 52 to 43 percent. Trump did worse in Texas than all seven GOP candidates running for statewide office, even though two counties – Jefferson (Beaumont) and Fort Bend (Fort Bend) – flipped from the Dem presidential candidate to the GOP nominee. According to Texas Monthly, Roberts County near the top of the Panhandle (pop. 929) went 95 percent for Trump, but in Starr County on the border (McAllen) Trump only got 19 percent. In Kenedy County, which is down on the coast and hosts mostly cattle and oil rigs, Hillary got 99 votes while Trump got 84.

Now we turn to Loving County, out in far West Texas, which is the least populated county in the U.S., with a population of 86. The county is also unique for having the lowest percentage of people with college degrees of any county in the US: 2.6 percent.

Loving County has voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 1972, except in 1992 when the county backed Ross Perot. A 2010 census found only 40 people of voting age, but they cast 57 votes for Trump to 4 for Hillary. Other candidates garnered 3, so 64 votes out of a population of 86 with 40 eligible voters. Loving is not alone. In 2015, eight Texas counties listed more votes than voters. The counties -- Loving, Brooks, McMullen, Roberts, Irion, Jim Hogg, Culberson and Polk -- listed a combined 52,298 registered voters. But the latest U.S. Census data show only 49,457 voting-age residents in those counties. Trump was right all along: the presidential election was rigged, but in whose favor, as he asked Putin?

So these results show that, while Texas voters were not

particularly warm towards Trump, it was “Anyone but Hillary.” We chose the evil of two lessers, and we were not alone: Surveys showed these were the two most disliked presidential candidates in our history. Another reason Trump won was that Democrats are undisciplined while Republicans take their marching orders and obey.

An example: You know those instructions beside hotel bathtub-showers: “Put shower curtain in tub before showering.”

Democrats will never do that, but Republicans will, even if it takes them 15 minutes to get the curtain off all those little plastic pegs.

Ashby votes at ashby2@ comcast.net

didn’t know I married someone who would work harder, parent harder and love harder than I imagined possible. She is a species all her own, as I imagine most women are.

I had the pleasure of knowing my wife as a single woman without a child-induced wrinkle on her face. As for my mother, Eleanor, I never knew her as anything other than Mom. My mother raised five children and she did it without the aid of today’s greatest parenting tools.

Imagine this: She never missed one carpool, one baseball practice, one recital or one teacher conference, and she did it all without the aid of some device in her pocket that sent her notifications.

I know that sounds trivial, but multiply my hectic weekly schedule by five, and we’re talking about 100hour work weeks. My siblings and I had doctors’ appointments, haircuts, summer jobs and winter sports.

There is no job – not a doctor, lawyer, accountant or newspaper publisher – as rewarding as rearing children full time. I also know, now for a fact, there is no job in this world as difficult as spending every waking hour making sure your children are fed, clothed and behaved.

There are no lunch breaks on this job. You don’t get three weeks of paid vacation from your children.

In this age of equal pay discussions, I thought it would be interest-

ing to see how much it would cost to pay a mother of five children, assuming we paid $8/hour per child (try hiring someone to take care of one child, full time, for $8/hour).

Using that barometer, my mother should have been paid $40 an hour.

For the first 40 hours of the week, that’s a base salary of $1,600. Add in another 40 hours of overtime at time-and-a-half – conservative, by my guess – and she earns another $2,400 per week. She’s on a base of $4,000 per week, or $208,000 per year. She drives an average of 60 miles a day carpooling, and the federal mileage rate is $0.535/mile, so we pay her $32.10/day in mileage or $11,716 a year. And we need to cover at least half of her benefits, so chalk up another $1,000/month. And then we’ve got to pay tax on that employee, including unemployment, and we’ll add another $500/month.

By my calculations, my mother was worth about $238,000 a year in salary, and that isn’t close to what she deserves for raising her wonderful children.

And you know what’s best about people like my Mom? If you paid her a penny of that, she’d turn around and spend it on her children.

I have been blessed beyond riches for the two wonderful women in my life. I bet most of you have, too.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

The reader.

Waltrip Band sweeps away the competition

Critical Mass becoming a nuisance for area

Dear Editor: I don’t think there is a more dedicated group of young people than those involved with the waltrip high school band.

Margaret Dear Editor: Way to go Jesse for keeping the Waltrip Band in success mode. I felt that Nate always benefited by being part of the band program.

He participated in both band and sports which I always supported, but eventually he did have to decide which one, but the good habits had been formed by that time. As a parent, I was always impressed by the support groups and always felt included. I still have my Band Mom pin and even during games would sit with our band parent friends.

Nate went through UT and went on to St. Mary’s Law, but nothing beats those Waltrip Band parent days! Thank you Jesse for being there for our kids, from then until now! I do remember that you were there for the kids!

Congratulations on your successes and carrying forward for Charlie and yourself!

Correll Corbett

Dear Editor: Police start to direct traffic after they are called by car drivers who are sick of watching people break the law. Or, were called along with an ambulance by me after a bike rider started show boating and popping wheelies in a circle in the middle of an intersection and ended up losing control and falling on their face and not moving while his buddy riders just left him there as they kept riding by not noticing him because they were calling drivers ugly names. They called me an ugly name as I was on the phone with 911 trying to get their “fellow activist” help. I sat and watched about 20 riders dodge him and keep going. I can only guess they didn’t want to be there when police showed up because they had open alcohol on them… Not all but some were holding beers. Way to be supportive of other bike riders and teach car drivers to respect them…. That is rich, blame the car drivers for not following the laws but then support bikers not following the law. You can’t pick and choose what laws to follow just because it fits your thought process or belief system this month.

Sarah Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. State confidently 7. Replaced 13. Day of remembrance 14. Molecular process 16. Indicates position 17. Paper-and-pencil game 19. Military policeman 20. Nests of pheasants 22. Corpuscle count (abbr.)

23. Seat 25. Functions 26. Sheets of glass 28. Minute arachnid 29. Separately managed account 30. A bachelor’s place 31. Dodge truck 33. __ Farrow, actress 34. Discussion 36. Delayed 38. Liaison 40. Sediment deposit 41. Leased 43. Without 44. Woman (French) 45. Folk-pop artist Williams 47. Congressman (abbr.)

48. Resembles a pouch 51. Superior 53. Stalin’s police chief 55. Razorbill is of this genus

56. Criminal act of setting fire 58. Department of Labor 59. William Jennings __, The Great Commoner 60. Nickel 61. Ordered by canon law 64. Where Denver is (abbr.)

65. Has 10 straight sides and angles 67. Small group with shared interests 69. A famous street for kids 70. Underlying intentions

dOwn

1. Mental condition 2. Senate Bill 3. Where constructions take place 4. Ancient Olympic Site 5. Not just ‘play’ 6. Set of four 7. ‘The beautiful game’ 8. American time 9. Big man on campus 10. Syndrome of the eye 11. Spanish be 12. Cotton cloths 13. Roman guardian of

gates 15. Displays of food 18. Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations 21. Female deacon 24. Adrift 26. Hit lightly 27. Test for high schoolers 30. Whittled 32. River in western India 35. Small crude dwelling 37. One-time AC/DC singer Scott 38. Holds up a shirtsleeve 39. Mental faculties 42. Blot 43. A very large body of water 46. Redecorated 47. Mineral 49. Tree that bears spikes 50. Type of boat 52. Calypso music 54. Director Howard 55. Longtime U.S. Senator Specter 57. Buddhist serpent deities 59. Attempt to fly in falconry 62. __ de plume 63. Wheel 66. Cerium 68. Rural delivery

WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader • Saturday, May 13, 2017 • Page 5A

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ATTENTION: If you speak Spanish or Vietnamese, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-844-366-9698 (TTY: 711). ATENCIĂ“N: Si habla espaĂąol, tiene a su disposiciĂłn servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingßística. Llame al 1-844-366-9698 (TTY: 711). &+Âœ Â&#x; 1ŕ­ąX Eŕ­“Q QÂľL 7Lŕ­ąQJ 9Lŕ­šW FÂľ FÂŁF Gŕ­˝FK YŕŽ— KŕŽ‰ WUŕŽ• QJÂśQ QJ஡ PLŕ­ˇQ SKÂŻ G¢QK FKR Eŕ­“Q *ŕ­żL VŕŽƒ 1-844-366-9698 (TTY: 711) We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. Amerivantage is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Amerivantage depends on contract renewal. Part B premium is covered for full-dual enrollees. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premium, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. This policy has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For more information on benefits, please contact your agent or the health plan.

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THE LEADER 2017 Let us know your favorites Fill out the form below indicating your favorite businesses per category. Mail them to P.O. Box 924487 Houston, Texas 77292 or drop them off at 3500 A East T.C. Jester or use our online form found at www.theleadernews.com. But don’t delay, votes must be received by Friday, May 26 by 5pm. Winners will be announced in our June 24 issue.

Animals & Pet Services

General Shopping

Best Animal Hospital ___________________________________________ Best Veterinarian______________________________________________ Best Pet Emergency____________________________________________ Best Day Care/Boarding _ _______________________________________ Best Pet Sitter Service___________________________________________ Best Pet Store _________________________________________________ Best Grooming________________________________________________ Best Pet Waste Removal _ _______________________________________

Best Bookstore________________________________________________ Best Bridal Store_______________________________________________ Best Children’s Clothing Store____________________________________ Best Antique Store_____________________________________________ Best Local Furniture Store_ ______________________________________ Best Gift Shop_________________________________________________ Best Grocery Store_ ____________________________________________ Best Health Food Store__________________________________________ Best Jewelry Store_ ____________________________________________ Best Liquor Store_ _____________________________________________ Best Mattress Store_____________________________________________ Best Men’s Clothing Store_ ______________________________________ Best Musical Instrument Store____________________________________ Best Resale Shop/Consignment___________________________________ Best Toy Store_________________________________________________ Best Women’s Clothing Store_____________________________________ Best Shoe/Boot Shop ___________________________________________

Automotive Services/Products Best Auto Repair_______________________________________________ Best Car Wash/Detailing_________________________________________ Best Auto Dealer_______________________________________________ Best Oil Change _______________________________________________ Best Taxi/Limo ________________________________________________

Beauty Best Hair Salon________________________________________________ Best Stylist____________________________________________________ Best Day Spa__________________________________________________ Best Tanning Salon_____________________________________________ Best Manicure/Pedicure_________________________________________ Best Esthetician _______________________________________________

Drinking Establishments Best Smoothies _ ______________________________________________ Best Frozen Treat ______________________________________________ Best Brewery__________________________________________________ Best Bar______________________________________________________ Best Coffee Shop_ _____________________________________________ Best Happy Hour_ _____________________________________________ Best Wine Bar_ ________________________________________________ Best Sports Bar________________________________________________ Best Cocktail Bar_______________________________________________ Best Dive Bar__________________________________________________

Education Best Nursery/Day Care__________________________________________ Best Learning Center_ __________________________________________ Best Private/Parochial School_ ___________________________________ Best Public School_ ____________________________________________ Best Community College________________________________________ Best After School Program_______________________________________ Best Tutor_ ___________________________________________________

Entertainment & Fine Art Best Family Entertainment Center_________________________________ Best Community Theater/ Performing Arts Venue__________________________________________ Best Live Music Venue_ _________________________________________ Best Local Museum_ ___________________________________________ Best Art Gallery________________________________________________ Best Local Artist_ ______________________________________________

Food & Restaurants Best Bakery _ _________________________________________________ Best Donuts/Kolaches __________________________________________ Best Asian Restaurant___________________________________________ Best BBQ Restaurant____________________________________________ Best Hamburger Restaurant______________________________________ Best Hot Wings________________________________________________ Best Hot Dogs_________________________________________________ Best Ice Cream_ _______________________________________________ Best Italian_ __________________________________________________ Best Mediterranean_ ___________________________________________ Best Mexican__________________________________________________ Best Tacos____________________________________________________ Best Pizzeria_ _________________________________________________ Best Sandwich Shop____________________________________________ Best Seafood__________________________________________________ Best Specialty Food Store________________________________________ Best Steak House_ _____________________________________________ Best Sushi____________________________________________________ Best Breakfast_________________________________________________ Best Brunch _ _________________________________________________ Best Lunch_ __________________________________________________ Best Date Place________________________________________________ Best Caterer_ _________________________________________________ Best Service___________________________________________________ Best Takeout__________________________________________________ Best Place to Host a Party________________________________________ Best Patio_ ___________________________________________________

Health Best Hospital__________________________________________________ Best Physician_________________________________________________ Best Assisted Living Home_______________________________________ Best Chiropractor______________________________________________ Best Cosmetic Surgeon_ ________________________________________ Best Dentist__________________________________________________ Best Dermatologist_____________________________________________ Best Eye Care Provider__________________________________________ Best Massage Therapist_ ________________________________________ Best Women’s Health Provider____________________________________ Best Pediatrician_______________________________________________ Best Urgent Care_______________________________________________ Best Wellness Center_ __________________________________________ Best Weight Loss Facility_ _______________________________________

Home Improvement/Maintenance Best Architect _________________________________________________ Best Custom Home Builder_ _____________________________________ Best Developer________________________________________________ Best Appliance Store_ __________________________________________ Best Electrician _______________________________________________ Best Flooring Store_____________________________________________ Best Garden/Landscaping Company_______________________________ Best Tree Care/Removal_________________________________________ Best General Contractor_________________________________________ Best Plumbers_________________________________________________ Best Heating & Air Conditioning Service____________________________ Best Home Decorating Store_____________________________________ Best Interior Design/Decorator_ __________________________________ Best Hardware Store____________________________________________ Best Pest Control Company______________________________________ Best Washeteria _______________________________________________

Best Professional Services Best Attorney_ ________________________________________________ Best Bank/Credit Union_ ________________________________________ Best Dry Cleaners______________________________________________ Best Insurance Agent___________________________________________ Best Cleaning Service___________________________________________ Best Mortgage Company________________________________________ Best Real Estate Agent__________________________________________ Best Real Estate Company_______________________________________ Best Florist_ __________________________________________________ Best Funeral Home_____________________________________________ Best Photographer_____________________________________________ Best Financial Advisor_ _________________________________________ Best Computer Service__________________________________________ Best Travel Agent_ _____________________________________________ Best Security__________________________________________________

Sports & Fitness Best Dance Studio_ ____________________________________________ Best Golf Course_______________________________________________ Best Park_____________________________________________________ Best Sporting Goods Store_______________________________________ Best Workout Facility/Gym_______________________________________ Best Group Fitness/Aerobics_ ____________________________________ Best Yoga ____________________________________________________

Community Church______________________________________________________ Minister______________________________________________________ Non-Profit _ __________________________________________________ Local Politician ________________________________________________

Saturday, May 13, 2017 • Page 7A

The calendar.

SPRING ARTISAN MARKET Animal Justice League A Spring Artisan Market will be held at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13.

Proceeds benefit the Animal Justice League. There will be food trucks and vendors. Information: redlipdesigns@gmail.com.

ART EXHIBIT Heights Neighborhood Library There is an art exhibit featuring students from Waltrip High School, Houston Heights High School and Hamilton Middle School at the Heights Neighborhood Library, 1302 Heights Blvd., through May 19. The theme of the exhibit is Diversity: The Strength of Our Human Family.

It can be viewed during regular library hours. There will be a reception for only the students and their guests from 12:30-1 p.m.

May 13. Information: 832-3411568, 713-408-1551.

WORKOUT FOR A CAUSE Bayou City Crossfit Get a great CrossFit-style workout for a great cause, geared for all fitness levels. The workouts are one-hour sessions, for ages 18+, at 9 and 10 a.m. May 13.

A $20 suggested donation is requested and can be made online or at the door. The proceeds benefit the Playground for All Abilities. Bayou City Crossfit is located at 3622 Golf Dr. Information: houstonparksboard.org/projects.

GARDEN TOURS Heights Garden Club Tour Donald Burger’s garden at 10 a.m. May 13, at 702 Mosby Circle. This location in the Heights exemplifies a Southern garden full of heirloom, native, and perennial plants that provides a habitat for birds, butterflies, and bees. The Daylily Tour in Brazoria is May 14.

The first stop is a private garden belonging to Loris Garrett, with

1,300 varieties, some hybridized by the owner. The second stop will be the Crainer’s Daylily Farm, followed by a sack lunch.

The group will leave at 7:45 a.m.

Please RSVP at info@heightsgardenclub.com for more details.

DEAD GIVEAWAY Theatre Suburbia Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West Dr., presents “Dead Giveaway,� a dark comedy murder mystery by local playwright Pat Cook. The show runs through May 13, at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. May 7.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, and $13 Sunday matinees. Information: 713-682-3525, theatresuburbia.org.

EDUCATION LUNCHEON Greater Heights Area Community Fund This annual event hosts the presentation of scholarships to local high school students desperately seeking the community’s help to continue their education.

The event will feature scholarship award presentations, Educator of the Year awards and recognition of students entering into military service. Guest speaker will be Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez. Seats are available for $65, and tables of 10 start at $500. The event will be held at Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N Loop W Fwy., from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 18. Information: 713-861-6735, events@ heightschamber.org.

BAKE SALE Girl Scout Troop 21 The 4th annual Girl Scout Troop 21 bake sale will be from noon-2 p.m. May 21, at 859 Azalea.

Baked goodies can be dropped off May 20 and placed in the cooler on the porch. Bark Bites will also be selling dog goodies. Troop

122017 Brownies of Garden Oaks Montessori and St. Rose of Lima will also be providing goodies and have a lemonade stand.

will increase to $60 on May 16.

Please RSVP to Libbey Hilliard at 512-415-5241 or libbeyscheible@ gmail.com.

DINNER WITH WINE Rainbow Lodge Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella, is excited to host James Watkins from Paul Hobbs Wines. He’s bringing his wines from their famous Napa Valley vineyards including a selection of very exclusive Cabernet. The cost for the dinner is $145 and will be at 6:30 p.m. May 23. Call to make a reservation. Information: 713861-8666, rainbow-lodge.com.

40TH CLASS REUNION Scarborough High School class of 1977 The G. C. Scarborough class of 1977 will have their 40th reunion at 7 p.m. Oct. 7, at The Spot Club located at 1732 W. 18th St. Please join the facebook page G C Scarborough High school class of 1977 or email Roger Souders at rsouders@nstaroffshore.com.

FREE VEIN SCREENING St. Joseph Medical Center St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights, in partnership with Cardiovascular, Thoracic and Vein Surgeons of Texas, is providing free vein screenings May 24, from 9-11 a.m. in the basement-level of the hospital located at 1917 Ashland St. Walk-ins are welcome or RSVP for the free screenings.

Information: 281-888-0809, cvtvstx.stjoseph@stlukeshealth.org.

ADULT COLORING Fairbanks Library Adult coloring is held every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m., in the meeting room at Fairbanks Library, 7122 Gessner Rd. There are new coloring books and pages to pick through and colored pencils or bring your own. No need to register, just show up. Information: 713-466-4438.

Ongoing

family DentiStry State-of-the art procedures, instruments & techniques

“One of Houston’s Top Dentists� — HTexas Magazine 2004-2017

new patient Special

70

Exam, X-Ray & Cleaning $ Regularly $100

Mathew Naftis, D.D.S. w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m

1214 W 43rd Ste 300

Dog Rabies Vaccination

8

$

LAUGHTER YOGA Heights Library Laughter Yoga utilizes breathing and play-based exercises for health and wellness by people of all professions/ages/abilities.

Meet from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday at 1302 Heights Blvd. Information: www.houstonlaughteryoga. com.

50TH CLASS REUNION Waltrip High School class of 1967 The Waltrip High School class of 1967 will hold their 50th class reunion June 3, at the Crown Plaza - Brookhollow Hotel, 12801 Northwest Frwy. The theme is “50 Shades of Red and Gray.�

All former Waltrip classmates are welcome to attend. Ticket prices are $45 per person but

Great Taste of the Heights at All Saints The Great Taste of the Heights will be held from 510 p.m. May 20, at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St. There will be drinks, music

and food. Donations needed for the silent auction. To donate, call 281-706-4000 or email kmooney7420@gmail. com.

Church Without Walls helps address needs of veterans The Church Without Walls will be hosting a job fair in order to provide an opportunity for employment for veterans in the community. Come for a full day of networking. Veterans should bring a copy of their DD124 to help facilitate the hiring process. There will be more than 40 employers in attendance. The job fair will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 26.

The Church Without Walls is located at 5725 Queenston Blvd., 77084. Call 832-6516471 for information.

Senior Health and Fitness Day at Greater First Baptist With movement, there’s improvement. Greater First Baptist Church, 4441 Haygood St., will hold the 24th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day, from 9-11 a.m. May 31. A blood drive will also be held from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Call 713-412-4686 or 713695-7061 for information.

financial classes and increase financial literacy in the community. The class is called Money Matters and will help teach the basics of money management. Classes are held the first and third Wednesday of each month from noon-2 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd Street.

Call 713-504-5486 or pdornak@gmail.com for information.

Worship services at Arise Baptist Church The community is welcome to attend worship services at Arise Baptist Church, 803 Curtin St. Worship service times are 10 a.m. Sundays.

Bible study is 6 p.m. Sunday evenings. Wednesday evening prayer service and ABC Kids Club is 7 p.m.

For information, call 713659-9697 or visit www.arisebaptistchurch.org.

Aztec StorAgeS

Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at the YMCA The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend this nondenominational Bible study.

Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.

On West 34th St.

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

Lowest Prices in Town!

MANNA provides resources for the community Gently used donations allow MANNA’s mission in helping those in need. Contact the Resale Store at 713-686-6440 to schedule a pick up.

MANNA has partnered with the Women’s Resource of Greater Houston to offer free

No Deposit Controlled Access Lighted & Secure

Compare our rates and save money!

713-681-1383 LEASING OFFICE 7721 Pinemont Houston, Texas 77040

* With Wellness Exam

New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam

40

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FREE Routine Male Cat Neuters

49

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713-688-9625

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

From the Pews.

Spring Artisan Market at St. Stephen’s Shop for Mother’s Day at the Spring Artisan Market from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13, in the west sanctuary parking lot. There will be vendors, food trucks and fun, benefiting the Animal Justice League, a non-profit dog and cat rescue organization focusing on the Oak Forest area.

Mother’s Day and Youth Sunday is Sunday, May 14.

Youth will help lead worship in the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services.

All are welcome.

Adults age 50+ are welcome to attend a Fun4Seniors luncheon, sponsored by Harris County Precinct 4, 11:30 a.m.

May 22, in the fellowship hall.

The cost is $10 per person and includes live entertainment.

RSVP to Precinct 4 at 281893-3726.

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.

75 *

Call About Cat Vaccines

THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO SPJST Lodge 88 Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., is held every Thursday night (unless otherwise noted, or announced). Bingo pads are $5 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

Early bird special starts at 7 p.m. with regular bingo games beginning at 7:30 p.m. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org.

OFHA MOVIES IN THE PARK Candlelight Park Celebrate the beginning of summer. Food trucks arrive at 6:30 p.m., “Bubble Party� at 8 p.m. followed at 8:30 p.m. by the movie “Trolls.� The free event will be held May 27, at Candlelight Park. Information: myoakforest. org/events,

713-682-7939

CARE

cReDiT

CROWNS CAN’T GET CAVITIES...

CAN THEY?!

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

S

o you’ve had a crown placed over a tooth in order to protect and restore the tooth. Now, you’re in the clear.

You don’t need to worry about having any further problems with that tooth because a crown can’t have a cavity on it, right? WRONG. Having a crown placed does not mean that the dental hygiene around that area can be neglected. Decay can still form at the margin of the crown where the tooth and the crown meet. It is extremely important that continued oral hygiene is diligently maintained. Regular check-ups along with x-rays with your dentist can ensure that your existing crowns are monitored. This ensures that if any problems arise, they are caught early and addressed as necessary.

Be sure to follow up with your dentist to be certain the investment you’ve made with your teeth is in tip-top shape.

Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the ofďŹ ce of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

Local business is our business.

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recently had the opportunity meet and visit with Charlie Duke. He was the tenth man to walk on the moon and was on the Apollo 16 mission.

Charlie is also known as the CAPCOM during the Apollo 11 mission where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first walked on the moon in 1969. He was responsible for communications between the lunar capsule and Mission Control here in Houston.

After Charlie Duke returned to earth completing one of the most amazing if not the most amazing trip possible he was confronted with this question, “Who is Jesus Christ?� Charlie said that the answer to this question changed his entire life. He said, “In 1972, I rode Apollo 16 on a fantastic adventure. I used to say I could live 10,000 years and never have an experience like walking on the moon. But the excitement and satisfaction of that walk doesn’t compare with my walk with Jesus, a walk that lasts forever.� This was fascinating to me and reminded me of what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

In other words, living for Christ is the best thing possible and even if I die while living for Christ that is only better because I get to spend eternity with Christ. I wonder, what is your purpose in life?

Charlie Duke lived his life with a focus on the moon.

He made it only to find out that life with Christ was far better! Are you living for Him or for something else? These are challenging thoughts to me as a pastor. Talk to you next week! – Pastor Will, Arise Baptist Church

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA MANNA Sponsor

• Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm

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Page 8A • Saturday, May 13, 2017

The Obituaries.

Don’t let your dog celebrate Mother’s Day by becoming a mom

Dear Tabby, My friend just got a female puppy and he’s considering either 1. Letting her come into “heat� one time before spaying or 2. (worse) Letting her have “just one litter� before fixing her. Please give me some ammunition to convince him that both of these ideas are horrible and that he should have her spayed as soon as possible so as not to contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.

Frustrated with a Foolish Friend in Forest West Dear Frustrated, It sounds like your friend is operating under some out-dated assumptions about spaying a pet. However, you can tell your friend this: Spaying or neutering your dog is part of responsible canine care. Not only does it help with the overpopulation problem--saving lives of countless animals--but it also has many benefits for the individual pup who has the procedure done.

Here’s how your friend, your friend’s dog, and even our whole community can benefit from this procedure.

1. Your dog will live longer: Spaying can help to prevent female dogs from having many serious health problems, such as uterine infections and breast cancer. Breast cancer is particularly dangerous, resulting in death for about 50% of canine cases. However, the rate of breast cancer goes down to almost zero if the spaying is done before the first heat cycle!

It also eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus (pyometra) experienced by many mature unspayed animals . The most effective way to provide this protection is to ensure that a dog is spayed before her first heat.

2. A better behaved dog: Typically, after about six months of age, un-spayed females go into heat for two to three weeks at a time, (usually twice a year) although this varies with size and breed. This period of time can bring about a number of troublesome behaviors, such as howling and even urinating more often (and in the house).

It will also attract the attention of every unneutered male within smelling distance.

3. It will save you money: Wait...but doesn’t surgery cost money? It can, but the cost of caring for a litter of puppies is much more, and so is handling the medical and behavior issues that you can prevent by having the procedure done. You can help keep the price down even further by looking into low-cost spay/neuter programs in your area. Many animal shelters also require spaying or neutering before they will release an animal, and the cost is built into the adoption fee. Additionally, check with your vet for any specials that they’re running on spay/neuter surgery and shop around for the best price.

4. He’ll be a hero in his com-

Roberta E. Carberry, 100, born June 5, 1916, died April 29.

Many of her family and friends knew her fondly as “Birdie.�

Carberry pursued a career in civil service - working various government related posts during the war, eventually serving many years with the Social Security administration, and Harris County. For decades, she was an active member of the Eastern Star organization. Survivors include her two grandsons, James and John Carberry, and five greatgrandchildren.

munity: Spaying or neutering a pup means fewer dogs being euthanized and also fewer unwanted animals roaming our streets. Strays are more likely to cause trouble, such as destroying property, causing car accidents, and scaring (or even biting) children and adults. Issues like these can negatively influence an entire community’s opinion about dogs, even though it’s only a few strays causing the problem.

If we can ensure that every dog has a responsible owner to care of it, we’ll be more likely to see support and positive changes in our communities for our pups.

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

Hubert Leland Smith Jr.,

79, born March 5, 1938 in San Francisco, died May 3. Smith earned a bachelor of science degree from Baylor University in 1959. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan Medical School, receiving his doctor of medicine in 1964. He joined the US Air Force as a General Medical Officer and served his country from 1965-1967. Smith served as an active staff member with the Memorial Hospital System and as a team physician for S.P. Waltrip High School and Scarborough High School. He is survived by his loving wife of two years, Suzanne; son Clovis Newby, daughter Patricia Newby, sister Barbara Permenter, two grandchildren and and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of one’s choice.

Pet of the Week Meet June Cleaver. Just like her iconic namesake, this lady was a super-star mother, raising her puppies (Wally and Beaver, of course) on the mean streets of Houston. June protected and nurtured them until they were all picked up by animal control.

Luckily, they found a foster home.To learn more contact K-9 Angels at: www.K-9AngelsRescue.org or www.facebook. com/k9angelsrescue.

Ruby Ann Crouse Thiessen, 92, born Oct. 6,

1924, died May 3. Thiessen married James “Jim� Edwin Thiessen and would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in October. She was employed and retired from Tex Tube. She was executive secretary to the owner of Tex Tube Division as well as Credit Manager for 40 years.

She was an avid golfer and one of the first members of Inwood Forest Golf Club. Thiessen also volunteered at MANNA resale shop for several years. She is survived by her loving husband James Thiessen, daughters Tonda Thiessen and Sheila Thiessen Waldie, two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1576 Chantilly Lane, Houston 77018.

Richard Anthony Yanowski, 89, born April 2,

1928 in Bremond, Texas, died May 2. He met the love of his life, Clara Kubeczka, and was married on Sept 2, 1950. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine. Yanowski was employed by General Portland Cement and retired as Distribution Terminal Manager in 1989. He was an active parishioner of Assumption Catholic Church. He is survived by his children Daniel Yanowski, Dennis Yanowski, Brenda Yanowski and Kathy Hetmaniak, brother Raymond Yanowski Kent, and three grandchildren.

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Saturday, May 13, 2017 • Page 9A

A recipe just in time for Mother’s Day If there is something that my family can agree upon, it’s Tia’s pie. And whatever the occasion – birthday, anniversary, good grades, or Sunday morning breakfast – you can bet Tia has a fruit pie in the oven and there will be debates on who gets the last slice.

With Mother’s Day this week, I wanted to re-share this great recipe for an Old Fashioned Cherry Pie, courtesy of my Tia Lupe.

The crust

Ingredients 1 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup shortening 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water First, sift together your flour and salt. Next, to get the right texture, you’ll want to divide up the shortening measurement and not mix the shortening in all at once – thirds is ideal. Cut in your first bit of shortening and mix until the mixture looks like corn meal. Repeat until all shortening is added.

My Tia Lupe notes that Crisco

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Calling all brewheads! Fusion Taco has teamed up with the folks at Saint Arnold Brewing Company to host their first bash at their Heights location. Join in on Saturday, May 13, for a special brunch bash pairing of tacos with Saint Arnold’s craft suds. You’ll also have the chance to meet the brewer and sample beer-infused cocktails and ice cream.

Tickets are $35.

Saturday Social Dance at A 2nd Cup

7:30 - 11 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 A 2nd Cup - 1111 E. 11th St.

Join in for a Saturday Social Dance at A 2nd Cup in the Heights. A six count swing beginner class will be offered from 7:30 - 8 p.m. No dance partner required, one will be provided.

After, stay for a social dance from 8 - 11 p.m. There will be DJs playing swing, blues, soul, and pop music for your dancing pleasure. There’s a $5 cover charge, pay the staff at the cash register.

What can you purchase during the dance? Coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries, cookies, and cake will be available.

There is a $5 additional BYOB charge for wine.

Flowerpalooza: Mother’s Day Edition 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 Pop Shop America - 321 A W. 19th St.

Terrariums, local flowers, flower crowns, seed bombs, essential oils and more.

Pop Shop America FlowerPalooza is back for its third year of a cool modern take on Mother’s Day! Shop stylish indoor gardens like terrariums, flower crowns, and otherworldly florals that you won’t see anywhere else.

You can find plants and vessels in lots of different colors, in addition to plants that are super easy to care for. It’s perfect for yourself, your gals, and even the guys in your life!

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7 - 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 Art Car Museum - 140 Heights Blvd.

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Ann and James Harithas coordially invite you to FotoFinish at the Art Car Museum.

FotoFinish is a museum-quality exhibition of student artwork created in classrooms participating in FotoFest’s Literacy Through Photography (LTP) program. Many of the participating classrooms created work in response to FotoFest’s REFUGEE exhibition on loan from the Annenberg Space for Photography, Los Angeles. Join to celebrate at a reception at the Art Car Museum with student readings, and refreshments.

and upper crust.

Lastly, on a lightly floured surface, roll one ball to roughly a ½ inch thick. Set the other ball aside for your top crust. Roll your crust out and place over your pie plate; adjust your crust to fit the plate.

Cherry filling

Tia Lupe and her Old Fashioned Cherry Pie.

baking sticks – butter flavored – are ideal for shortening.

Next, is our water. Again, we will want to avoid pouring the full measurement of water in all at once. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to your mixture at a time.

My Tia Lupe notes that sometimes you might need more water than the recipe calls for. For our pie, we used more like eight tablespoons of water versus the five.

Once your dough is nice and moist, form into a ball. Split your ball in two balls for your lower

Ingredients 1 cup sugar ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup juice from cherries 3 cups drained, canned, pitted, tart red cherries 1 tablespoon soft butter 4 drops almond extract Pastry for 9-inch lattice top pie Combine sugar, flour; stir in juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick; cook one minute longer. Add cherries, butter, extract, and 10 drops red food coloring. Let stand.

My Tia Lupe’s old fashioned cherry pie recipe, from start to finish.

This recipe can also add in ¼ teaspoon of salt to the filling, but we opt out of the salt

Christina Martinez Managing Editor

because we don’t need the extra sodium, according to Tia Lupe.

Out of all of Tia’s fruit pie recipes, this is the only pie she chooses to use canned fruit for and the reasoning is simple – cherries are tedious to pit. So for this recipe, Lucky Leaf canned cherries work great.

Add filling into your crusted pie dish and cover with a latticetop crust or a whole pie shell.

We went for the lattice cover.

Bake in a very hot oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake about 45 minutes more. Finally, let cool.

Wishing my sweet Mom, my family, and all of our Mother Leader-Readers a happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for being a true blessing, and showing unconditional love.

Art Valet: Four great women who influenced my life, in big and small ways

Have women had a significant impact on my career?

Oh, yes. Not so much in very specific ways, as much as being there and influencing me at certain times in my life.

Doesn’t it always work that way?

My own Mother is the best example. She encouraged me through every crazy project I came up with in my youth and later those translated into business ideas. I don’t ever recall her saying to me, “just get a job.”

My art teachers were all women. My favorite - who I am still friends with and who

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

I even had the honor to interview here last year - is artist Sharon Hendry (artl8dy on Instagram). Look up, “A Heights artist comes full circle” from January 14, 2016.

Even though Hendry was teaching graphic design, I learned to streamline my art, to clean up my act, and to not rush everything.

At 14, I met Carole McCann, the director of a theater that I auditioned at for a chorus role. I think I performed in three shows, two for youth only, one with adults and children. To me “Miss Carole” was a larger than life character. She wore her hair very short and seemingly chainsmoked (the extra-long ones) from her center seat in the auditorium, as she barked out direction to us.

I learned about laughing and acceptance of others during my short time with Miss Carole’s theater.

Oddly, about ten years ago, I got a call from Miss Carole, and she wanted to know if I’d host her, for free, at my market. Odd because the last time I talked to her my voice hadn’t even changed yet, and she remembered me?

She had retired and was traveling the world bringing theater to nations that required approval from the State Department to even travel to.

Places like Iraq, Iran and oth-

Mitch with Carolyn Bertrand Hodges at the MFAH.

ers. When her group arrived, they would recruit local men, women and children, and help them produce a play for the local communities. How cool is that? Miss Carole would send email reports keeping her many fans up to date on her adventures, and believe

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Mitch’s Mom, Judy Crum, visits The Market at Sawyer Yards.

me there were many.

She wanted to sell her knitted scarves, shawls and throws at my art market to raise money for her trips. I couldn’t say no. Her infectious personality made her a hit and I got to see her one more time before she left us in September 2011. I had no idea she was sick during her time with us.

Miss Carole taught me that it’s okay to be an extrovert wear your freak flag!

Regular readers here know of my friendship with Ms. Carolyn Bertand Hodges.

She’s an octogenarian (and Houstonian) artist that I befriended after her many visits to my show.

She is the most persistent, never-give-up person I have ever met. She has a fixed income, a walker to help get around, uses public transportation and has no computer or smart phone. She lives on her own, too.

Recently, I helped her enter new art she created in competitions in Houston and Corpus Christi. I handled the computer and mailing part.

She doesn’t have time to learn computers, she says.

Miss Carolyn (as I like to call her) has taught me more about tenacity, persistence and goals by just being with her than any book on the subject.

I’m happy to report that Miss Carolyn now has gallery representation at SAMARA Gallery, 3911 Main St. and online at samaragallery.com.

She did that one on her own.

There’s a very good chance Miss Carolyn will drop in on me this Saturday to visit the market and especially the open studios at Sawyer Yards.

Hey Mama, Happy Mother’s Day! And thanks for not saying no!

My Market at Sawyer Yards turns one year old and will be from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. this Saturday, May 13. Drop in and say hello, it is an amazing show in one of the coolest spaces in Houston at 1502 Sawyer St. 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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Page 10A • Saturday, May 13, 2017

Balancing from P. 1A Heights home that the couple bought in 2009 and lived in until 2014. The reason for a move? Something that was always part of Kelman’s hopes and plans – Jack, currently four months, Georgie, three years, and Oliver, who is about to turn five.

“I always knew I wanted kids, but I don’t think either of us had a number,” said Kelman.

When looking around the Heights for a bigger home, Kelman was put off by the price tag of many of the ready to move in houses.

Instead, she found herself drawn to a fixer upper.

“I wanted to stay in the area and renovating a historic house always sounded like something fun to do,” said Kelman. “I’m a more technically minded person and it has given me an outlet to be creative too.”

Remodeling her home in a historic, protected part of the Heights also brought her in contact with the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission. The Kelmans were denied by the commission with their first set of plans, something The

Leader wrote about in 2013.

“I learned a lot about the process through the experience,” said Kelman. “I think it helps me now that I serve on the HAHC. I can give the perspective of someone with three kids, who has been through the process first hand.”

After the Kelmans did get approval, construction started in June of 2013 and they moved in on January 30 of 2014, five days after Georgie was born. Currently on maternity leave with Jack, Kelman is enjoying nesting and nursing. She also chairs the Houston Heights Association Community Improvement Award each year, and serves as Secretary on the Board of Public Trust, to which she was appointed by former mayor Annise Parker. The board, which was formed by Houston City Council in 1915, reviews grant applications for projects which benefit Houston’s citizens.

When she returns to ExxonMobil, Kelman will have a new role as the company likes to cycle around its employees to diversify their ex-

perience. Before she left for leave, Kelman was working on a natural gas project in Alaska.

“I’ve had seven jobs in ten years there,” said Kelman.

“You have to learn quickly when you get your new role.

I like it once I get over the change hump.”

The Kelmans don’t employ a nanny. Instead they are each there to pick up the slack for the other when there is work travel involved.

A bonus for Brie, is that her husband is the cook of the family, or as she describes him – “a magic person.”

“He’s the most wonderful cook and it’s his subconscious hobby,” she said.

“Before him, I was rotating Subway and grocery store sushi for dinner.”

That boon, combined with her utilization of Amazon and a slew of iPhone apps, allows Kelman to spend more time with her family.

“It’s a walking cliché but what I love best about being a mother is my kids,” she said. “They all have their little quirks.”

“Through losing Tela, we have discovered infertility and baby loss is extremely common,” said Roseanne, “Once you share your story, [people] quickly open up about their own. It’s people my age who find they can talk about it. It seems like it’s getting easier for people to share.”

Combined with the sadness of losing their daughter is the frustration of not knowing why the miscarriages keep happening.

“People don’t get straightforward answers,” she said.

The dream of being a mother hasn’t gone away though. And while Roseanne is adopted and wants to adopt as well, she and Cody want to have one biological child of their own.

Recently they have looked into surrogacy.

After research, Roseanne learned that the best way to find a surrogate is through an agency.

“As a woman who is part of the large fertility challenged community, we are so fortunate that we have these kinds of options,” she said. “There is one catch though. It can cost upwards of $100,000. That is too much money for the average American to afford.”

To help with costs they have enlisted friends and family to help through a GoFundMe page, https://www. gofundme.com/BolgerBaby.

This Sunday, Roseanne and Cody plan to look at a memory box of Tela’s from the hospital. Roseanne is a little afraid for the day to arrive because of what she sees herself as versus what other people see.

“I still feel like I’m a mom, but I don’t think other people see me that way,” she said. “I don’t think other people will celebrate me as a mom.”

Finding Yourself In An Unexpected Life Transition?

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Without from P. 1A for her daughter.

“When I found out I was pregnant with you I was terrified,” she wrote, in part.

“Terrified to get attached to you, terrified to lose you.

Having lost babies before you I knew it would be extremely difficult. It would be physically difficult but mostly emotionally. Slowly, as time went by, there was no denying it any longer; I was in love. The best parts of my days were when we took out the Doppler to listen to your heart beating. It was my new favorite song and it was always loud and clear.”

At home, trying to make sense of the loss, Roseanne decided to train as a birth and bereavement doula through https://stillbirthday.com/ since the doula at Tela’s birth was something that was comforting to her.

She also started talking to others about her experience.

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Where Your Life Meets Your Finances.

Investment Advisory services offered through United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC(“United Capital”), a registered investment adviser. Securities and additional advisory services offered through Girard Securities Inc., a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment advisory firm. United Capital and Girard Securities are separate and unrelated companies.

At }ÙÄұ Ýññ¨ÓÄұĂÒұ}ÙÄұ2ÄÝÓÙĦĝ you don’t move here just to live. You move here to Live Life Well™. Our Residents’ care is our passion and we are committed to exceeding your expectations.

At The Village we don’t just care for you - we care about you and helping you live life on your terms.

Are you ready to LIVE LIFE WELL™?

The Village of the Heights IS!

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Move in Today!

NOW OPEN Special Introductory Savings End Soon

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