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Saturday, June 14, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 32

Heights runs for fun

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Competitive runners and those who just want to take a nice morning stroll down Heights Blvd. enjoyed the annual Heights Fun Run event last Saturday. The top two runners in the event were visiting the Heights from the southern suburbs – Maximo Mendoza of Pearland was the top male runner with a time of 15:07, while Kaytlynn Welch of Alvin was the top female runner in

18:44.2. Other winners were Laura Bennett (Female Masters), Luis Armenteros (Male Masters), Female 14 and Under (Heather Welsch), Male 14 and Under (Pierce Ederle), Female 15 to 19 (Kelsey Clayton), Male 15 to 19 (Chris Rodriguez), Female 20 to 24 (Grace Howard), Male 20 to 24 (Colin Slattery), Female 25 to 29 (Pacharee Chaitonosri), Male 25 to 29 (Zach Cater-Cyker),

Female 30 to 34 (Christin Heghes), Male 30 to 34 (Omar Moore), Female 35 to 39 (Katherine Marshall), Male 35 to 39 (Joe Oviedo), Female 40 to 44 (Cathleen Equale), Male 40 to 44 (Carlo Deason), Female 45 to 49 (Juka Smits), Male 45 to 49 (Jacobo Behar), Female 50 to 54 (Melissa Hurta-Crites), Male 50 to 54 (Sim Chevas), Female 55 to 59 (Suzy See- A young athlete celebrated as he crossed the ﬁnish line last Saturday See FUN RUN, P. 7A

at the annual Heights Fun Run. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Finding Voice Garden Oaks residents are hoping that the city makes some adjustments to the intersection at W. 43rd St. and Alba. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Those who have defend our freedoms July 4 is a relaxing day for most Americans, whether it’s enjoying a barbecue, watching fireworks and taking in a baseball game. But the reason we continue to live in a free country is due to the efforts and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States military. The Leader is honoring our active duty military personnel with photos and biographical information for the July 4 edition. We will run all of the personnel submitted, provided they have some type of connection to The Leader area. Please e-mail all of this information to michael@theleadernews.com.

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Residents push city for changes at 43rd and Alba By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Brooke Smith resident Angelica Schaefer, left, and her husband, Zac, moved into the neighborhood last year and they quickly became active in the neighborhood’s Montie Beach Civic Club. Mrs. Schaefer, 26, is the civic club’s vice president. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Young homeowners get involved in civic clubs, HOAs By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Angelica Schaefer wanted a chance to get familiar with the Brooke Smith neighborhood that she and her husband, Zac, moved into last year. After attending the neighborhood’s Montie Beach Civic Club meeting, she quickly decided to turn her interest into action. “I was drawn in by my neighbors and wanted to do something that would beneﬁt the neighbors and beneﬁt my family,” Schaefer said. “You keep the neighborhood safe if you know who’s living in the homes around you.” Schaefer, a 26-year-old sales professional, was elected vice president of the Montie Beach Civic Club and has organized monthly social events for the club. Schaefer is one of several civic club or homeowners association board members who are in their 20s and 30s. Many people from Generation Y and the Millennial Generation have the perception that neighborhood government is boring and tedious. “It’s our job to make it exciting and fun, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Schaefer said.

Fatherhood isn’t the only new thing in Timbergrove resident Campbell Sasser Sr.’s life. The 26-year-old, pictured holding his 2-month old son, Campbell Jr. as his wife, Virginia, looks on, was recently elected treasurer of the Timbergrove Manor Civic Club. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

As she became acclimated to the civic club, Schaefer started getting involved in Chapter 42, which allows residents to gather signatures from neighbors to restrict lot sizes and maintain the character of the neighborhood. “She has already become a presence downtown and the neighbors

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are beginning to take her up on her mission to preserve the look and feel of our neighborhood,” Montie Beach president Marcus Jasso said. Schaefer said it’s the collaboration between the new, young residents and longtime neighborhood leaders that equals a successful formula. “They understand what works and what hasn’t worked,” Schaefer said. “They have the passion about this area that gets you going. Both (old and new residents) want to foster growth, but preserve the area.” Just a few miles to the northwest, fellow 26-year-old Campbell Sasser is the treasurer of the Timbergrove Manor Civic Association. Sasser and his wife, Virginia, bought a home in Timbergrove, last year. He decided to put his interest in politics and his business skills to use. Sasser works full-time for a private equity Oil & Gas ﬁrm, in a job that can mean long hours and working on the weekends. Sasser enjoys contributing to the civic club, even if it means sac-

The intersection of W. 43rd St. and Alba has been a site of several accidents over the last year. “People blatantly run that light often,” said local resident Christopher Maricano. “If I am on Alba, and I have a green light, I wait until I see cars slow down.” Local resident Stella Stevens said she’s seen her fellow motorists drive as fast as 40 miles over the speed limit, headed toward Shepherd Dr. “43rd curves right there as you are heading east bound, so people don’t always notice the light,” Stevens said. “Also, it is not yellow long enough, and people want to make the light, so they speed up, which is easy to do since they were speeding to begin with.” Luckily, there haven’t been any fatal accidents at the intersection, but Terry Jeanes and Martin Parr of the Garden Oaks Civic Club hope the city of Houston acts on some requests they’ve submitted before the problem gets worse. “We need to do this before someone gets injured or hurt,” Jeanes said. Jeanes has requested a ﬂashing warning light due to the curve at 43rd and Alba. The speed limit is 30 mph but cars are often traveling much faster than that. Colin Lupold of the city’s Trafﬁc Operations division responded to the request by saying it “determined warning lights are not warranted based on the observatory sight distance.” “We have investigated the intersection in question and have found the current sight distances of the signalized intersection both meet and exceed minimum requirements,” Lupold wrote in an e-mail to Parr. “The evaluation takes into consideration both intersection and road geometry, obstructions and posted speed limits.” However, Alvin Wright, spokesperson for

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Photo Con

Even though Spring has said “so long” to Houston, that doesn’t mean we all stay inside waiting for the daytime mercury to dip below 80. Houstonians are a resilient breed, and we ﬁnd ways to get out of the dim ﬂuorescent lights and enjoy the outdoors while managing the oppressive heat. And many of us go to ridiculous lengths to transform our backyards into sanctuaries suitable for the weather. It’s about time we took a look behind the fences of our neighbors,

don’t you think? Beginning today, The Leader is launching the Best Backyard contest, and we’re totally dependent on you – our readers – to take a camera out the back door and show us what you’ve got. The rules are pretty easy and the prizes will be worth the effort: From today until Monday, June 23, send us at least one (and preferably three) pictures of your backyard. One of those pictures needs to be a general picture of the yard, encompassing as many details as

possible. The other two pictures can be of speciﬁc details or “accoutrements” that make your backyard unique. We’ve actually decided to have two categories for this contest. Category 1 will be of yards with a pool; Category 2 will be of yards without a pool. If you have a yard that you’d love to show the rest of the neighborSee BACKYARD P. 7A

THE PUBLIC. Saturday, June 14, 2014 • Page 2A

Rodgers arrested for sexual assault The Houston Police Department arrested Cohran Phillip Rodgers at 5 p.m. on June 3 in the 5600 block of Kansas and charged him with sexual assault. Rodgers, 35, allegedly sexually assaulted a 21-yearwoman who was known to him.

Airline robbery

Rodgers

A 68-year-old male was robbed at gunpoint at midnight on June 4 in the 1800 block of Airline by

two unknown males. The victim was taken to Heights Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

Nashua robbery

Two females, ages 72 and 55, respectively, were robbed in their driveway at 11 a.m. on June 5 in the 1100 block of Nashua. The victims were on their way home from the grocery store. HPD’s robbery division will investigate the crime.

Assault/robbery on Homer

Two females were involved in a dispute at 11:50 p.m. on June 3 in

the 1100 block of Homer. One of the women struck the other with a crow bar and took some of her belongings. No arrests have been made, nor have any charges been ﬁled at this point. HPD’s robbery division is investigating the case.

Sexual assault on Weber

A 27-year-old female called police at 6:30 a.m. on June 7 from the 1700 block of Weber to report a sexual assault by a known suspect, at a residence. The victim requested to be taken to the hospital for a sexual assault kit. HPD’s special victims unit will investigate the case.

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Oak Forest adopts OF park By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

At a meeting in Candlelight Park last week, the Oak Forest Homeowners Assocation (OFHA) outlined plans to “adopt” Oak Forest Park in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) and the Houston Parks Board (HPB). First Vice-President Troy Johnson and OFHA Beautiﬁcation Chair Marie Kallus outlined the history of the park and the pathway to improvements. Acquired in 1951, the park was graded “Fair to Good” by City in 2014. But while the present park has some nice amenities, residents have their own wish lists for enhancements. The current proposal is for Oak Forest Park

to be adopted by OFHA from June 1, 2014 through June 1, 2018. Approval for the adoption was given by the HPARD. One park committee member, Justin Gordon, already plans to continue his tree planting in the park in conjunction with Trees for Houston and the city. HPB’s Trent Rondot was on hand at the meeting to explain their role. A 501(c)(3), the HPB helps facilitate both the fundraising and construction of the project. Rondot explains that once a community has completed a certain measure of fundraising – which is taxdeductible – the HPB can then approach foundations and other entities for additional funds. Decisions about speciﬁc improvements as well as the

architects and contractors to carry them out are community driven. Attendees at the forum received a ballot where they ranked the importance of the following features in the spruced up park: Basketball Pavilion, Splash Pad, Enhancements to Existing Facilities (pool, tennis courts, and picnic areas), Multi-use Sports Field, Art Installation, Walking/Running Trail, Sensory Garden, Boundless Playground, Grassy Berm, Exercise Stations, Sand Volleyball Court and Covered Pavilion. Marie Kallus said that the OFHA is in the process of updating Survey Monkey with the latest feedback they received from the Community Forum. It will be released on all of their social media soon.

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THE TOPICS. Saturday, June 14, 2014 • Page 3A

Finally, Father’s Day makes a lot more sense By Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com

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few weeks ago, my son learned a new trick. We all learned it at some point in our life; few of us knew its gravity. Now nine months old, Master Hank has graduated from restless, helpless infant to budding, befuddling puppeteer of his parents. In his new trick, whether seated on the floor, rolling in a crib or snaking across the carpet, Hank lifts both arms – hands wide open – and extends them toward me. The first time he made the move, I smiled larger than my face allowed. The boy finally knew what a touchdown was, and it only took nine months. Actually, my smile was the result of an emotion rooted deep in the burning stomach of every new parent: Is this child going to love me? Over the course of my writing career, I have used this week to pay homage to the men who make Father’s Day special to me. I lost a wonderful father to cancer when I was almost five years old, and though I barely knew him, his legacy of grace and Godliness will never die. I was blessed with a second father when my mother remarried, and blood has no bearing on the love

My father and my son, which are the bests gifts I could have on Father’s Day.

and admiration I have for him today. He has fulﬁlled the duties of a dad beyond measure, and my gratitude will never repay his gift. This year, this week, I join the ranks of “honoree,” whatever that means. Hank has no idea it’s Father’s Day, and I highly doubt he’ll have the disposable income to buy me a tie for the next 25 or 26 years, assuming his mother and I can get him through geometry (good luck with that, Mom). Yes, my son will be oblivious to

THE READER.

any sort of celebration this weekend, and to be honest, I think that may be the best Father’s Day gift I’ll ever receive. This year, more than any other my son and I will spend together, I get to be the father whose only expectation is to extend my hands back when my son reaches with his. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Bear with me for a moment. One of the greatest gifts we receive from our children is a heightened sense of observation. We watch – no, we stare. We stare at our children as they learn about the world around them. Will Hank ever learn how to use all 10 fingers? He still thinks he can pick up a ball with his thumb and index finger, and the poor kid is trying to figure out the other eight. Will Hank ever realize that if he pushes with his knees, instead of kicking with his feet, he’ll move so much quicker across the room? Will Hank ever learn that gravity – not his suction – is what makes water flow from his cup? We know the answers to those questions, but staring at this miracle of a child as he learns the smallest of realities is a gift I’ve never been given. There’s more we learn as new parents. I have learned that Hank’s mother and his father are completely

wrong. Father’s Day has nothing to do with the gifts we buy or the cards we write – at least not for me. No, Father’s Day has become a culmination for me, the father, of all the gifts my son has given me. It’s the chuckle and scream when I lift my son over my head and tickle his stomach. It’s the trusting look in his eyes when I wake him in the morning. It’s those few moments at the end of a long day or the beginning of a new one when my son rests his head on my shoulder and holds on tight. It’s the look on his face when I walk in the room and his bottom teeth stick out and his face turns brighter than a concert spotlight. It’s the ﬁrst time he imitates me when I shake my head and make a funny noise. It’s the ﬁrst time he raises his arms in the air because he saw his Dad’s arms reach for him. Sometimes we think of Father’s Day as an obligation, an errand that must be run in the midst of a busy life. As a father, I think I’ve learned that my son will never buy a gift as precious as the one he gives every day: I know he loves me. We should all be so lucky to receive that gift. We should all be so grateful to give it. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Oak Forest sidewalks

From the leadernews.com We have lived in the area for over 12 years. We have watched our street, since it intersects with Ella and makes a pretty much straight shot through to Shepherd, become a racetrack. Speed bumps notwithstanding. I don’t agree with the belief sidewalks will improve this aspect of the overall situation. To the contrary, I think wider streets, sidewalks or not, will turn the neighborhood into the Indy Speedway all year long. Not just Memorial Day!! And by the way, we are attached to our ditches vs sidewalks. Name withheld please. From theleadernews.com This is why Houston is so stupid – people in this area really don’t want sidewalks? Why would you not want sidewalks if you live in a neighborhood? So many people in this city act like they still live in the country or something. Rango

From theleadernews.com I love when I try to walk somewhere and the sidewalk ends. There’s nothing like having to cross the street to continue your trek or, better yet, to walk in the street. H-Town Brown

Growth and its victims

Dear Editor: In response to Monstermash [last week], I don’t believe that many of us long time residents of Oak Forest view ourselves as victims. However, the neighborhood is changing and those changes are affecting not only our property values and taxes but our quality of life as well. How is the quality of my life benefited when, probably within five years, I am surrounded by huge multistory pseudo mansions blocking the light and views. Plus they will likely have second story windows overlooking at what is now my very private garden. There’s not much I can do about it, but don’t expect me to like it.

As for the sound investment part of the comment: my house cost about 50K thirty one years ago and, according to HCAD, its market value is now about 300K. Sounds good, right? However, I have spent approximately 100K on improvements, maintenance, etc., reducing my proﬁt to 150K. That also sounds good except that doubling your money after thirty years is nothing to brag about. It might be a sound investment, but it’s not a great one. Some of us place more value on the quality of our lives than the increasing value of our investments. John Cox

Tutoring helps

From theleadernews.com I definitely agree with the statement that every child learns differently and at a different pace. It is important to find an approach that will help students retain important information and be able to apply it. Caleb

There are too many state lines THE LINE – It snakes back and forth like those security rows at the airport, with ropes keeping us in order. The line goes out the door and down the hall. There must be 150 to 200 patient people here, each clutching papers. This office is either the ICE citizenship application department or a VA hospital’s out-patient clinic for today’s heart attack victims. This scene reminds me – and, no doubt you, too – of bodice rippers. More, later. Actually, this is the local office of the Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles where we go to change vehicle ownership registration, get a 150,000-mile checkup or obtain new license plates since the DPS is looking for your old set, something about an armored car robbery. I am here to change my car’s registration title, but knowing how bad the wait would be, I brought along some reading materials (Hustler slipped into a Gideon Bible), dinner, a bedroll and a calendar. But something is wrong here. After a long period of waiting, I notice that the line has not moved. Not an inch. I shall be here until they finish the Florida presidential recount. Probably this problem is because there are 45 windows and four clerks working. Finally, they wear me down and I get ready to leave. Maybe if I come back some day when business is slower. Like Christmas. Then again, there are so many state holidays (147) Bob Cratchit will probably close up shop mid-November. The guy in front of me says, “There’s a shorter line I know of. Only used car dealers go there to change registrations.” Great, I say. Where is it and I’ll go there? “El Paso.” I won’t ask if this has happened to you, because it has. Every Texan has had to deal with car registrations papers, new plates, DWIs. Even if you can afford to pay someone to stand in for you, that doesn’t help with driver’s licenses. Incidentally, not knowing just which state agency to deal with, I accidentally went to the closer DPS’s driver’s license bureau. There were people

different people with wildly different instincts as parents. A mother is a nurturer. When Hank cries, his mother soothes. When Hank sniffles, his mother treats. When Hank hurts himself, his mother loves. Mothers have an emotional connection to their children that exceeds any other sort of human interaction on this planet. This is a love that supersedes attraction, and it cannot be broken, no matter how splintered or severed a relationship becomes. A father, well that’s another story. Yes, we nurture. We hug our children, we kiss their cheeks because that’s the only explicable use for cheeks that plump. But we are something far different to our children. When Hank cries, his father wants to know what hurts. When Hank sniffles, his father hands his son a Kleenex to see what he’ll do with it. When Hank hurts himself, his father puts him right back on the floor to see if he has learned not to bump his head on the table. I must admit my understanding of Father’s Day has changed dramatically over the past nine months. For me, celebrating dad always meant buying a card, maybe a gift, and saying a gracious “thank you.” This year, being a father for the first time, I kind of think I had it all

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

waiting in the parking lot to get in the lobby so they could wait in line. The next day, upon finding the correct state building almost in my time zone, I came here and got in a line, only it was the wrong line. That one was for people paying off misdemeanor fines for violations such as disrespecting hobos, standing your ground or voting Democratic. There was an express line for those with six violations or less. It seems there are long lines at every state agency, bureau and pay toilet. At the Walls unit in Huntsville, do convicts on Death Row have to wait for their turn with the needle? You’d think our state leaders, like the gov and lite gov, would have dealt with this problem, as they’ve been in office since Sam Houston retired. All these people want to pay off fines or buy license plates or complete some other way of paying the state money. So wouldn’t you think Texas would make this process as painless and quick as possible, even by phone or mail, email or carrier pigeon? This obviously brings us to bodice rippers. I knew you’d wait. It is the year 2000, and I receive a registered letter from a small East Texas town I’ll call Small East Texas town or SETT. Inside the envelope is a large yellow form. Across the top in bold letters is: “Small East Texas Town.” Below is: “Public Works Department.” The rest is fill-in-the-blanks and goes like this: In the interest of the Health, Safety and Welfare of the people, I have 10 days to throw myself on the mercy of the court “to avoid prosecution by this department. If this condition is not corrected within the allotted time given, a complaint will be filed against you in Municipal Court. A fine may be levied

against you as authorized by City Ordinance.” Huh? I am about to be fined by a town I’ve never visited? Should I pay property taxes on no property? I call up SETT’s law people and a deputy explains that a car registered to me was found in a vacant lot. He describes it as a gray ’92 Buick. I had a car of that description, but got rid of it three years earlier. Yet, unbeknownst to me, since that time my old car has been riding the streets and highways of Texas and wherever else. Clearly no one ever changed the registration. But don’t you have to show the state your ownership papers or a DNA sample to get tags and stickers and all the authentication the State of Texas requires? Obviously not. In how many bank robberies has the Gray Ghost been the getaway car? Should the deputy check the trunk for bodies? Mine was a trade-in on a new car. The dealer was supposedly reputable. The salesman had told me, “We wholesale these off the lot.” Meantime, the State of Texas lost all those state fees, licenses and inspection costs because our lawmakers make it so hard to follow the law. Here is where the bodice rips: The deputy, who sounded big, tough and not the kind of guy you’d mess with, was quite nice. We got to talking about my job, and he finally confessed: “I write, too, romance novels, under a different name, of course.” He even joined the Romance Writers of America and went to their annual convention in Dallas. “I was the only male there.” He didn’t give me a ticket and I didn’t tell his colleagues Officer Bubba McMean was also Miss Olivia de Quincy Featherstone. (The Romance Writers of America is headquartered in that hotbed of racy literature, Houston, Texas.) Wait, the line is moving. “This may go even faster than the El Paso line,” I say to my fellow waiter. He replies: “This IS the El Paso line.” Ashby waits impatiently as ashby2@comcast

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Saturday, June 14, 2014 • Page 5A

Super Neighborhoods come together for ﬂood insurance meeting By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Flood insurance affects residents in the Heights and Oak Forest areas, so the Super Neighborhoods from both areas have decided to co-host an informational meeting on the topic, along with U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s ofﬁce. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at the Heights Firehouse, 107 W. 12th St. The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, sponsored by Rep. Judy Biggert (RIL) and Rep. Maxine Waters

(D-CA), went to the House of Representatives shortly after Superstorm Sandy caused more than $50 billion in damage in New Jersey and New York, in the fall of 2012. Opponents argued the original bill could cause ﬂood insurance rates to skyrocket. “People may not know about it until they get those rate increases,” said Nancy Wilcox of the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council, who is helping to coordinate the meeting. In March, Congress responded to those concerns by passing the Homeowner

Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, which repeals some parts and modiﬁes other parts of the original BiggertWaters Bill. Wilcox said each homeowner’s situation may be different but said there are some notable improvements in the new legislation. “The biggest improvement is the ability for the homeowner to sell the property with the current ﬂood insurance rate,” Wilcox said. “The original Biggert-Waters Act didn’t allow any grandfathering. (Under the original B-W Act), the current homeowner may have had a

reasonable rate, but a buyer would pay the new rate, which is several thousand dollars.” The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how the amended legislation will affect homeowners. Diana Herrera, flood plain specialist for FEMA, will be the keynote speaker at the meeting. The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 required homes built before 1980 to pay the same flood insurance rates as those built before it. Previously, those homes were grandfathered in and not affected by flood insurance rates, but now, they could be.

A typical home facing that situation may have paid $400 per year in ﬂood insurance but would now be charged $1,600. Local insurance agent Vickie McClain told The Leader earlier this year that the easi-

est way around the new regulations is obtaining an elevation certiﬁcation, which would make the insurance company re-rate the property as long as the property is built above base ﬂood.

Flood Insurance Meeting

7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 Heights Firehouse , 107 W. 12th St. Hosted by Greater Heights Super Neighborhood and Central Northwest Super Neighborhood, along with U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s oﬃce Keynote speaker: Diana Herrera, ﬂood plain specialist for FEMA.

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Page 6A • Saturday, June 14, 2014

THE CALENDAR. GARDEN DESTINATIONS WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE The Houston Rose Society Garden Destinations within Driving Distance will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting at 7:30 p.m. June 12, in the parish hall of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. The speaker, Debra Bagley, will show pictures of gardens “off the beaten path.” Free admission. Information: www.houstonrose.org. FLAG DAY CELEBRATION Forest West Community Center There will be a flag raising and flag retirement ceremony, Sea Scout Ship 24 (Jolly Roger). Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by Forest West Civic Committee and residents. The event will be at 5 p.m. June 14, at 5353 Lost Forest. Information: 832-473-5817.

free and open to the community. Information: www.heightsgardenclub.com. LE TOUR DE OAK FOREST BIKE RIDE Oak Forest Homeowners Association The second annual “Le Tour de Oak Forest” bike ride is scheduled for 8 a.m. June 14. The ride begins at the Oak Forest Chill, 3542 Oak Forest Dr. Registration will be June 10-13, from 6:307:30 p.m. at the Oak Forest Chill. Pre-registration is $20 and event registration is $25 (adults only, children are free to participate). Proceeds will go to the OFHA Security Program. Information: events@ofha.org. LEGIONAIRES STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by The American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba, for a good meal and entertainment while supporting a good cause. Steak meals will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out, June 20.

HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB Lyke/Killinger residence Robert Lyke and Douglas Killinger will be hosting the free monthly garden club tour at 10 a.m. June 14, at 1648 Columbia. The no turf front yard was designed by the owners to compliment their new Arts and Crafts style home and gives a contemporary twist to the cottage garden. The meeting is

KINDRED SPIRIT EXHIBITION Art Car Museum The opening event will be from 7-10 p.m. June 21 and will feature music from Johnny Boy. The exhibition, which will continue through Oct. 26, focuses on heri-

FROM THE PEWS.

Tostada fundraiser at All Saints Catholic The All Saints Youth Group will be having a tostada fundraiser, June 15, after all Masses at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St. Sunday Masses are held at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish). Call 713-864-2653 or visit www.allsaintsheights.com for information.

Donuts with Dad at St. Stephen’s Children and fathers are welcome to celebrate Father’s Day at “Donuts with Dad,” at 10 a.m. June 15, in the fellowship hall. Children can make a craft with Dad also. Three-year-olds (pottytrained) through fifth-graders are welcome to attend the Jungle Safari Vacation Bible School, Monday though Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, June 16 through June 20. Registration is $15 for the first child, and $10 for each sibling. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org. Retirement celebration at Gethsemane Lutheran Clarice Schneider has kept Gethsemane Lutheran Church sparkling clean for more than 30 years. She is retiring as custodian. Her many years of service will be celebrated at 9:15 a.m. June 22, in the life center. Schneider plans to remain a member of Gethsemane, and will continue to work parttime in the office with various administrative duties. Gethsemane Lutheran Church is located at 4040 Watonga Blvd. Call 713-688-5227 or visit gethsemanelutheran. org for information. Saying ‘Farewell’ and ‘Welcome’ to pastors of Grace United Methodist Members and friends of

Grace United Methodist Church, 1245 Heights Blvd., will be saying farewell to Rev. Hill Johnson, and welcome to Rev. Collin B. Taylor during the month of June. Both pastors have accepted new church appointments beginning July 1. After having served as pastor for Grace United Methodist Church for 8.5 years, Rev. Johnson will become the pastor for First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, Texas. Rev. Johnson’s wife, Rev. Cramer Johnson, who has also served as a United Methodist pastor for 28 years, is retiring this year. Their son, Eric, is teaching English as a Foreign Language to middle school age students in Iwaki, Japan. Rev. Taylor will become pastor for Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. Taylor has served as an Associate Pastor for both Plano United Methodist Church, and most recently, at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Rev. Taylor’s wife, Abby Taylor, is the principal of Sinclair Elementary School. They have two young daughters, Riley Grace and Waverly Paige. Grace United Methodist Church will host a farewell luncheon for Rev. Johnson following his final worship service on June 22. A welcome luncheon will be hosted for Rev. Taylor following worship service on July 13. Sunday School is 9:30 a.m. and worship service is at 10:45 a.m. For information, call 713862-8883 or visit www.graceintheheights.org or on Facebook. Faith and film at Oaks Presbyterian Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1576 Chantilly Ln., will be showing various Disney/Pixar films with a Christian theme for the Wednesday Bible Study. Rev. Noelie Day will give a brief introduction. A discussion will follow the presentation. The meetings for the summer schedule will be the

New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam tage and spirituality as expressed by Texas-based artists working in a folk aesthetic. The Art Car Museum is located at 140 Heights Blvd. Information: 713-861-5526, www.artcarmuseum.com. HYPO JUNE MEETING Warehouse Bar & Chill The Heights Young Professionals Organization will meet from 5-8 p.m. June 26, at Warehouse Bar & Chill, 3333 W. 11th St. Information: 713-861-6735, www. heightschamber.com/hypo. TOWN HALL MEETING Heights Woman’s Club The Heights Area Parents Network welcomes the community to a townhall meeting with HISD Trustee Anna Eastman who will address questions about the public school enrollment process. Learn about options and what HISD schools have to oﬀer. The meeting will be at 2:30-4 p.m. June 28, at Heights Woman’s Club, 1846 Harvard St. Space is limited. Please RSVP. Information: www.houstonhapn.com.

5. Winners will be announced at noon Aug. 15. Depending on age, contestants will read 5-15 books and write a candy-related poem or short story inspired by one of the books. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 5. Information: http://heightscandybar. com/summer-reading--writingcontest.html.

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Amazing Desert Journey at Our Redeemer Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 215 Rittenhouse, is welcoming children and families to participate in a free Vacation Bible School program. Themed Amazing Desert Journey, the classes will be from 9:30 a.m.-noon, July 7 through July 11. Activities include group gatherings, Bible stories, arts and crafts, mission projects, music and singing, and snacks. For information, call 713694-7433 or register online at www.ourredeemerhouston. org.

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n impacted tooth is one that has not erupted or has only partially erupted through the gum tissue. More often than not, the honors go to “wisdom teeth.” These third molars generally erupt during the teen years. They often grow forward and push against the adjacent molars causing pain and tissue discomfort. Aside from possibly damaging other teeth, impacted third molars can cause other problems. A cyst can grow, possibly unnoticed, and damage adjacent teeth, the jaw bone and nerves. If a third molar is only partially erupted, it can be impossible to clean which can then lead to a painful cavity on itself or the adjacent tooth. Your dentist can study x-rays of the teeth and jaws, and can frequently tell by the teen years if the wisdom teeth are going to be impacted. At this stage, the wisdom teeth are less complicated to remove and healing is generally faster. Unfortunately, impacted teeth can be “dormant” for years, but then cause trouble and pain at an unexpected or inconvenient time. That’s why most dentists recommend x-rays and evaluation of potential problems. Removal of impacted teeth can be considered preventive dentistry.

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We Can All Help Prevent Drug Resistant Germs

Emerging antibiotic resistant germs are a real concern to the human and animal healthcare communities. Yes, we will need better drugs in the future, but at the front line of this never-ending battle, we primarily need responsible people so germ mutations never start. The overuse of antibiotics is dictated by doctors but driven by everyday people. Doctors prescribe unnecessary amounts due to lifestyles that could be improved upon for the beneﬁt of all.

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Obviously, proper shelter, water, nutrition, hygiene, cleaning, and waste management are key to germ control. Fewer antibiotics are used if good practices are in place. As for Veterinary Preventative Medicine, we can prevent antibiotic overuse by promoting: 1. Proper Vaccine programs 2. Internal Parasite Control Programs - Heartworms/worms 3. External Parasite Control Programs - Fleas/Ticks & others 4. Dental Care Programs - Both professional and HomeCare These programs would significantly reduce respiratory, intestinal, skin, periodontal, and many other preventable infections veterinarians must treat everyday with antibiotics. If we are responsibly concerned about antibiotic resistance, then we will take proactive measures to best prevent parasites and disease in the ﬁrst place.

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SUMMER READING AND WRITING CONTEST Heights Candy Bar A summer reading and writing contest, sponsored by Heights Candy Bar, will run through Aug.

second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at noon. The schedule for the summer will be as follows: June 25, Beauty and the Beast; July 9, The Little Mermaid; July 23, The Lego Movie; Aug. 13, Finding Nemo; and Aug. 27, The Incredibles. Call 713-682-2556 or visit www.oakspresbyterian.org for information.

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RESISTANCE

acterial infections, cancer cells, and pests all have something in common, besides the fact that they are all seen as hostile to human life and our interests, and that is that all of them have the tendency to develop resistance, to antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and to pesticides, respectively. This is a result of the fact that they all evolve rapidly, mutating and thus changing so rapidly that the original weapon used against them no longer works for that purpose. Mutation, and thus evolution, seems built into the very fabric of nature as a protective mechanism. It may seem odd to say that cancer is somehow built into the fabric of life, but that seems to be the upshot of oncogenes, which are abundant in nature. What allows life to adapt and change rapidly, thus protecting our species from toxins and infectious agents is also what makes us prone to cancer. Life is resilient, and not easily vanquished, just like cancer, the common cold, and the cockroach. But don’t be too quick to lament that fact, for what makes it hard to annihilate cancer is also what makes it hard to annihilate us.

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Saturday, June 14, 2014 • Page 7A

Young, from P. 1A riﬁcing some of his precious free time with his wife, and 2month-old son, Campbell Jr. “I believe in local government,” Sasser said. “You have a vote on the board, and the board plays a big role in decision making...we’re trying to help out and make the community a little bit better.” Sasser said many of his friends were surprised that he decided to join the civic club board at such a young age. “A lot of them sort of laugh whenever I tell them about it,” Sasser said. “Most of my buddies are doing what 25 and 26 year olds do.” Just on the other side of Loop 610, Kristi Grizzle, 35, is the treasurer of the Shepherd Forest Civic Club. “As a homeowner, I am invested in this community and concerned about the value,” Grizzle said. “Shepherd Forest is a hidden gem and I wanted to help keep it an amazing place to live for many years. With no kids or dogs, I am rarely outside, so I wanted a

Fun Run, from P. 1A

ley), Male 55 to 59 (Rich Fredrich), Female 60 to 64 (Camille Fitzsimmons), Male 60 to 64 (Peter Mullin),Female 65 to 69 (Sabra Harvey), Male

way to meet my neighbors. A mile or so to the north, Angel Smith, 36, was recently elected president of the Mangum Manor Civic Club – less than two years after moving to the neighborhood. “I saw I could be a change,” Smith said. “I wanted to make sure the neighborhood was what we wanted it to be. I didn’t want town homes built. I got involved to make sure deed restrictions say what we want it to say.” Megan Lapari Rasmussen, 39, of Candlelight Plaza, said she’s seen a trend of young homeowners becoming more involved. “I have neighbors who were, at one time, very active in the civic club, but I suppose they’ve had their ﬁll like many others,” Rasmussen said. “The 30-somethings who are moving in, often with one kid and one on the way, are excited about their new home and new neighborhood and are ready to get involved.”

65 to 69 (John Emmons), Female 70+ (Pamela Willmon), Male 70+ (Merrill Hiscock) -Staff Report

THE OBITUARIES. Varas Elmo Baker, 84, born Feb. 24, 1930, in Southerland Springs, Texas, died June 6. Baker moved to Houston as a teenager when his father began a 23 year pastorate of the Shady Acres Baptist Church. He attended and graduated from Reagan High School. Following graduation, Elmo served in the United States Army in the volatile Korean theatre, manning an antiaircraft gun. After he returned from his service in the United States Army, Baker and his brother T.H. opened Baker Brothers Used Cars in San Antonio. In 1957 he returned to Houston. His keen business insight was applied in various ﬁelds over the years. He was successful as a Real Estate developer and builder of homes, apartments and warehouses. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Houston; sons Jerry, Jimmy, Johnny, Jack and Elmo Baker; daughters Victoria Flores and Becky Galeanna; 17 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Doris May Collins, 90, born Nov. 16, 1923 in Vineland, N.J., died May 29. Collins loved to travel, was fascinated by pho-

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tography and ceramics and loved her family. She was also a legal secretary for many years. She is survived by her son, Barry L. Collins, and ﬁve grandchildren.

Maria Isabel Franco, 90, born July 8, 1923 in Veta Grande, Zacatecas, Mexico, died June 3. Franco was a devout believer in the Catholic faith and was a devoted member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church for 20 years. She had a love for family, cooking and crocheting. She is survived by her sons Margarito, Miguel, Salvador and Juan Lopez; daughters Maria de Los Angeles Lopez Oquendo, Hortencia Torres, Maria Luisa Lopez and Maria Del Rosario; 34 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-greatgrandchildren. Mary Janoscko, 91, born Nov. 20, 1922, died June 6. Evelyn Franz Jolet, 93, born Feb. 3, 1921 in Houston, died June 7. On Sept. 16, 1949, Jolet united in marriage with Joe Jolet until his passing in 1996. She was a lifelong member of Terrace United Methodist Church. She was a very big bridge player and

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the city’s Public Works Engineering (PWE) said reviews from local residents for signal maintenance, sign maintenance and a left turn provision are currently under review as more information is being gathered. PWE came out and cut tree limbs that were impairing motorists’ view of the stoplight, traveling eastbound on loved cooking and baking. She is survived by her daughters Judy Beard and Ginger Orr. Eugenia “Jen” Maria Kirby, 74, born Oct. 22, 1939, died May 31. John William Massie, 92, born May 17, 1922 in Golden, Texas, died June 1. Massie was a longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Posts 291 in San Leon and 324 in Jersey Village and the Southern Pacific Retirees Club of Houston. He was a veteran of WWII with service in the Army Air Corps for 37 months. He was employed by Southern Pacific Railroad for 37 years and retired in 1982. He had a long career in the Operating and Labor Relations Departments throughout Texas and Louisiana. He is survived by daughters Georganne Muse, Robbie Morrow, son Paul Massie, brother James Massie, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

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hood, pick your category and will be asked to vote on the then send your pictures (along Best Backyards in the comwith no more than 150 words) munity. Voting will last until July 13, to contest@theleadernews. com. If you don’t want to and we’ll announce the two email the pictures, you’re al- winners in the July 19 edition ways welcome to bring the of The Leader. The contest is new, but we photos by our ofﬁce (address at the top right of this page). think this will be fun during The only limitation is that you the dog days of summer. Busimust live in The Leader’s dis- nesses are lining up to support tribution area. Sorry, no back- the contest, and before the deadline for submissions, we’ll yards from Conroe. After all submissions are announce the array of prizes compiled (remember, deadline for the winners – stay tuned. For questions, email us at is June 23), we’ll run all the photos in the June 28 edition contest@theleadernews.com. of The Leader, when readers Now go take a few pictures. Intersection, from P. 1A

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W. 43rd St. Jeanes said more trimming needs to be done. Jeanes also said the street signs hanging from wires somewhat impair motorists’ view when driving east on W. 43rd. She hopes the city can move or shift those signs.

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Kenneth C. Vance, 58, born Nov. 17, 1955, died June 7. Vance was an electrician for HISD for more than 26 years. He and his wife were involved in animal rescue and fostered many dogs through the years. He loved each and every one as if they were his own. Survivors include his wife of more than 29 years, Barbara Vance; brothers Larry, Terry, Jerry and David Vance; and sister Janice Sipe.

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Raymond Dennis Pampell, 62, born Oct. 18, 1951, died June 4. Pampell is survived by his father, Louis Pampell; and sisters Debera

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622 715E.Ridge 19th

1306 1014 Peden Omar

5107 820Briarbend Bayland

GREAT NEW HEIGHTS LISTINGS Choose A Knowledgeable Greenwood King Agent With Experience and Expertise Rich & Amanda Anhorn

Lauren Baker

Soo Kim

Caroline Schlemmer

Nancy Jane McMillan

Brigette & Chris Larson

Alex Berry

Emily Brandenberger

Krista Grissom

Shirley Foreman

Jennifer Gangeri

Karen Keplinger Stowers

Juli Moore

Sasha Van Nes

Catherine York

Brittany Zalman

Felicia Zbranek

Linda King & Julie Greenwood

GREENWOOD KING

1801 HEIGHTS BLVD. 713.864.0888 WWW.GREENWOODKING.COM

10x10.5 Leader Ad_Layout 1 6/3/14 10:04 AM Page 2

It’s a Celebration! Please join us for an informative presentation to learn more about The Village of the Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care currently under development in the Heights and opening Fall 2014.

June 18 • 3-5 pm

Houston Heights Fire Station 107 W. 12th Street • Houston, TX 77008 RSVP to 713-802-9700 Catered by Dacapo’s Cafe

www.villageoftheheights.com License Pending

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