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Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Vol. 62 • No. 33
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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com A proposition overturning alcohol restrictions in bars and restaurants in the Heights former “dry zone” is on its way to the ballot, and some are likely less than pleased. Currently, businesses serving alcohol in the Heights “dry zone” are required to operate as private clubs, meaning restaurants must create a non-profit arm of their business, charge membership fees, and patrons must join that “private club” if they wish to drink at local watering holes. In recent months, however, the Houston Heights Restaurant Coalition called for an election to overturn that section of the Heights remaining dry ordinance to make such
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sales more efficient, and the proposition went before the Houston City Council Wednesday afternoon for approval for a spot in the November election. “Last year, the voters overwhelm-
ingly said they wanted to modernize alcohol sales rules in the Heights in order to bring in a new grocery store like H-E-B,” Scot Luther, head of the Heights Restaurant PAC, said in the
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June announcement. “Changing this law will support our current hospitality businesses in the Heights and help eliminate burdensome fees and red tape.” Several restauranteurs, including Harold’s in the Heights, told The Leader in September they would be in favor of further modernizing the Heights’ dry laws, and now that could be well on its way. Additionally, at least one council member, Ellen Cohen (District C), has shown support of the proposition, though she is not eligible to vote. “I’ll go on record as being for it, because the fact of the matter is, we know that private membership exists in a lot
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What did you do for Summer? Christina Martinez shares her experience in the Carribeans.
Page 9A
Contributed Photo As the new year is set to begin, educators have some ideas on how to create conducive learning environments for students.
Cost of public education continues to rise By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Making a splash - Oak Forest Swim Club gets a new set of coaches.
Page 6B
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NOW INTERVIEWING FOR DIRECTORS/ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: Also teachers, full and part-time (will train), bus drivers, full and part-time. Call for interview, 713-680-0101. Send resume to 713-680-1361 or thetoddlerhouse@sbcglobal.net.
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The INDEX. Church....................................................... 7A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Coupons. ................................................. 8A Food/Drink/Art................................... 9A Obituaries.............................................. 7A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A
Sending children to public school was once a relief on the pocketbook. Today, that “free” education is anything but. As the laundry list of school supplies and extracurriculars required and requested rises, so too has the burden on parents and guardians. Since 2007, the annual cost of school supplies and extracurricular activities has spiked by nearly 90 percent for elementary school students, more than 80 percent for middle school students and nearly 70 percent for high school students, according to the 2016 Huntington Backpack Index, an annual survey of the cost of school supplies and other expenses compiled by Huntington National Bank and nonprofit Communities in Schools. Per an NBC report, parents (nationally) of elementary school kids paid $649.01 per child, on average, in 2015 and $658.82 in 2016. For middle school students, parents paid $941.67 in 2015 and $956.77 in 2016. High school extracurricular fees added up to $1,402.93 in 2015 and $1,497.87 in 2016, per the same report. The Huntington Backpack Index tracks the costs of required classroom supplies and fees parents must pay in an effort to show that public school costs more than just what’s assessed in taxes. According to the 2017-2018 Backpack Index, parents can expect to pay at least $662 for elementary school children, $1,001 for middle school children and $1,489 for high school students. What’s more, annual school supply to-do lists do not even include what many may deem common necessities such as clothes, backpacks and other items. According to last year’s National Retail Federation’s Back-to-School Spending Survey, total spending for
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Students walk out of Waltrip High School. Parents and guardians of students attending public school have faced increasing financial burdens in recent years as available options for school supplies and extracurricular activities have abounded, spiking the cost of public education.
K-12 and college nationally was set to reach about $75.8 billion in 2016, up from $68 billion in 2015. On top of rising costs of school supplies, the list of extracurricular activities now available for students to enhance their basic education has expanded tenfold—as have the costs. According to the aforementioned survey by Huntington, cost for extracurricular activities rose about 7 percent in 2016, and that See Costs P. 6A
A string of recent auto thefts has left Lazybrook residents in disbelief as a never-before-seen crime wave sweeps through the neighborhood. Since July 29, at least 14 incident reports have been filed with the Houston Police Department for auto theft of tires and rims with the cars being left on blocks in residents’ driveways between the 2400 block of Lazybrook and the 1600 block of East T.C. Jester Blvd., and they are growing extremely concerned. “Within seven minutes they were able to take all four of my tires and my rims and leave my car just on blocks in my driveway, despite the fact that I had the wheel lock [stowed away],” said one neighbor (who wished to remain anonymous) who woke up for work around 7 a.m. before discovering the shocking damage. Upon posting on NextDoor, the neighbor was shocked to find such a concentration of incidents within a condensed area. “There were at least three or four that we heard of just Monday night alone, and after that more and more people just started reaching out after that,” he said. “I had never seen anything like this. You hear about one or two here and there, but not 3-6 in one night. I’ve talked to neighbors who have lived here [between 20-30 years], and they’ve never seen anything like this in decades.” According to the neighbor, the perpetrators made their initial pass around 1:15 a.m. in red and silver/white sedans, seemingly scoping out the area, before returning shortly before 2 a.m. and doing the deed armed with a lookout car 40-50 yards away. “They pulled into the end of the [dead end] street, turned around and parked right in front of my house. They knew just what they were doing,” he said, adding that despite being not far from his front door where the thieves were making their score, he slept through the entire ordeal. “Typically, if we hear a noise, the dog will bark, and I normally go check the door for our peace of mind. I honestly don’t know whether I would’ve stayed back and called the police or gone after them [if I’d seen them],” he said. Most unnerving to this neighbor and others he has been in contact with, however, is how nonchalant the robbers have been despite the magnitude of the job they are pulling and the exposure in this particular instance. “They weren’t in any kind of hurry at all and didn’t seem to care,” he said. “My house has the front porch light on, the garage light on, and I’m no more than 25 yards from a See Spree P. 2A
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The public. Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 2A
Police Reports • July 28-Aug. 5 JULY 28
Assault 5 PM 1900-1999 TAYLOR Theft 8:30 AM 900-999 N LOOP W Assault 10:30 PM 4700-4799 N MAIN
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Theft 2:20 PM 2100-2199 YALE Robbery 9:55 PM 2800-2899 AIRLINE Theft 6:25 PM 1300-1399 W 20TH Theft 2:14 PM 4100-4199 N SHEPHERD Theft 7 PM 4500-4599 WERNER Theft 10 AM 100-199 YALE Theft 4:30 AM 1100-1199 THOMPSON Theft 4:30 PM 1100-1199 THOMPSON Assault 9:30 AM 2300-2399 WHITE OAK Theft 5 AM 200-299 W 20TH
Theft 5 PM 200-299 E 26TH Burglary 6:55 PM 1100-1199 W 26TH Theft 3:14 PM 200-299 6TH Details Theft 5 PM 1600-1699 W T C JESTER Theft 4 PM 1600-1699 W T C JESTER
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Theft 11 PM 700-799 LINK Theft 12 PM 200-299 W 20TH Theft 5:45 AM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Theft 8:30 AM 1500-1599 W 25TH Theft 12 PM 200-299 YALE Theft 8:49 AM 000-099 E CROSSTIMBERS Burglary 10:30 PM 200-299 W 26TH Theft 4 PM 1000-1099 YALE Theft 12:58 PM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Theft 3:45 PM 800-899 SARA ROSE Theft 6:30 PM 1600-1699 W T C JESTER Theft 4:30 PM 800-899 GARDEN TRACE Theft 2 AM 1700-1799 W T C JESTER
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Theft 10:50 AM 1800-1899 HEIGHTS Theft 7:30 AM 600-699 E 19TH Assault 4:44 AM 1100-1199 NICHOLSON Theft 6:58 AM 1000-1099 W 24TH Theft 3:29 AM 4000-4099 AIRLINE Theft 2:30 PM 1600-1699 E T C JESTER
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Theft 8:01 PM 5100-5199 N SHEPHERD Burglary 4 AM 300-399 W 22ND Theft 12 PM 1000-1099 W 22ND Theft 2:28 PM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Robbery 6:30 PM 4000-4099 N
SHEPHERD Theft 10:32 AM 4100-4199 N SHEPHERD Theft 2 PM 800-899 EUCLID Burglary 11 AM 1200-1299 BARKLEY Theft 8:20 AM 2800-2899 N SHEPHERD Theft 5:33 AM 800-899 E 28TH
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Theft 1:55 PM 1200-1299 N LOOP W Theft 10:32 AM 4100-4199 N SHEPHERD Theft 10 AM 400-499 W CROSSTIMBERS Other 4:45 PM 1500-1599 W 34TH 1/2 Theft 9:30 AM 1600-1699 SHEPHERD Burglary 3:30 PM 4900-4999 WASHINGTON Theft 1:45 PM 900-999 DURHAM Theft 1:30 AM 1000-1099 8TH Robbery 6 AM 200-299 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 9 AM 100-199 YALE
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Theft 1 AM 1500-1599 TULANE Arrest 8:09 PM 400-499 N LOOP W Theft 5:43 AM 400-499 S HEIGHTS Theft 4:30 PM 900-999 W 18TH Robbery 7:50 PM 900-999 N DURHAM Assault 10:30 AM 2700-2799 AIRLINE Theft 8:12 PM 300-399 GARDEN OAKS Theft 4 AM 4000-4099 KOEHLER Theft 2:40 PM 100-199 HEIGHTS Theft 2:05 PM 100-199 HEIGHTS
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Theft 5:51 AM 800-899 W 9TH Assault 11:20 AM 900-999 WINSTON Robbery 3 AM 1400-1499 E 33RD Theft 12:30 AM 5800-5899 LARKIN Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
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street light—so in no way was it dark. I have no idea what to think.” Though security cameras have caught glimpses of the vehicle and brief snapshot of one of the thieves, the neighbor said HPD has told him and others that without a license plate (which they have yet to catch), there is not much they can do.
david.sternbaum@coldwellbanker.com
Beyond the return of his parts, the neighbor is more afraid of what might happen if someone actually does catch the perpetrators in the act. “Given how nonchalant they were, it wouldn’t surprise me if they had some sort of weapon, and it could escalate very quickly,” he said.
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UC112_ad_halfpage_Heights_Leader_final.qxp_Layout 1 7/28/17 2:50 PM Page 1
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Texas Children’s Urgent Care and Texas Children’s Pediatrics’ new location is now open in The Heights! We’re right in your neighborhood and right next door to each other, offering expert pediatric health care day and night.
The Leader • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 3A
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The Topics. Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 4A
‘City in a City’ course has great potential
I
got a call earlier this week about a class being held at Rice University this fall and, almost immediately, I was fascinated by the idea. Not that my fascinations are any of your concern, but stick with me and I’ll explain why I think many of you might be interested in attending this class, which happens to be open to the public. Over the years, I’ve sat at this computer steaming mad at the structure of our city and the way our neighborhoods are treated. I’m never mad at any single person; I just don’t like the circumstances and I wish there were something we could do about it. Take, for example, the notice I get from my wonderful neighborhood once a year. They ask for a $250 contribution to the Constable program, and every year, my wife and I write the check. We do that so our neighborhood can pay for a deputy from the Sheriff’s Department to patrol our streets during the week. Oak Forest does the same thing through a private security firm. The Heights pays for the same program through Constable Alan Rosen’s office. Completely different topic, but important to the conversation: Earlier this week, Houston received up to eight inches of rain in some parts. When I walked into our office Tuesday morning, I was welcomed by the smell of sewage and a couple inches of water standing on the floor. For more than two hours, I stood over
Jonathan McElvy Publisher
a Shop-Vac and, by my estimate, pumped out more than 300 gallons of water from The Leader office. Any among us would be upset about having to pump smelly water from our offices or homes, but the larger issue has nothing to do with the two hours I spent dumping buckets. All of us, by our own will, live in a huge city – the fourth largest in the United States. There are benefits to big-city living, including employment opportunities and entertainment venues you can’t find in Podunk, USA. But part of living in this great, big city is that we don’t get individual attention. I’ve lived in small towns and remember the days when I could call my city council representative and fix a problem – say a backed-up sewerage line. In Houston, you dial 3-1-1 and hope for the best. I’ve lived in small towns where I had a concern about the safety of my home, and I remember calling a friend at the police department asking if he could make a couple
of extra swings by the house. In Houston, you shell out an extra $250 for that service. Here’s something to joggle the mind: Most of The Leader’s coverage area is represented by Ellen Cohen, the city council member for District C. (We also have parts represented by Brenda Stardig and Karla Cisneros.) But let’s use Cohen’s district as the guidepost. District C has a total population of 199,432 people, according to the city of Houston. That is the exact same size as the entire city of Amarillo, which has its own mayor, city manager and four city council members. Cohen’s district is bigger than the entire cities of Salt Lake City (193,000), Mobile, Ala. (193,000) and Tallahassee, Fla. (190,000). If you need to get in touch with Cohen, take a number – somewhere between one and 199,000. Again, that’s not Cohen’s fault. She works hard at her job, but she has neither the time nor desire to know my office flooded earlier this week. In the past, I’ve contended that we live in a city that has taxation without representation. We pay taxes for public safety, but we have to pay on top of that if we want actual safety. Our city’s infrastructure is in horrible shape, and we don’t have the money to do much about it. And in an odd sort of way, that’s why I’m so fascinated by the class Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies will host
this fall. The class is called “City in a City: Community Identity and Houston’s Sprawl.” In a blunt sort of way, the course will look at how small pockets of Houston, some that were once their own cities, have been swallowed by the behemoth known as Houston. It will look at why we may have lost some of our small-town charm, but also analyze how places like the Heights have happened to maintain it. Cathy Maris, the director of community programs at Rice, said the course is designed to look at some of the very distinct communities that are part of a much larger city. “The idea is that Houston has a unique set of unique communities,” Maris said. “These were independent communities and we’re going to look at how those came about, how they have kept their character of independence, and if they’ll continue to maintain their unique flavor.” The course, which begins Oct. 4., lasts six weeks and will be led by Jim Parsons, the director of special projects for Preservation Houston. The first class will be a look at the annexation spree the city of Houston took on after World War II. On Oct. 11., the class will focus on Southside Place. On Oct. 18, Anne Sloan – considered the official historian of the Heights – will offer a lecture on what has happened to the Heights. “What I will be discussing is basic
Lynn Ashby Columnist
“New-Orleans” on the flag clearly shows “the true intention of the treacherous colonists . . . who came from the ports of the United States of the North.” The flag stayed in a drawer in Chapultepec Castle for 98 years, until 1934, when it was discovered. But it stayed put until the late 1960s when Walter Lord, an American historian, pulled open the drawer and found the Alamo flag with the note still pinned to it. Since then Texas has tried everything to get it back. A special effort was made in 1986 during Texas’ Sesquicentennial celebration. Mexican officials said that the flag was too fragile for travel. There was a plan to trade the death mask of Pancho Villa for the flag. But the mask had been returned to Mexico a short time before by its owner. In 1991 the Texas Legislature asked President George H.W. Bush to make the flag’s return part of the NAFTA negotiations. Again, no luck. (We lost some bargaining chips when, during the 1950s, the United States unconditionally returned 69 captured battle flags to Mexico.) In 1994, State Sen. Carlos Truan of Corpus Christi said that the Mexican consul in that city, Armando Beteta, raised the possibility of trading the Alamo flag for three Mexican battle flags captured at San Jacinto. Nada. One group of Austinites reportedly discussed paying as much as $36,000 to have the flag stolen or otherwise obtained outside official channels, i.e. a bribe, or hire a cat burglar, maybe trade it for Santa Anna’s leg. This brings us to the leg and my idea. I quote liberally from others’ research. Two years after the Battle of the Alamo, Santa Anna led a makeshift army against French forces that had invaded Veracruz. After the general was severely wounded, doctors amputated his leg, which Santa Anna buried at his Veracruz hacienda. After he once again assumed the presidency in 1842, Santa Anna exhumed his shriveled leg, paraded it to Mexico City in an ornate coach and
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buried it beneath a cemetery monument in an elaborate state funeral. However, in 1844, public opinion turned on the president, rioters tore down his statues and dug up his leg. A mob tied the severed appendage to a rope and dragged it through the streets of Mexico City while shouting, “Death to the cripple!” But the Napoleon of the West had an artificial leg. He had once again become president of Mexico (seven times), and during a battle in the Mexican-American War, the 4th Illinois Infantry surprised Santa Anna, who fled without his cork and wooden leg. The soldiers seized the leg as a trophy and brought back to their home state, where it toured at county fairs before ending up at the Illinois State Military Museum. Mexico’s
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The reader.
The Art of the Deal U.S. Rep. John Culberson, a Republican from Houston, is including language in a foreign relations bill urging the State Department to negotiate with Mexico for the return of the only flag on the Texian side known to have survived the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. It is called the New Orleans Greys flag, carried by two companies of volunteers from the United States who fought on behalf of Texas’ independence. The flag was taken by Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna after the battle and forwarded to Mexico (Santa Anna went on to victory at San Jacinto) where it has remained for the last 181 years. It is held in the Museo Nacional, or I guess it is. I first saw the flag there in a big glass case beside several other Lone Star flags captured in battle. A few years later I revisited the spot and the flag was gone. “It’s being restored,” I was told. Three years later I was told the same thing. This brings us to an interesting tale of several arms and a leg, and the plot for a good movie. The flag is not the Lone Star flag we use today, but is 4 feet by 6 feet, sort of dirty gray in color and made of silk. Across the top of the banner are the words: “First Company of TEXAN” then there is an eagle holding a banner reading, “God & Country.” At the bottom is: “Volunteers! From NewOrleans.” The flag was presented by a pretty young girl to the New-Orleans Greys when they entered Texas in 1836. They were headed for a mission in San Antonio. It is known that at least two other flags were taken into the Alamo, but at dawn of March 6, 1836, when the last assault began, the Greys’ flag was the only one flying. It stood atop the barracks and so infuriated the attacking Mexicans that three different color sergeants of the Jimenez Battalion tried to climb up and rip it down. Each one was killed. Finally, Lt. Jose Maria Torres of the Zapadores Battalion made it to the roof, ripped down the Greys’ flag and, with the aid of Lt. Damasco Martinez, ran up the Mexican flag. Both were killed, but the Alamo flag never flew again. Later, Santa Anna sent the flag and a note back to the Mexican government explaining his victory, and his huge losses. He wrote, “The bearer takes with him one of the flags of the enemy’s battalions, captured today.” He goes on to write that the
Heights history with an eye toward what this means today,” Sloan said. “Preservation will be a big part, as well as the reuse of historic buildings. I will explore what I think founder O.M. Carter’s reaction would be to this suburb he created.” Sloan was quick to add the caveat that the lecture is still a work-inprogress, but I have no doubt it will be illuminating. The course will finish with a presentation on Bellaire (Oct. 25), Harrisburg (Nov. 1) and River Oaks (Nov. 8), which was never its own city but, let’s face it, kind of thinks it is. Parsons, who spent some time explaining the class to me earlier this week, said he thought understanding how some of these former cities were engulfed by the larger Houston can help maintain the charm of places like the Heights. “The more you know helps you understand and respect why preservation is so important,” he said. The class costs $200, but if you register by Sept. 20, it’s $190. There’s an added discount for Rice alumni, but it’s open to people like you and me. You can also go online at glasscock.rice.edu for more information. If you have any interest in helping maintain the allure of places like the Heights, you should consider this course.
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
Einstein Bros. not part of the revitalization
repeated requests to repatriate Santa Anna’s fake limb have been denied. So we buy the leg from Illinois, which is almost broke and in desperate need of money, then trade it to Mexico for our flag. Or my idea: The heist movie. A Ross Perot-like mogul, who explains he already has the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Magna Carta and Gettysburg Address, (“the ‘real ones’ are copies”), hires Raul “The Cat” LeSneak to steal the Alamo flag. Mexican Detective Jose Garcia is out to prevent it. Midnight roof tops, a fake flag, the car chase, an O. Henry ending. Pass the popcorn. Ashby directs at ashby2@ comcast.net
Dear Editor: Though I applaud the revitalization of The Leader area with innovative eateries and shops, I am SO VERY disappointed and unhappy that Einstein Brothers Bagels will not be in the mix. I have sent emails to the various Oak Forest/Garden Oaks developers, as reported in The Leader, asking them to reach out to Einstein Bagels, to no avail. Most of Einstein’s shops are in the SW/Kirby area. I think the Einstein traffic would give Shipley’s on Ella @34th a run for its money. What gives? Marilyn Klevar
Lynn Ashby’s expressions precious
Dear Editor: Lynn Ashby’s expressions (Aug. 5) are simply precious: “Sweating like an immigrant at a Trump rally.” Lynn’s column in The Leader every week, I see the paper land in my yard -- and I grab it faster than a Democrat sprinting to pick up a welfare check. J. Reynolds
Not everyone a fan of lizards
Dear Editor: Read your article in The Leader Heights newspaper (July 29, Vol. 62 No. 31) entitled Home Invaders. First, let me say that not everyone is a big fan of those disgusting and scary looking lizards. Instead of sending out praises to them you should have told us how to keep them away from our homes. I know what you’re going to say ... they are helpful to the environment, they eat bugs, etc. etc. but I’m afraid of them and try to kill them when I see them. Please tell us what we can do or what chemicals we can use to kill them. And by the way, I love bugs and roaches, but not those disgusting scary lizards. Please help! Anonymous
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss
1. Malay sailboats 6. Beach material 10. Heroic tale 14. Peers 15. Unseen 17. Plucking implement 19. Radioactivity unit 20. Stamping device 21. Quake 22. Foot (Latin) 23. Living body covering 24. Turfs 26. Gate swinging devices 29. Nail 31. Sharp bodily pain 32. Status equality 34. Horse height measure 35. Political Asylum Research & Documentation Service 37. 20’s - 30’s art design 38. Payment (abbr.) 39. Food grain 40. Indefinitely long period of time 41. Rear 43. Without (French) 45. Wood sorrels 46. Express pleasure 47. Recurring artistic pattern 49. Deaf language
50. Runs PCs 53. Minimal punishment 57. Repeat 58. Give extreme unction to 59. Inflammatory skin disease 60. Large Aussie flightless bird 61. Polish Air Show city
dOwn
1. Anjou or comice 2. __ Nui, Easter Island 3. Towards the mouth or oral region 4. 4th Caliph of Islam 5. Soviet Socialist Republics 6. Moslem mystics 7. Game stake 8. Point midway between N and NW 9. Female deer pelts 10. Glaze used to stiffen fabrics 11. Unhittable serves 12. Pathogen 13. Promotional materials 16. Setting up a golf drive 18. Lyric poems 22. Atomic #46 23. Genus Alosa 24. __ Claus
25. Not even 27. Fencing swords 28. Conway, N.H. river 29. Brake horsepower 30. Wild leek 31. Prefix for before 33. “Splash” director Howard 35. Sleeveless apronlike dress 36. Book of the Apostles mission 37. V.P. Quayle 39. Dish directions 42. Revolve 43. Particular instance of selling 44. Exclamation of surprise 46. Wimbledon champion Arthur 47. Millisecond 48. Ammo & chemical corp. 49. Tip of Aleutian Islands 50. Expired 51. Norway’s capital 52. Plant stalk 53. Macaws 54. Indochina battleground (slang) 55. Armed conflict 56. Ribonucleic acid
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Page 6A • Saturday, August 12, 2017 cost has been evident even amongst local parents. “The most I’ve had to spend is usually on extracurricular activities, those things meant to enhance their education,” one parent said. “They’ll give you the basics, and that’s a good foundation, but my kids are taking Chinese, piano, anything extracurricular — that’s normally where the majority of our money goes.” To this point, the parent says the family has spent a little over $20,000 on their child’s extracurricular activities since kindergarten — an average of about $5,000 per year. “It’s expensive. Public or private [school], you have to accept that you’re going to fork out some extra money [on that front]. If you want your kid to just have the basic education, and you have the time and knowledge to teach your kid all this other stuff, then yeah you can save,” the parent said. “You try to teach them as much as you can to your limit, but if you want to broaden your kids’ horizons
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Ideas to help you save this year Be Prepared (and Plan)
As with most endeavors, saving money can be accomplished through the act of planning and attempting to stay several steps ahead, such as anticipating what supplies your child might need throughout the whole year. In doing so, you avoid being financially strapped by costs that might pop up throughout the year. Figure out which items are required and which have greater flexibility. Get your child involved in deciding which “luxuries” will make the cut.
Buy supplies in bulk
You will typically find lower prices at “buy in bulk” shops
than individual prices at supermarkets or drug stores. Sam’s Club, Family Dollar and Costco can be great resources for those looking to buy in bulk, especially when school lists demand multiples of one item. As a bonus, any supplies which go unused can be saved for the following school year, cutting down on the next year’s expenses.
and you don’t have the time, you’ll have to accept the fact that you’ll spend some extra money.” Granted, he said, the family spends more to introduce their children to a vast array of options by choice, so their spending is not necessarily indicative of typical costs. “It depends on your family
dynamic,” the parent said. Even so, these rising costs could prevent some in even our local schools from partaking, as 75.5 percent of Houston ISD students are classified as economically disadvantaged according to the district’s website.
“Inviting bars to come into our neighborhood is quite different from allowing supermarkets to sell liquor to be consumed off-premises,” Sloan said. “There are wine bars, sports bars, etc. We currently have a bourbon bar that has remained fairly tame as bars go, but do we really want to promote our neighborhood as a haven for bars? That is why I remain adamantly opposed to the current petition. I hope that city council backs our concerns.” According to documents from the city, the Houston Heights Restaurant Coalition (with assistance from Texas Petition Strategies) collected 1,765 signatures that have since been verified by the city secretary as being courtesy of registered voters within the
dry zone, far exceeding the minimum of 1,511 required for placement. Despite the seeming inevitability of the measure receiving space on November’s ballot, however, detractors will not give up their fight against it. “I don’t want to see this neighborhood turn. People just don’t understand that where houses are now, it’s easy enough to knock those down, and suddenly there’s something else there that is undesirable,” Lackey said. “There’s only been one thing we can hang on to here in the Heights which would keep disruptive large restaurants out of the neighborhood. This should be a place you can relax, and not have the problems that come along with these things.”
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Booze from P. 1A of businesses in the area, so I don’t think that in and of itself [this proposition] would have that dramatic of an effect,” she said. However, there has been significant pushback from opponents, citing the short-term tunnel vision of the plan. “They’ve let the monster out, and I don’t know if there’s any stopping this,” resident Stephen Lackey told The Leader in June. “I think the new people who moved here don’t understand the ramifications of lifting this in the grand scheme of things — it’s very short sighted.” Additionally, others such as Heights stalwart Anne Sloan argue that the premise of the two ordinances in relation to each other are not remotely similar.
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Heights resident appointed to Houston First board of directors For The Leader Jay Tatum, AIA, LEED AP, managing principal for HOK’s Gulf Coast region, has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of Houston First. Mayor Sylvester Turner nominated Tatum and the city council unanimously confirmed the appointment. Houston First, a local government corporation formed in 2011, manages more than 10 city-owned buildings, properties and parking facilities and is leading the effort to advance Houston as one of the world’s great cities. “I am honored to serve on the board of directors for Houston First and look forward to contributing time and effort to the organization,” said Tatum, who is based in HOK’s Houston office. “Its work to promote Houston as a dynamic and diverse city is critical for our future.” As senior vice president and managing principal for HOK’s
Gulf Coast region, Tatum is responsible for strategic direction and market development in Texas and Florida. He oversees the day-today operations of HOK’s offices in Houston, Dallas and Tampa. Tatum is also a member of HOK’s Board of Directors. With nearly 30 years of experience leading significant development projects throughout the city of Houston, Tatum will offer great insight to Houston First. “I am proud of the cultural, commercial and visitor resources our city has to offer,” he said. “I look forward to helping to promote these incredible offerings to the rest of the world.” Tatum earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Texas Tech University, where he is on the advisory board for the College of Architecture. He also serves on Houstonarea boards and committees for other organizations including Preservation Houston,
Greater Houston Partnership and the Boy Scouts of America. Current and recent HOK projects in Houston include the Phillips 66 global headquarters; a mixed-use project on Allen Parkway; the InterContinental Houston Medical Center Hotel; West Memorial Place II; and the BP Center for High Performance Computing. HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Through a network of 23 offices worldwide, HOK provides design excellence and innovation to create places that enrich people’s lives and help clients succeed. DesignIntelligence consistently ranks HOK as a leader in sustainable, high-performance design and technology innovation.
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In MeMorIaM
Joan edith Peterson Boote
J
1929-2017
oan E. Boote, 88, was welcomed to her eternal home on Aug. 7, 2017. Joan grew up in Minneapolis, MN. Graduated from the University of Illinois with honors in Liberal Arts and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Her first job out of college was managing Editor of the “PATCO Journal” (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization) under Editor F. Lee Bailey in New York City. After a few years of working overseas for Michigan State University, Joan spent the majority of her adult life in Houston, TX. Joan began her career in Houston by studying design at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and worked as a designer for Ethan Allen Furniture Company. Joan was living in the Heights, that she grew to love, while attending University of Houston Law School studying two semesters of contract law. Her keen talents led her to a successful 25 year career in Houston Heights as a Real Estate owner/broker of Boote Properties. Joan engaged in many volunteer projects for the Heights. She was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” in 1986 for her numerous activities and accomplishments in the community. Upon retirement from business Joan became an award winning artist and portrait painter. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Margaret Peterson. She is survived by her husband David Collins and Nancy Young of Albuquerque, NM. Although not a step child or biological child, Joan considered Nancy her chosen daughter. Other survivors are sisters June Peick and Lynne Benz; stepsisters: Joan Nuber, Karleen Koen, Beta Fox, Pat Clark and Bette Levon as well as many nieces and nephews living in Minneapolis, MN. Joan will be deeply missed by all of those who were lucky enough to know her. Memorial to be held at a later date by the family.
Festivities Begin at 6pm.
Music • Costume Contest (7pm) • Cow Worship • Cultural Program • Discourse • Delicious Free Vegetarian Feast • Special Worship at 7pm, 9pm and Mid-Night.
Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 7A
The calendar.
FREE GARDENING CLASS MHGH Garden guru Dr. Joe Novak is a sought out horticulturist who lectures a class emphasizing the design and practice of community agriculture at Rice University. Come plant with Dr. Novak and take home a starter from this hands-on workshop while gaining key tips of successful gardening. The class will be from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 12, at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, 1635 N. Loop West. Free parking available in the South Tower. Space is limited, please register at www. memorialhermann.org/heightscommunity-garden/. Information: beautysgarden1@gmail.com, 832-910-8261.
BACK TO SCHOOL ACNE CLINIC B. Chandler Solutions Just in time for back to school is Houston’s first ever free acne clinic to be held in four sessions - 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Aug. 12 and 19. The event will be at the Marriott Courtyard, 2504 North Loop 610 West, 77092. Topics covered are the Mayo Clinic report on the four causes of acne, acne medicine, treatments and cleansing, and acne solutions. The new book release “The Myths of Acne Treatments” will be featured along with demonstrations and samples. Call 281-787-3876, 855-XIT-LITE (948-5483), or email Barry@xitlite.com for reservations.
AMPUTEE SUPPORT CIRCLE MHGH The Amputee Support Circle meets the second Friday of every month from 1–2:30 p.m., with the next meeting Aug. 11. The meeting provides educational speakers, resources for amputee needs, and a conducive environment for amputees to meet others and share their experiences. Information: 832-304-3574 or 713-854-2504.
GOODWILL FUNDRAISER Waltrip High School Waltrip High School, 1900 W. 34th St., is hosting a Goodwill Fundraiser from 8-11 a.m. Aug. 12, in the school parking lot. Please bring donations and the students will be available to move the items from your car to the Goodwill collection bins. Please help make the fundraiser a success and donate those no longer needed items.
BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Local author Elaine Parker Adams, will sign and discuss her book, Haiku Bouillabaisse and others. There will be food, fun and prizes. The event will be from 1-3 p.m., Aug. 12. The Book Scene is located at 1820 W. 43rd St. Information: 713-869-6117.
OPEN HOUSE/FUNDRAISER Houston Dance Works Moana and Princess Elena are swinging by Houston Dance Works’ Open House to help raise funds for the Playground for All Abilities at Oak Forest Park. Houston Dance Works will match 100% of the donations up to $500. Take a picture with these princesses for a $5 donation per
From the Pews. Job Fair at Greater First Baptist Greater First Baptist Church, 4441 Haygood St., will hold their Community Job and Career Fair, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19. Call 713-695-7061 for information. Guadalupanas hold garage sale at All Saints The Guadalupanas of All Saints Catholic Church will hold their annual garage sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27, in the parish hall. They will be accepting donations from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 19, and after all Masses on Aug. 20, in TALC Room 3, and starting Aug. 21 through Aug. 25, from 4-6 p.m. in the parish hall. For information, call 832-606-9294. All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St.
Worship series Wandering Home at St. Stephen’s Wandering Home, a new fall worship series about the journey of God’s people in the book of Exodus, begins Sunday, Aug. 27, during the 8:30 a.m. praise celebration and the 11 a.m. traditional service. Students can bring backpacks to both services on Aug. 27 for the Blessing of the Backpack. “Wednesday Nights” at St. Stephen’s begin Aug. 30. Bring dinner for the family at 5 p.m. and enjoy fellowship during the meal. From 6:30-7:30 p.m., Senior Pastor, Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, will lead a Bible study and Rev. Lindsay Smith, Music and Worship Pastor will lead the children’s choir practice. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For infor-
The Obituaries.
Raymond Douglas Chandler, 50, born May 25, 1967,
died July 31. He is survived by his son Raymond Devin Chandler, mother Janis O’Donnell, father Raymond Denson Chandler, and sister Kelly Chandler.
Sam Giambelluca, 94, born
Jan. 26, 1923 in Bryan, Texas, died July 26. He worked and retired from the courthouse in Houston. Giambelluca is survived by his brother, Joe Giambelluca, and sister Josephine Dise.
Norberto Mata, 99, born June 6, 1918 in Hungerford, Texas, died July 29. During World War II, he answered the call to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corp in the Pacific theater as an airplane mechanic. He had his own business for the next 40 years, Mata’s
person. The event is from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 16. HDW is located at 3500 E. TC Jester Blvd., Ste. G. Information: 713-956-4870, info@ houstondanceworks.com.
senior adults (50+). Membership is just $20/year for this campus. Information: http://lonestar.edu, pamela.J.Gardner@Lonestar.edu, 281-810-5680.
STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and entertainment, Aug. 18 (third Friday of each month). Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $15 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook. com/AmLegionPost560/, www. txlegion560.org.
FISH FRY American Legion Post 560 The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 560, 3720 Alba Road, will host their monthly Fish Fry and live entertainment Friday, Aug. 25 (fourth Friday of each month) from 6 p.m. until sold out. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook.com/ AmLegionPost560/, txlegion560. org, www.txlegion560.org.
HELPING A HERO VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Hyatt Regency Houston The luncheon will be Aug. 21, at the Hyatt Regency Houston, 1200 Louisiana. Registration and silent auction will be 11 a.m., followed by the luncheon and awards program at noon. Table sponsorships available. Information: helpingahero.org. ACADEMY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING OPEN HOUSE Lone Star College Victory Center The Academy for Lifelong Learning Open House will be from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at Lone Star College Victory Center, 4141 Victory Dr. Come meet the instructors and speakers, visit with fellow members, get catalogs and parking permits, and register for membership and classes. The Academy for Lifelong Learning provides free classes and social opportunities for
THE MAN IN THE LOCKET Theatre Suburbia “The Man in the Locket,” written by Kris Thompson is the winner of the Theatre Suburbia Meller Drammer Script Submission Contest. This meller drammer contains all the necessary elements for summertime fun, a chaste young heroine in danger of falling for the villain’s dastardly deeds, only to be saved by the dashing young hero. The Man in the Locket runs through Aug.26 with shows at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and 3 p.m. on Sundays at Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Information: 713-682-3525, www.theatresuburbia.org. GREATER HOUSTON STAMP SHOW Humble Civic Center The 70th Annual Greater Houston Stamp Show will be held Sept. 15-17, at the Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Park-
mation, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.
248-1277. All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St.
Third Age Learning Center to hold fall registration All Saint’s Third Age Learning Center senior program will hold its 2017 Fall Semester registration from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 31, in the parish hall. The fall semester begins Sept. 11 and concludes Nov. 17. Registration will continue the first week of the semester. TALC offers a variety of activities for seniors. Classes include exercise, woodworking, conversational Spanish, computer, line dancing, quilting, stain glass, watercolor and more. A hot lunch is available at noon Monday-Friday for $2. For TALC information and lunch reservations, call 713-
St. Matthew’s welcomes new organist, Orin Nelson The St. Matthew’s pipe organ is finally coming back to life with the hiring of new organist, Orin Nelson, an experienced organist who has served several area churches. Visitors are always welcome. Come to the 9:30 a.m. worship service, the 10:30 a.m. Sunday School and all various mission outreach programs. Children are a vital part and have their own Children’s Church. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd. For information, call 713-697-0671 or visit the website at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org., or the Facebook page.
way (77338). The show will be from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. The event features free admission and parking, 30+ dealers, 1,200+ pages of exhibits, beginner’s booth, door prizes, and meetings/presentations/U.S. Post Office sales. Information: www. houstonstampclub.org/HoustonStampShow.html. MELANOMA WALK/FUN RUN MD Anderson Cancer Center The 10th Annual AIM for the Cure Melanoma Walk and Fun Run 5K will be held at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mays Clinic - 1180 Pressler St., Sept. 23. Registration/sign-in is 6 p.m., The Check Points perform at 6:30 p.m., followed by the opening ceremony, and 8 p.m. is the walk/ run. Register online at: www: AIMatMelanoma.org. Information: aimforthecure@mdanderson.org, 713-745-1804. Ad # 36224
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Are you a responsible pet owner? What about your neighbors?
The American Veterinary Medical Association has approved these Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership • Committing to the relationship for the life of the pet(s). • Avoiding impulsive decisions about obtaining pet(s). • Recognizing that ownership of pet(s) requires an investment of time and money. • Keeping only the type and number of pets for which an appropriate and safe environment can be provided. • Ensuring pets are properly identied (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that registration information is kept up-to-date. • Adherence to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements. • Controlling pet(s)’ reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter. • Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client patient relationship. • Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of the pet(s). • Socialization and appropriate training for pet(s). • Preventing pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment. • Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to the pet(s) age, breed, and health status. • Making alternative arrangements if caring for the pet is no longer possible.
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Repair shop, repairing appliances. In 1961, he was called to the ministry pastoring Monte Olivo and Templo Sinai for 40 years. Mata is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jovita Vasquez Mata, sister Jesusa Barnett, children Esther Ortiz, Norberto Jr. and Viola Mata, Ruth and Bradley Dawson, Sylvia and Adam Aguilar, Connie and Martin Ochoa, 12 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren and 10 greatgreat-grandchildren.
Frank Morales, 97, born Nov. 24, 1919, died Aug. 2. He served three years with the U.S. Army in the Pacific during WWII. In 1949, he began teaching grade school at St. Peter Lutheran on Houston Ave. In 1967, Morales began a second career as an Inner City missionary running outreach and community services pro-
grams. His third career with the City of Houston Health Department lasted until his retirement. Morales is survived by daughter Rebecca, son James, and four grandchildren.
Theodore Allen Mosshart, 89, born July 27, 1928,
died July 31. Mosshart graduated from John Reagan High School in the Heights in May 1945, and from Sam Houston Teachers College with a BBA degree in May 1948. He was an active member of Westbury United Methodist Church. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. (1951 – 1953) and served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1965, he entered into the Life Insurance Business with Kansas City Life and in 1973 he started Ted A. Mosshart and Sons Insurance Agency. He is survived by his
children Alan Mosshart, Becky Davidson, Jeff Mosshart and Karene Mosshart, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Mary Sanford, 80, born May 9, 1937, died Aug. 2. She worked as a child care teacher for 17 years and a CCE teacher at St. Joseph Church. After retiring, she continued to teach chapel classes at Larkin Day Care. She was a part of the Catholic Daughters, the Altar Society, the Epiphany prison ministry and the Cursillo movement. She went on to become closer to God and became a Carmelite nun. A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by her final resting place at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
s school gets back into session it’s the perfect time to review some dental tips to keep your student’s smiles bright! To begin with, it’s a great time to schedule for your child’s dental check-up! The American Dental Association recommends that children are seen every six months for a regular cleaning and exam, and the first of the school year is a perfect time to make that happen. It’s important to stress to your child about making healthy snack decisions while they are at school. Lunchtime outside of your watchful eye it is great to know that your student is enjoying snacks that are low in sugar to keep those dreaded sugar bugs from making a home in their teeth. I always recommend that your child rinse well with water after eating lunch or any snacks. This helps to wash out any food sugars that might accumulate on their teeth. If your child is old enough that they are wearing braces, I highly encourage that they bring a toothbrush to use after they’ve eaten. Braces tend to collect food more readily around the brackets and can very easily lead to decay which may not be detected until after the braces are removed. It’s no fun to have really straight teeth that have cavities all around them because they weren’t kept clean! Finally, for those little athletes out there, be sure that they are wearing a mouthguard to help protect their teeth from any impacts. This can keep them from an unnecessary emergency dental visit. Good luck this year to all of the little scholars as they begin this semester. With a few easy tips, we can make sure our children are smiling until next summer!
Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.
MESSAGE OF THE WEEK
A Better Kingdom By Pastor Will Cover
Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 www.arisebaptistchurch.org •713-659-9697
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History is full of stories of the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms. Nations have come and nations have gone. While some nations have been better than others, there has never been a perfect kingdom. At the beginning of the story of Esther, we read the account of King Ahasuerus and how he treated Queen Vashti. After drinking and partying for more than six months, the king decided to parade Queen Vashti in front of all of the people as just another one of his prized possessions and a sign of his power. Vashti responded to the command by refusing to come. This made the king very angry and he didn’t know what to do. Perhaps he had never had a single one of his desires ever refused before. Instead of questioning whether or not his command was right in the first place, he immediately placed all of the blame on Vashti and began to plan his response. Along with the help of his “wise men,” he decided to banish her from his presence forever. This story reminds me of many things in our culture today. Many people live only for their own pleasure and to fulfill their own desires. If they don’t get what they want, they lash out and get upset. Refuse them at your own peril! When husbands and wives disagree and fight, they often blame the other as the cause of the problem. We love to place blame, we often hate to take ownership of the problem and admit that we might be part of the issue. Often “wise men” tell people what they want to hear instead of telling people what they need to hear. While there are many parallels between the story of this kingdom and our present day, rather than just feeling hopeless or frustrated, this should cause us to look for a better kingdom. There has never been nor will there ever be a good kingdom on this earth ruled by an earthly ruler. We need a better kingdom, one ruled by a perfect Ruler, and the only way that is possible is for Jesus to be King. Jesus is a perfect king, and He will one day rule a perfect kingdom. The question for you is, “Are you a part of His kingdom?” His kingdom will have no lust, no sin, no struggle, no depression, or discouragement. To be part of His kingdom means confessing your sin and your need of a Savior, and trusting in Jesus as the only One who can forgive your wrongdoing. God was at work in the time of Esther, just as He is at work today. Even though it might have been hard to see His hand of Providence, we will clearly see it over the next few weeks as we continue our study in Esther. Please join us at Arise Baptist Church as we learn to see God’s hand at work in every situation, and we are challenged to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ!
Page 8A • Saturday, August 12, 2017
Taking on the (sometimes) daunting task of potty training a puppy
Dear Tabby, We’re getting a puppy in the next month! We’re so excited but are a little concerned about how to approach potty training. Any tips? Petrified of Potty Training in Cottage Grove Dear Petrified, Potty train a puppy can seem daunting indeed. It is important to remain consistent and vigilant
to ensure the happiness of everyone in your home. Our friends at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science have lots to say on the topic: “Inappropriate eliminations are one of the biggest reasons pets are surrendered,� says Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M said. “Developing good bathroom habits early is key to having a pet you will enjoy for a long time.� Potty training should begin as soon as you bring your pet home. If you’re training an adult dog or a puppy, be sure to give them plenty of time to use the bathroom and stay with them until they go. Then, reward the animal with a treat or positive praise so they understand that eliminating outside is good behavior. If your pup is having a hard time learning where it is ap-
propriate to eliminate, don’t give up. There are other strategies pet owners can use to potty train their canine, such as crate training. “Crate training takes advantage of a dog’s natural inclination to rest in a den,� Stickney explained. “Dogs will not urinate and defecate in their den (crate) because they prefer to eliminate outside.� If you’re going to crate train your dog or puppy, Stickney said the crate should be large enough for the animal to stand up, stretch out, and turn around, but not any larger. Additionally, maintain a consistent schedule for allowing your pet to go outside. “A good rule of thumb is the puppy needs to go outside every hour per month of age,� Stickney said. “So a three-month-old puppy needs to go outside to eliminate every three hours. A puppy that begins to whine and
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become anxious should be taken outside immediately.� Though crate training can be effective, Stickney said it’s important to remember that puppies and even adult dogs still will have accidents occasionally. In this case, Stickney said instead of punishing your pup, ignore that the accident even happened. “Once an accident happens in the house, the puppy has already forgotten what it did,� Stickney said. “Clean up the mess and remove the smell so the puppy does not revisit that spot.� In addition, Stickney said if your adult dog or cat is already potty trained and suddenly starts having reoccurring accidents, this could be a sign of a health problem. In this case, your pet should see a veterinarian for a check-up. No one should pass up an opportunity for pet companionship to keep their home clean
and fresh-smelling. If you’re consistent in your potty training plan, both you and your new pet will be happy. But remember, if you’re planning on getting a furry friend, patience and positive
Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com
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Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 9A
A trip of a lifetime to the Caribbean T
his past week I set sail on 44-foot yacht and while snorkeling and sailing in the Caribbean, I was reminded of the favorite part of my job. In the fall of 2015 is when I met Garden Oaks resident Kim Ellis. The Leader was working on printing the Green edition – the section was composed of everything from recycling and environmental practices, healthful practices, green food, and more. Loyal reader Kim Ellis is an environmental scientist, and at the time was working on building her wildscape consulting business, Habitats. We featured Ellis and her business in the Green edition, worked on a successful and fruitful marketing campaign for Habitats, convinced her to contribute a monthly column, taught her how to tune her writing for newspaper, badgered her with deadline reminders, and we grew a friendship. Kim is married to a crazy nut named Jason and the two have a sweet son, Benji. The Ellises aren’t your typical neighbor. For starters, you can usually find a vintage Volkswagon Vanagon being dismantled and yelled at on any given weekend in the driveway. There’s probably also a homebrew boiling in the garage or a summer wine being made - or both. The latest Ellis adventure has been their recent purchase of a 44-foot catamaran, Mimzy. The Ellises are currently chartering Mimzy in the Caribbean with a captain and first mate taking groups out to explore the Caribbean. This time next year, charter season will come to a close and the Ellises will have (hopefully) sold their Garden Oaks house, the camper van, put things in storage, and will be packing their bags to permanently take residency on Mimzy - or at least for a few years. Charter season just came to a close with hurricane season alive and well, picking up
Christina Martinez Managing Editor
Photos by Christina Martinez At the top going clockwise, Garden Oaks residents Jason and Kim Ellis in the captain’s seat sailing SV Mimzy, their 44-foot Catamaran and soon-to-be home. A look at Maho Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. An excited Kim and Jason Ellis, with an also excited Christina Martinez, cheersing to making it to St. Thomas and the beginning of their summer sailing adventure. Sunset at Caneel Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Seafood Mofongo at Puerto Rico Cafe, a Puerto Rican classic that shines plantains and fresh seafood. A view of Playa de Flamenco (Flamenco Beach), one of the world’s best beaches.
again in November. Until then, Mimzy takes a break in a marina in Fajardo – giving a good excuse to take her out for a summer sail and that’s where our adventure begins. Our adventure crew consisted of the Ellises plus me, and the Wells family – Trampus, Rachel and their two boys, Trip and Carrick. We flew out of Bush Intercontinental on a Friday morning, landing in St. Thomas that afternoon. For our first night, we stayed docked in the marina and were welcomed by Mimzy’s charter Captain Darrin, and First Mate, Desire. Dinner that night was prepared by chef Desire – along with her signature stiff drinks – serving one of her specialties of grilled grouper in a halved grilled pineapple,
topped with marinated pomegranate seeds. A wonderful welcome meal to the Caribbean. The next morning we were moving a bit slowly after a few of Desire’s signature island cocktails, but eventually got going with St. John as our desired destination for the day. Before setting full sail, we made our way to Pizza Pi VI, a pizza food boat in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We eventually made our way to Maho Bay where we anchored for our first night out. The beauty of this bay is one I’ll never forget; the bay welcomes you with lush green trees on the beach and the bay rich with fish - a nurse shark slept on the ocean floor, right underneath our boat - and the stargazing at night was unforgettable.
The next day, we island hopped over to Waterlemon Cay, and at this island is where we had the best snorkel of our trip. The colorful parrot fish, fun file fish, swaying purple sea fans, another nurse shark and all of Waterlemon’s beauty captivated me in a sea spell that I never wanted to end. After, we hiked Annaberg Sugar Plantation to get a glimpse of the ruins and to take in the full panoramic view of our dive destination. To end the night, we parked in Caneel Bay. The next morning we set sail to Buckeye Bay, where we met six sea turtles feasting on a healthy bed of sea grass, in crystal clear water. I swam out to catch a glimpse and stationed myself directly above the turtles, hoping one would come up to greet me.
Art Valet: local artist to host Face-Off Portrait Competition
T
elevision programming has no shortage of competitive shows on the air, many quite popular that I just can’t wrap my head around - Bachelor and Bachelorette, really? Singing, dancing, fashion stylists, runway models, bakers, chefs, blacksmiths and special effects makeup artists all have the spotlight. What about art? More specifically, portrait painting. They may not be on television (yet) but this Saturday the gallery in Winter Street Studios will be the place to catch Houston’s first ever FACE OFF! Nine Houston chapter members of the National Portrait Society, organized by Winter Street Studio artist Rhonda Lancos, will participate in the timed event, August 12, 1 - 5 p.m. - the last hour being a champagne reception and silent auction of the portraits. Lancos said the National Portrait Society hosts the Face Off competition in other cities around the country, but when she inquired about it for Houston, she was tasked with the job. Other Winter Street Studio artists in the competition include Lenore Prudhomme and Ann Stoudenmire. “I love the human form, the challenges in painting it are profound and forever rewarding,� Lancos said. “Seeing the beauty in people is so much a part of portrait painting, timeless and gratifying!�
Lancos has “Artists of Houston� podcast in the works and hosts life drawing/painting in her studio every Tuesday, and offers lessons in drawing and painting for beginners. What can you expect at the Face-Off ? There will be two models for the artists to choose from and the artists will paint in twenty-minute
segments. Special lighting will be used on the models, too. No back stabbing antics are expected here. The Face-Off coincides with the Second Saturday Open Studios. On the second Saturday of each month, the artists of The Silos, Silver Street, Summer Street, and Winter Street Studios open their studios to
Contributed photos At the top, artist Rhonda Lancos models for a student in her Winter Street Studio.
Mitch Cohen
Just my luck, a turtle came up for breath inches away from my mask and I got to say a friendly hello. Our main sail of the trip was roughly six hours, venturing from the USVI to Culebra, Puerto Rico, where we bay hopped around the island on Mimzy. On our second day in Culebra, we eventually made our way to land to explore and stretch our legs. The next day, we rented jeeps to do some serious beach exploring for the next two days – exploring the beauty of Playa de Flameco (Flamenco beach), Zoni beach and Playa Punta Soldado. All very different beaches; all uniquely beautiful. The morning of Friday, August 4, I said farewell (for now) to the adventure crew and boarded a six person plane as the only passenger to San Juan. The captain said I was flying like a queen for the day. I explored the old city of
San Juan, taking in history at the San Juan National Historic Site – learning about the fortifications that were built by the Spanish to control Puerto Rico, the “front door� to the U.S., and how they fought for 400 years to keep Puerto Rico. My final meal of the trip was at Cafe Puerto Rico, trying the local cuisine of Mofongo. My waiter suggested a seafood mofongo, with mixed plaintains for a sweet and true taste of the starch. Mofongo is something I never knew I needed to try, and now I’m wondering where in Houston I can get a fix. I ended the night and trip walking in the cobblestone paved streets of Old San Juan, listening to locals drum an upbeat, romantic tune in a nearby plaza, all while reminiscing in our adventures and coming to final thoughts of gratitude – the best part of my job is the relationships and friendships I get to make along the way. I’m grateful to call the Ellises friends. Email christina@theleadernews.com
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the public from 12 – 5 p.m. Again, the Face-Off is from 1 - 5 p.m., in the upstairs gallery in the east wing of Winter Street Studios – 2101 Winter St. 77007 - this Saturday afternoon. Visit online at winterstreetstudios.com, texasportraitnetwork.blogspot.com and rhondalanclos.squarespace. com. After you bid on your favorite portrait, saunter over to the mural wall behind Winter Street and visit my last night market for The Market at Sawyer Yards, 6 - 10 p.m. Enjoy a beer at Holler Brewing Company and/or dinner at the new Local Pho on Edwards. There’s a convenient enclosed hallway through the Silver Street building now to access Edwards Street to our south. More details at SawyerStreetMarket.com. Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the new Market at Sawyer Yards, find him at ArtValet.com
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