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In the swim, in the neighborhood

The Greater Heights is set to get a new swim school and club, just in time for summer, The Leader has learned. Tiﬀany and Lothar Hofbauer will start construction in a few days on the Pengu Swim School at the corner of Golf and Wakeﬁeld in the Oak Forest area. Pengu is planned as an 8,000 square foot indoor aquatic facility with a play area in the back, suitable for birthday parties. The Hofbauers, who live in the Garden Oaks area, say they’re meeting a need they’ve experienced when they had to travel across town for swim lessons.

‘Quiet Zone’ at least 3 years away by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com

Editor’sTake

No one can do anything about the rumbling and shaking from trains that traverse our ordinarily peaceful neighborhoods day and night. They’re a critical part of Houston’s commerce. But there is a mechanism, seemingly simple, that should help silence those incessant horns – the ones engineers are required to sound as warnings at crossings – that frequently turn into long, jarring, disruptive blares. It’s called a “quiet zone,” where local residents and businesses can work with their leaders to apply to the federal government to create ways to make crossings safe without needing the horns as warning. The Leader has received questions about why there can’t be such a zone and what happened to

a lengthy campaign along 34th Street tracks to create an oasis free of warning blasts. We have a vested interested in silencing the horns, too. Our offices on East T.C. Jester are just yards from a railroad crossing, and our phone conversations and dealings in the office are frequently compromised by an engineer laying on the horn. But the news is not good. After a three-year campaign to create a 34th Street Corridor Quiet Zone, the city formally ruled against it last year. There were eight quiet zones funded in what a city official told The Leader will be the last round of funding for quiet

There was a threeyear campaign to create a 34th Street Corridor Quiet Zone that oﬃcially came to an end last year – without the city’s approval. The only option now is for citizens and businesses to let representatives kinow that they still want some quiet. (Photo by Jonathan McElvy)

see Quiet • Page 10A

NW Mall resilient through the storm

Capital ’trip

– Betsy Denson

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WHAT: Oaks Dads Club Barbecue Cook Oﬀ featuring live entertainment, kids’ activities, vendors – and the main event – teams vying for best beans, brisket, chicken, chili, ribs and the enigmatic “chef’s choice” title. It’s all to raise money for the spring baseball/softball season. WHEN: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 25-26 WHERE: Oaks Dads Club, 3410 E. T.C. Jester HOW MUCH: Admission is $3 for adults, free for youngsters 15 and under. Plates are $8, including two meats and side dishes. LEARN MORE: www.odcsports.com EDITOR’S TAKE: That same competitive spirit displayed on the playing ﬁeld carries over to the barbecue and makes this one of the area’s legendary grubfests.

THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classiﬁeds

2A 3A 4A 7A 6A 5A 9B 6B

Jesus Leija, a senior member of the Waltrip Ram Band, practices with the rest of the band on Tuesday. It marked the ﬁnal practice before the students head to Washington, D.C., to perform during the inauguration. (Photo by Jake Dukate)

Ram Band hits the right notes, headed to D.C. by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com The Waltrip Ram Band, ranked as the best 4A band in the region, can now add fundraising – and possibly playing for the president – to their list of accomplishments. Defying economic circumstances and a tight deadline, the band was able to meet Monday’s cutoff to make the trip by amassing nearly $150,000 in contributions and accepted a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to perform in Washington, D.C. for presidential inauguration activities. More than 150 band members, chaperones and security were set to leave the school in chartered motor coaches at 6 a.m. Thursday and to arrive Saturday. When members held a ﬁnal fundraising concert less than a week before the deadline, the band was still about $40,000 shy of its $147,000 goal to transport, house and feed the entourage, but between concert donations and a last-minute publicity blitz – plus contributions from U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and her supporters – the musicians reached what had seemed like an impossible goal. Houston ISD is contributing $50,000 and the school has budgeted another $20,000. Since receiving the ﬁrst invitation last fall,

by Ivee Sauls ivee@theleadernews.com The challenges facing the Northwest Mall might seem insurmountable to some, but not to Viki Guidry, who’s marking her 25th year as general manager and who faces good and bad times with equanimity. The 45-year-old mall is at the center of a perfect storm of prolonged construction along both the 290 and 610 freeways –that location once being its greatChamber will host est asset. And it’s its Crawﬁsh Festival uncomfortably at NW Mall close to the glitzy shopping meccas • Page 10A of The Galleria, Uptown Park, Memorial City and City Centre and not far from upscale stores in Highland Village, Upper Kirby and River Oaks. Still, Northwest Mall endures. With 75 stores, the mall depends on the business of regulars, said Guidry. “We’ve got our faithful shoppers that come here and want to see the mall do well.” She said the regulars help by word of mouth to let others know the mall is still open. “We’re not under construction. We are not tearing down the mall,” she said. see Mall • Page 10A

Numerous people around the community helped the Waltrip High School Ram Band raise enough money to make their inaugural trip. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee put them over the top when she donated a check on Tuesday. (Photo by Jake Dukate) band members came up with $300 each for their contribution, and the group has been performing in full and in smaller ensembles at events and businesses throughout the community to help raise awareness and money. Back when the invitation ﬁrst arrived,

only The Leader was publicizing the fundraising. But in recent days, captivated with the story of these inner city teens who come from a school where 80 percent of students are at or below poverty level, other news

see Band • Page 9A

Viki Guidry, who has been general manager at the Northwest Mall for 25 years, continues to believe in the loyal businesses at the mall, despite construction and nearby competitors. (Photo by Ivee Sauls)

Page 2A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

Crime Briefs: Picasso vandal jailed, robberies pick back up Uriel Landeros – the 22-year-old Heights-area artist who admitted to vandalizing a Picasso painting at the Menil Collection last June – was booked into Harris County Jail Monday and faces charges of grafﬁti and criminal mischief. Landeros had been a fugitive, believed to be in northern Mexico, and turned himself into authorities in McAllen last week. A patron at Landeros Snagged by technology: Houston police said they tracked this carjacking the Menil caught suspect through GPS on the pickup he’s alleged to have taken. the act on cell (Image from KHOU-TV) phone video and posted it to YouTube. The “conquista” stencil that black jeans, a covered face and a Landeros later admitted to spray Area robberies hooded jacket – walked into the painting on the priceless painting business and demanded the victim was a symbol he frequently used picking up again After a lull during the holidays, give him all the money in the store. in his art. Through social media, he Cannon said the suspect left on said he performed the act to high- at least 15 area robberies have been foot, and the victim was unable to light the plight of abused and op- reported in the past two weeks. On Jan. 7, a 53-year-old woman offer much of a description. pressed people. was robbed at her business at 2017 On Jan. 12, two other robberies He painted at locations in the N. Shepherd Dr. when a man apwere reported within the span of Sawyer-Washington Heights arts pearing to have a gun in his shirt 15 minutes. district, and a gallery owner held At 9:45 p.m., an 18-year-old male a controversial, invitation-only ex- walked into her store at 1:10 p.m. According to Houston Police De- was walking down West 43rd Street, hibit of his work while he was on the run, to help raise money for his partment spokesman John Cannon, in the 700 block, when a gunman the suspect – a black male wearing approached him and demanded living expenses.

his cell phone and jewelry. Cannon said the suspect is a black male, between 20-30 years old, 5-foot-10 and weighing around 200 pounds. “The victim was on his cell phone walking in the street when the robbery took place,” Cannon said. “The suspect then pointed his gun at the victim and demanded everything he had.” Just a few minutes later, and about three miles away, a 22-yearold male and 25-year-old female were talking in a parking area near 4200 West T.C. Jester Blvd. According to Cannon, two black males – apparently in their 20s – approached the couple. One of the suspects physically attacked the male victim, striking him in the back of the head with a pistol, and demanded his wallet and cell phone. Meanwhile, the second suspect grabbed the female victim’s hair and demanded she hand over her purse. Neither victim was considered seriously injured in the robbery. Cannon asked anyone with information on these crimes to contact the HPD robbery division at (713) 308-0700.

Carjack suspect trapped by technology

KHOU-TV, Channel 11, reported the case of a carjacking suspect who was tracked and nabbed in the Washington Heights Walmart parking lot overnight Jan. 10 after he took a pickup truck at knifepoint at Ella and 43rd in Oak Forest. The man, who had a knife and

a BB gun in his possession, was taken into custody after ofﬁcers received the report about 12:30 a.m. and followed the GPS signal. For daily updates on crime in the Leader’s coverage area, you can always click on our website at www. theleadernews.com. – Compiled by Leader staff

Police Reports, Jan. 6-13 JAN. 6

Theft 08:00 PM 1500-1599 NORTH LP Theft 08:00 PM 1500-1599 NORTH LP Theft 05:00 PM 1500-1599 NORTH LP Theft 10:00 PM 3700-3799 CENTER ST Theft 01:00 AM 2400-2499 HACKETT DR Burglary 05:30 PM 3000-3099 BRONTON

JAN. 7

Robbery 01:10 PM 2000-2099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 03:00 PM 1400-1499 NORTH LP W SER Theft 01:25 PM 400-499 4TH ST Theft 01:00 PM 800-899 MARTIN Theft 11:30 PM 600-699 BYRNE Theft 11:00 PM 1500-1599 PATTERSON Theft 05:00 PM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON AVE Assault 09:30 AM 1800-1899 WAKEFIELD DR Robbery 01:10 PM 2000-2099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 08:00 PM 600-699 SHEPHERD DR Theft 09:00 PM 600-699 SHEPHERD DR Theft 04:30 PM 2400-2499 18TH ST Theft 08:15 PM 1700-1799 WEST LP N SER Robbery 08:15 AM 5900-5999 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10:15 PM 4000-4099 34TH ST Theft 09:25 PM 4000-4099 WATONGA Theft 08:00 AM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 12:00 PM 3700-3799 WATONGA

JAN. 8

Theft 08:15 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP Theft 08:45 AM 2100-2199 NORTH LP W Theft 12:55 AM 0-99 RIESNER Theft 07:30 AM 7100-7199 OLD KATY Burglary 06:45 PM 4300-4399 SHERWOOD LN Theft 01:05 PM 4600-4699 DACOMA ST Robbery 06:00 AM 4600-4699 SHERWOOD LN Theft 05:00 PM 2300-2399 SHEPHERD Theft 05:15 AM 2300-2399 SHEPHERD Robbery 05:40 AM 3200-3299 MANGUM Theft 06:30 PM 10800-10899 NORTHWEST FWY Burglary 06:15 PM 1300-1399 CORTLANDT ST Theft 10:00 PM 1100-1199 17TH ST Burglary 03:00 PM 3000-3099 ELLA Theft 06:00 PM 4100-4199 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 06:00 PM 4000-4099 34TH ST Theft 08:30 PM 800-899 RALFALLEN Theft 09:00 PM 4400-4499 SCHULER Theft 08:13 PM 200-299 NORVIEW DR Theft 06:00 PM 1700-1799 SABINE Theft 09:00 PM 900-999 MARCELLA Theft 10:00 PM 3700-3799 CENTER ST

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JAN. 11

Theft 10:15 AM 200-299 20TH ST Theft 08:30 AM 1400-1499 HEIGHTS Burglary 03:20 AM 1800-1899 OXFORD Theft 12:30 PM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD Theft 12:00 PM 4300-4399 SHEPHERD Burglary 11:20 AM 900-999 OMAR Theft 10:30 PM 1000-1099 CHESHIRE LN Theft 05:45 PM 4600-4699 LILLIAN Theft 05:30 PM 4600-4699 LILLIAN Burglary 01:30 PM 2800-2899 BEAUCHAMP ST Theft 05:00 AM 800-899 WENDEL Burglary 06:00 PM 5200-5299 FOUNDERS WAY CT Burglary 07:30 AM 7400-7499 SHEPHERD DR Theft 07:00 PM 900-999 DURHAM DR Theft 04:00 PM 2000-2099 LATEXO DR Theft 01:00 PM 4500-4599 NETT Burglary 06:00 PM 1500-1599 SPRING

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Assault 04:00 AM 800-899 BEVERLY ST Theft 10:00 PM 4600-4699 MAXIE Theft 05:08 PM 3000-3099 ELLA BLVD Theft 09:15 PM 4200-4299 EIGEL ST

JAN. 10

Robbery 05:10 PM 3000-3099 DURHAM Theft 04:30 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W Theft 04:00 PM 4500-4599 OXFORD ST Burglary 04:00 PM 5000-5099 YALE Theft 10:22 AM 4900-4999 N SHEPHERD Theft 06:30 PM 400-499 HEIGHTS BLVD Robbery 12:15 AM 1200-1299 43RD ST Burglary 11:30 AM 1600-1699 SAXON Theft 03:35 PM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD Burglary 02:30 AM 4100-4199 MARINA Theft 07:00 PM 2200-2299 SHEARN ST Theft 11:30 AM 5400-5499 SAMROSE Robbery 05:10 PM 3000-3099 DURHAM Theft 04:30 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W Theft 03:35 PM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD Theft 10:00 PM 1000-1099 ARLINGTON Burglary 06:00 PM 1900-1999 EBONY Theft 11:30 PM 700-799 WASHINGTON Theft 11:15 AM 11000-11099 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 07:00 PM 5200-5299 INKER

Theft 12:30 PM 1100-1199 19TH ST Robbery 09:45 PM 700-799 W 43RD ST Robbery 10:50 AM 900-999 CROSSTIMBERS Robbery 05:00 AM 1000-1099 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 07:30 PM 2200-2299 ELLA BLVD Theft 02:00 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 04:23 PM 900-999 DURHAM DR Theft 03:30 PM 900-999 DURHAM DR Assault 09:00 PM 5000-5099 YALE Theft 03:40 PM 3600-3699 WILLIA ST Theft 07:30 PM 2400-2499 CENTER ST Theft 01:00 PM 3800-3899 SHERWOOD Theft 11:00 AM 1900-1999 LAMONTE Robbery 10:00 PM 4200-4299 T C JESTER BLVD Theft 10:10 AM 1600-1699 BLOUNT ST Theft 12:45 PM 6300-6399 GROVEWOOD LN Robbery 06:19 AM 200-299 LENA DR Robbery 06:18 PM 300-399 BIZERTE ST Theft 06:45 PM 4900-4999 NOLDA Theft 08:00 PM 1500-1599 NORTH LP W Theft 07:00 PM 3500-3599 CENTER ST Theft 09:00 PM 4700-4799 LILLIAN Theft 09:30 PM 4700-4799 LILLIAN Theft 10:00 PM 2100-2199 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 09:30 PM 4300-4399 SHERWOOD Theft 03:30 PM 1200-1299 SPRING

JAN. 13

Assault 02:00 AM 100-199 AURORA ST Burglary 01:00 AM 700-799 19TH ST

JAN. 9

Theft 12:15 PM 2100-2199 YALE Theft 10:30 AM 2700-2799 YALE Theft 12:20 PM 800-899 RUTLAND Theft 01:00 PM 1200-1299 19TH ST Theft 09:30 AM 4100-4199 RUTLAND Burglary 10:15 AM 1500-1599 BEVIS ST Theft 08:20 AM 1300-1399 40TH ST Theft 03:10 PM 3700-3799 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 07:00 AM 200-299 S. HEIGHTS Burglary 07:20 AM 200-299 S. HEIGHTS Robbery 11:55 PM 2100-2199 TANNEHILL DR Burglary 06:45 AM 4400-4499 FEAGAN ST Burglary 07:00 AM 5300-5399 BRINKMAN ST Burglary 08:07 AM 900-999 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 09:00 AM 1500-1599 NORTH LP Assault 09:10 PM 800-899 FUGATE Burglary 11:00 AM 700-799 USENER Theft 10:00 PM 700-799 25TH ST

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Theft 04:30 PM 700-799 23RD ST Theft 01:00 PM 4000-4099 JULIAN Theft 07:30 PM 1500-1599 NORTH LP SER Burglary 09:50 PM 600-699 REDAN Theft 11:00 AM 5200-5299 EIGEL ST Theft 04:30 PM 100-199 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 05:50 PM 4500-4599 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 11:47 PM 2000-2099 18TH ST Theft 04:00 PM 2800-2899 CENTER ST Burglary 08:00 PM 5000-5099 YALE Theft 10:45 AM 3600-3699 WILLIA ST Theft 12:00 AM 2600-2699 CENTER ST Theft 05:45 PM 2900-2999 N LOOP Theft 11:49 AM 4300-4399 SHERWOOD LN Theft 04:15 PM 4200-4299 T C JESTER Assault 01:30 AM 1100-1199 STUDER Theft 02:45 PM 9800-9899 HEMPSTEAD HWY Robbery 02:00 PM 9900-9999 HEMPSTEAD HWY

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Page 3A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

Arts Calendar Review: Pizza, vino and much, much more at Crisp PORTALS OF MISCONCEPTION Jan. 19-Feb. 23 Opening Jan. 19, 6-9 p.m. BLUEorange Contemporary Art Gallery 1208 W. Gray 713-527-0030

www.blueorangehouston.com Portals of Misconception features a site speciﬁc installation by sculptor Aldon Mines and installation artist Shannon Gowen as well individual works from both artists. Aldon’s sculptures draw viewers in and ask them to question preconceived ideas of functionality and practicality. Shannon seamlessly intertwines elements of ﬁber art, embroidery, collage and sculpture into her installations. Together they have created an imaginative piece that is as captivating as it is beautiful.

WARM UP TO BLACK AND WHITE (A TRIBUTE TO PICASSO) Jan. 21-Feb. 8 Opening Jan. 19, 6-9 p.m. The Lyric Centre 440 Louisiana St.

Come join in the opening of The Group Art Show “Warm Up To Black And White,” featuring artists David Adickes, Kelley Devine, Kimberly Gremillion, Keith Hollingsworth and Marcus Mann. Paintings, sculpture, photography and works on paper dealing with the monochromatic palette will be presented, which reveal striking contemporary interpretations.

6TH INTERNATIONAL TEXAS TEAPOT TOURNAMENT Jan. 12-Jan. 27 Opening Jan. 12, 6-9 p.m. 18 Hands Gallery 249 W. 19th St. 713-869-3099 www.18handsgallery.com

18 Hands Gallery is proud to jointly sponsor this exciting exhibition, along with Clay Arts Museum and Educational Organization (C.A.M.E.O), a non-proﬁt organization devoted to promoting ceramics and emerging ceramic artists. Pushing the boundaries of the concept of teapot, come view more than 80 teapots by an international cast of clay artists. Come by for a relaxing evening, light refreshments and meet the artists.

STAGED - NEW WORKS BY LEIGH MERRILL AND ANA FERNANDEZ Jan. 5-Jan. 27 G Gallery 301 E. 11th St. 713-869-4770 www.ggalleryhouston.com

Staged, featuring work by artists Ana Fernandez (San Antonio) and Leigh Merrill (Dallas), presents viewers with an oddly familiar yet undeniably oﬀ-kilter view of the Texas landscape. Both artists construct strangely discordant, alternate visual realities by recombining, re-contextualizing, and reimagining the mundane, innocuous sights and structures that clutter everyday life.

IAN HAMILTON FINLAY PRINTED WORKS Jan. 12-Feb. 23 Opening Jan. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hiram Butler Gallery 4520 Blossom St. 713-863-7097 www.hirambutler.com

Come view printed works by Ian Hamilton Finlay, which includes a piece called “Neoclassicism Needs You” 1983.

FULL CIRCLE EXHIBITION Jan. 19-June 2 Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd. 713-861-5526 www.artcarmuseum.com

The Art Car Museum is closed until Jan. 19, when a new exhibit will be opened. Full circle is a collage and assemblage exhibition of ﬁve artists whose works involve the appropriation and repurposing of materials. The exhibit examines social responsibility, purpose and intent of objects. For information visit the website.

Pizza and wine is a pretty safe plan for dinner out when you’re rolling with a medium-sized party of say six or so. It’s rare that someone doesn’t have at the very least a tolerance for cheese-covered and cooked dough and the addition of wine, particularly before the pizza is ordered, can alleviate any anxiety about pizza topping consensus. The elevated cylindrical pans are perfect for conveniently nabbing a slice of the ’Za whenever you want (even though Leader Eater is always that guy who can never fully hack through the pesky bit of cheese between the pieces and I embarrassingly stretch it out so much that it looks like that ﬁrst foot step up after planting your shoe down in some chewing gum), and wine from a bottle is just down right communal. This scene played out recently (yes, the awkward pizza serving faux pas included) at the spacious dinner and drinks hideaway called Crisp. The new eatery on the corner of Bevis and 23rd Street adds to the underrated restaurant district emerging in the Shady Acres borough of The Heights; centered primarily along 20th Street and the few blocks of Ella Boulevard north of T.C. Jester. Eight stone-oven cooked pizzas showcase Crisp’s menu with my group going for the polar opposite selections of Talegio Florentine and San Fran’s North Beach (“Our version of meat lovers,” our waiter explained about the wheel named after the predominately Italian neighborhood in Frisco). Fennel seed sausage was one of the three meat toppings and its taste didn’t take

Crisp 220 Bevis www.crisphouston.com Snacks and Apps: $7-$15 Pizza and Sandwiches: $9.50-$17 Large Plates: $18-$30 Kid Friendly: Their huge patio out back in daylight hours is your best plan LE’s Favorite: Roasted Mushroom Fondue

on the over-bearing flavor characteristics that some sausages can, instead blending in nicely with the half slices of cherry tomato and full green olives. The TF hit on the decadent end of the pizza palette with its namesake cheese bringing out a sweet and creamy taste beside the marinated artichoke hearts, spinach, crispy onions and truffle oil (“You had me at truffle oil,” quipped one of my friends about one of the Crisp menu’s recurring ingredients).

As much as Crisp stands up to any of the area’s other sit-down pizza and wine experiences – Collina’s and Star Pizza immediately coming to mind – it would be offensive to lump it into this category. There is a lot more going on at Crisp. For starters, the sophisticated wine selections can not only be consumed from the glass and/or bottle but at the restaurant’s enomatic wine dispensing apparatus. Simply put, it is a self-serve wine dispenser that allows you not only to

test out wines before you commit to a bottle but offers the ability to indulge in a couple ounces of high-end wine at a really reasonable price. (My sedentary group stayed at the table after receiving an astute recommendation for Antigal 1 Malbec from our gregarious waiter.) There is a Cheers-style, sit-on-all-sides bar (populated by disappointed Texans’ fans that evening), a special party room and a massive outdoor patio. But it’s the extra frills beyond the pizza portion of the menu that need highlighting. There are classy dinner salads (the Romaine Salad “Caesar Style” with a topping of fried Calamari is Leader Eater’s endorsement and keep the Parmesan Crisp all to yourself), slick sandwiches (one of my compadre’s went with the Ciabatta-based Chicken Saltimbocca) and refined entrees such as the half-pound beef tenderloin (big enough for two, I was told). Ironically, the top of Crisp’s menu should be given the most prominence with a 10-plate offering of snacks and apps. The pool of orange and thyme vinaigrette tasted more like a jelly fit for biscuits than a dipping sauce for the delectable fried risotto balls better known as Saffron Arancini. But don’t leave Crisp without getting some of the Roasted Mushroom Fondue. There are flavor bombs in the form of full mushroom caps and garlic cloves lurking in the warm concoction of taleggio cheese and truffle oil (yep, that pair again). The only problem: trying to share it means serving out some of that elastic-like cheese from the dish to your plate without causing a scene.

Leader Nibbles D&T Drive Inn gets a new engine

Nice synergy between one of the Heights’ most popular newer spots, DownHouse, and one of the area’s most enduring hangouts, the D&T Drive Inn on Enid Street just off West Cavalcade. DownHouse has taken over D&T, which has been operating for a half-century, to create a modern interpretation of the Texas ice house. They’s aiming for a spring opening and will have more than 40 craft beers on tap – as well as ice house staples such as Lone Star longnecks and PBR tallboys. Despite the changes, one thing will stay the same: the new owners said they couldn’t resist keeping the original sign.

Thirsty Explorer DownHouse will be creating a modern interpretation of the classic Texas ice house but is keeping the classic sign. (Submitted photo)

Why be diﬀerent when people love it?

Local restauranteur Ken Bridge, owner of Lola, Pinks, Shepherd Park Draught House and Witchcraft Tavern & Provisions, used to sneak into a small bar on Studewood called the Redi Room when he was well under the age of being allowed a beer. He didn’t go for the beer, though. He went because blues musicians used to travel through Houston and stop in the small joint. “B.B. King came in there one night,” Bridge recalls. Nothing like buying your old neighborhood hangout, which Bridge has done at the spot, which, more recently, was the Heights Sports and Social Lounge. He’ll add to his stable of restaurants with a new twist for him, though hardly new for Houston. “Somebody asked me why I’d open a Tex-Mex restaurant. There are so many of them already,” Bridge said. “Well, exactly. We love our Tex-Mex, so why not?” It’s really about location, Bridge said. The White Oak area has, in some ways, overtaken the Washington Avenue corridor. “That’s really our local hangout,” he said. “That’s where people around here go.” As for menu, don’t expect anything fancy. Just expect good food. “We’re going to have cold margaritas and sizzling fajitas,” Bridge said. “It’s going to be in the Ninfa’s sort of style, and nobody can touch Lupe’s ﬂour tortillas.” In other words, expect Bridge to take the best of everything he can ﬁnd in the area and put his touch on it.

Woodrow’s keeps seafood at newest location

The name is new yet familiar, and the cuisine is a tried-and-true theme at the new Woodrow’s Heights, 1200 Durham, in business for more than 20 years – ﬁrst as Floyd’s Cajun Kitchen, then more recently, Mardi Gras Grill. The restaurant describes itself as a Gulf Coast Seafood House with Chef Alexandra Andriotis forging relationships with Texas and Louisiana ﬁshermen, farmers and ranchers to provide regionally sourced ingredients for her revamped menu. Never fear: there are still po’boys, gumbo and burgers and a steak night each Wednesday. Woodrows Heights is also boasting a rotating daily selection of 16 local craft beers and weekly interactive events with the craft community, a growing wine list, as well as a menu of signature cocktails. The restaurant will keep its reputation as a sports-watching venue with TVs throughout, while adding a covered patio with heaters and fans to permit outdoor dining year-round.

Heights could be getting luxury apartments Builder Trammell Crow is poised to build a 3.5-acre luxury midrise apartment complex on property bordered by Yale, 6th and 7th Streets and Allston to be known as Alexan Heights. A public hearing on replatting the property, just south of the Heights Hike & Bike Trail and west of warehouses, was set for Thursday, past The Leader’s deadline. Plans submitted by Terra Associates, who’ve worked with Alexan properties throughout the Houston area, show a ﬁve-story structure, with the bottom ﬂoor containing parking and another parking level below ground. Although most of the property is clear, the replat application shows that a few of the existing structures will remain – causing the complex to build around them, and creating an interesting view for those homes.

More drinks on White Oak

D’Amico’s Italian Market Café, 2802 White Oak, has added a full bar to its repertoire. Proprietors are touting their signature cocktail, the D’Alimon, combining Texas vodka with Italian lemoncello, amaretto and the eatery’s housemade sangria. There’s a method to that seeming madness: the drink embodies all the cultural inﬂuences of D’Amico’s food.

Hats oﬀ to another year in business at Burger Barn

Congratulations are in order to Little Bitty Burger Barn, 5503 Pinemont Dr., celebrating its ﬁve-year anniversary. The barn’s inventive and ever-changing burger menu has not only landed it on a number of the area’s “best” lists but earned it national attention from the Food Network and Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” show –– a reputation that many, more senior eateries would envy. – Charlotte Aguilar & Jonathan McElvy

This Thirsty time of year, everyone seems to be healthExplorer conscious, whether adhering to a New Year’s resolution or not. So the Thirsty Explorer found a venue that offers “skinny” cocktails with lower calorie content than the usual specialty drinks to help those making an effort. With premium sake, a Smartini Asian Dragon with only 95 calories, and other “skinny” cocktails and martinis with low calorie content, The Blue Fish lets you keep your resolve yet not skip out on imbibing. The Blue Fish brings the Japanese atmosphere, culture and tradition to life, with Happy Hour Sunday through Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. And the dining side bolsters your healthy resolve, too. Some of the most talented sushi chefs in the southwest prepare the fresh sushi offered at The Blue Fish. The atmosphere and menu are crafted to attract a wide range of upscale clients while remaining family friendly. The Blue Fish also offers a loyalty program that awards one point for every dollar (excluding tax and gratuity) for dining in at any of The Blue Fish restaurants. There is a $25 credit for every 300 points earned, which is honored at any of The Blue Fish locations. – Ivee Sauls

Blue Fish 5820 Washington Ave. #100 713-862-3474 www.theblueﬁshsushi.com Online ordering, reservations available

HipNotes: Fine print says Houston is amazing Houston showed up last week on the New York Times List of 46 Places To Go in 2013 – places all over the globe. We were listed seventh. Not ranked seventh, but listed seventh. As if making the list weren’t impressive enough, civic boosters (including the large metropolitan daily) started gloating over Houston being ranked in the top 10, not far after Rio de Janeiro and Marseille and just a notch below Amsterdam. So despite the NYT item’s praise for our sophistication in museums and cuisine, we ended up looking a bit like the hicks that many people assume we are here in cow and oil country. You can read the article – and feel good about where you live – at http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html

End of Pearl Bar?

Trammell Crow is listed as the builder of this complex proposed for the Heights and currently working its way through the city planning process. (Artist’s Rendering provided by Trammell Crow)

Sensible sushi, ‘skinny’ drinks at Blue Fish

The Houston Press reported this week that the State Comptroller’s oﬃce, accompanied by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, went into Pearl Bar, 4216 Washington Ave., Saturday night and seized cash. The report said that TABC records show the bar – one of the ﬁrst symbols of Washington Avenue’s booming nightlife scene – has had four recent TABC violations and had its license suspended for a time last November. A nearby business owner told the Press that Pearl had been open only 8 p.m.-close on Fridays and Saturdays, and another observer said it appeared the bar shut down after the visit from the state.

Page 4A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

Here’s the Scoop: Picking up pet waste isn’t a big joke

’ve been stepping around this issue for years, and I think it’s probably time to speak out publicly. On behalf of thousands and thousands of neighbors, we delicately need to shovel our way through a serious problem that is impacting the lives of our children and creating a cottage industry that, well, might be the most brilliant I’ve ever discovered. Let me apologize before we go any further. There’s an axiom in our business that goes something like this: “Don’t shoot the messenger.” Without question, I am going to get angry letters for my decision to address this issue. If it’s at all possible, please flush your minds as soon as possible. Over at Travis Elementary, in the Woodland Heights area just north of I-10, a bout of the stomach bug has debilitated the student body. If you’ve kept up with the news, obviously you know this could be a case of the flu. Then again, this could be a case of the Max – as in Max the golden, glorious, bowel-challenged best friend of man. The responsible folks at Travis decided they needed to find every possible cause of the illness, and at least one person there noticed a surplus of Max leave-behinds,

than the good folks at Scoop Le Poop. (Adding a French accent makes anything sound great, doesn’t it?) But that’s as mild as it gets. Just ask the folks who ﬁled paperwork with the Secretary of State for their new business: Wholly Krap. It’s not going to get better, so you may want to skip to the next paragraph. I discovered businesses called Turds with Friends, Dung Shui, Call to Doody and Patty Melts. OK, OK... Maybe only three of those are real. I got in touch with Sergio Rivera, the founder of Scoop Le, who was hired to do the heavy lifting over at Travis. He, in fact, conﬁrmed a social media report that he walked away with six 15-gallon bags of, well, yeah. I had a lot of questions for Sergio, and he answered them all. He got into the business when he was 10 or 11 years old – he can’t remember, and you can’t blame him. He says he didn’t like cutting grass, and discovered potential clients in the Heights would much rather have their yards de-fecaled than de-mowed. He used his earnings to buy a motor-

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

if you will. Understanding the horrible publicity they might have received if they sent the kiddos out during recess with mini shovels and plastic sacks, the administration instead decided to hire a pro – someone who specializes in this type of work. Did you know there was such a cottage industry? Until recently, I didn’t either. So I did a little research and found that not only is there an actual industry for cleaning pet waste, apparently these people all should be comedic business namers (if there is such a thing). If it’s mild-mannered, wine-and-cheese kind of cleaners you want, look no further

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THE READER.

On Leader Eater and Fratelli’s Authentic Italian

Jonathan McElvy Built by

cycle. He became a professional, as in “I do this for a living,” after winning $300 in a poker game and taking a dare from one of his friends. That was 13 years ago and he has three employees (considering adding a fourth and ﬁfth, if anyone’s interested). His website is www.scooplepoop.com, if you want to look him up. He was on his way home from a “horse job” when I talked to him. And last, unless it’s a horse job (and in the case of Travis Elementary), he threw the 90 gallons worth of, well, yeah, into a trash can because pet waste is not a fertilizer. And that’s where we probably ought to take this laughing matter to a serious place, if that’s even possible at this point. When you sign up to own a dog, you don’t just get the cute puppy that cuddles at your feet and licks your face. You get some responsibility, as well. Chief among those, it seems, is to clean up behind Max when he takes a walk. I know what most people think: “Well, it’s just one little mess. It will wash away.” How does it make you feel now, hearing

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Any erroneous statement which may appear in The Leader will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. In the event of errors or omissions in The Leader advertisements, the publisher does not hold himself liable for damages further than the amount received by him for such advertisements. The Leader’s distribution is independently audited by the Circulation Veriﬁcation Council.

Dear Editor: As an Oak Forest resident for over 54 yrs. this has been one of our favorite places to dine. Wonderful food with great service. Such a wonderful addition to our neighborhood. So glad to see you feature family owned restaurants. Fratelli’s does have a January special of food and drink. I am on their email list and every year Fratelli’s sends me a gift certiﬁcate toward my meal. We are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary there tonight. Sandra Keller Via www.theleadernews.com

On strolling Girl Scout cookie memory lane Dear Editor: I really enjoyed your Girl Scout cookie article, especially since Lindsey Watson is my grand-niece, and the person she identiﬁed as her aunt is my daughter, Vicki Rizzo. I know

the gross story about a school having to hire a professional cleaner to tote six plastic bags of Max’s feces away from a place where little children walk and run and roll in the grass? In talking with Sergio earlier this week, he told me some frightening things about the impact of pet waste on people. For starters, the doo from dogs is not fertilizer and cannot be used as such. It doesn’t just melt away and sprout greener grass in the spring. Dogs have bacteria and acid in their stomachs, and when they digest food, the bacteria and acid escape with the waste. Horses are different – they eat grass and pass grass. It’s not just the kids we should worry about, either. We’ve had quite a bit of rain lately. Want to know where the excrement goes when the rains come? Down – into storm drains and directly into our local waters. We might have a laugh with Sergio Rivera about his work, but the next time you’re too lazy to lean over, maybe you should call him. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

how hard Lindsey works at this project, and her parents are there ever in support of her activities. Incidentally, her Aunt Vicki’s store is “More Than You Can Imagine,” who herself, was an ambitious Girl Scout at Lindsey’s age. Thank you for spotlighting the hard work by these youngsters and their parents. Maurice Novosad Via www.theleadernews.com

On Studewood supermarket closing Dear Editor: Just talked to the original owner of the this store - before it was Fiesta (editor’s note: Melvalene Cohen, a Heights legend). Local Houstonian and Timbergrove resident. She mentioned that when she and her husband purchased the land the worked hard to open a quality neighborhood grocery. As a Timbergrove resident myself I have had the opportunity to visit with many of my neighbors that worked at the store when they were teenagers. Pamela Eﬀerson Via Facebook, THE LEADER.

NEAT TWEETS Brittanie @brittanieshey

I guess I can consider myself a “social media expert” when an inmate writes me asking how to get more hits for his website.

get involved on this page!

Channel 11 reporter Jeﬀ McShan, covering the Texans vs. Patriots playoﬀ game:

If you want to send us a letter, we might edit it a little, and we won’t let you personally attack your pesky neighbor. But we’ll publish as many letters as our readers choose to write. (One a month from a speciﬁc author.)

Allen Reid (@Allen_Reid)

On a positive note, Rogers and Manning will have more time to make funny commercials.

Send to news@theleadernews.com And if you’re one of those who gets your kicks from making other people laugh with creative Tweets, we’re happy to publish those in our selected Neat Tweets section. In order to do that, send us a Tweet or, better, follow us:

@heightsleader

Jeﬀ McShan (@JeﬀMcShanKHOU) I feel like I am covering a crime scene. Normal day at work

Kristy Gillentine (@KrisGillentine)

It’s hard to take #MissAmerica seriously now that I watch #ToddlersandTiaras.

Isabel M (@shilohgirl_mop)

i have a yahoo email address but now that’s my junk mail

Joseph Turner (@joseph_turner)

As a pastor, I’m cool with people being absent from the worship gathering to run the marathon. They just better be running for Jesus!

Quick trip to Charleston puts some history in perspective THE SLAVE MARKET – At the time of the American Revolution this place, Charleston, South Carolina, was the richest city in the 13 colonies. Rice, indigo and slaves were the cause, slaves making the ﬁrst two possible. This is a slave market, set up in 1856 because the city fathers didn’t like to see human beings bought and sold on street corners. Bad for tourism, but good for the economy here and elsewhere. (In the musical “1776” a South Carolina delegate notes that hypocritical New Englanders proﬁt from the Southern slave trade, ending: “Boston, Charleston, which stinketh the most?”) The old neighborhoods reveal that prosperity – blocks of elegant mansions in this town’s French Quarter. I didn’t know any other American city had a French Quarter except New Orleans. This one is much bigger and a whole lot cleaner. There’s much to see and do here, so let’s look around. Oh, you’re wondering why we are in Charleston instead of, say, Amarillo, which is so much closer. The reason is simple: for the second straight year, readers of Conde Nast Travel named Charleston the No. 1 tourist destination in the US. The survey also ranked this place as the top travel spot on the globe. I have never heard of Conde Nast Travel, but the Charlies sure

ASHBY AT LARGE

have – two different cab drivers told me about the rankings. Then I saw it plastered on the side of city buses. Then I read it in the newspaper – twice. True Grits – One of the categories in the magazine’s rankings is restaurants. A doorman told me, above the clanging of church bells which permeates the air, “We’ve got two things here in Charleston: churches and restaurants.” There seems to be a nice little pub, mom and pop café, or elegant restaurant on every block. You like crab and shrimp and oysters? I do, and have been eating them constantly. Southern cooking? Pork and catﬁsh, biscuits and cream gravy. And grits. I get grits with ﬁsh, with steak, with more grits. I could probably order ice cream and be asked, “Yo want grits with that?” This is my hotel. It looks like a citadel complete with gun slits, turrets and tow-

ers, mainly because it was The Citadel – a lovely hotel made from the former military college, now moved, where Pat Conroy attended and later wrote about in, “The Lords of Discipline.” The novel chapped his fellow former cadets who shunned him, but 40 years later Conroy was awarded an honorary degree and asked to deliver the commencement address the following year. A word of warning: I am here in the cold, crisp dead of winter – this is about as far north as Dallas – still, the French Quarter and most cafes are jammed with tourists. What’s it like when the spring gardens are in full bloom, or in the fall when the leaves turn to gold? Remember Yogi Berra’s observation: No one goes there anymore. It’s too crowded. Fort Sumter – People keep mispronouncing its name as sumP-ter. The fort sits on an island in the harbor and received the opening shots of the Civil War. The commander of the Confederate forces was Brig. Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, who had been taught artillery tactics at West Point by Major Robert Anderson. The commander of Fort Sumter receiving all those artillery shots was Major Robert Anderson. No one was killed. Incidentally, the federal’s second-in-command was Abner Doubleday, who is credited by some

with inventing baseball. He did live in Cooperstown, NY. Is that close enough? Is there is any connection between the city of Charleston and the dance? Composer James P. Johnson wrote the song for a Broadway musical, and explained he got the characteristic beat from Charleston dockworkers. Moving on, this is the old customs house where the British held an American army colonel, Isaac Hayne, until they hanged him even though he was a POW. Sad story. There are a lot of redcoat stories around here, too. A good way to see the city for the ﬁrst time is to take a carriage ride with a guide. There are Civil War tours, ghost tours and pirate tours. Pirates came here, and their real story is not at all what the movies portray. They were not all outlaws, few had peg legs or hooks for hands, and their reign only lasted a few years. The H.L. Hunley – This is a submarine, sitting in a big tank of fresh water, mainly because it sat in salt water out in the bay for more than 136 years. It was found, then raised in 2000, and now is in rehab. H.L. Hunley came up with the idea, but most of his ﬁrst crew drowned in a test. So he got a second crew, including himself, and it drowned. Somehow the Rebels got a third crew, which sank the federal warship the

U.S.S. Housatonic, then, uh, the Hunley sank, again. Total Rebel loss: 21 men. But it was the ﬁrst sub to sink an enemy ship, and no other submarine did that for another 50 years. My wife and other females in our party – this is a family trip – discovered Charleston has stores. A four-block-long (very long) market called the Market. The shops accept Yankee money. The land for the market was given a few centuries ago by the Pinckney family, who did everything: signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, served in state government and Congress. A distinguished looking man approaches us on the sidewalk and asks if we like Charleston. I say yes and mention that the Pinckneys are buried in that cemetery a few feet away. Signed this and that. Philanthropists, etc. I explain it all. As he leaves, he sticks out his hand and smiles. “I’m Albert Pinckney.” Now I am headed off to my betweenmeal meal. Hey, you cannot let a meal of oysters, shrimp, crab and grits with hot cornbread go uneaten. Wait. There in the café. Isn’t that Yogi Berra? Ashby is gaining weight at ashby2@comcast.net

Page 5A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Neighbors: You pick the restaurant

Top staﬀ honored at MHNW

by Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@sbcglobal.net Neighbors, I know you can relate to this scenario: “Where should we go out to eat?” “I don’t know, you decide. I can’t think of anything, but I want something different.” You’ve heard about a new restaurant in the area, yet when you have an opportunity to go out, you can’t remember its name or you wonder if it’s going to be a hit or a miss. Because we have so many wonderful restaurants in Leader communities now, I asked a few of our neighbors to save us from ourselves and to share information about their favorite restaurants – places of sanctuary with friendly service and soul-satisfying food. Bon appetit! Cindy Kleinhenz Madi wants to remind everyone about “Brother’s Pizzeria on Shepherd which is family run by Lonnie and his wife Ariana who live in Timbergrove. They are always so nice and really helped us out when ordering pizza for my daughter’s birthday party. The pizza is hot and delicious.” Jennifer Lindsay Hess says, “Take me to Tony’s!” She especially loves the custom made guacamole and tasty margaritas. Melanie Long votes for Rainbow Lodge. She said, “Love the great food and can’t beat the atmosphere. Oh, and especially love the 99-cent mimosas & champagne for Sunday brunch!” Clint William Croley said “Liberty Kitchen and Oyster Bar is always good, constantly evolving – and, if you sit at the bar to eat, you will always leave making a new friend.” Have you ever tried bacon jam? Liberty Kitchen makes crazy good bacon jam. Anne Styler insists if you love Vietnamese food, Thu Thu is the place to go. “The shrimp spring rolls and peanut sauce are the best in Houston. The Pho and Bun are fantastic.” Thu Thu is south of Pinemont on the west side of Antoine. Heather Raine votes for Thu Thu as well and relates, “They have

Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital has honored Dr. Mirza Baig as its top physician of the year and Blanca Galvan as employee of the year. Baig was praised for his bedside presence and willingness to take time with patients and their families. Co-workers described him as having a “very calm and conﬁdent spirit” who is quick to smile, and a “great team player” who is inclusive with staff about decisions regarding patients. Galvan is a respiratory therapist with more than 32 years of clinical experience and is described as “a great asset to the team.” She was praised for sharing her knowledge to make coworkers’ jobs easier.

Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital recently honored its top staﬀ for the year. Winning Physician of the Year honors was Dr. Mirza Baig, at right. He is presented the award by MHNW CEO Gary Kerr, standing left. Above, Blanca Galvan, a respiratory therapist, was honored as Employee of the Year. She, also, is pictured with Kerr. (Submitted photos)

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great prices and the Vietnamese egg rolls and Bun bowls are wonderful. This is our go-to restaurant when we don’t want to cook, as it is so close to our house.” Beth Campbell Sanders also enjoys the food and service at Thu Thu. Neighbor Randy Gardner weighed in on his favorites and gave us quite a bit to digest. “For Vietnamese - Jenni’s Noodle House on East 20th - we believe to be the best in town. Best Pho’. Another location of Jenni’s on Post Oak in the Galleria area plays old Kung Fu movies on the wall every Tues night ... you can take a group and bring your own wine. Best fast Mexican - El Rey on Ella. Recommend the carnitas, Cuban tacos, and al pastor tortas, and the nachos are mighty good. Special treat - Fratelli’s on 290 and West 34th ... superb Italian. Try the Italian wedding soup for appetizer. Everything has been excellent. No reason to travel further. Can eat at 2-3 times a week - Polovina’s on Washington (best thin crust pizza “Carl Raia”). Zoe’s Kitchen also on Washington. Will ﬁnish up with Best Burgers - Beck’s Prime (country club atmosphere in Memorial Park) - Mytiburger Little Bitty Burger Barn, oh and our newest re-discovery Prince’s Hamburgers on North Post Oak (’50/60s era joint).” Karen Frazier said she adores Fratelli’s (Authentic Italian Cuisine). “Such a quaint little hole in the wall place, with delicious Italian food. I especially loved their recent Christmas wine tasting event. They had a tenor and soprano perform during the tasting, and dinner was excellent. Best part is they have great prices and great service as well. Truly a neighborhood gem!” Dian Austin “seconds Fratelli’s. Fabulous food, and it’s usually reasonably quiet and no glaring harsh lights - very good ambiance. The owner is always there; food is very good. We spent an early New Year’s Eve there - they had a 5-course meal for $39.95. Great deal. We eat

The Puzzles. Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS Cont... 30. Being a single unit 31. Opposite of gee 33. National Guard 34. A stratum of rock 35. Have a yen for 37. Cornell tennis center 39. Iranian monetary units 41. Settings in a play 43. Olfactory properties 44. AKA platysh 46. Free from deceit 47. Ireland 48. 007’s Flemming 51. & & & 52. Kidney, fava or broad 53. W. African country 55. __ Frank’s diary 56. Induces vomiting

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there routinely and have for many years.” Rosie Busa really enjoys El Rey for all of its food and Teresa O’Connor suggests Pho and Grill on 290. Celeste Guerrero Harris votes for Jus’ Mac on Yale in the Heights! She said their dish named Hangover is amazing. Tyler Moore really enjoys the made-to-order fried chicken at BBQ Inn. Ginger Shamblin Estala said, “We enjoy Eastern Chinese on 34th, and Doyle’s is a favorite, too. Shipley’s on Ella has the best donuts in the city. I know people that drive across town just to eat at all of these places. They have been around the neighborhood for years. Danielle Dalati McCormick suggests El Gran Malo, Pappa Geno’s and Cottonwood. She said, “El Gran Malo has delicious fish tacos and a unique drink selection. Pappa Geno’s (best cheesesteak I’ve tasted, low key place, no frills) and Cottonwood (love the atmosphere and doesn’t disappoint) also get my vote as the best places in/near Oak Forest.” Neighbor Jason Scofield said, “I love Plonk. I haven’t had a bad dish from there, and they have a good wine and beer selection. On top of that, the owner is a nice guy and really seems to care about the place.” Ansley Stewart said, “El Gran Malo is always a fav. Their drink selection is second to none in the area, and they definitely have a great menu to go alongside that. Plonk is tasty and quaint. I like the atmosphere there, and I think that’s that place’s absolute strongpoint. Shepherd Park Draught House gets me tingly since they not only have cider ready and willing to be downed, but a concise menu that makes up for its lack of size in sheer quality and flavor. Want a giant fried ravioli? Some curry instead? No worries. They’ve got you covered.” Want to weigh in with your own restaurant picks in Leader neighborhoods? Visit our Facebook page at THE LEADER.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Afraid 7. Love grass 11. Hepburn/Grant movie 12. Opposite of good 13. Whale ship captain 14. A major U.S. political party 15. Rate of walking 16. A ceremonial procession

18. Unfolded 20. More pretentious 21. Ribbon belts 23. Himalayan wild goats 24. 100 =1 kwanza 25. Japanese wrestling 26. ___asty: family of rulers 27. Luteinizing hormone 29. British Air Aces

SUDOKU

CLUES DOWN 1. Jame’s “Fifty _____” 2. Scottish game pole 3. Atomic #18 4. Tattered cloth 5. Tokyo 6. Force from ofce 7. Wigwam 8. Dynasty actress Linda 9. Small mongrel 10. Rapidly departed 11. A corporate leader 13. King of Camelot 16. Mrs. Nixon 17. Macaws 19. Symphony orchestra 21. Cunning 22. Wheatgrass adjective 26. U. of Texas residential center 28. Estate (Spanish) 32. Pilots and Blues 36. Right angle building wings 38. Store fodder 40. Supersonic transport 41. Brand of plastic wrap 42. Comb-plate 43. Puppeteer Lewis 44. Tatouhou 45. Security interest in a property 49. Direct a weapon 50. One point E of due N 54. Latin for “and”

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Page 6A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Page 7A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

THE CALENDAR. “FISHING” BY LEIGHZA WALKER PREMIERE Through Feb. 2 Obsidian Art Space 3522 White Oak 832-889-7837 www.obsidianartspace.org Come see the play “Fishing” the ﬁrst fulllength play written by Leighza Walker. Visit the website for ticket information.

SONS OF LEGIONAIRES STEAK NIGHT 6 p.m. Jan. 18 3720 Alba Rd. 713-682-9287 The Sons of Legionaires will be having their steak night dinner. Come out for a good time. There will be entertainment.

MAINSTREAM CONNECTION CLASSES FOR ESL 7 p.m. Jan. 21 201 E. 9th St. (at Harvard in the Heights) 713-291-2202 www.themainstreamconnection.org The Mainstream Connection basic ESL Class will encourage students to practice vocabulary and writing of the English language. Anyone may attend.

OAKS DADS CLUB BBQ COOK OFF 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 25-26 713-449-8617, 713-302-7565 www.odcsports.com The Oaks Dads Club will host a barbecue cookoﬀ to raise funds for the ODC Spring Baseball/Softball season. Plates will be $8, which includes two meats and sides. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26. There will be live music by Bow &

OBITUARIES

Arrow, activities for the kids, vendors and great food and fun. Admission is $3 for adults, kids 15 and under get in free. The cookoﬀ is open to teams entering in six categories: Beans, Brisket, Chef’s Choice, Chicken, Chili and Ribs. Please visit the website for information and entry form.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 40 BARBECUE DINNER Noon-6 p.m. Feb. 2; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 3 St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 3600 Brinkman 713-444-2972 chriscarroll93@gmail.com Boy Scout Troop 40 will hold its 14th Annual Barbecue Dinner at St. Rose of Lima over the Super Bowl weekend. The menu this year will feature a plate of barbecue chicken or barbecue beef and sausage, along with savory homemade buttered potatoes and seasoned green beans, condiments and a drink. Tickets to the fundraising dinner cost $10 in advance from any Troop 40 member and at the door. One may also pre-order whole briskets for $60 or order a Super Bowl Party Pack (20plate minimum) for $7 per person. Residents should be on the look-out for Scouts selling tickets or call for information.

HOUSTON JOB FAIR 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7 Westin Galleria 5060 W. Alabama 954-678-1807

network.nshp.org/events/houston-job-fair4 The National Society for Hispanic Professionals will be hosting the event. This is a great opportunity to meet with top quality employers seeking diversity in bilingual, professional

Patricia Ann Adams, 75, died Jan. 5. She was born July 16, 1937 to Henry

and Lena Vance in Houston, Texas. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Luke Adams, and a great-granddaughter, Falyn Elizabeth. She is survived by sons, Doyle Sr., Andrew and Michael and wife, DiAnna; grandchildren, Doyle Jr., Meagan, Aubrie, Seth, Hannah, Ashley, and Carrie; great-grandson, Colby, and numerous other family and friends. Mimi devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. Their happiness was her main concern. She was ﬁercely proud of her Italian/Catholic heritage, and cooking for family and friends brought her the greatest joy. She was truly a funny, feisty little lady who was one of a kind.

Cleo L. Bench, 96, died Jan. 7. He was born to Annie and Joseph Bench in Bremond, Texas. He served his country in the U.S. Army and retired from Baker-Hughes/Reed Roller Bit Company after many years of service. He was a devoted life-long member of Polish National Alliance Progressive Lodge #2336 and served as President of Polish Home Inc. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wanda; children, Jean Baxter and husband Jack, Robert Bench and wife Georgie; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Edward L. Bench as well as many other relatives and friends. Marilyn S. Biehle, 76, a sixth generation Houstonian, died Jan. 5, from injuries suﬀered in a tragic automobile accident leaving church on Christmas Eve. She was born Aug. 20, 1936 to Nathan and Aileen Smith. As a baby, she won the silver cup at the Houston Better Baby Show. She graduated from Reagan High School and attended the University of Houston. Later in life, she proudly served as President of the Houston Aggie Mothers Club. She is survived by her husband, Oliver F. Biehle, who loved Marilyn from the moment he ﬁrst saw her in 1950. They married in 1957 and had a loving marriage for 55 years. She is survived by her children, Gregory and wife Monica, Janan and husband John, Gavin and wife Debra; her beloved grandchildren, Austin, Parker, and Antoinette; her sister Marijo and husband Joe; as well as many relatives and close friends. Susan Elaine Christopher, died Jan. 5. She was a devoted Christian,

a loving sister, daughter, friend to many and mother to three boys. She was preceded in her death by her father, Ronald Earl Foshee, Jr., and her brother, Ronald Earl Foshee, III. She is survived by her loving mother, Billie Jo Foshee; children, Michael, Andrew, and Grant; former spouse, Mike; sisters, Linda (Tommy) Booker, Debbie (Johnny) Whitton, and Teresa (David) Cardamone; and brother, Alden (Evelyn) Foshee. Susan attended college for a number of years prior to her marriage after which she dedicated all her time and eﬀort into being a stay at home mom to her children. Some 20 years ago she fought and won the battle against brain cancer and went on to raise her three boys, serve the Lord, and be the woman that everyone knew and loved. Susan was truly a woman of God surrounded by a loving family and friends, giving her an army of support that carried her on till the end. Her life story is an inspiration to all who knew her and her memory will be held close to the hearts of all the lives she has touched.

Benjamin Alejandro Cuellar, 30, died Jan. 13. He was born July

12, 1982 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ben was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Rangel, and is survived by his father, Juan Cuellar and wife, Rheadeanna; mother, Julie Martin Sanchez and husband, Jose; siblings, Jack Cuellar and wife, Suzanne, Rosa Mayorga, Lucia Rangel Martinez and husband, David, Daniel Rangel, Kathleen Cuellar, Nicolas Cuellar, Elissa Cuellar, and Fernando Sanchez; step-sisters, Lindsey Stevic and Chandler Stevic; his cousin who was like a sister, Jessica Velasquez and husband, Victor, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Ben was a teacher, and was working on his Master’s degree at the University of Houston. He was a patron of story in any form; books, movies, graphic novels, and he particularly enjoyed comic books. Ben was a strong family man, and ﬁercely loyal to his friends. He was very opinionated, but had a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed.

Rev. Robert Lee Jessie, Jr., 58, died Dec. 25. He was a beloved husband

of Charlotte; champion father of six children; champion grandfather of eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Cara Jean (Mueller) Kendall, 86, died Jan. 3. She was born Feb. 22,

1926 in Houston. She was preceded in death by Ken Kendall, her loving husband of 58 years, her parents and sister Ida Mae Baird. She is survived by her nine children; Sharon and Larry Akery, Jody and Wayne Smith, Merry and Randy Zator, Charlie Kendall, Gene and Debbie Kendall, Teresa and Joe Sikes, Maggie and Randy Hradecky, John and Monica Kendall, Anita and Randy Knowles and her grandchildren, Charlotte, Jennifer, Kristina, Brian, Bradley, Melissa, Jason, Gerald, Andrew, Gene, Cara, Kendall and Jacob and 16 great grandchildren, and her sisters; Johnna Mueller, Mewes Goetzman, Charlene McCarthy and Maud Lipscomb.

candidates. Bring plenty of resumes and dress to impress as employers will be hosting on site interviews.

as follows: Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 2, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 7, 8, 9, 7:30 p.m.; and 2 p.m. Feb. 10. Visit the website for ticket information.

BRUNO GROENING DOCUMENTARY 3 p.m. Feb. 27, April 28 Central Market Community Room, 2nd Floor 3815 Westheimer Rd. 713-386-1700

17TH ANNUAL TEXAS LUNAR FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 16 Amity Park 12509 Alief Clodine (Between Cook and Dairy Ashford) www.texaslunarfest.com

The Bruno Groening Circle of Friends will present a documentary on the teachings and life of Bruno Groening, a gifted healer of the early and mid 1900s. Learn the basics that will enable you to absorb the “Heilstrom.” (This is what Bruno called the spiritual force that causes healing). All showings will be 3 p.m. with two 30-minute intermissions.

Come to the 17th Annual Texas Lunar Festival, the largest celebration of Asian Culture in the south central part of the United States. This year’s festival features an international theme highlighting the many countries and cultures of the world. The event’s location will be divided into four international zones where food and entertainment from all over the world will be presented.

HOUSTON HEIGHTS MEET AND GREET 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 2 Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston 811 Yale St. 713-513-7811 www.msrh.org The Houston Heights Meet and Greet will be at the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston Feb. 2 and will meet monthly every ﬁrst Saturday. To register to adopt in advance please call or visit the website.

OPERA IN THE HEIGHTS PRESENTS ‘MACBETH’ Jan. 31-Feb. 10 Lambert Hall 1703 Heights Blvd. 713-861-5303 www.operaintheheights.org Opera in the Heights will be presenting “Macbeth” in February. Performance dates are

39TH ANNUAL HHA VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS DINNER 5-8 p.m. Feb. 24 Heights Fire Station 107 W. 12th St. at Yale info@houstonheights.org The annual HHA Volunteer Appreciation and Community Improvement Awards Dinner will start things oﬀ this year with a BYOB Mix-NMingle Hour, at the Heights Fire Station. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the evening will continue with the recognition of volunteers, including the prestigious awards for 2012 Citizen of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year, and the Marcella Perry Award, among a few other surprises. Results will also be announced for the 2012 Community Improvement Awards, consisting of Residential

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Lock Dr., Woodlands, TX on January 18, 2013 at 11.00. Private burial at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of ﬂowers the family is asking a donation be made to Camp Blessing Texas, P O Box 2268, Tomball, TX 77377.

Alverta Spreen Look, 88, died Jan. 11. She was born Oct. 30, 1924, to Francis and Vallie Spreen in Houston. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Fred F. Look. Alverta is survived by son, Donald Look and wife, Patricia; daughter Jackie Sparks and husband, Tim; grandchildren, Gregory, Diana, and Gavin Look, Valerie Sparks, and Brad Sparks and wife, Kristen; greatgranddaughters, Sandra Sparks and Harley Sparks; brother, Francis F. Spreen Jr. and wife, Jean; many other loving family members and a multitude of friends. Alverta graduated from Reagan High School, where she was a Redcoat. She was a ham radio operator, K5MIZ, and was actively involved and volunteered in numerous church, neighborhood and community organizations. Petra “Patsy” Lopez, 83, died Jan. 8. She was born Feb. 23, 1929. She married her loving husband, Joe Lopez, in 1951. Together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage, and in Catholic faith, they raised eight children, nurturing love and instilling morals, values, and family unity. Patsy was the foundation of the family, teaching that obstacles in life are not barriers, but rather challenges that can be overcome. She is preceded in death by her parents, Anacleto and Dolores Gonzales; son, John Anthony; sister, Julia Garcia; and brothers, Vincent and Daniel Gonzales. Survived by her sons, Willie and wife Connie Lopez, Joe and wife Nancy Lopez, Ray Lopez, Elias Lopez; daughters, Jo Ann Cardenas, Nelda and husband Ralph Cervantes, Patricia and husband Thomas Ashby; brother, Elias Gonzales; sister, Janie Postel. Patsy adored her 18 grand children, 44 great-grand children and one great-great-grandchild. Patsy will be greatly missed by friends and family, but the legacy she leaves for us is to love God ﬁrst and then to love one another.

Roderick E. Reece, 47, died Dec. 30. A Celebration of Life was held at Brookhollow Baptist Church-The Church Without Walls. Mable Kate Spell, 93, died Nov. 29. She is survived by one son, Joseph W.

Spell.

George C. Swilley, Jr., 85, died Jan. 9. He was born May 11, 1927 in Houston. Survived by his wife, Virginia, his brother William Swilley, sisters Catherine Swilley and Johnine Doutt and husband David, sister-in-law Margaret Laird and numerous nieces and nephews. Graduate of St. Thomas HS (Class 44), and St. Mary’s Seminary, he served as priest in Galveston-Houston Diocese from 1951-1969. He later established George Swilley & Associates Real Estate which played a signiﬁcant role in revitalization of the Houston Heights.

LAUGHTER YOGA 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays Heights Library 1302 Heights Blvd. www.houstonlaughteryoga.com Laughter Yoga is breathing and play-based movement exercises practiced for health and wellness by people of all professions/ages/ abilities. No sense of humor and not in a good mood? No problem. Laughter Yoga restores joy and psychological well-being. There are no diﬃcult contortions or on-the-ﬂoor exercises and no yoga mats or exercise clothing.

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Walter Hodge Rankin, 90, died Jan. 5. He was born April 2, 1922 near

Christopher David “Frig” Ratcliff, 44, died Dec. 31. He was born April 2, 1968 in Ft. Worth, Texas. He graduated from McArthur High School in Irving where he held records in basketball. “Frig” loved to sing, dance and laugh. He was a big fan of the Houston Astros. He is survived by his wife Rachel; son Christian Jae-won Ratcliff; parents David and Cathie Ratcliff; sister Dee Ann Ratcliff; mother and father-in-law Louis and Karen Sue Stranahan, Jr.; paternal grandmother Anna Mae Gullett; sister-in-law Robin Stranahan, brother-in-law Ryan Stranahan and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Theatre Under the Stars is proudly producing ﬁve-time Tony Award winning masterpiece Man of La Mancha, an epic story of swashbuckling imagination, romance and adventure. Set amid the Spanish Inquisition, the show follows knight-errant Don Quixote in his quest for “The Impossible Dream.” Written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, the show is hailed as one of the all-time great musicals of the American stage.

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Catherine Petersen died Jan. 9. She is survived by her son and daughterin-law Marc-Allen and Noy Coppock. Cleveland, Texas. Walter is preceded in death by son, Kenn Rankin. He is survived by his wife Mildred Ann and his three sons, Walter Jr., James, and Tommy Rankin, all of Houston. Walter was a member of the Houston Police Department for over 20 years before being elected as Constable of Harris County Precinct 1 in 1965. He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving on the Sea Wolf submarine.

MAN OF LA MANCHA AT TUTS Feb. 26-March 10 Hobby Center for The Performing Arts 800 Bagby St. 713-558-TUTS (8887) www.tuts.com

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Margarita Lopez Silva de Ceustermans, 91, died Jan. 10. She was born Feb. 1, 1921 in Argentina. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ambassador for Argentina Andres Gabriel Ceustermans. Nancy A. McVille, 56, died Jan. 6. She was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. Nancy earned her BBA at Loyola University of New Orleans, moved to Houston in 1985, and was an active participant of Northwest Houston community theater. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Steve McVille; daughter, Clara McVille and friend Chad Redding; sister, Sally Forrest and husband Randy; niece, Halle Rosa McVille; mother-in-law, Clara Adams; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nanci McVille Lonzo and husband Fred; Marc McVille and wife Vita; Teresa Berlioz; Michael McVille; other nieces, nephews, relatives, and many wonderful friends.

Renovation, Commercial Renovation, Residential New Construction, and Commercial New Construction. Tickets will be $25 per person or $200 for a reserved table of eight. Seating is limited and reservations will be available on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis.

oes tooth brushing or eating hard foods make your gums bleed? If so, you can be sure that some inflammation is going on. Pockets of bacteria may have developed around some of your teeth. Gum tissue has two parts. The lining or surface tissue is called the epithelium, and the dense supportive tissue that lies under it is called the connective tissue. In the early destruction phase, called gingivitis, bacteria attack the gum lining and connective tissue. Your body then sends cells to fight the bacteria, but some of them are destroyed in the process. When these cells die, enzymes and other substances are released that can contribute to the destruction of gum tissue and bone. As the disease progresses you may notice that your gum tissue looks red and shiny. It may also look slightly puffy or swollen and bleed more easily. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible if you get the treatment you need from your dentist. However, the longer you delay treatment, the greater chances you have at more permanent bone damage or even losing teeth.

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.

You don’t have to settle for spending hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to publish your obituary in that big newspaper downtown. If your family is in the unfortunate position of placing an obituary, ask your funeral home to send it to The Leader, instead. Paid obituaries in The Leader are incredibly price-sensitive, especially to families burdened with the costs of funerals. If we can help, call us at (713) 686-8494.

Page 8A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS Wethington new Associate Pastor at White Oak Baptist

Things back in full swing at St. Matthew’s UMC

John Wethington is now on board as Associate Pastor at White Oak Baptist Church. John grew up in this church and attended Waltrip High School. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a degree in Business and Christian studies. He is currently working on a Masters in Theological Studies. He and his wife, Halcie, live in Oak Forest. All of his past Sunday School teachers at White Oak are excited about him serving in his old home church. He and Halcie have many plans of service for White Oak in the coming years. Bible studies are at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday, followed by 11:45 a.m. Worship. There is also a Bible study at 6 p.m. each Wednesday. The Seniors meet each Tuesday at 9 a.m. for games and covered dish luncheon. For information about services, missons or any other activities, please call 713-682-3643. White Oak is located at 3615 Mangum Road, just north of 34th Street.

The New Year already has witnessed another baptism. The Youth are meeting once again at 6 p.m. Sunday evenings. The Garden Club will have their ﬁrst meeting 9:30 a.m. Jan. 17. Refreshments and fellowship will start the day, followed by a program by Mrs. Gebhart. Visitors from the community are welcome to come and share ideas concerning plants, gardens and lawn care. The Lydia Circle’s ﬁrst project began by collecting greeting cards of all varieties to be cut and eventually sent to St. Jude’s Hospital. St. Matthew’s is a mission-minded church. Anyone in the community wishing to participate in a mission should visit the church and select one suitable to his or her preference. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Church starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages. A Wednesday evening 6:30 p.m. Prayer and Praise Service is available for those wishing to spend some quiet time in prayer as well as partaking of Holy Communion. St. Matthew’s is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. at Crosstimbers. Please visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org for information.

Heights Christian back to playing games again

Heights Christian Church will resume their light supper and popular game night at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, in the fellowship hall at 1703 Heights Blvd. at 18th Street. Bring a snack and game and join the fun with Christian friends. Call 713-861-0016 for information.

Singing Men and Singing Women at Lazybrook Baptist

The Singing Men and Singing Women of Southeast Texas will perform a free concert at Lazybrook Baptist Church at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The Singing Men of Southeast Texas (SMOSET) is one of six regional groups that make up the Singing Men of Texas (SMOT). SMOSET is composed primarily of Ministers of Music from Baptist Churches in the southeastern part of Texas. The Singing Women of Texas provides a ministry opportunity for Texas Baptist women who are currently serving the Lord through their local church music ministries. SWOT is comprised of both professional and nonprofessional singers representing Texas Baptist churches. Lazybrook Baptist Church is located at 1822 W. 18th Street. Call 713-864-1470 for information.

St. Stephen’s Outreach Day volunteer group helps spruce up Stevens Elementary

The SSODbusters, St. Stephen’s Outreach Day volunteer group, will be helping other volunteers in the community spruce up the grounds with powerwashing and fresh paint at Stevens Elementary from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 19. Those interested in joining the group should plan to meet at 7:45 a.m. in the church parking lot. St. Stephen’s men’s ministry will host men’s movie night at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in the fellowship hall. All men in the community are welcome to bring sons, neighbors and friends for the viewing of a movie (rated PG13) with a message that seeks to encourage men of all ages in their walk of faith. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St., between T. C. Jester Boulevard and Donna Bell. For information, call the ofﬁce at 713-686-8241, or visit www.stsumc.org.

Last St. Giles service Jan. 20, joint service with Pathway

After 51 years in the northwest area of Houston, St. Giles Presbyterian church at 5900 Pinemont Dr. will be dissolving, effective Sunday, Jan. 20. On Jan. 20, there will be a joint service of St. Giles and Pathway Presbyterian Church.

Pathway under the pastorate of the Rev. Shawn Kang will then assume the ministry at the Pinemont location. Many in the neighborhood have been a part of the St. Giles ministry, perhaps even remembering its beginning services held at Katherine Smith Elementary School back in 1961. Many of the programs started by St. Giles, such as the Food Pantry and Prime Timers will still continue. The St. Giles Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Friday. In addition to peanut butter, items especially needed are boxes of cornbread mixes and macaroni and cheese. With cold weather continuing, socks for the homeless are always needed. Call 713-680-9976 to reach the pantry. The community is encouraged to recycle newspapers and magazines in the recycle bin at the back of the church parking lot. No cardboard boxes please. For information, call 713-681-0515.

Advent Lutheran Brotherhood hosts chili supper

The Advent Lutheran Brotherhood will hold their annual chili supper from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. Cost is $6 per person, all you can eat. Tamales will also be served at 50 cents each or three for $1. Proceeds go toward the yearly Brotherhood Love Projects. Advent Lutheran Church is located at 5820 Pinemont Dr. Call 713-686-8201 for information.

Jazz musicians headline 12th Annual Trinity Jazz Festival

The 12th Annual Trinity Jazz Festival, Jan. 25-27, will feature jazz icon saxophonist Tom Scott and the Downbeat’s ﬁve-time Trombonist of the Year, Robin Eubanks. Set in the acoustically excellent sanctuary of the historic Trinity Church, 1015 Holman at Main, the festival has drawn enthusiastic crowds throughout its twelve year history. Each evening will include a reception with various culinary delights and libations included in the ticket price. The multi-talented Tom Scott headlines on Friday night, preceded by vocalist Kim Prevost and guitarist Bill Solley at 8 p.m. and the 7 p.m. performance of the Jefferson Davis High School Jazz Band. Saturday night features the versatile master of the trombone, Robin Eubanks, with opening performances by drummer extraordinaire Sebastian Whittaker at 8 p.m. and the 7 p.m. performance of the Pasadena High School Jazz Band. There will be a very special presentation on both nights by COTS Jazz Crew, an ensemble of tal-

HCAD chief will retire this June

ented local musicians. A spectacular after-festival Jam Session will occur on both nights in the Lobby Bar of the Renaissance Hotel, 6 Greenway Plaza. The festival culminates on Sunday morning with two services of the annual Trinity Jazz Festival Jazz Mass at 10:30 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. featuring a full choir and a jazz ensemble that will celebrate the music and life of Louis Armstrong with musical arrangements by Paul English. Tickets for the Friday and Saturday concerts are available online through the festival website: www.trinityjazzfestival. org. The Sunday mass is free and open to the community.

TALC to hold Spring Registration

Third Age Learning Center senior program will hold its 2013 Spring Semester Registration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday Jan. 25. The registration will be held in the parish hall of All Saints Church, located at 215 E. 10th St. in the Heights. Classes begin Monday Feb. 4 and registration will continue the ﬁrst week of the semester. TALC offers a variety of activities for seniors 50+ in the community such as classes in computer, bridge, line dancing, hula, stain glass, scrapbooking, chair dancing exercise, quilting, lifelong learning continuing education, woodworking and much more. Each semester offers seminars, special monthly parties, birthday celebrations and day trips. Seniors can enjoy a full course hot lunch, cooked on-site Monday through Friday during the semester for a nominal fee of $3. Seniors previously registered with TALC will be receiving semester information in the mail after Jan. 15. For lunch reservations beginning in February or TALC program information, call 713248-1277.

Fairbanks UMC hosts Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage

Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage video seminar brings a positive hope to one’s marriage. It will help couples better understand each other’s needs and rekindle romance in the marriage. It appeals widely to husbands, even those who may typically resist marriage ministry. The seminar is a two day (three hours each day) seminar. Registration is $18 for each person ($36 per couple), both sessions included in the price. For information or to register, call 713462-3206 or visit www.fairbanksumc.org. Early bird discount is available until Feb. 4. airbanks United Methodist Church is located at 14210 Aston St.

Jim Robinson, the Harris County Appraisal District’s chief appraiser since 1990, announced Monday that he plans to retire May 31. Robinson, who will turn 72 in April, joined HCAD as deputy chief appraiser in May 1985. “It has been a privilege for me to be associated with the great men and women of this organization, and to help guide the development of HCAD into one of the most efficient governmental appraisal operations in the United States,” Robinson said. Based on Harris County’s size, HCAD is the second largest property tax appraisal operation in the United States and the largest that conducts an annual reappraisal. A former broadcaster, Robinson temporarily dropped out of college to put a Houston area FM radio station (now Magic102) on the air in 1961. He sold the station after a few years and became news director for KBRZ in . In February 1967, he joined the Brazoria County Department of Public Safety, and for 18 months was assigned to Gov. John Connally’s Division of Defense and Disaster Relief. The holder of a Master Peace Officer certificate and a Certified Fraud Examiner designation, Robinson has continued his law enforcement service in Harris County and voluntarily serves as chief reserve deputy for Harris County Precinct 3. He holds BS and MA degrees in law enforcement from Sam Houston State University, has done doctoral work at Texas A&M University, and completed the graduate level national security management program of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He also served for several years as an adjunct faculty member in the law enforcement degree program at Southwest Texas State (now Texas State)University. A citizen soldier in Texas for 27 years, Robinson retired from the Texas Guard in 1990 as a major general. He was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as deputy commander of the Texas State Guard by Gov. Mark White, and was named the State Guard’s commanding general by Gov. Bill Clements.

Church Guide

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Grace United Methodist Church “The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery Provided

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

Food Pantry, Thurs. 2-4:30 PM www.graceintheheights.org

Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed. Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

1822 W. 18th

Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Children’s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689 www.gospeltruthchurch.org

�� (Disciples of Christ)

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761 Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

713-864-1470

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston

Reverend John Cain, Pastor

Rev. Herschel Moore, Pastor

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m. Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Member of MANNA

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Looking For A Liberal Spiritual Experience? UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP OF HOUSTON 1504 Wirt Rd

Sunday SundayWorship WorshipServices Service at 8:30am & 11:00am 10:45 am

Bible Study 9:30 am 3206 N. Shepherd

713-864-4447 � Website www.gobc.org JimBob Daniel Interim Pastor Pastor Dr. Overton

(Across from Kroger)

Open Hearts - Open Minds - Open Doors Church Service: 11:00 am Earlier Events: 9:45 am Forum: discussion of interesting topics Wisdom seekers: from world’s great religions Religious Education for children www.ufoh.org

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

THE CRIME IS THE PUNISHMENT

hough we quite naturally think of the crime as being separate from its punishment, there is a sense in which the crime is the punishment. That is, when someone commits a crime, or a sin of any kind, they are harming their soul. While it is natural to want justice in the form of some payment of restitution or time spent in jail, perhaps it would be better to just require the person to confess their crime openly and then have to live with what they have done. In some of the countries where crimes of genocide were carried out, for instance, people were granted amnesty on the condition that they confess publicly what they did. In some cases, such as in Rwanda, these people were then required to live among the family members of their victims. To be aware of our sins and to have to live with them day in and day out brings it home to us what we have done. We cannot run away from our indiscretions. We may go to the ends of the earth or hide out in a cave to escape punishment, but the true punishment is with us always, deep in our soul, and we cannot hide our soul from God, or ourselves. So, we should confess our sins to God and to man, and face up to the crimes we may have committed. It’s the only way to unburden our soul of the heavy burden of sin.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” ~ James 5: 16 ~

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Page 9A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

Barhart shares 20-year vision for ‘sacred ground’ by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com As it did for everyone who heard of the tragedy in June of 1993, the heinous murder of Waltrip High School students Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña by a youth gang deeply affected local engineer Chris Barnhart. “They weren’t my children,” he said. “But they could have been.” At the time, Barnhart owned a little more than two acres where the railroad tracks bisect Watonga, northwest of where the murders occurred. Since the girls were killed in a wooded area as they took a shortcut home along the railroad tracks from a friend’s apartment, Barnhart cleared his property for safety reasons. He also encouraged a nearby landowner to do the same. “I thought it was the right thing to do so people could see through,” said Barnhart. Over the next 15 years, as he acquired an additional 18 acres between Watonga and White Oak Bayou, Barnhart became quite an expert on the area. And always in the back of his mind was the idea of creating a new way to memorialize Jennifer and Elizabeth. Along with architect (and daughter) Daria Conlan, Barnhart has conceptualized an ErtmanPeña Nature Reserve as well as a signature bridge that connects the hike and bike trails in T.C. Jester Park with another hike and bike trail along the west side of White Oak Bayou to connect north to the Watonga skateboard park. For the past five years they have been fine tuning these ideas as well as investigating how they might be carried out. From a budget standpoint, Barnhart notes that the qualification of the hike and bike trail for a Federal Highway Administration 80/20 match — in which 80 percent of a project’s cost comes from the government — would be a key element. For the highly competitive grant the project would have to be approved by TxDOT, and the process would likely start with the Houston Parks Board.

More green space always a plus

Roksan Okan-Vick, executive director of the nonproﬁt Houston Parks Board, says that while the board is always looking to expand

Above, these benches serve as the current memorial for young murder victims Ertman and Pena. At left, Adam Conlan, Daria Conlan with son Tai Conlan, Chris Barnhart, Debbie Barnhart. Below, Barnhart Engineering’s model for a White Oak Bayou Bridge. (Photos by Betsy Denson)

green space in Houston, they have to balance the needs of the city as a whole. “The board has two primary goals — equitable distribution of parkland and recreational amenities and creating a continuous green belt along Houston’s bayous,” she said. “So we look at things like is there sufﬁcient parkland and is there some form of continuous greenbelt already. In this case there is a greenbelt on the east side of the bayou along T.C. Jester.”

Okan-Vick does note that with the recent bond passage, the board can begin strategic planning for the creation of greenbelts on both sides of many of Houston’s bayous, pending funding availability. And she talked about the desirability of having a bridge to connect the existing park with Wortham Island which is presently difﬁcult to access. As far as an additional park across the bayou from the existing Ertman-Peña Memorial benches,

Heights Learning Academy awarded top honor The National Title I Association announced last week that Houston Heights Learning Academy has been named a National Title I Distinguished School by the Texas state department of education. Houston Heights Learning Academy is one of 67 schools throughout the country that is being nationally recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2012. A project of the National Title I Association, the National Title I Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying Title I schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights the efforts of schools across the country making signiﬁcant improvements for their students. The program has been in

place since 1996, highlighting the success of hundreds of schools in one of two categories: • Category 1: Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years • Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between students Title I is the cornerstone of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – now commonly referred to as No Child Left Behind. It is the largest federally funded pre-college education program in the United States and provides funding to school districts across the country to aid in the education of economically disadvantaged students. The National Title I Association is a membership organization made up of the Title I Directors

from each of the states and territories, who are charged with managing their state Title I program to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to ensure that all children - especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions – have the opportunity to receive a high quality education. The National Title I Association implemented the National Title I Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have sucessfully used their Title I federal funds to improve the education for economically disadvantaged students. More information about all National Title I Distinguished Schools is available on the National Title I Association website: www. titlei.org.

celebrated Black Tie & Boots Ball Saturday, arguably the hottest inaugural ball ticket in the Nation’s Capital. As of The Leader’s deadline, the band still did not know whether it would represent Texas in the inaugural parade, but HISD media

spokeswoman Erica Hilliard told The Leader Monday that there’s about a 50-50 chance. “The odds are going up,” she said. Waltrip’s Ram Band is ranked as the top 4A band in the region in a series of competitions. Now they’re champs at fundraising, too.

Band • from Page 1A media began spreading the word. In what was truly a community effort – reﬂected in a thank-you sign the band posted on the school’s marquee over the weekend – the goal and deadline were met. Responses to The Leader’s Facebook postings about the band’s success reﬂected the widespread support, from those with Waltrip connections to others who were just cheering on the musicians and their dream. “No matter your political beliefs. This is awesome!” wrote Justin Carville. “Being a Waltrip Alum and band member, makes me proud,” posted Melissa Aasgaard. “Safe travels, Ram band, on your trip.” Monica Guy wrote that she had posted the fundraising link on her Facebook page more than once: “My sister and uncle went to Waltrip. I was hoping it would help.” Band members have invitations to perform at national monuments and at the Texas State Society’s

Okan-Vick says the board is always open to such game changers as the abandonment of the rail or a donation.“We might get the opportunity to acquire it,” she said. She also said the organization’s community and neighborhood outreach efforts give local residents a way to become involved with the discussion. Although Barnhart does not own the land directly across from the present memorial, he has dedicated much time researching questions of ownership. The land between Wortham Island and the railroad tracks just west of White Oak Bayou is a combination of city, county and BNSF railroad owned property. Wortham Island was donated some time ago to the city by the Wortham family and so called because it is a remnant of an existing oxbow. Much of it is also either in the ﬂoodplain or ﬂoodway and therefore unsuited for any kind of vertical development.

Uniquely qualiﬁed for the job

While funding and property issues are still in question, expertise is the strong point for the proposed bridge. Barnhart Engineering on Watonga Boulevard specializes in bridge design and related tasks, special structure design, and bridge inspection. Barnhart received his BSCE from the University of Houston in 1981 and his master’s in Civil Engineering from Rice University in 1985. Conlan has a master’s in architecture from UT and interned at an architectural ﬁrm in New York before joining Barnhart Engineering in Houston. Barnhart worked at TxDOT until 1990 where he designed and/or supervised 58 bridges with an estimated cost of $40 million. Barnhart Engineering has also designed and/or supervised the design of an additional 30 bridges. “We would very much like to be selected to design a signature bridge,” said Barnhart. “I believe we are supremely qualiﬁed for that task. I know we are motivated.”

To this end, one recent accomplishment is certainly a feather in their cap. Barnhart Engineering was an integral player in the recently opened $5 million Bill Coats Bike Bridge at Hermann Park. They even purchased the form with which the concrete thrust blocks for the Hermann Park Bridge were cast “The forms could be used to cast thrust blocks for a signature bridge at White Oak Bayou,” said Barnhart. “We could lease or loan the form to the winning bidder for the bridge construction, somewhat reducing the cost to construct the bridges. Such a cost is small in the overall scope of things, but it could help.” As for the bike path, there is a portion of Barnhart’s existing property that could be dedicated as an easement. However, he has also explored the possibility that because the land is already under a Harris County Drainage Easement a bikeway could be constructed by Harris County as a “Maintenance of Way”

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pathway — which is being done along Brays Bayou — without additional legal or surveying work. “That might be the simplest solution,” he said.

Sacred Ground

Jennifer Ertman’s parents Randy and Sandra don’t live in Houston any longer but they still make the trip to the memorial benches in TC Jester once a month. “We are so thankful for the love of the people of Houston,” Ertman said. “It’s 20 years later and people are still dropping things off.” He says he knew that one day the land across the bayou where the murders occurred would be used for something. “I’ve always felt that that ground was sacred sort of, and I’d love to see something good happen with it.” Anyone interested in looking at the most current Barnhart Engineering schematic of the area can contact crbarnhart@barnharteng. us to acquire a copy.

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Page 10A • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Quiet • from Page 1A zones for at least three years; the 34th Street proposal was the ninth on the list. Money is the issue. Although the process is handled by the federal government, with strict regulations, funding for the actual improvements – which can include barriers, road painting and warning signs – must come from local government. Supporters frequently cite Houston’s longest quiet zone, which stretches from Meyerland in southwest Houston to Memorial Park, as proof that the process can work. But that zone took nearly three years to enact, and it happened before a serious complication in how Houston public works projects are funded. Times have changed. In November 2010, Houston voters approved a system of paying for public improvements that created a fund through a water bill assessment that would take care of mobility and drainage problems. In other words, Houston’s deteriorating streets and antiquated, overburdened storm sewers moved to the head of the line for improve-

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�� This is a Google map that had the once-proposed 34th Street Corridor Quiet Zone detailed for the city of Houston. This particular request was not passed, due mostly to funding requirements. ment. Such things as quiet zones were given low priority and put on the city’s new pay-as-you-go system. Those projects, designated primarily through individual councilmember’s capital improvements budgets, have already been set through the 2015 ﬁscal year – and the 34th Street quiet zone is not one of them. “No funding will be available until [Fiscal Year] 2016 at the earliest,” Houston Public Works spokes-

man Alvin Wright told The Leader, “however, it could be later.” Here’s what needs to be done. Residents and businesses impacted by the noise need to let their elected leaders know that silencing the train horns, while still creating safe railroad crossings, is a priority. The Leader will work to help make this happen through Councilmember Ellen Cohen and other ofﬁces, but we need to be armed with your personal experiences on how the horns are impacting your life and

your belief that this is a priority of how you want limited capital improvement funds spent in your council district. Let us hear from you at charlotte@theleadernews.com, or by writing us at 3500 E. T.C. Jester, Suite A, Houston 77018. You can also post your comments on our Facebook page, THE LEADER. Together we can make noise to create the blissful sounds of silence along the tracks in our communities.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIE?

Everyone Goes To Hell -So Did Jesus

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For more info: 713-861-2263 or 713-686-6088 w w w. b e r e a n c h r i s t a d e l p h i a n . c o m

Mall location allowing Chamber to dream big for Crawfish Fest Last year the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce saw 4,000 people attend the Crawfish Festival. This year, the Heights Crawfish Festival Facebook page is boasting “More space, more vendors, more events and more beer booths! Not to mention Crawfish, we’re talking about going from 3,800 pounds to 10,000 pounds.” Organizers are hoping to add more vendors and to see 10,000 people attend the Crawfish Festival, with three times the space for the event than last year, with the event being held at the Northwest Mall. This year’s Crawfish Festival will offer much of the same as last year’s event, but on a much grander scale. There will be live music on

the stage provided by Silver Eagle Distributors and a car show. There will also be and a raffle for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, valued at $20,000. Tickets are $10 each, 6 for $50 or 12 for $100. Many people are also looking forward to the Idol of the Heights singing competition finals, which GHCC Chairman of the Board Mickey Blake said, “We’re looking for people who can sing and not just karaoke.” There will be a series of preliminary competitions, then there will be semifinals, and finals will be the day of the Crawfish Festival. There will be sizeable cash prizes for those who come in first, second and third place at the final competition

at the event. The Crawﬁsh Festival will have a Kids Zone set up with a bounce house, train, a mechanical bull, face painting and other fun activities for children. There will also be an essay contest based on age groups for elementary through high school students for a chance to earn scholarships. Goodwill will have an area set up for job hunters to ﬁnd out about available jobs and services that Goodwill Job Connection offers. Houston Area Community Services will also have a health fair at the event that will offer STD testing and other services. As always, there is no admission fee to attend the event, which will

be April 6. The crawfish will be provided by P & J Cajun Cooking, who traditionally cater the event. Advance tickets are $15 and include three pounds of crawfish with potatoes and corn and a chance to win door prizes. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Discounted ticket packages will also be available. A minimum of 5 percent of the net profits from the event will go to the GHCC Community Fund to provide services to help benefit the community. The GHCC is currently seeking additional vendors and sponsors for the event. For additional information, visit the GHCC website at www.heightschamber. com or call 713-861-6735. – Ivee Sauls

P WS for WINE

Sip & Swirl 30 paw-picked wines and beers paired Tickets $50 A portion of the with tasty tidbits. proceeds will be donated to

February 2, 2013��4-7 p.m. Sonoma Wine Bar��The Heights 801 Studewood St. www.sonomahouston.com

Mall • from Page 1A Banners have been placed on the tops of the buildings to let people know that they are still open. “The construction has affected many of our merchants and not in a good way. Fortunately, a lot of them have been here for a number of years, and they’re just sticking it out with us,” Guidry said. The mall opened in 1968, along with its twin, the Almeda Mall on the southeast side of Houston, and for years it blossomed, as consumers abandoned downtown shopping in favor of suburban locations with easy freeway access, convenient parking and dozens of shops at one location. But it’s been a roller coaster existence, coping with economic upturns and downturns, and even battling Mother Nature. The mall suffered extensive damage ﬁve years ago in Hurricane Ike and lost its Macys anchor to Memorial City. And now, the construction. “Certainly it’s affecting business,” said Guidry. “They started a year ago right before Christmas,” she said. She said having events like the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce Crawﬁsh Festival on April 6 (see above story) will help business. “They’re anticipating 10,000 people and that would be wonderful for the mall,” she said. “I think that will be a big boost to us and if nothing else, it will give people a chance to see that we are still open.” Chamber board chair Mickey Blake said the GHCC is offering

mall tenants the opportunity to have promotional items such as coupons, to be distributed to everyone that attends the Crawfish Festival. “We’re going to try to drive some business to them for their niceties to us,” said Blake. “I think they are doing the best they can do considering what the problems are with TXDOT.” Thompson’s Antique Center relocated to the mall and now occupies the store that was the old JCPenney building and will be providing its parking lot for the Crawfish Festival. Two other older malls once pronounced comatose have come back in recent years with reinvention. Meyerland Plaza, built in the 1950s and nearly vacant in the 1980s now thrives at nearly 100 percent capacity with big box retail and smaller businesses. And Gulfgate Mall had new life breathed into it when it was restyled as a Latin American type plaza and mercado, to reflect its changing surroundings. Are there any new plans on the horizon for Northwest Mall? Guidry cannot say, but emphasizes that the mall is still actively leasing despite the construction challenges. “We are trying to keep the morale up and hopefully it is going to be a good thing once it is all said and done,” said Guidry. “I have a vested interest in this mall. I really do hope that it’s going to make a comeback and that people will hang in there with us and help us weather the storm.”

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P L I 0 D 1

Legacies are earned

For more than 45 years, we’ve delivered innovative care to The Heights community. At Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, we’ve established a local reputation for world-class healthcare. From leading services that are exclusive to the area, to the numerous accolades we’ve received, to a recent $10 million expansion of our Emergency Center, our steadfast commitment to The Heights continues. • Ranked one of America’s Best Hospitals by HealthGrades® for three consecutive years

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• Recipient of Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Gold Award* from TMF Health Quality Institute • The area’s only accredited Level III Trauma Center • A nationally accredited Chest Pain Center • Supported by 500 physicians locally and 4,000 physicians throughout the Memorial Hermann network

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• Part of the Memorial Hermann system, with ready access to Life Flight® • A full-service hospital with 260 licensed beds, 38+ ER beds, 22 medical ICU beds and eight cardiac ICU beds For a physician referral, call 713.222.CARE or visit us at memorialhermann.org *As part of the Memorial Hermann Health System: Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and The Woodlands Hospitals.

L J M C M H J N H L T 6 B L 4 M F P T Q P @

Page 1B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

Go online at www.theleadernews.com to discover the names and stories behind these lovable pets

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Page 2B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Page 3B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Page 4B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Vaccine still flu-fighting option, shortages require persistence If you or your children still haven’t been immunized against the flu this year, it’s not too late to reap the benefit of a vaccination, school health officials still say. With 20 deaths among children in the U.S. already attributed to the virus as of Jan. 10, officials are sounding the alarm about a potentially more-deadly flu season than usual, but Houston ISD’s Manager of Health and Medical Services Gwendolyn Johnson says there’s

still time to build up some immunity. “It takes about two weeks for vaccinations to become fully effective,” she said, “and, while it can vary, ﬂu season typically peaks in January or February.” Johnson noted that although she began noticing early ﬂu activity at the beginning of December, so far HISD schools have not been reporting alarming numbers of sick children, and she thinks parents

should be on guard but not unduly worried. “Sheer numbers should encourage parents to do whatever they normally do even more vigilantly to prevent transmission of the illness,” she said. “Whether it’s handwashing or not sharing eating utensils or cosmetics (such as chap stick or lip gloss), that’s what I hang my hat on. We’ve also seen some instances where people get better and then get bad again, so if you have

a child who’s sick, just watch them carefully, and take upper respiratory symptoms seriously. Most importantly, keep children home when they’re sick until they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. This goes for adults, too.” There have been reported shortages of ﬂu vaccine for both adults and children in Houston, but ofﬁcials stressed this week that additional supplies are on the way and

constantly being replenished. The city’s flu reports are running about two weeks behind the actual cases, but the last report, at the end of December, showed the highest incident of three strains – Influenza A H3, Influenza A H1N1, Influenza B. A list of city locations offering

Some steps to beating the flu are easier than others Below are some tips for staving off the flu bug that has spread across Houston and the rest of the country: • Wash your hands the right way. Washing your hands frequently remains the single-best way to keep viruses and bacteria that can make you sick from infiltrating the body. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can effectively remove any dirt, grime and invisible invaders. • Skip antibacterial products. Because colds and the flu are the result of viruses, which are different in behavior and structure from bacteria, they will not be killed off with the use of antibacterial products. What you may succeed in doing is killing off any beneficial bacteria on your hands as well as creating resistant bacteria that form with over-use of antibiotics and antibacterial products. • Get the flu shot. There is no vaccination to prevent the common cold, but there are immunizations that can help reduce your risk of getting the flu or help minimize its severity. With the shortage all across the country, this may be tough, but you can still try. • Use sanitizer on items around

It’s a hard bargain to ﬁnd a ﬂu shot right now, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least ask. Some doctors may still have it.

the house. Surfaces that are frequently touched by all members of the household should be wiped down with a disinfectant product. A bleach-and-water solution is an effective sanitizer. Surfaces to sanitize include phones, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, computer keyboards, faucets, toys, and countertops. • Avoid sick people. KidsHealth. org states that ﬂu viruses and colds can travel up to 12 feet (from a sneeze or cough). Steer clear of anyone exhibiting symptoms, es-

pinch while you’re on the go. • Cough into your sleeve. Rather than coughing or sneezing into your hands, do so into the crook of your elbow since this area rarely touches anything else. • Skip the buffet lunch. Buffet-style offerings are convenient and offer variety, but they are also a breeding ground for illnesses. These foods may have been sneezed or coughed on. Also, the serving spoons have been touched by dozens of people.

pecially someone who is frequently sneezing or coughing. Parents should keep children home from school if they are sick. Do so until symptoms subside so as not to infect others. • Use a sanitizer product. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that when handwashing is not readily available, a good way to kill germs is to use an alcohol-based sanitizer lotion. While not as effective as washing hands in warm, soapy water, sanitizing products can be used in a

health clinics, as well as locally specific information about the flu is available at http://www.houstontx. gov/health/flu, and a city hotline can be reached at 713-783-4616. For flu information from HISD, visit www.houstonisd.org/ page/33363

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Assumption Catholic School ��

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Afterschool snacks, supper at 3 centers Three Leader-area community centers will begin offering afterschool snacks and supper to youngsters 6-13 enrolled in the Afterschool Achievement Program as part of a new program being offered by the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. Youngsters in the program at centers at Candlelight Park, 1520 Candlelight Lane 77018; Love Park, 1000 W. 12th St. 77008; and Woodland Park, 212 Parkview 77009, can be registered now for the new service. Snacks will be served from 33:45 p.m. and supper from 5-6 p.m. weekdays Jan. 22-May 17. Sites were chosen by the Texas Department of Agriculture based on TDA eligibility requirements. Eligible areas were those served by a school in which 50 percent or more of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Ad # 37766

Ad # 37770

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Come and join us for our

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Our Savior Lutheran School

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Open House �� Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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Page 5B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • @heightsleader

Samaritan helps Heights homeless man Last week, a Leader article explored the problem of the homeless in our communities and offered suggestions to help. This week, we have the very personal story of how an individual and community’s caring is transforming one homeless man’s life.

by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com

Understory planting – just good old grass and seeds from the yard – is so much better for us than planting trees in places where there was never meant to be a forest. (Photo Submitted)

Backyard Gardener: Reforestation a joke by Dennis Woodward For The Leader

estorative planting, reforestation, and Arbor Day are things I have learned about since my planting of 85 trees and assorted understory plants at T.C. Jester Park. I would love to continue my efforts at T.C. Jester Park. However, I am discouraged, disgusted, and dead set against participating in the failed practices of local nonprofits and our city and county governments. I hope to change the minds of enough people so that a few years down the road the general consensus will be that we should do restorative planting on city, school, and county owned land. Government owned land includes much more than parks. Arbor Day was started by a gentleman from Detroit who had moved to Nebraska. This individual decided he wanted the prairie to have trees. I can certainly sympathize with his thoughts on the subject, but, I submit that he was not an environmentalist. He was not interested in protecting the natural environment. He was focused on changing the environment to fit his desires. He wanted to transform a treeless prairie into an area with trees. I’m certain that summers in Nebraska made him yearn for shade. So, this holiday that seems on the surface to be about protecting the environment is just botanical bigotry. It would be wise for us to plant vines, understory plants, grasses, and other vegetation that is native to our area instead of just trees on Arbor Day. Reforestation is a term used by individuals who are planting trees. Government officials, nonprofits, and citizens use this term to describe well meaning activities wherein people plant thousands of trees across our land. The areas where they plant trees may or may not have historically been forested. It really is hard to argue against planting trees. The problem is that a forest is about much more than trees. If we could return to yesteryear and walk through forests, we would see how beautiful they were. The sheer number of species of flora and fauna would be mind boggling. I find it disingenuous to even type the words Texas Forest Service. From what I have learned I now call it the Texas Lumber Service. This governmental agency is not about forests. The purpose of this agency of our government seems to be improving the quality and speed at which we can grow trees to make more lumber and pulp for paper. In the short amount of time I have investigated what they do I have discerned that they truly put no effort into understory vegetation or animals. Restorative planting is a term that I learned of as I have made attempts to educate myself about planting understory which almost no longer exists in our state. There are places where certain plants still exist that were once widely spread across areas that are now just tree plantations. I was walking through one of our National Forests west of Interstate 45 and north of 290. I was saddened that instead of a forest, it seemed to be a tree plantation. I hope that I am wrong in my belief that many of our Na-

tional Forests are just national tree plantations. Restorative planting is an effort being undertaken by groups across the nation wherein attempts are made to reestablish what once was. Establishing areas within cities that mirror the plant and animal communities that once existed is what restorative planting is all about. Establishing these areas where nature and humans can coexist does not really require more effort. Restorative planting just requires a different kind of effort and perspective. Rather than paying city employees to mow everything down we would pay them to grow, plant, and otherwise act in a way that would help reestablish nature in the city. Tiny parks, linear parks, large parks, potted nature downtown, and home nature areas are all examples of places where restorative planting could take place. The current practice of planting many trees in a small area without any understory will fail. We can see it failing along the east side of the bayou between 11th and 18th. Well meaning volunteers following the instructions of non proﬁts and city employees planted hundreds of trees. I have not counted the dead ones; but, I would bet that half of the trees that were planted are dead. It is certainly easy to point to the drought as the reason; but, examine how close together the trees are planted and you will see that nowhere in the natural environment do trees grow 10 feet apart in rows. Please call the city and demand that they stop planting trees in this manner. Restorative planting can alleviate a host of problems that we face today in Houston. Forests that would be established through restorative planting would soak up more rainwater, heat, noise, polluted runoff, and air pollution. There are already people who are willing to assist in restorative planting. These individuals are simply discouraged by the status quo. The experts are simply unwilling to wade through the governmental obstacles to make this happen. If the citizens demand that the city change course on how we care for city owned land, then the city would change the way things are done. I will continue to defy our city and county governments. I will plant understory plants and remove the grass around them hoping the employees do not just run over and obliterate the understory that I plant. I will do restorative planting when and where I can. Labor really is the only expense. Seeds are produced by plants each and every year. Collect seeds and use them to do your own restorative planting and you will be restoring the beauty of nature to your part of the city. Understory plants can be grown from seed in your backyard. You can then plant these gems in parks next to trees. Just pull the grasses away from that which you plant. Place wooden stakes around the plant with some paint on it. Maybe the city employee will not use his line trimmer to decimate your work. Woodward is a resident of Shepherd Park Plaza and performs restorative planting on public lands in and near his community.

A benevolent Houston Heights resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, spearheaded an effort to help William Martinez, a longtime homeless person, and his dogs, Brownie and Blackie, move into an apartment on Jan. 9. Community members have been working together to supply food and toiletries for the 65-year-old man, who has been homeless since 1998. More than 90 donors from throughout the Houston area helped Martinez with his basic needs for at least the next three months. On Jan. 10, eight of his friends and neighbors volunteered to move Martinez into his apartment. The benevolent resident ﬁrst encountered Martinez in October 2012. “He was lucid, well-spoken, friendly and did not appear to be under the inﬂuence of any drugs or alcohol,” she said. “Because William had dogs, I wanted to help him continue to take good care of them, knowing he had no home or money. So over the past few months, a neighbor and I stopped by every now and then to check on William and his dogs and drop off food/dog food, always seeing them in the same spot on the sidewalk behind a local food establishment.” She assisted Martinez in having the dog spayed, microchipped and vaccinated and later discovered that Martinez couldn’t get much help because he didn’t have any

William Martinez, and his dog, Brownie (Photo by Claudia Arrieta) forms of identification. Martinez, a former shipyard worker, hadn’t seen his sister (who lives out of state) in about 20 years. On Dec. 27, the benevolent resident asked Martinez if he’d like to speak to his sister. She got in touch with her and two days later, they spoke over the telephone. “After learning of his situation, William’s sister immediately desired to get him into an apartment and off the streets, offering to pay the rent for as long as necessary,” the benevolent resident said. “She promised that for as long as William lives, he will never be homeless again. Because she lives out of state, some of the logistics of getting him into an apartment would prove difficult, so I offered to find one within the budget she provid-

ed and tried to find one that would program. allow his two dogs. The apartment An online donation was set up was found and his sister approved for Martinez at chipIn.com, so cash it.” donations or gift cards to Fiesta His sister had a copy of his birth could be made. certificate, which will help Marti“He plopped down on his new nez into a situation where finding bed with a big smile and his dogs a job, medical or other assistance jumped up and joined him, as if will be possible. that’s where they were supposed But in the mean time, he needed to be,” the benevolent resident said. basic items in his new apartment “William has been extremely apsuch as household items, clothes, preciative throughout this whole furniture Ad # 37761 and food. It takes be- process. Never once since I have tween two-to-six months to be ac- known him has he ever asked me d # 31448 cepted into the Meals on Wheels Afor anything.”

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Page 6B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

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Stephanie Darling stands next to a painted fox, part of the mural she created on the east side of the former Heights Theater. (Photo by Cynthia Lescalleet.)

Darling lets nature take over Heights wall by Cynthia Lescalleet For The Leader Nature has taken over a once-blank wall tucked in the gap of 19th Street’s retailscape. Heights artist Stephanie Darling transformed Heights Theater’s east side exterior with a massive mural depicting the endangered and extinct species of Texas. Vividly executed, the whopping 15 ft. by 75 ft. mural has been causing some 19th Street passersby to double take, as it seemingly just appeared during the holidays. It’s visible but not accessible through chain-link fencing across a vacant lot and as daylight shifts, the mural seems to change as well. A small, brushed aluminum sign affixed to the front of the theater, meanwhile, offers a street level key to the composition in which creatures are juxtaposed in scale, color and taxonomic ranks. Darling, 26, thought the endangered theme of her “Texas Wild Mural” was a good fit for the historic building. It had been gutted by a 1968 firebomb but later bought, renovated and repurposed by the current owners, artist Sharon and Gus Kopriva, Red Bud Gallery owner and arts patron. The former theater, completed in 1929 in the Mission Style and fitted with an Art Moderne facade in 1935, is now a combo events venue and exhibition space for Gallery M Squared.

SCAN DO

Darling is an emerging artist who typically creates large-scale, highly textured 3-D works. The mural was her ﬁrst public art commission and she aspires to produce more as her career unfolds. The wildlife mural-on-mesh-vinyl is a scanned, enlarged version of Darling’s 2-ft by 12-ft. original oil painting. Stainless steel zip ties keep the seamed pieces taut against the building. As a Heights resident, Darling had often noticed the unadorned wall. She eventually proposed the idea of a mural to the Koprivas. “That white, big, ‘30x200’ wall has stared at me for more than 20 years,” Gus Kopriva said. Embellishing the space, especially with a natural world concept dear to his heart, was an idea

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A better view of the mural along the wall that greets drivers along 19th Street in the Heights. Artist Stephanie Darling says she thought the ‘Texas Wild’ theme was a good ﬁt for the historic building. (Photo Submitted by Rick Wells) worth supporting, he said. “We thought it would help the Heights and draw interest.” They brainstormed some ideas, such as incorporating creatures from land, sea and air as well as day and night, and Darling completed preliminary sketches before heading to Germany in 2011 for an arts residency with sculptor/printmaker Hans Moltzberger. In an ironic twist, Darling did much of her research on native Texas species while in Germany. She was quite taken by its vast countryside and efforts to restore native wildlife. Similarly, the burnt landscape from the drought here reminded her of nature’s interplay of fragility and ability to survive. Among the creatures Darling included in her oversized piece are the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, which hasn’t been seen in more than 50 years; the American Alligator, which uses up 2,000 to 3,000 teeth over its lifespan; and the whooping

crane, which mates for life. Also tucked into Darling’s tableau are the Houston Toad, Atwater’s Prairie Chicken and the Peruvian Hairless Dog, even though not strictly a native. Neither is the fire fly, but it made the cut as well, she said. After Darling’s return to Houston, final sketches in tow, she turned to Kickstarter to help fund the $7,000 project. Many Heightsarea businesses and residents helped sponsor it, for which the artist is most grateful. Darling’s interest in wildlife has been a lifelong passion. While she never wanted to be a veterinarian, she was quite happily a junior park ranger as a child. Darling said those who live in the city “miss the natural world more than they realize.” Since the mural sits behind a gate, viewing more closely is available upon request, Kopriva said. Just ask inside the gallery.

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Page 7B â€˘ The Leader â€˘ January 19, 2013 â€˘ @heightsleader

AUTO SERVICES

FOR SALE

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Notice of property being sold to satisfy landlordâ€™s lien at 2121 Judiway Unit 12 Houston, Texas 77018. Items to be sold on February 25, 2013

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NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENT TO FORFEIT Notice is hereby given that the United States Department of the Interior is hereby commencing a forfeiture proceeding against the following items of wildlife or wildlife products, which were seized in the Irving area of Texas on the date indicated because they were involved in one or more violations of any of the following laws: Endangered Species Act, l6 U.S.C. Sec. 1538 (d)(3) and 16 U.S.C. 1538(e) and Lacey Act Amendments of 1981, 16 U.S.C. 3372 (b). These items are subject to forfeiture to the United States under Title l6, U.S.C. Sec. l540(e), 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1377, or l6 U.S.C. Sec. 3374 and Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Section l4.91(a) and 14.61. Any person with an ownership or financial interest in said items who desires to claim them must file a claim with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement office, 1639 West 23rd Street, P.O. Box 610069, DFW Airport, Texas 75261. Such claim must be received by the above office by March 27, 2013. The claim will be transmitted to the U.S. Attorney for institution of a forfeiture action in U.S. District Court. If a proper claim is not received by the above office by such date, the items will be declared forfeited to the United States and disposed of according to law. Any person who has an interest in the items may also file with the above office a petition for remission of forfeiture in accordance with Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, and Section 12.24, which petition must be received in such office before disposition of the items. Storage costs may also be assessed.

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HELP WANTED

4F)BCMB&TQBĂ—PM

HOSTESS, WAITSTAFF AND KITCHEN STAFF: AM and PM, P/T-F/T needed for Fridaâ€™s Restaurant. Call 713-863-3980. (1-26)

M&M Pet Sitting

NEED YOUR HOUSE CLEANED? I have 25 years experience â€” can provide references. Call Sophie, 713-249-5804. (1-19)

Item Three (3) Coats with Brushtail Possum trim; Five (5) skin pieces of Brushtail Possum.

5 OFF

GROOMING

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED FOR CHURCH SHUTTLE: Approximately six hours a week. Must have CDL and passenger endorsement. Call 713-681-3600. (TF)

puddycuts@ 832â€˘654â€˘7475 hotmail.com

C.W. TRASH HAULING: Residential/commercial, clean out garages, tractor work, box blade. 832-434-8863. (TF)

713-529-4174 713-723-9689

BEST PET SITTERS: Bone Voyage, 713-688-6363. www. MECHANIC WITH EXPERIENCE on Econoline vans needed. Exgodogusa.com. (TF) perience with A/C, alternators, FIND YOUR FRIEND FOR LIFE: brakes and suspension. Tools Adopt or foster a shelter animal. required. Salary commensurate www.nokill1.org. (TF) with experience. 713-681-3600. (TF) SHEPHERD/LAB MIXED PUPPIES: No papers, 9 weeks. $40. COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING 713-690-8733. COMPANY is currently looking for experienced (one year plus) CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES FOR foremen and laborers. All foreSALE, $50 each. 713-688- men applicants must have a 1275. valid Texas drivers license. For more information, please call 713-688-2435. We are an equal opportunity employer. (S) (TF)

X-LARGE DOG KENNEL: Black, polycoated, wire, collapsible. Must be large enough for 100 lb. dog. Please call 713-695-9424 and leave a message. (TF)

ASK FOR

RECEPTIONIST NEEDED for busy real estate office. MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Computer skills necessary. Benefits available. Call for an appointment. 713-869-0456 or fax resume to 713-869-7570.

.II=B,";F?M

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER: Retail and dining establishments need undercover clients to judge quality and customer CHARMING VENUE FOR YOUR service. Earn up to $100 a day. NEXT GATHERING: Houston Fee optional. Please call 1-888Heights Womanâ€™s Clubâ€™s His- 493-1945. (TF) toric Bungalow, perfect for small events. Recitals, luncheons, ANIMAL LOVERS NEEDED to fundraisers â€” events up to 100 volunteer at no kill animal shelter people. Grand piano, stage, in the Heights. Download volunround tables, small catering teer application at www.nokill1. kitchen. Call Lizz Martin, 281- org or visit us in person at 107 E. 217-6070, regarding this Heights 22nd Street, Tuesday-Saturday, landmark. (TF) noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (TF)

WANTED DIABETIC

2217 W. 34th, Ste. A.

713.686.6622

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

WANT TO BUY

Dependable Citywide Service

FOAM store

SENIOR CARE: Professional, 20-plus years experience with references. 281-508-5077.

832-818-4970

+ Custom Cut + Memor y Foam + Chair Pads + Couch Cushions + Mattress Foam

the

ADULT CARE

Home, Small OfĂ„ce Computer Repair

House Keys $ 25

713-682-5549

281â€˘821â€˘1882

832.641.6786

HELP WANTED

PETS / LIVESTOCK

Your Real Feed Store!

imperialansweringsvc.com

Upgrades, Installation, ConĂ„guration (Virus-Removal) Home - NetWorking

713-861-7112

www.republicarms.com

â€˘ One Month Free â€˘ Low flat rates

We offer Mobile Repairs Mr. PC Computer

742 W. 20th

3344 E.T.C. Jester

IMPERIAL ANSWERING SVC Live Operators on duty 24/7

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

HEIGHTS KEYS ETC.

Notice is hereby given that the United States Department of the Interior is hereby commencing a forfeiture proceeding against the following items of wildlife or wildlife products, which were seized in the Irving area of Texas on the date indicated because they were involved in one or more violations of any of the following laws: Endangered Species Act, l6 U.S.C. Sec. 1538 (c)(1) and 16 U.S.C. 1538 (e) and 16 U.S.C. 1538 (f). These items are subject to forfeiture to the United States under Title l6, U.S.C. Sec. l540(e), 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1377, or l6 U.S.C. Sec. 3374 and Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Section l4.91(a) and 14.61. Any person with an ownership or financial interest in said items who desires to claim them must file a claim with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement office, 16639 W. Hardy, Houston, TX. 77060-6230. Such claim must be received by the above office by March 27, 2013. The claim will be transmitted to the U.S. Attorney for institution of a forfeiture action in U.S. District Court. If a proper claim is not received by the above office by such date, the items will be declared forfeited to the United States and disposed of according to law. Any person who has an interest in the items may also file with the above office a petition for remission of forfeiture in accordance with Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, and Section 12.24, which petition must be received in such office before disposition of the items. Storage costs may also be assessed.

File No. 2012205743

COMPUTERS

ESTATE SALE: Antiques, collectibles, furniture, Victorian oak, Duncan Phyfe dining room set, bedroom furniture, medical supplies, wheelchairs. Everything must go! Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 18-19; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 20. 823 W. 41st, 77018. No early birds!

GUNS & AMMO

READY TO QUIT SMOKING? 90% success rate. Guaranteed. www.houstonstopsmoking.com <http://www.houstonstopsmoking.com/> 800-481-5949. (2-2)

ESTATE SALE: 1317 Candlelight, Saturday, Jan. 26, 8-3.

TUPPERWARE AVAILABLE: Call JoAnn Lord at 281-9233729. (TF)

NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENT TO FORFEIT

File No. 2012206336

FRANK SALAS IS THE MAN TO CALL for trash hauling and garage cleaning. 832-206-8734, 832-893-5697. (TF)

Located in Heights since â€˜58

REPUBLIC ARMS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Frusco Landscape & Irrigation Co. Since 1975

â€˘ Sprinkler Systems â€˘ Drainage Systems â€˘ Design â€˘ Installation â€˘ Service & Repair We specialize in Sprinkler Repair

Gardening Makeover Specialists Landscape Lighting Heights Resident

Lic.# 4876 Joseph Frusco

(832) 435-8685

www.fruscolandscaping.com

U S Tree Experts â€˘ Tree Removal â€˘ Shaping & Trimming Insured â€˘ Free Estimates

FRANK ZENIL

713-681-4079 â€˘ 713-410-4265

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

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

BALDERAS CONCRETE WORK â€˘ Driveways â€˘ Sidewalks â€˘ Patios FREE ESTIMATES

Call Gregory

832-675-2485 713-864-3755

â€˘ Cabinets â€˘ Sheetrock â€˘ Texture â€˘ Driveways â€˘ Gutters

â€˘ Paint â€˘ Trim â€˘ Siding â€˘ RooÂżng â€˘ Flooring

832-208-4871 Adam

ROOFING by SERNA BROS.

Serving NW Houston Since 1973 FREE estimates

713-688-3277 SheetRock Repair Small Jobs Welcome Free Estimates We only speak English

713-466-6008

HOME REMODELING

â€˘ Painting â€˘ Sheetrock â€˘ Tile Work â€˘ RooĂ„ng â€˘ Carpentry â€˘ Carpet â€˘ Concrete â€˘ Power Wash â€˘ Burglar Bars â€˘ Brick â€˘ Trees FREE ESTIMATES - Hector

281-827-4447

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

+ + + + + + + â€˘ Openers â€˘ Cables + + â€˘ Springs â€˘ Sections + + Repaired & Replaced + + + + 281-352-3350 + + 713-545-6162 + 24 Hrs/7 Days + + Se Habla Espanol + +

QUALITY CONCRETE WORK

At Reasonable prices

â€˘Patios â€˘Driveways â€˘Room Additions â€˘Expedient Work American Made â€œGod Bless Americaâ€?

713-703-8488 Jim

Page 8B â€˘ The Leader â€˘ January 19, 2013 â€˘ www.theleadernews.com GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Adamâ€™s

ALL HOME REPAIR

WOOD FLOORS

â€˘ Flooring: Carpet/Tile

Installation Repair Sanding Finishing

â€˘ Sheetrock â€˘ Painting â€˘ Roofing

at Fair Prices Sales â€˘ Installation

35 Yrs. Exp. & Leader Advertiser

832-515-4214

Call Sam 713-582-5500 713-686-2285

FRA NK â€™S

WOOD FENCING

PAINT ING

Repair & Install Pressure Washing Painting â€˘ Siding

Interior/Exterior

Sheetrock â€˘ Power Wash Free Estimates

Cell: 832-584-0725

Gilbert 281-948-4879

KIKER & SON

ASAP

ROOFING ROOFING 29 yr. Consecutive â€˘ ReRoof â€˘ Repair â€˘ Siding â€˘ Windows

Leader Ad vertiser

All Types Of RooĂ€ng

713-849-2727

(713) 686-4954

www.asap-rooÂżng.com

SIFUENTES SERVICES

GARAGE DOORS

Room Additions â€˘ Ceramic Tile â€˘ Kitchen/Bath â€˘ Flood Damage Repair â€˘ Painting â€˘ Sheetrock, Concrete Small Jobs Welcome Free Estimates

HELPING YOU WITH HOME REPAIRS â€˘ Painting â€˘ Ceiling Fans & Lights â€˘ Drywall â€˘ Carpentry â€˘ General Repairs â€˘ Door Locks

832.229.3939 FREE ESTIMATE Fair Prices

References â€˘ Heights Home Owner

713-248-0763

Houston Heights

ROOFERS

Repair & Installation All Type Fences â€˘ Chain link â€˘ Wood â€˘ Ornamental Iron Small jobs welcome Call 7 Days

Jose `

Cell (281) 221-0637

CONSTRUCTION Residential/Commercial

Remodeling & Repairs â€˘ Cabinets â€˘ Counter Tops â€˘ Garages â€˘ Doors â€˘ Sheetrock â€˘ Hardi Siding â€˘ Painting Interior/Exterior ALL TYPES CARPENTRY Quality Work â€˘ Insured FREE ESTIMATES â€˘ Edward Lunsford

281-352-7304

HOWDY'S HANDYWORK â€˘ Carpentry - Cabinets to Patios & Decks â€˘ Painting, Interior/Exterior â€˘ Sheet Rock Repair & Installation

Free Est.

FREE ESTIMATES DAVID OJEMAN 713-682-8033

ÂœĂ•ĂƒiĂŠ*>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂ˜} LĂžĂŠ>Â˜`

APPROVED PLUMBING

Call Billy, The

âœ” Painting âœ” Drywall âœ” Hardi Plank Siding âœ” Any Type of Carpentry Work âœ” Complete Remodels TEL

281-272-6900 CELL713-569-4199

â€˘ â€˘ â€˘ â€˘

REMODELING

713-680-2019

TUB & TILE SPECIAL Free Tile Design - Mention This Ad Call for Details

281.702.8186

BigCityConstructionCo.com Building Relationships

$1699 Plus Tax Includes Materials

1 5 6 6 5 M P L #

I n Complete s u Plumbing Service r FREE ESTIMATES e Senior Citizens - 10% d nĂŽĂ“Â‡ĂˆĂ¤xÂ‡{Ă“{n

Sheetrock Repair

PLUMBER

Match any texture

Roofing Work Carpentry Handyman Services Power Washing Good References

SONNYâ€™S REPAIR SERVICE Independent Master Plumber

ALWAYS UPFRONT PRICE$ â€œI want to be YOUR plumberâ€? Call Sonny and SAVE! Single Homeowner Discount

832-465-5325

(713) 962-3474

Est. 1979 Ins. RMP #18131

Upfront Pricing â€˘ Drain & Sewer Cleaning â€˘ Minor & Major Repairs â€˘ Gas Test & City Permits â€˘ Sewer Pipe Camera Emergency Service 7 Days a Week #17773 Licensed & Insured Credit Cards Accepted

270

281-807-5588

825 Curtin 77018

713-545-3414

ELECTRICAL SERVICES No matter what it is youâ€™ve got to sell, there are Leader readers out there interested in buying it.

D&E Electric Since 1975 Low Rates

(281) 448-8615

TEL. 17823

Breaker Boxes â€˘ Troubleshooting Underground Specialist New Construction & Remodeling

Residential - Commercial

WALL TO WALL, WE DO IT ALL! â€˘ Plumbing â€˘ Sheetrock & Painting â€˘ Water Lines â€˘ Tile & Carpet â€˘ Gas Lines â€˘ Siding $35 â€˘ Disposals â€˘ Concrete discount â€˘ Faucets â€˘ Fencing w/ad â€˘ Shower pans & doors â€˘ Counter Tops â€˘ Sewer Service â€˘ Roofing â€˘ Gas test â€˘ Complete Remodeling

281-701-9909

MPL 12701

25 Years In Business

MASTER PLUMBER 713-466-8795 ONE CALL â€“ ALL PROBLEMS SOLVED

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

!#-AN Cooling & Heating Res. - Com. Check Up or Service Fee $ 95 only

(%!& $$$&"!

American Standard Authorized Dealer

TECL #25670

Since 1953

713-664-1815

TECL 19210

Air Conditioning Sales + Service Repairs + Cleanings FREE Service Call w/Repair Senior Discount Credit Cards

CARPET & FLOORING

PRIME ROOFING

Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifieds get great response and cost less than the daily paper.

Most of us that bring you The Leader live right here in your community and we appreciate you reading it every week. Thanks.

â€˘ Commercial â€˘ Residential â€˘ New Roof â€˘ Re-Roof

Cherokee

PEST CONTROL â€˘ Termites â€˘ Roaches â€˘ Ants â€˘ SilverĂ„sh â€˘ Rodents

Free Termite Inspection

713-682-6801

.com Rated as one of Houstonâ€™s 185 Best Businesses REFERENCES

2012

â€˘ New Construction â€˘ Kitchen Remodeling â€˘ Bathroom Remodeling â€˘ Room Additions â€˘ Tile/Wood Floors â€˘ Decking â€˘ Handy Man Work â€˘ Windows/Siding â€˘ Fencing â€˘ Painting/Sheetrock â€˘ Concrete â€˘ Landscaping CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

713.515.1514

ÂŽ

All Work Guaranteed 25 Years in Business Tommy Smith

713-263-7979

Washer wonâ€™t drain or spin? Dryer wonâ€™t get hot? Most Repairs $95

713-984-1849

OAK FOREST REPAIR Refrigerators â€˘ Dryers â€˘ Washers

Same Day Refrigerator Repair

FAIR PRICES ON CARPET/ FLOORING SALES, INSTALLATION AND REPAIR: Thirty-five years experience. Carpet, hardwoods, vinyl, ceramic tile. Carpet shampoo and restretch carpet. Dry cleaning now available. 713582-5500. (TF)

if you read this ad, then you know advertising works.

(713) 681-4343 (713) 232-0045

OAK FOREST

Refrigerator & Appliance Repair GOFAR Services, LLC.

All Makes & Models

(713) 681-4343 (713) 232-0045

Appliance Service

Best Appliances Repairs & Sales

713-857-2050

â€˘â€˘ Refrigerators â€˘

KINARDâ€™S Appliance Service 281-350-6255

Most Same Day Repairs Service $

D Appliance & Repair L

QUICK

RELIABLE

Since 1995

Donâ€™t Throw It Away Call Today! 3511 Pinemont Suite A-1 Houston, TX. 77018

713.263.7979 FOR RENT

FOR RENT 12â€™X30â€™ CARPORTS: Perfect for boats, RVs, etc. Call 713-6944647. (TF)

FOR RENT: 1815 Ebony. 2-2-1. $1,050/month; $1,000 security deposit. Recently remodeled. Appliances provided. Credit and background check will be required. $35 application fee. Please contact Rick at 713-3157325 or Debbie at 281-660-6930 for additional details.

OAK FOREST: 2-1 w/flex room, hardwoods, updated kitchen. Near Kroger/Oak Forest Elementary. $1,425 monthly. Approximately 1,250 square feet. Agent. BEAUTIFUL FOUR-BEDROOM FOR LEASE: 4-2-2, Inwood 832-492-8322. (2-9) North. Fireplace, all appliances. G A R A G E A PA RT M E N T I N Klein ISD. Currently accepting WOODLAND HEIGHTS for lease. applications. Mr. Woods, 713$850/month + $100/month 213-8358. (2-2) utilities. Deposit $600. 832-814ANTOINE/LITTLE YORK AREA: 4325. (TF) Sheraton Oaks Subdivision. FOR LEASE: Three bedroom, 1Â˝ 3-2-2. Both formals, $1,050 bath. Oak Forest. Completely month + $1,050 deposit. 832updated with appliances. Non- 656-5370. smokers. No pets. $1,495. 713503-0282. (TF)

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

OAK FOREST SHEPHERD FOREST 3-1-1 Central Air/Heat Hardwood Floors Fenced backyard $1285/month

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 16 ft. x 34 ft. with restroom. Small storage. Oak Forest. 713-213-4530 or 713-686-3011. (TF)

713-680-3530

REAL ESTATE

Experience and

ourrealtordebbie@aol.com

281-651-STAR 281-651-7827

1 yr. Warranty On Parts & Labor

â€˘ Re frigerators â€˘ Ovens â€˘ Washers â€˘ Dryers Off. 713-973-1263 Cell. 832-526-8531

Knowledge... A DEBBIE Powerful Combination. Realty Associates ELLIOTT

TACLA 28719E

â€˘ Freezers â€˘ Stoves â€˘ Dishwasher Free Trip â€˘ Washers Charge with Repair â€˘ Dryers

Washers - Dryers Dishwashers - Ranges

HUNTING PROPERTY/ACREAGE FOR SALE: 173+ acres at $265/acre Mule Deer Terrell County. 180+ acres at $495/acre White Tail Valverde County. 168+ acres at $265/acre White Tail Terrell County. 5% Down. 210-734-4009. www.westerntexasland.com.

&/23!,%,%!3%ACRES STORAGEUNITSPRESENTLYUSED FORBOATSTORAGE3WEETWATER-AINTENANCEMANAGERLIVES ONPROPERTY#ALLTOMAKEOFFER OR MONTHLYLEASE

0AT7ALKER

SRESÂŽ, GreenÂŽ

pat@thepatwalker.com

J&V

Repair â€˘ Installation â€˘ Sales Residential - Commercial

Free Estimates â€˘ Financing Available

A/C & Heating Winter Special Furnace Replacement Service $1800.00 (Ameristar System Basic installation. Taxes & permit cost extra.) 10% Seniors Discount Oak Forest Resident A+ Rating

713-864-2791

PEST CONTROL

â€œInsured For Your Protectionâ€? All Work Guaranteed

NEED SERVICE?

SAME DAY SERVICE

713-906-5481

Native Houstonian - 43 Yrs.

INSURED â€”RADIO EQUIPPED COMMERCIAL â€”INDUSTRIALâ€”RESIDENTIAL For All Your Electrical Needs

713-864-4168

832-894-8824

Best Appliance Repairs

TACL B27781E

Oak Forest Resident/OfĂ„ce â€˘ Residential â€˘ Commercial â€˘ Service Licensed - Insured - 23 Yrs. Exp. â€œAâ€? ON ANGIEâ€™S LIST

25 Residential & Commercial Years â€˘ Shingles: Flat - Tile - Metal â€˘ 5" and 6" Seamless Gutters â€˘ Carports â€˘ Carpentry â€˘ Free Estimates

â€˘ Written Warranty â€˘ No Service Charge w/Repair $15 OFF REPAIRS W/AD

WASHER/DRYER REPAIR

713-460-COLD(2653)

John Kuenstle Electric,LLC

MASTER #178565

Lâ€™S APPLIANCE SERVICE Sâ€˘A All Major Brands

We have one of the highest rated delivery systems in the country, but mistakes can happen. If you donâ€™t receive your Leader any week, weâ€™d sure appreciate it if youâ€™d call and let us know so that we can correct the problem.

Sales, Leasing & Property Management

www.acmanhouston.com

'''"$!"

TECL 23126

BRAVENEC ELECTRIC

LICENSED

IDEAL PLUMBING

TECL# 43460

Licensed-Insured

$25

SINCE 1911 MPL# 36961 Discount on $150 minimum

832-425-2152 - Free Estimates

INSURED

$25

OFFICE (713) 864-1700

ELECTRICIAN All types of new (" $ wiring and repairs

Lights-Plugs-Breakers Cover all electric needs

919 Judiway â€˘ (713) 680-3530

www.PrimeRooÂżng.com

GREAT PRICES â€“ PRESENT COUPON FOR DISCOUNT

www.aarons-plumbing.com

HAR BINGER

All Work Guaranteed - Free Es timates

713-681-5001

Complete Plumbing Service â€“ Residential & Commercial REPAIRS ON: Water Heaters â€˘ Faucets â€˘ Tubs â€˘ Water & Gas Lines â€˘ Pipe Breaks and Leaks

713-695-2222

Know of a local business that could use more customers? Tell them to call The Leader, youâ€™ll be doing us both a favor.

Hardi Siding â€˘ Gutters â€˘ Windows

Did you know you could still Âżle a claim under Hurricane Ike? Call now for a FREE Inspection with an insurance claims specialist.

LEE $25 $25 CLAYTON PLUMBING

PLUMBING

Repair Specialist

Re-roofs â€˘ Repairs

GOT LEAKS? NEED REPAIR?

Senior & Veteran Discounts

www.HoustonPremierPlumbing.com

MPL#40381

Aaronâ€™s

Repair or Replace Doors/Openers

â€œThe Residential Roofing Spe cialistsâ€?

Free Estimates

DT HUGHES PLUMBING &IOMNIH.L?GC?L.FOG<CHA Residential/Comm.

CRAVENS ELECTRIC Commercial â€˘ Residential

CAMPOS RooĂ€ng

â€˘ Drain Cleaning â€˘ Disposals â€˘ Tankless Water Heaters â€˘ Gas Test

Call 281-836-6414

Painting Interior/Exterior

Free Est.

Specializing in Galvanized Pipe Replacement

Insured â€˘ Lic. #M8922

35 yrs. exp.

www.camposroofing.com

For All Your Plumbing Repair, Replacement and Installation

Shop 281-442-7863 Cell 281-831-2302

Apply Tuscan Trowel Texture

713-721-5490

peters-plumbing.com

Repairs & Remodels Complete Plumbing Services

electric

BathroomSpecial.com We Make Bathrooms Special :)

Low Price Guarantee

PLUMBING Since 1977 Free Est.

By Joe Lopez â€˘ Installation â€˘ Tape & Float â€˘ Match All Textures â€˘ Remove Wallpaper

ELECTRIC SERVICES

COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL â€˘ Custom Homes â€˘ Garages â€˘ Room Additions â€˘ Kitchens â€˘ Bathrooms â€˘ Hardi Siding Free Estimate

Licensed and Insured MPL #40046

Joe Petrovich

Credit Cards Accepted

AMS Remodeling

â€˘ Repiping â€˘ Water Heaters â€˘ Gas Test â€˘ Drain Problems â€˘ Sewer Camera Inspection â€˘ Faucet Installation and Repair â€˘ Water Leaks and Much More

$20 OFF

PLUMBING

MPL # 16533

High Quality Sheetrock Repair

Sheetrock â€˘ Shower Pans Regrouting â€˘ Floor Refinishing Fencing â€˘ Install Windows/Doors Roofing/Repair Free Estimate 713-466-7703 Anytime

PLUMBING

Peterâ€™s

John Kaminski

Choice Door

JR. Tile And Home Remodeling

PLUMBING

713-692-3820

713-249-2140

Martin Gonzales 832-472-2427

APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR

Ranges â€˘ Ice Makers

832-885-4939

Â˝ HP Sears Openers Installed

FREE ESTIMATES Major Credit Cards Accepted

PLUMBING

15% OFF w/Ad Drywall â€˘ Match texture Carpentry, Siding Replace Kitchen & Bath Remodel

7 DAY SERVICE

J&D HANDYMAN SERVICE For Your Home Repair Needs:

â€˘ Room Additions â€˘ Baths & Kitchens â€˘ Hardwood & Tile Flooring â€˘ Painting â€˘ Window Replacement

713-385-1576 www.houstonheightsroofers.com

713-478-5900

GARAGE DOORS

20 Yrs. Exp. - 30 Yr. Resident

HEIGHTS CUSTOM HOME REMODELING

Keep it local and call the pros.

713-480-8571

BEST VALUE

713-688-6463

RooĂ„ng, Siding, Painting, etc.

Frank Montes

FENCES & DECKS

+ Quality Work + Low Prices + + Hand Nailed + Hardi-Siding + Oak Forest Area Resident 40+ years Free Estimates

713-862-7320

+ Sheetrock + Carpentry + Repairs & Power Wash

Texture Work & Repairs

Charlie's

www.riograndefence.net

JIMMYâ€™S

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ROOFING

Fully Insured Free Estimates

PAINTING + Interior/Exterior

40 years' exp. â€˘ Low Rates

â€˘ Remodels â€˘ Siding â€˘ Doors â€˘ Hardiplank â€˘ Patios â€˘ Decks â€˘ Windows â€˘ Porches â€˘ Roofs

FENCE

30 years experience ggatterson@gmail.com

20 Yrs. Exp.

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Serving Inner Loop area since 1978

281-827-5136

SHEET ROCK DOCTOR

AMERICAN GENERAL REMODELING & PAINTING

JOE FIXIT

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Fence Repair & Installation

â€˘ Repair Specialist â€˘ Springs â€˘ Rollers â€˘ Sections repaired & replaced â€˘ Cables

$10 off w/Ad (713) 682-3528

281-508-1718

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

713-628-2039 www.jvaircondition.com

Licensed & Insured - TACLB019197E

â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜… â˜… â˜… Now Is A Good Time To Sell Your House! â˜… â˜… Prices are going up. Buyers scrambling to buy at lower interest rates! â˜… Bobbie Jones REMAXâ€“METRO â˜… 713-681-5666 cell 713-203-2568 â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…â˜…

MILDRED HOLEMAN REALTY The OĹ‹ce with a Heart

Call us for all your Real Estate needs!!! Residential/Commercial 713-691-6434

Mildred Holeman

A/C & HEATING

SUSAN PESL REALTORÂŽ

â€œPrompt Professional Serviceâ€?

spesl@flash.net

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Page 9B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Notebook: Reagan looking for some hoops redemption The Reagan High boys basketball team is about to play its most important game of the regular season. The Bulldogs (5-2 in Class 4A-District 21) will face undefeated district leader, Wheatley (7-0) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Delmar-Tusa Fieldhouse. The Wildcats won the ﬁrst meeting, 87-78, on Nov. 19 at Barnett Fieldhouse. “We absolutely can compete with them,” Reagan ﬁrst-year head coach Aaron Proctor said. “We have a really good shot at winning the game. We have to limit our turnovers. Wheatley is a very good team, (but) they don’t have anything we haven’t seen from other teams. I’d be disappointed if we lost. I’m expecting a win.” The Bulldogs defeated archrival, Waltrip, 52-42, on Jan. 11.

Lions looking to compete in district

The Lutheran North boys and girls basketball teams began district competition earlier this week; results were not available at press time. Both teams will host Awty International with the girls playing at 5:30 p.m. and the boys following at 7 p.m. “We’ve played a lot of tough games at the beginning of the year to get ready for district,” Lions first-year boys head coach Craig Upchurch said. “Everybody’s playing well. We have guys coming off the bench that are playing well.” Sophomore center Tiffany Valentine has returned to the lineup for the Lady Lions, who will compete in a tough district this winter. “In my opinion, Westbury Christian has owned our district for a long time and until somebody beats them, (they’re the champion),” LHN second-year head girls coach John Slomcheck said. The top five teams in the district tournament qualify for the playoffs, and the Lady Lions fell one game short last season.

Panthers to host St. Thomas

It’s been more than two months since the St. Pius X boys basketball team defeated archrival, St. Thomas, 54-43. The game was part of the Charlie Thomas Classic at University of St. Thomas on Nov. 3. At 7 p.m. Saturday, they’ll meet in a district game. Their next district matchup will be Feb. 9 at SPX.

Maybe Next Year

It was a tough week for a couple of local sports icons. Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, a St. Pius X graduate, led the Texans to the AFC Divisional round for the second straight season, losing to the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots, 41-28, last Sunday in Foxboro, Mass. The Texans ﬁnished the season with a 13-5 record, including wins over AFC regular season leader, Denver, and AFC North Champion, Baltimore. St. Thomas head Gary Kubiak baseball coach Craig Biggio, a seven-time All-Star for the Houston Astros, was the top vote getter for the Baseball Hall of Fame with 68 percent. A total of 75 percent is required to be inducted to Cooperstown.

Sports Schedules BOYS BASKETBALL

Jan. 19

St. Pius X at St. Thomas, 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lee at Waltrip, 10 a.m. (Delmar-Tusa) Scarborough at Yates, 11:30 a.m. (Barnett)

BOYS BASKETBALL

Jan. 22

Houston Christian at St. Pius X, 7:30 p.m.

SPX veterans lead youthful soccer team by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com St. Pius X goalkeeper Kaitlin Hintz, one of five seniors on the Lady Panthers roster, said the veteran players are determined to work with the younger ones. “We’re talking to them and guiding them,” Hintz said. “They learn from us as role models on and off the field. We’re playing as a team.” Hintz, who will play soccer and study International Business at Benedictine College in Kansas this fall, is one of three four-year varsity letter winners on the SPX roster. St. Pius X (5-6, 2-1) had a difficult start to the season, but the Lady Panthers have bounced back and they have St. Pius X senior Briana Hester (No. 20), a great chance to qualify for the TAPPS right, competes during a non-district game Division I State Tournament. Jan. 10 at Parsley Field. Hintz and senior center-midfielder (Photo by Kevin B. Long/GulfCoastShots.com)

Briana Hester, who will play for University of Mary Hardin Baylor next season, were first-team all-district and honorable mention all-state selections. Hester, a four-year letter winner who plans on studying nursing at the Belton-based school, scores most of her goals from 25 feet or beyond, said SPX fifth-year head coach Jennifer Schattle. Schattle, who played for the University of Houston from 1998-2001, said the team is on the right track. “(We’ve) improved and started to come together,” Schattle said. “We still have a ways to go.” They graduated seven seniors from last season and are made up mostly of sophomores. Sophomore Rachel Bell was a first-team all-district and honorable mention all-state pick as a freshman. “She’s excellent,” Schattle said. “Anywhere I need her (on the field), I can

put her.” Senior sweeper Lexi Alexander, another four-year letter winner, has returned this season after tearing her ACL and MCL last winter. She’ll attend Texas A&M and study to become a physician’s assistant, but this will be her last season of competitive soccer. That’s made her appreciate the opportunity to compete this winter. “It really helped me come back and really wanted to ﬁnish strong,” Alexander said. Schattle said that Alexander’s defensive leadership on the ﬁeld has been key. “If there is a breakaway, she can pretty much shut them down -- that’s her specialty,” Schattle said. SPX will host HCYA on Jan. 22 and face district opponent Beaumont Kelly on Jan. 24.

No Giving In Plucky Scarborough fighting for playoff spot by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com The Scarborough High boys basketball team is becoming accustomed to overcoming obstacles. So wind, rain, a late bus that got lost en route to Barnett Fieldhouse or being short an assistant coach were just the latest set of challenges that the Spartans faced before a 56-48 victory over Class 3A-District 23 rival, Jones, on Jan. 8. Scarborough (6-16, 2-2) finished 131 last season and hasn’t reached the playoffs in more than a decade. But all of that appears to be changing with addition of first-year head coach Brent Youngblood, who’s also the SHS softball coach and the school’s Social Studies Department Chair. “The coach is a good coach, and he’s made us work hard every game,” said junior guard Christen Johnson, a transfer from Aldine High who’s led the Spartans in the backcourt with 11.5 points per game. Youngblood, a 2000 Katy High graduate, played for the KHS Tigers for two seasons and ultimately became a lawyer before deciding that his heart was in coaching. “We’ve got a really good group of kids, they like each other, and we have guys that come to work every single day,” Youngblood said. On Jan. 8, Youngblood roamed the sidelines alone because assistant coach Michael Alexander’s wife gave birth to a son. His other assistant coach, Brett Barrett, coached in the Junior Varsity game. Junior forward DeShawn Jackson is averaging 12 points per game and seven rebounds per game, and senior guard DeMarre Daniels is averaging 8.9 ppg. Three of his top players are Johnson, freshman guard Hunter Janacek (7.5 ppg) and junior center Justin Stewart (6 ppg, 6 rebounds per game). All of the Spartans’ players live in the Scarborough High area and live close to the school. “Johnson is the best athlete on the court,” Youngblood said.“If we’re trying to get to the rim, he’s our guy. Janacek’s Scarborough High junior Christen Johnson has been one of the leaders for the Spartans this season. see Playoffs • Page 10B (Photos by Kevin B. Long/GulfCoastShots.com)

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Reagan at Milby, 4:30 p.m. (Barnett) Sterling at Scarborough, 6 p.m. (Delmar-Tusa) St. Pius X at Beaumont Kelly, 6:30 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER

HCYA at St. Pius X, 5 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Jan. 23

Waltrip at Austin, 4:30 p.m. (Barnett) Kashmere at Scarborough, 6 p.m. (Delmar-Tusa) Wheatley at Reagan, 7:30 p.m. (Delmar-Tusa)

GIRLS SOCCER

Jan. 24

Beaumont Kelly at St. Pius X, 6 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Jan. 25

Awty International at Lutheran North, 7 p.m. Concordia Lutheran at St. Pius X, 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Sharpstown at Reagan, 4 p.m. (Delmar-Tusa) Jones at Scarborough, 5:30 p.m. (Delmar-Tusa) Awty International at Lutheran North, 5:30 p.m. Waltrip at Davis, 6 p.m. (Butler) Concordia Lutheran at St. Pius X, 6 p.m.

Commentary

Finishing half marathon gives confidence by Blanca Correa For The Leader Never had I thought I would be participating in my first half marathon at the age of 45, but the experience I lived was phenomenal, and one that will never be forgotten. As the day began, I wasn’t sure of my ability to finish the challenge I had imposed on myself. The morning news broadcast a temperature of 47 degrees that felt like 38, not to mention the rain. This was the time to prove that five months of training were going to get me through. As I stood in the corral before starting, I looked around and saw the faces of many like me, full of excitement that the day had finally come. Thousands of faces representing different nationalities and ages all with the same goal: finish this 13.1 mile route and we were all going to try. Once I heard the starting signal, which seemed to me like a cannon shot, I expected the crowd to move quickly, but it didn’t. We moved

slowly, like lava flowing from a volcano. I began to get nervous. I began asking myself how long we were going to move at this pace and if I would have enough time to finish the race. I got to the starting line 20 minutes after the race’s starting time (Editor’s note: there were 25,000 marathon and half-marathon participants). I was surprised to see how as soon as I crossed the starting line, we were able to start jogging at a good pace. Suddenly, the rain got heavier, and I felt the water in my shoes. I panicked thinking my feet would get too cold to continue and I would have to quit the race soon. My fears grew when I saw several runners turning back to the start line. I shook those thoughts out of my head, asked God for his blessing, and told myself I was ready, I had ran the distance three times during training and I knew I could do it one more time. I was happy to see the first mile marker. It

see Marathon • Page 10B

Seeing her family at the ﬁnish line was the best part for Blanca Correa after she completed the half marathon.

Page 10B • The Leader • January 19, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Oaks Dads Club bringing back the old timers to raise money Oaks Dads Club will be hosting its Co-Ed Reunion Softball Tournament fundraiser February 8-9, 2013. Registration for the tournament is open to current and former parents, players, coaches, and volunteers ages 18 and up; however, all are welcome to attend. This tournament has two purposes. The ﬁrst is to reunite all those in the area who have fond childhood memories of playing

ball at ODC.The second is to raise money to improve the ﬁelds and common areas at Oaks Dads Club and to maintain affordable registration fees so that Oaks Dads Club can continue to make the wonderful sports of softball, baseball and football accessible for any child that wishes to participate. The tournament will take place at Oaks Dads Club’s Pony Field and the American Legion Park located at 3621 Golf Dr., Hous-

ton, TX 77018. Games will be played the evening of Friday, February 8, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and all day Saturday, February 9, beginning at 8:00 am. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the ﬁrst, second and “Bad News Bears” team. Refreshments and BBQ will be sold. Registration forms are available at www. ODCsports.com or at the club house located at 3428 East T.C. Jester, Houston, TX

77018. The club house will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The deadline to register is January 26. Oaks Dads Club has been a 501(c)(3) Nonproﬁt Corporation since 1954 and serves the children of Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Candlelight, Timbergrove, Inwood Forest and the surrounding Houston areas.

Oaks Dads Club is operated by volunteers who graciously donate their time and efforts to help children learn the fundamental skills of sports while practicing good sportsmanship and developing conﬁdence. Many players have gone on to receive college scholarships as well as play professional sports as their career.

Scarborough High freshman Hunter Janacek, pictured right, was playing eighth grade basketball last season at St. Ambrose. He’s now starting for the Spartans’ varsity team. (Photos by Kevin B. Long/ GulfCoastShots.com)

When they happen, you need a shoulder to lean on. A hand to heal you.

Playoffs • from Page 9B got a lot of potential. He’s a part of our future for sure. We’re going to ease him in, give him opportunities. Stewart was a first team all-district offensive lineman for the football team. He creates driving lanes and grabs tough offensive rebounds. He finishes when he gets the chance.” Stewart said playing football was beneficial to his basketball game, where he’s often competing for rebounds. “It made me stronger and gave me mental toughness,” he said. “We’re learning how to win (this season).” In Class 3A, only three teams qualify for the postseason. Nationally renowned 3A-23 leader Yates, and Sterling, are clearly the top two teams in the district. That means Scarborough will compete with Kash-

mere, Washington, Furr, Worthing and Jones for that ﬁnal playoff spot. The Spartans will face Kashmere at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at Delmar-Tusa Fieldhouse. Scarborough defeated Jones for the second time in less than a month, which was quite an accomplishment for the Spartans. “They’re a lot like us because they’re young,” Youngblood said. “Both teams play so hard that the games come down to a possession here, a possession there.” Janacek represents the present, and the future of the program. Last year at this time, he was playing eighth grade basketball for St. Ambrose. Even though he’s got a lot of basketball ahead of him, Janacek plays with a sense of urgency. “I go out there and look at each game like it’s the last game of my senior year,” he said.

Along with top technology. And an extra dose of compassion. Because the sooner we get you in,

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Marathon • from Page 9B was closer to the ﬁnish line already. I saw the smiling faces of spectators of all ages cheering us on, giving us words of encouragement, telling us we could do it, and I realized I wasn’t cold. I reassured myself I would be ﬁne. As I ran through the route, I came to appreciate more the fabulous community I live in. The route was lined with hundreds of supporters playing music full blast from their garages and windows, cheering us with pompons and all types of noisemakers; some even just used kitchen pots and banged them with spoons. There were

dancers and karaoke singers; some spectators held signs with words of encouragement for their loved ones, others were meant to lighten our spirits with phrases like “look alive, mortuary ahead” or “Segway rentals ahead.” I can say that everyone that took time out of their day, especially in such a cold and rainy day, to line the streets to cheer us on, work the water booths, hand out oranges and bananas, and volunteer in any part of this event are the reason why we were able to reach the ﬁnish line. I have lived in Houston for over 30 years, and I have always loved our

city. I will forever remember and be thankful for all the cheering faces, wonderful signs, and great volunteers for this unforgettable experience, but I would have to say that seeing my family waiting for me at the ﬁnish line was the best part of the whole experience. Without the support of all my family I would not have been able to reach this goal. Daniel, Dario, Brianna, Luis, Mami, and Papi …. ¡Los Quiero Mucho y Muchas Gracias! (I love you bunches and many thanks!)

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