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Saturday, December 17, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 52
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White Oak Bayou trail extension unveiled to public Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Karla Cisneros, Houston City Council District H, addresses the public as part of the White Oak Bayou trail extension ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday, Dec. 9. The two-mile project is part of the Bayou Greenways 2020 project, aimed at transforming the city’s bayous.
Blue skies and a light winter chill greeted Houstonians Dec. 9 as a continuous effort to transform the city’s bayous and increase trail accessibility took a major step forward. City officials and residents alike gathered to officially mark the opening of the White Oak Bayou Greenway, which ushered in this area’s section of the city’s Bayou Greenways 2020 endeavor. Bayou Greenways 2020 is a public-private partnership between the Houston Parks Board, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department
and the Harris County Flood Control District. “Great things happen when people all come together, and this here today is such a great example of what’s happening with Bayou Greenways 2020,”
councilwoman Karla Cisneros said. The project is a joint effort to enhance recreation, conservation and alternative transportation in Houston and transform the city into a healthier, more beautiful destination. By trans-
Holiday Rush
Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
4705 Inker St. 713-861-8883
inside.
All I want for Christmas Local school kids share their letters to Santa
Page 3B
Christmas rush presents major test for local vendors By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Page 1B
Love doesn’t die After the death of Flying Saucer owner Bill Leeson in 2015, the company continued to thrive - although a recent hiccup will delay production for a bit.
That Christmas spirit is in the air, bringing with it a mad final-week dash to polish off that pages-long shopping list for those held most dear—in turn placing shop owners on high alert as the revolving door spins on its merry way. Local shops in this area are in the midst of prepping for this onslaught, so The Leader decided to take a look at what it takes to survive this home stretch and keep up with the Christmas madness as it unfolds. First comes those precautionary measures owners must take in order to account for every contingency possible with regards to staffing, restocking and more; and for Lift owner Rhonda Rhodes (a holiday season vet in her seventh year of business), the rush is akin to a final exam after an entire year
of cramming. “What I do every year is spend the entire year gearing up for Thanksgiving weekend, Small Business Saturday, and then all through December for Christmas,” she said. “This is like the finals, and the entire year has been studying for it.” Rhodes’ necessary “curriculum” requirements include doubling up on staffing, using January through November to stock up on what she foresees as hot sellers through various avenues and paying meticulous attention to every minute detail of each order. “If I need to hire employees I train them for months. I stock up for months—during January and June markets I look for items to sell during the holidays,” she said. “There is also a lot of physical labor involved in all the shipments arriving, checking them all in and putting them all out.” Much of the same applies for Big
Blue Whale owner Vanessa Wodehouse, as the toy store must call on all available resources — including college employees and area teachers donating time during their Christmas vacation — as the madness ramps up. “It’s around the clock and all hands are on deck—we’re either helping customers find the right gifts, wrapping or restocking all the time,” Wodehouse said. “I try to make sure all of my orders are finished before December so that it’s just helping customers and restocking. It’s one or two orders a week as opposed to what we’re ordering in September and October.” AG Antiques owner Debbie Greenbaum mirrors Rhodes’ approach (especially as a store with a fairly unique product base), sometimes increasing typical staffing by almost 50 percent to accommodate the uptick in foot See Vendors P. 3A
Amidst the final holiday rush, at least one Christmas present is coming to the Heights far earlier than expected. According to officials with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Yale Street Bridge in the Heights is scheduled for a February opening—a full 10 months ahead of the original project timeline. “We had to work in a coordinated effort with the contractor to make sure everything was in order, and we were able to move forward more quickly than anticipated,” TxDOT Public Information Officer Danny Perez said of the acclerated timeline. “We considered it a win for the community and the city of Houston to be able to get this project done quicker—it’s definitely a positive for everybody involved.” The Yale Street bridge is a vital corridor for anyone traveling into the Heights and surrounding communities, and since its closure, traffic in the Heights area has often become more maddeningly congested than normal—a fact Perez said the city and TxDOT knew all too well. However, he said the temporary headaches were necessary to create an easier commute. “We had a special traffic control near Heights Boulevard, but we knew that wasn’t something we wanted to sustain for a long period of time,” he said. “Thankfully we had some good weather, and that played a big part into being able to get this done. We knew that those folks would be impacted by the closing of the bridge, but we also knew that once it was open it would a positive development for the community, so we tried to get it done as soon as possible, and thankfully we were able to do it.” Additionally, the new and improved Yale Street bridge will allow commuters to use the corridor as a detour or alternate route and stay off the frontage roads, taking traffic off the main lanes. “Any corridor that runs into I-10,we know closing it is going to have a major impact on that area, so this will keep everything flowing over there,” Perez said.
Residents voice deeper concerns on water works project
Page 1B
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
The INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 5B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 7B
See Bayou P. 3A
Christmas comes early, Yale Street Bridge to open soon
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forming previously underutilized land along the bayous, officials say Bayou Greenways 2020 will bring new accessible greenspace to many “under-parked” parts of the city. The $4 million Heights-area extension breaks off from the Heights trail and winds west for two miles along White Oak Bayou from Studemont Street and the Heights Hike and Bike trail to the T.C. Jester trail (extending the White Oak Bayou trail to 11 miles in length), and creating numerous neighborhood connections along the way. “This is one of the most ambitious parks projects in the entire coun-
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Paul Dugas with city of Houston Parking Management addresses residents at last week’s community meeting.
Following the release of Alliance Residential Group’s plans for the old Heights water works complex between 19th and 20th Streets earlier this month, so many residents expressed concerns that a follow-up meeting was organized to give property owners an extended forum within which to explain their concerns. Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen and representatives from the city of Houston were on hand at the Dec. 7 gathering to further address the myr-
iad of resident concerns, which came in large part with regards to infrastructure, traffic and pedestrian safety. Flooding For some, concerns in reference to flooding and how runoff would impact the surrounding area stood paramount, spurring a discussion on how developers would operate within the overall infrastructure of the neighborhood and what would be required with regards to storm sewers, water and more. According to City Engineer Tim Lincoln, developers are required to submit a wastewater reservation letter. In that letter, pertinent information
will be given, such as the square footage of what they’re proposing, the type of intended poling, the fixture count for faucets and bathrooms and more. “That information is then calculated to determine the amount of wastewater the development is proposed to have,” he said. Following the calculation, the system around the area is then modeled for estimation’s sake. “What we look for is the point of connection to where it does not adversely impact the area See Concerns P. 6A
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The public. Saturday, December 17, 2016 • Page 2A
What’s changing on Cheshire Lane? By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
With all the rampant development enveloping the local neighborhoods, any potential change to the norm can make the hairs of property owners stand up—but city officials say no major changes are in order regarding a local request of variance. Propped up just off Rosslyn Road, a large sign notifying potential homeowners of a variance request by an area property owner looms large for all to see. Chad Miller from the city of Houston planning department (who is also the internal reviewer on the case)
said the landowner is proposing an addition and remodel to the existing home on the same tract of land. “They’re adding a garage along the back of their lot on the Rosslyn Road side. Per city code, a garage has to be set back at least 20 feet from the property line, and they’re requesting for the garage to sit back about 10 feet,� he said of the property near Rosslyn Road and Cheshire Drive. In Houston, any request for change or addition to property has the ability to put residents on edge; however, Miller said residents need not fear for a potential land use change affecting the neighborhood’s
status quo. “It’s still staying a singlefamily residence, they’re just doing an addition for which they’re asking a variance,� he said. “They’re not changing land use or anything like that, they’re just wanting to build a little closer to the street than what’s allowed. They want it to line up with the existing building line.� Miller and the property owner will take the case before the city’s planning commission during a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 before a verdict is reached. There remains a possibility that decision could be deferred on the Dec. 15 date,
and in such an instance the next public hearing would take place Jan. 5. “It could be pushed back per the applicant’s request or if the staff finds we need further study or review time or the commission decides the same,� Miller said. Per requirement, Miller said the city posted the visible sign near the intersection of Rosslyn Road and Cheshire Lane while notifying each property owner within a 250-foot radius of the proposed variance and 500 feet down both Rosslyn and Cheshire Lane. Residents will be receiving a notification in the mail once a final decision is reached.
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Home video identifies package theft suspect For The Leader Damien Denes, 32, has become a known figure in the Heights and nearby neighborhoods — for the wrong reasons. His name was listed on Nextdoor in October, when he was one of two men charged with theft for stealing motor scooters that were then stashed in a wooded encampment just north of White Oak Bayou. Denes, served a brief jail sentence for misdemeanor theft in that episode, and was subsequently released from jail. Last week, a security video showed Denes snatching
delivered packages from the doorstep of a house in the 600 block of Rutland Street. A felony theft warrant was issued for him on Friday because of his prior offenses. Earlier this week, an HPD officer arrested Denes on the charge of unlawfully carrying a weapon, so he was placed in custody on the HPD charge and the one filed by Precinct 1. The packages delivered to Rutland Street contained baby clothes. Deputies recovered the clothes from a Heights area pawn shop where Denes allegedly traded for them, and deputies Eric Oliver, Donald McCullough
Police Reports • Nov. 29-Dec. 7 NOV. 29
Theft 11:06 AM 1000-1099 WINSTON Theft 7 AM 900-999 N LOOP W Theft 5 PM 1000-1099 W 31ST Theft 9:43 PM 4000-4099 NORTH Theft 5 PM 100-199 HEIGHTS Theft 2:30 PM 100-199 HEIGHTS Theft 4 PM 900-999 BAYLAND Theft 2:15 PM 4400-4499 MARINA Robbery 3:30 PM 2600-2699 HARVARD Theft 9:30 AM 1100-1199 DOROTHY Theft 3 PM 100-199 HEIGHTS
NOV. 30
Theft 12 AM 900-999 ALGREGG Theft 6 PM 4300-4399 EDISON Theft 12:30 PM 700-799 ROSINE Assault 8:55 PM 1200-1299 BETHLEHEM Theft 4 PM 4600-4699 SHERWOOD Burglary 2:45 AM 4000-4099 MICHAUX Assault 1:47 AM 700-799 ARLINGTON Theft 1:30 AM 100-199 YALE Theft 1:25 PM 4600-4699 MAXIE Theft 8:30 AM 500-599 W 24TH Burglary 4:25 AM 1400-1499 OXFORD Burglary 4:30 AM 1000-1099 DUNBAR Burglary 8:41 PM 2000-2099 BEALL Burglary 3:13 PM 800-899 CORDELL Theft 2:15 PM 4400-4499 N SHEPHERD Theft 4 PM 4700-4799 ELI
DEC. 1
Burglary 6:15 PM 900-999 LIVE OAK Theft 8 AM 6400-6499 ARNOT Theft 7:50 AM 300-399 N MAIN Theft 3 AM 400-499 20TH Theft 2 PM 300-399 W 27TH Robbery 8:11 AM 200-299 W CAVALCADE Arrest 10:59 AM 700-799 OMAR Theft 12:30 PM 1800-1899
BINGHAM Theft 2:03 AM 900-999 TABOR
DEC. 2
Theft 12 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON Theft 3:40 AM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 5:42 AM 2500-2599 SHEARN Theft 9:30 AM 2800-2899 NICHOLSON Theft 4:29 AM 1100-1199 DUNBAR
DEC. 4
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and Joseph Carrier returned the packages to the grateful owner. Dep. Joseph Bowden assisted on the case. Home security video has also led to the identification of different package theft duos at two houses in the Garden Oaks area. Misdemeanor theft charges have been filed against all four people, some of whom have already been arrested. As packages containing gifts for Christmas and other holidays are delivered to unattended doorways, there are ways to thwart thieves from running off with them. --Arrange ahead of time for
deliverers to leave your package with a neighbor who will be home. --Make your workplace the delivery destination. --Arrange for a signature to be required for delivery. --Keep exterior doorways well lit at night. --Install motion detectors so that lights come on when someone approaches the doorstep. --Install tamper-proof security cameras at your entryway and post stickers or signs telling any visitors they are “live on video.�
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Vendors, from P. 1A traffic in the month of December (and even several weeks after). We, and each of our vendors, have to spend a lot of time collecting and preparing for the holiday season in terms of buying and stocking up, and we spend a lot of time stocking up our staff to prepare for whatever might come our way,” Greenbaum said. As the moment of truth looms immenent, another factor store owners must consider is what may be the hottest selling items, and plan subsequent order purchases accordingly. This is also the time of year I have to be smart in what I re-order,” Rhodes said. “Some things sell out quickly, and then I have to think whether I will get another shipment here in time, whether that shipment will sell out and I’ll be left with lots of leftover inventory.” Wodehouse echoed Rhodes’ sense of urgency in as Christ-
mas nears and frantic shoppers descend upon her and others on 19th Street. “No other time compares (to this rush) for us. Easter is pretty busy, but nothing like Christmas. Christmas is four times what any other month is in every sense of the word,” Wodehouse said. “Gift stores have other big ones, but for a toy store there’s nothing that comes close—we have Easter and Mother’s Day, but it’s about kids so Hanukkah and Christmas are huge.” Such attention to aforementioned detail, Rhodes said, remains vital to her continued presence in the Heights, as holidays represent the potential greatest impact moment for Lift, essentially a do-or-die proposition. “Everything for me rides on the holiday season. It’s the time that all you do all year pays off—it’s all for this six weeks, and it’s a make or break time of year,” she said. “You put your
whole heart and soul into it with staffing, stocking up, with improving your shop and publicizing different items—it’s all to make these six weeks incredibly successful.” Well worth the stress Through it all, though, nothing compares to the thrill of finding that perfect gift to share with their customers for these shop owners. “Every day is a party in here when I get to see my customers, even for some who only come in this time of year. It’s intense living in a fun way,” Rhodes said. “It’s the most demanding, but best, time of the year,” Greenbaum added. “It’s the most fun because people come in this time of year with these things in their minds that they’re looking for—it’s like a needle in a haystack a lot of times, and finding that unique gift makes us different than going into a department store.”
1.5 miles of a greenway. “This is a transformative project that will redefine Houston,” Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen said. “It welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy amenities not found anywhere else.” For Heights resident and avid biker Thomas Jackson, the addition also represents an increasingly safer amenity. “It’s great the city is investing in improving the trail network,” he said. “This will remove several street crossings, making for a safer commute.” Cisneros echoed Cohen’s
sentiments. “One great opportunity here is that our bayous were not always seen as amenities in our city—they were dumping grounds, and people turned their backs to them,” she said. “But we have a culture now that recognizes the tremendous potential for us to connect to the natural world and its beauty in a way we haven’t been doing before.” For more information on the Bayou Greenways 2020 project, visit houstonparksboard.org/bayou-greenways2020/.
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Bayou from P. 1A try,” Houston Parks CEO Beth White said. “It’s going to change the way we move around our city and how we experience everything Houston has to offer. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together and connect with one another.” Once completed, Bayou Greenways 2020 will transform more than 3,000 acres along the bayous into linear parks while adding more than 80 new miles of hike-andbike trails along them within the city limits. Additionally, approximately 60 percent of Houstonians will live within
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The Topics. Saturday, December 17, 2016 • Page 4A
A $15 check humbles our entire office I got a letter in the mail this week that I’d like to share with our readers. Actually, I just want to publicly say “thank you.” As most of you know, every year we have a program in The Leader called “Voluntary Pay.” For the past four years, we’ve sent readers a letter in the first edition of December to ask if you would consider helping support local journalism. We’re a free distribution newspaper, which means we don’t charge readers for delivery. And if you know anything about the media business these days, more and more advertisers (our only real source of revenue) are over there playing in social media circles hoping to drum up a few more likes. Well, that leaves less and less money to produce local news stories, which is one of the reasons we have programs like this. It so happens that, when we delivered this year’s letter, we also got about two inches of rain, meaning many of you picked up a lump of toilet paper and heaved it in the trash. (We’ve got a plan for that next year.) However, the rain storms that washed many papers to the garbage didn’t stop some of you from supporting The Leader. And while I have many favorites, including a few checks that were much too
Jonathan McElvy Publisher
generous, one letter humbled me in a way that’s hard to explain. In this voluntary program, we ask that you consider supporting us by sending maybe $26 (50 cents a week) or, if you really want to support us, $52 (a dollar a week). The letter is also very clear that any little bit helps, and that leads me to the one, humbling letter. Inside the envelope was a check for $15. Attached to the check were two simple sentences: “Social Security is my only income. I am 96 years old!” Now that may not strike you as all that poignant, but from the perspective of someone who publishes a weekly newspaper during a time when most people have left newspapers for dead, I’ll tell you how much that means. If you walk into The Leader office on any given day of the week, you’ll find a few constants. First, you’re always greeted by Lucy, one
of the sweetest people on earth. And once you’re inside, you’ll find a team of people who care so much about this part of town. You’ll find Jeanette, Katy, Christina, Carolyn and Phil talking to local businesses, trying to figure out a way to promote those businesses while staying under budget. You’ll find Jake staring at his computer, designing an ad for one of those businesses and trying to find a way to make that ad turn eyeballs into customers for that store. You’ll find Landan talking to residents who can’t get their heavy trash emptied because of a technicality. You’ll find carriers who faithfully show up at all hours of the night to wrap papers and deliver them to our homes. You’ll find Frank and Jane making sure our business can stay open. And you’ll find me, sitting at my computer, writing a column like this thanking all of them for what they do. When we get a letter from a 96year-old lady who wants to donate part of her Social Security check because she loves this newspaper, there’s no payroll check or holiday bonus that’s more of a reward. These days, all media tend to
Lynn Ashby Columnist
“Canada.” Trump replied, “Oh, really? Canada? All they have up there are loose women and hockey players.” The manager said, steadily, “My wife is also from Canada.” Trump replied, “What team did she play for?” Thank ya, thank ya. Great crowd. Now, when George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump all died, they went to heaven to meet St. Peter. Bush was first, and he was told by St Peter, “This woman will be your companion for the rest of eternity.” And they brought out the ugliest woman you’ve ever seen in your life. Bush said, “Wait! I thought heaven was supposed to be a place of eternal joy.” St. Peter listened, then checked his ledger, and said, “Don’t complain, George. You barely got into heaven.” Next it was Bill Clinton’s time. St. Peter told him the same thing and brought out the twin sister of Bush’s companion. Clinton said, “This is ridiculous.” St. Peter replied: “Don’t gripe, Bill. With your record, you barely got into heaven.” Suddenly Trump came by with Taylor Swift. Bush and Clinton yelled, “How can you do this to us?” St. Peter replied, “Remember that Taylor Swift barely got into heaven.” Incidentally, one day Jesus came back to earth and went to Moscow, where he came upon Vladimir Putin who asked Jesus, “When will Russia be prosperous?” Jesus said, “In 400 years.” Putin started crying, and Jesus asked, “Why are you crying? I thought this would be good news.” Putin said, “I won’t live long enough to see it.” So Jesus went to London, and met with Queen Elizabeth. And she asked, ‘’Jesus, tell me, when will the royal family get out of its royal scandals?” And Jesus said, “In about a century.” The queen started crying, and Jesus asked, “Why are you crying?” The queen said, “I won’t live long enough to see it.” So Jesus came to Houston, and ran into Mayor Sylvester Turner, who asked, “Jesus, when will the Houston Texans win the Super Bowl?” And Jesus started crying. Up in Dallas a few years ago, the Cowboy’s coach had put together the perfect team. The only thing that was missing was a healthy quarterback. One night, while watching CNN, he saw a battle in Syria and spotted a young soldier who threw a hand grenade straight into a fifth story window 200 yards away, and
Along with the sweet, short note we received from one reader, we also got this gem: “Not sure, but you might check IRS rules for soliciting or receiving contributions if you’re not a registered charitable organization!” one reader said. “I just got your letter with my weekly paper, and am wondering…shouldn’t you be soliciting advertisers? Not readers.” Obviously, I’ve checked with our CPA about IRS rules, and while we aren’t a charitable organization, there’s nothing wrong with asking for support (if there’s any doubt, check out that website called GoFundMe.). But those letters are few and way far between. Nearly all of them have offered us support, and at a time when local journalism seems as important as ever, I can’t thank you, our readers, enough for caring enough about this community to help fund local journalism. As I seem to do every year around this same time, please accept my gratitude for those who realize the importance of local media. Whether you sent a check or you just read the paper each week, having a community that understands and supports our purpose is as humbling as it gets. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com
The reader.
All joking aside THE LAFF GASP -- Thank ya, thank ya, ladies and gentlemen. What a great crowd, not like last night’s bunch. They would have brought matches to a Joan of Arc concert. Got a lot of husbands here tonight? My wife keeps complaining that I never listen to her, or something like that. I know one husband who kicks open a bottle, and a genie comes out, and says, “Master, I will give you any favor you wish. But whatever I give you, your wife will get more.” The husband says he wants a Cadillac. His wife gets a Rolls Royce. The husband says he wants one million dollars. His wife gets two million. Finally the husband says, “I’d like a mild heart attack.” Any lawyers here? I have a crack lawyer, Vincent Elkins, and one day I had this personal legal problem – the DNA test results came back – so I asked him, “Vincent, what would you charge to answer three legal questions?” He said, “That would be $500.” I said, “$500? Isn’t that a lot of money?” And he said, “No, now what’s your third question?” This reminds of the fact that 99 percent of lawyers give all the rest a bad name. You know that there is a big flap up in North Dakota where an oil company wants to build a pipeline through an Indian reservation. TV reporters were there, government officials and, of course, lawyers. One day a brave ran to the chief ’s lodge and said, “Chief, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.” The chief said, “Give me the bad news first.” The brave said, “There are 4,000 lawyers running all over the reservation.” The chief said, “That is bad news. So what’s the good news?” and the brave said, “They taste like buffalo.” We just had an election and chose the evil of the two lessers. Taxation WITH representation isn’t so hot, either. On one hand we had Hillary Clinton, who is a bit on the dull side. When reporters asked to see her health report it turned out to be an autopsy. What do you get when you cross a crooked politician with a crooked lawyer? Chelsea. Bill Clinton is from Arkansas, where people show up at a family reunion looking for a date. At the University of Arkansas they had to cancel parents’ day due to an 80 percent chance of error. At the Governor’s mansion, in Little Rock, they put in wall to wall carpet in the bathroom. They liked it so much they ran the carpet all the way up to the house. As for Trump, early on Donald had a bright future. As a youngster, Trump applied for a job with the manager of an oil company, and the manager asked, “Where are you from, son?” Trump replied, “New York City, sir, and you?” The manager said,
get tossed in the same bucket. If you’re on Facebook, you’re sharing pictures and extolling the virtues of political candidates. If you’re on NextDoor, you’re trying to help someone find her lost cat. And if you’re surfing through national news sources – TV or websites – you’re reading stories trying to figure out how they apply to your life. But I’ve always felt like The Leader was something just a little different than what you’ll find in the bucket of national media owners. We’re a group of 11 people who care about telling stories through a filter of accuracy. We care about helping our friends in local businesses succeed. We eat at our local restaurants and send our kids to local schools. I know for a fact that there’s not a person working at The Leader today who couldn’t find a bigger and better job at another company. But for some reason, they all keep showing up for work each morning, and I think I know the reason. Whether it’s a $150 check or a $15 check, when the people who read your newspaper willingly send money to help support what you do, it’s easy for the people here to realize that what they do matters. Of course, there’s always the other side of the coin, too.
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
Ashby and Fake News
another grenade into a group of enemy soldiers 100 yards away. Bulls-eye! “I’ve got to get this guy!” the coach thought. He brings the young man to the States and teaches him football, and the Cowboys go on to win the Super Bowl. The young quarterback calls his mother. “Mom, “I just won the Super Bowl.” She replies, “I don’t want to talk to you. At this very moment, there are gunshots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were badly beaten and your sister was assaulted.” The old lady pauses, and then tearfully says, “I’ll never forgive you for making us move to Dallas.” Thank ya, thank ya. And how about these kids today? Ashby laffs at ashby2@comcast.net
Dear Editor: Given Lynn Ashby has built a career writing articles with cherry picked facts to support his opinions, I found his parody of Fake News the quintessential oxymoron. W.J. Green
Our area is contracting and that’s great
Dear Editor: Read your opinion piece in the 12/10/16 Leader with great interest. I purchased property in the Heights back in 2000 on the 900 block of Waverly and subsequently built a house a couple of years later. I loved living in the Heights and still miss living there as I sold the home back in 2009 and moved over to Lazybrook. Sadly, your story touches on a much larger issue about the Heights area that I first remember hearing about from Mayor Bill White. Property taxes and a lack of zoning. Like many other people, I could not justify staying in my home with the incredible valuation increases that took place. This increase far exceeded any pay raises and the area became so valuable that housing was stacked on top of each other along with being built higher. The character of the neighborhood completely changed. Of course, some of the change was for the better and we could have stayed if we wanted to allocate more of our disposable income to living in the house. Friends tell me that we were blessed to make such a great investment, but I have always felt we were forced out of the home we intended to stay in
for years to come. The point here is that the Heights began to change many years ago and there is only certain sections that actually retained their charm. These were the areas where the old bungalows had been cleaned up and updated but not torn down for new builds. It doesn’t take much to see what is still transpiring in the Heights. It will not ever be capable of meeting the promise that I once thought it held. David Bowes
Initial plans for 19th Street waterworks site revealed
Dear Editor: What a boring development. More “lofts” (if anyone here has ever been to New York City, the things called lofts here are not lofts), more private clubs. They should take all of that flood water, freeze it and build an ice rink to attract an NHL team to Houston. Jason Hochman Dear Editor: “That brought up a discussion about overall infrastructure and what would be required with regard to sewer, water, and traffic. Bahrami said that they would abide by city codes and guidelines. Council Member Ellen Cohen told the group that many of their concerns would be best addressed by Public Works and pledged to set up another meeting.” ( I say Hell no…) It is overcrowded now…Miss Cohen needs to care more about our Community and not sell us out. Susan Venus
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
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1. Blackbird (Scot.) 5. Part of (abbr.) 8. Large fish 11. Of urea 13. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano 14. Organized crime head 15. Bird genus 16. Curve 17. Greek sophist 18. Thick river fish 20. Negative 21. Young woman (French) 22. Extra features 25. Luckily 30. Pounced 31. Congressman 32. 92543 33. Flemish names of Ypres 38. Spherical body 41. Imply 43. Popular zombie TV show 45. Drink 48. Used to have (Scottish) 49. Former hoopster Heard 50. California graffiti artist 55. Managed
56. Irish military organization 57. Felt ill 59. Larkin, Rose, Bench 60. Used to catch fish 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Andahuaylas Airport 63. Google development expert 64. Cheek
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1. Central European river 2. Actor Bana 3. 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 4. Southeast Asian ethnic group 5. Celestial body 6. Investigator 7. Tangible 8. Type of television 9. Opaque gems 10. Portion 12. Carriage 14. Women’s undergarment 19. Of sound mind 23. Mentally ill 24. Office skill
25. Follicle-stimulating hormone 26. An obligation to repay 27. Read-only memory 28. The lower end 29. Billy knew a girl from here 34. Not the beginning 35. He wrote ‘The Raven’ 36. When you’ll get there 37. Celtics legend Auerbach 39. Making fun of 40. Made dim 41. Heston character El __ 42. Small integers 44. Unarmed combat 45. Made of wood 46. Rex and Sorenson to name two 47. Affixes 48. Wife of Zeus 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Runnin’ __: UNLV nickname 58. Criticize
WORD SCRAMBLE
Ad # 30111 Saturday,
The calendar. STUFF A BUS Adolf Hoepfl Garage Adolf Hoepfl Garage, 4610 N. Shepherd, is a drop-off location for the toy donation program sponsored by the North Shepherd Community Alliance. The drive aims to help more than 68 families. Toys will be distributed to four churches in the area. Bring donations by Dec. 17. Gifts will be delivered the week of Dec. 18. Information: 713-489-8476, www.adolfhoepfl.com. BLOOD DRIVE American Legion Post 560 There will be a blood drive from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 17, at the American Legion Post 560,
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3720 Alba Rd. To schedule an appointment, visit http://tinyurl. com/berkshire1216. Appreciation gift and refreshments will be provided to donors. Information: 713-822-8072. TOY AND DIAPER DRIVE The Carolyn Bryant Team Remax/Metro Kristi Kolmetz with The Carolyn Bryant Team at Remax/Metro has partnered with The Leather Apron Foundation and Casa de Esperanza to be the beneficiaries for this year’s drive. The drive will be through Dec. 18 and donations can be dropped off at: Haum Salon, 3502 Oak Forest Dr.; Papa Murphy’s Pizza, 1214
From the Pews.
Oak Forest Baptist Choir presents ‘Come Let Us Adore’ Oak Forest Baptist Choir will hold their Christmas Candlelight Service at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 18. Oak Forest Baptist is located at 1700 W. 43rd. For information, call 713-682-4942.
Lessons and Carols service at St. Stephen’s A Lessons and Carols service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 18, including music by the chancel choir, bell choir, children’s choir and congregational singing. Children will also form a nativity during the service. A Blue Christmas service, a reflective service offering hope to the hurting, will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 18.
W. 43rd St.; and Tacos A Go Go, 3401 W. T.C. Jester Blvd. Please place diapers/wipes or any new and unwrapped toys in the box. Information: 281-723-9801. NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Dance, Dec. 31, featuring The Moonglow Orchestra from 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m. There will be a Balloon Drop and a Champagne Toast at Midnight, with breakfast to follow. Tickets are $35 per person and are on sale now. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org.
St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.
held at 10 a.m. Dec. 25. Oak Forest Baptist Church is located at 1700 W. 43rd St. For information call 713-8619101 or visit oakforestbaptistnhca.org.
Christmas activities at The Community of Faith The Christmas production “What a Gift� will be presented Dec. 18, at The Community of Faith Church, 1024 Pinemont. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Community Christmas caroling will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 23, and will include singing, praise dancing and hot beverages with pastries. For information, call 713688-2900 or visit www.thecommunityoffaith.org. Christmas service at Oak Forest Baptist Christmas service will be
Christmas services at Garden Oaks Baptist The community is welcome to join Garden Oaks Baptist Church for their annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, from 5-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas Day service will be at 10:45 a.m. The service will include a time of singing and a brief devotional message from Pastor Jim Daniel. The Women’s Ministry is hosting an ornament exchange Dec. 10, in the church fellowship hall. The Meet and Greet is at 10 a.m. Bring a friend and a wrapped ornament. An invitation is extended for a craft
wife Dorothy have been members for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Woodlands Masonic Lodge 1157 for over 50 years. He was employed as Traffic Manager for Dresser Magcobar/MI Drilling Fluids. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, daughters Pat McAllister, Ruth Pierce, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
in Vietnam as an infantryman in the 9th Infantry Division during the 1968 Tet Offensive. He was a long-time employee of Black & Decker and lived in The Heights for the last 15 years. He is survived by his sisters Laura and Julie and brother Jim, and his son Jeremy McCloud, and daughter Michelle Newman Brady and a granddaughter.
Robert “Bobby� Bratton, 70, born Jan. 15, 1946,
Jerry Duane Newman,
died Dec, 10. Bratton was retired from Tally Trucking and was very active for many years in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Louise Page Bratton, children Kim Rooks, Kevin Bratton, brothers Denton Bratton and Gary Bratton, and three grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, followed by the Rite of Committal at Brookside Cemetery. All services will take place at St. Rose of Lima, 3600 Brinkman. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Rose Men’s Club or Legacy of Faith, 3600 Brinkman, Houston 77018.
70, born June 14, 1946 in Gary, Ind., died Dec. 4. Newman served
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Pennington, Texas, died Dec. 7. She is survived by brother Roy Fannin and sister Carolyn Ramsey, children Patricia Ann McIlwain, William Jack Fields Jr. and Michael David Fields, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Eva A. Gallegos, 97, born Aug. 31, 1919 in Simonton, Texas, died Dec. 3. She is survived by daughter Ruth Cotton, five grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and a great-great-grandson. Melvin Keith Lofton, 89, born April 30, 1927 in Fayetteville, Ark., died Dec. 5, after a courageous nine month battle with leukemia. Lofton sang in the choir at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, where he and
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day at 1 p.m. Dec. 17, in the fellowship hall. Garden Oaks Baptist Church is located at 3206 N. Shepherd. Call 713-864-4447 or visit www.gobc.org for information. All Saints TALC ends Fall semester All Saints Third Age Learning Center, will be celebrating its 30th year of its senior program, and will hold the 2017 Spring Registration Jan. 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parish hall. The Spring Semester will begin Feb. 6 and conclude on May 5. All Saints Third Age Learning Center is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-248-1277 for information.
a member of SPJST Lodge #142. Schilhab is survived by his daughters, Angie House and Cheryl Slaid, siblings Carol Keil, Rudolph Schilhab, Timothy Schilhab, Kay Henrichs, and Sidney Schilhab, six grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Lucy Mae Stone, 83, born Jan. 29, 1933, died Dec. 11.
Parsley Studio
POPPING NOISES Chase Baker, D.D.S.
I
f you sometimes hear a popping noise when you move your jaw joints and have noticed a dull aching in your face or head, this may be caused by myofascial pain dysfunction. This is a common affliction of women under 40 years of age. It is characterized by pain in the temporomandibular or jaw joint and may also lead to headaches, toothaches, and painful limitation of the mouth opening. The condition should be examined promptly by your dentist so it can be corrected before the pain becomes more intense and affects other areas of your head. In extreme cases it may cause blurring of vision and hearing loss. Pain in the jaw joints or temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) can have many causes, such as improperly aligned teeth or the habit of teeth grinding or clenching. The goal of your dentist’s treatment will be to correct any dental problems that are causing TMJ, returning the jaw to its normal function and eliminating spontaneous muscle spasms in the jaw joint area. 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.
Lawrence John Schilhab,
73, born Jan. 29, 1943 in Halletsville, Texas, died Dec. 4. He was
The Leader Readers’ Choice Winner • Day Care/Boarding • Animal Hospital
Ocie Elizabeth Cullins, 83, born Jan. 5, 1933 in
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INTRO TO SQUARE DANCING Fairbees Square Dance Club Fairbees Square Dance Club, is hosting two free Intro to Square Dancing nights, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and Jan. 19. Come see what Modern Western Square Dancing is all about. Great low impact exercise, fun, food, and free! The classes will be held at Memorial Drive Lutheran Church, 12211 Memorial Dr. No partner required, older children (preteens and teens) welcome, good family fun in a healthy, non-smoking, non-drinking environment. Basic Square Dance Lessons will begin the following Jan. 26, 6:45-8 p.m., $5 per person per lesson. Information: 713-957-2762.
The Obituaries.
Mary Ann Batson, 78, born Sept. 9, 1938, died Dec. 11. She is survived by her children, Carol Ann Smith, Charles Louis Batson, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Dec. 15, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Heights Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Historic Hollywood Cemetery.
December 17, 2016 • Page 5A
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713-937-1982 The Northwest Pet Lodge is designed to make your pet’s stay like a relaxing vacation. Years of experience in veterinary medicine and animal boarding have come together to provide an environment that is comfortable, safe and clean with plenty of human contact for pampering and recreational fun. At NWPL, owners have a choice of our garden suites, our cage-less rooms, or our economy kennels. We offer several lodging options, large play areas and bathing facilities. Veterinary care is available for wellness exams and vaccinations, along with prompt medical attention if necessary.
Here are some of the advantages of the NWPL: • Daily veterinarian walk through • Relaxing environment (no loud barkers or aggressive pets allowed) with separate ďƒ&#x;oors for dog and cats • Safe, super clean and hygienic (vaccines & parasite prevention required) • Trained and caring staff members plus overnight on premise personnel • Mild veterinary prescribed sedatives, with your approval, for overly anxious pets (at no extra cost) • Hydro-Surge spa baths and veterinarian recommended ďƒ&#x;ea products available. • Day Care provided: Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm The Northwest Pet Lodge is dedicated to the safety, welfare and comfort of your special family member. So relax and enjoy your trip or stop and give us a visit, we would love to show you around.
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713-688-9625
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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK
Primogeniture
P
directory
First FirstChurch Church Heights
Weekly Sunday Services • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. • Morning:10:30 a.m. • Evening: 4:15 p.m.
1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters
GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sunday School ........9:15 am Sunday Worship......10:30am Thursday Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:00pm
Pastor C. David Harrison 201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org
4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, 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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Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor
713-864-1470
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! - New K.J.V. Psalm 133:1
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Sunday-- Bible BibleStuday Study For Ages .. 9:30am Sunday For All All Ages..9:30am MorningWorship.............10:45am Worship............ 10:45am Morning Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed.- Prayer Meeting & Missions Wed. Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization......................6:15pm Organization .....................6:15pm
1822 W. 18th
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rimogeniture is the law of inheritance whereby property passes to the firstborn male of the family. Although this is considered archaic in most modern societies, we still see remnants of this in various practices such as the naming of firstborn males after their fathers, men retaining their last names in marriage (while women often do not), and the doting and attention given to firstborns. What seems objectionable to most of us about primogeniture is simply the unfairness to laterborn children and to females. And, we should not be too quick to presume that only primitive societies practice this archaic law of inheritance. Modern socieities may practice primogeniture in more subtle ways. A recent study done in Norway found that firstborns tend to have higher IQ’s than later-born children, and they found that this was largely a result of the increased attention that parents give their firstborn children. Some of this increased attention may be unavoidable, given that there are gong to be competing demands on parents’ time once there are several children in the family. But, parents should take special precautions so as to not privilege one child over one another, whereas based on birth order, gender, or any other characteristic. We are all God’s children, and we should treat everyone like the brothers and sisters that we truly are.
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• Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm
1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577
Page 6A • Saturday, December 17, 2016
Tabby ‘adDresses’ question about clothes for pets their own. For these dogs, a little help keeping dry and warm is always a good thing. Though protection from the elements is the biggest reason to put clothes on dogs headed outside, it doesn’t hurt to leave a sweater on these dogs inside if you’re keeping the heat down to save energy and money. In many cases, larger dogs with dense hair coats do not have a need for additional insulation and would be very uncomfortable if they were forced to wear outerwear--possibly to the point of physically overheating. Their fur is already genetically designed to protect them from extreme winter temperatures. The Siberian Husky, Malamute, and Saint Bernard breeds are all excellent examples of dogs that are perfectly suited to cold temperatures, while the Chihuahua, Greyhound, and many terrier and pinscher breeds are good
Dear Tabby, Does my dog need cold-weather clothes here in Houston? I see dogs wearing sweaters and have even seen them wearing boots. Am I a negligent pet owner if my dog doesn’t have a winter wardrobe? Feeling guilty in Forest Pines Dear Guilty, Don’t worry. The mere fact that you’ve reached out to ask this question goes to show that you’re not a negligent pet owner. Here in Houston, we’re fortunate to have a climate that doesn’t experience the extreme cold that you see in areas further north. In snowy climates, it’s very common to see dogs wearing outerwear as well as boots. Not only do boots help keep things neater in snowy latitudes, they also can protect your pet from licking toxic chemicals off his paws where de-icing solutions are used. According to veterinarians, there are three kinds of dogs who benefit from the insulation provided by a sweater or coat, as well as the protection afforded by life as a pampered house pet: • Small dogs • Dogs who are elderly, chronically ill or both • Greyhounds, Whippets and dogs of a similar thin body type, especially those with short fur What these dogs have in common is that they have a more difficult time generating and retaining enough body heat on
examples of dogs that would do well with a little extra outer insulation. Your best bet is to consider your dog’s lifestyle and preferences. Many dogs aren’t fond of wearing clothing, so, in this case, it’s best to keep your pet comfortable via other means (like a heated dog bed, for instance). However, some dogs clearly relish the attention and comfort of an extra layer of warmth during the winter. In this case, dress up your pooch and hit the town! How you can help: Haven’t purchased your Holiday cards yet? Consider buying them from Friends For Life this year. Check out their “Ugly Sweater� Holiday collection at: www. friends4life.org/uglysweater2016 Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at: dear tabbyquestions@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week Meet Marco and Polo. These one and a half year old boys were pulled out of a nearby shelter, where they stayed for 5 months, waiting for their former owners to come and pick them up. Lucky for them, their owners never showed and a rescue group scooped them right up. They may be adopted separately or (ideally) together but will make an excellent addition to anyone’s Holiday home. Go to www.scoutshonor.org to learn more.
Concerns from P. 1A around the development,� Lincoln said. “We also model the system and look at the closest connection point that will not impact the surrounding area based on the outflow from the detention basin that will be on the perimeter,� he added. However, some still remained wary when it came to potential water backup which might accompany the development. “Whenever it rains, the city floods. Some of it is not in the flood plain, but you get flooding all over the neighborhood and all over the place,� one resident said. “It just doesn’t sound like you’re accounting for that.� In response, Lincoln said the onus of responsibility falls mostly on the developer in that regard. “If he goes in and modifies it, any additional impervious cover that he has on that property, he has to detain that so it will be released in the future after the event at the same rate it was before,� he said. Another point of contention involved increased traffic flow which would accompany the proposed development. “We have a traffic situation I don’t think your model is going to introduce unless you go out and visit it,� one resident stated. However, Lincoln said such applications are inherently a part of the building process by way of a traffic impact analysis data. Once data is analyzed, Lincoln said outcomes could range anywhere from adding left or right hand turn lanes, putting in all-way stops or widening roads. “We have information that
4
can tell you how much traffic is on a certain street within the city,� he added. “If that information is old or non-existent, someone is sent out to get traffic counts and make observations.� On the heels of that statement, several residents expressed concern with regards to Nicholson Street’s limited space; however, Lincoln said no declarative statement could be made on the subject due to having yet to receive Alliance’s parameters. Additionally, parents expressed major concern for children at nearby Helms Elementary. “There’s not a lot of insfrastructure there for the school,� one resident said. “You’re talking about large machinery throughout the year, and that’s highly disruptive. You have this eight-story, 275-unit thing here, and that just does not seem rational. Why does the city have to take the highest bid without taking the ramifications into consideration?� “This could be a four to five-year project,� another chimed in. Cohen said such regulations are not up for subjective judgment.� “That’s the way the regulations read—it’s a state law,� she said. “In order to get the contract and everything, the builders have to meet certain requirements, they have certain standards they must adhere to.� She assured residents every tool will be employed to ensure Alliance Residental does not overstep their bounds. “We don’t have zoning, but we do have regulations which prohibit certain things from
being built next to a schools,� she said. “Because we don’t have zoning it changes the dynamics of what can be built. All we can do is work within the regulations.� Within that statement lies the very reason some residents remain apprehensive. “We just want to know the city is going to bat for the residents, and I’m not getting that feeling. It should be that y’all are sticking up for us in this,� a resident voiced. “It seems starting with real accurate models that address flooding and traffic would be a good way to hold any developer’s feet to the fire.� In response, Cohen attempted to assuage those doubts. “We do what we can do within the straits of the laws as they stand today. In terms of the buildings, because we don’t have zoning it changes the dynamics of what can be built,� she said. “All we can do is work within the regulations, make sure that our builder adheres to what’s supposed to happen. If someone’s doing something they shouldn’t, we get calls from you and we do what we can to resolve it.� Residents also expressed concerns over potential parking issues such as shoppers parking on their block; but Paul Dugas with Parking Management said there is a contingency plan in place should that occur--residents can submit a petition to the city. “Once we establish there is an issue with visitors from other areas, we have a public hearing where concerns are voiced,� he said. “If this passes, we are here to offer you some protection for your block.�
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2505 Ella Blvd 713-677-0701
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3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.
(713) 682-4343
Authentic Mej icano Cuisine
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Buy 1 Dinner and 2 Drinks, Get 1 Dinner Free (up to $10.00) One coupon per table
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2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th ď‚Ź 713-868-5232
OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm
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Saturday, December 17, 2016 • Page 7A
A Christmas Message
The Rev. Jimmy Grace St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
There’s too much going on. Too much to do, people to see, gifts to buy. There is too much to do, and there is never enough time. When I turn my eyes to the concerns of the world at large, they are met with the plight of refugees, with violence and with pain. There seems to be no end and no answer. I confess this is no time for Christmas. There is no time for stockings, wrapped presents and the pleasantries of family and friends when the world is facing problems so large and resolve so small. And yet this is what Christmas does to us every year – we are never ready, the world is never ready, and often are caught unprepared to welcome God into our messy, complicated and beautiful world. Our global unpreparedness, our countries entrenched in geopolitical conflict, our cities broken and homes split – none of this seems to bother God. Christmas comes every year; Christ enters our world in spite of its brokenness, in spite of its pain. Staring fearlessly into the abyss of political and social division, inequality and injustice, Je-
sus proclaims this: God loves you. Last year at this time, Pope Francis visited Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic. The Central African Republic is one of the world’s poorest nations, and one of the places in the capital city Francis visited was the Muslim quarter, called PK5. Since 2012, the Central African Republic has been locked in a civil war that that has strong religious motivations. According to the Human Rights Watch, about 122,000 Muslims lived in Bangui before the start of this civil war. But attacks by Christian militia groups have driven tens of thousands of Muslims from the country, and there are now about 15,000 Muslims remaining in Bangui, mostly in PK5. Pope Francis was determined to visit the Central African Republic, a country devastated by violence and poverty, telling the pilot of his airplane, “I want to go to Central Africa, and if you can’t manage it, give me a parachute.” Thousands stood in the sun along the dusty airport road to greet the Pope, many waving palms in his honor. He rode most of the way in his open pope mobile.
Let the peace of christ ruLe in your hearts
His visit to PK5 culminated in a visit to a mosque, where he sat down on a threadbare rug, next to many imams and other leaders of the Islamic community. And it was here, that Francis, the head of the entire Roman Catholic Church said the following: “Religiously motivated violence disfigures the face of God. Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters.” Francis took this trip at great risk. Many warned him not to go because the region was too unstable. The Islamic State had publicly announced a death threat on his life. Francis’ response to the Islamic State was that he we would be willing to speak to them in the name of peace. Francis proclaimed the radical love of God for all people, not in a gilded church in Europe, not amongst the political elite, not in the White House, but upon a threadbare carpet in a mosque in a country few know exists. Nearly two thousand years ago, the word of God became incarnate in an unimportant, ordinary city on the outer rim of the Roman Empire. Jesus was born not during a time of peace, but in a time of great instability and in the midst of great political conflict between the Jews and the Ro-
Methodist St. Stephen’s United Church
Sun. Dec. 18
OutdOOr Christmas Pageant
11am - Lessons & Carols Service 4pm - Blue Christmas Service
Sat., December 17, 7PM Sun., December 18, 11AM
Christmas Eve
Candlelight, Carols, & Communion 4pm Family Service 7pm Traditional Service
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!
ed Christ to the world, and in you, Christ is born, again and again. And that is the miracle of Christmas – you. You are, and will always be, God’s greatest gift. Merry Christmas! AMEN.
Christmas Eve – 6:30 pm
Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion
Christmas Day – 9:30 am Holy Communion Sunday Services 8:15am & 10:30am
211 Byrne • www.holytrinityrec.org
Join us for very special
Christmas Eve Service Oaks Christian Church 1216 Bethlehem Houston, TX 7018 713-688-7761
Saturday, December 24th at 6:30pm We will sing your favorite Christmas Carols & Light Candles in Commemoration of Christ’s Birth Let this be the beginning of a family-friendly tradition.
Christmas Candlelight Communion Service Sunday, December 18 - 4:15pm
Candlelight Communion Service
Christmas eve
600 Pecore Houston, TX 77009 www.smumc.org
man Empire. The timing of the first Christmas was far from ideal. This is why the timing of Christ’s birth was so critical – because God didn’t wait for some ideal time, when things were perfect and peaceful, for Jesus to be born. Because in God’s wisdom, God knew that time would never come! Jesus entered the world as it is now and was then – broken. So don’t feel everything has to be perfect at Christmas. The first Christmas was far from it. As one theologian says, “it doesn’t matter that our lives, or our families or world are not perfect. What matters is that we make a space, no matter how small, for God in our hearts. When we do that, God will do the rest, and Christ will once more be born in the Bethlehem of our lives and the mangers of our hearts.” When Christ is born in our heart, then we are able to proclaim the message of Christmas which is simple: “God loves you, always, no matter what.” Whether that message is proclaimed in the city of Bethlehem or the Muslim quarter of Bangui, it makes no difference. God is with you, God is with us, God is living and active in the world. I believe with all my heart that when God looks at you,
God sees the Greatest Miracle in the World. I believe God looks at you with eyes of adoration and praise just as God viewed the newborn Christ child years ago. Because, just like Jesus, you are the incarnation of God’s love in the world. You are the resurrect-
Dec. 24th - 4:30 pm & 7pm
Christmas Day
10:30am-Combined Worship (Nursery provided)
2003 W. 43rd St. • 713-686-8241 • www.stsumc.org
GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga † (713) 688-5227 Rev. John Cain, Pastor
1700 W. 43rd @ Rosslyn • 713-682-4942 Pastor - Dr. Richard Walters
All are welcome
Christmas Eve Service
Join us for our holiday services!
December 24th 7:00pm Candlelight Service
Christmas Day Service December 25th 10:30am Worship
Holy EucHarist HOLY EUCHARIST
Sundays atat8:30 && 10:30 AMAM Sundays 8:30AM AM 10:30
New Year’s Eve Service December 31st 7:00pm Worship
cHristmas CHRISTMAS EVE EvE
December 3:00 4:30PM pM December 2424at at 5:30 PMpM, & 10:30 & 10:30 pM
CHRISTMAS DAYDay cHristmas December 25 at 10:00 AM
New Year’s Day Service January 1st 10:30am Worship
December 25 at 10:00 AM
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1819 Heights Boulevard | SAECHEIGHtS.orG
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sat., Dec. 24 @ 7:00 P.M. St. James Lutheran Church 1602 W. 43rd Street Houston, TX 77018 Come share in the mystery and excitement of Christmas. Light your candle. Enjoy the sounds of the season with popular Christmas carols.
www.gethsemanelutheran.org or Find us on Facebook!
Covenant Church
an ecumenical liberal baptist congregation Rev. Laura Mayo
4949 Caroline St. 77004 www.covenanthouston.org Worship Sundays @ 9:00 & 11:00 am
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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