December 21 Section A

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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and the Neighborhoods of North Houston

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Saturday, December 21, 2019 • Vol. 64 • No. 50

ABOUT US 2020 North Loop West Suite 220 (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/FromTheLeader

Celebrating 65 Years

Area’s sense of community bridges past to present

By Terry Burge For The Leader

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Dorothy Pickens, 91, is one of the longest-tenured homeowners in Oak Forest. At left, she stands outside her home with a young son in 1950, three years after the neighborhood was founded. At right, she stands on her porch Tuesday.

Jason Knebel (713)232-9712

jasonk@greenwoodking.com GREENWOOD KING

PROPERTIES

INSIDE. Baseball games have been played at the Oaks Dads’ Club since 1954, the same year The Leader debuted. Its fields remain at 3410 E. T. C. Jester Blvd. At right, the longtime office for The Leader is in the background. (Contributed photos)

Runoff results. Sylvester Turner remained mayor, while the area has two new city council reps.

Page 2B

At left is a 1953 photo of the Heights Theater, which was constructed in 1928. It has remained a popular entertainment venue. At right, the marquee is lit up for White Linen Night in the Heights. (Photo at right by Kenneth Hudson).

Neighborly values remain constant As good as ever. We review a community staple that’s served home cooking since 1946.

Page 1B

Show must go on. A church fire did not derail the annaul Christmas pageant at St. Mark’s.

Page 3B

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com The ball fields near the intersection of West 34th Street and East T.C. Jester Boulevard bustle on Saturdays in the spring time, when kids and their parents gather for games. Many of the same families spend their Sundays at one church or another, with places of worship scattered all over the community.

Weekdays are for work, school and worrying about property values, crime near the neighborhood and traffic – lots and lots of traffic. Construction is constant in and around the Heights, where there is an eclectic mix of places to live, play and shop for all sorts

Read more about the 65th Anniversary of The Leader

Pages 7A-8A of stuff.

Such was life in Northwest Houston in the mid-1950s. Such is life near the end of 2019.

“It’s changed, it is changing, but it’s still very much the same,” Oaks Dads’ Club president Danielle Soria-Orozco said of the area served by The Leader, which turned 65 this year.

Those familiar with the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and other neighborhoods in Northwest Houston

consider the area akin to a small town, even though it’s near the heart of one of the biggest cities in the United States. There is a sense of community and connectedness among the suburbs, which foster environments friendly to families and free spirits alike.

It all has been captured and chronicled in the pages of The Leader, a free weekly newspaper that debuted on Nov. 15, 1954. The first edition referred to The Leader as a “strictly local paper with nothing but your community news and advertising,” encouraging readers to contribute items about churches, civic clubs and schools.

See Anniversary P. 8A

Here’s looking at us

Bikes and beer. Bikes assembled at breweries were donated to area elementary students.

Page 6B

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Coupons. ................................................. 5A Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 5B

Over the years The first edition of The Leader, top left, was published Nov. 15, 1954. Clockwise from there are the front pages from Oct. 9 1969, shortly after Terry Burge took over for his late father as publisher, from Aug. 18, 1994, and from July 5, 2012, after the newspaper was purchased by McElvy Media Group, its current owner.

During my 43 years as publisher, I came to view The Leader coverage area as more resembling a small town than a big city suburb. Over in southwest Houston, where there was a preponderance of highly mobile apartment residents, life was relatively anonymous. But here in our little acre of the universe where families tended to know each other, the wise went elsewhere to do their sinning. It made for a comfortable environment to raise your children.

Other important factors contributed to Burge our area’s good graces. I truly believe that much of the pride of community that has made The Leader area special was born in the civic identity of the Houston Heights, a municipality that preceded the unincorporated northwest subdivisions beyond it (and not coincidentally, was the birthplace of The Leader). The Heights truly had been a small town on the edge of a bigger city, with aldermen, a mayor, fire stations and a police force; its residents were justifiably proud of their attractive, solvent, working-class hometown.

Their sons and daughters carried that civic responsibility to the later nearby developments like Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Timbergrove and Lazybrook. They saw what happened to the Heights in the absence of land-use controls, and vigorously defended the deed restrictions in their new neighborhoods. Our pages recorded the decidedly uphill, but mostly successful battles to prevent the incursions of used car lots, tire shops, hair salons, fortune tellers, and other commercial entities that would have destroyed their residential integrity.

“Neighborhoods are protected one lot at a time,” Bill Dalton, a dogged foot soldier for the Oak Forest Civic Club, told me five decades ago.

The result was a more stable area where multiple generations of families were confident in putting down roots.

Even today it’s not uncommon to encounter residents whose relatives date back three or more generations here.

This lent tremendous strength to local institutions like schools, churches, youth organizations, hospitals and businesses (including The Leader), weaving the fabric of a tightknit community that endured even when our area became less fashionable ... and had a lot to with making it fashionable once again.

I’d like to think that over the last 65 years The Leader has played a significant, positive role in that culture. During my time at the helm that was certainly one of my goals, and it has been gratifying to see how wonderfully my successor, Jonathan McElvy, has built upon it. Under his guidance The Leader is better than ever.

Of course, the rapid regentrification of our area has brought dramatic change.

Bungalows disappear overnight, whole streetscapes are rebuilt in months, and entirely new populations move in, all of which can be disturbing to existing residents. I frequently hear that our neighborhoods are losing their personality and character. That’s the trouble with the future, it’s just not what it used to be.

And yet when I see children playing baseball at the Oaks Dads’ Club, or frolicking on the wooden train in Donovan Park, I’m reminded that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

And as I watch new, interesting businesses open like they haven’t in generations, I can’t help but smile for the future.

There is a rich history in the communities (there’s that word again) The Leader serves, and as long as the people here appreciate and nurture that, we’re likely to continue to be a great place to put down roots. I’m confident that The Leader will be a vital part of that promising tomorrow.

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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • Page 2A

HISD to provide free meals during winter break From Staff Reports Three Houston ISD high schools, including Booker T. Washington High School in Independence Heights, will provide free meals to all children during the upcoming winter break.

The campus at 4204 Yale St. will offer free breakfast and lunch on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Monday, Dec. 23, with

breakfast served from 8-9 a.m. and lunch available from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dinner also will be served at Washington from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.

The meals are free for children ages 1-18, regardless of where they are enrolled in school, and no paperwork or proof of income is required.

The meals also are available to adults, who can purchase

breakfast for $2.75 and lunch for $4.

Free winter break meals also will be served at Chavez High School at 8501 Howard St. and Madison High School at 13719 Whiteheather Dr. There are different serving dates and times for those campuses, which can be found at http://www.houstonisd.org/ wintermeals.

Oaks Dads’ Club accepting spring registration From Staff Reports Registration for spring baseball, soccer and softball at Oaks Dads’ Club is open for all kids ages 4-15.

The fee is $100 for those who register before Jan. 1. After that, the fee is $120. Registration and more information are available at www.odcsports.com.

Now celebrating its 66th season, ODC focuses on family and dedication to the community along with youth sports. Many of the parents

and grandparents of current players at ODC once were players themselves. The organization’s motto, “As the twig

is bent, so grows the tree,” is a reflection of its commitment to the growth and development of the area’s youth.

St. Rose of Lima to host bilingual Christmas service From Staff Reports As part of a celebration of the diversity of Christmas celebrations in the area, there will be an annual bilingual posada on Dec. 22 from 1:30-4 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, located at 3600 Brink-

man St. The event will begin with a procession, and finish with festivities in both the East and West Halls of the church.

During a Posada, parishioners dressed as Mary and Joseph go looking for a place to deliver Jesus. Those in attendance

will witness numerous songs and prayers as well as an afterparty.

Children in the community are welcome and encouraged to dress as shepherds, angels, and barn animals for the service.

Police Reports • Dec. 12 - 15 DEC. 12

Theft 2 PM 200 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 9 PM 300 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 6 PM 400 BLOCK W 27TH Theft 2 PM 4600 BLOCK NORHILL

DEC. 13

Theft 3 PM 300 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Theft 10 AM 600 BLOCK STUDEWOOD Theft 5 PM 1200 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Theft 5 PM 200 BLOCK W 20TH

DEC. 14

Assault 11 PM 800 BLOCK OMAR

Arrest 7 PM 900 BLOCK COLUMBIA Assault 1 AM 1100 BLOCK W 19TH Arrest 9 PM 300 BLOCK E 8TH Theft 1 PM 200 BLOCK S HEIGHTS BLVD

DEC. 15

Theft 2 PM 2500 BLOCK AIRLINE Burglary 4 PM 600 BLOCK E 41ST Assault 8 AM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 12 PM 1200 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Theft 12 AM 3000 BLOCK ELLA Assault 1 AM 5300 BLOCK PETTY

Pterygium Dry Eye is not something to ignore.

When left untreated, dry eye will develop into a pinguecula. A pinguecula is where the white of the eye will develop yellow, raised spots.

While a pinguecula is more common in middle aged or elderly people who spend time in the sun, it can occur at any age. When left untreated, a pinguecula will develop into a pterygium.

A pterygium is an elevated, pinkish wedge shaped growth that most commonly grows from the corners of the eye. A pterygium many times comes with a burning or itching sensation. If still left untreated, the scarring from a pterygium can cause vision loss.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Irritation Redness

Eye Discomfort Growth in Eye

Gritty Feeling Burning Sensation

Could you be suffering from a pterygium?

A pterygium can only be corrected with surgery. Call today for a pterygium exam! With a convenient location at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital getting the eye care you and your loved ones need has never been easier.

Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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The Leader • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • Page 3A

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • Page 4A

We’ve fulfilled our name for 65 years

A

s a teenager, my parents spent a lot of time teaching me about the perils of pride.

After all, that’s what happens right before a fall.

The lessons weren’t ever geared toward insecurity or a lack of selfworth. Instead, they were designed to make sure the right people and the right reasons always got the right credit.

With that warning in mind, it’s hard to withhold some of the pride I have in this newspaper, The Leader, as we devote much of today’s edition to the celebration of our 65th year of publishing local, trustworthy and relevant news for the neighborhoods we serve.

On Nov. 15, 1954 (OK, so this is a belated birthday), the first issue of The Leader hit the streets of North Houston, and for those who forgot or weren’t around back then, here’s a primer of what else happened in 1954: • The first mass vaccination of children against polio; • RCA sold its first all-electronic color TV, the CT-100, for $1,000.

Adjusted for inflation, that 21-inch TV would cost $9,560 today; • Swanson released their (cough) delectable TV dinners; • The Dow traded at an all-time high of 382 points; • Sports Illustrated published its first edition; • Elvis launched his music career

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

with a self-titled album, “Elvis Presley;” • The Supreme Court issued its landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling that segregation in schools was unconstitutional.

And here, in our tiny sliver of the world, a community newspaper commanded the attention of the thousands of people who would read its pages each week.

From Day 1, The Leader built its reputation on encapsulating the history of this community, but it was – and still is – more than a history book for our neighborhoods. Long before social media created infinite space, the only place pictures from the school play were published was in The Leader.

Before direct mail lists and targeted email blasts and internet cookies that know where and when you shop, the only way to target a community came through advertising in The Leader.

More than anything, The Leader

has spent 65 years keeping you aware of the important decisions that impact your way of life. From reports on education, interviews with politicians, features on expanding businesses, analysis of government projects, explanation of city ordinances, coverage of neighborhood squabbles, details of local recovery efforts, to those lighthearted looks at everyday life, this newspaper has been a central part in the staying power of one of the best communities in all of Houston.

In 2012, our company assumed ownership of this venerable publication. And yes, my name has been listed as publisher for more than seven years now. But the power of this paper, and its worth to our neighborhoods, has absolutely nothing to do with me.

When Lee Burge assumed ownership, and when his son, Terry, directed this local institution for more than 40 years, that’s when The Leader developed its reputation as a real and lasting contributor to our society.

He won’t say it, but my dear friend Terry Burge led The Leader through its most important years of business, and what I admire most is that Terry used the power of the press to improve our neighborhoods. He helped form (and later ran) the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce. He helped start and maintain the Houston Heights Association

Lynn Ashby Columnist

dent Trump should become our fifty-first state, press 1.”

“Are Elizabeth Watson’s free money programs a really good idea? Press 1 for yes, press 2 for absolutely.”

According to Congresswoman Lizzie, last year, an estimated 47.8 billion robocalls were placed nationwide, an increase of 17 billion calls over the previous year. You-Mail, an app that blocks robocalls, has estimated that the typical American adult receives an average of 15.8 robocalls a day.

(That seems a bit high.) The Federal Trade Commission received nearly 3.8 million robocall complaints in 2018. In Houston alone, an estimated 153 million robocalls were made in November. Houston residents receive an average of 14 robocalls calls a month.

Harris County ranks No. 1 in Texas for the number of consumer complaints made to the National Do Not Call Registry.

Over a three-year period, Harris County residents accounted for nearly 10 percent of the complaints from the state. In Texas, robocallers can be prosecuted by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office. House Bill 1992, which went into effect Sept. 1, allows the attorney general’s office to prosecute companies that fake caller IDs and phone numbers, according to the Texas Tribune.

Now we must ask ourselves: Who is harassing Americans and why? As for who, probably some telemarketer with a keyboard who turns a buck on this.

Why? Because it works. Obviously enough bullied Americans answer the phone and do as they are told. If it didn’t pay off, even with 1 percent victims, it is profitable. Another annoyance: Around the holidays, we get calls from various phony charities, mostly law enforcement frauds and other first responders. “This is Officer Jones with the Highway Patrol Benevolent Fund.” Or: “Firefighters defend us twentyfour seven, but etc. etc.”

Then there is the constant, harassing call. Federal telecommunication laws prohibit telemarketers and debt collection agencies from calling consumers’ cell phones using automatic dialing systems without their express consent. Violators be fined a penalty of as much as $1,500 per call. Looking through newspaper files, I find a Memphis woman won a $459,000 arbitration award from Conn’s furniture stores after receiving more than 300 robocalls from The Woodlands-based retailer, which was trying to collect payments on her $1,682 sofa set purchase.

Veronica Davis, 45, said Conn’s

They aren’t wrong for doing so, and they’re better able to target potential customers through those rapid increments of information. But that has shifted the paradigm of funding local journalism, and in the past 15 years, more than 2,000 newspapers have closed across the United States.

As for The Leader, we consider this a time to celebrate 65 years of devotion and relevance to the readers we serve. It’s also a wonderful time to reflect on the future of this business and our continued ability to have a place inside the homes (and smart phones) of our readers.

We’ll continue to move toward more effective digital platforms to keep pace with our readers and their lifestyles. We’ll also continue to publish a printed edition for as long as our readers and advertisers support the product.

What won’t change – ever – is our dedication to offering you vetted, responsible and trustworthy information that better helps you make decisions about the sliver of Houston you call home. In the process, our only goal is to forever fulfill the name at the top of the page.

Through the work of so many before us, we’re thankful you’ve allowed us the chance to be a leader in this community. We’ll do our level best to remain one.

Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

THE READER.

Ring around the robocallers THE DINNER TABLE – “Thank you, Lord, for our many blessings. We pray….”

Ring. Ring. Ring. The telephone is ringing. That may be Uncle Crotchety calling about Aunt Magpie’s gall bladder operation, or Cousin Mandrake, who’s overdrawn at the sperm bank. I’d better get it. “Hi, this is Suzy. Congratulations, you have been selected….” Snookered again. I hang up. These robocalls, recorded solicitations and even live callers who harass us are getting worse, but maybe there is hope. I got an email from Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher – I get a lot of those – saying she had joined with other members of the House in passing a bill with bipartisan support, 417 to 3, tightening up on these annoying calls. The Senate passed its own version by a vote of 97 to 1.

If all of this sounds familiar, a law banning most robocalls was passed several years ago.

I signed up on July 01, 2003.

The ban worked for a while, then I started getting those calls again. Now it’s a constant ring-ring, so we must wonder whether this new law will work. If you, too, are getting harassed by these people, you might as well register to stop calls and see what happens. It’s as simple as 1-2-3.

Go online to the National Do Not Call Registry. 1. Enter up to three phone numbers and your email address. Click Submit. 2. Check for errors. Click Register. 3. Check your email for a message from Register@ donotcall.gov. Open the email and click on the link within 72 hours to complete your registration.

When I tried to register just now, they told me I was already registered because registrations do not expire, and I was given the exact date I had signed up, which is how I learned about July 01, 2003 (they didn’t give the exact time). Most telemarketers will be required to stop calling you 31 days from your registration date. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.

But after you register, other types of organizations may still call you, such as charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveyors. (More about debt collectors later.) If you receive an unwanted call after your number was on the National Registry for 31 days, report it to the FEC. Go to National Do Not Call Registry, but who has time to do that?

This loophole for survey callers is notable. Legit callers wanting to know my feelings on the 2020 presidential elections make me feel important, as though my opinion was included on the network TV programs when people like Chuck Todd trot out their charts and graphs: “Seventy percent of white adults who can’t stand any of the candidates also detest kale.” “Two out of six Texans vote with their right hand.” Hey, that’s me! But be suspicious of those recorded surveys: “If you feel that Presi-

and many of its wonderful events.

He was a member of every club, sat on nearly every board, offered free advertising to any worthwhile event, and in my humble opinion, used the authority of The Leader to cultivate community when this area of Houston needed it most. In his cordial, yet devoted way, Terry Burge made The Leader a self-fulfilling reality.

This newspaper has genuinely been a leader for this community.

Today, more than 65 years later, we spend nearly every hour of every day working hard to re-invent and re-invest in this source of local news and information, but that’s a difficult job, and it seems to get harder by the day.

For the first time – all across this country – the threats to local news and trusted information are formidable and ever expanding. Today, we get our news from friends of our friends. We make decisions based on news that appears in the swipe of a finger and, often, was crafted in about the same amount of time.

The information we receive about the places we live, the schools we attend and the companies we trust now appears in rapid increments of half-truths and missing sources.

The economics of news has changed just as quick. Local businesses that never missed a chance to market through local news channels like ours now never miss a chance to boost a post on social media.

called her as many as a dozen times a day between from 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. over a period of two years, even though she said she was never late on her payments. The incessant collections calls annoyed Davis so much, she hired an attorney and took Conn’s to court.

She wasn’t alone. In January 2018, an arbitrator awarded $311,000 to a Tennessee consumer for 424 calls Conn’s made in a four-month period after he told the retailer to stop calling his cell phone. In September, an arbitrator awarded $215,550 to another Tennessee customer for 431 calls Conn’s made in a three-month period after he told the retailer to stop calling his cell phone.

Finally, you recall that three U.S. representatives and one senator voted against this new anti-robo bill. I want to know their phone numbers so I can call them during dinner.

Ashby calls at ashby2@comcast.net

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Reader hopes to one day witness a safe and sound country

Dear Editor: This weekend I watched the Army/Navy game; and after hearing JFK’s opening of the 1961 game, I was too choked up to sing along with the National Anthem, could only whisper it. The cameras panned the Cadets and Midshipmen and they all looked like children to me (I’m 70) .. yet at the end of this semester, many of them will be sent into harm’s way. When I was younger, I had high hopes for our Nation, I’ve always voted with a good conscience, and yet I see young people assigned to perilous duty without sound or ethical strategies.

I’ll continue to vote with my head and heart, and can only hope for a mentally stable administration, and a couple of Senators who will learn to stand on their own hind legs (my 11 month old puppy can do that). Maybe, in time, I’ll live to witness a sound and safe United States of America.

BW

Heights residents seek traffic calming

Dear Editor: I think we residents of the Heights need to demonstrate. Pick a side street, like Harvard or Oxford, and march in circles across an intersection during rush hour traffic. Get enough of us to keep it closed for an hour.

The COH will take action.

John Dear Editor: I thought that 11th Street was getting a “road

diet.”

Good luck trying to get the city to do anything that may slow down the carbon spewing freedom machines. They don’t care about safety and convenience for pedestrians and bicycle riders, if such changes would inconvenience the cars in the slightest. Fortunately the TIRZ has funding to re-do Shepherd and Durham.

Mayor Turner and the City Council are firmly stuck in the past. Progressives such as I look to cities that limit or even ban cars within the city.

A city that works to make driving personal motor vehicles the easiest way of transportation, while discouraging walking, public transit, and biking, by making these modes inconvenient and unsafe, is a city that is stuck in the mindset of 60 years ago.

I had considered asking Greta to come to Houston, so that she can come to City Hall and give them a good “how dare you.” If anyone is interested you can help me buy a cargo bicycle so that when her ship arrives at the Port of Houston, I can bicycle there to pick her up.

Jason Hochman

We got 85 billion creepy calls last year

Dear Editor: Obviously, Mr. McElvy, you have a debt issue.

What is truly creepy is that they know it.

Just wait until you turn 65 and the Medicare Advantage sign-up period hits. You’ll be receiving three to five calls per day. And text messages, demanding that you call “Susan” or “Julie” by EOD to discuss insurance.

Bob Choate

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Nonsense (slang) 5. Military leader (abbr.)

9. Removes 11. Streamed 13. Inner ear cavity 15. Where to go after high school 16. Olympics host 17. A day to remember fallen soldiers 19. Forearm bone 21. Bypass surgery pioneer F. Mason __ 22. Judo garments 23. Gentlemen 25. Large wrestler 26. Large integer 27. Makes a soft sound 29. Some claim to have six 31. Sunfish 33. Clan 34. A form of comedy 36. Defy 38. More (Spanish) 39. Sixteen ounces 41. Adventure story 43. Liquid distilled from wood or coal 44. Michigan ghost town

46. Fond of 48. Pearl Jam frontman 52. Clothes 53. Flinches 54. Giving the axe 56. Where planes are kept 57. Intervals 58. Plant’s unit of reproduction 59. Equips

dOwn 1. Cooks by exposure to direct heat 2. Using few words 3. Wood 4. Steer 5. Soft drink 6. Consider 7. Clears from a river 8. Claim again 9. Beige 10. Witnesses 11. Spiked 12. Partidge actor Susan and Marmaduke director Tom 14. __ and Andy, TV show 15. Fraiche and de

Menthe are two 18. Burden 20. Olfactory properties 24. Carbon particles 26. Set of four 28. A sweater pulled over the head 30. Relaxing places 32. Gets up 34. Canned fish 35. __ Blyton, children’s author 37. A conceited and self-centered person 38. Fine-textured cotton fabric 40. Turner and Kennedy 42. Repents 43. Smartphones, tablets, etc.

45. A way to garner 47. Eat them for breakfast 49. Former Tigers third baseman Brandon 50. Oh, God! 51. Canadian flyers 55. One legged Chinese mythological demon

WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • Page 5A

THINGS TO DO. The Arts

tion features goods from local vendors.

Jack Ingram Friday, Dec. 20 7 p.m.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. Jack Ingram is performing at The Heights Theater.

Heights Morning Market Sunday, Dec. 22 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

3106 White Oak Dr. Heights Morning Market gathers local talented artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to bring you closer to the goods you need. Stop by to shop and stay to brunch, drink mimosas, and listen to live music at Onion Creek.

Thursday, Dec. 26 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.

YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship. Guests and new members are welcome to attend this non-denominational Bible study. Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.

Local business is our business.

your first pint of beer.

Thursday Night Bingo Thursday, Dec. 26 5:15 p.m.

SPJST Lodge 88 - 1435 Beall St. Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88 is held every Thursday night. Bingo pads are $10 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com

Experience and Knowledge...

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR DECATUR COUNTY, TENNESSEE TWENTY FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DECATURVILLE, TENNESSEE STATE OF TENNESSEE, Plaintiff, vs. Case No. 19 CV 20 $$$$$$ seized from Bruce Robinson & Kelly Willis AYANNA SHANTICE TRAYLOR, Defendant. ORDER Peace Through Pie Saturday, Dec. 21 Saturday, Jan. 18 OF PUBLICATION. It appearing to the court from the 7 p.m.

10 a.m. – noon Active Shooter Education sworn Petition or Affidavit filed in this cause that the The Heights Theater – 339 W. St. Matthew’s UMC – 4300 N. Tuesday, Jan. 28 whereabouts of the Defendant, Ayanna Shantice Traylor, 19th St. Shepherd 6:30 – 8 p.m. are presently unknown and5A cannot be served upon her.

Bruce Robinson & Kelly Willis The Leader • Saturday, November 23, 2019 • Page Beauty’s Garden, in partnership Advent Lutheran Church – 5820 are performing at The Heights Therefore, this Order of Publication should be published with St Matthews Church and Pinemont Dr. Theater. in The Leader Newspaper located in Houston, Texas, Peace through PIE, will host its This event will focus on active Women’s Bible Study Group 4th Annual MLK Peace through shooter education and common as the best possible notice to the Defendant under the Monday, Dec. 23 lead by David $12 with a theme of ‘Food, PIE Day, sense instruction. Hosted

by Davis. Price: The Arts circumstances. Defendant, Ayanna Shantice Traylor, 5:30 p.m. donation for the concert.

Women’s Bible Stephen Study Group The Farm Stand at Petrol Bradley Ross Herdejurgen, 59, born April 4, died Health and Community.�

Beauty’s Daniel of HPD. Monday, Nov. 25 Station YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. is hereby required to He appear on Nov. 12. He was a loving Dad and Grandpa. loved and file an answer with Community Garden Director, The Flatlanders 5:30meets p.m.

Saturday, Nov. The23 Women’s Bible Study Danny Tanner, Clerk of for thethem Decatur County Circuit Court, his granddaughters, and he would do anything Friday, Nov. 22 Market Yvette Leno, hopes to increase Fun & Games Eleanora’s YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. 9 a.m. – 1every p.m. Monday at the Harriet 7 p.m. from playing softball to having tea parties, swimming with Decatur County Courthouse, 22 West Main Street, P.O. the community garden’s awareWomen’s Bible Study meets 948 Wakefield Dr. Foster YMCA. TheThe Saturday, Dec. 21 and Joe study The Heights Theater – 339 W. Open Mic Night and trying their food creations.

His hobbies included every Monday at the Harriet The Farm Stand at Petrol Staness as a healthythem and sustainable Box 488, Decaturville, Tennessee 38329, or otherwise 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. is called The Faithful, which 19th St. Tuesday, Nov. 26 fresh produce source showing Great Danes, listening to his and Joe Foster YMCA. The study tion features goods from local that’sdogs, avail-specifically Ella Blvd. defend against the Petition for Forfeiture and serve an TheCavatore Flatlanders– is2120 performing at 9 p.m. explores crucial moments in Stocking Decorating Party is called The Faithful, which Rock and Roll Music, entertaining his daughter and grandable to Independence Heights ThereTheater. will be local growers,vendors. the lives of five Old Testament The Heights answer totrysaid Petition

by He February 10, 2020, which is explores crucial Friday, momentsDec. in 20 Heights Vinyl – 3301 Cline St. daughters, he loved to travel and new restaurants. neighborhood makers, designers, artisans and This is a free flowing,and “tapsurrounding in,� the lives of five Old Testament Little White Oak Night Market figures--Queen Esther, Gideon, 5:30 – 9 p.m.

(30)Allen daysRoss from the last publication of this notice is preceded in Death bythirty his father Herdejurgen. residents. will feature Harley Poeproducers. share the mic event where every- This event food figures--Queen Esther, Gideon, Saturday, Hosea, Nov. 23Malachi, and Nehemiah.

Eureka Heights Brew Co. – 941 He is survived by his mother Donna Marie of Herdejurgen, and send a copy said answer to K. Michelle Morris, Friday, Nov. 22 one is welcome. free food, pies and our anHosea, Malachi, and Nehemiah.

4 – 8 p.m.Guests and new members are W. 18th St. wifepieMarilyn Herdejurgen, Daughter Courtney 7 p.m.

Assistant District Attorney for the Petitioner State of nual homemadeformer community Guests and new members are Sideout Volleybar – 2623 The Farm Stand at Petrol StaCome out to the Eureka Heights Stacy Cullever, GrandaughWhite Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Keene St. welcome to attend this nonBar Takeover welcome to attend this noncontest. TchanoriMarie Kone Cullever winner ofand husband Tennessee in this cause, whose tion Main St. Bible study. event. You’ll be decoratWednesday, Nov. 27 Torey Nicole Cullever and Harlie Alexa Cullever, his address is P.O. Box 357, denominational holiday Bible study.

The Littledenominational White Oak Night Marthe 2018 Gardereters MLK, Jr. Oratory Saturday, 21 Decaturville, Tennessee, 38329 or default judgement Harley Poe withDec. The Homeless 6 – 9 to p.m. scripturesharing@earthlink. ing oversized red socks hang brother Scott Email scripturesharing@earthlink. ket brings Email together local farmers, Competition will be the specialHerdejurgen and wife Mildred, and two of 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.at White Gospel is performing La Lucha net for information. willRoxie. be entered defendant, Ayanna Shantice net for information. upon the mantel just in time– 1801 for N. Shepherd craft merchandisers, and artists. his favorite dogs Bolt and He will beagainst greatly the missed guest orator.

Oak 948 MusicWakefield Hall.

Dr. by many who knew andTraylor, loved him.

Christmas. For $10Dr. get a stocking, and this cause set for hearing in Circuit Court of La Lucha is hosting a guest barThe Farm Stand at Petrol StaScriptureall Sharing Group Heights Morning Market Men’s Scripture SharingMen’s Group the decorating materials andbenefiting charity.

Coco Montoya Decatur County, Tennessee, sitting in the Decatur County tender series Thursday, Nov. 28 Sunday, Nov. 24 Sandra C. Gresham, 73, born Nov. 2, died on Nov. Saturday, Nov. 23 On Nov. 27, Alphonso Quinones 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Decaturville, Tennessee, ex parte as to 18. Sheis survived byCourthouse her husband,in Thomas Michael 8 p.m. from Capt. Foxheart’s Bad News YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. 3106 White Oak Dr. Shantice Traylor. If there is no answer, Gresham; daughter, TaraDefendant (Gresham) Ayanna Anderson; and daughThe Heights Theater – 339 W. Bar & Spirit Lodge will be at La The Men’s Scripture Sharing Heights Morning Market 19th St. ter, Suzanne (Gresham) aTyrell.

Lucha. The charity of his choice is hearing on Petitioner’s motion for default shall be heard Group meets every Thursday at gathers local talented artisans, Coco Montoya is performing at Child Advocates. the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. farmers, and entrepreneurs to on February 28, 2020. Failure to answer or appear may daughter Leighann Weggemann, (Karen), Theresa Rhodes (Bret), are survived by their daughters, Marchel Margaret BrenThe Heights Theater.

Carlos Eduardo Sampaio, 56, born Oct. 7, died There will be music, Bible study bring you closer to the goods you result in forfeiture of the seized assets. Entered this 12th granddaughter Lefevre Fain husband Chris Turkey Burn Rev Rideand Diana Jebousek nan, 66, born July 3, died onneed. StopPatricia and fellowship. Guests and new Shelby by to shop and& stay to Oct.(Bernard, 29. He isJr.); survived by his daughters Clara and Celia, Los Walters Thursday,Kyle Nov. 28 grandchildren, Jennifer Cegiel(Randall Lefevre), grandson Goehring, and day of December /s/ He C Creed McGINLEY Circuit Dec. 8 in Houston, Texas. brunch, drink members&are welcome to attend mimosas, andKathy listen Richolson his sister Christina, brother Luiz and ex-wife 2019, Michelle.

Saturday, Nov. 23 9 –grandson 10 a.m.

RobinsonBible (Madison), ski, Kristen Bielamowicz, Jared by NASA. husband Luke this non-denominational to live music at OnionShane; Creek. grandsons, Court Judge, 24th Judicial District, State of Tennessee. was employed A celebration gathering will be 8 p.m.

DEFINE Heights – 714Jebousek, Yale St. and Dylan Jebousek; study. Email scripturesharing@ Hunter Farquhar, granddaughter Goehring and Samuel Goehring; Bolmore Clark held from 3-5 p.m. Nov. Approved 23, at Heights forFuneral Entry: Home, 1317 K. MICHELLE White Orie Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. IV, 44, Ste. 200 earthlink.net for information.

Cheyenne Weggemann Beckham, great-grandchildren, Kason William’s sister, Trudie Dorothy He Heights Blvd.

Mainborn St. Feb. 26, died on Dec. 9. The DEFINE is kicking off a day of Pews MORRIS TBPR# 018952, Assistant District Attorney, great granddaughter Madison Gustavus, and Kaleb Bielamowicz; Fain Crisp Dyer. survived by his parents; grandLosisWalters is performing at feasting with a Thanksgiving Holiday Artisan Market 24th Judicial District, State of Tennessee P.O. Box 357, Lefevre, great granddaughter sister, Wanda Kainer.

White Oak Music Hall. mother, Esper Morales; brother, Day Turkey Burn Class across Pre-Thanksgiving Worship Saturday, Nov. 30 grand- locations. The Robert Lawrence WeggeDecaturville, Tennessee 38329. Publish December 21, 28, Houston-area Service Austin Clark & wife Kayla; beloved 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Morgan Lefevre andallgreat Hayes Carlland nephew, Emma Clark Turkey Burn is a 60 minute rev Jack May, 79, born Jan. Sunday, Nov. 24 Sr., 81, born Dec. son–Jackson mann, Bob St. 12, Stephen’s UMC 2003 W.Robinson. niece 4,11, 2020.

Local and January Sunday, Nov. 24 ride (indoor cycling) to7,give youon Dec. 16.

10:17 a.m.died on Dec. 11. He is survived died 43rd St. by and Easton Clark; spouse Kelly Experience and 7 p.m. energy to feel your best and St. Matthew’s UMCof– 4300 N. MelvaThe Holiday Artisan Market, business his wife 62 years, WeGrace “Beth� the Labeth Knowledge... countless The Clark; Heightsand Theater – 339 friends.

W. kickstart your metabolism. Shepherd Dr. benefitting the Animal Justice ggemann; son, Robert “Bobby�

Brooks, 77, born June 7, died A Powerful is our 19th St. St. Matthew’s United Methodist League, will be held in the west L. Weggemann, Jr. (Debbie); on Dec. 12.

Combination Purvis, 90, born HayesGeraldine Carll is performing at The The Houston Genealogical Church cordially invites the combusiness. sanctuary parking lot, featuring

THINGS TO DO.

The Pews Â

THE OBITUARIES.

The Markets

Fun & Games

THE OBITUARIES.

Ruth Robinson, and of vendors and food Heights Theater.

Forum Presents: In Search munity to daughters, attend the Pre-ThanksSept.

6, died on Dec. 10 in Housa variety William “The Immigrant�

Sara service.

Weggemann; sistertrucks.

Sharon Dominik giving Worship ton, Texas.

Contact Kim Antley at JohnofCegielski, Tunes in the Tap Room Cloude Schmidt (William “Bill� Schmidt), 90, born regardApril 29, died on Dec. redlipdesigns@gmail.com Tuesday, Nov. 26 Saturday, Thanks & brother Giving Banquet ing vendor participation.

George Swartz (Kathleen 16. He is survived by his wifeDec. 7 6:30 –William 9:30 p.m. David Fain, 88, 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Nov. 24 Swartz) and sister Faye Owen of 69 years, CeciliaCegielski; bornRestaurant Aug. 10, died Harold’s & Tapon Dec. 10, Bayland Community Center 5 p.m.

O’Holy Heightschildren, ChristmasPatricia Bielamowicz (Edward “Ed�

Owen); and Paulette P. Fain, Room – 350 W. 19th St. 89, bornGarden Oaks 6400 Bissonnet Baptist Church – grandson Extravaganza Steve Weggemann (Dara), grand(Reggie), Lawrence Cegielski Enjoy live13, music Harold’s April diedin on Dec. Tap 11. They When presenter Janine 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. Saturday, Dec. 7 Room every Tuesday night.

Cloud’s direct paternal line Garden Oaks Baptist Church 6 p.m. paper trail dead-ends in 1838 will be celebrating Thanksgiving Heights Presbyterian Church – Georgia, she turned to Y-DNA with a Thanks & Giving Banquet 240 W. 18th St. testing to attempt to prove a on Sunday evening. The church Heights Presbyterian Church is will be providing turkey, dressing, hosting the O’Holy Heights Christ- connection between her brick wall ancestor and William “The gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls. mas Extravaganza, where there Eleanora’s Market Immigrant� Cloud, who settled Members will be furnishing adwill be a Santa in the Gazebo for Saturday, Nov. 23 in Pennsylvania Colony in about ditional dishes. Visitors are welpictures, hot cocoa, coffee, was9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

1682. Come enjoy Janine’s come to come enjoy good food, sail, cookies, other desserts and Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd. presentation and learn how to Christian fellowship and to give a silent auction. There will also There will be local growers, apply these DNA principles to thanks for the blessings of the be a Christmas concert with the makers, designers, artisans and your own family research. past year. For additional details, Heights worship team and more food producers. please call (713) 864-4447. Â

Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com

713-906-5481 Realty Associates

DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT

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Engagement Announcement Badalac Whitefield

Coyote, from P. 1A

discharge of a firearm, it was a “They’re not valued enough reviewed, radio-collar studies “The key is that as long as police matter. monitor,� said. food, shelter and water are to have proven that most reloBill andFoxJaneal Whitefield News of the coyote’s de- available, another coyote will Texas is a state where coy- cated wild animals die within of are undefended Houston mise elicited a strong response soon replace the one that otes and clas-announce two weeks after being released from residents such as Megan died,� Bradshaw said. “And sified a non-game species.of in unfamiliar the as engagement their areas.�

Paschall, who said the coyote if it was an alpha female, her TPWD Wildlife biologist DiThe incident along the baydaughter, Diana Marie, was a regular traveler by her death will trigger the other fe- ana Foss of the Texas Parks & ou lastto week warranted a pohouse. said it is lice males in the surrounding area Wildlife RaduDepartment Lucian Badalac, sonvisitofbecause it is illegal to “We have just as many stray to have larger litters in the illegal to killand a coyote for com- Badalac discharge a firearm inside the Lucian Chivuta animals that aren’t small coy- spring.� mercial purposes on publicly corporated limits of a municiof Sibiu, otes,� Paschall said. “It’s awful. land in Romania.

Texas.

Bradshaw also said the nor- owned pality having a population of Wildlife is nice to have.� “However, it is legal to (kill) 100,000 or more. mal, healthy weight of a coyOthers said they wouldn’t ote in Texas is only 25 pounds. aThe coyotebride-to-be on private property is a “It’s 2009dangerous,� Cannon have to worry so much now “People in urban areas com- for any reason,� Foss said. said. “No matter what you are graduate St. shooting Agnesat, it’s still an illegal about their outdoor dogs and pare coyotes to their often- “The person takingofthe coyote Academy and received her Bachelor in Food cats. Many said the coyote must have degree a current hunting li- Science overweight dogs,� she said. of Science discharge of firearms.� looked too and from was percense. permit from TPWDteacher person who is passionate She Cannon inthin 2013 TexasAA&M University. is aNosecond grade at said anyone with haps dying slowly from star- about coyotes is Camilla H. is needed.� information about the incident St. Rose of that LimaFox, Catholic School in Garden Oaks. prospective vation. Some believed Foss also said The a newly the founder and execushould call HPD. shooting groom a coyote was better tivefrom passed law, House Bill and 4544, is a Fox director of Project Coyote said the irony is that if graduated high school in Sibiu, Romania, 2010 than the alternatives.

- a national nonprofit orga- allows certain cities, such as humans left coyotes alone to graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, “Personally, I think shoot- nization based in Mill Valley, Houston, to manage coyotes self-regulate, they would do a degree Accounting Management. ing them with is far more humane in by capturing, relocating or so.He is California, that promotesand com- Business than setting out (conibear) euthanizing a coyote Supervisor. located passionate andas an Project Coyote’s Coyote employed

by Murphy Oilconservation Company Accounting traps,� LeeAnn Hickman said. coexistence between people within the city limits or the Friendly Communities pro“But catch and release is not and wildlife through educa- city’s extraterritorial juris- gram aims to give both urban Diana and Radution, arescience veryandmuch in lovediction and orare a January considered an option because by planning requesting asadvocacy. and rural audiences the tools you’ll just2020 be relocating a nui- at St. sistance from Texas Wildlife to foster coexistence.

FoxRose calls the a “mawedding ofcoyote Lima Church. sance animal from one place ligned carnivore� and said it is Services. “We need to teach coyotes to another.�

Relocating a coyote, ac- (about) the behavior we don’t estimated that 500,000 coyBonnie Bradshaw with 911 otes are killed each year by cording to Bradshaw, also support,� Fox said.

Wildlife, a wildlife removal humans, partly because they likely means death. and relocation company with are unprotected by law in 42 “Contrary to public opinion, offices in Houston, said the states. relocated animals don’t have a There are no definitive wonderful new life out in the good-riddance attitude regarding coyotes is typical in neigh- population counts for coyotes country where they belong,� either. borhoods throughout the U.S. Bradshaw said. “Multiple peer-

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Don’t ForgetUS to GOD WITH Say Thank You WHAT I’M

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

Don’t Forget to THANKFUL Say Thank FOR You

By Pastor Will Cover Baptist

By Arise Pastor WillChurch Cover 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 Arise Baptist Church 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018

By Pastor Will Cover 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org Baptist Matthew 1:23 says, “Behold, a virgin shall be with

By Arise Pastor WillChurch Cover 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 child,Church and bring forth a son, and they shall Arise Baptist e areshall entering a time of holidays and celebrations 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org 803 Curtin St.call Houston, TXmany 77018 hisfor name Emmanuel, which being interpreted people in our country.

Thanksgiving is 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org a holiday that we as Americans have enjoyed for is, God with us.�

The story of the Bible is rather you ever felt frustrated at Thanksgiving? I St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Sunday Bible Studies For AllHave Ages ...ELCA 9:30am generations.

Many are looking forward to timealong spent remember as a boy wishing we could beitpeople done St. James Lutheran Church, simple.

While has with many twists and turns Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am e are entering a time of holidays and with family, time offcelebrations from work, a big feast, watching football, Morning Worship ...............

10:45am t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN the family tradition of saying what we were thankful the God’s message for many people catching in ourway, country.

Thanksgiving is to us is quite clear. God Morning Worship ............... 10:45am • Worship (English) ..... 10:00for ambefore - 11:00am sales we ate. wanted tothe getbiggest to the food of asthe years, and probably many t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children a holiday thatI we as Americans have enjoyed for MANNA Wednesday created mankind to have a weekend. relationship with Bible Studies For Youth, Children others things during this Thanksgiving There will be • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm quickly as Many possible!

The turkey, ham, mashed St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA generations. people are looking forward to time spent MANNA t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI

QN QN Sunday Bible Studies For All Agesand ...ELCA 9:30am Adults............................

6:15pm St. James Lutheran Church, Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ...

9:30am 4QPOTPS some people who will struggle during the this time of holiday Him. Adam and Eve sinned and broke that • Worship (Spanish) ....

12:30 pm 1:30pm potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, cranberry and Adults............................ 6:15pm with family, time off from work, a big feast, watching football, Sponsor Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI

BN BN Morning Worship ............... 10:45am as remember loved ones who theyown havedesires lost, or over close • Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am catching the biggest sales of they the years, probably many sauce, homemade dinner rolls, etc.and were piledchose high 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t relationship.

They their > [O ŕ Ž t -FBSOJOH )PVS

BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children 1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 companions that are unable Bible Studies For Youth,•Children others Thanksgiving weekend.

There will beto be together because of the MANNA Wednesday 1822 W. 18th 713-864-1470 MANNA • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm on mythings plate.during The this aromas wafting up from my loaded their relationship with God. While there was t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN Adults............................

6:15pm some who will struggle during thethe thislogistics. time ofand holiday schedule or Either 4QPOTPS • Worship and (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm and Adults............................ 6:15pm platepeople were enough to make my mouth water my way, Thanksgiving will be a Sponsor as they remember loved ones who they have lost, or close judgment for their sin, God put in place Hisorplan time when Why people happy thoughts sad stomach ache with anticipation. didare we either have tothinking 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t 1602 West 43rd St. • > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 companions that are unable to be together because of the 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 thoughts about something.

Weekly Sunday Services to restore His relationship with mankind.

This take time to talk about thanksgiving before we ate?

Gethsemane Lutheran Church schedule or the logistics. Either way, Thanksgiving will be a When I was a boy, I eating? remember motherChrist saying, “Don’t forget • Bible Study: time 9:15 a.m.

Could we people not just that while we were Asmy plan involved sending Jesus to earth, when aredo either thinking happy thoughts or sad 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Pastor Jerry McNamara to say thank you.�

She was reminding me to be thankful to my Weekly Sunday Services • Morning:10:30 a.m. an adult, I look back at my childish self and realize thoughts about something.

We invite you to •worship with us!

Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church sending God to be with us, so that if we would 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227 r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N grandmother for the wonderful • Evening: 4:15why p.m.

When I wastradition a boy, I remember mystill mother saying, “Don’t forget Thanksgiving meal, or to my this was and is important.

While • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Jerry McNamara trust inthe Jesus instead trusting inmyourselves, r .PSOJOH B N to thank Shethanks wasfamily reminding me to be thankful to my • Morning:10:301700 a.m. West 43 rd the member that gave issue, me a of special gift, or to friend who We invite you to worship withamus! atsay Rosslyn time ofyou.� giving is not important We invite you to •worship with us! 10:30 Sunday School & Bible Classes 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227 r &WFOJOH Q N grandmother for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, or to my • Evening: 4:15 p.m.

713-682-4942 we could have a relationship with God and invited me to their birthday party.

Most people want to teach the priority of giving thanks does matter.

As a child, Preschool Program • Mon. Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Weekly WorshipWorship Services 9:00 a.m.

SE Weekly Services 9:00 a.m. rd 8FTU familyWalters member that gave me a special gift, or tobe mythankful. friend whoI think most people would agree We invite you to worship withamus!

1700 West 43 BU 3PTTMZO atPastor Rosslyn Sunday School &www.gethsemanelutheran.org Bible Classes 10:30 – Dr. Richard their children toforgiveness, I wasn’t as thankful as I should have been because experience new birth, and eternal

713-682-4942 invited me to their birthday party. Most people want to teach Preschool Program • Mon.&- Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Sunday School Bible Classes 10:30 a.m.

Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. that being is important, it is also true that it is not children have a thankful. natural sense ofthankful entitlement.

The www.gethsemanelutheran.org Ad # 32285 Pastor Pastor –– Dr. Dr. Richard Richard Walters Walters their children to be I thinkThe most people agree life. birth would of Jesus Christ was prophesied Preschool Program Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Classes •10:30 a.m. always toisbe thankful depending longer I thankful live theis more I understand the truth of on what we are going through. that being important, it also true that it is not Ad # 32285 well over a thousand years before Healways was born.

The“In Bible says in Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks for all God’s to Word when depending it says give thanks, www.gethsemanelutheran.org Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. always be thankful oneverything what we are going through.

The circumstances surrounding birth for this theinwill of God in “Giving Christ Jesus concerning things unto God and the Father of our Lord were Jesus The Bibleis says Ephesians 5:20 thanks always for all in the nameHis www.gethsemanelutheran.org things the Father theI would name ofencourage our Lord Jesus you.� unto I canGod giveand thanks in allinthings because God isyou, in Christ.� no matter how you feel during spoken of by many Old Testament prophets.

God Join us for Services Christ.� would you, no matter how during controlI of myencourage life. I amthis thankful for ouryou city and for that you can be thankful to holiday season tofeel remember Join us for Services fulfilled every prophecy and every promise of the this seasonand to remember that you canresponded be thankful to English or Spanish the holiday individuals organizations God. He gavethat up His only Sontoto die a cruel death on the cross Worship 8:30 and 11:00in English or in Spanish God. He gave up His only Son to dieof a cruel death on the cross SundaySunday MorningMorning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 birth Jesus Christ.

He came to be God with us, Hurricane Harvey in such ananyone admirable way.

I amcan be forgiven of their sins and so that who trusts 10am & 5pm Sunday for Children, 9:40WorshipSunday so that anyone who trusts him can be forgiven of their sinshim and Sunday 10am &Worship 5pm Sunday School School for Children, Youth andYouth Adults and 9:40 Adults and to save His people from their sin. thankful to have started a new church this past year have eternal life.

Don’t forget to say thank you! have eternal life. Don’t forget to say thank you!

Sunday Bible Classes 9am Ministries for All Ages Sunday Bible Classes 9am Ministries for All Ages that able part in further the community effortsthis further If you would likehave to Christmas discuss or have questions, Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00Wednesday Bible If youwas would liketototake discuss this or questions, As we celebrate this year, I hope you Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Study 7pm HomeHome ofSunday Johnson Memorial School for Little Children of Johnson Memorial SchoolYouth for Little Children to help people after I Arise amCover thankful forreached my Pastor Will Cover can beHarvey. reached at Baptist Church at Pastortake Will can be at the Arisetruth Baptistthat Church at Sunday School for Children, and Adults 9:40 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 will time to reflect on God Rev. Nathan LonsdaleLonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, 713-659-9697. wife, my children, my parents, and friends.

I am 4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Rev. Nathan Bledsoe, Pastor 803 Curtin St.,my or or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697.

4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Ministries for All Ages Ministries for All Ages ◆ 713-686-8241 ◆ s t s u m c . o r g sent to the be freedoms with us. That He gave His only 2003 W.of43rd St. Houston, TX 77092 thankful for my country thatJesus gives me 2003 W. of 43rd St. ◆Memorial 713-686-8241 s t sChildren umc.org Houston, TX 77092 Home Johnson Memorial School for School Little Children Home Johnson for ◆ Little to live, think, and write as I wish.

There is so much begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him, Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor for which to give thanks.

What are you thankful for?

X stsumc.org 2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 should not perish, but have everlasting life!

X X

DIRECTORY

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Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Candlelight Church of Christ

Candlelight Church of Christ

2003 W. 43rd St.

713-686-8241

stsumc.org

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Page 6A • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • The Leader

Do pets make good prezzies? require a financial commitment for basic requirements, such as food, collars and leashes as well as medical needs, such as basic vaccinations,” she said. “Unexpected illnesses or injury may also add to that financial burden, which can be too much for some owners to handle.”

Dear Tabby, I’d like to get my girlfriend a dog for Christmas. I think that a dog would give her a reason to get out and be active as well as keep her company. What are your thoughts on giving pets as gifts?

Makin’ a list in Candlelight Plaza

Pet allergies nothing to sneeze at Other reasons a pet may not be an appropriate gift this year is if the receiver is allergic to pets, if the receiver does not have an appropriate place to keep the pet, or if the receiver does not want a pet or have time to commit to a pet.

Dear Makin’ a list, Giving an adorable puppy or kitten as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful idea, but it is important to remember that pets need a lifetime of care and commitment long after the holiday season. Surprising someone with a new, fuzzy friend on that special holiday morning is tempting, but be sure to first consider these facts to avoid being unprepared when bringing a pet home.

Do

research

before

making decision Although there are many reasons why giving a pet as a holiday gift can be a bad idea, a pet CAN make a great holiday gift for someone IF the proper amount of research and preparation is done. If the receiver has expressed their commitment to a pet, proven their responsibility and are financially and mentally ready for a pet, the gift giver must then consider the receiver’s pet preferences for gender and breed.

Adoption is also a great option, especially if the new owner prefers an older dog or cat. Many pets are patiently waiting in shelters for a forever home, and the adoption staff at the shelter will be able to help you

choose the perfect pet for the new owner.

Although giving a pet as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful life-long memory for your friend, there is a considerable amount of research and preparation involved in bringing a pet into a new home, especially if it is a surprise to the new owner.

A really great way to handle this is to give the recipient a “coupon” for a pet at an animal shelter. That way, you can still gift your friend with the adoption fee of a pet, but they get to choose which pet suits them the best.

Burge, from P. 1A

During my 43 years as publisher, I came to view The Leader coverage area as more resembling a small town than a big city suburb.

Over in southwest Houston, where there was a prepon-

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Pet care can be pricey Giving the gift of companionship requires a considerable amount of research and preparation. There can be many reasons why a pet may be unsuitable for a home, such as if the receiver is not financially or mentally prepared for a pet. Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained how pets can often come with hidden expenses.

“Pets, even healthy ones,

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The Leader • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • Page 7A

Historic Heights thoroughfare continues to evolve

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Heights was hopping long before its happenings were chronicled in The Leader, which first hit neighborhood streets well after the community had been established.

Founded in the late 1800s as Houston’s original suburb, the Heights’ most recognizable thoroughfare began to take shape about 100 years ago. The two-story building at the northeast corner of 19th Street and Ashland Street was constructed in the early 1920s, when it housed Ward’s Drug Store, and the iconic Heights Theater opened on 19th Street a few years later.

In 1950, just a few years before the inception of The Leader, Harold’s in the Heights debuted on the other side of the road. By the 1980s, though, the neighborhood had declined and the popular men’s clothing store was one of 19th Street’s only businesses.

But the Heights began to climb back up in 1989, when a native New Yorker bought the old Ward’s Drug Store building from Harold’s clothier Harold Wiesenthal and opened a deli that harkened Heights history.

The Carter & Cooley Company Delicatessen, named after neighborhood founders Oscar Martin Carter and Daniel Denton Cooley, brought people back to 19th Street and sparked a renaissance.

“Nearly all the businesses were boarded up,” deli owner Neil Sackheim told The Leader in 2015. “We took the risk because, I did not know when it would happen, but I knew that there were many people who wanted to live close to downtown. I knew that they wanted quality shopping and food,

At top left, the old Simon Lewis Building originally housed Ward’s Drug Store from 1921 until 1965.

At top right, it later was restored as the home of Carter & Cooley Company Delicatessen, which closed earlier this year. In botto photo, the building is now occupied by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

nice housing and old architecture with well-done restorations.”

The Heights, and particularly 19th Street, has become just that. Along with the Heights Theater, which had its own resurgence in the late 1980s, it now features a thriving and eclectic mix of boutiques, antique stores, specialty shops, eateries and watering holes.

The street’s popularity has contributed to newer development nearby and, like the rest of the Heights, increased property values and higher

property taxes. As a result, the street has continued to evolve.

Harold’s in the Heights closed in 2011 and was replaced by Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room, one of several women-owned businesses on the street. Austin-based chain Torchy’s Tacos opened in 2013 across the street from the Carter & Cooley building, which is no longer the Carter & Cooley building. Sackheim sold it last year to prominent Heights-based developer Radom Capital, LLC, and then closed his nostalgic deli in

September.

The space is now occupied

by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, an Ohio-based scoop shop that opened last week. The building includes six other tenants, all of which moved in after the 2018 sale.

“It’s called progress,” said stylist Susan Romeo of neighboring Venus Hair, 19th Street’s longest-tenured business at 41 years. “Whether you want it or not, good or bad, progress is happening.”

It’s been happening for

the last several years in the Heights, where old bungalows have been torn down and replaced by clusters of threestory townhomes. There also is an ongoing influx of highrise apartment complexes in the Heights, despite homeowners’ efforts to prevent them from coming into the historic neighborhood.

Business is booming, too, and not just on 19th Street.

Radom Capital developed the Heights Mercantile on 7th Street between Yale Street and Heights Boulevard and is partnering on an even bigger mixed-use development at a warehouse complex at the corner of 6th Street and North Shepherd Drive. White Oak Drive is another hot spot in the Heights, with its own row of restaurants and bars and more development in the works.

Contributing to at least some of the growth was the loosening of strict alcohol laws in the Heights, which had been partly dry since 1912.

Neighborhood residents voted in 2016 to allow beer and wine to be sold at grocery stores – which led to the opening of a two-story H-E-B earlier this year on North Shepherd Drive – and voted again in 2017 to change a law that required some restaurants and bars to operate as private clubs in order to sell alcohol.

Susan Venus, the owner of Venus Hair, said more freely flowing booze in the neighborhood has had welcome and unwelcome consequences.

“It’s bringing a lot of people over,” she said. “But it also makes it crazy.”

The culmination of the Heights’ modern-day craziness, and perhaps its biggest attraction to the rest of the city, is the annual White Linen

Night in the Heights. Held every summer since 2006, the event attracts thousands of white-clad partygoers to the community.

The official White Linen Night event is on the 200 and 300 blocks of West 19th Street.

The celebration extends to other parts of the Heights.

“Because it’s so popular, it’s made everyone in Houston aware of the Heights,” said Jubilee owner Kristal Kirksey, a longtime Heights resident.

“Even when I meet people who’ve never been to the Heights or don’t know a thing about shopping 19th Street or don’t know about the history of the neighborhood, they say, ‘White Linen Night.’ That’s the one common denominator that I hear a lot about.”

Kirksey and Venus said the Heights’ continued growth has started to strip away the quaint, small-town feel that has historically made the neighborhood so cherished and charming. But those aspects still remain in the largely residential community, which is still friendly to families, young professionals and longtime homeowners.

The neighborhood’s genuine friendliness and welcoming nature was evident to Jeni’s manager Nikkia Smith when she moved to Houston in September from Charlotte, N.C. She said she and the ice cream shop are excited to be part of the Heights and contribute to its culture.

That culture is evolving, but it always has been in the community and especially on its signature street.

“There are changes coming,” Smith said. “Everyone is new here on the street, but we like to let people know that change is a good thing, too.”

Mass murders in 1970s were Heights’ darkest hour

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The early 1970s already was a difficult time for the Heights, which had lost its status as one of Houston’s most desirable suburbs. Families had moved to other parts of the city, and once-booming businesses were closed.

The historic neighborhood reached its lowest point on Aug. 8, 1973, when its darkest hour started to come to light.

Former Heights resident Dean Corll had been shot to death in Pasadena by Elmer Wayne Henley, who up to that point was one of Corll’s teenage accomplices. Henley and David Brooks subsequently led police to nearly 30 dead bodies that had been buried in either a boat shed in southwest Houston, a wooded area near Lake Sam Rayburn or beaches on the Gulf Coast.

They all were teenage boys

Photo Courtesy of Houston Chronicle Serial killer Dean Corll lived in the Heights before and after serving in the U.S. Army.

or young men, many from the Heights area, who had been abducted, tortured, raped and eventually killed by Corll with the help of Brooks and Henley, who were teenagers themselves at the time. The case was dubbed the “Houston Mass Murders” and consid-

ered one of the most heinous examples of serial murder in United States history.

“That Corll deal was the worst thing that ever happened in the Heights,” said Howard Moon, 87, a lifelong resident of the neighborhood.

Corll, who was 33 when he was killed by Henley, first lived in the Heights in the early 1960s before serving in the U.S. Army. He returned to the Heights in the mid-1960s to work at his family’s business, Corll Candy Company, and remained in the neighborhood until moving to Pasadena in early 1973.

The known victims of Corll, called the “Candy Man” because he gave out candy in an attempt to befriend youngsters and lure victims, were murdered between 1970 and 1973.

Henley was convicted of six murders and Brooks of one.

Both are serving life sentences

in Texas prisons.

While the killings rattled the community and especially the victims’ families, they also prompted community action in an attempt to make the neighborhood safer. The Houston Heights Association was formed later in 1973, and the civic organization continues to play a significant role in a community that has since been revitalized and experienced exponential growth in recent years.

Local historian Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston called the murders’ aftermath a “scary time” for the Heights, which subsequently restored its image and again made the neighborhood a desirable place to live.

“People were terrified,” McKinney said. “But the community came together to make it something special.”

Photo Courtesy of the Houston Chronicle Elmer Wayne Henley, foreground, holds his head in his hands as Houston police search for bodies buried outside a boat shed.

After 46 years, Heights Association is just getting started

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

It’s hard to imagine it now, but in the mid-1970s the Heights was an economically depressed area that was reeling from the Candy Man killings and the resulting bad publicity. That’s when a group of individuals and businesses in the area came together in 1973 to form what is now the Houston Heights Association.

Melvalene Cohen, who with her husband, Carl, bought Studewood Market on 14th Street in the 1950s and turned it into a neighborhood institution, remembers how her husband got elected to the organization.

“Carl was the first president of the Heights Association,” Cohen said. “He didn’t go to the first meeting because he was working (at the market). I went, but he got elected president. It was unanimous.”

She said her husband, who died in 1999, worked so hard on behalf of the Heights that people used to ask him when he was running for office.

“He just wanted to get the ball rolling and give the Heights the good name it once had,” she said.

By the late 1980s, the group had accomplished quite a lot. It sponsored the Heights Home Tour in May and Christmas in the Heights in December.

The HHA also acquired and designed two neighborhood parks on Heights Boulevard – Marmion and Donovan – and successfully petitioned to have

File photo Former Studewood Food Market owners Carl and Melvalene Cohen helped start the Houston Heights Association.

the Houston Heights recognized in the mid-1980s as a Historic Multiple Resource Area and included on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places.

Mark Williamson joined the association in 1990, a year before he and his wife even moved into the Heights.

He has been on the board most years since 1994 and served as its president in 2004, 2008 and 2015.

“Civic clubs are important,” Williamson said. “Different (HHA) groups at different times accomplish different things. The (association) is the glue that keeps the neighborhood somewhat on track.”

Williamson said the stewardship of the Heights Boulevard esplanade

Contributed photo Cyclists ride past the former Victorian mansion of late Heights historian Bart Truxillo.

is one of the most significant accomplishments of the organization.

“There was a master plan and the (HHA) has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for its maintenance and beautification,” Williamson said.

He noted that Donovan Park now stands on Heights Boulevard at 7th Street where at one time a truck repair facility was going to take the place of a grocery store that had previously closed. It is a park instead due to the efforts of the HHA. The other park, Marmion, sits on the former site of the Cooley mansion, which was one of the first houses built in the Heights by the Omaha and South Texas Land Company. When the house was demolished in the mid-

1960s, the lot was vacant until it was purchased by the HHA in 1979.

“Quite frankly, I credit (the HHA) for what the Heights is today,” said local historian Anne Sloan. “They created our parks, our events and supported our schools. Their consistent presence has provided the leadership, the enthusiasm and sense of community many of the newer residents take for granted. This popular destination Houston neighborhood did not just happen by accident. It was meticulously crafted for six decades.”

Today there are almost 30 committees that are a part of the HHA, including the Constable Patrol Program, Education, Historical Preservation, Land Use & Deed Restrictions and Urban

Forestry. In 2018, Emily Guyre was hired as the association’s first executive director.

In addition to the esplanade and the playground at Donovan Park, Williamson rates the preservation and restoration of the Houston Heights City Hall & Fire Station and operation of the Constable Patrol Program among HHA’s most significant accomplishments.

The continuing challenge of the 46-year-old organization as Williamson sees it is “keeping our ‘small town in the big city’ vital, neighborly and historic.” He just ran for re-election for as a director.

“I promised my wife it was the last time,” Williamson said.

Past HHA President Bill Baldwin said the organization’s greatest impact is its empowerment of residents to contribute to a shared vision – with the same can-do spirit the founding members displayed.

“Whether it is educating newer residents on land-use protections that can come into play in preserving the neighborhood or serving as a mechanism to help balance commercial growth with maintaining historic residential character, the association has always done an excellent job in creating opportunity for people who want to make a difference in their own backyards and enhance the quality of life for themselves and those around them,” Baldwin said.

“Often, those legacies live on for decades or even well over a century.”

Page 8A • Saturday, December 21, 2019 • The Leader

Highway construction accelerated area’s growth

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

There have been several driving forces in the development of Northwest Houston and its continued growth over the years.

Perhaps none was more momentous than the construction of a highway that allowed residents to drive all over the city.

One of the top stories in the first edition of The Leader – published Nov. 15, 1954 – was about the ongoing expansion of Interstate 610, better known to Houstonians as Loop 610.

“Residents of the Northwest section will be interested to learn that finances for the continuation of the North Loop Freeway from Jensen Drive to Shepherd Drive are now available,” the story read.

It was a long-awaited development at the time, because Harris County voters had approved a bond for the loop back in 1941. According to information on the City of Houston website, 610 was intended as a defense loop to aid

Photo by Jack Lewis, TxDOT An aerial photo from 1964 shows the under-construction Loop 610, looking east from Ella Boulevard in the foreground.

the movement of troops and equipment around the city, but limited resources during World War II delayed the start of construction until the early 1950s.

Most of the loop was built in the 1960s, with the last section completed in 1973. It makes a 42-mile loop around the city.

Locally, Loop 610 created a border between the Heights to the south and the neighborhoods of Garden Oaks and Oak Forest to the north. It also created an easy access point for the already-established communities, residents of which could then travel more quickly to other parts of the city as well as downtown.

“That was significant for growth,” said local historian Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston.

“It made suburban sprawl a lot more effective.”

The construction of Loop 610 also contributed to the growth of the area’s largest hospital. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, originally called Memorial North-

Photo by Kevin Stillman, TxDOT U.S. 290, which connects with Loop 610 in Northwest Houston, was renovated in recent years.

west Hospital, opened in 1966 on the south side of 610 just west of Ella Boulevard.

By 1971, the hospital had increased its capacity to 220 beds.

The loop also spawned a connected freeway that had a similarly big impact on area residents and their mobility.

The eastern terminus of U.S. 290 was created at the northwest corner of 610 in 1963, but 290 didn’t go further west than Hempstead Road at the

time.

The first freeway section of 290 opened in 1975. By 1982, it extended almost to Beltway 8.

Oak Forest resident John Jackson had a front-row seat for 290’s transformation of that part of the area, having moved to the neighborhood in 1974.

“It changed it unbelievably,” he said. “They added businesses and homes all the way out.”

Staying power: Longevity a common thread in community

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The first homes in Garden Oaks were built in the late 1930s and attractive because they sat on spacious lots that provided a rural feel on the outskirts of a rapidly growing city.

Oak Forest sprouted amongst towering pine trees a decade later and catered to World War II veterans who had recently returned home. The houses were smaller and more affordable with just as much of a buffer between the neighborhood and downtown.

Dorothy Pickens said she and her late husband, Thomas, who had served in the U.S. Army and later worked for the Houston Police Department, bought their Oak Forest home on Candlelight Lane for $8,425 in 1950.

The property is now valued at more than $383,000 by the Harris County Appraisal District, but she has no interest in selling.

Pickens, 91, still lives there and still waves and says hello to the neighbors who walk or drive down her street.

“It’s a wonderful place to live,” Pickens said. “I’m proud to be a 69-year resident.”

Pickens has been in the area even longer than The Leader, which began chronicling the neighborhoods of Northwest Houston in 1954. There are a handful of other local residents, businesses and organizations that have displayed just as much staying power.

Among the area staples that predate The Leader are Liberty Hoepfl Garage on North Shepherd Drive and Barbecue Inn at the corner of Crosstimbers Street and Yale Street, which both opened in 1946. The Sears store on Shepherd has served area residents since 1949.

The auto repair shop started as a gas station and later became Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage. The name was changed earlier this year by owners Sybren and Kathryn van der

Contributed photo Doyle’s Restaurant, originally Doyle’s Delicatessen, opened in 1954 and has been located on West 34th Street since 1957.

Pol, who purchased the business from the founding family in 2004.

Deborah Muhl, Adolf Hoepfl’s granddaughter, said the garage survived a widening of Shepherd that wiped out several businesses during the multi-year construction as well as an economic downturn in the 1970s and ‘80s that made the shop an unsafe place to visit at night.

It recently was renovated and expanded by the van der Pols, who are helping to lead a revitalization of the street north of Loop 610. Kathryn van der Pol said that effort is buoyed by an already-solid foundation in nearby communities such as Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Shepherd Park Plaza.

“The stability of our families, stability of many of the businesses, good quality schools, that’s what keeps this area strong,” she said. “And the churches. There’s a lot of churches in this area. … It takes all of that to make a great community.”

There are other businesses and organizations that debuted the same year as The Leader that also remain in operation: Oaks Dads’ Club Founded by World War II veteran John Williams, the Oaks Dads’ Club played its inaugural baseball season in 1954 and has been a community staple ever since. Current president Dani-

Anniversary, from P. 1A “We are interested in news you wouldn’t mind your children reading,” The Leader proclaimed. “Scandal, war and tragic news we will leave to the dailies.”

Those sorts of stories eventually infiltrated The Leader, just like they forced their way into the lives of those who have read it over the years. Wellinformed citizens need to know about noteworthy crimes, missteps by public officials and their soldiers overseas.

By and large, however, The Leader has remained true to its wholesome roots.

It’s still a place to find out about upcoming events at church, the latest accomplishments by kids in the community and sales at area businesses. Its pages also address the issues important to those who live in the area, such as residential and commercial development, local politics and public policy and infrastructure improvements.

There is a place for feel-good fun as well. Two of the frontpage stories in the initial edition of The Leader were about Christmas decorations in Oak Forest and a theatrical performance in the Heights. The arts, along with details about holiday celebrations, also are covered in the modern era.

There have been three distinct eras of The Leader, which

was started by Al Cherry and Jack Worden. The paper was purchased in 1957 by Lee Burge, whose son, Terry, took over as publisher in 1969 and owned the paper until it was purchased by Jonathan McElvy in 2012.

It has evolved over the years, changing in both print size and staff size as well as in circulation number and circulation area. But Northwest Houston always has been its core. Covering the community and those who live in it, while advocating for them and enriching their lives, has remained its focus.

The cost of living in the area has skyrocketed over the years, and so has its population. The community also has become more culturally diverse and politically progressive.

It many ways, though, it remains much the same as it was in 1954. It’s still a place where families flock and citizens are civically engaged, which is reflected in the newspaper that’s still delivered once a week.

“It hasn’t changed very much at all,” said Shepherd Park Plaza resident Kevin Schiffer, who grew up in Lazybrook and has read The Leader over the years.

“It’s still very locally focused and focused on things that are of interest to what we’re doing in the local community.”

elle Soria-Orozco said more than 1,000 kids participate each year in the youth sports organization, which has long had fields on East T.C. Jester Boulevard just north of West 34th Street – next door to the longtime former location of The Leader.

ODC offers baseball for boys, softball for girls and coed soccer. At one time, the organization offered football and basketball as well.

Soria-Orozco said ODC has maintained some of its original traditions, such as holding an opening day parade every spring, while also evolving with the times. She said the league’s players have become much more diverse over the years, along with the surrounding community, and mothers such as herself have taken on a more active role.

“We embrace the diversity of our club. We’re inclusive,” she said. “We try to allow for every player to play.”

Doyle’s Restaurant Doyle’s has been serving up hot and flavorful meals as long

as The Leader has been delivering newspapers. The restaurant, founded by Leo Doyle and his sister, Chloe Doyle, started as a delicatessen and was originally located at the intersection of Ella Boulevard and West 43rd Street.

The business transitioned to a dine-in restaurant soon after and in 1957 moved to 2136 W. 34th Street, where it remains.

Doyle’s makes fresh pizzas in a brick oven along with other Italian fare, sandwiches and American food.

But the popular lunch spot will not last another 65 years, at least not in its current form at its current location. Owner Peter Doyle, Leo’s son, has said he plans to sell the property and close the restaurant in 2020.

Boy Scout Troop 604 The Boy Scouts of America started a local troop in 1955,

Contributed photo Members of Boy Scout Troop 604 scale a tower in the 1980s.

shortly after the start of The Leader. Troop 604 has included countless kids from neighborhoods such as Garden Oaks, Mangum Manor, Oak Forest and Shepherd Park Plaza, teaching them codes of ethics as well as survival skills related to the outdoors, cooking and cleaning.

The troop, housed at St.

Stephen’s United Methodist Church on West 43rd Street, also has taken cross-country camping trips to places such as Glacier National Park in Montana.

Scoutmaster Ed Sherwood said Troop 604 had more than 100 members at one point, temporarily splitting the group into two troops. Longtime assistant scoutmaster John Jackson said membership dwindled to fewer than 10 within the last decade, partly because area kids and their parents have busier schedules and a full slate of other activities.

But Troop 604 is back on the upswing with more than 20 members now. Jackson said he expects that number to increase as young families continue to flock back to the area.

“The uptick’s coming,” Jackson said. “It’s already here.”

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