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Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Vol. 64 • No. 48
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Catholics offended by black mass at Brash By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Part of the event’s purpose was to unveil bottles of a new beer. It also benefitted two animal rescue groups, which received hundreds of dollars in cash donations as well as food, toys and cleaning products for pets. One of the people who visited Brash Brewing Company on the night of Nov. 23 described it as a “very welcom-
ing, very upbeat and happy environment.” But to Oak Forest resident Natalie Phillips, along with fellow Catholics in the Houston area and beyond, what took place at the popular local brewery was an abomination. A spokesperson for The Satanic Temple Houston said the religious organization was invited by the brewery to perform a black mass – coinciding with the sale of bottles of Black Masses, the name of
Photo by Adam Zuvanich A black mass recently was held at Brash Brewing Company.
an imperial coffee milk stout brewed by Brash. The black mass ritual is considered to be a mockery of a Catholic Mass, a ceremony that is sacred to one of the world’s most prominent faiths. “This really, really shocked me,” Phillips said. “To have a black mass and desecrate something that means so much to so many people, that’s pretty hateful.” The specifics of the black mass held at Brash, which
Huge Help
uses demonic imagery and language in its marketing and incorporates the anarchy symbol in its logo, are unclear. Laura Winningham of The Satanic Temple Houston, an 11-month-old chapter of a national organization based in Salem, Massachusetts, declined to provide details about the ritual. But Winningham said no humans or animals were See Brash P. 7A
Kennedy gets conservative support in runoff vs. Kamin By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Jason Knebel (713)232-9712
free online learning platform that Price said she has utilized for about 10 years while teaching at Hamilton. Her class completed an EverFi course called Character Playbook, which is sponsored by the NFL and United Way and teaches students about character and relationship development, avoiding peer pressure and serving others. EverFi selected participating
Shelley Kennedy calls herself a “through-and-through Democrat.” Through the course of campaigning for a seat on the Houston City Council, however, she has leaned over the aisle and made friends on the political right. Kennedy, who is in a runoff with fellow Democrat Abbie Kamin for the District C seat being vacated by Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, said she has been endorsed by two of the Republicans in the original ElecKennedy tion Day field of 13 candidates. Those endorsers are Greg Meyers and Mary Jane Smith, who finished third and fourth, respectively, on Nov. 5. “What they were looking Kamin for is inclusion,” Kennedy said. “They want to be included at the table, at the city council table that’s representing them. They find me to be the most inclusive.” Kennedy, a Garden Oaks resident, might need as many allies as posRead about the sible to beat Karunoff candidates min, the Heightsfor District II on area resident who the HISD board of received more trustees than twice as many votes as any other Page 7A candidate on Election Day. The civil rights attorney appeared on 31.8 percent of the 37,641 ballots cast, while Kennedy was second with 14.5 percent of the vote. Kamin said she is not resting on those results during the runoff. Early voting for the runoff lasts through Dec. 10, with the final voting day scheduled for Dec. 14. “We’re not taking any voter for granted,” Kamin said. “I’m going back
See Help P. 8A
See District C P. 8A
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INSIDE. Photo by Adam Zuvanich Houston Texans center Greg Mancz, center, helped Hamilton Middle School students such as Jisela Cobian, left, decorate holiday gift bags for residents of the Heights Home retirement community on Tuesday.
Texans assist Hamilton students with service project By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Shift on Shepherd. The mix of businesses on North Shepherd Drive continues to evolve.
Page 1B
Magical meals. We review Aladdin Mediterranean Grill, a popular eatery on 34th Street.
Page 3B
Back home. Former Heights residents John and Rebecca Stoll are back to play music.
Page 3B
Alyn Ortega already liked the Houston Texans, but she didn’t know what they were like in person. The Hamilton Middle School student found out Tuesday afternoon, when three players from her hometown NFL team paid a visit to campus and interacted with her and several of her classmates. Now Ortega likes the Texans, and especially reserve running back Buddy Howell, even more. “I thought he would be different. I thought he wouldn’t be that nice,” Ortega said. “He was pretty cool.” Howell and two of his Texans teammates, reserve wide receiver DeAndre Carter and backup center Greg Mancz, visited with about 60 students in Natalie Price’s principals of information technology class and helped them complete a holiday-themed community service project. They filled and decorated gift bags and then delivered them to Heights Home, a retirement complex
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Hamilton Middle School student Alyn Ortega, right, sits next to Houston Texans running back Buddy Howell on Tuesday in the campus cafeteria.
across the street. Mancz helped with the decorations, Carter assisted the students in writing and illustrating cards and Howell helped put the finishing touches on the gift bags. “My Santa Claus doesn’t look very good, but I’m trying my best,” Carter said. “I’m not the artistic type, but I’m having fun with it.” The arrangement was the result of a partnership between the NFL, United Way and EverFi, a
Angels for Aidan aim to lift up cancer-stricken families By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
THE INDEX. Calendar/Church............................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons................................................... 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 3B Obituaries............................................... 5A Opinion..................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports......................................................... 7B
Contributed photo Aidan McSpadden, whose parents live in Oak Forest, died at age 3 in 2012 after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Aidan McSpadden died seven years ago, but his memory is as strong as ever thanks to the family who loves and misses him. When Oak Forest couple Jared and Kelli McSpadden lost their 3-year-old son to acute myeloid leukemia in May 2012, they knew they wanted to give back to the cancer community that had helped sustain them. Now they serve on the board of an organization that is putting on a Santa Dash this Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Pearland Town Center to raise funds for a number of pediatric cancer care initiatives.
“We’ll have hot cocoa and snow and photos with Santa,” Jared McSpadden said. “There will be open registration the morning of the race for anyone who wants to come out.” Teams and individuals can participate in a 5K or 10K, and there will also be a handful of children’s races, which get shorter in length as the kids do. Proceeds benefit B.I.G Love Cancer Care Services, a nonprofit, volunteerbased organization committed to providing basic necessities and personalized care to child cancer patients and their families. The McSpaddens were introduced to B.I.G See Angels P. 8A
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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Page 2A
Man hospitalized after area shooting From Staff Reports Houston police are investigating a shooting incident near Independence Heights that left a man hospitalized over the weekend. According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to a call at 648
Westcross St. around 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 to find 49-yearold Fred Hamilton lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported Hamilton to an area hospital in an unknown condition, according to police.
HPD said there are no known motives or suspects in the shooting. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to call the HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division at 713-3088800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
HPD investigating fatal crash near Shady Acres From Staff Reports Houston police are investigating a single-car crash in the area that left a man dead last week. The Houston Police Department said the victim, identified as 30-year-old Fredy Ajcuc by
the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, was driving a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck eastbound in the 1100 block of the North Loop West freeway when he failed to maintain a single lane and struck a light pole, the guard
rail and then a sign. HPD said Ajcuc was later transported to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Police Reports • Nov. 24 - Dec. 2 NOV. 24
Theft 12 AM 300 BLOCK W 26TH Burglary 10 AM 600 BLOCK E 27TH Theft 5 PM 400 BLOCK S HEIGHTS BLVD Arrest 3 PM 300 BLOCK HARVARD Theft 3 PM 1300 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS
NOV. 25
Other 2 AM 1400 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 1 PM 700 BLOCK SUE BARNETT Other 12 PM 2900 BLOCK AIRLINE Vandalism 10 PM 2400 BLOCK ASHLAND Other 11 AM 1800 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 5 AM 600 BLOCK RUTLAND Theft 7 AM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS
NOV. 26
Theft 6 PM 00 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Vandalism 11 PM 800 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 10 PM 500 BLOCK W 38TH Theft 9 PM 300 BLOCK W 19TH Robbery 6 AM 5300 BLOCK MICHAUX Theft 7 PM 00 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Other 7 PM 2900 BLOCK AIRLINE Assault 11 PM 500 BLOCK
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Arrest 4 PM 2100 BLOCK YALE Robbery 11 PM 200 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 3 PM 1200 BLOCK YALE Theft 7 PM 1100 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 11 PM 2600 BLOCK NICHOLSON Vandalism 12 AM 3200 BLOCK WHITE OAK Theft 4 PM 500 BLOCK YALE Burglary 12 AM 600 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Other 12 AM 500 BLOCK COLUMBIA Burglary 3 AM 100 BLOCK PECORE
NOV. 28
Theft 12 AM 2500 BLOCK YALE Theft 3 AM 1100 BLOCK E 27TH Assault 8 PM 3500 BLOCK
DELHI
NOV. 30
Theft 3 PM 600 BLOCK OF HEIGHTS BLVD
DEC. 1
Theft 9 PM 2500 BLOCK SHEARN Theft 12 PM 2900 BLOCK HOUSTON Theft 12 PM 1100 BLOCK STUDEWOOD Assault 11 AM 2800 BLOCK AIRLINE Assault 4 PM 4400 BLOCK YALE Burglary 5 AM 100 BLOCK W CAVALCADE Burglary 10 AM 100 BLOCK W CAVALCADE Assault 3 PM 200 BLOCK S HEIGHTS BLVD Assault 8 PM 1400 BLOCK SHEPHERD Assault 1 AM 7500 BLOCK N SHEPHERD
DEC. 2
Theft 12 AM 300 BLOCK NEYLAND Burglary 5 AM 1400 BLOCK SHEPHERD Theft 12 AM 4700 BLOCK FULTON Burglary 12 AM 4400 BLOCK FULTON Assault 3 AM 7100 BLOCK FULTON Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Page 4A
It’s the most wonderful time of bad parenting
T
he greatest skill of parenting has absolutely nothing to do with the overall mental or physical health of your children, of which my wife and I have three – or is it 30? It feels like we’re running a daycare with a wait list. Sure, trivial things like nutrition and the wherewithal to flush a toilet are valuable in the game of life, but what we’ve discovered, at least in our home, is that children will eat when they’re hungry, and the only toilets they’ll flush appear in public venues and have radar sensors. No, the greatest skill set of parenting, we’ve learned, is fine tuning an impenetrable series of threats designed to entice, yet mortally frighten, our children into Emily Post-type behavior. “You eat three more bites of that broccoli, or we’re going to plant you in a garden for a week.” “If you don’t brush your teeth, the Tooth Fairy will bring pliers and take two molars with her next time.” “These LEGOs better be picked up in five minutes, or we’re filing assault charges.” You know, the normal kinds of parenting tricks. Unlike most of you, raising your perfect broods, my wife and I haven’t quite figured out the right concoction of threats. “I can live in a garden? The Tooth Fairy is coming?”
Jonathan McElvy Publisher
This doesn’t mean we’ve given up as parents, albeit we get closer every day. It just means Meghan and I have to maintain our stamina until the day after Thanksgiving of each year, when radio stations begin playing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and we hire a miniature parent to feather around our home. This may sound absolutely asinine, but consider the heartbreaking elation my wife and I felt the other night when we found our oldest son, Hank, 6, sitting at a table with pen and paper in hand whispering toward the ceiling. And to understand this moment of euphoria, you must first take a glimpse inside our daycare center. Hank and his younger brother, Cal, 3, have become proficient in the art of catastrophe. It starts with their voices, which echo around our home like electrocuted Screech Owls. That’s just the warning cry.
Hank borrows a toy, Cal throws a meaningless – though determined – punch, and our home instantly becomes a mound of trampled fire ants, with bites and stings and tiny legs churning every which way. Meanwhile, our precious, now 1-year-old daughter Eleanor Bo, gets caught in the stampede, screaming as loud as her brothers, squealing as they stumble by, and clanging her xylophone like a wannabe warrior. I am not too proud to confess our home likely registers on both the decibel and Richter scales most nights of the week. So you can imagine that Folger’s moment my wife and I shared earlier this week when we saw our oldest son – the ring leader of the fire ants – sitting at the dining room table, meekly addressing an 11-inch, crossed-eyed, mitten-wearing, malnourished Elf. If you have children and you don’t own Elf on the Shelf, stop whatever it is you’re doing, including any and all surgeries, and get yourself to a store. And if you don’t know the powers of this cheap, though magical, doll, consider this: Besides a few “Sight Words” Hank has learned to write at school, our son has never, once, attempted to write a complete sentence, as far as we know. We’ve been told they’re studying phonics in his kindergarten class, and we’ve begun to help him
Lynn Ashby Columnist
the Post isn’t Fox News. Apparently Bezos’ game plan for a company worked. In September 2018, Forbes described Bezos as “far richer than anyone else on the planet” when Amazon’s market cap briefly reached $1 trillion and his own net worth increased to $150 billion. Then his wife, MacKenzie, discovered Jeff had a girlfriend on the side, and the Bezoses divorced. They did not have a prenuptial agreement, so she received $35 billion, 25 percent of the couple’s stake in Amazon, and she is now the world’s thirdwealthiest woman. Poor Jeff was left with only $110 billion, which is where we come in. Should we buy more through Amazon to keep Jeff from filing for bankruptcy, or at least stake him to some chump change in his bridge games with Warren Buffet (worth $85 billion)? Remember that Jeff has his problems -- besides alimony and child support. Some tree-huggers lament that all those Amazon delivery trucks are polluting the air, but if we drive around town from store to store looking for the perfect gift and can’t find a purple spittoon or an Aaron Burr doll, doesn’t that smog up the air even more? Better to scroll through Amazon’s offers. I have my own problem: I want to help the homeless by giving them big cardboard boxes to sleep in. How does Amazon ship them? Amazon’s takeover of American shopping has led other businesses to go into the home delivery service, so it’s not just pizzas that are being delivered to your door – restaurants and fast-foods, too. Even grocery stores are getting into the act, but I don’t want someone else picking out my lettuce, apples and steaks. About half the time I would have to send them back – mold is so yukky. The big box stores like Target are now delivering goods ordered on line. To compete, will Amazon start shipping hit men, adopted children, cars in boxes? (“Some assembly may be required.”) Given Bezos’ recent matrimonial problems, divorce lawyers? Maybe in a Seattle office a panel of constitutional scholars is working on a Presidential impeachment with next-day delivery. “Best regards, Jeff Bozos.” All of this shipping by almost everyone is staggering: On average UPS handles 7.6-million packages every day, while FedEx handle 7.5-million daily. Amazon ships an average of 608-million packages each year, which equates to an estimated 1,600,000 packages a day. (As noted earlier, Amazon
for a picture, picking up skin-puncturing LEGOs. We can count on two fingers the number of times he has obeyed without prodding. Third, we constantly ask him very basic questions about what he learned at school that day, what he ate for lunch, where he left his water bottle. We don’t even need fingers to count how many times he has those answers. What this means, if I’m adding all the pieces correctly, is that we’ve spent more than 2,000 days attempting to teach our son some of the basic skills for surviving in this world and we’ve failed miserably. Yet in a single night, when a red and green felt-covered, squirmy doll escapes from its box and hangs from a chandelier, our son immediately sits quietly in his chair, says “Please” and “Thank You,” learns how to write, and ignores every thumping his little brother delivers. Some of you may think we’re the worst parents this side of the Brazos, but that’s OK. We can’t stop singing that catchy Christmas song: It’s the most wonderful time of the year With the elf navigating And kids all obeying you be of good cheer It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com
THE READER.
Paddling up the Amazon THE FRONT DOOR – Here is another one, a brown cardboard box from Amazon. They are dumped on our front porch almost hourly, because we are Prime Amazon customers. It used to be that the boxes were only delivered by FedEx or UPS, but Amazon figured it could save money by creating its own fleet, too -- snappy looking trucks, brown with the Amazon Prime logo on the side. Do you use Amazon? If so, feel exclusive. More than 100-million Americans use the service, with 64 million of them Prime members, which means you pay $119 a year or $12.99 a month so you can call yourself a Prime Amazon member. The average Primer spends about $1,400 a year on orders, non-Primers spend about $600 annually. Amazon, as you know, is the brainchild of Jeff Bezos, Texas rancher, rocket man, former McDonald’s short-order cook, and he didn’t’ even start out as Jeff Bezos. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen and Ted Jorgensen. His mother was a 17-year-old high school student, and his father was a bike shop owner. After Jacklyn divorced Ted, she married Cuban immigrant Miguel “Mike” Bezos in April 1968. Mike adopted four-yearold Jeff Jorgensen, whose surname was then changed to Bezos. The family moved to Houston where Jeff attended River Oaks Elementary School from fourth to sixth grades, then the family moved to Florida. While Bezos was in high school, he worked at McDonald’s as a short-order line cook during the breakfast shift. Bezos graduated from Princeton University in 1986 with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. He worked at a series of jobs, then hatched the Amazon plan during a brain storm in late 1994 on a cross-country road trip from New York City to Seattle, which may be why Amazon is based there. Other things we should know about him. His maternal grandmother was Mattie Louise Gise (née Strait), which makes Jeff a cousin of George Strait. Bezos’ maternal grandfather was Lawrence Preston Gise, who retired early to his family’s ranch near Cotulla, where young Bezos would spend many summers. He must have liked it there, because he would later purchase the ranch and expand it from 25,000 acres to 300,000 acres. He founded space services companies which makes us wonder about future package deliveries. He originally named his company Cadabra but later changed the name to Amazon, in part because the name begins with the letter A, the beginning of the alphabet. Bezos purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million in cash. Nobody buys a major newspaper for cash, well, almost nobody. President Donald Trump, ever the wit, calls him Jeff Bozos because
read short sentences, but we’ve seen limited application and only when prompted with the aforementioned threats. “If you don’t write your words, this pencil will turn into a fire-spitting dragon.” “I get to have a dragon? Cool!” So when we walked in the dining room and peered over Hank’s shoulder, you can only imagine the pride we felt when we learned our son, at the very least, tried to form a cognitive thought on paper. “Can i ples hav a basgitbol. Can it be qreen. Ad ples hav a pocemon shrts.” Look, we never expected to raise Shakespeare in our home, especially with my proclivity for short sentences and wanting humor. But, by gosh, I’ve read Twitter accounts with less clarity. The next morning, still proud of my son’s accomplishments, I realized something either incredibly harrowing or wonderfully simple. My wife and I have spent more than six years trying to teach our son a few simple lessons. First, we ask him to sit quietly at the table, of which he has never done, especially when girded with the agitation of his younger brother. Second, we have asked him to stay focused on whatever project we request at the moment – putting on underwear, brushing his hair, smiling
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
Carport a problem after 18 years?
uses other carriers besides its own.) How many cardboard boxes does this total, and what do we do with them? (If you didn’t invest in Amazon stock, buy companies that make cardboard boxes. Business must be great.) Then there are porch pirates, a relatively new name for a new crime. I order the very last pet rock and am told it has been delivered, only to come home and find no package. My neighbor’s security cameras show a van pulling up to my house and a guy runs out and picks up my package. If the van is brown and sports “Amazon Prime” on the side, I’ll know Bezos is really hurting. How things would be different if Bezos had make that road trip from NYC to Houston, or even better if his dad had stayed in Houston. What a fancy McDonald’s we would have. Ashby shops at ashby2@comcast.net
Dear Editor: So the carport’s been there for 18 years, and no one has objected until now? After the Spencers spent thousands of dollars to improve their home’s “curb appeal”? I’ve no idea if OF, Sec. 13, is undergoing the ever-spreading “gentrification” as other sections have experienced, but I strongly suspect that the new residents’ upscale sensibilities are offended in seeing (gasp) a carport in “their” neighborhood. Perhaps the HOA should concern itself with increased flooding due to continued building of McMansions, easement-to-easement, including impermeable roofs and driveways, and bulldozing trees and green spaces. After my backyard and detached garage flooded the second time (after 2 inches of rain), I asked the builder of one such home under construction adjacent to my backyard where will all the rainwater go once he has addressed the drainage issues. Are the gutters and drainage system connected to the storm drains? He said “nah, they just drain into the street.” Yes, I know City officials have said that our streets act as drainage systems, but eventually all that rainwater will one day flood our homes unless the City upgrades OF’s outdated sewer/storm drains. Marilyn K. (45-yr OF homeowner)
Memorial Park Golf Course now the prize inside 610
Dear Editor: I played Memorial many many times growing up and really learned how to play there. It was long
from the tips and although over played you still got a sense of her former glory back in the woods. It was long but still forgiving. I don’t remember ever being able to get a round under 4 hours though. I remember walking on as a teen, talking with the starter for about an hour, sometimes bringing him coffee to let me get off. I remember many 5+ hour rounds and afternoon week day nine hole finishing in the dark wondering where the ball ended up hoping it was on the green. I loved that place and many buckets of balls on the range. From about 78-88 it was my place to play. Still cheap back then and broke 80 there for the first time. Dean Mobley
Seven-story apartment complex planned for Shady Acres
Dear Editor: This will make sure that traffic through the neighborhood is even worse, and that flooding will continue to increase. The neighborhood doesn’t have the same resources as the stop Ashby High Rise crowd. Plus, the current crop at city hall loves to help out developers as much as possible, such as with the construction on Shepherd at W. 15th. The out of town developer that is building that monstrosity has closed a block of W15th as well as the sidewalk along Shepherd for several months. Why do the wealthy get to use public resources to get even richer. I am tired of subsidizing everyone else. Jason Hochman
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss 1. __ blache: Freedom 6. Plan 12. A jolt 15. ÒDoonesburyÓ character 16. Inspiring with love 17. Blood type 19. Anno Domini 20. Janet Reno held this post 21. Arab Republic of Egypt 22. Midway between south and east 23. Sodium 24. Twitches 26. Not loud 28. Hindmost 30. Be quiet! 31. This gives you money 32. Check 34. Short-term memory 35. Askew 37. Platforms 39. Towards the mouth 40. Copied 41. Emerges 43. Menial laborer 44. Chinese sword 45. Energy unit 47. Unhappy 48. The Golden State (abbr.)
50. External 52. Strayed 54. Liquid body substances 56. Plutonium 57. Truckers use this 59. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 60. Beloved British princess Lady __ 61. The Bay State (abbr.) 62. Thallium 63. Rebuilt 66. Element 67. The law of retaliation 70. Cuts 71. Mexican monetary units
dOwn 1. Mothlike insect 2. Equally 3. Flightless birds 4. Grilling tool 5. When you plan to arrive 6. Thoroughfare 7. Philosophical life force 8. Birds 9. Anxious 10. ManÕs title 11. Issued
13. Prayer leader 14. Edible red algae 15. Hitters need this 18. Froths on fermenting liquors 25. A two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle 26. Amount (abbr.) 27. Small amount 29. Fundamental quality 31. Cubage unit 33. Bleated 36. No longer is 38. Initial public offering 39. Hard to interpret 41. Highly skilled 42. The woman 43. A bachelor has one 46. Trial prints 47. Passover feast 49. Military forces 51. Plant part 53. Remake 54. Flanks 55. Swiss river 58. Ottoman governors 60. Vale 64. Encountered 65. One track circuit 68. Opposite of yes 69. Hello (slang)
WORD SCRAMBLE
THINGS TO TO DO. DO. THINGS The Arts
The Arts The Flatlanders
Friday, Nov. 22 Josh Weathers 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6Theater – 339 W. The Heights 719th p.m.St. The Theater – 339 W. at TheHeights Flatlanders is performing 19th St. The Heights Theater. Josh Weathers is performing at The Heights Harley Poe Theater.
Friday, Nov. 22 Tunes 7 p.m.in the Tap Room Tuesday, Dec. 10 Hall – 2915 N. White Oak Music 6:30 9:30 p.m. Main–St. Harold’s Restaurant Tap Harley Poe with The&Homeless Room – 350 W. 19th St. Gospel is performing at White Enjoy liveHall. music in Harold’s Tap Oak Music Room every Tuesday night. Coco Montoya Saturday, Nov. 23 8 p.m. The Heights Theater – 339 W. Heights Epicurean Market 19th St. Dec. 7 Saturday, Coco Montoya performing at 8:30 a.m. – 1:30isp.m. The Heights Theater. 1245 Heights Blvd. This once-monthly market Los Walters invites Texas farmers who Saturday, Nov. are dedicated to23 organic and 8 p.m. chemical-free farming, artisans, White Oak Music – 2915 N. bakers, and all sortsHall of local food Main St. together in a fun block producers Los style Walters is performing at party atmosphere complete Whitecrafts Oak for Music with theHall. children.
The Markets
Hayes CarllMarket Eleanora’s Sunday, Nov. Saturday, Dec.24 7 p.m. – 1 p.m. 97 a.m. The Heights Theater 339 W. Cavatore – 2120 Ella –Blvd. 19th St.will be local growers, There Hayes designers, Carll is performing makers, artisans at andThe Heights Theater. food producers. Tunes inArtisan the TapMarket Room Heights Tuesday, Nov. Saturday, Dec. 26 7 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Harold’s Restaurant & Tap 215 E. 10th St. Room – 350 W. 19th Market St. The Heights Artisan was Enjoy music in Harold’s born outlive of an additional needTap Room every&Tuesday by Houston Heightsnight. area artists for an invitational holiday market for their work. This year they celebrate that 7th anniversary and welcome all to satisfy their holiday shopping needs and the Eleanora’s Market need to buyNov. local23 and handmade. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. First Saturday Arts Market Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd. Saturday, 7 growers, There willDec. be local 11 a.m. –designers, 6 p.m. artisans and makers, 540 19th St. foodW. producers. First Saturday Arts Market represents the, from many diverse Coyote P. 1Aand popular mediums all in a festive, outdoor market. discharge of a firearm, it was a
The Markets
police matter. Heights NewsHoliday of theMarket coyote’s deSaturday, Dec. 7 mise elicited a strong response 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. from residents such as Megan Paschall, who said the coyote was a regular traveler by her house. “We have just as many stray animals that aren’t small coyJohnPaschall Albert said. Tracy, Jr.,awful. 85, otes,� “It’s born June 20, died Nov. 22. Wildlife is nice to have.� Others Catherine said they Perwouldn’t Angela have 95, to born worry so27, much Nov. died now kins, about Nov. 22.their She isoutdoor survived dogs by herand daughter and son-in-law cats. Many said theDiane coyote and Ken McAlpine sister looked too thin and andher was perFlorence Miller.slowly Grandchildren: haps dying from starJames and Brenda Swick, Melissa vation. Some believed that Swick, Michael and Deanna Swick, shootingDerrick, a coyote was and better Nicholas Meaghan than the alternatives. Nathan Fine, Brittany and Joseph “Personally, I think shootNoska, Ian and Katie McAlpine ing Connor them isMcAlpine. far more humane and Great Grandchildren: Jon Powthan setting Tara outand(conibear) ell, Matthew Swick,Hickman Hailey Swick, traps,� LeeAnn said. Gwendolyn Ezra Noska, “But catchDerrick, and release is not Ellis Noska, Drew Noska, Paige considered an option because McAlpine, Shane McAlpine and you’ll just be relocating a nuiher namesake Catherine Diane sanceGreat animal one place Fine. Greatfrom Grandchildren: to another.� Alexander Powell and Baby PowBonnie Bradshaw ell due Summer 2020. with 911 Wildlife, a wildlife removal Marie G. Cameron, 85, with and relocation company born Dec.in21,Houston, died Nov. 23. offices said the good-riddance attitude regardPauline ing coyotesR.isSalazar, typical in79, neighborn July 31, died Nov. 26. She borhoods throughout the U.S.
The Farm Stand at Petrol 935 Harvard St. Station This is the 15th annual Heights Saturday, Nov. 23 Holiday Market, featuring hand9 a.m. – 1 p.m. made goods by local artists and 948 Wakefield Dr. crafts people. The Farm Stand at Petrol Station features goods from local Heights Morning Market vendors. Sunday, Dec. 8 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Little White Oak Night Market 3106 White Oak Dr. Saturday, Nov. 23 Stop by to shop and stay to 4 – 8 p.m. brunch, drink mimosas, and listen Sideout Volleybar – 2623 to live music at Onion Creek. Keene St. The Little White Oak Night Market brings together local farmers, craft merchandisers, and artists. Merry Market at St. Rose Heights Morning Saturday, Dec. 7 Market Sunday, 24 10 a.m. –Nov. 2 p.m. 10 Rose a.m. –of2Lima p.m. – 3600 BrinkSt. 3106St. White Oak Dr. man Heights Morning Market Join St. Rose for their Annual gathers local talented shopping event, the St.artisans, Rose of farmers, andMarket. entrepreneurs to be Lima Merry There will bring youvendors closer to the goods you multiple selling goodies need.Jewelry Stop bytototreats shop to andhome stay to from brunch, drink mimosas, and listen decor and more. Free Admission to live at Onion Creek. and all music are welcome.
The Pews Â
The Pews
O’Holy Heights Christmas Extravaganza Saturday, Dec. 7 Pre-Thanksgiving Worship 6 p.m. Service Heights Presbyterian Church – Sunday, Nov. 24 240 W. 18th St. 10:17 a.m. Heights Presbyterian Church is St. Matthew’s UMC – 4300 N. hosting the O’Holy Heights ChristShepherd Dr. mas Extravaganza, where there St. Matthew’s United Methodist will be a Santa in the Gazebo for Church cordially invites the compictures, hot cocoa, coffee, wasmunity to attend the Pre-Thankssail, cookies, other desserts and giving Worship service. a silent auction. There will also be a Christmas concert with the Thanks & Giving Banquet Heights worship team and more Sunday, Nov. 24 lead by David Davis. Price: $12 5 p.m. donation for the concert. Garden Oaks Baptist Church – 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. St. Matthew’s Event Garden Oaks Baptist Church Sunday, Dec. 8 will be celebrating Thanksgiving 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with a Thanks & Giving Banquet St. Matthew’s UMC – 4300 N. on Sunday evening. The church Shepherd Dr. will be providing turkey, dressing, The church will host a blood/ gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls. platelet drive in support of a Members will be furnishing adyoung member fighting cancer. ditional dishes. Visitors are welSchedule your appointment at come to come enjoy good food, http://tinyurl.com/hturner1219. Christian fellowship and to give Monetary donations welcome. thanks for the blessings of the A complimentary lunch will be past year. For additional details, provided to donors. The church please call (713) 864-4447.  is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Drive. See church web site or call office at 713-697-0671 for more “The key is that as long as information.
food, shelter and water are Blue Christmas Service available, another coyote will Sunday, Dec. 8 the one that soon replace 2died,� p.m. Bradshaw said. “And if it was an alpha female, her death will trigger the other females in the surrounding area to have larger litters in the isspring.� survived by her son, Paul Bradshaw the norSalazar and hisalso wife,said Marchele mal, healthy a coySalazar; siblings,weight LorettaofCanales in Texas only 25Araiza pounds. &ote husband Joe,isMarjorie & husband Jesus, Lawrence Rodri“People in urban areas comguez wife Lucy, to Linda Lozano, pare& coyotes their oftenand Yolanda Rodriguez; overweight dogs,� shealong said. with family A many person whoand is friends passionate who loved and will miss her imabout coyotes is Camilla H. mensely. Fox, the founder and executive director of Project Steven Adamek, 41, Coyote born - a 1,national orgaJuly died Nov. nonprofit 26. nization based in Mill Valley, Joann Leyva, 60, born Jan. California, that promotes com15, died Nov. 27. passionate conservation and coexistence between people Jo Marie and wildlifeBankston through died educaNov. 28. She is survived by her tion, science and advocacy. daughter, Donna Bankston Fox calls the coyote “maDornak, her husband, Allen,a and ligned“Jimmy� carnivore� and said James Bankston, his it is estimated that grandchildren, 500,000 coywife, Amy. “FiFi’s� Matt his wife, otes Dornak, are killed eachJessie; year by Brad Dornak, his wife, Sarah; and humans, partly because they Ethan and Cayden Bankston. are unprotected by law in 42 states. Ricarda born There Molina, are no 88,definitive Jan. 12, died Nov. 28. population counts for coyotes either.
THE OBITUARIES.
The Leader • Saturday, November 23, 2019 • Page 5A The Leader • Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Page 5A lead by David Davis. Price: $12 donation for the concert. present a program of Christmas music in the sanctuary of Oaks Presbyterian Church. The community is invited. Open Mic Night Peace Through Pie Tuesday, Nov. 26 Saturday, Jan. 18 9 p.m. 10 a.m. –Vinyl noon– 3301 Cline St. Heights St.This Matthew’s UMC – 4300 N. is a free flowing, “tap in,â€? Shepherd share the mic event where everyone is welcome.
Women’s Bible Study Group St. Stephen’s UMC – 2003 W. Monday, Nov. 25 43rd St. 5:30 p.m. For those who are grieving this YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. holiday season, a Blue Christmas The Women’s Bible Study meets Service will be held Dec. 8 in the every Monday at the Harriet sanctuary. A special GriefShare and Joe Foster YMCA. The study session, “Surviving the Holidays� is called The Faithful, which will be held December 10 from explores crucial moments in 6 8the p.m. in Room 201. lives of five Old Testament
Fun & Games
6:30 – 7:30 a.m.
YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. Fun & Games The Men’s Scripture Sharing
Group meets every Thursday at Library Events the HarrietDec. and Joe Thursday, 5 Foster YMCA. will be music, Bible study 5There – 7 p.m. and fellowship. Guests and new – Heights Neighborhood Library members are welcome 1302 Heights Blvd. to attend this Bible Onnon-denominational Dec. 5 is a Holiday Open study. Email scripturesharing@ House. You can visit the Heights earthlink.net for information. Neighborhood Library, enjoy light refreshments, and learn Holiday what yourArtisan library Market has to offer. Saturday, Nov. 3012 from 5 – 7 On Thursday, Dec. 9 a.m. – 4 Living p.m. Room @ HPL p.m. is the Stephen’sLatinas. UMC –Come 2003join W. –St.Navidades 43rdtake St. part in our Hispanic and The Holiday Artisan Holiday Celebration atMarket, the library. benefitting Justice Learn aboutthe andAnimal enjoy traditional League,music, will becrafts held inand themore. west flavors, sanctuary parking lot, featuring a variety of vendors and food Book Signing trucks. Contact Kim Antley at Saturday, Dec. 7 regard1redlipdesigns@gmail.com – 3 p.m. ing vendor participation. The Book Scene – 1820 W. 43rd St. O’Holy Heights Christmas William Dylan Powell will sign Extravaganza and discuss his new book, Secret Saturday,atDec. Houston, The 7Book Scene. 6 p.m. Drop in for lively conversations, Heights Presbyterian Church – refreshments and prizes. 240 W. 18th St. HeightsChristmas Presbyterian Church is Heights Festival hosting the O’Holy Heights ChristSunday, Dec. 8 mas Extravaganza, where there 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. will be a Santa in the Gazebo Apostles Houston – 1111 W.for pictures, 14th St. hot cocoa, coffee, wassail, other All cookies, are invited anddesserts welcomeand to a silent There willlive alsomujoin the auction. festival for lunch, be agames, Christmas concert the sic, photo booth,with cotton Heightscookie worship team andwreath more candy, decorating, making, $1 raffle and more.
Local business is our business.
Black MS Choir “They’re Dec. not valued enough Wednesday, 11 to monitor,� 10:30 a.m. Fox said. Oaks Presbyterian Texas is a stateChurch where– coy1576 Chantilly otes are undefended and clasBlack as Middle School choir will sified a non-game species.
reviewed, radio-collar studies have proven that most relocated wild animals die within two weeks after being released in unfamiliar areas.� The incident along the bayou last week warranted a police visit because it is illegal to discharge a firearm inside the corporated limits of a municipality having a population of 100,000 or more. “It’s dangerous,� Cannon said. “No matter what you are shooting at, it’s still an illegal discharge of firearms.� Cannon said anyone with information about the incident should call HPD. Fox said the irony is that if humans left coyotes alone to self-regulate, they would do so. Project Coyote’s Coyote Friendly Communities program aims to give both urban and rural audiences the tools to foster coexistence. “We need to teach coyotes (about) the behavior we don’t support,� Fox said.
TPWD Wildlife biologist Diana Foss of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department said it is illegal to kill a coyote for commercial purposes on publicly Jamesland Jordan Armentor, owned in Texas. 49, born Oct. 4, died Nov 29. He “However, it wife, is legal to Lynn (kill) is survived by his Diana a coyote son, on Michael private Armentor; property Armentor; for anyJimreason,� Foss said. parents; and Pat Armentor; “The Elizabeth person taking the Butts coyote sister, Armentor and husband brother in-law,limust have aBill; current hunting Kent Janik wife Lisa Stewart; cense. Noand permit from TPWD nephew, Liam Butts; mother inis needed.� law, Gertrude Janik; close friend, Foss also said a newly Edward Wiseman. passed law, House Bill 4544, allows cities, such Geraldcertain Joseph Burno, 81,as Houston, todied manage coyotes born Dec. 25, Nov. 29. by capturing, relocating or Louie George Pali, 83, euthanizing a coyote located born Maythe 23, died 30.or He the within city Nov. limits iscity’s survived by son David Pali jurisextraterritorial and his wife daughter asdiction or Monica, by requesting Kimberly Copeland and her hussistance from Texas Kristine Wildlife band Jeff, grandchildren; Services. Briley (Dillon), Justin Pali, Cody Relocating coyote, acCopeland, Camryna Copeland, cording Bradshaw, also and ConnortoCopeland along with his siblings,numerous likely means death. nieces, nephews, etc. to public opinion, “Contrary relocated animals don’t have a Olga Marie wonderful newO’connor, life out in98,the born Sept. 23, died Dec. 1. country where they belong,� Bradshaw said. “Multiple peer-
1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470
Home of Johnson School for â—† Little Children 2003 W.of 43rd St. â—†Memorial 713-686-8241 s t sChildren umc.org HomeRev. Johnson School for Little NathanMemorial Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, X sPastor tsumc.org 2003 W.Rev. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241
2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 X s t s u m c . o r g
49
$
40
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of quality care for your family pets
Dog Rabies Vaccination
8
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75*
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Register at: heightsnorhill.com
• Worship Morning (English) ..... 10:00 am - 10:45am 11:00am Worship ............... Wednesday Studies Youth, • Worship Bible (English) .....For 10:00 amChildren - 11:00am
• Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm MANNA Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children • Hour ........... Adults ............................ 6:15pm • Learning Worship and (Spanish) .... 11:00am 12:30 pm--12:00pm 1:30pm MANNA Sponsor and Adults............................ 6:15pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm Sponsor 1602 West 43rd St. • > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577
1602 West 43rd St. • > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577
Weekly Sunday Services Weekly Sunday r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N • Bible Study: Services 9:15 a.m.
r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N r .PSOJOH B N • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. Morning:10:30 a.m. r .PSOJOH B N r &WFOJOH Q N • Morning:10:30 a.m. Evening: 4:15 p.m. SE r &WFOJOH Q N rd BU 3PTTMZO 8FTU • Evening: 4:15 p.m. 1700 West 43 at Rosslyn
SE 8FTU 713-682-4942 1700 West 43 rd BU 3PTTMZO at Rosslyn Pastor –– Dr. 713-682-4942 Pastor Dr. Richard Richard Walters Walters
www.gethsemanelutheran.org Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.
Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Ministries for All Ages Home ofSunday Johnson Memorial School for Little Children Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults HomeRev. of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children 9:40 Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor Sunday School for Children, YouthPastor and Adults 9:40 Ministries for AllBledsoe, Ages Rev. Nathan Lonsdale â—† 713-686-8241 â—† s t s u m c . o r g 2003 W. 43rd St.Ministries for All Ages
Routine Male Cat Neuters
By Pastor Will Cover By Pastor WillChurch Cover Arise Baptist By Arise Pastor WillChurch Cover Baptist 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 ByArise Pastor Will Cover Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin• St. Houston, TX 77018 713-659-9697 www.arisebaptistchurch.org
We invite you to worship with Sunday School & Bible Classes Weekly Worship Services 9:0010:30 a.m.amus! WeWeekly invite you to worship with Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 10:30 9-2 p.m. SundayWorship School & Bible Classes amus! Services 9:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday Morning Worship 8:30and andAdults 11:00 9:40 Sunday School for Children, Youth Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 Ministries for All Ages
FREE
WHAT I’M Don’t Forget to THE ENEMY Don’t Forget to THANKFUL FOR Say Thank You WITHIN Say Thank You
4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 We invite you to •worship with us! Pastor Jerry McNamara 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227 We invite you to •worship with Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m.us! 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227
Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 a.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 a.m. Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org www.gethsemanelutheran.org
New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam
Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon
Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ...ELCA 9:30am St. James Lutheran Church, Sunday Bible Studies For ............... All Ages ...ELCA 9:30am St. James Lutheran Church, Morning Worship 10:45am
Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Pastor Jerry McNamara
713-906-5481
5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625
DIRECTORY DIRECTORY
t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children t -FBSOJOH )PVS For BN QN t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN Wednesday Bible Studies Youth, Children and Adults............................ 6:15pm t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN and Adults............................ 6:15pm 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t
713-906-5481
La Lucha is hosting a guest barAddress City ST Zip Code Closure Date tender series benefiting charity. Sandra 73, 77018 born Nov. 2, died on Nov. On1215 Nov. 27, Quinones W Alphonso 43rd Street, Houston C. Gresham, TX 12/2/19 18. Sheis survived by her husband, Thomas Michael from Capt. Foxheart’s Bad News 2808 Gessner Drive, Houstondaughter, Tara TX (Gresham) 77080 12/2/19and daughGresham; Anderson; Bar & Spirit Lodge will be at La 16211 Cypress Rd, TXTyrell. 77429 12/2/19 ter,Cypress Suzanne (Gresham) Lucha. TheSpring charity of his choice is Child Advocates. 8000 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands TX 77382 12/2/19 Carlos EduardoTXSampaio, 56, 12/2/19 born Oct. 7, died 7440 FM 1960 Rd. E Humble 77346 Turkey Burn Rev Ride Oct. 29. He is survived by his daughters Clara and Celia, 3300 Center St Deer Park TX 77536 12/2/19 Thursday, Nov. 28 his sister Christina, brother Luiz and ex-wife Michelle. He 9 –9810 10 a.m. S Mason Rd Richmond TX 77406 was employed by NASA. A celebration12/2/19 gathering will be DEFINE Heights – 714 Yale St. 5200 Westheimer Rd Houston TX23, at Heights 77056 Funeral 12/3/19Home, 1317 held from 3-5 p.m. Nov. Ste. 200 Heights DEFINE kickingRd off a day of 411 S isMason Katy Blvd. TX 77450 12/3/19 feasting with a Thanksgiving 24917 FM 1314 Rd Porter TX 77365 12/3/19 Day Turkey Burn Class across Spacelocations. Center Blvd Houston TX 77062 12/3/19 all 16185 Houston-area The Turkey BurnKuykendahl is a 60 minute rev 26288 Road Tomball TX 77375 12/3/19 ride (indoor cycling) to give you Experience and 11970 Spring Cypress Road Tomball TX 77377 12/3/19 the energy to feel your best and Knowledge... 1919 your W Gray St Houston TX 77019 12/4/19 kickstart metabolism. A Powerful 8430 Broadway St. Pearland TX 77584 12/4/19 Combination The Houston Genealogical 19710 Holzwarth Rd Spring TX 77388 12/4/19 Forum Presents: In Search Send your story of interest Realty Associates of 2605 William “The Immigrant� West Holcombe Boulevard Houston TX 77025 12/5/19 DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT Cloude news@theleadernews.com Saturday, Dec. 7 Walgreens store and pharmacy location will remain open. We encourage you 9The a.m.-noon to seekCommunity services of another healthcare provider in your local area (as needed), Bayland Center 6400 and Bissonnet if you would like to request that your health records from Walgreens HealthWhenClinic presenter care be Janine sent to you or another healthcare provider, please call Cloud’s direct paternal line 855-WALGREENS (855-925-4733). paper trail dead-ends in 1838 Georgia, she turned to Y-DNA testing to attempt to prove a connection between her brick wall ancestor and William “The Immigrant� Cloud, who settled in Pennsylvania Colony in about 1682. Come enjoy Janine’s presentation and learn how to apply these DNA principles to your own family research.
CHURCH MANNA MANNA 4QPOTPS 4QPOTPS
Bradley Herdejurgen, 59, born April 4, died Beauty’s Garden,Ross in partnership onStNov. 12. He wasand a loving Dad and Grandpa. Experience and He loved with Matthews Church Peace PIE, will host and its he would his through granddaughters, do anything for them Knowledge... 4thfrom Annual MLK Peace through A parties, Powerful playing softball to having tea swimming with PIEthem Day, with theme of ‘Food, Combination andatrying their food creations. His hobbies included Health and Community.� This showing dogs, specifically Great Danes, listening to his event will feature free food, pies Realty Rock and Roll Music, entertaining his Associates daughter and grandDEBBIE and our annual homemade comourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT daughters, he loved to travel and try new restaurants. He munity pie contest.
is preceded in Death by his father Allen Ross Herdejurgen. He is survived by his mother Donna Marie Herdejurgen, former wife Marilyn Herdejurgen, Daughter Courtney MarieHouston Cullever and husband Stacy Cullever, GrandaughBar Takeover Wednesday, Nov. 27 ters Torey Nicole Cullever and Harlie Alexa Cullever, his 6The – 9 p.m. following Walgreens Healthcare ClinicHerdejurgen locations inand thewife Houston area brother Scott Mildred, andwill two of La Lucha – 1801 N. Shepherd be permanently closing on thehisdesignated dates: favorite dogs Bolt and Roxie. He will be greatly missed Dr. by many who knew and loved him.
figures--Queen Esther, Gideon, Active Hosea, Shooter Malachi, Education and Nehemiah. Tuesday, Jan. 28members are Guests and new 6:30 – 8 p.m. welcome to attend this nonAdvent LutheranBible Church – 5820 denominational study. Pinemont Dr. Email scripturesharing@earthlink. This will focus on active net forevent information. shooter education and common sense Hosted Group by Men’sinstruction. Scripture Sharing Stephen Daniel Thursday, Nov.of28HPD.
St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ELCA ... 9:30am St. James Lutheran Church, Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am
THE OBITUARIES.
Pastor Pastor –– Dr. Dr. Richard Richard Walters Walters
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Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday 10am &9am 5pm SundayWorship Bible Classes Sunday Bible Classes Wednesday Bible Study9am 7pm Wednesday Bible Study 7pm
4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 4215 Watonga Blvd. 713-681-9365 Houston, TX•77092 Houston, TX 77092
803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org Have713-659-9697 you ever felt• frustrated at Thanksgiving? I www.arisebaptistchurch.org ometimes is the enemy we within that the most remember as ait boy wishing could be isdone with e are entering a time of holidays celebrations dangerous. In the wonderful story and of the children the family tradition of saying what we were thankful eforaremany entering a time of holidays celebrations people in our country. Thanksgiving is of Israel rebuilding the walls aroundand Jerusalem they for before we ate. wanted to get have to the food for as for many people inasour country. is a holiday thatI enemies we Americans faced some powerful outside ofThanksgiving theenjoyed city that quicklya as possible! The turkey, ham, mashed holiday that we are as Americans have for generations. people looking forward toenjoyed time spent threatened toMany attack them, the insulted their workmanship, generations. Many people are looking forward to cranberry time spent potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, with family, time off from work, a big feast, watching football, and basically did everything they could to keep the with family, time off from work, a big feast, watching football, catching the biggest sales ofrebuilding the years, and probably many sauce, homemade dinner rolls, etc. were piled high Israelites from success in the walls. God was catching the biggest sales of the years, probably many others things Thanksgiving weekend. There will be on myto plate. The this aromas wafting upand from mywall loaded good the during people, they worked hard, and the was others things during this Thanksgiving weekend. There will be some people who will struggle during the this time of holiday rebuilt in record time!toThey hadmy won a tremendous victory plate were enough make mouth water and my some people who will struggle during the this time holiday as they loved ones who have lost,ofItor close and theyremember gave glory to God forthey the victory. wasn’t stomach achethe with anticipation. Why didlost, we or have to as they remember loved ones who they have close companions thatlater are unable tosame be together because ofonce the too many years that the enemies that had take time to talk about thanksgiving before we ate? companions thatlogistics. are unable to be together because thea schedule or the Either way, Thanksgiving willofbe been threatening them from outside were allowed to move Could we not just that while were eating? As schedule orpeople the logistics. Either way, we Thanksgiving will a time when aredo either thinking happy thoughts orbe sad inside. time whenabout people are either thinking happyself thoughts or sad an adult, I look back at my childish and realize thoughts something. Enemies inside, how does that happen? How could thoughts about something. Whenthis I was a boy, I remember mystill mother saying, “Don’tWhile forget why tradition was and is important. someone let a known enemy move in with“Don’t them? In When I was a boy, I remember my mother forget to say thank you.â€? Shethanks was reminding me saying, to be thankful to my the time of giving is not the important issue, chapter thirteen of Nehemiah we me read that Tobiah had to say thank you.â€? She was reminding to be thankful my grandmother for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, or to the priority of giving thanks does matter. As a child, been given afor place to live the The place grandmother thegave wonderful Thanksgiving or to my family member that me ainside special gift,temple. or tomeal, my friend who Ifamily wasn’t as thankful as I should have been because that was to be dedicated to the worship of God was now thatbirthday gave me party. a special gift,people or to my friend who invitedmember me to their Most want to teach children have abirthday natural sense of entitlement. The being used totheir an enemy ofMost God’s people. The high invited me to party. people want to teach their children tohouse be thankful. I think most people would agree priest had a grandson who married the daughter of a man longer I live the more I understand the truth of their children to be thankful. I think most would agree that being thankful is important, it is alsopeople true that it is not named Sanballat. was the God’s Word whenisSanballat itimportant, says “In everything give that being it isanother also that thanks, it of is not always to bethankful thankful depending on what we true areenemy going through. people, through these relationships the built always tobut be thankful depending what we are priest going through. for this is the of God inon Christ Jesus concerning The Bible says inwill Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for an all alliance with Tobiah and ended up letting move into The Bible says inand Ephesians 5:20 thanks always all things unto God the Father the name ofhim our Lord Jesus you.â€? I can give thanks in allin“Giving things because Godfor is in the temple. things unto God and Father in name of our Lord Jesus Christ.â€? I of would you, nothe matter you feel during control myencourage life.the I am thankful forhow our city and for TheI children oftoIsrael experienced great blessing and Christ.â€? would encourage you, nothat matter how you feel during this season remember you canresponded be thankful to the holiday individuals and organizations that to success returning to God and toa obedience His this holiday season remember that you can beto thankful to God. He by gave up Histo only Son to die cruel death on theWord. cross Hurricane Harvey in Son such anwere admirable way. I am God. Heanyone gave up His only to die cruel death on the cross Yet, the enemies oftrusts God’s people always trying to get so that who him can bea forgiven of their sins and thankful have started new church this past so that anyone who trusts himato can bethank forgiven their sinsyear and them to gotoalife. different way. They built relationships with have eternal Don’t forget say you!of that was able to partto in the community efforts have life. Don’t forget sayfurther thank you! leaders of the Israelites and continued their attacks just in If youeternal would like totake discuss this or have questions, you would like to discuss this In further or have questions, to help people after amwe thankful for my Pastor Will Cover can beHarvey. reached atI life Arise Baptist Church at aIf quieter and “friendlierâ€? way. must do things Pastor Willchildren, Cover canmy be reached atand Arisemy Baptist Church at 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697. God’s way. The enemy may even look friendly at times, wife, my parents, friends. I am 803 Curtin or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697. but if theySt., are doing something contrary God’s Word, thankful for my country that gives me to the freedoms they arethink, still anand enemy. we be willing to so examine to live, write May as I wish. There is much each thing to andgive person carefully according the standard for which thanks. What are youtothankful for?
S W W
of God’s Word and not allow the enemy to move within.
Page 6A • Saturday, December 7, 2019 • The Leader
How often should you bathe your pets? quire more frequent bathing and sometimes benefit from specific kinds or medicated shampoos. If your dog has a skin problem, you should discuss bathing recommendations with your veterinarian.” Get skin check at vet’s office Though your veterinarian can examine your pet’s skin during a routine check-up, sometimes skin abnormalities can develop between appointments. If you notice any abnormalities while bathing or grooming your pet, you should have your pet exam-
Dear Tabby, How often should we be bathing our pets? My husband and I disagree on the topic. I feel like our dogs need to be bathed once a week, but he thinks we should only bathe them as needed. What do you think? Questioning Pet’s Hygiene in The Heights
ined by a veterinarian. Some noticeable changes might be increased odor and dander and may result in discomfort or itching in the animal. “In addition, animals with long hair are prone to matting. This can irritate the skin and result in wounds when removed or clipped out,” Diesel said. “Pets with long hair are at higher risk for fly strike and acquisition of maggots hidden within the mats and under the hair coat. These creatures can further damage the skin, causing wounds, infections, sepsis and potentially death.”
More severe or persistent skin conditions may benefit from examination by a boarded specialist in veterinary dermatology.
proved ear cleanser. “Gently place this in the dog or cat’s ear canal and massage to help deliver the solution along the length of the canal,” Diesel said. “An additional cotton ball can be used to wipe out excess fluid after the animal shakes their head. Q-tips should never be used to clean a dog or cat’s ears as this can lead to potential damage of the ear canal.” If you feel uncomfortable taking on the task of caring for your pet’s hygiene yourself, look into getting them
Ear cleanliness key Another important part of proper pet hygiene is keeping your pet’s ears clean. Most pet owners regularly bathe their pet to maintain their coat, but clean ears are just as important and should be part of your pet’s normal hygiene routine. When cleaning your pet’s ears, Diesel recommends saturating a cotton ball with a veterinarian ap-
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The Leader • Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Page 7A
Trustee candidate takes unique stance in rare race students. Blueford-Daniels also said she wants to foster harmony and collaboration on the HISD board by having trustees “cross-train” by familiarizing themselves with schools in geographic areas other than the ones they were elected to represent. Making sure kids graduate is another priority of BluefordDaniels, who said she became a community activist in 2006 after the death of her son, Patrick Charles Murphy. Blueford-Daniels said he was 20 years old at
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Gibbs too, because whoever wins the runoff will not have voting power on the school board in the near future. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced in early November that he would replace the ninemember, publicly elected HISD board with a state-appointed board of managers at a later date. In a Nov. 6 letter to HISD, Morath cited multiple reasons for that decision: the continued unacceptable academic performance at Wheatley High School, which failed to meet state academic standards for the seventh consecutive year; and the results of the Texas Education Agency’s special accreditation investigation that found HISD trustees violated the Texas Open Meetings Act and contract procurement rules, acted individually on the behalf of the board and exceeded the scope of their authority. The five existing trustees – along with newly elected board members Judith Cruz and Dani
Hernandez, either BluefordDaniels or Gibbs, and either Patricia Allen or Matt Barnes, who are in a runoff for the District IV seat – will eventually be phased back into full voting positions. They can still serve as board members even while they cannot vote, and both Blueford-Daniels and Gibbs said they would remain engaged with their schools, constituents and fellow board members during that time. “You might have to come in and vote on million-dollar contract,” Gibbs said. “So you have to be ready and stay prepared.” Blueford-Daniels led the five candidates in District II by receiving 42.5 percent of the vote on Election Day Nov. 5. Gibbs was second with 21.6 percent. Gibbs, an ordained minister, is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and said he opened a daycare at the campus in 2002 for students with children. His background also includes stints as a financial planner as well as a campaign manager for political
candidates in the Houston area and California. Gibbs has spent the last six years as the director of constituent services for Houston City Council member Michael Kubosh. “I’ve been doing this much longer (than Blueford-Daniels) as an advocate in the community,” Gibbs said. “I’ve been involved longer, have more experience and done more budgets than she has.” Blueford-Daniels, a Wheatley graduate who lives in the Fifth Ward, has recently worked in the office of state Sen. Borris Miles and said she has served on her Super Neighborhood council as well as a Harris County grand jury. Like Gibbs, Blueford-Daniels said she opposes the TEA’s impending takeover of the HISD board, saying she would prefer that the state replace individual problematic trustees as opposed to the entire board. Blueford-Daniels and Gibbs both said they want to see HISD improve vocational training for its
Brash, from P. 1A
SPJST Lodge #88 1435 Beall at 15th St. www.hgca.org • 713-981-6463
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PRIMARY CARE Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Erin Bolivar As a primary care physician, Erin Bolivar, MD, strives to treat the whole person and not just the disease. She is a board-certified family physician joining Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in The Heights. Dr. Bolivar’s specialties include: • Acute and chronic care • Complete physicals and health screenings • Management of depression and anxiety
Megan Belcher, DO Family Medicine
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Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/pcg/heights 713.394.6638 1001 Studewood St. Suite 200B Houston, TX 77008
THE HEIGHTS
.
Under 12 FREE
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to The Artist Boat, 1021 61st Street, Suite 200A, Galveston, TX, 77551; please write James Armentor in the memo line. Or you can call 409-770-0722 to donate. The Artist Boat teaches children about coastal conservation and art.
EAST 11TH ST.
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HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP IN THE HEIGHTS
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Hours: 9AM-4PM Admission $5 for adults
A celebration of life will be held for James Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Heights Funeral Home at 10:30 AM, with a reception following.
EAD
Saturday May 5,14, 2018 Saturday December 2019
James is survived by his wife, Diana Lynn Armentor; son, Michael Armentor; parents; Jim & Pat Armentor; sister, Elizabeth Armentor Butts & husband Bill; brother in-law, Kent Janik & wife Lisa Stewart; nephew, Liam Butts; mother in-law, Gertrude Janik; close friend, Edward Wiseman.
PST
GUN SHOW IN THE HEIGHTS
James lived in the Heights area of Houston for more than 20 years and volunteered often with The First Saturday in the Heights Arts Market. For the past two years, James and his wife have split their time between the Heights and Galveston Island, where James set up and ran the new Galveston office of the company he worked for, Kauffman Fire & Life Safety. James was very active in the Galveston community, especially with the art community. He was an artist himself: his specialty was automotive paint on sheetmetal. His artwork can be seen at Affaire d’Art on Post Office Street, Galveston. In addition, James had a fondness for classic cars and was a Mopar enthusiast.
ST
Houston Gun Collectors Association
attack on Catholicism, Phillips said those who participate in such rituals are walking on a slippery spiritual slope. “This whole situation came about so fast, sort of blew up, and nobody really expected it,” she said. “Now everybody’s like, ‘What can we do now?’ Well, what can you do now? “Pray for this world,” Phillips added.
ames Jordan Armentor, 49, passed away Friday, November 29, 2019. He was born October 4, 1970 in Orange, CA to parents, Patricia & James Armentor.
IN
She said similar jabs directed at other major religions, including Islam and Judaism, would be considered hate speech. Winningham, who said her organization includes former Christians, said she understands why Catholics might condemn The Satanic Temple and its rituals. She also said the group is unfazed by those who protest it. “We believe that Catholics and all Christians have their own free will to do as they please, just as much as we have free will to do as we please under the first amendment,” Winningham said. “We strongly believe in free speech.” Freshour and Shannon Ronca of Lucky Penny Rox Rescue, the other beneficiary of the Nov. 23 event, said their animal rescue organizations both received some backlash from the community because of their association with The Satanic Temple Houston and its recent black mass. Both said they received some positive feedback as well. “I think we gained significantly more (followers) than we lost just by putting ourselves out there and letting people know we don’t discriminate based on religion or people’s beliefs,” Ronca said. “We are here to support the animals and we’re happy to accept support from any upstanding organization that wants to help us achieve that goal.” Brash also received a mix of praise and criticism in the comments on its Facebook posts about the black mass event. And based on the brewery’s largely defiant reaction to the criticism, Phillips said she does not expect an apology to the Catholic Church. But she hopes Brash will “tone it down” and be more considerate of its surrounding community members and their religious beliefs. Even if the black mass was intended to be more of a celebration of beer and revelry and less of an
J
HEM
AY Y D 1 NL O
ciety for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property. The person whose first name (Karen) and phone number appeared on the flyer, who declined to provide a full name, said at least 150 people attended the protest held a few hours before the black mass. The protest was held across the street from the brewery at 508 W. Crosstimbers Rd. The morning after the event, Brash posted on Facebook, “You’re welcome Houston. Awesome event last night. Thanks to everyone who made it possible especially the Catholic Church for promoting the s*** out of our event.” In a subsequent Facebook post on Nov. 25, Brash said, “We’ve received a lot of messages saying what we did was ‘hurtful.’ We would suggest that you hang on to that feeling and next time you are intolerant towards any trans, gay, lesbian, Muslim, Buddist, or any other person your ‘high moral standards’ don’t agree with, reference that feeling, because that’s how you made them feel.” Brash owner Ben Fullelove, when asked to comment about the event in a text message, replied by sending a link to a news story earlier this year about the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston releasing a list of 42 priests who had been “credibly accused” of child sexual abuse. The Archdiocese did not comment on the black mass held at Brash. “Catholics mourn the hypocrisy, the egregious actions in the Catholic Church,” Phillips said. “Nobody’s excusing it, but that’s not our faith. Those people are sinful. They’re horrible monsters who need to be put away. But that’s not the Catholic faith.” Phillips, a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a kindergarten teacher at another Catholic school, said she doesn’t understand why the church is open to so much ridicule and why that criticism is tolerated in today’s society.
1970-2019
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harmed during the ceremony, which she described as “personal catharsis” for those who attended the sold-out private event. She also said her organization does not promote evil or ill will, instead encouraging benevolence and empathy. Winningham said members do not believe in the existence of Satan or any supernatural being, instead using Satan as a “symbol against arbitrary authority.” “A black mass is a made-up thing created by the Catholic Church in medieval times,” Winningham said. “It’s not exactly what you think it is.” A Nov. 24 post on the temple’s Twitter account, however, said, “The Catholics and their fat mama Mary did not stop our Black Mass. The consecrated host was defiled, destroyed, and swept into the trash where it belongs.” A consecrated host is the bread or wine used in the Eucharist, a part of the Catholic Mass during which they are changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ and then consumed by church members. Phillips said she doesn’t think a consecrated host was actually used during the black mass, because it would have had to have been stolen from a Catholic church. Natalie Freshour, a member of The Satanic Temple Houston and president of Hot Mess Pooches Rescue and Sanctuary, one of the event’s beneficiaries, was in attendance and said she would not have supported an event that involved illegal activity. “I think people forget that you can order just about anything off the Internet nowadays,” Freshour said. Backlash for Brash Brash Brewing Company, in Facebook posts before and after the event, was unapologetic about hosting the black mass and seemed to welcome the criticism it received. The brewery’s account shared a flyer promoting a protest of the black mass, which was organized by The American So-
James Jordan Armentor
Blueford-Daniels
10
STUDEWOOD ST.
Kathy Blueford-Daniels is a 62-year-old grandmother with some old-school philosophies. Among them is providing tough love and discipline to kids who misbehave, especially if they are not getting that sort of direction at home. The candidate for the District II seat on the Houston ISD Board of Education – which represents schools in the area – said she even is a proponent of doling out spankings as punishment. Blueford-Daniels said that should only be done at the elementary and middle school levels, however, and with the approval of a parent or legal guardian. “Kids need to learn in elementary and middle school. If you act up, you get popped,” she said. “I’m OK with a pop if (another) adult is in the room – two adults, preferably the parent. … (Kids) have to understand consequences.” Blueford-Daniels, a retired manager for the United States Postal Service, said she realizes that voters may not agree with her line of thinking. She said she is OK with that and also is unapologetic about her opinionated and outspoken nature, adding, “I am the one that would tell the emperor that he has no clothes on.” Blueford-Daniels’ opponent in the runoff election – early voting lasts through Dec. 10, with the last day to vote scheduled for Dec. 14 – also is somewhat of an outside-the-box candidate. John Curtis Gibbs, who is 62 as well, also does not have an extensive background in public education. The election itself is unique,
the time and preparing to start college at Texas Southern University when he was shot and killed outside a convenience store by a high school dropout who mistook him for someone else. Marquis Devale Samples pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the case. “I feel like the community, the village, failed that young man,” Blueford-Daniels said. “Ever since then, I’ve been proactively engaged in the educational process, trying to help kids.”
45
Page 8A • Saturday, December 7, 2019 • The Leader
District C, from P. 1A out and earning every single vote again.” Kamin, a former regional director for the Anti-Defamation League who also has experience with the Shady Acres Civic Club and Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council, said her goals for District C are improving flood mitigation along with streets and sidewalks while ensuring citizens have access to quality city services. She also said more Harris County tax dollars should be spent within the city limits as opposed to outlying suburbs. Kennedy, who owns a healthcare consulting firm as well as a small construction company, also wants to combat flooding and improve neighborhood streets. She touts fiscal responsibility as a strength and said she can bring together state and local resources to help fund capital improvement projects in District C. “I’ve served on lots of nonprofits. I’ve served as a special assistant to a corporate president,” Kennedy said. “I’m confident in the board room and confident
Angels, from P. 1A on my John Deere tractor.” Along with the support of former opponents Meyers and Smith, Kennedy also holds endorsements from U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, former Houston mayor Annise Parker, state Sen. John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association. Among those to endorse Kamin are Cohen, who has reached her term limit in District C, the Houston Police Officers Union, Houston Association of Realtors, city council member Martha Castex-Tatum and state Reps. Garnet Coleman and Gene Wu. Endorsements aside, Kamin said she trusts District C voters to research both candidates and make an informed, thoughtful decision at the polls. She also said she hopes voters are not swayed by the party affiliations of those who support each candidate. “This is a non-partisan race,” Kamin said. “Local elected officials are dealing with the day-to-day needs of Houstonians, not party politics.”
Love, an organization started by an Angleton family who lost a daughter to leukemia, after their own son was diagnosed on Father’s Day of 2010 when 17-month-old Aidan had gotten pneumonia for the second time. A specialist visit to root out a possible cause turned into an ER visit, which turned into a cancer diagnosis and admission to Texas Children’s Hospital. Jared said acute myeloid leukemia is rare, with about 500 pediatric cases diagnosed each year. “We were in complete shock,” he said. B.I.G Love offered the family an umbrella of services – including meals and necessities as well as activities, toys and experiences for the kids. “With B.I.G Love, there were no questions about how much money we had or what religion we were,” Jared said. “It was just about what we needed.” From June until November 2010, Aidan was in the hospital undergoing repeated rounds of chemotherapy. Thanksgiving was a time of true gratitude as Aidan was in remission and able to go home. Aidan’s remission lasted until July 2011. He was readmitted to the hospital and underwent three more rounds of chemotherapy and later a bone marrow transplant. “Aidan still had some residual (can-
Help, from P. 1A schools in NFL markets across the country and paired them with players from the local teams to help the schools complete service projects of their choosing. Price’s Hamilton students elected to provide holiday gifts to their elderly neighbors and collected donated socks, mittens, scarves and hats leading up to Tuesday’s event. “An important part of that Character Playbook is service,” said Emily Faron with the United Way of Greater Houston. “This is a nice culminating activity to celebrate the students at this particular campus completing Character Playbook and giving them the opportunity to put that into action through volunteerism.” While the Hamilton stu-
dents enjoyed their brush with professional football players – eighth grader Vanessa Montiel called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” – the residents at Heights Home might have been even more enthralled. Many posed for pictures with the players, thanking both them and the Hamilton students for their special delivery. “We did not expect it. This was totally a complete surprise,” Heights Home resident Lucy Provasek said. “We’re so excited. It’s wonderful.” The three Texans appeared to enjoy the experience as well. Mancz said the team’s Tuesday off day is his favorite day of the week, because it allows the Ohio native to get out and interact with a Houston community he has
come to cherish during his five seasons with the team. Carter said he likes interacting with kids and giving back to the community, which serves as a break from the grind of an NFL season while keeping his football career in perspective. Deborah Bell, a longtime special education teacher at Hamilton and graduate of the Heights school, said Tuesday’s event also provided perspective for the students. She said it’s beneficial for them to have mentors who can inspire them to pursue their goals. Bell said it’s also good for the students to learn about the importance of giving. ““It’s a good experience,” seventh grader Cacory Shields said. “It’s pretty fun.”
cer) cells in the marrow but did well with the transplant,” Jared said. “He said he wanted bacon right after. He ate five or six slices. The nurses were laughing. He was always such a happy kid through everything.” His fight ended on May 4, Star Wars Day, in 2012. “He died with a Star Wars (temporary) tattoo on his hand,” Jared said. For a time, the McSpaddens thought about starting their own nonprofit but later aligned themselves with B.I.G Love. They’ve been working on behalf of the organization for seven years. The McSpaddens provide sole support for the Angels for Aidan Comfort Carts at Texas Children’s Hospital’s Main Campus, West Campus and Woodlands location as well as Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. The comfort cart is provided to families with a terminally ill child. The carts are filled with items like snacks, sheet sets, a coffee maker and coffee, CD player, aromatherapy oils and other useful items. The family has a fundraising team – Angels for Aidan – for the Santa Dash. Jared remembers the organization raising $50,000 the first year. Now the run, along with grants and private donations, raises $1 million each year to fund B.I.G Love’s programs. Jared also started a spring clay shoot three years ago at the Blackwood Country Club in Conroe to fund
the comfort carts. During and after their son’s battle, the McSpaddens continued to add to their family. Son Jaxon was born while Aidan was in treatment. Daughter Aidah, named in honor of her big brother, was born in 2013 and daughter Sarah followed in 2016. There are reminders of their oldest son everywhere, and Jared and Kelli wouldn’t have it any other way. “One of the nurses told Kelli that Aidah means returning visitor in Arabic,” Jared said. “We hadn’t known that when we chose her name. We were just looking for something special to remember Aidan and with five letters because we all have five letters in our name.” Every year on May 4, Aidan’s “Angelversary,” the family has a crawfish boil and gets cupcakes. There’s a butterfly release, too. “Some of the nurses and doctors still come by,” Jared said. “It’s good to keep (his) memory alive.” Jared said he used to think that death was a taboo subject, but no longer. “Aidan still is and will always be a part of our family,” he said. To support Angels for Aidan via donation or to join the team, visit biglovecancercare.org and then the Santa Dash page. To learn more about the comfort carts, visit the programs section at biglovecancercare.org.
HPD: Citations issued in autopedestrian crash on Shepherd By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Both involved parties have been cited following a single-vehicle accident involving two pedestrians in Garden Oaks earlier this week. Houston Police Department spokesperson Victor Senties said officers were called out to a crash in the 4100 block of North Shepherd Drive near West Crosstimbers Road shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday. Senties said the driver of a Chevy pickup truck was traveling northbound on Shepherd when it struck two pedestrians who were crossing Shepherd from the east to the west, not in a crosswalk. Police issued citations to the pedestrians for failing to yield the right of way to a vehicle, and to the driver for having no driver’s license, according to Senties. Senties said an initial investigation revealed that pedestrians failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle, and both pedestrians were transported to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital with what appeared to be
non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was questioned at the scene and then released, and no additional charges have been filed in connection with the incident, according to Senties.