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Saturday, December 8, 2018 • Vol. 63 • No. 45

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INSIDE Houston-to-Dallas bullet train moving along TODAY By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

In this edition of The Leader is an opportunity to support local journalism. See Publisher Jonathan McElvy’s letter to readers explaining how you can support the area’s only local news organization through our annual Voluntary Pay Program

With the high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston serving as the first non-government project of its type in the U.S., Texas Central said the company is constantly searching for best-in-class partners. It recently hired two more major players as the project bullets toward fruition. According to Texas Central, the company has most recently hired global construction and engineering firm Salini Impregilo and international railway company Renfe as the latest partners in the high-speed rail project,

Photo by Texas Central Partners Rendering of the proposed high-speed rail station at the former Northwest Mall site.

which could begin construction late next year if all goes according to plan. The Houston station would be located at the former North-

Suited to be Santa

west Mall site at the intersection of U.S. 290 and Interstate 610. The chief general manager of Central Japan Railway Company, which also is partnering with Texas Central, told WFAA in Dallas that the project is on schedule with initial projections. “We will start the construction next year,” Masaru Yosano told WFAA. Texas Central hopes the bullet train will open as soon as 2024, and construction could take about five years. However, spokesperson Mark Edgar reiterated a previous report that See High Speed P. 8A

PGA Tour stop could move to Memorial Park By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com It’s been more than 40 years since the Houston Open was held inside the city limits. The Astros have a plan to bring the annual professional golf tournament closer to home. The Astros Golf Foundation, which earlier this year took control of the longstanding PGA Tour event, wants to host it at Memorial Park Golf Course as early as 2020. The organization is asking the Houston City Council to approve a plan to renovate the popular public course, which would be redesigned by world-renowned course architect Tom Doak. “We wanted to get it inside the city. We wanted to bring it close to downtown,” said Giles Kibbe, senior vice president and general counsel for the Astros. “We wanted to find a place where we could drive a lot of excitement, bring the fans out there and really turn this tournament into something special.” The only potential hazard to the project is the city council, which will decide whether to approve the renovation plan later this month. Late last month, Kibbe, Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department presented the plan to the council’s Quality of Life Committee. The $13 million course renovation would be privately funded through the Astros Golf Foundation and include a new maintenance facility, new two-level driving range and new facility for The First Tee of Greater Houston, with the foundation pledging to provide $500,000 annually to the First Tee youth golf organization and $1 million annually to the city’s parks and recreation department. The construction project would require the closure of the course, on which more than 63,000 rounds were played during the 2018 fiscal year, from January through October. Green fees would be increased at all the city’s municipal courses, although Kibbe said that is part of an existing plan by the city and unrelated to the renovation of Memorial Park Golf Course. Per the proposal to the city council, moving the Houston Open to Memorial Park would come with an economic impact of

Remembering George Bush - Area residents share their experiences with the former president, who died Nov. 30.

Page 2B

Bar robbed at gunpoint - A local watering hole was robbed early Sunday morning by three men brandishing pistols.

Page 9B Photo by Adam Zuvanich Twin sisters Sofia, left, and Alejandra Kanady interact with John Gardner, who dressed up as Santa Claus on Dec. 1.

Tailored for teens - The YMCA offers their L.I.F.E. program to help area teens reach their full potential.

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THE INDEX. Church/Calendar. ............................. 8A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Coupons. ................................................. 8A Food/Drink/Art................................... 6B Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 9A Puzzles...................................................... 4A

Jolly Heights gardener plays part to perfection By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com John Gardner isn’t quite sure how it happened, but he’s sure it was fate. Buchanan’s Native Plants needed someone to play the role of Santa Claus for its annual “Holiday Open House,” and Gardner already was in-house as one of its plant salesmen. He had the loud, lively voice and the look – reddish cheeks along with white hair and a beard – and just needed the fuzzy red suit to go along with it. Almost as soon as he agreed to dress up and greet young children in the greenhouse of the Heights nursery, it was as if Gardner had been Santa all his life. See Santa P. 6A

Photo by Adam Zuvanich John Gardner, right, who served as Santa Claus at Buchanan’s Native Plants on Dec. 1, interacts with 1-year-old Juliana Vocke.

See Memorial Park P. 9A

Business-savvy sisters walk dogs for money By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Garden Oaks residents Saylor and Athena Atkinson recently joined the ranks of kid entrepreneurs with the formation of their dog-walking company, the Canine Caretakers. Also in the club — 6-year-old Warren Buffett, who knocked on doors to sell chewing gum, and Richard Branson, who founded his own magazine as a teenager. Last spring, The Leader profiled elementary school student Gavin Guy,

a.k.a, The Worm Guy, who sells mealworms at the Farm Stand at Petrol Station. For the Atkinson sisters, who attend Garden Oaks Montessori School, the germination of their business started on a family vacation to Canada. “I saw a lady at her front door

with about five or seven dogs on leashes and I thought she must be taking care of them,” said Saylor Atkinson, who is 10 years old and in fifth grade. The sisters thought people in the U.S. must have dogs that needed to be walked, too, and set about formalizing their company. Their rate for walking dogs, which is $3 per dog for each 15-minute increment, was more of a gut feeling. Saylor said $2 seemed “too cheap” and $4 seemed too high. See Dog Walk P. 9A

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, December 8, 2018 • Page 4A

Calling all lodge members: Should pool proposal sink or swim?

here are roughly 4,500 members of SPJST Lodge 88. But according to Brian Vanicek, president of the statewide group that oversees the 108-year-old fraternal organization in the Heights, nearly half of those members do not even have Houston addresses. If there ever was a time for a homecoming at 1435 Beall St., that time is 1 p.m. Sunday, when the lodge’s annual meeting will be held and members will vote to adopt or deny several new rules and regulations that were temporarily approved in June. Most of the changes relate to a swimming pool being built on the lodge’s spacious property, which we’ll dive into a little later. If you love the lodge – for its charitable contributions to the community, for its preservation of Czech heritage, for its dances, for its popular Thursday night Bingo games, for whatever – you should make every effort to attend. Because its future depends on it. Vanicek is traveling all the way from Temple, home of the SPJST Supreme Lodge, just to be there. “I’m anxious to see what happens,” he said. The plan to build a new eightlane, 25-yard heated pool – the lodge had one for about 30 years before removing it in the 1990s – will be the hottest topic. The project has been led by Aaron Rigamonti, president of the former Heights Swim and Social Club who joined the lodge early this year

Whether or not two-thirds of Sunday’s voters approve the new rules and regulations, Vanicek said there will be more puddles to jump Adam before a pool is put in, adding that Zuvanich the Supreme Lodge reserves veto power. But Mlcak views the vote as Editor being more consequential. “If they get passed this Sunday, it’s a pretty definite thing,” Mlcak said. “At that point, nothing’s going to stop it.” and, through the temporary rule So, you might be wondering, changes, became a vice president, what would be the problem with member of the lodge’s board of putting in a pool? The Heights has trustees and chairman of a newly a shortage of summer swimming created swim club committee. options, and a new pool could be a Rigamonti said the idea behind major selling point for a lodge that the pool is to boost membership according to Mlcak has been leakand participation at the lodge. ing members and money for years. Kenneth Mlcak, a longtime lodge At issue is the way the pool member and chairman of its board project has been approached, of trustees, said Rigamonti first which has created a divide among floated the idea of a pool at the lodge membership before any of lodge in November 2017, before their toes have even gotten wet. he became a member and when Member Kathlyn Curtis said she’s the Heights Swim and Social Club considering taking legal action to was still in existence. Mlcak said prevent the proposed plan from the lodge has since had an influx coming to fruition, because the of at least 150 new members, most majority of the lodge’s memberof whom were part of the Heights ship would not have regular access Swim and Social Club. to the pool and its funding model Mlcak said their presence could affect the lodge’s status as at monthly meetings, typically exempt from property taxes. sparsely attended by longstandAccording to information outing members, has pushed the pool lined on the lodge’s website, “The project to near fruition. The rules Swim Club at Lodge 88” made 360 and regulations up for vote on memberships available to the pubSunday include funding details lic and all have been reserved, with for construction and maintenance a waiting list having been created of the pool as well as a series of for other prospective members. stipulations regarding pool access. Swim club members are required

to pay refundable deposits of $6,000, which will provide capital for pool construction and other improvements, along with $1,000 in annual dues to cover operating costs. Swim club members must become members of the lodge, which entails purchasing an insurance policy from the lodge and paying annual dues of $9. “You can’t make this exclusive. Period,” Curtis said. “If you‘re a member of the SPJST lodge, you’re a member of the lodge. You have interest and assets. We all own the land. If you’re a member of the lodge, you have a right to use the facilities.” Limited pool access among the general membership wouldn’t necessarily be against the existing rules of the lodge, according to Mlcak and Vanicek. And although Vanicek said the Supreme Lodge has offered to pay for a pool at the Heights post, it might also approve the proposed funding plan. Vanicek said he’s waiting for Lodge 88 leadership to draft a management agreement for the pool and “would like to see some form of general access to members, support for the youth club and also support for the local community.” The rules and regulations up for vote address those desires to an extent, allowing non-swim club members to use the pool at least one day per year and requiring swim club members to volunteer at least five hours per year or donate

Lynn Ashby Columnist

rial Day when we honor all our fallen military with flags, parades and mattress sales. Ah, summer. For the next three months it is hard to get a quorum of any kind. “He’s off this month on vacation.” “She’s in Aspen.” (The Canadians, following their British leaders, say, “They’re on holiday.”) You can’t find anyone over the Labor Day week, which can run into Columbus Day, and who works on Halloween? That brings us to Thanksgiving. In 1971, Congress moved such days-off as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents Day to a Monday next to a weekend. (Speaking of Congress, it now takes off every other month.) The Mondays-off solves one problem, but we run into trouble when days that can’t be moved fall on a Wednesday. The Fourth of July pretty much has to be celebrated on July fourth. Christmas and New Year’s Day can’t be moved, and when they fall on a Wednesday, that’s an awkward situation. No one wants to work Monday and Tuesday, then celebrate Christmas on Wednesday and go back to work on Thursday, and it is hard to take off most of the week. When the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is usually observed on the following Monday. There are 10 annual federal holidays. Inauguration Day is an 11th holiday designated by Congress every four years on January 20 following a U.S. presidential election. This last Inauguration Day was the world’s largest celebration of any kind, especially if you count the 3-million screaming fans crowded into the National Mall. Maryland celebrates American Indians Heritage Day. Are there any Indians (excuse me, Native Americans) in Maryland? I thought they were all in Cleveland playing baseball. Virginia marks Lee-Jackson Day (good luck keeping that one). But some are in good stance in the current national mood. Arizona and New Hampshire mark Civil Rights Day. Idaho’s state employees are off on Idaho Human Rights Day. Louisiana celebrates Mardi Gras Tuesday, and most other days. As we might expect, Texas has more state holidays than most other states, because we have more to celebrate, like Juneteenth, Confederate Heroes Day

(that won’t last, what you bet?), Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day and, of course, Lyndon Johnson’s Birthday Day. Some are official state holidays and some only field a “skeleton crew.” Actually, it is hard to know when some of these state agencies are fully manned or manned at all. Have you tried to get your driver’s’ license lately? Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are holidays when agency managers suddenly find that most of their employees are Jewish. Cesar Chavez Day is taken by our instant-Hispanics. One would think holidays are welcomed by all – a day off, etc. But some created controversy. The aforementioned Confederates Day or Lee-Jackson Day are prime examples. Columbus Day has

Email azuvanich@theleadernews. com

THE READER.

Let’s take the year off THE STORE – Jingle bells, jingle bells. Those jingles are the sound of cash registers. The bells are on elves’ costumes as they hand out discount coupons for Cuisinarts. And does anyone still say “Merry Christmas?” The greeting now is “Happy Holidays.” Whatever your religious persuasion, ‘tis the season to celebrate these most holy days by spending vast amounts on things we found on Amazon. God would understand. Also, does it seem to you that decorations start going up earlier and earlier? My own specialty shop, Samuel’s Boutique (aka Sam’s Club), put out wreaths, wrappings and Nutcracker soldiers just after Labor Day. Now the Christmas season lasts almost as long as the baseball season. Didn’t we just get over Thanksgiving? It falls on a Thursday, but try to reach any business person the next day. Friday is an unofficial holiday. “Sorry, Mister Jones is in a meeting,” says the lone secretary who got guard duty on Friday. “When will he be out?” Pause. “The meeting will last all day.” That “meeting” is on a golf course or lake. Actually, we now stretch that holiday even more. On Wednesday, the day before ThanksgivingThursday, people get a head start. By Wednesday afternoon the freeways heading out of town are packed, the city streets are empty. It’s that way before any holiday, everyone leaves at noon a day earlier. In 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt, bowing to pressure from merchants, changed the date of Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday in November to one week earlier to allow more time for holiday shopping. Because Franklin made the change, the new date was dubbed “Franksgiving.” The change caused all kinds of confusion, so two years later the holiday was moved back to its original date. As a student, I got off Thanksgiving and Friday. That was it. Now schools let out all week, which comes shortly after fall break. Following the Thanksgiving recess, students have two weeks of finals and then the Christmas break, which lasts until the middle of January. (Incidentally, just like the non-holiday of the Friday after Thanksgiving, have you ever tried to get anything done between Christmas and New Year’s Day? It is a dead zone, a full week during which everyone disappears.) Spring break is next, which can last for a week or until the motel on South Padre or Miami Beach is raided by the cops. The end of classes lands on May 1 (also the May Day holiday in many places) then there is Memo-

$100 to the lodge. Rigamonti said any lodge member who wants to join the swim club will be given that opportunity. A statement attributed to Lodge 88 president Janice Jahns, emailed from lodge88swimclub@gmail. com, says, “All members were given the opportunity to purchase pool memberships and we are happy to say that many opted in. Given the considerable expense of building and maintaining a pool, we did not feel it was appropriate to force uninterested members to share in its costs. We are excited about the future of Lodge 88 and the increase in membership and fraternal activity that the pool has already brought this year.” Curtis and Mlcak questioned whether the majority of members, many of whom are detached from the lodge, have been adequately informed about the pool project. They also are concerned about the impact it could have on the lodge’s future and its role in the Heights. “I don’t have a problem with the pool as long as we can protect our traditions,” Mlcak said. “I’m afraid that’s going to go away.” For any lodge members who share that sentiment, and for those who think a pool would be a cool addition, it would be wise to show up Sunday. It could be the last best chance for your voice to be heard and vote to be counted.

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

County’s slow-moving Pinemont project prompts paranoia among homeowners

been celebrated since 1492. (“Land! No more eels for breakfast!”) Some feel that Chris brought to the Americas diseases, gold hunters, slave owners and empire destroyers. Others counter that the Indians got their revenge by introducing the Old World to tobacco, which has killed a lot more people than did Chris. There is a movement to turn this celebration into Death to Discoverers Day or Conquistadors Go Home Day. Just where this leaves the 21 U.S. cities and towns plus several rivers named for Columbus, much less the country of Colombia, isn’t yet clear. Now get out there and celebrate the holy days. TVs are 40 percent off ! Ashby spends at Ashby2@ comcast.net

Dear Editor: This is going to be an office building. NOT ANY KIND OF HOUSING. Just watch Commissioners Court and read the agenda! The court is very clear. The Engineering Department is moving the project along, and Harvey slowed them down I’m sure. The $250,000 with Joiner was the Master Planning. (Answers: Can you build this here?) The $220,000 with Joiner was Design Programing. (Answers: What size does it need to be?) The $429,790 with PGAL is to relook some of the Design Programing since Harvey requires more people to do all the Flood Control Bond work and Engineering work to support it, and then finish that programing and get into designing the building. Harvey came and put the project on hold, and the Flood Bond changed the size needed. The Master Plan was sent to Court a few years ago and it says that this will be an office building in the range of 200,000 SF that serves as the new home for Flood Control and several other County departments. This is a blessing to us, the residents … we will have good jobs right next door, and I’m going to apply! Stop spreading rumors if you don’t know the facts. Everyone should watch Commissioners Court and they could see these steps all take place in our local government. It isn’t a black hole, it is all there in black and white! Just read the court agenda and watch our local leaders plan these things and manage our governing body. Thank You Commissioner R. Jack Cagle!! He is helping to bring another great project to Harris County Precinct 4! Thank Commissioners Court for supporting the departments that care for us, the constituents of this GREAT County! Well Informed Woman 1961

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Angling worm 5. Tissue that conducts food in plants 11. 1937 Steinbeck novella 14. Feed storehouse 15. Raised pattern cotton cloth 18. Prophetic signs 19. Cowboy competitions 21. Ophthalmic products company, ______ Worldwide 23. Prefix meaning inside 24. Arousing or provoking laughter 28. Plant spike 29. Atomic #94 30. Himalayan goat 32. Patti Hearst’s captors 33. Rock TV channel 35. Pen point 36. Tiny bite 39. Organized work group 41. Atomic #58 42. Food fish of the genus Alosa 44. Fleshy slice of meat

46. Shallowest Great Lake 47. Tapered tucks 51. Winter muskmelon 54. Isaac’s mother 56. Picasso’s birthplace 58. Lowest hereditary title 60. Streisand/Reford film 62. Verb states 63. Soluble ribonucleic acid

dOwn 1. Sink in 2. Hairdo 3. Muslim leaders 4. Ringworm 5. Oppresses or maltreats 6. Cut fodder 7. Natural logarithm 8. Not divisible by two 9. Independent Islamic ruler 10. Written proposal or reminder 12. Tilt or slant 13. Nests of pheasants 16. Portable shelters 17. Swiss singing 20. Body of an organism

22. Opposite of “yes” 25. 41st state 26. 007’s Fleming 27. They speak Muskhogean 29. Payment (abbr.) 31. “Spud Papers” author’s initials 34. Large vessel for holding liquids 36. Nanosecond (abbr.) 37. Worn to Mecca 38. 1/100 rupee 40. Of I 43. Distributed cards 45. Public promotion of a product 48. Hard to find 49. Thinks or supposes 50. More lucid 52. Thai monetary unit 53. Phil __, CIA Diary author 55. Dialect variant of “heron” 57. One of the tender bristles in some grasses 58. Pass 59. Hot or iced brewed beverage 61. Equally

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The Leader • Saturday, December 8, 2018 • Page 5A

Students bring splash of color to North Shepherd bus shelter By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Last Friday, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), along with students and staff from Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet School, unveiled the fruits of their months-long labor. They had transformed a nearby bus-stop shelter into a work of art. With the sun peeking through clouds, the group admired for the first time a project that was more than two months in the making. On the front of the shelter is a collection of individual drawings, mostly of landscapes, animals and people, with a colorful oak tree on the back. “Kids are creative,” said Tian Ding, who teaches fine arts at Garden Oaks Montessori. “You just give them the idea, and they’ll draw whatever they can think of.” The bus shelter, located at the northwest corner of North Shepherd Drive and Garden Oaks Boulevard, was chosen because of its location along METRO’s 27 Shepherd and 36 Kempwood routes and because it is frequently used by students and their families. METRO spokesperson Monica Russo said the organization approached Ding about the project in April. “It’s a fun collaborative project. There’s just a sense of ownership that comes along with it,” Russo said.

“I love seeing this kind of stuff, and I think the kids and community do, too.” Ding and the students were happy to accept the challenge. “I tried to have all the upperelementary students do the front of the bus stop, with the thought that it would have a theme,” she said. “We wanted it to be about teaching peace as well as environmental science, since (Garden Oaks Montessori is) an environmental science magnet school. That way, we can get the whole community involved and give them an idea of what they can do to protect our environment.” Once a drab backdrop, the front of the bus shelter is now adorned with an environmental science-themed collage created by the students. Cross over to the back, and there lies a depiction of a perfectly crafted oak tree, complete with swirls of color across the rainbow’s spectrum, designed by seventh grader Athena Atkinson. “I wanted to capture the true spirit of Garden Oaks, its sense of community and how we’re all linked together in getting this done,” Atkinson said. “It’s Garden Oaks. There had to be a tree and there had to be an eagle, since that’s our mascot. Garden Oaks Montessori is a big part of our community. I wanted to represent all the people and all the different types of people we have.”

Photo courtesy of Houston METRO Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet School students along with principal Lindsey Pollock (back row, left) and fine arts teacher Tian Ding (front row, right) in front of their artful creation at a METRO bus stop along North Shepherd Drive. In collaboration with METRO, the students transformed the once-drab backdrop into a colorful work of art.

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Page 6A • Saturday, December 8, 2018 • The Leader

Santa, from P. 1A “I put on the suit and the ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ just came out,” Gardner said. “It was like magic.” The 67-year-old Gardner stopped working at Buchanan’s more than a year ago but continues to serve as its Santa. He was perhaps the most popular attraction at the “Holiday Open House” on Dec. 1, when visiting families also were greeted by warm and sunny weather, refreshments and a live jazz band. Surrounded by colorful poinsettias and some fans to keep cool, Gardner sat on

a wooden bench, posed for photos with kids and listened closely as they told him what they want for Christmas. “He’s very affable. He’s very theatrical,” said Melinda Kanner, Buchanan’s nursery manager. “He’s good. He’s very good.” Gardner described himself as “Christmas to the core,” saying he’s enjoyed the festive holiday since growing up in the Christmas-loving city of New York. The longtime Heights resident said he likes interacting with kids and is amused by their idiosyncra-

sies, along with those of their parents. He said the parents he encounters “range from slightly encouraging to a little pushy,” and he’s fielded a wide range of requests from their kids. They regularly ask for flowers, because sometimes they get stumped and flowers are what they see immediately around them, and Gardner once had two brothers who brought lengthy hand-written lists and prioritized them for brevity’s sake. He has yet to fall victim to a bathroom accident –

“Thank God,” Gardner said – but encounters crying kids from time to time. “It depends on the age and I’m not sure what,” he said. “It’s contagious, too. If there’s a line of kids and the first one cries, they all cry. And if the first one makes it easy, then the others give it a shot.” Gardner makes sure to remain in character for the kids and tried to do so when talking to a reporter. When asked for his name, Gardner’s initial response was, “Santa … or St. Nick … Papa Noel. It depends on where you’re from.”

He had a similar response when asked for his age. “Hundreds of years. Thousands,” Gardner said. “Um, but my alter ego is … how old is he? … 67 now.” No matter how old he gets, Gardner plans to keep playing the part of Santa. He said it’s become a passion along with gardening, which he also found later in life. Gardner said he worked for 20 years as a marketing manager for the Houston Chronicle, which laid him off. He then got into horticulture and now has his own garden-

ing consulting business called “Garden Guru.” A gardener named Gardner? “Predetermined,” he said. Perhaps the same could be said about his annual job as Santa. Gardner said it felt surprisingly natural when he first did it a few years ago. He gets paid for it, too. Near the end of Gardner’s latest stint as Santa, Buchanan’s general manager Kevin Barry slipped him an envelope and said, “We’ve got to make sure Santa’s reindeers are fed.”

Christmas Worship God is Enough Rev. Deanna Young Fairbanks United Methodist Church We have a tradition on Christmas morning that we all gather around the tree and open presents one at a time (probably your tradition also!). While we were waiting for everyone to gather—all the grandchildren, children, and parents—Liam, our four-year-old (at that time) grandson, noticed a decoration on the table by the tree. It is a beautiful old world Santa with a fur hat and a long coat made by one of our beautiful ladies at church. I won it in a silent auction. Liam quite innocently and sweetly asked this question: “Is this God?” First of all, I was very excited that Liam knows who God is. Then I was blessed by this question and it got me to thinking: “This is a question we should be asking ourselves when we see beauty in the world around us, when we are in the midst of an amazing situation, when we are led to do the right thing in a situation, when we get just exactly what we need just exactly when we need it.” I’ve often said that we need to look for God in the world around us. I call it connecting the dots—seeing God in the world around us and at work in a particular situation. My beloved, as this year ends and another begins, it is my hope and prayer for you that you will look for God in your life and the ways God is trying to guide you into His perfect will. Know that whatever happens in this new year, God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9) and God will never leave you or forsake you (Matthew 28:20). God is your strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). God is all you ever need because God is enough. Merry Christmas.

Following Mary’s Example (Luke 1:26-38) Pastor Robert Clark Garden Oaks Baptist Church The angel’s announcement to Mary that she was to become the mother of the Lord Jesus is the starting point of the Christmas story. How can we follow Mary’s example in our lives as we approach Christmas 2019? First, we should admit that we are unable to do God’s will on our own. Mary said, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” All of us are called to love Him with all our hearts and love our neighbors as ourselves. Our honest response should be, “How can this be since I am a selfish, self-centered person?” Second, we must trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to ac-

complish through us what we could never do in our own strength or will power. The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and…for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.” Third, we were made to receive encouragement from other believers. This is a good time of year to get back into church or start for the first time. The angel said to Mary, “Your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.” Forth, we need to trust in the Word of God. For us today, that means knowing and believing what God has said to us in

Sunday Worship Times Christmas EvE Christmas EvE 8:15am & 10:30am Holy24Communion December

8 am Holy Communion, 9:30 am Sunday School, 10:30 am Holy Communion

6:00pm Lessons and December 25 Carols

211 Byrne Christmas•Daywww.holytrinityrec.org Service of Morning Prayer. 10 am. 211 211Byrne Byrne •• www.holytrinityrec.org www.holytrinityrec.org

Advent Services

Dec. 5, 12, 19, 7:00pm (Wednesdays)

Christmas Eve Candleligt Worship Monday Dec. 24, 7:00pm

Christmas Day Worship

Tuesday Dec. 25, 10:00am

New Year’s Eve Worship

ties that lie ahead, we can trust the certainty of God’s loving kindness. Mary said, “Behold, the bond servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Following Mary’s example in these ways could make this our very best Christmas ever!

First Church Heights

the place where YOU belong December 2nd @ 10:30am A.B. Anderson Academy Violin Performance December 7th @ 7:00pm Be Encouraged - Christmas Program including the play - THE DONNA DAVIS TALK SHOW December 23rd @ 9:15am Sunday School & 10:30am Worship

8:15am & 10:30am HolyandCommunion Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols Communion. 6 pm 6:00pm Lessons andHoly Carols

In addition to regular 9am Sunday morning services, seasonal services include:

the Bible. The angel said, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” We can rest assured what God says, He will do. Fifth, we must surrender our whole lives to God. He is a good Father who loves us deeply and wants only the eternal best for us. Even with the uncertain-

201 E. 9th St 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org

Christmas Eve

Coffeehouse - 6 PM Communion Candlelight Service - 7 PM Rev. Deanna M. Young, Pastor (Childcare: Newborn—Age 5)

Fairbanks United Methodist Church 14210 Aston—Houston—TX—77040

(713) 462-3206

Monday Dec. 31, 7:00pm

Sunday Worship 10:50 AM www.fairbanksumc.org

4040 Watonga Blvd., Houston, TX www.gethsemanelutheran.org Find us on Facebook!

Community Holiday Events Dec. 16th – Two A.D. Players presentations Free & family friendly 10am – IMPROV IN A PEAR TREE 6pm – THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE followed by Christmas fiesta and live nativity Dec. 24th – Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 6pm Vineyard Church of Houston

1035 E. 11th Street, 77009

houstonvineyard.org

713.869.9070

The Leader • Saturday, December 8, 2018 • Page 7A

THINGS TO DO. Santa Sightings

tickets: $15, day of show: $20.

Dec. 8 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant, 801 Studewood St. Dec. 9 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – The Whimsy Artisan Boutique, 1802 Yale St. Ste. E. Dec. 12 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. - AshleyCakes, 2032 E. T.C. Jester Blvd. Dec. 15 11 a.m. – -6 p.m. — Heights Mercantile Holiday Market, 714 Yale St.

The Arts

Andrew Combs Tuesday, Dec. 11 7 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Andrew Combs headlines, with support from The Kernal. Advance tickets: $12, day of show: $14. JMSN Wednesday, Dec. 12 7 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. JMSN headlines, with support from August 08. Tickets: $15. Madrigal singers Saturday, Dec. 8 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Jubilee – 325 W. 19th St. The young ladies and gentlemen of the Atascocita Madrigal Singers will be performing in front of Jubilee.

Robert Cray Friday, Dec. 7 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. The Robert Cray Band is performing at The Heights Theater. Book Signing Saturday, Dec. 8 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The Book Scene – 1820 W. 43rd Author William Dylan Powell will discuss and sign his new book, 100 Things to Do In Houston Before You Die. Come in to talk all things Houston. There will be prizes and refreshments. Maria Ball and friends Sunday, Dec. 9 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. Joy Williams of The Civil Wars will be performing songs from her forthcoming solo album, with Anthony da Costa opening the show. Tunes in the tap room Tuesday, Dec. 11 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Harold’s – 350 W. 19th St. Live Music in the Tap Room at Harold’s Restaurant and Tap room every Tuesday Night. Happy Hour all night. Flatland Cavalry Friday, Dec. 7 8 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Flatland Cavalry performs at White Oak Music Hall. Advance tickets: $15, day of show: $20. Uada Sunday, Dec. 9 7 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Uada headlines, with support from Necrofier and Sleeping Ancient. Tickets: over 21 – free, under 21 - $10. Yung Pinch Sunday, Dec. 9 7 p.m. White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Yung Pinch headlines, with support from Tyla Yaweh. Advance

The Diary of Anne Frank Thursday, Dec. 6 – Friday Dec. 7, Saturday, Dec. 8 7 p.m., 2:30 p.m. St. Pius X High School – 811 W. Donovan St. St. Pius X will feature The Diary of Anne Frank. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students. White Christmas The Musical Friday, Dec. 7 6:30 p.m. HITS Theatre – 311 W. 18th St. HITS Theatre Presents Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas the Musical,” will be 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15; and 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, and 16. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $5 for students.

original art, handmade jewelry, vegan bath & body products, local produce, vintage tees, and accessories and more! 14th Annual Holiday Market Saturday, Dec. 8 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 935 Harvard St. Holiday Market in the heart of the Houston Heights! Area artisans and crafts people come together to sell their wares at this annual handmade market.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor Sunday, Dec. 9 4 p.m. Gethsemane Lutheran - 4040 Watonga Blvd. Gethsemane Lutheran Church will welcome new pastor, Rev. Jerry McNamara, with a special Installation worship service and a light meal following the service.

Little White Oak Night Market Saturday, Dec. 8 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sideout Volleybar – 2623 Keene St. The Little White Oak Night Market brings together local farmers, craft merchandisers, and artists. Eleanora’s Market Saturday, Dec. 8 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd. There will be local growers, makers, designers, artisans and food producers.

Advent Lutheran Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 15 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Advent Lutheran Church – 5820 Pinemont Dr. Advent Lutheran Church will host breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can take their own pictures with Santa from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. This is a free will offering, so no ticket is needed.

The Market at Sawyer Yards Saturday, Dec. 8 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sawyer Yards – 1502 Sawyer St. This curated market hosts a mix of artist mediums with a focus on folk art. The maker is the seller. Market & Movie Sunday, Dec. 9 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Karbach Brewing – 2032 Karbach St. Shop local vendors and artisans at the Burtonesque Art Market from 12 p.m.— 5 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m., Alamo Drafthouse Houston will be rolling out the big screen for a special showing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Bring chairs! This is a free event that is kid and dog friendly.

Songwriting session Sunday, Dec. 9 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Visionary Heights – 1331 Nicholson St. Join Visionary Heights for a songwriting session with the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Recurring event on the second Sunday of every month.

Heights Morning Market Sunday, Dec. 9 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.

Holler Brewing Market Friday, Dec. 7 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Holler Brewing Co. – 2206 Edwards St. Ste. A Shop local market vendors that have an assortment of amazing

Blue Christmas Service at St. Stephen’s Sunday, Dec. 9 4 p.m. St. Stephen’s UMC - 2003 W. 43rd St. A Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance will be held in the sanctuary. Refreshments will be served after the service. Surviving the Holidays, a special GriefShare session, provides participants with practical holiday coping strategies, including a free holiday survival guide, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 201. Admission is free.

Holiday Market Sip & Shop Saturday, Dec. 8 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bungalow Heights – 1919 Beall St. Join Bungalow Heights for brunch, a few cocktails and goods from local purveyors.

Bifurcation show Friday, Dec. 7 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. HCC West Loop Art Gallery -5601 W. Loop South Oak Forest resident and sculptor James Ciosek’s new series of paintings, “Bifurcation,” opens at HCC West Loop Art Gallery and will be on display form Dec. 7 through Jan. 31. Opening and closing receptions will be held on the first and last day of the show from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

The Markets

in the sanctuary. The Donna Davis Talk Show is a play written and performed by church members. The event is free, and the community is welcome.

Christmas Music Concert Sunday, Dec. 16 4:15 p.m. Oak Forest Baptist - 1700 W. 43rd St. The community is welcome to attend a Christmas Music Concert featuring both the children and adult choir. Following the music, there will be a Christmas party in the fellowship hall. The Christmas Eve Communion/Candlelight service will be at 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. Vineyard Church of Houston December events Sunday, Dec. 16 6 p.m. The Vineyard Church of Houston – 1035 E. 11th St. Vineyard Church of Houston’s three upcoming events in December: two plays on Dec. 16, “Improv in a Pear Tree,” and “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe,” followed by a Christmas party. There will be a 6 p.m. candlelight service on Christmas Eve.

The Pews First Church Heights Christmas program Friday, Dec. 7 7 p.m. First Church Heights – 201 E. 9th St. The Christmas program will be

Oct. 7, 1936 in New Orleans, died Nov. 27. Gumina served in the U.S. Army and later began a successful career spanning 50-plus years in the shipping industry. He is survived by his wife, Terrye, son Steve, step-daughter Leslie, step-son Joshua, sisters Janice, Elizabeth and Debra, brothers Gerald and Frank, and four grandchildren.

Craig Alan Haynie, 41, born Dec. 19,

1976, died Nov. 26.

Dorothy Joann Lero, 82, born Aug. 28,

1936 in Bremond, Texas, died Nov. 14. Lero

retired from Texas Commerce Bank. She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for more than 50 years. Survivors include her loving husband, Tommy J. Lero, daughters Jeannine Tusa, Monica Grissom, Cheryl Miksch, sister Gertrude Widacki, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Roland James Potts, 84, born July 7, 1934, died Nov. 26. Potts served in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He pastored Trinity Christian Church and Interfaith Praise Church. He continued with the Prime Timers Senior Citizens with Lindale Assembly of God. He is survived by his children Alan, Ryan, 13 grandchildren,

Fun & Games Lights in the Heights Saturday, Dec. 8 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Houston Heights The event will feature homes on Euclid and Byrne. You can stroll along the pedestrian friendly route and enjoy the dazzling Christmas decorations. For route map go to: https:// www.woodland-heights.org/ news/2018/12/3/lights-in-theheights-route-map Holiday on 19th Street Friday, Dec. 7 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. 19th St., between Shepherd and Yale This block party will feature live music, in store features, cocktails, holiday shopping and real snow! Happy hour Friday, Dec. 7 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Noted – 1901 Lawrence Come sip and shop every Friday at Noted. They’ll pop a bottle of something as you shop or just get to know the owners. Lights in the Heights bike ride Friday, Dec. 7 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Eureka Heights Brew Co – 941 W. 18th St. Eureka Heights will be getting festive with their monthly bike ride, as they travel through Lights in the Heights to enjoy all the decorations. 100 years of Scotch Wednesday, Dec. 12 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Down House – 1301 Yale St. Sip, learn, and enjoy small bites while sipping on your favorite Scotch. Down House in combining 100 years of Scotch with varying ages of The Balvenie and Glenfiddich. Craft night Friday, Dec. 7 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Heights Common Market – 1802 Yale St.

and 14 great-grandchildren.

Fred Howard Whitaker, 92, born May 9, 1926, died Nov. 28. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and World War II veteran. Whitaker was employed as a master electrician and worked for the family owned business, Whitaker Electric for most of his career. He was longtime faithful member and servant of Lazybrook Baptist Church. Survivors include his daughter, Debbie, sister Billie Hairell, a grandson, and a great-granddaughter.

1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470

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December events Tuesday, Dec. 11 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. American Legion Post 560 – 3720 Alba Rd. The Auxiliary will meet from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Dec. 11. Steak Night is Dec. 21, 6 p.m. until food runs out. Candlelight tour Saturday, Dec. 8 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Heritage Society – 1100 Bagby St. At the Heritage Society’s 55th Annual Candlelight Tour, visitors can tour historic buildings adorned with traditional holiday decorations, as guides tell the stories of life in 19th century Houston.

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Introduction to Modern Square Dancing Thursday, Jan. 17 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Spring Branch Presbyterian Church – 1215 Campbell Rd. Fairbees Square Dance Club invites the public to experience the fun and fellowship of Modern Square Dancing at this Free Fun Night event. Older children and teenagers welcome.

By Pastor Will Cover

We invite you to worship with us!

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40

Community Dance Saturday, Dec. 15 8 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. SPJST Lodge 88 – 1435 Beall St. The SPJST Lodge 88 will host The Nite Beat Band. Advance tickets: $16, no refunds, tickets purchased at the door: $15.

The Gift of Hope

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Bingo Night Wednesday, Dec. 12 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Mellow Mushroom – 1919 N. Shepherd Dr. Come eat pizza and play bingo!

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

DIRECTORY Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am Morning Worship ............... 10:45am Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children and Adults............................ 6:15pm

Canine Christmas Saturday, Dec. 9 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Yuppie Dog – 2203 Durham Dr. For a minimum of $5, you and your fur-friends can enjoy vendor booths, pictures with Santa, costume contest, goody bags, raffle prizes, silent auction, food and more. (All pets must be on a leash at all times).

CHURCH Sunday

Come make your very own ugly Christmas sweater, just bring a sweater to uglify and the rest will be provided. This is a 21 and up event. Tickets are $25.

Dog Rabies Vaccination

Christmas Eve service at Fairbanks UMC Monday, Dec. 24 6 p.m. Fairbanks United Methodist Church, 14210 Aston (77040)

THE OBITUARIES. Joseph Stephen Gumina Jr., 82, born

The church will have a Christmas Eve Coffeehouse at 6 p.m., followed by Communion Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Childcare for newborn to age 5 will be available. Deanna M. Young is pastor.

Join us for Services in English or Spanish Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

e are entering a season that is focused around giving and receiving gifts. The stores are full, the lines are long, and traffic is bad. UPS, FedEx, the USPS, retail stores, and online stores alike are at their busiest times of the year. Here in America, many are spending beyond what they have to give gifts to their friends and family members. While all of this giving and receiving is not inherently bad, it often tends to distract from the reason for giving and receiving gifts in the first place. We give because so much has been given to us. Giving should be a response to having received much. The greatest gift ever given was the gift of salvation, the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God, that was given to us by God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the finished work of Christ, we can have the gift of salvation. This gift serves to give us hope. This hope is a hope that is alive. It is a real hope because it is based in the fact that Jesus Christ is alive. That, even though He was killed on the cross, He rose from the grave three days later. This hope is a real hope because Jesus has made some very special promises to those who trust in Him for their forgiveness for sin. He has promised an inheritance that can never be taken away. This hope is also demonstrated to be real for believers because even though we have not yet experienced the full inheritance that God has for us, we can know that He has a purpose for us right now in our lives. God is at work in us, even through difficult circumstances to purify us and to help us have a life that is pleasing to Him. Where does your hope come from? The gifts you give and receive this year won’t last. They may not even be appreciated by the recipient of the gift. True hope comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can receive a gift that will never wear out or be lost. You can have the gift of salvation that brings hope to the world. If you would like to discuss this further or have questions, Pastor Will Cover can be reached at Arise Baptist Church at 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697.

Page 8A â€˘ Saturday, December 8, 2018 â€˘ The Leader

High Speed, from P. 1A

Are Poinsettias dangerous to pets? Three other holiday hazards to consider are toxic if consumed. Make sure to keep your pets from eating the â€œsnowâ€? on the tree - and, while youâ€™re at it, make sure any children (or confused adults!) who are in the home know to do the same.

Dear Tabby, Iâ€™ve heard that poinsettias are terribly poisonous for cats. Should I worry about my cat getting sick if I bring a poinsettia into my home? Fear of Poinsettias in Forest Pines

dangerous and plan accordingly to keep your pets safe during the holidays. Trust me, no one wants to end up in the vet clinic this holiday season not you, not your pet and not

Batteries Christmas toys often come with batteries - lots and lots of batteries. Sometimes curious kitties like to chew on shiny objects and batteries are often the chew toy of choice. Unfortunately, batteries are extremely toxic to pets and can cause acid burns and cuts that require medical attention. Make sure to keep all batteries off the floor and out of reach of curious pets.

Tinsel and flocking While both of these items do so much to make your tree look more festive, they pose significant risks to your pets. As you might know, cats like to play with anything stringlike and sometimes chew on it. If your cat eats tinsel, a whole host of problems can ensue and veterinary care (and sometimes surgery) might be needed. Flocking might look like allnatural snow on your tree but it is made up of chemicals that

your wallet! Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at dear tabbyquestions@ gmail.com

Pet of the Week

Christmas tree water The preservatives that are used in the water of a fresh Christmas tree to keep it healthy and hydrated throughout the holiday season can make pets very ill. This preservative is typically sugar-based, which can be harmful to pets if ingested. Also, bacteria tends to grow in this water, so your pet could get a serious case of intestinal distress if he or she decides to drink from the treeâ€™s water bowl.

Dear Fear of Poinsettias, While poinsettias do have a sap that can cause irritation if ingested, the plant is actually not as dangerous to your pets as people believe. In fact, experts warn that there are other dangers during the holidays that are much more likely to send you and your pet to the vet. In no particular order, here are some of the most dangerous holiday household hazards for your pet (spoiler: Poinsettias are the least of your worries).

the timeline is contingent on the Federal Railroad Administrationâ€™s final environmental impact statement. The FRA is working on a final environmental review that will help determine the projectâ€™s timeline and final route, which will incorporate data from months of public feedback opportunities and meetings that concluded in March. A Dallas Morning News report from September said the FRA hopes make a decision on the project by the end of August 2019, but a company spokesperson declined to confirm a set date beyond â€œlate 2019â€? for the release of a final impact statement or decision.. Meanwhile, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Central concluded a series of hearings in September. It typically takes a year or longer to issue a permit, add conditions or deny a permit. â€œConstruction will proceed after all environmental reviews and permitting activities have concluded,â€? Edgar said. Renfe and Salini Impregilo join project manager Bechtel and construction giant Fluor Enterprises Inc., a Lane Construction subsidiary based in Irving, as major partners laying initial groundwork for the project. â€œSalini Impregiloâ€™s knowledge and experience in designing, building and leading largescale railway projects across

the world is impressive, and its presence in the U.S. market with Lane is also strategic for the project,â€? Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar said in a statement. â€œTheir inclusion highlights the stature of the Texas project and the interest of global infrastructure companies to be part of Americaâ€™s first high-speed train.â€? Salini Impregilo will be responsible for all work up to the top of the rail, including viaducts, embankments and drainage. â€œThis is a wonderful opportunity for us,â€? Pietro Salini, CEO of the Salini Impregilo Group, said in a statement. â€œWe are delighted to be invited to take part to bring high-speed train service to Texas.â€? Should the project come to fruition, Renfe would provide technical advice on the design and construction of the Texas train and assist in the further development of Texas Centralâ€™s operation and maintenance plans, preparing the railroad for passenger service. Renfe would run the trains, maintain system components such as the engines, signals and other equipment and oversee ticketing, passenger loyalty programs and other services. â€œTexas Central represents a large high-speed train project in a country with high-growth potential,â€? Renfe president IsaĂas TĂĄboas said in a statement.

A Little Attention

Meet Sandy Sandy is a 1-year-old Lab mix who was found abandoned along the Hardy Tollway in the pouring rain. Despite her treacherous beginnings, Sandy is playful, loving, eager to please and gets along well with other pets in the home. She would make a lovely addition to most any family - and is a great watch dog to boot! To learn more about Sandy, go to www.animaljusticeleague.org.

Having a pet in the home during the holidays shouldnâ€™t mean that you have to forego all of your festive decor and habits. Just take into consideration things that might be

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To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives

HOURS Thurs & Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat-Wed: 11am - 9:30pm

a hamburger, Fries and a medium drink

get a regular hamburger

Free

Southwellâ€™s

Take Out available

White Oak

HambURgeR gRill

1909 Taylor Street Suite #A ď‚Ź 713-862-6611 Next to PetSmart

10% OFF ANY GAS LAMP CLEANING AND REPAIR SERVICE.

Expires December 15, 2018. Can not be combined with other offers.

NEW LOCATION

FREE DONUTS 2 KOLACHES FREE DOzEN FREE DONUT HOLES Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts FREE with purchase of one dozen donuts or more.

Taylor

FOr

713 682-2053

1512 W 34th St â€˘ Houston, 77018

www.trulitegas.com

With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.

Buy a dozen donuts and get 1 dozen donut holes FREE!

Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.

Ad 3410 # 29544 Ella

Blvd. at 34th St.

WHEN IT COMES TO

(713) 682-4343

ADNORESULTS ONE ELSE STACKS UP The Leader reaches more houses with more readers so you get more response!

Put Us To Work For You:

713-686-8494

THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, December 8, 2018 • Page 9A

Police Reports • Nov. 20 - 28 NOV. 20

42ND Theft 12:31 AM 400-499 W 27TH Burglary 7 AM 1700-1799 HEIGHTS

Other 8:23 PM 900-999 BETHLEHEM Burglary 9 AM 4300-4399 BUSIEK Theft 6 PM 2400-2499 ASHLAND Theft 4:30 PM 1400-1499 ASHLAND Theft 3 PM 3400-3499 N SHEPHERD

Don’t Be A Victim! Concealed Handgun Classes

we Buy aLL GuNS

NOV. 24

NOV. 21

Theft 11:36 AM 700-799 N SHEPHERD Theft 7:01 PM 900-999 AURORA Assault 11:55 PM 900-999 ADELE

NOV. 22

Theft 7 AM 1100-1199 ADELE Theft 12 PM 1200-1299 W 17TH

Theft 12 PM 500-599 W 20TH Theft 11 AM 100-199 N LOOP Robbery 1:25 PM 900-999 HEIGHTS Theft 3 PM 3600-3699 NORHILL Theft 5:50 PM 400-499 CROSSTIMBERS Robbery 9:08 PM 4300-4399 AIRLINE Theft 12:21 AM 500-599 W 17TH Theft 3:21 AM 900-999 N SHEPHERD Theft 11:35 AM 700-799 YALE

NOV. 25

Theft 1 PM 1100-1199 WOODHILL Theft 1:30 PM 1200-1299 W 20TH

NOV. 23

Arrest 12:45 PM 300-399 E

New LoCatioN

2001 Karbach Suite F Houston, TX 77092

Gift Certificates

713-694-4867

Buy SeLL trade

Black Gold Guns & ammo Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer Theft 7:29 AM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Assault 1:30 PM 4500-4599 YALE Theft 10 AM 1500-1599 N LOOP W Theft 3 AM 200-299 W 18TH Burglary 6 PM 1500-1599 W 24TH

AIKIDO & AIKIjutsu trADItIOnAl WEAPOns

NOV. 26

Theft 9:50 AM 300-399 E 28TH Theft 1:39 PM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Theft 9:10 AM 1200-1299 N LOOP W Theft 6:30 PM 1200-1299 ENID Theft 1:30 PM 2100-2199 ELLA

could walk dogs, maybe they’d look after mine, too,” Gross said. “My husband asked if they were ‘dog people’ and I said, ‘Why yes, they are.’” Gross also wanted to support some “budding entrepreneurs.” It wasn’t just one dog, though. It was four of them that were all senior dogs needing special attention and medication. “We went over the day before we started with the dogs

Doak-designed courses have been ranked among the best in the world by Golf.com. He recently designed The Renaissance Club in East Lothians, Scotland, which will host the European Tour’s Scottish Open in 2019 and 2020. Don Placek, a senior associate for Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design company, said Doak has never designed a course used for a regular PGA Tour event. Doak has enlisted Brooks Koepka, the topranked player in the world, as a design consultant. “You can imagine we’re re-

Garland H. Austin III

NOV. 28

Robbery 4 AM 900-999 N LOOP W Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

to learn about what we needed to do,” said the 13-yearold Athena, a seventh grader. It worked out well, and now the girls have their first satisfied client. Barbie Atkinson, the girls’ mother, said the moxie behind the endeavor is all girlled. She says their entrepreneurial spirit is “in the blood.” “They really did it,” she said. “As a little gift to them, I got them a logo from an online designer. I helped them with their schedule and set-

ting up an email address through Gmail.” The address is thecaninecaretakers@gmail.com. Athena said she checks the business email twice per day and Saylor checks it after school. Both girls said they plan to bank their earnings. Barbie credited the kids’ Montessori education for giving them the tools to develop the Canine Caretakers. “They saw a need and they were problem solvers to meet that need,” she said.

ally excited about the fact it’s going to happen,” Placek said. It will happen as long as the city council allows it. And if it does, Kibbe said the Astros Golf Foundation, which has a five-year agreement with the PGA Tour, will move the Houston Open from the Golf Club of Houston in Humble to Memorial Park. Memorial Park would become only the second municipal course in the country to host an annual PGA Tour event, with the other being Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego.

“It’s a huge benefit to the city,” Kibbe said, “and we’ll have a public golf course that’s hopefully one of the best in the country.”

“One of Houston’s Top Dentists” — HTexas Magazine 2004-2018

DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com EllIott

Exam, X-Ray & Cleaning $ Regularly $100

713-682-7939

Q. Why is The Leader moving after so many years at the same location? On Dec. 1, The Leader is becoming part of MVR Publishing, which owns the Greensheet. It now makes sense for most of The Leader staff to be located just down the road at the Greensheet office, T.C Jester and Loop 610. Publisher Jonathan McElvy remains the majority owner of The Leader. Q. Where is the new location of The Leader? 2020 North Loop West, Suite 220.

A premier level of women’s care providing comprehensive OB/GYN services in spa-like environment. Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursdays 8am - 6pm, and Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm

Q. Will I still get my newspaper at my normal time? Yes. You will notice no difference in delivery times.

We Sell • Buy • Repair • Upgrade

® ® Vonne Jones, MD/OB-GYN, FACOG iPhone iPad® iMac® MacBook Air Q. Is the phone number of The Leader changing? ® ® ® Total Women’s Care of the Heights MacBook Pro Mac Mini Mac Pro No. ItAccessories remains 713-686-8494.

2050 North Loop West, Suite 130 Houston, Texas 77018 • www.Twcheights.com 346-320-3188

Houston Gun Collectors Association

GUN SHOW IN THE HEIGHTS Saturday Dec. 8, 2018 Hours: 9AM-4PM Admission $5 for adults

FREE PARKING

Answering Questions You May Have About Our Move

Mathew Naftis, D.D.S. CARE

Roberta was born January 7, 1942 and went to be with the Lord peacefully on November 28, 2018. She was a long time resident of Oak Forest and attended St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Garden Oaks. She loved reading, puzzles and jeopardy but her biggest love was her family. She will greatly be missed by her daughters Julie Murphy, husband Craig, Mary Elizabeth Escamilla, sister Bonnie Sandberg, husband Carl, grandchildren Desiree Hill, Elizabeth Hill, Victoria Hill, Jon Patrick Walker, Lewis Bradley Escamilla, great grandchildren Skyler, Jayden, Madilyn, Charles, Emma, Sirena, Madison, Jasper, Joshua Jr, cousins and nieces.

www.hgca.org • 713-981-6463

713-906-5481 Realty Associates

new patient Special

cReDiT

Our precious little one went to be with Jesus. He is survived by mother Kathryn W. England and father Garland H. Austin, Jr. Sisters Madison, Christina, Kathryn, Emily England, Ashley Austin and brother Anders England. Grandmother Eleanor Seibert, Aunt Melissa Austin, Donna Webb and Debby Hobart, and special friends Albert and Gretchen Claus, Travis and Erica Workman. Thanks to everyone for being there during this difficult time. Tiny But Mighty, The Lucky Few, Purest Soul. Services are through Woodlawn Funeral Home, 1101 Antoine Dr. Call 713-682-3663 for information.

SPJST Lodge #88 1435 Beall at 15th St.

Experience and Knowledge... A Powerful Combination

State-of-the art procedures, instruments & techniques

w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m

AY Y D L 1 N O

Sept. 19, 2018 - Dec. 2, 2018

ur beloved mother, grandmother, g re at - g r and mot he r, sister, aunt and friend has gone to be with the Lord. She is being welcomed into heaven by her husband Gordon H. Hill Jr., parents Rev. Lewis & Grace Risinger along with her sister Betty Risinger.

Under 12 FREE

CosmetiC Dentistry

1214 W 43rd Ste 300

Roberta Hill

www.aikibudo-aikido.com

Theft 1:43 PM 2200-2299 YALE Theft 5:20 AM 100-199 E 26TH Theft 1:20 PM 800-899 STUDEWOOD Theft 4 PM 600-699 E 7TH Theft 1:10 PM 500-599 YALE Theft 1:15 PM 500-599 YALE

Memorial Park, from P. 1A at least $50 million and make the course more attractive and profitable throughout the rest of the year. “There was clearly some concerns that were raised at the last quality of life meeting when it was first addressed,” Kibbe said. “We believe when city council members look at the economic impact to the city of Houston and putting in $13 million to renovate it, with privately funded money, I think it’ll be supported.” The course renovator hired by the Astros could be a selling point in his own right. Five

713-826-5877

IN MEMORIAM

NOV. 27

Dog Walk, from P. 1A The slogan for the Canine Caretakers – “we’re not just people, we’re dog people” – was a joint effort. One sister said the first sentence, the other said the second and they knew they were on to something. It was the slogan which helped them secure their first customer, Stacy Gross, who saw the notice of the business on the Garden Oaks Facebook page. “I was going to go out of town and I thought if they

Academy for Elite Samurai Arts Classes Enrolling Now Age 14 & Up

THE LEADER.

HAS MOVED

The Leader office is now located just 6 blocks south of the former location. The new office is at 2020 North Loop West, Suite 220, in The Preserve office complex.

Here is how to reach our new office if you are coming from the old location on East T.C. Jester. ➘ Go south on East T.C. Jester toward Loop 610. ➘ Cross 34th Street ➘ As you near Loop 610 look for the second to last esplanade crossing and turn left or east into The Preserve.

➘ Go straight or east into The Preserve and buildings 2050, 2040 and

2030 will be on your right. Our building, 2020, is the last one on the right. Parking is available all around our building. ➘ Enter the building and go to the second floor. There are stairs and an elevator. ➘ Look for The Leader signage, enter our reception area, ring the bell, and someone will greet you.

get my paper at The Leader office each 10% offQ. Iweek. Can I still do that?

YoUR fiRSt PURchASe

Yes. Our newsstand it front of the current building

BRing in thiS coUPon to Receive 10% off will not be moved. AnY ® RePAiR oR in-Stock iteM UP to $50.

(Old location)

CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED APPLE PRODUCT Can not be combined with any other offers orSALES discounts. Valid for in-store purchases only at the Heights location.

Average savings experimac customers get on Apple® desktop products over big-box retail stores.

“Santa knows where to find what they want for Christmas!”

Q. Will anyone be at the old Leader office? Yes, the graphic design team for our company will be there. DAYS G

EASY FINANCING! QUICK APPROVAL!

Q. Where do I go now if I need to pay my bill? If you are just dropping off a check, you can go to either office. If you need to pay with a credit ISFAC you need to go to the new office. card Sor ATcash, T

60% OFF ORIGINAL PRICES

UP TO

ANTE

Q. Where do I go if I need a past issue of the newspaper? The new office.

THE LEADER.

Q. If I need to talk to a reporter where do I go? The new office. Entrance

*Bring or mention seeing this ad

610

Yale

Rutland

Q. Where do I go if I need to turn in an announcement for the paper in person? The new office. Shepherd

301 North Loop West Houston, TX 77008

832-582-7355 www.experimac.com

ALL MacBook Pros® and iMacs®

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832-582-7355

rth No

ALL DECEMBER

We SellCall • Buy Repair • Upgrade or•visit today 301 North Loop West Houston, TXtoday: 77008 Call or visit

Q. Where do I go if I need to place an ad? The new office.

Turn left off TC Jester into The Preserve.

C&D

314 E. 11th Street 713-861-3551

Weekdays 8am-6:30pm • Sat 9am-6pm • Sun 10am-5pm

S H O P O N L I N E @ C a n d D H W. c o m

610 E. 11th

I-10

Studewood

Hardware & Gifts

Heights Blvd

Page 10A • Saturday, December 8, 2018 • The Leader

SALE ENDS DEC.24TH OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. New from Jim Shore

• Woodsy Santa • 8” Lighted Nativity Crown.

Festive hand painted figurines and ornaments with timeless appeal.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Magic Hand Controlled Flyer

Galvanized Holiday Planters

• Hand controlled flying toy • Advanced hovering technology • Nose lights up red in flight! • No batteries required • USB charging cable included

to fill with your favorite holiday cheer. 2 styles from which to choose.

Hovertech Battle FX 3.0 Drone Battle Game Blast the free-flying drone out of the sky! Multiple Payer Game Auto-hovering and proximity sensor technology. Instant auto-shutoff impact sensors. No batteries required - rechargeable drone battery - USB charging cable included.