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Saturday, December 12, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 58

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Historic preservation guidelines to be adopted with ‘aggressive’ schedule

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Heights residents had the chance to ask questions and give some preliminary feedback as part of the first of many meetings focused on establishing design guidelines for the Heights historic districts.

Steph McDougal, a consultant working with the Planning & Development Department, said officials will be using an “aggressive schedule” for adopting design guidelines, with meetings anticipated to be held over the next several months. One of the requirements of the revised Historic Preservation Ordinance is the adoption of these guidelines within the next 16 months.

During the first meeting held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Heights Tuesday evening, McDougal emphasized the importance in quickly, but efficiently, establishing the design guidelines for the Heights districts

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given the sheer number of applicants who wish to alter historic structures.

“The three Heights districts are some of our largest in Houston,” McDougal said. “Of the 300 to 400 applications to make changes to historic buildings in historic districts, nearly two thirds of them come from the Heights. We’re here to work together to figure out what should be in the design guidelines and so we can talk about what you want to see in your neighborhood.”

The process for establishing and ultimately passing the design guidelines as part of the revised preservation ordinance is a three phase process, McDougal said. The first phase will involve the hiring of a consulting firm to help officials work with the public to establish suitable criteria. Proposals from vendors who want to work with the city are expected to be received no later than Jan. 14 and a final decision See Guidelines P. 2A

Photo by Jonathan Garris Attendees at this week’s first meeting to help the Planning & Development Department establish design guideleines for the revised preservation ordinance were able to post answers to four questions regarding the Heights at the conclusion of the presentation. Questions asked included what people thought made the Heights special and what made them want to live or own property in the Heights.

Reagan alumni rally to save school name

Just Keep Swimming

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com The mood inside of the SPSJT Lodge on Beall Street in the Heights was somewhere between a class reunion and a rally, as Reagan High School alumni united across generations to protect the name of the school they feel may be wrongly changed.

The rally attracted about 300 people Tuesday afternoon, as alumni from across several generations gathered to show their support for keeping their alma mater’s name. HISD recently passed new guidelines for the potential renaming of schools in the district named after Confederate figures, including those for the Heights school which bears former Confederate States postmaster John H. Reagan’s name.

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By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com When Garden Oaks resident Pearl Reagler started swim lessons as a child, the lollipops were the draw.

“I used to think I was bad at it,” said Reagler.

No one would say that about the swimmer now. Reagler, who started out with the summer league Blue Marlins Swim Team, currently swims year-round with Dad’s Club Swim Team in Houston. Dad’s Club has produced many elite swimmers, including six Olympians and 76 USA National Qualifiers.

As a ten-year-old last March at the Short Course Yards state meet — year-around swimming is divided into two seasons, Short Course Yards (SCY) and Long Course Meters (LCM) — Reagler came in first in her age group in the state for all seven of her individual events. She was awarded the High Point Trophy for accruing more points at the state meet than any other youth in her age bracket.

Reagler also broke five Texas state records at the same meet. She currently is the state record holder in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, and 50 fly. As if that wasn’t enough, at the end of the SCY season, Pearl was ranked first in the United States in the 200IM, second in the nation in the 50 fly, 50 free, and 200 free, and third in the nation in the 100 free and 500 free for her age division.

After she turned 11, Reagler started the LCM season, which features races in meter pools configured like Olympic pools. She competed for Dad’s Club at The University of Texas in Austin this past summer and was the only 11 year old in the state to earn a spot in the A finals – there are A and B finals – of the 50 and 100 free.

She also recently participated in the All-Star Swim Camp in Midland put on by USA Swimming. To take part, she was identified as one of the top two 11 year old swimmers in her region of Texas.

“I love swimming because it’s fun,” said Reagler. “Even when my legs are on fire or I’m choking on water that went up my nose, it still feels good. I like to push myself and see how far I can go. My friends and coaches make it all worth it.”

One coach she singles out is Jane Swanson who coached Reagler for two years.

“When I was 9 and competing at my first state meet, she drew circles to calm me down,” said Reagler. “They looked suspiciously like black holes, which makes me laugh when I think back on it.”

Another is current coach Kyle Sanders – “He is famous for making my friends and me so sore that we can’t even step up into the car after practice.”

With all her recent successes, Reagler remains focused,

•

HHA Holiday Home Tour a hit yet again

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader

Contributed Photos Pearl Reagler has a somewhat intimidating level of talent, breaking five Texas state records all at the same meet. The young swimmer might have Olympic aspirations, but Reagler said she’s also focused on having fun and leading a normal life outside of the pool.

and modest. When asked if she has Olympic aspirations, she said although “that would be nice”, she gets nervous when she thinks that far ahead. For now, she just wants to make Sectionals which is totally dependent on her times.

Freestyle swimming has been a strength of hers, but Reagler said she’s recently started trying to change the way she swims, so it may take a while to get as fast as she needs to be.

Reagler is homeschooled and she says that the flexibility makes training a little easier. Right now she swims about an hour and a half five days a week and isn’t looking to increase the amount.

“It’s better to do less so you don’t get burned out,” she See Swimmer P. 5A

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In just three hours on Friday, more than 400 people visited four homes as part of this year’s Holiday Home Tour, hosted annually by the Houston Heights Association. On Saturday, an estimated 1,000 did the same as the weekend event rolled on.

Today, people come from far and wide to attend the HHA’s Holiday Home Tour. While some visitors are local, many are from The Woodlands, Galveston, even Austin and Dallas.

More than a few are people considering a move to the Heights. Current board members said they are pleased with this year’s turnout.

“We have had a very good turnout See Tour P. 2A

Photo by Kim Hogstrom Janet Buchheit, Houston Heights Association board member and Vice President of Fund Raising, displays this year’s HHA holiday ornament

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Garden Oaks contract deputy named Deputy of the Year by Precinct One

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Deputy Joe Bowden of the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office keeps things simple when he talks about his job patrolling Garden Oaks. As he puts it, he goes to work, does his job and goes home. However, Bowden has done his job well enough to be named this year’s Deputy of the Year from among his department.

“It was surreal getting an award like that,” Bowden says with a laugh. “I’ve never been in a situation like that.”

While speaking about Bowden at an award ceremony, officials said Garden Oaks has a hero in Bowden.

“When a home is burglarized, residents get hit with a double whammy when they realize that their belongings likely will never be recovered,” one official said.

“But Bowden often gets to rewrite the horror story, using tips and research methods to find stolen property and/or catch the bad guys. He has also worked with HPD and the Sheriff’s Office

Tour from P. 1A this year,” Janet Buchheit, HHA board member and its vice president of fund raising, said Dec. 5. “We have four big fund raisers each year, and this is one of the biggest. Yesterday, we even had 21 senior citizens arrive from Montgomery County. They came in their own bus and they all wound up back at they fire station afterword. It was a lot of fun for everyone.”

This year, the Holiday Home Tour started at the Houston Heights Fire Station.

Busses then shuttled tour-goers to four magnificent homes.

Several were old and renovated and one was a recent

build in the Victorian style.

The homes had two things in common: they were all fine examples of the Heights and all were decked out for the season.

The four homes on the tour included the Sartor home located at 2222 Courtland, the Klaybor Home at 1615 Courtland, the Whitfield home at 915 Heights Blvd., and the Silkwood-Milnarich Home at 606 Mosby Circle. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door and all the proceeds go to the HHA. Delighted men and women of all ages donned surgical booties and traipsed through

the four private houses, guided by an army of guides from the HHA. One of the people attending the tour was particularly aware of this regard for history. Sister Heloise Cruzat was born in the Whitfield home, and grew up there.

Like so many other houses in the Heights, the modest 1919 Queen Anne had fallen into ruin when newly weds Heather and Colby Whitfield purchased it in Dec. 2010.

“I was born in 1932 at 915 Heights Blvd.,” Sister Heloise said. “I lived there the first 20 years of my life. The Whitfields have restored and

renovated it beautifully. It is always a joy to return and see what they have done with it. I am glad it fell into such loving hands.”

When Heather and Colby Whitfield bought the property, the structure required extensive restoration to qualify as livable. After five months of stage one of two in the renovation process, the young couple moved in. The home was about 1,500 square feet at the time of the purchase. Today, with the new additions, it is about 2,700 square feet.

The Whitfields did a magnificent job of retaining the original charm and historic dignity of the home. “It makes

no later than June and will present their findings and recommendations in August.

From October to the middle of November, residents will have the chance to comment on the recommendations again, and McDougal said she is trying to be realistic about the outcome.

“My goal is for 60 percent of you to be happy,” McDougal said. “We have folks on one side of this issue that don’t want anything more to happen in the Heights with buildings and then there are people on the other side that want to be able to tear every-

thing down and build whatever they want. They will never agree. My job is to help find an acceptable solution.”

During the meeting, McDougal also asked attendees to use small notes to answer four short questions on large posters, such as what people thought made the Heights special, what made them want to live or own property in the Heights, what would people want to see if there was construction next door to them and, conversely, what they wouldn’t want to see.

When asked if old design guidelines would be used as a

starting point, McDougal said that an older set of guidelines from 2008 will be provided as a reference for the consultants. They would also be able to view and build off of two sets of other design guidelines, which were completed for the Starkweather historic district in Independence Heights and in Germantown.

While a date has not yet been finalized, another meeting will likely be held in January again at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, McDougal said.

Guidelines from P. 1A would materialize at the end of March or start of April.

In the meantime, McDougal said she and other officials will be collecting input over the next few months and, as part of another phase, will be analyzed by officials.

“We’re going to take all the top comments and threads that we see that [are] the most common and do a survey built off of that in March,” McDougal said.

McDougal said the consultants for the project would be brought in no later than June and would speak directly with homeowners in the Heights

to take down burglary and robbery rings.”

Bowden said such a big part of the reason he has enjoyed working in Garden Oaks has been its people.

“It’s easy to work for the people in Garden Oaks,” Bowden said. “Everyone wants to feed you and everyone stops to say ‘hi,’ and it makes you want to do more for them every day.”

Bowden’s pathway to becoming a police officer is an unusual one. Born and raised in Houston, he relocated to Hawaii to manage a Circuit City and lived there for 12 years. He met his wife and raised his kids there, but when the retailer went belly up Bowden decided to give working as a police officer a shot. He entered the academy at 37 years old, and went on to work as an officer in Fort Bend before moving to Precinct One several years ago.

“When I first started on night shifts, the area was getting hit hard on car burglaries,” Bowden said. “We worked hard and caught quite a few and they slowed down.”

Bowden is also quick to thank

us really, really happy to know Sister Heloise likes our renovation,” said Heather Whitfield. “It is the only childhood home she has ever known and one of our objectives was to retain its original warmth.

We certainly love it, but it is important to us that she approves of what we’ve done.”

According to Sister Heloise, the Whitfields have well exceeded their objective.

The Houston Heights Association (HHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting goodwill and community spirit in the Heights. For more information, visit www. houstonheights.org.

Bowden his fellow officers and superiors for his ability to carry out his duties well enough to be honored.

“Sgt. James Moncrief really acted a mentor for me,” Bowden said. “I can’t stress enough how great it is to be working here.”

However, Bowden did say that residents could make the entire process easier if they would call when seeing something suspicious.

“I think we could have probably cleaned up a lot more crimes if people called immediately,” Bowden said. “Sometimes people might say they didn’t want to bother us, but we need those calls.”

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Saturday, December 12, 2015 • Page 4A

We’re the last place to lean back and read

E

arlier this week, I spent an entire day doing what every business owner loves more than anything in the entire world: I spent eight straight hours with my CPA. Don’t get the wrong impression.

We weren’t huddled in a back office preparing for the colonoscopy that is an IRS audit. Instead, we just needed to do a little tax planning.

Our company has acquired a few businesses this year, and apparently, federal and state law suggests you know how much money you make each year so you can then efficiently grab both ankles and allow said government to take most of what you’ve earned.

To be completely transparent, our business hasn’t had the best of years. Slumps in certain sectors of the economy have definitely hurt us.

We’ve also acquired a few new businesses, and they have gone through massive transitions, which take time to implement.

Rob, my CPA, had a different question when we looked through our books. He’s seen our business have mild success in prior years and he wondered, aloud, if the great big world of digital news consumption had finally caught up with us.

The only reason I’m sharing this story with you, our readers, is because I get the same question day

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

after day. I’m also sharing this story because we constantly face the same questions from our advertisers. We walk into a local business, tell them about our community newspapers, and without any real understanding of what they’re saying, their eyes turn white and they recite the ominous chant: “We’re not going to advertise in print anymore. We’re moving our marketing dollars to digital.”

It seems I have this conversation in private all the time; why not have it in public just for one week?

I’ll be the first to admit: I love all things digital. I read breaking news on my computer at work. I read social news (no matter how ludicrous it may seem) on my phone.

I read Tweets at stoplights. I play card games on my iPad in airports.

Maybe I don’t have the digital addiction some people have to their smart phones, and I certainly am

not on a constant quest for narcissistic approval on social media, but I do love the expediency of the digital world.

But I also love newspapers – especially community newspapers like ours – for all the ways that we are so different from the barrage of information you receive through that data plan that gets more and more expensive every year.

I love that newspapers don’t have ad blockers. If you don’t know about ad blockers, they are filters you can install on your computer or phone browsers that eliminate all ads from being seen, and 200 million people use ad blockers every day across the globe.

In my 30 years of reading, writing and publishing newspapers, I have never seen a single person take a pair of scissors and cut all the ads out of a newspaper just so they can read the stories.

I love that ads in newspapers are as important to the content as the stories themselves. In fact, we are the only news medium remaining where people don’t skip the ads. We click the elusive “X” on web pages.

We hit fast-forward on the TV. We change the station (or convert to Sirius or Pandora) on the radio. The only time we want to see commercials on any of those mediums is during the Super Bowl. Otherwise,

Attorney generals are the experts in a ploy named Sue EAST OF AUSTIN – State Highway 71 along here is bumpy, but is far better than some of our state roads. Speaking of which, look at that car zooming along, weaving through traffic.

We need more state troopers, but we can’t afford any more.

Then there are our underfunded schools with their underpaid teachers, our mental homes that need some state inspectors, and so on. If only the State of Texas had money towards helping fix our problems. Actually, we do have some money, millions, that would help, only they’re being wasted on lawyers handling useless cases, and losing many of them, just to pander to a fringe. Who’s responsible for this expensive debacle? If you voted for Gov. Greg Abbott or Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton, you are responsible, and the rest of us want our money back. How much money? A cool $13 million – $5 million suing and $8 million defending. The meter is still running.

You see, the State of Texas (that’s us) keeps suing the federal government (that’s also us -- we’re paying both sides) to change the laws and legal opinions over matters such as voter ID, pollution and gerrymandering. This tilting at windmills began when Abbott was our attorney general (may we refer to the man and the office as AG?) who described his years in that post as: “I go into the office, I sue the federal government, and then I go home.” I’m not sure that’s what we paid him for, but those are his exact words. He did such a good job as AG that we promoted him to governor.

His successor is Paxton, who apparently believes in the same job deception.

Between the two, they have sued the Obama administration 39 times. Their favorite target has been the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has the silly notion that Texans don’t want themselves or their children breathing polluted air – Texas has some of the worst in the nation. People along the Houston Ship Channel say they don’t want to breathe anything they can’t see. Their children have a saying: “I shot an arrow into the air. It stuck.” Of those 39 lawsuits, 21 have been against the EPA. The state already has spent more than $82,000 in one month fighting the EPA’s plan to cut carbon emissions. And, as noted, the meter is still running.

Another target is one that always tops Texans’ greatest worries: same-sex marriages. Many the night I have stayed awake -- and no doubt you have, too -- worrying about that. Paxton was so eager to pursue this evil that he waited only two months in office before suing the Obama administration over spousal benefits to married same-sex couples. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled on this.

Maybe we should chip in and give Paxton some change to buy

Lynn Ashby Columnist

a newspaper. It would be a lot cheaper. Nearly $1 million was spent to get the feds to sign off on our gerrymandering of the state’s 2011 redistricting maps for congressional and legislative seats. The state’s plan, the work of Tom DeLay, dices Travis County (Austin) into five – yes, five – different Congressional districts. One runs from Houston to Austin. That case became moot when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act. Texans face another peril: Voter ID. The AG seems to think that hordes of undocumented aliens are sneaking into our voting booths to cast ballots for Poncho Villa. I have looked and cannot find a single instance of this happening, but you can’t be too careful. Although I do wonder why we have bi- and even tri-lingual ballots. If you can’t speak and read English, how do you know where the candidates are lying? (It’s easy – just see if their lips are moving.) Texas has spent $1.6 million trying to force the feds to accept our voter ID law. A panel of federal appeals judges in August called the law discriminatory. The state has appealed. If Paxton loses, he will appeal the appeal. Incidentally, we don’t have any of the on-going costs of the AG’s attempt to close all Planned Parenthood clinics in Texas, but they may be more than all the other legal posturing put together.

So how are we doing in court?

According to the Houston Chronicle, which dug out these costs, the AG has won seven and lost eight. The other cases are either split decisions or still being fought. Paxton has spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars in six new legal challenges since taking office in January. Thus we have more than $5 million in taxpayer money spent suing the feds. The AG’s office has umpteen lawyers already on our payroll, so these additional costs must be for outside legal help, plus travel, interviews, bar bills and probably a million or two under “miscellaneous.” Meantime, the state also has other legal problems such as lawsuits dealing with conditions in our prisons, UT’s unending battle over affirmative action and Rick Perry. Why are they wasting their time and our tax dollars on these fruitless follies? It’s all a matter of priorities – political priorities.

Wait. It gets better, or worse.

That $5 million tab, so far, is only money spent suing Washington.

But Texas has been sued by the

feds and has to defend itself.

Paxton and Abbott have spent more than $8 million defending voter ID and redistricting. That’s $13 million, for nothing. One last bit of irony, and you couldn’t make this up: Paxton faces three felony charges for fraud. No, all Texans don’t have to pay for his case, but Collin County, that’s McKinney where the trial will be held, has budgeted $100,000 for Paxton prosecution.

Perhaps the priorities of Abbott and Paxton are not ours, and we could well spend those millions otherwise. Theyy are simply pandering to a small but vocal minority. Maybe we should change the official state animal to the panda.

Ashby is taxed at ashby2@ comcast.net.

our entire consumption of news and entertainment is spent trying to avoid advertisements – ask Netflix about that business model.

Meanwhile, our readers love the ads as much as they love the stories.

I love newspapers because we don’t have creepy ads that seem to know your every move. True story: A few months ago I wanted to buy my wife a suit for work, and I made the dreaded mistake of searching for women’s suits online, just to see what was out there. For the next three months, every advertisement on every site I visited showed me the latest in women’s business suits.

That’s just creepy.

I love newspapers because we are wireless, we don’t require a data plan, and we don’t threaten to shut off your source of news if you don’t give us a credit card.

I love newspapers because, when you pick up a paper and read, you don’t automatically get two spam emails a day pawning products that you’d never buy in a hundred lifetimes.

I love newspapers because we’re the only medium left that allows you to turn everything off, open the pages and sit back to consume news relevant to your daily life. We are the last “lean-back” source of news, and there is absolutely nowhere else you can go in today’s massive news

industry and read through pages and pages of information about your very own community.

And I love newspapers most – especially these days – because we were the original social media.

We are still a place where people share stories. We are a place where meetings are organized, opinions proffered and photos captioned.

I was stunned to learn this week that Congress gingerly asked Facebook and Twitter to help identify people who may use social media to organize terroristic activities on social media.

Are you kidding me?

I love newspapers because we care about making our communities better through the filter of our editors and reporters who live and work here. Love or hate newspapers, call them liberal bastions of propaganda if you want (we’ve never faced that accusation), but you’ll never find a newspaper in this entire nation that wouldn’t turn over a terrorist or a criminal long before Congress had to ask. Heck, we’d expose them before the next press run.

Trust me, digital has an enormously valuable place in our society. So do local, community newspapers. That’s what I told my CPA. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

The reader.

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

HISD breaks ground with new Montessori program at Waltrip High School Dear Editor: This will take a great commitment on the part of the school administrators and teachers. Getting training for a Montessori credential is a rigorous task.

When I came to Wilson, many teachers who took the training were backing out. The principal who hired me had left and our new principal wasn’t supportive or forthcoming.

But the lower elementary and EC team were committed and energetic. I got the support I needed to survive then. We finally got another principal who did whatever it took to make our school successful.

Public Montessori faces many challenges. I hope that Waltrip can overcome all of them.

Sophi Zimmerman Who was that mosque man?

Dear Editor: Happy to find you (manner of speaking) in the Leader Mr. Ashby. Brings back memories of your wonderful meanderings in the Houston Post when this city still had a newspaper.

I always was curious as to how you managed to write such creative, entertaining articles and still manage to catch for the Stros’.

Jim Smith

Not all radicals are Muslim Dear Editor: Not all radicals are Muslims in the Middle East. We’ve got them in Oak Forest. An 89 year-old widow has had her windows shot out by repeated attacks from a pellet gun shooter. Police tell me they are not capable of solving this problem without neighbors helping. This letter is a request for such surveillance by neighbors, especially at Glebe and Viking Drive.

Anonymous

Local business is our business.

Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Recesses 6. Slanderous defamation 12. Fruit phrase: Life is just ....

16. Undergraduate degree 17. A way of damaging 18. Indicates position 19. Equally 20. Manuscript (abbr.)

21. ___ Lanka 22. Thus 23. 4th tone of scale 24. Town or commune in France 26. Sharp inclination 28. Watering holes 30. 1st state (abbr.)

31. Cattle genus 32. Type of American Indian 34. Before 35. Hairless 37. Hosts film festival 39. African tribe 40. Loud crowd noise 41. Quarter 43. Swiss capital 44. Sandhurst (abbr.)

45. Golfer Snead 47. Bachelor’s of Applied Science 48. A radio band 50. Assist in some wrongdoing

52. SW German state ___: Wurttemberg 54. Rosary component 56. Expresses surprise 57. Hot Springs state (abbr.)

59. Soak flax 60. Atomic #73 61. Exist 62. Megabyte 63. Energy in the form of waves or particles 66. Farm state (abbr.)

67. WWII flyer’s phrase: On ______ 70. Store fodder for preservation 71. Lubed

dOwn

1. Lowered in prestige 2. Turin river 3. Moves through water 4. Disappearing shade trees 5. Standard operating procedure 6. A shrill cry 7. Japanese apricot 8. Emergency Response Notification System (abbr.)

9. Sparta’s ancient rival city 10. The Ocean State 11. Jack-tar

12. Sleeveless Arab garments 13. Abstains from food 14. Waxed finish 15. Conditions of balance 25. Cloud of interstellar dust 26. Turf 27. Political action committee 29. Repentant act 31. B.B. King sang them 33. Salesman’s items 36. Every 38. Neither 39. African nation 41. Hindu’s creator god 42. The bill in a restaurant 43. Edict 46. Maritime 47. Small bright tropical fish 49. Cockered 51. Mountain lakes 53. No longer alive 54. Unoriginal 55. Costly 58. Finger millet 60. Aaron Spelling’s child 64. Dekaliter 65. Initial public offering 68. Not out 69. Thou

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, December 12, 2015 • Page 5A

Rally from P. 1A

Swimmer from P. 1A

Howard Moon, one of the leaders of the rally, called the event a kick off for the group’s petition which attendees could sign. T-Shirts were also available for purchase.

“It’s our plan to continue getting the petition signed and then getting together and presenting it at one time to the board,” Moon said. “This is really a starting point and I love it because we had far more people here than we thought we would. I am just elated at the number of people who came.”

Alumni also had the chance to look at old yearbooks collected by others, along with photos, newspaper clippings from past issues of The Leader, old sweaters and other items from the school’s history. Moon said the group is feeling optimistic about the name and thinks the HISD Board of Trustees needs to keep in mind the many donors and voters who live in the Houston area and abroad.

“The donors that are giving money, once they change the name and change the heritage, might not be so anxious to give as they’re taking an incentive away,” Moon said. He also im-

Photo by Jonathan Garris Live music was also featured at the Save the Name Rally held Tuesday for Reagan High School alumni.

plied that local alumni might not be supportive of future bond issues.

However, Stephen Marmion, president for the John H. Reagan Golf Tournament for Scholarships, says that won’t be the case for his organization.

“Our [non-profit’s] mission will not change, whether or not the name of Reagan High School is changed,” Marmion said.

Marmion, along with the rest

of the board of directors, will also be sending a letter to the HISD Board of Trustees about their organization and its ties to the school’s namesake. In the letter, Marmion says the golf tournament is comprised of 80 volunteers, all of whom graduated from Reagan between 1945 and 2003, and the group has awarded over 100 scholarships over the past 25 years. Of the money raised, 85 percent is given in scholarships to Reagan

said. “I do lots of things besides swimming. I jump on my trampoline, write stories, draw obsessively, ride horses for fun, and read books, even while I am walking.”

For swimming inspiration, Reagler looks to Diana Nyad, the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage – “She always says, ‘Find a way.’ She failed five times trying to make this swim, but she never gave up.

She was 64 when she finally did it.”

Reagler says her favorite elite swimmer is Missy Franklin.

“She’s always positive and nice, but her goal is to touch the wall first. That’s what I want to do,” said Reagler.

other contributions of time and resources that have contributed to Reagan students going to college.”

Marmion said this would particularly hurt Reagan graduates, as many recipients are from “Mexico, Central America and even Iran.” He pointed to a “strong sense of family” among those involved with Reagan High School throughout its history as part of the justification for keeping the name and implored trustees to maintain the name.

“We ask for your help in continuing the legacy of John H. Reagan High School, with its rich history and strong support of the students, the parents, the teachers, and the alumni,” Marmion said in the letter. “We believe that what is most important is the future of the students and helping them to have a better, more productive and more purposeful life.”

The name change policy was not on HISD’s meeting agenda Dec. 10 and it’s unclear when the item might again come up for discussion.

students.

However, Marmion says he and others are still disappointed about the efforts to change the name of their school.

“We can see no merit or justification for this, including proposed political justifications regarding events that took place over 150 years ago, which actual history cannot be sanitized,” Marmion said.

“If this name is changed, you will discourage donations and

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Page 6A • Saturday, December 12, 2015

Business Spotlight: JVP Jewelry works hands on

In The Heights since 2001

345 W. 19th Street 713.869.1414

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm

For local jeweler Jack VanPelt, owning his own business in the Heights has felt like owning his own business in a small town. VanPelt opened JVP Jewelry in 1986, where he has a complete shop that offers engraving, diamond setting, welding, custom manufacturing, stone setting, gold plating, and more.

“We do all work here on the premises,” VanPelt said. “That means that my shop has all, or almost all, the tools in it to do everything here. When you go to the mall and see a ring you like, they’re going to send the ring out to get [it] sized for you and are going to send it to someone like me to do it. If you bring your ring in here, or buy one from my case, we’re going to size it here and hand it right back to you.”

VanPelt comes from a family of jewelers. In the early 1970s, VanPelt worked for his grandparents downtown at their shop – Richter Jewelry Company. After his grandfather became ill, and after studying his trade, VanPelt decided to go out on his own.

“I still do a lot of things the way they did in the old shop,” VanPelt said. “Of course I’ve gotten new technology that has advanced us some, but I still do things like the way they were back then. So I learned my craft in the old method of doing jewelry, where you made your own plating solutions and sized rings a certain way; everything is all a little more hands on.”

Along with opening JVP Jewelry, VanPelt has been a volunteer firefighter since 1983 and an active Heights Chamber member since 2003. Both have helped grow VanPelt’s network, but to him, most importantly, they keep him linked in to his community that he serves.

“The Heights Chamber has been a wealth of business for me,” VanPelt said. “Not only has it been a wealth of business for me, but also a wealth of wonderful friendships.”

“the promise of an experience unlike any other.”

Photo by Christina Martinez JVP Jewelry owner, Jack VanPelt, takes a close look at a custom ring job in his shop.

With Christmas here, JVP Jewelry offers custom design work where they can build exactly what you want from scratch if you give enough notice. The shop also carries a jewelry line that that ships jewelry from one day to the next.

With new staff on hand, JVP Jewelry is now open from 10 to 5 Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 to 5 p.m., on Wednesday, by appointment on Thursday, 10 to 5 p.m., on Friday and during the month of December 10 to 2 p.m., on Saturday through

Christmas.

“Christmas is a special time of the year,” VanPelt said. “I want customers to feel like they’ve come to a jewelry store, but are getting a small town jeweler experience that treats them like family and takes care of you in the same fashion. That’s my whole goal.

I want everyone’s experience to be important.”

Visit JVP Jewelry at 2150 W 18th St. #206 77008.

All of us here at Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs would like to wish a very

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Saturday, December 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7A

The calendar.

FOOD BASKET DELIVERY Heights Rotary Club and Houston Heights Association Come help assemble and distribute food baskets on Dec. 16 and 17. One hundred baskets will be assembled on the first floor of the Fire Station (12th and Yale) starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

Volunteers will be sorting bulk groceries among the baskets for about two hours. Delivery starts at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 16. Lunch can be purchased for $10 (cash only).

Information: 281-894-3270, scott.lester@alleginacebktx.com.

FREE VACCINATIONS Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Houston Free immunizations will be given to children, 6 weeks to 18 years of age, at the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Houston every second Thursday of the month during Free Family Night, now through May 2016. The service is limited to the first 40 children. To qualify, guardians must bring their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immunization records. Children must qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program. Pre-registration is not required. The next Free Family Night will be from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 10, at the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St. Information: 832-824-6780, www.cmhouston.org.

FAJITA PLATE FUNDRAISER Waltrip Lady Rams Soccer Support the Lady Rams and buy a delicious fajita plate from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 12, at Waltrip High School, 1900 W. 34th St. Plate includes beef fajitas, rice, beans, potato salad and two

corn tortillas. The cost is $8 per plate. Information: bbrittan@ houstonisd.org, 281-299-9149.

107.9 will be there 1-3 p.m. Dec. 19. Information: 713-681-1321, www.northwest-mall.com.

CANDLELIGHT TOUR The Heritage Society The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby St., will host the 53rd Annual Candlelight Tour, from 5-10 p.m. Dec. 12, and 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Families will hear the stories of Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past through entertainment, skits and tours. Guests will tour decorated buildings and more. Information: 713-655-1912, www. heritagesociety.org.

BELLEVILLE Obsidian Theater Firecracker Productions and Obsidian Theater presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bellevilleâ&#x20AC;? by Amy Herzog. Young Americans Zack and Abby have the perfect ex-pat life in Paris: a funky bohemian apartment in up-and-coming Belleville; a stable marriage; and Zackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s noble mission to fight pediatric AIDS. Shows are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 19, and a show Thursday, Dec. 17. Obsidian Theater is located at 3522 White Oak Dr. Information: www. firecrackertheatre.com, www. obsidiantheater.org.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Foster YMCA and Heights Rotary Club The Foster YMCA and Heights Rotary Club are teaming up to help strengthen the community by doing a community blood drive at the Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St., from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Visit the website to sign up for a time. Information: 713-869-3378, www.commitforlife.org.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Northwest Mall Celebrate the holidays at Northwest Mall, 9500 Hempstead Hwy., and have breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19. The breakfast is free to all children with the donation of two canned goods or a new unwrapped toy. Reservation is required. Children can also register to win a new bike.

KRBE 104.1 with Special K will be there from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 12; and Gerardo Aparicio of El Norte

AFRICAN CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOIR Music for Life The African Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir is a nonprofit humanitarian and relief organization dedicated to helping Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vulnerable children today so they can help Africa tomorrow. Concerts are free and open to the community. A freewill offering will be taken at the performance. Performances will be at Ecclesia Church, 1100 Elder St., and will be at 5 p.m. Dec. 19; and 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Dec. 20. Information: 713-6221846, www.africanchildrenschoir. com.

PICTURES WITH SANTA Alliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzaria Come take a picture with Santa for the Holidays at Alliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzaria, 350 W. 19th St. The cost is $25

and includes two 4x6 prints, four wallet size and a digital copy via email. Picture taking will be from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20; then Monday Dec. 21, Tuesday Dec. 22 and Wednesday Dec. 23.

Information: 713-360-6204.

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A WONDERFUL LIFE Houston Family Arts Center This enduring story of love, life, friendship and hope opens on the Garza Main Stage, at the Houston Family Arts Center, 10760 Grant Rd., through Dec. 20. Directed

by Rachel Landon, this stage adaptation of the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling is a faithful, fast-moving stage adaptation of the classic film. Visit the website for showtimes and ticket information. Information: www. houstonfac.com, 281-587-6100.

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for favors. This time I ask you this very special one. (Mention favor). Take it Dear Jesus, and place it within your own heart where your Father sees it. Then in your merciful eyes it will become your favor not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days, promise publication and favor will be granted. Never known to fail. T.S.

trip to Galveston. NIA - Fun Movement That Could Change Your Life is Jan. 13. Combines the essence of martial arts, dance and yoga.

Food Becomes You is Jan. 20, and includes tips on eating gluten free, raw foods, the Paleo diet and other healthful eating trends.

Galvestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bryan Museum of Southwest History and Art is Jan. 27. Programs are free and held Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. in the library (Room 131 unless otherwise noted) at 9191 Barker Cypress. Information: 281-2903214, lonestar.edu.

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AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Jan. 4, in the community room at 1520 Candlelight Dr. The guest speaker will be Jim Parsons of Preservation Houston. The meeting is open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m. Information: 713-6811133.

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JANUARY L.I.F.E. PROGRAMS Lone Star College-CyFair The Learning, Inspiration, Fellowship, and Enrichment (L.I.F.E.) programs this month include NIA - a fun form of movement, tips on healthful eating trends and a road

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Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Advent Lutheran Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be held at Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont, from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 12. Bring a camera. Pictures available from 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Advance ticket purchase requested. The cost for adults is $6, Kids $3, and under 3 free.

Call 713-686-8201 for information.

Free monthly pancake breakfast at St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Birthday Party for Jesus, will be 3 p.m. Dec. 13, in the fellowship hall. There will be Christmas crafts, stories by Miss Nell, fellowship, food and birthday cake.

Pastor Virginia Wall will continue the Bible Study â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas,â&#x20AC;? for the next four Sundays.

St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. For information, call 713-697-0671 or visit the website at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org.

Oak Forest Baptist presents Christmas Musical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Celebration Choir of

Oak Forest Baptist Church presents its Christmas Musical, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;? Celebrating Heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Child A Ready To Sing Christmas, at 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 13. The musical was created by Joel Lindsey, and arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin. Musical features soloists Becky Magness, and Shelley Karl; narrators are Patsy Duke and Bob Wayt. Director is Charles Cates. There will be a Christmas fellowship following the musical.

Oak Forest Baptist Church is located at 1700 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-6824942.

Upcoming Christmas events at Covenant Church Covenant Church, 4949 Caroline St., will feature The Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi Dec. 13, at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship service. Covenant Singers are directed by Minister of Music Fran Avera and accompanied by organist Carl McAlily. Soloists are Casey Okabayashi, Candace Luedde, and Joyce Courtois.

Come by for a cup of wassail and an informal singing of Christmas carols at 10 a.m.

Dec. 20, in the narthex of the church.

Christmas Eve celebration will be from 5-6 p.m. Dec. 24,

and will feature candles, sacred stories, and singing.

Worship services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., with child care offered.

Covenant Church is an ecumenical, liberal baptist congregation. Call 713-668-8830 or visit www.covenanthouston.org for information.

GriefShare hosts â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Surviving the Holidaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will host a GriefShare â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surviving the Holidaysâ&#x20AC;? seminar from 6:308 p.m. Dec. 17, in Room 201.

There is no charge to attend.

Please RSVP to the office.

All are welcome to attend a special Lessons and Carols service at 11 a.m. Dec. 20. A Blue Christmas service, a reflective service offering hope to the hurting at Christmas, will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 20.

St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page.

Do some early shopping at All Saints Parish bookstore Come stop by the All Saints Catholic Community bookstore after Mass every Sunday to get special gifts for loved

ChurCh Oaks Presbyterian Church New Beginnings Happen Here

Sunday Worship - 10:30am

Bible Study: 1st & 3rd Wednesday Noon - 1:30pm Bible Study: 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30pm Senior Adult Game Days: 2nd & 4th Tues 9:30-1:00pm includes lunch Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods www.oaks p r e s b y t e r i a n . o r g

Reverend John Cain, Pastor

No Deposit No Late Fees Controlled Access Lighted & Secure COVERED STORAGE NOW AVAILABLE 12'X30'

Call us and compare our prices to

ANY OTHER FACILITY! 713-681-1383

Guide Oaks Christian ChurCh (Disciples of Christ)

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd.

(713) 688-7761

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM

Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

4VOEBZ .PSOJOH 8PSTIJQ BOE 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM GPS $IJMESFO :PVUI BOE "EVMUT

Preschool Program â&#x20AC;˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Member of MANNA

You are cordially invited to the church that can guide you in what you must do to be saved.

it is the norhill Church of Christ.

Hear The Gospel - Mark 16:15; Roman 10: 14-17 Believe The Gospel - John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6 Repent - Luke 17:3-5; Acts 17:30 Confess - Mathew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10 Be Baptized - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2:11-13 Live Faithfully Till Death - John 8:31; Revelation 2:10; Hebrew 10:23 The Norhill Church of Christ is a non-denominational church located in the near north side of Houston in the inner loop 77009 area.

It has operated as a church of Christ since 1927, it is located at 634 West Cottage on the corner of West Cottage and Reagan streets.

The Norhill Church of Christ teaches only the Bible, without reference to any man-originated creed. Bible study services for all ages are held at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Sunday morning Worship begins at 10:15am. Sunday evening worship is at 5:00pm Wednesday evening worship and Bible study is held at 7:30pm.

Norhill welcomes everyone to attend worship or Bible study to learn more about the truth of the Bible.

www.noRHiLLCoC.oRG

Lowest Prices in Town!

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Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

ChECking DEnturES Chase Baker, D.D.S.

West 34th St.

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

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GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

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ones this holiday season.

Choose from rosaries, medallions, DVDs, cookbooks and more. Buy a candle in memory of a loved one. Large candles are $10, and $8 for small.

All Saints Catholic Community is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653 or visit allsaintsheights.com for information.

F

ortunately â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or unfortunately â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you no longer have any problems with your upper teeth. They were all removed some years ago and you now wear a full upper denture. Does this mean you can forget about visiting your dentist regularly?

Not if you value your health and future comfort!

Regular appointments with the dentist are as important for denture-wearers as for people with natural teeth. The mouth tissue, bony ridges and gums that support dentures are constantly undergoing changes and may impair the dacenturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proper function. Even such general health ailments as vitamin deficiencies, extended illness, drug therapy, weight loss, diabetes or high blood pressure can change the way dentures fit.

Ill-fitting dentures can seriously damage the mouth, causing abrasions, bruises, inflammation and rapid destruction of the supporting bone. Prolonged irritation of this kind may result in the development of tumors.

It is important to have a dental checkup at least once a year to insure that your dentures are properly adjusted and that your mouth is in good health.

Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Cultivation of the SPiRit

I

f you would be a truly spirited person, you must seek the Spirit continuously and be receptive to its influence in your life. This requires, first and foremost that you truly want to live a spiritual life, and secondly, that you open your heart and soul to God. Different religious traditions may describe this process differently. Evangelical Christians may describe it as accepting Christ as their personal Saviour. Catholics have a formal confirmation procedure where young people affirm their acceptance of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way. Adherents of certain Eastern religions describe this receptivity as having the wisdom gate opened. James Taylor sums it up well in his song â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Secret of Lifeâ&#x20AC;? when he says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The secret of love is in opening up your heart.â&#x20AC;? Realize that the gate of the soul is the narrow gate, and that it takes courage to open up your heart, but there is no shortcut to having the spirit of God within you. Pursue the way of the Lord. Cultivate your inner spirit. Perform virtuous deeds. Join in the family of God. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.

R.S.V. 1 John 4:7-8 Ad # 22283

Weekly Sunday Services â&#x20AC;˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m.

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Pastor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Richard Walters

1822 W. 18th

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

713-864-1470

Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Elizabeth Grasham

Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

4215 Watonga Blvd. â&#x20AC;˘ 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

Page 8A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, December 12, 2015

Pet of the week

How to help a stray dog strayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety. Our friends at Texas A&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Veterinary Science have some advice on how to help.

When trying to care for a stray, safety is always first. It is easy to become swept up in emotions when you see a stray dog hurt or in a dangerous situationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like running in traffic. Even if you have good intentions, it is important to consider all options before taking action to keep the situation from becoming even more hazardous.

There are numerous ways to encounter a stray dog, but the most common scenarios are on foot or in vehicular traffic. Remaining calm is the key to keeping a clear mind and deciding the best option for the strayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety. For instance, if you are driving and encounter a stray in traffic, try to pull over on the side of the road where it is safe. If you are unable to pull over or are a passenger of the car, take note of the animal, its health condi-

Dear Tabby, I often see stray dogs and would love to be able to help them. What do I need to know before helping a stray?

Hoping to help strays in The Heights Dear Hoping to Help, Stray dogs are a growing problem in the United States, and a majority of these strays are forced to wander the dangerous streets or begin a new life in an animal shelter. Learning how to properly bring a stray dog to safety is vital for your safety, as well as the

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tion, and the exact location it was seen. The driver of the car can either turn back around to help the dog or report the situation to animal control.

Whether you are on foot or in the car, analyzing the condition of the animal is important for your safety. The dog may be injured, sick, malnourished, or even rabid. If the stray dog appears to be defensive and could bite or attack, do not approach the dog. Instead, take note of its location and give as much detail as possible to animal control.

A stray dog may also find its way into your yard, which can be potentially hazardous for your outside pets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As with any pet that you do not know well, you must approach the stray carefully,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. James Barr, clinical assistant professor at A&M Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the stray is friendly, make sure that they do not have any substantial contact with your pets. The

stray animal needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian for infectious disease and to ensure they are healthy. Strays are not likely vaccinated so they should be kept separate from other pets until they get an all clear from a veterinarian.â&#x20AC;? Be sure to check for an identification (via tag on collar). The vet can also check for a microchip, which can give contact information for the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owners.

While it can be heartbreaking to see a stray dog in a dangerous situation, it is important to thoroughly evaluate your options before letting your emotions get the best of you. Remember to remain calm and choose the safest option for both you and the stray dog, and never approach a dog that poses as a threat. It is best to save the number of your local animal control service in case you ever need to report a stray dog.

Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at: dear tabbyquestions

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Meet Dibs. Dibs is a 3 year old, terrier-mix gal whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready for her fresh start. Since â&#x20AC;&#x153;loveâ&#x20AC;? is a new concept for Dibs, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly motivated by affection--not so much treats and toys, but cuddles and kind words really do it for this sweetpea. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you love to â&#x20AC;&#x153;call dibsâ&#x20AC;? on Dibs? If so, contact Citizens for Animal Protection at: www. cap4pets.org or visit the shelter at: 17555 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77094 to learn more about Dibs.

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ART

Saturday, December 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 9A

Art Valet

By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist

Artsy to yummy, where they are this weekend This week Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m changing it up a little, this column could be titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;where are they now?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead of get off your lazy butt and interview someone Mitch. (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m putting words in my editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth.) On that note, here are my event picks for the weekend, with a few where are they now artists.

Going back two years, October 25, 2013, I introduced you to Chris Magisano, AKA Maggieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meltdown. Magisano left a stressful career as a public servant when she found solace in hammering, forging and bending metal into her own jewelry designs. Once reserved and shy about her work, Magisano eventually took on the promotional end of shows and with partners, started The Heights Artisan Market.

This bi-annual event, in its second year, happens in summer and on the 2nd Saturday of December at the Odd Fellows Lodge 225. That would be this Saturday. Among

Monster Dumplings by Valerie Gudell.

the 14 Texas artists attending, are Julie Pettit, a Heights Textile artist, fused glass artist Gene Hester, mixed media 3D by Yu Cha Pak, and the one and only Liz Conces Spencer, a Heights celebrity! Magisano has since moved to Auburn, California but will be back for show time Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have worked hard to maintain a standard of high quality and medium diversity in an effort to provide talented artists, craftspeople and customers with a reputable local

Ceramic artist V. Chin at The Heights Artisan Market.

art event,â&#x20AC;? Magisano said from her studio in California.

I attended their last event and will say I was amazed at the diversity and how good the show looked inside the Odd Fellows Lodge.

That space is not generally easy to setup for art shows, but these artists pulled it off quite well. Catch the show 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Saturday at Odd Fellows Lodge, 115 E. 14th St.

One of Daniel Rochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eclectic metal art pieces.

Free.

Phoenicia Specialty Foods downtown is presenting YUMMY! Wonderland International Holiday Festival & Brunch. Okay, take a breath. I visited these fine folks last week and hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your warning - go hungry, go with gift buying in mind, and expect to be entertained.

This seemingly unlikely location for an art show hosts artists in their Market Bar, as well as guests who DJ for patrons.

Last summer, Valerie Gudell (culturedcrittercollective.com) helped me introduce urban inyl toys. Gudell is one of the featured artists this Saturday and will have a small army of monsters dressed for the holidays at YUMMY! Metal sculptor Danial Rocha, (he attends my shows) will have his mini hot rods, rat rods and rock musicians available for sale, also.

Other offerings include an all you can eat buffet for $15, and shopping is free. FLY Dance Company will perform a preview show of their holiday Jingle FLY show. The Houston Rockets will join in the fun with giveaways and games with a potential guest appearance by their mascot Clutch.

In addition to experiencing live performances, families can create memories together at hands-on craft centers including a flip book craft from Aurora Picture Show and cookie decorating. Houston Makerspace (Maclean Smyth, Jan. 2015, houstonmakerspace. com) will host a Young Makers activity station for making embossed holiday cards. And, because all children want to tell Santa Claus whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on their wish list, Santa will make an appearance, speaking with children in French, Spanish and English.

Photo opportunities will be available.

T h e y have more events, vendors and specials happening than I can Valeri Gudellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Bat. mention here so visit the website yumstop.com. Saturday, 9 a.m - 3 p.m. 1001 Austin St., Houston, TX 77010. Free garage parking.

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@ gmail.com or visit him on the web at ArtValet. com.

Daniel Rochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eclectic metal art. See him this weekend at Phoeniciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YUMMY! Wonderland International Holiday Festival & Brunch.

Nibbles

Mytiburger has MYTI news, adding digital updates

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

The question on every oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind this weekend - is Lights In The Heights happening?

An online medium reported the event as canceled and the social media outcry of disapproval and disagreement ensued.

But, there is good news, the event is indeed still on and our local bars and venues are taking part of some of the fun.

Walk the neighborhood of beautiful Woodland Heights to catch the Christmas lights and take in the neighborhood charm.

In the last couple of years, there have been neighbors disgruntled about the event turning into a party. To solve the problem, stroll the neighborhood to take in the holiday spirit, then head over to the following events to join in their Saturday night festivities, elsewhere.

Try our

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Lunch 11:00 - 2:00 Dinner 5:30- 10:30 Sun. Brunch 11:00- 3:00

www.cafebrusselshouston.com

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Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive $25 extra as a gift from us.

Book Your Holiday Party Rooms available for all size parties

A must see spindletop light installment off of Euclid St. that is already on display for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lights in the Heights.

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i ta l i a n r e s ta u r a n t 2120 Ella Boulevard â&#x20AC;˘ (713) 869-6622

www.Cavatores.com

Friday

3rd Annual Karbach LITH Ride & Ugly Sweater Contest To avoid the crowd and road closures, Karbach Running Club is hosting their ride a day early. At 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, join Karbach Cycling Director Adam LeSage and the rest of the Karbach Team for the 3rd Annual Lights in the Heights Bike Ride and Ugly Sweater Contest. The party will start at Cottonwood - 3422 N Shepherd Dr. Then ride through the Heights to check out some lights, make a beer stop at Liberty Station - 2101 Washington Ave. - and then head back to Cottonwood where there will be a Christmas movie and some pints. The best ugly sweater and decorated bike will win Karbach prizes. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your helmet.

Saturday

Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Around The D&T Before LITH Before heading over to see the lights, stop in D&T for a flight of Christmas beers and join in their tacky Christmas sweater contest and ornament painting festivities from 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12. There will be holiday records playing for the occasion.

After you take in the lights and holiday cheer, take the party to D&T for the night.

D&T is located at 1307 Enid St. Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailgateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LITH party Over off of White Oak, Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailgate is taking part of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities from 6 p.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, with live music, art vendors and ugly sweater contests all night.

Also all night, Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will be serving up $3 shots. Visit them at 2820 White Oak Dr. Cheers! Email christina@theleadernews.com and follow on twitter @ThirstyExplorer

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North Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50 Year Tradition Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza at 3440 Ella Blvd. is now open in Garden Oaks.

Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is open Mon. - Thurs., Sun. 11 a.m.

- 11 p.m., Fri and Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

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Holiday dinner to go Haroldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offered Thanksgiving to go and are back in the kitchen to cater your holiday parties and dinners.

Enjoy a roasted turkey or ham dinner that will serve six for $85 plus tax. Dinner includes a 10-12 pound roasted turkey or ham, cornbread dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, fresh green beans and cranberry sauce.

For Christmas, pre-order by 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, and pick up Dec. 23, and 24, before 4p.m. Call to reserve your dinner at 713360-6204 or email info@heightsgs.com.

Spaghetti Thursday

5

Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza now open The pizza chain, Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, has opened their newest location in the neighborhood at 3440 Ella Blvd., and is ready for business.

Yelp reviews are in favor the pizza. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I normally donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rate chains but I just wanted to say that Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza offers an attractive proposition to the bigger chains in the neighborhood,â&#x20AC;? one Yelp reviewer said.

By Christina Martinez Managing Editor

Is Lights In The Heights happening this year?

I-4

Just this week, the Oak Forest Texas style burger joint, Mytiburger, launched a new way to get your Myti fix with online orders and their app that can be downloaded to your phone.

Take a visit to their website - mytiburger1967.com/ - or their Facebook page and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a link to place your order online.

Set your pick up location, confirm your order and then browse the menu to finalize your order. You can also look for the Mytiburger application in your smart phone app store.

With your first digital or online order, receive 10% off.

Visit Mytiburger online or in store for more details - 2211 W 43rd St. 77018.

Thirsty Explorer

Please join us Thursday (Dec. 10) and visit with Bill King who will be supplying the wine!

(11:00am - 1:00pm)

SaCrED HEarT SoCIETy 610

of Little York

816 E. Whitney Dr. 713-692-0198 www.whitneyoakshall.com

Page 10A • Saturday, December 12, 2015

O Come, All Ye Faithful Sunday Worship 10:30am Christmas Eve Service 7:00pm

Oaks Presbyterian Church 1576 Chantilly Lane • 713-682-2556

Christmas Concert Presented by

St. James Lutheran Church Performances include Houston Symphony musicians.

Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 6:00p.m.

1602 W.43rd Street Houston, TX 77018 Come and enjoy the sounds of the season with popular Christmas songs, hymns, and favorite Christmas carols.

A Different Kind of Christmas Pastor Michael Palandro For The Leader Which of us hasn’t complained about the way Christmas has been celebrated? It is too commercial and too busy.

There are too many obligations, too many decorations that go up too early. We complain how sales start earlier and earlier, the shallowness of TV commercials and billboards, and on and on. It seems that Christmas never measures up to how we remembered the ones from childhood. I have felt the same way. For years I told myself, “I’m going to do Christmas differently. I’m going to focus more on Christ, make it less about gifts, and find ways to serve others.” But somehow it never came to pass - or at least not to the extent I wanted.

Then seven years ago, our church joined a movement among people of faith called “Advent Conspiracy” (AC). AC is a grassroots, global movement that conspires to intentionally resist the Christmas narrative of our current world by practicing four key tenets: worship fully, spend less, give

Pastor Michael Palandro Houston Vineyard Church more, love all. We ask those in our congregation to buy and receive at least one less gift and, in turn, give the money away. And to make that easy for them, we choose charitable organizations to give the money to - organizations like Compassion International, A 2nd Cup, HIM Food Pantry, Free the Captives, Living Water Inter-

national, KIND, Houston Food Bank, Work Faith Connection, Open Door Mission, Freedom House, Homes with Hope and the like. Our congregation in the Heights has responded enthusiastically and generously.

But it’s not only about giving away money or receiving less gifts. It’s about being present to those we love during this season. It’s making other changes too, like creating thoughtful gifts – gifts that have meaning - spending time with family doing something fun, baking, laughing, loving, spending time with God, not going into Christmas debt, and sometimes being OK with saying, “no” to obligations.

It might sound crazy to you at the moment, but our aim is to come out of the season relaxed, refreshed and re-centered in our faith. We want to end the Christmas season in better shape than we started.

If you’d like, why not join us at the Vineyard Church of Houston this Christmas season and see if we can help each other experience a different kind of Christmas.

First Church

Heights

“the place where YOU belong”

December 13th @ 10:30am

FCHeights Children’s Christmas Program

December 24th @ 6:00pm

Open Candlelight Communion

Sunday School 9:15am Sunday Worship 10:30am Thursday Prayer/Bible Study 6:00pm

Join us forus aforvery special Join a very special Thursday, December 6:30pm Thursday, December24th 24th at at 6:30 pm We will sing your favorite Christmas Carols & Light Candles We will sing your favorite Christmas Carols & Light Candles in in Commemoration Christ’s Birth Commemoration ofof Christ’s Birth Let thisLet be the beginning ofofa afamily-friendly tradition this be the beginning family-friendly tradition

Oaks Christian ChurCh

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. • (713) 688-7761

Pastor C David Harrison

Holy EucHarist HOLY EUCHARIST

Sundays at 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

Sundays at 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

advEnt lEssons & carols December 6 at 5:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE December 24 at 5:30 cHristmas EvEPM & 10:30 PM

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

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

December 24 at 5:30 PM & 10:30 PM

CHRISTMAS DAY cHristmas day

December2525atat10:00 10:00 AM December AM

Christmas Eve - 6:30 pm Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion Sunday Services 8:30am & 10:30am Wednesday Service 6:30pm

ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1819 HEIGHTS BOULEVARD | SAECHEIGHTS.ORG

211 Byrne • www.holytrinityrec.org

Methodist St. Stephen’s United Church

Sun. Dec. 20

11am - Lessons & Carols Service 4pm - Blue Christmas Service

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Communion Service

Dec. 24th - 4:30 pm & 7pm (Nursery provided)

AdVEnT SEASon AT THE VinEyArd

2003 W. 43rd St. • 713-686-8241 • www.stsumc.org

All are welcome

& School A hAven for believers of biblicAl TruTh

Join us this Christmas season to worship our Lord and Savior at a traditional service in a sanctuary that was built for Christmas SCheDule

Wed Advent ServiceS Dec 9, 16th - 7:00 PM chriStmAS eve cAndlelight Dec 24th - 6:00 pm

Covenant Church

Vineyard Church of Houston 1035 East 11th Street, Houston, TX 77009 Sundays 10 & 11:30am houstonvineyard.org

Vineyard Church of Houston 1035 East 11th Street, Houston, TX 77009 Sundays 10 & 11:30am houstonvineyard.org

Vineyard Church of Houston 1035 East 11th Street, Houston, TX 77009 Sundays 10 & 11:30am houstonvineyard.org

an ecumenical liberal baptist congregation Rev. Laura Mayo

4949 Caroline St. 77004 www.covenanthouston.org Worship Sundays @ 9:00 & 11:00 am

chriStmAS dAy Service Dec 25th - 9:30 am 5000 WeSt tidWell

Between Antoine & T.C. Jester 713-290-9087 www.osl.cc