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Saturday, December 15, 2018 • Vol. 63 • No. 46

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Grinches pilfer neighbors’ holiday inflatables ily didn’t expect was a visit from the Grinch who stole them.

“They were there Sunday night and I realized they were gone Tuesday afternoon,” Catalano said. “I did a triple take when I first noticed it.

I expect that people steal packages during the holidays, but I didn’t think (the inflatables) were theft-worthy.”

Also bummed was Theo Ferrier, her third-grade son who exclaimed, “What? Who would do that?” Twoyear-old Gigi Ferrier misses her “woof woof ” blow up.

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Like many of their neighbors in Shepherd Park Plaza, Andrea Catalano and her family get excited about Christmas. As part of their holiday decoration, they put up two inflatables in their side yard – a 5-foottall Santa’s workshop where Santa Claus and an elf work at a little store front and one of Snoopy and Charlie Brown contemplating the season.

What the Catalano-Ferrier fam-

Catalano called the Harris County constable’s office and a deputy came out to take a report. He suggested Catalano check with neighbors who may have captured something on their security cameras. But there was no video evidence.

A follow-up post on the neighborhood’s Facebook page said that while canvassing the area, deputies were approached by another neighbor who lives nearby and also had inflatable yard ornaments stolen. The post See Grinch P. 7A

Lights in the Heights...

INSIDE.

Contributed Photo The Catalano-Ferrier’s side yard is more bare after a thief took their inflatables.

HISD responds to alleged threat at Black MS

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Crafting Cookies - Samantha Peterson creates cookies too pretty to eat and teaches her students the craft.

Page 1B

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann The 2018 Lights in the Heights featured homes along Eucild and Byrne streets and creations like this fire-breathing dragon.

Potter finds niche - After leaving his career in the software industry to teach eighth-grade art, John Delafield believes he’s got the better job now.

Lights out in the Heights

Houston ISD increased its patrol presence at Frank Black Middle School last week in response to at least one alleged threat against the campus at 1575 Chantilly Ln. According to a message to parents from principal Rhonda Honore, which was shared Dec. 6 on the Facebook page for FBMS Class of 2019, school administrators “found no evidence that the threat is credible” after “thoroughly investigating.”

However, an HISD statement released Tuesday afternoon indicates there were multiple threats that remain under investigation.

“HISD police are investigating alleged threats made against Black Middle School,” HISD said in its statement about the increased police presence. “The investigation and any ensuing response are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Often, additional HISD police offers are dispatched to the school as a precautionary measure.”

HISD did not respond to follow-up questions submitted Tuesday night by email.

When reached by phone Wednesday morning, HISD press secretary Sherry Williams declined to comment.

GOMO plans to make needed amendments

Page 3B

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com The Top Three of 2018 - Aladdin was voted by readers of The Leader in a poll on Facebook as the top new restaurant in the area this year.

Page 1B

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THE INDEX. Calendar/Church. ............................. 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A

Contributed Photo Cowboy Junkies is one of the thousands of bands who have played at Heights staple Fitzgerald’s over 42 years in business.

Fond memories abound for outgoing club Fitzgerald’s

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com It’s hard to believe that Sara Fitzgerald saw her first concert in the iconic music venue she bought in 1977.

Of course, the club wasn’t iconic yet and Fitzgerald was a “math nerd” who was looking to own a business.

“I just wanted to be in business, and I didn’t care what the business was,” said Fitzgerald, who had a finance degree and worked for a real estate company that had a contract to sell the building at 2706 White Oak Dr. “It was built in 1918 and was a Polish hall, but then [they] left this one to build a bigger building. The people I showed it to were just going to tear it down.”

That will be the ultimate fate of Fitzgerald’s, a storied live music venue that has made a home in the Heights for more than 40 years. Fitzgerald said she sold the building in July to Chicago-based Easy Park, a garage development company that plans to convert the property.

Fitzgerald’s final show is scheduled for Dec. 31, and its impending closure has brought back a flood of musical memories among its many fans. The club has featured countless bands and singers from an eclectic mix of genres, from obscure local acts to world-famous performers such as James Brown, Marvin Gaye and

LAST CALL A list of the final shows at Fitzgerald’s, 2706 White Oak Dr. Friday, Dec. 14 What: Doctor Rockit presents Fitzgerald’s Going Out of Business Party When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $15-$20 Other acts: Trudy Lynn, Steve Krase, Big Al Bettis Friday, Dec. 21 What: Cowpunk X-mas Party & Farewell to Fitzgerald’s When: Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$15 Other act: Hickoids Saturday, Dec. 22 What: The Finalist, Morningside Drive, The Last Place You Look, The Last Starfighter When: Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$12 Tuesday, Dec. 25 What: 24th and Final 30FootFALL Christmas Show When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$15 Monday, Dec. 31 What: Skyrocket! NYE Bash & Farewell to Fitzgerald’s When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $40-$65

See Fitzgerald’s P. 7A

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As the Garden Oaks Maintenance Organization (GOMO) revamps its deed restrictions to comply with a Chapter 11 restructuring plan, those involved in the work are finding restrictions that aren’t in sync with today’s neighborhood.

Those working on the project say they will eliminate language dating back to the 1930s that restricts the race of homeowners.

At the top of Article II in Garden Oaks’ deed restrictions is this: “None of the lots shown on said plat shall be conveyed, leased, given to, or placed in the care of, and no building erected thereon shall be used, owned, or occupied by any person other than of the Caucasian Race. This prohibition, however, is not intended to include the occupancy or use by persons other than of the Caucasian Race while employed as servants on the premises.”

The race restriction has had lines drawn through it and not been enforced for decades. Such restrictions have been illegal to enforce since the Federal Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968.

“You’re having to do something, and in this there are many, many possible happy outcomes,” GOMO office manager Pam Parks said. “Getting rid of that (racist) language is something that all of us are going to be like, ‘Oh, thank God that’s gone.’ ” The amendment is one of several being made by GOMO, which has enforced deed restrictions in the affluent northwest Houston neighborhood since forming in the early 2000s. Revamped restrictions are part of its restructuring plan, which it must soon submit to a federal bankruptcy court.

The Leader reviewed deed restrictions in Oak Forest and found the same language regarding racial restrictions. No such language was found in the Heights’ restrictions.

See GOMO P. 8A

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Lodge progressing with pool plan

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The people who want to put in a pool at SPJST Lodge 88 went home happy Sunday night.

So did the most vocal critic of the proposal, at least for the time being.

Lodge member Kathlyn Curtis, who opposes a plan that would prevent most of the lodge’s 4,000-plus members from using a yet-to-beconstructed pool on a regular basis, passed out flyers to support her argument and planned to speak at the fraternal organization’s annual member meeting. But Curtis passed on the opportunity to speak during the discussion portion and was part of a unanimous vote to make a swim club committee, formed on a temporary basis in June, a permanent part of the Heights community center rooted in Czech heritage and traditions.

Earlier Sunday, the president of the lodge’s statewide parent organization relayed recommendations from Wisconsin-based attorney Todd Martin, who was enlisted by the SPJST Supreme Lodge to examine the pool proposal.

The local lodge was encouraged to keep the swim club committee and continue pursuing a pool, but urged not to retain the details regarding access to a pool and how the project would be funded.

“It seems like they have decided not to put forward the

limited membership and pricing of the pool at this time,” Curtis said. “They’ve simply paired it down to approving a swim club committee to be formed and appointing the president.

“Details to be determined,” she added. “I’m interested to see what those details will be.”

According to swim club president Aaron Rigamonti, who also was confirmed as the lodge’s third vice president and member of its board of trustees, the details previously outlined remain in place. They include limiting regular pool access to a few hundred members of a swim club who pledge to pay $6,000 refundable deposits along with $1,000 annual dues, which will provide capital for constructing an eight-lane, 25-yard heated outdoor pool as well as operating costs.

Rigamonti said Martin’s recommendation referred to the pool plan’s mode of implementation. Instead of outlining the details in the lodge’s rules and regulations, Rigamonti said those procedures must be included in a management agreement that will be presented to the Supreme Lodge in January.

“We’ve had no request to change the direction that we’re heading,” Rigamonti said. “So we’ll continue to do so.”

The top two officials of the Supreme Lodge, based in Temple, also provided differing opinions on how the local lodge should proceed. Presi-

dent Brian Vanicek said he would like the pool proposal to include access to the general membership, the youth club and Heights community as a whole.

But Donnie Victorick, chairman of the Supreme Lodge’s board of trustees, called the existing plan “workable.” He also encouraged Lodge 88 members to support the pool proposal as well as the recent influx of new members who are behind it.

Rigamonti, president of the former Heights Swim and Social Club that had been searching for a place to build a community pool, joined the lodge within the last year. The majority of the 350-plus people who have reserved memberships for the lodge’s swim club also were affiliated with the Heights Swim Club.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for a lodge that has steadily over the last several years declined in membership and also in volunteers at this lodge,” Victorick said. “It’s a way to bring in new people that have a true interest in the organization and want to see the lodge succeed.”

Will Whitehead, a former Heights Swim Club member who joined the lodge during the summer and has reserved one of its swim club memberships, said those who don’t want to use a pool or pay for one should not be required to do so. He also said those who are willing to pay for it should have priority in terms of pool

access.

Michelle Wockenfuss, a Lodge 88 member for 31 years, said such a set-up is unfair to the greater membership and represents a cultural and philosophical shift at the lodge.

“It’s a sad day for Lodge 88,” Wockenfuss said. “It’s not the lodge I grew up in. It’s not the lodge my kids grew up in.”

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, December 15, 2018 • Page 4A

One moment can make a clock stop

By Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com

T

ranquility and chaos rarely meet. Silver tools crashing against metal tables don’t calm nerves. Crackling plastic franticly ripped from sterile containers doesn’t slow heart rates.

But tranquility and chaos did meet, right there under the surgical, stadium lights of a delivery room where my wife rested in epidural bliss and I sat on a bench designed for inmates.

In the bedlam of a dozen scrubs, IVs screeching and yellow lights blaring, this was a moment that stops clocks. You don’t script slow motion. Among all the chaos, all the perfect panic, I found a calming clarity in “One.” One month. That’s how long we had until our third child – our one and only daughter – was due for delivery. This was not a troubled pregnancy for my wife or our precious daughter. Every test came back perfect; every milestone met.

But a few weeks ago, that changed.

One ultrasound, then another, and yet another all confirmed that our daughter’s stomach had stopped

growing. No need for alarm, but my wife’s wonderful doctor began to plan an early delivery.

One week. That’s what the doctor suggested. The steroid treatment for the child’s lungs began immediately, and my wife had enough time to write a few more briefs and mediate one last case.

Babies, on the other hand, care not for doctors’ calendars, nor do they care about mom’s clients. Our girl needed to eat; she wanted food she couldn’t get.

And so, exactly one month before her expected arrival, and one week before the doctor’s expected induction, our daughter gave a mighty kick and sent my wife into labor at 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 4.

And then we waited. Five hours.

Ten hours. Fifteen hours. I don’t remember a single one of them, except the last. That’s when the silver tools crashed; when the crackling plastic opened.

One more push. After more than 16 hours of labor, that’s what the doctor and his nurses said in unison. And that’s what it took to deliver our stunning mess of a baby, erratic arms and blinded eyes all unfolding without a second tick-

Father and daughter finally at peace, Jonathan and his new addition, Eleanor Bo McElvy.

ing from the clock.

One breath. When a dad so lucky as me can stand and watch his only daughter squirm for dear life, you don’t count fingers, you don’t wonder if she has a perfect nose. You just want to see her take that first, gargled breath. Nothing – and I mean nothing – matters more. And I saw it. And my eyes swelled.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

true. “That’s a damned lie!” he stormed. “I broke into his desk.”

How much do our members of Congress receive in pay and pensions? It has been stated through social media that members could retire with the same pay after only one term, and that members do not pay Social Security taxes. Wrong on both counts. They don’t get a full pension after one term or several. And they pay Social Security taxes. Do you ever wonder who has the time and energy to spread such tripe?

There is the angry old man on his computer in a bathrobe in his basement late at night passing on rumors and paranoid tales like these.

Hey, angry old man, find something productive to do: adopt a highway. The rankand-file in both houses of Congress are paid $174,000 per year. Leaders get more.

Their pensions are the same as all federal employees using a complicated system that, like many private pension plans, is based on how much they put in. Are they worth $174,000? That depends on how your member votes.

Benjamin Franklin thought members of Congress should work for free, but Ben was rich. So was Charles Pinckney of South Carolina, who proposed that members should be paid $5 a year so that no one would take the job for profit. (A sideline: I was visiting Charleston, South Carolina, and a distinguished looking gentleman approaches me on the sidewalk and asks if I liked Charleston. I say yes and mention that the Pinckneys are buried in that cemetery a few feet away. Signed this and that, philanthropists, etc.

I explain the family history.

As he leaves, he sticks out his hand and smiles. “I’m Albert Pinckney.” Note to self: Be careful when you blow, blowhard.)

Supreme Court justices are unique. As bait to get them to leave the bench, they are the only federal employees who can retire at full salary. In order to qualify for a full pension, retiring justices must have served for a minimum of 10 years provided the sum of the justice’s age and years of Supreme Court service totals 80. Since most of them are pushing the century mark, this covers a majority opinion. Associate Justices of the Supreme Court earn an annual salary of $255,300, while the Chief Justice is paid $267,000.

There’s a catch: in order to retain that full salary, if said judges are in decent health, they can be called on to work

like that often. We rush our meals and hurry about to a new task. Yet this week, I’ve been enamored by the one sip she takes, each time she takes it.

One day. Eleanor Bo will be home soon with us. She’ll join big brothers Hank, 5, and Cal, 2, and something tells me she’ll learn quickly that a few things need fixing around this place. She’ll see the clutter of toys and restore order.

She’ll see shards of Oreos scattered on the floor, and she’ll throw a napkin at the colossal mess of her brothers. Meghan, God bless her soul, will have a daughter who doesn’t capture crickets or dabble in dirt.

And me? I’ve heard stories about fathers and their daughters, but I’ll pay them no mind. Instead, I’m going to try my best to never forget the “One” that surrounded a delivery room on Dec. 4, 2018. My one daughter, her one breath, her one cry, her one sip completing our one family. She will be tranquility among chaos.

Something tells me I’m going to be one mess of a Dad. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

THE READER.

Check The Paycheck THE DESK –I am going through a box full of old love letters I wrote from New York City to my future wife back at UT. It was my first job as a journalist and I wrote her, proudly, that I was making $104.55 a week, minus taxes, etc. Take home: $88. Today that isn’t much money, but remember it was a long time ago. Indeed, when I got my first big scoop, I ran into the newspaper’s City Room, yelling, “Stop the chisels!” The reason we are discussing my paltry salary is that incomes in America vary greatly, but what is anyone worth? As much as you can get.

People become worked up over the enormous salaries of star athletes. Astros’ pitcher Dallas Keuchel has turned down the club’s offer of $17.9 million – yes, $17.9 million – for one year, in hopes he can do better elsewhere. In basketball, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors this season is being paid $37.5 million (I’m rounding off these millions). The Houston Rockets’ James Harden gets $28.3 million. Harden’s teammate, Chris Paul, signed a four-year $159.7 million contract with an annual average salary of almost $40 million.

The Rockets entire payroll is $135.8 million, but fifth from the top. In football, the Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan is the highest paid quarterback in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $30 million.

Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins is second with a salary of $28 million per season. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is now the third highest-paid QB in the league at $27.5 million per season.

For the 2014-2015 season, the minimum salary in the National Football League is $465,000 for a rookie. Average length of an NFL player’s career: 3.3 years. So get it while you can, Bubba. We must remember that these enormous salaries are what the owners offered, figuring that they will get back far more. After all, these billionaires didn’t get rich by being stupid, unless you consider Bud Adams, who inherited an oil company. As for the athletes, are they supposed to say, “No, I’m really not worth that much.”? Then shove some chips back across the table?

How much are you worth?

If it’s not enough, move. At the top I mentioned my first salary as a journalist. The late Houston Mayor Bob Lanier started out after UT as a sports reporter for the Austin American (as it was then called). One night he was walking by the desk of the aged sports editor and happened to see the editor’s paycheck on his desk.

This veteran was making exactly $14 more a week than Lanier, causing him to go to law school, and ended up as mayor of Houston, living in mansion on River Oaks Blvd. with a tennis court. I once asked him if the story about the paycheck on the desk was

One cry. You see the first breath and your eyes tear. You hear the first squeal of your child, and you want to collapse. You want to grab her and squeeze, but you can’t. You want to kiss her and comfort her, but you aren’t allowed.

One hug. The first squeeze, the first kiss always – always – belongs to mom. I stood to the side of the bed – arms limp, eyes full – and watched as our four-and-a-half pound Eleanor Bo McElvy rested her head against Meghan’s heart.

She didn’t move, and neither did Meghan. A baby that small isn’t supposed to hold her mother, but I couldn’t tell which woman was holding the other – unison as only God intended.

One sip. Our precious baby Bo came early, and as I write this, she’s still swaddled in a contraption they call an Isolette at the hospital, and she has a tube in her nose. Our daughter is healthy, she is hungry, and she’s protected by the hands of trusted doctors who will smile when she comes home. But in the 10 days she’s been in the hospital, Meghan and I have measured every single sip of food she has swallowed. We don’t think about things

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

until they die. I’m not sure if any of them have been recalled. Texas legislators are paid $7,200 plus a per diem of $190 to cover their bar bills. They meet for 140 days every two years. The feeling is that Texas would be better off if they met for two days every 140 years.

Remember the story of the plumber fixing a guy’s sink, and the guy says, “How much will that be?” The plumber replies, “Four hundred dollars.” The guy explodes: “Four hundred dollars! I’m a lawyer and I don’t charge that much.” The plumber says, “Neither did I when I was a lawyer.”

Ashby works at ashby2@comcast.net

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com ingful to our community!

Lindsey

Dear Editor: I concur with this and pray the proposal is defeated. Agree a pool would be an asset this community but should be built by lodge and open to all members and non members charged a fee to use.

Mildred Holeman Dear Editor: There are more than 4,000 insurance policies issued through Lodge 88. They are members of the SPJST organization, but are not members of the Lodge 88. There are roughly 900 members of Lodge 88 who paid their $9 annual dues for 2018. Of those 900, about 50 members attended one of twelve monthly meetings in 2017. About 25 of those members are the ones pushing for the lodge to survive. A committee of those active members formed a committee and decided moving forward with the pool was a way to attract new members. It worked. This is the first of many steps to revitalize the lodge and build membership.

Kathlyn

Students bring splash of color to North Shepherd bus shelter

Adaptable Weston has pliers, will travel

Dear Editor: Great article about a wonderful person and artist.

Janice Jackson

Fitzgerald’s pulling plug at end of year

Dear Editor: Spent a few hours here back in 2013. Awesome spot. Sad to see it go but I understand Ms. Fitzgerald’s reason. After all it’s business.

Donnell Suggs Dear Editor: Very disappointing that the Heights is losing so much of its historic charm and character. Selling out to developers who convert it to commercial and multi-family units that are more reminiscent of Upper Kirby or Rice Military than the historic heights.

Farewell Fitzgerald’s.

Edwards

Dear Editor: Thank you for covering stories that are mean-

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Owed 7. Shawl 13. Slow tempo 14. Bodily structure 16. Sun-god 17. Franklin or Eleanor 19. Degree 20. Norwegian poet 22. Local school organization 23. Consumer 25. Brews 26. Hero 28. To clear or tidy 29. 9th month 30. Hit lightly 31. Pinna 33. DoD computer language 34. One Direction won at 2014 awards 36. No. Am. peat bog 38. Clear wrap 40. Napped leather 41. In a way, takes 43. Transported 44. Back muscle 45. Unhappy 47. Wrong 48. Chit 51. Epic poem 53. Capuchin genus 55. ____traz: The Rock 56. Weight unit 58. Foot (Latin) 59. Egg-shaped nut

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WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader • Saturday, December 15, 2018 • Page 5A

THINGS TO DO. Santa Sightings

ish Black. Tickets: $25.

Marc Rebillet Sunday, Dec. 16 8 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Marc Rebillet headlines, with support from Fat Tony. Advance tickets: $12, day of show: $15.

Dec. 15 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Eleanora’s Market, 2120 Ella Blvd.

11 a.m. – -6 p.m. — Heights Mercantile Holiday Market, 714 Yale St. Dec. 16 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – A 2nd Cup – 1111 E. 11th St. Dec. 19 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Oak Forest Library, 1349 W. 43rd St.

Bifurcation show Friday, Dec. 14 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 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 Arts Concert and preview party Friday, Dec. 14 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Visionary Heights – 1331 Nicholson St. At 7 p.m. Susan Elliott with Wayne Wilkerson will perform, at 8 p.m. Mystery Loves Company will perform and at 9 p.m. the video Numbers & Lines will be shown. No cover, 18 and older, or with an adult.

The Markets Heights Mercantile Holiday Market Saturday, Dec. 15 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Heights Mercantile – 711 Heights Blvd.

Shop the pop-ups on the promenade at Heights Mercantile.

John Fullbright Friday, Dec. 14 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. John Fullbright is performing at The Heights Theater.

Holiday and Artisan Market Saturday, Dec. 15 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Serenity Studios – 1331 Yale St. Come shop for artsy gifts from vendors who make and sell the product themselves.

Glorietta Saturday, Dec. 15 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. Glorietta with special guests The Texas Gentleman will be performing at The Heights Theater.

Little White Oak Night Market Saturday, Dec. 15 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.

Houston TexMex Christmas Saturday, Dec. 16 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. The Kings of TexMex will perform their hits along with traditional conjunto and Holiday favorites - TexMex style.

Tunes in the tap room Tuesday, Dec. 18 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.

Sleep Saturday, Dec. 15 8 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Sleep headlines, with support from Weather Warlocks and Pink-

Eleanora’s Market Saturday, Dec. 15 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd.

There will be local growers, makers, designers, artisans and food producers.

Market & Movie Sunday, Dec. 16 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Karbach Brewing – 2032 Karbach St. Shop local vendors and artisans at the Funky Christmas Story Art Market until sundown. Then watch the showing of “A Christmas Story.” Bring chairs! This is a free event that is kid and dog friendly.

Heights Morning Market Sunday, Dec. 16 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.

The Pews ‘Sounds of Winter’ at St. Stephen’s Saturday, Dec. 15 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

St. Stephen’s UMC - 2003 W. 43rd St. “Sounds of Winter”, a Christmas concert will feature Dr. Andreea Mut, St. Stephen’s accompanist, on the piano and Ingrid Gerling, violinist. Half of all donations received at the concert will go to the Star of Hope Mission.

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.

Lessons and Carols Sunday, Dec. 16 10:17 a.m.

St. Matthew’s UMC - 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. St. Matthew’s centers its annual Lessons and Carols service around a fully-staged theatrical rendition of a modern version of “The Third Shepherds’ Play.”

The service will be supported by music and carols written from the 9th-16th centuries.

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. Gethsemane Lutheran Church services Sunday, Dec. 19 7 p.m.

Gethsemane Lutheran - 4040 Watonga Blvd.

Seasonal services will be held in addition to the regular 9 a.m.

Sunday morning service. Advent service is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. The Christmas Eve Candlelight worship is 7 p.m. Dec. 24.

Christmas Day worship is 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 25. New Year’s Eve Worship is 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31.

Church of the Holy Trinity Christmas worship Monday, Dec. 24 6 p.m.

Church of the Holy Trinity - 211 Byrne A Christmas Eve Service of lessons and carols and Holy Communion is 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Christmas Day service of morning prayer is 10 a.m. Dec. 25. Regular Sunday morning worship is 8 a.m. Holy Communion, followed by 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, and 10:30 a.m. service with Holy Communion.

Fun & Games Thursday Night Bingo Thursday, Dec. 13 7 p.m.

SPJST Lodge 88 - 1435 Beall St. Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88 is held every Thursday night. Bingo pads are $5 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Early bird special starts at 7 p.m. with regular bingo games beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Happy hour Friday, Dec. 15 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.

Pinot and Paws Painting Friday, Dec. 14 6:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m.

El Gato Coffee House - 508 Pecore St.

In this class you’ll be painting a holiday themed cat. All materials will be supplied and instructions provided. Just bring a bottle of wine. Adult Craft Passes are $41, student craft passes are $39 (with valid college ID), and kid craft passes are $37 (5-17 years, must be over 5) Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

door are $15.

Christmas Ornament Party Saturday, Dec. 15 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Steel City Pops – 420 E. 20th St. Each ticket will include: a pop, samples of their 12 Pops of Christmas, an ornament creation kit, wassail or hot chocolate, a family polaroid, and exclusive pricing on gift packs.

Llama Party Thursday, Dec. 20 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Emerson Rose – 350 W. 19th St. Come meet, pet and snap a photo with a live llama, who will be decked out for the season.

A Victorian Holiday Saturday, Dec. 15 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

EQ Heights – 1030 Heights Blvd.

Come celebrate the holiday in Dickensian style. Costumes optional.

Pet Adoption Event Saturday, Dec. 15 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sawyer Flea - 2313 Edwards St. Stop by the Animal Justice League’s booth during your trip to the Sawyer Flea. There will be several adoptable animals on hand looking for their perfect home for the holidays.

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. The cost for advanced tickets are $16 and no refunds. Tickets purchased at the

Helen E. Davis, 86, born

Coffeeville, Kan., died Dec. 6.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Jean Buchner, daughters Beverly Rankin and Vickie Lynn Baack, son Russell W. Buchner, seven grandchildren, and 15 greatgrandchildren.

Roger Alexander Clark,

75, born April 6, 1943 in Detroit, Mich., died Dec. 6. He graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1961 where he met his lifelong sweetheart Judy Shepherd. They were married on June 14, 1963 in San Antonio. Clark’s professional career spanned over 43 years in the Chemicals and Petroleum industry. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Clark, daughters M’Lissa Dilley, Lindsey Clark, brother George Clark, sister Amber Ford, and six grandchildren.

Jan. 4, 1932 in San Antonio, died Dec. 8. She is survived by her son-in-law Larry Miller, and three grandsons.

Gertrude Emma Fritsche,

101, born Dec. 11, 1916 in Lincoln, Texas, died Dec. 7. She is survived by her husband Richard P. Fritsche, son Melvin R. Fritsche, sisters Florence Smoot and Bernice Wolff, brothers Wayne Schneider and Charles Schneider, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Virginia Jo Hueseman, 91, born Oct. 5, 1927 in Springfield, Ill., died Dec. 3.

Nadine A. Hoagland, 78, born Nov. 23, 1940 in Walnut Grove Township, Neosho County, Kan., died Dec. 6. She is survived by her brother Dale Frederick

Hoagland.

Edward James Kuzniarek, 92, born Jan. 14, 1926 in

Bremond, Texas, died Nov. 19.

Kuzniarek was employed as a Machinist for Continental Can Company in Houston for 43 years before entering into retirement.

He was a dedicated member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy Gregory Kuzniarek, daughters Carolyn Howren and Diane Parker, son Jimmy Kuzniarek, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Bertha Kuck Preston, 103, born July 8, 1915, died Dec. 1.

Preston was a longtime member of the Lutheran church, attending as a member at Mt. Olive, St. Mark’s, and Gethsemane Lutheran churches throughout her lifetime. She was employed

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Holiday Meowvie Night Friday, Dec. 21 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

El Gato Coffee House - 508 Pecore St. The featured film is about a family that planned a special Christmas holiday after experiencing a couple of disastrous vacations. Rated PG-13. The cost is $20 for adults, $18.50 for students, and $16 for kids.

West Janisch Healthcare is looking for volunteers over the age of 18 to lead group/ individual activites. Activities include bingo, trivia, reading daily news events, room to room visits and group chat. There is no limit to engagement with our Seniors!

as a nurse, selling Avon, and other careers. Survivors include her children Marilyn Paulsen and Charles Kuck, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

88, born Aug. 30, 1930 in Koschisko, Texas, died Dec. 4. She married Willie Vinklarek on Aug. 28, 1951. They first resided in a garage apartment in the Heights area. Her first job was to nanny for a young family. Vinklarek was a longtime active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, a Cub Scout leader, and worked at Sheli’s Surf Shop. She is survived by her children, Jerry, Pauline McGrail, William, Virgil, Elaine Vinklarek, Helen Orsak, Christine Feagin, and Teresa Kotzur, brother Vincent Keller, sister Christine Prukop, 16 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambose Catholic Church.

Steak Night Friday, Dec. 21 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

American Legion Post 560 3720 Alba Road The American Legion will hold their monthly steak dinner. Food will be served until they run out.

Volunteers Needed

THE OBITUARIES. Russell “Dale” D. Buchner, 83, born Feb. 15, 1935 in

Paint by the fire Sunday, Dec. 16 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Heights Bier Garten – 1433 North Shepherd Dr. Sip and paint with your friends.

Wear and ugly Christmas sweater, and if you arrive on time you’ll get a free drink ticket.

By Pastor Will Cover

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

T

he Christmas story is full of fascinating characters. Of course, we know that the main character is the Christ-child, but studying the other people surrounding him can give us some interesting insight and help for our own lives. Learning about how they interacted with each other and how they responded in the midst of a very unique situation can help us as we think about Sunday School ........9:15 am our lives and the situations we face. Mary and Joseph faced some Sunday School 9:30am difficult choices when it came to the birth of the baby Jesus.

Sunday Worship......10:30am Sunday Worship 10:30am They were engaged to be married and in their day, to break an Wednesday Bible Study engagement was on the same level as divorce. For a young woman Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:00pm to be found with child and not be married would be a great scandal.

6:30pm The culture of the day did not make it easy for a single woman Pastor C. David Harrison th 201201 E. 9E. 9th St St. • 713-861-3102 713-861-3102much less a single mother to provide for herself. Joseph would have not had it easy either. God commanded him to take Mary to www.fbcheights.org be his wife, but to do this would mean taking Jesus as his son even Pastor Larry D. Young though it wasn’t his biological child. God asked Mary and Joseph Pastor C. David Harrison to do something very difficult and they had no way of knowing how www.fbcheights.org the situation would work out. In fact, humanly speaking, it would seem quite difficult. Mary had to give birth in a manger, they lived in a different town away from family and friends, and then had to Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am move to Egypt to flee for Jesus’ life. Later on, Mary would watch Morning Worship ............... 10:45am her son be crucified on a cross. From Mary’s perspective this was not an easy task that God asked her to do. During her life she Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children most likely suffered because of her choice to accept God’s plan and Adults............................ 6:15pm for her life. We don’t know as much about Joseph, but we know life changed dramatically for him as well. How could they obey 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 without knowing all of the answers? The only way they could obey completely without having complete information was to trust God and His plan. We are finite creatures with incomplete knowledge of the world we live in and no way to see the future. We serve a God that knows everything, that is everywhere, that has all St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA power, and is always good. We can trust Him just as Mary and Joseph trusted Him. In this Christmas season my prayer is that • Worship (English) .10:00 am - 11:00am you will learn to trust the God of the universe who sent His only • Learning Hour.......11:00am - 12:00pm Son to this earth to die so that your sins would be paid in full!

MANNA If you would like to discuss this further or have questions, Pastor • Worship (Spanish) 12:30 pm - 1:30pm Sponsor Will Cover can be reached at Arise Baptist Church at 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697.

1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, TX 77018 • 713-686-1577

First FirstChurch Church Heights

Page 6A • Saturday, December 15, 2018 • The Leader

Cold weather pet hazards to consider when temps drop Dear Tabby, With the cold weather that we’ve been having lately, I’ve been worried about how to keep my pets safe in colder temperatures. Obviously, all outdoor animals come inside when the weather is freezing, but are there any other cold-weather pet hazards that we need to consider?

Chilly in Candlelight Estates Dear Chilly, Houston has already experienced some rather unseasonably cold temperatures this year and there’s a good chance that winter is not quite done with us yet.

While meteorologists remind us to protect our pipes, plants, and pets during freezes, there’s more to it than just putting a sweater on your dog when the temperatures dip below freezing. Here are a few other things to consider: Watch Out for Outdoor Cats: If you have a cat–or even if you don’t and there may be strays around–before you start your car, be sure to bang the hood or honk

your horn to scare off any cats who could be sleeping on top of wheels or in the engine to keep warm.

Walking on Thin Ice: While we in Houston don’t typically see frozen ponds or lakes, even just a thin layer on ice on the sidewalk can pose a danger to dogs.

Thin ice is a real danger to dogs and puppies who might not realize where they’re stepping. When walking on frozen driveways and sidewalks, your dog could lose control on the slippery surface and tear a muscle or ligament.

Antifreeze: With colder weather comes the use of antifreeze in our cars. Even a little antifreeze could be fatal to your dog. It’s important to keep these containers locked away and mind any spills.

Arthritis Flares in Older Pets: If your dog is already experiencing symptoms of arthritis, these symptoms can become more apparent in cold weather.

Help keep your dog as warm as possible (try heated bedding) and if your vet has prescribed medication, be sure to give it to your dog as instructed.

While we’re all looking forward to the warmer, sunny days that winter in Houston has become

famous for, it’s still a good idea to remain mindful of ways that we can make our pets more comfortable in cold weather. With a little care and forethought, you and your pets can survive whatever weather this winter might throw at us.

Ready to Adopt?

Head to Bering’s Hardware on Bissonnet, Sunday, December 16 to meet the love(s) of your life at the Friends For Life Holiday

Adoption event. There, you’ll be able to finish up your holiday shopping and possibly find a furry friend to bring home for Christmas. Santa will also be on hand for photos, so bring the family and make a fun day out of it--all for a good cause! To learn more, go to www.friends4life.org.

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

Pet of the Week

Meet Pansy. Pansy’s story is a sad (and, unfortunately common) story of a kitten who was adopted, then passed along from home to home, never properly cared for. Pansy became a mother at a young age and was lucky enough to finally be rescued with her babies and taken into foster care. Now, 1.5 year old Pansy is flourishing in foster care and is loving, outgoing, and purrs non stop--but she’s ready to find her forever family. To learn more go to www.saveacatrescue.org.

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Neighbors, I was very excited to be invited to participate in the Waltrip High School Feeder Pattern Principals Meeting on Nov. 30 which was hosted by Waltrip’s Principal Mike Niggli at Waltrip. In attendance were Niggli, Frank Black MS’s Ms. Honore, Oak Forest Elementary’s Mr. Casler, Durham Elementary’s Ms. Zepeda, Stevens Elementary’s Ms. Barrientez, Sinclair Elementary’s Mr. Mashburn, and Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet’s Dr. Pollock.

An excellent roundtable discussion ensued regarding literacy and the principals’ wish to create a program whereby students’ writing pieces can be published, and also reintroducing journalism to students, most of whom have not been involved with the production of an actual school paper.

These dedicated principals meet monthly for a few hours, communicate constantly throughout the month, and are actively engaged in working together to make our community’s schools the best they can be. The hum of positive energy in the room was palpable - it was thrilling to witness the enthusiasm and camaraderie, all focused on your children, Neighbors.

Let me tell you - finally, the Waltrip Feeder Pattern schools have the most amazing principals in town! These principals are some of the most dedicated, creative and thoughtful humans - and they are absolutely focusing on and celebrating literacy in our area’s schools - hallelujah!

More to come on this subject. Stay tuned.

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The Leader • Saturday, December 15, 2018 • Page 7A

Fitzgerald’s, from P. 1A Stevie Ray Vaughan, who had a monthly date there and wrote “The House is Rockin” about the club.

“He electrified the place,” Veronica Bourne said of Vaughan.

Fitzgerald didn’t initially envision such nights when she bought the building, instead planning to renovate it and flip it. During an era when women still had to have men co-sign their loans, her plan was only made possible by the woman owner of the building who financed the sale.

Still, Fitzgerald lacked the capital for an immediate overhaul and needed to earn money. The place started as a neighborhood bar, then slowly became something else entirely.

“Someone wanted to play the piano and then someone else wanted to bring in a gui-

tar,” she said. “Musicians are always looking for a place to play.”

The father of Garden Oaks’ Dana Gallegos was in two bands that played at Fitzgerald’s, The Wolves and Bad Weather. Reader Lucas Strom also got to play at Fitzgerald’s a few times with the bands he was in and said, “It’s an experience and memory I’ll never forget.”

“I would say my best memory would be the freedom I experienced there as a child,” Gallegos said. “I was around people I knew and who would help make sure I was safe and entertained -- they would dance with me on the dance floor upstairs, teach me to play pool or give me change for the photo booth downstairs.”

Fitzgerald said her club was the spot for the up-andcomers and those in the sun-

set of their careers. If you were selling out stadiums, you weren’t playing Fitzgerald’s.

Although a high-flying Bonnie Raitt did do a pickup date once. And Lindsey Buckingham came solo.

More fun facts: Hootie & The Blowfish played for just 40 people one night at Fitzgerald’s. R.E.M. performed and the club made only $100 for the night.

Many musicians remarked how gracious Fitzgerald was for giving them the stage.

“It’s because I believed their lies,” she said with a laugh. “‘We have lots of friends,’ they told me.

‘They’ll come see us.’ I liked to give everybody a chance.

You never know.”

Everybody had “that” band or “that” singer they loved – Robert Earl Keen, Blue October, Cowboy

Mouth, Asleep at the Wheel, Third World, Bowling For Soup and blues musician Catfish Hodge to name a few.

Until 2010, Fitzgerald managed the business herself or hired a general manager to give her more freedom. After that, she leased the building to other operators, including Pegstar, who moved on to the White Oak Music Hall.

In 2015, she took a more active role in the business again. But last summer, Fitzgerald made the decision to sell the venue for $5 million.

“It was a hard decision,” she said. “I’ll be 70 this year.

When people ask me why I’m selling it, I tell them to come work with me for three days. Employees are in the building at 7 a.m. to clean up and then we close around 3 or 4 a.m.”

Fitzgerald said she plans to roll her earnings into real estate ventures in Seguin and, for her, the fun is starting a new business. Still, she is glad to go out on her own terms.

2018

THE LEADER

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As for the prevelance of license plate number from an Myers said many inflatthe problem, Harris County associated vehicle.” ables can show up at flea Constable Precinct 1 spokesEmily Zihlman, who had markets, websites such as person Angelique Myers said inflatables taken from her craigslist and eBay and even that so far this year, they have yard in previous years, even- pawn shops if they will aconly received one report from tually got out her Sharpie. cept them. the Shepherd Park area. That “I wrote ZIHLMAN on the was from the Catalanos. front of them,” she® said. “No ® ® ® iPhone iMac “We recommend keeping one wants aniPad inflatable withMacBook Air ® ® ® MacBook Proelse’s Mac Mini Accessories inflatables close to the home someone name on it.”Mac Pro FRITSCHE in a well-lit area,” Myers said.

Using a permanent marker “Cameras are always helpful to put your address on your if a citizen’s inflatable is sto- decorations also will deter YoUR PURchASe len so we can try to get the thieves hoping forfiRSt a resale.

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Protect your decorations For tips on how to make inflatables less attractive to thieves, readers have a lot of suggestions.

“My husband got cable and locks from C&D Hardware and secured them to our wrought iron gate,” Nora Heene said.

“I always go full Clark Griswold on how I connect my Christmas features I don’t want taken,” said Camilo Arizmendi, referring to the movie character from the National Lampoon’s vacation series. “Duct tape, Ziploc bags, duct tape, grocery bags, duct tape. More duct tape.”

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Grinch, from P. 1A stated that deputies have increased patrols in the area.

“I know I’m not getting them back, but I wanted people to know,” Catalano said.

Houston Police Department spokesman Kese Smith said Catalano did the right thing to call in the theft. The case was forwarded to HPD on Dec. 4. Smith said it was classified according to leads and solvability. The lack of video surveillance or eyewitness is a hindrance in apprehending the culprits.

Still, he said, you never know.

“We’ve gotten back stolen property at an unrelated traffic stop,” Smith said.

And she’ll miss owning a business where “the excitement comes to you.”

“It was like having a church where the denomination changes every day,” she said.

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Page 8A • Saturday, December 15, 2018 • The Leader

GOMO, from P. 1A That it’s taken so long to make such a change speaks to how GOMO ended up in a precarious position.

Judge David Jones initially instructed GOMO to present its plan Dec. 14, ahead of a hearing scheduled for Dec. 20.

Parks said Tuesday the hearing has been moved to Jan. 8.

Jones asked GOMO to devise a plan that does not include a transfer fee, which has been the primary revenue source for the homeowners association and a point of contention for its counterpart in bankruptcy court. The courtappointed Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, comprising five Garden Oaks homeowners, represents hundreds of other creditors who filed claims seeking the return of the .75-percent transfer fee collected upon the closing of home purchases.

A 2016 state district court ruling in favor of Garden Oaks resident Peter Chang, a member of the creditors committee, revealed GOMO had no authority to collect transfer fees because it violated the Texas Property Code while petitioning residents to include them in the deed restrictions. Parks said GOMO plans to replace the transfer fee with a mandatory annual fee, which according to the latest proposal draft would be $80, enough to cover the cost of outscoring management and enforcement of the deed restrictions.

“In order to change the fee, we have to amend the deed restrictions,” Parks said.

While amending the deed restrictions is a necessary part of GOMO’s restructuring plan, it is not necessarily a concern of the creditors committee. Its attorney, Charles Rubio, said his client is more concerned with Garden Oaks homeowners recovering the transfer fees they paid.

Jones ordered GOMO to stop collecting transfer fees in an August ruling.

“How the creditors are treated and what they’re getting under the plan,” Rubio cited as his client’s chief concern. “Overall, I can’t say that every aspect of the deed restrictions is really relevant to the creditors committee.”

Parks said GOMO had more than $720,000 in assets as of Oct. 31. What to do with that money could be a sticking point between the homeowners association and creditors committee – if any remains after bankruptcy court proceedings being funded by GOMO. Rubio submitted an allowance for compensation to the court in November, seeking more than $100,000 for four months of work. GOMO attorneys Johnie Patterson and Sipra Boyd have yet to submit compensation requests.

Parks said Patterson has argued the statute of limitations for claims related to GOMO’s improper petitioning in the early 2000s long ago expired.

Parks said GOMO wants its assets to be used for the restructuring of the homeowners association, with the expectation that it would go by a different name and have a new group of officers and directors.

Rubio said the members of the creditors committee also have an interest in “the viability of the organization going forward in which it can collect revenue and survive.” Along those lines, Rubio said the notion that the creditors committee wants to dissolve the homeowners association and restart the process of forming a new one is “not accurate.”

Parks said such a process, which would require the solicitation and approval of a majority of Garden Oaks homeowners, would be tedious and much more easily accomplished through the bankruptcy proceedings. The same goes for amending the deed restrictions, which she said had gone unchanged because doing so was “too hard.”

Now, for the sake of its existence, GOMO is being forced to redo them. Parks conceded that putting off that process contributed to the organization’s losing its lawsuit against Chang – who was sued by GOMO for constructing a third garage – and subsequently having to file for bankruptcy.

It’s an opportunity for progress nonetheless.

Along with removing the racist language and other antiquated restrictions, such as the one that says “no swine

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shall be kept on said premises,” Parks said GOMO plans to add language that will give the homeowners association waiver authority and allow for an easier amendment process.

“Through this, there will be more clarity and homeowners are going to have a greater use of their property.”

Even if Jones and the creditors committee approve GOMO’s proposal, though, the restructuring process would not be complete. Parks said Garden Oaks homeowners, through by-mail balloting conducted by the bankruptcy court, would still need to sign off on any changes to the deed restrictions.

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