Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, August 8, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 40 832.419.9969 AREA SPECIALIST Public Information THE INDEX. Food/Drink/Art Opinion Church Puzzles Classifieds Coupons Obituaries 5A 5B 4A 7A 6A 3A 2A 6A ABOUT US 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494 [email protected]www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER. 832. 712.1320 ANDERSON PROPERTIES [email protected]Elizabeth Villarreal REALTOR® HOMESERVICES www.mosquitojoe.com CALL TODAY FOR FREE QUOTE We make outside fun again! 713-864-8888 Mosquitos Fleas Ticks Inside This Week: Area Health Inspection results • Page 2B Flower & Gift Shop 10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350 Select Merchandise 50% OFF 50% OFF By Jonathan Garris [email protected]It’s been a long road for the man- agement of Southwaste’s disposal fa- cility on Hurst Street, officials with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and residents of Timbergrove Manor as the debate continues over allowing the disposal company to ac- cept a greater portion of waste. TCEQ held another public meeting in the community July 30, and Tim- bergrove Manor Civic Club president Bill Morfey said turnout was better than the previous public meeting in October last year. The fight for resi- dents here has been drawn out, with many focusing on what they feel is an overwhelming stench coming from the facility and also traffic issues with trucks going in and out of the area. “The mood was a bit more adver- sarial and, at times, poignantly so,” Morfey said. Part of the reason for the adver- sarial reaction, Morfey said, was the perceived indifference some residents felt TCEQ acted with regarding com- plaints from citizens living near the disposal plant. The facility collects and treats grease from surrounding restaurants and other businesses to manufacture biofuels; however resi- dents have repeatedly complained to the TCEQ regarding what they call a foul stench coming from the facility. In a previous Leader article, vice president of operations Tim Cox ex- plained the company’s desire to install a new scrubber unit designed to miti- gate the odor coming from the facility and also the group’s intention to en- By Jonathan Garris [email protected]When asked to describe his friend Antonio Richter, 17-year-old Roman Dijak has one word – brother. Both Richter and Roman are currently backpacking across Europe together, vis- tiing countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Swe- den, Ukraine, Latvia and Serbia. The two first met through Reagan’s student exchange program, as Di- jak’s family welcomed Rich- ter into their household. Roman’s father, William, recalls the two seemed to begin scheming together al- most immediately. “When [Richter] showed up, they got to be pretty good buds right off the bat,” William Dijak said. “They were on the swim team to- gether and my wife, who is French, also spoke German, and we all clicked well.” William Dijak said Rich- ter’s family lives in northern Germany, not far from the border with Czechoslovakia. They live in a millhouse that is over 700 years old and he has sisters who are olympic- class skiers. Richter’s background also struck a chord with Roman, who was adopted from the Ukraine in 1999. He had the chance to visit the orphan- age he had come from in 2006 and William said it was an emotional experi- ence for his son. “There are different kinds of adoptions – some are open and some are more closed but we’ve always been pretty open,” William Dijak said. “Our other son is adopted from Russia. [Ro- man] had this tremendous ambition to visit where he’s from even when he was younger and he understands we’re his parents and has no problem, but he couldn’t help but be emotional when he returned to Ukraine.” For the two youngsters, the current trip is a chance to strengthen their bond and, for Roman, gain a INSIDE. Ending Summer with Family Fun August marks the start of National Immunization Awareness Month and doctors and pediatricians across the US are remind- ing parents to make sure their children receive their proper immunizations and health checkups as the school year begins. Find it on 1B See Southwaste, P. 6A The Leader is joining with various local sponsors to put on a Family Fun Day for local residents to wind down summer with a bit more sunshine. The event will be hosted by American Legion Post 560 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 15. Find it on 8A Southwaste, Timbergrove still at odds Reagan High School student explores Europe, origins with fellow German exchange student Contributed Photo Roman Dijak looks out across Budapest and the Danube River - one of many stops for the 17-year-old Reagan High School student and his German friend who visited Houston as an exchange student this year. See Europe, P. 6A New principal settles in at Oak Forest By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Dr. April Williams took the helm of Oak Forest Elementary in mid-July and said that the Oak Forest commu- nity has already been very welcoming and encouraging. “I am thrilled to be a part of such a strong staff and in- volved commu- nity,” Williams said. “By far, my favorite part about the school has been meet- ing all the won- derful kids who have come to say hi and welcome me as their principal.” Williams previously served as an assistant principal at Lanier Middle School. She began her 12-year career with HISD as a fifth-grade teacher at Law Elementary School, and has served as a classroom teacher at both Peck Elementary and Ryan Middle School. Williams also held the role of high school graduation coach. While at both Peck and Ryan, she received the Classroom Teacher of the Year and the English as a Second Language Williams See Principal, P. 8A INSIDE. Birthday with the Bulls Celebrating a birthday by running for your life might not seem like an ideal way to mark a new year, but that’s exactly what Heights resident Frankie Cox did for her 40th birthday. Find out about her experience in Spain in this week’s issue. Find it on 7B Your Leader-area neighbor for 12 years Market expertise in Heights | Oak Forest| Rice Military Tarah receives accolades for her communication & negotiation skills. TarahVann Realtor ® | 5 star HAR rating 281.804.8483| [email protected]White Out Photos by Christina Martinez From the top going clockwise, Houston Indie rock band, Moji, performs at Town In City Brewing Company’s Grand Opening celebration in front of an estimated 1500 in attendance in the day’s span. Over at Good Dog Houston, neighbors flocked to the Deep Eddy Vodka and Craft beer tent and were greeted by smiling faces pouring adult beverages. Good Dog Houston had their food truck setup in the parking lot for hungry White Linen patrons. White Linen Night continues to grow in numbers
Transcript
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North HoustonSaturday, August 8, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 40
It’s been a long road for the man-agement of Southwaste’s disposal fa-cility on Hurst Street, officials with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and residents of Timbergrove Manor as the debate continues over allowing the disposal company to ac-cept a greater portion of waste.
TCEQ held another public meeting in the community July 30, and Tim-bergrove Manor Civic Club president Bill Morfey said turnout was better than the previous public meeting in October last year. The fight for resi-dents here has been drawn out, with many focusing on what they feel is an overwhelming stench coming from the facility and also traffic issues with trucks going in and out of the area.
“The mood was a bit more adver-sarial and, at times, poignantly so,” Morfey said.
Part of the reason for the adver-sarial reaction, Morfey said, was the perceived indifference some residents felt TCEQ acted with regarding com-plaints from citizens living near the disposal plant. The facility collects and treats grease from surrounding restaurants and other businesses to manufacture biofuels; however resi-dents have repeatedly complained to the TCEQ regarding what they call a foul stench coming from the facility.
In a previous Leader article, vice president of operations Tim Cox ex-plained the company’s desire to install a new scrubber unit designed to miti-gate the odor coming from the facility and also the group’s intention to en-
When asked to describe his friend Antonio Richter, 17-year-old Roman Dijak has one word – brother.
Both Richter and Roman are currently backpacking across Europe together, vis-tiing countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Swe-den, Ukraine, Latvia and Serbia. The two first met through Reagan’s student exchange program, as Di-jak’s family welcomed Rich-ter into their household.
Roman’s father, William, recalls the two seemed to begin scheming together al-most immediately.
“When [Richter] showed up, they got to be pretty good buds right off the bat,” William Dijak said. “They were on the swim team to-gether and my wife, who is French, also spoke German, and we all clicked well.”
William Dijak said Rich-ter’s family lives in northern Germany, not far from the border with Czechoslovakia. They live in a millhouse that is over 700 years old and he has sisters who are olympic-class skiers.
Richter’s background also struck a chord with Roman, who was adopted from the Ukraine in 1999. He had the chance to visit the orphan-age he had come from in 2006 and William said it was an emotional experi-ence for his son.
“There are different kinds
of adoptions – some are open and some are more closed but we’ve always been pretty open,” William Dijak said. “Our other son is adopted from Russia. [Ro-man] had this tremendous ambition to visit where he’s from even when he was younger and he understands
we’re his parents and has no problem, but he couldn’t help but be emotional when he returned to Ukraine.”
For the two youngsters, the current trip is a chance to strengthen their bond and, for Roman, gain a
INSIDe.
ending Summer with Family Fun
August marks the start of National Immunization Awareness Month and
doctors and pediatricians across the US are remind-ing parents to make sure
their children receive their proper immunizations and
health checkups as the school year begins.
Find it on 1B
See Southwaste, P. 6A
The Leader is joining with various local sponsors to put on a Family Fun Day for local residents to wind down summer with a bit more sunshine. The event will be hosted by American Legion Post 560 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 15.
Find it on 8A
Southwaste, timbergrove still at odds
Reagan High School student explores Europe, origins with fellow German exchange student
Contributed PhotoRoman Dijak looks out across Budapest and the Danube River - one of many stops for the 17-year-old Reagan High School student and his German friend who visited Houston as an exchange student this year.
Dr. April Williams took the helm of Oak Forest Elementary in mid-July and said that the Oak Forest commu-nity has already been very welcoming and encouraging.
“I am thrilled to be a part of such a strong staff and in-volved commu-nity,” Williams said. “By far, my favorite part about the school has been meet-ing all the won-derful kids who have come to say hi and welcome me as their principal.”
Williams previously served as an assistant principal at Lanier Middle School. She began her 12-year career with HISD as a fifth-grade teacher at Law Elementary School, and has served as a classroom teacher at both Peck Elementary and Ryan Middle School. Williams also held the role of high school graduation coach. While at both Peck and Ryan, she received the Classroom Teacher of the Year and the English as a Second Language
Williams
See Principal, P. 8A
INSIDe.
Birthday with the Bulls
Celebrating a birthday by running for your life might not seem like an ideal way to mark a new year, but that’s exactly what Heights resident Frankie Cox did for her 40th birthday. Find out about her experience in Spain in this week’s issue.
Find it on 7B
Your Leader-area neighbor for 12 yearsMarket expertise in Heights | Oak Forest| Rice MilitaryTarah receives accolades for her communication & negotiation skills.
Photos by Christina MartinezFrom the top going clockwise, Houston Indie rock band, Moji, performs at Town In City Brewing Company’s Grand Opening celebration in front of an estimated 1500 in attendance in the day’s span. Over at Good Dog Houston, neighbors flocked to the Deep Eddy Vodka and Craft beer tent and were greeted by smiling faces pouring adult beverages. Good Dog Houston had their food truck setup in the parking lot for hungry White Linen patrons.
Whether you are buying, selling or building choose the agent that’s right for you.
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On August 12th, Jim and Ann Howard will celebrate 71 years together as husband and wife. They have been residents of Oak Forest since the mid
50’s, when Jim was transferred with Mobil Oil from Dallas to Houston. Jim and Ann have been blessed with a family of five children (Betty, Bill,
Linda, Jim, and Paul), nine grandchildren (Michelle, Amy, Jennifer, Andrew, Tiffany, James, Marcus, Brandon, and Cameron), ten great grand children and one great great grandchild, all of whom wish them much love and happiness.
Wedding Anniversary71stJames and Ann Howard Celebrate
Federal agents raided a business in the Heights Tuesday morning and detained 11 workers at the scene, officials say.
At around 10 a.m., special agents with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor served a criminal search warrant at La Espiga de Oro, located at 1200 15th St., Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson Greg Palmore said.
Palmore said 11 people were detained and will be questioned as material witnesses in an ongoing investigation and will likely be
released this evening. Palmore could not share information regarding the investiga-tion, and officials remained at the scene.
Federal agents detain 11 workers at heights business
police Reports • July 25 - Aug. 2
Woodland heights and houston heights
On Aug. 2 at approxi-mately 11:20 p.m., deputies responded to the 600 block of Woodland Street on a Criminal Trespass of a Mo-tor Vehicle call.
The complainant advised that while she was unload-ing her car and taking items inside of the house an un-known white male suspect was observed sitting inside her car.
The complainant report-ed when she was approach-ing her car she saw a white male sitting in her unlocked car. When the unknown white male suspect heard her yelling at him he exited
the car and ran off towards Regan Street. The deputies arrived and checked the area. The deputies were un-able to locate the suspect.
At this time the com-plainant does not notice anything to be missing from the car or any damages to the car.
A HPD case was com-pleted for Criminal Tres-pass of a Motor Vehicle and the case was referred to the Houston Police Department for investigation.
houston heights Associations
On Aug. 4, at approxi-mately 9 a.m., deputies re-sponded to the 600 block
of Arlington Street in refer-ence to a delayed reporting of a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.
The reportee stated on Saturday she noticed items had been taken from inside her vehicle but did not file a police report. The reportee advised the Deputy she had left her doors unsecured and an unknown person entered their vehicle and took items not belonging to them.
A report was taken and will be referred to the Houston Police Department for investigation.
Please report suspicious activity to local Law En-forcement.
Precinct One Alerts: Woman scares off man trespassing in her vehicle
JulY 25Theft 8 AM 2200-2299 N
SHEPHERDTheft 2 PM 2200-2299 WIL-
LOWBYTheft 8:11 PM 1500-1599 LAIRDTheft 7:57 AM 1500-1599 W
18THAssault 1:57 PM 5000-5099
YALEBurglary 11:57 AM 1800-1899
CHIPPENDALETheft 1:22 PM 4200-4299
WATONGATheft 8:01 PM 1400-1499
ALEXANDERTheft 3 PM 2500-2599 N
SHEPHERDTheft 8:38 AM 500-599 W 32NDTheft 5 AM 2500-2599 BEALL
JulY 26Burglary 4 PM 1400-1499 W
24THBurglary 10:44 PM 200-299 W
19THTheft 5:40 PM 2500-2599
HARVARDBurglary 10:22 PM 5000-5099
DE MILOTheft 9 PM 1400-1499 N
DURHAM
JulY 27Theft 7:53 AM 800-899 W 20THRobbery 10:23 AM 3200-3299
LAWRENCEBurglary 4:31 PM 400-499
OXFORDBurglary 8:05 PM 5500-5599
LARKINTheft 6:08 AM 1000-1099
CHESHIRETheft 3 PM 5100-5199 N
SHEPHARDTheft 11:39 AM 5300-5399 N
SHEPHERDTheft 6:05 PM 1500-1599
EBONYTheft 11:30 AM 10600-10699
NORTHWEST FWY
JulY 28Burglary 7:50 AM 1200-1299
WAVERLYBurglary 5:33 PM 2300-2399
BEALLBurglary 1:45 PM 1000-1099
E 32NDTheft 10:43 AM 400-499 S
HEIGHTS BLVDBurglary 8:10 PM 500-599 E
37THTheft 9:23 AM 1200-1299 W
34THTheft 2:32 PM 1400-1499
STUDEMONTAssault 8:39 PM 3000-3099 E
CROSSTIMBERSTheft 1:30 PM 3000-3099 N
DURHAMTheft 3:30 PM 900-999 RUT-
LANDTheft 11:18 AM 1500-1599 N
LOOP WTheft 5 PM 1000-1099 LAW-
RENCETheft 8:15 PM 100-199
HEIGHTS BLVDBurglary 7:35 AM 1300-1399
DOROTHY
JulY 29Burglary 9:57 AM 2300-2399
HEWITTTheft 5 PM 4600-4699 SHEP-
HERDTheft 3:06 AM 200-299 S
HEIGHTS BLVDBurglary 1:20 PM 300-399 W
26THTheft 1:32 PM 1100-1199 W
MELWOODTheft 6:35 PM 600-699 CROSS-
TIMBERSAssault 3:44 PM 900-999
THORNTONRobbery 1:02 PM 1100-1199
CHAMBOARDRobbery 4:23 PM 4000-4099
W 34THBurglary 4 AM 4500-4599
GARDENDALETheft 9:20 PM 5100-5199
WASHINGTONTheft 5:30 AM 4400-4499 N
SHEPHERD DR
Burglary 12:44 AM 100-199 HEIGHTS BLVD
Theft 12:22 AM 400-499 S HEIGHTS BLVD
JulY 30Assault 2:38 PM 2300-2399 N
SHEPHERDTheft 12:49 PM 1100-1199 E
11THBurglary 9:01 AM 800-899
BEVERLYTheft 11:27 AM 4100-4199 N
SHEPHERDTheft 4 PM 400-499 S HEIGHTS
BLVDBurglary 12:25 PM 700-799 T
C JESTERTheft 6:32 PM 5100-5199
LILLIANTheft 6:24 AM 1400-1499 W
43RDBurglary 6:22 AM 4800-4899
W 34TH
JulY 31Theft 5:42 PM 1100-1199 E
11THTheft 5:23 PM 1100-1199 E
11THTheft 7:10 AM 900-999 E 26THTheft 2 PM 4000-4099 CENTERTheft 11 AM 2500-2599 N
LOOP W
AuG. 1Theft 5:20 AM 1100-1199
ROBBIETheft 5 AM 600-699 E 12THRobbery 8:09 PM 900-999 E
26THTheft 3 PM 2400-2499 WHITE
OAK DRTheft 5 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS
BLVDBurglary 10 AM 5000-5099
YALEBurglary 9:19 PM 2700-2799 W
T C JESTER
AuG. 2Theft 7:27 PM 2800-2899
CENTERTheft 5:37 AM 400-499 S
HEIGHTS BLVDTheft 4 PM 2400-2499 WASH-
INGTONTheft 7:50 AM 1900-1999 E
CROSSTIMBERSReports are provided by Spot-
Crime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
The Topics.Saturday, August 8, 2015 • page 3A
My rust-colored bicycle didn’t come equipped with an odometer. When I hung
up the phone, which had a cord that could reach clear across the kitchen, Scott knew it would take me about 10 minutes to get to his house.
Of course, neither Scott nor I knew we lived almost a mile apart, probably because we were nine years old, and details like that didn’t matter when 3-pound catfish needed to be fed.
Before I hopped on the bike, I stuffed a paper bag full of anything mom wouldn’t notice missing. I grabbed three cheap hotdogs, because each dog turned into five pieces of bait, six if the fish were starving.
Here’s another secret: Drizzle a little water on a piece of white bread, tear it into four equal parts, and roll each quarter into a tight ball. Magically, you have four pieces of plaster that won’t come off a treble hook and more than likely snags another lunker if the perch don’t get there first.
If the chores were finished and the sun shined, you could bet your property that most summer days, Scott and I were meeting at his house in 10 minutes, parking our
bikes at the edge of a creek, and walking another quarter mile to a pond full of swarming mosquitoes and bored catfish.
I don’t remember the conversa-tions my best friend and I had on those day-long expeditions. Again, we were nine, and 9-year-olds don’t follow politics. We didn’t gossip about friends, because that seemed a waste of time. We sure as sin didn’t talk about the latest video games because Atari only had four of them and we never finished a game of Defender smelling like pine needles and slimy fish. We liked those smells.
Scott and I didn’t fish every day. We organized a baseball league in the neighborhood; even invited the obnoxious (though kind of cute) girls to watch us play on the original Field of Dreams – the one in my
backyard.One summer – must have been
’84 – we hosted an area-neighbor-hood Olympics. After watching Carl Lewis dominate the rest of the world, our entire group of friends – at least a dozen of us – thought we were the fastest of the lot. The crease in the curb was the starting line; the sapling in the neighbor’s yard the finish.
We built wooden boats and raced them down the creek. We played war, painting our faces with mud and brandishing sticks for rifles. We chased squirrels with BB guns, even though we always missed. We built tree houses that would have sent OSHA into seizures.
Our moms told us goodbye in the mornings and never seemed to ask any questions so long as we made it home for dinner.
Why am I taking you down a use-less road of memories?
Back here in 2015, we’re a couple of weeks from our children heading back to school. Nearly all of them are fresh off two months of structured camps every single week. None of them are fresh from a couple of months of exploration with friends.
I know, I know. Times are differ-ent today. There are more creeps
in the world. We don’t know our neighbors the way we once did. If a child played along the street – where, incidentally, we held our Olympics – the neighbors all looked out for the kids. Today, the neighbors don’t even know the kids’ names.
There’s another reason children don’t get out and play on their own anymore.
In Silver Spring, Md., a couple let their 10- and 6-year-old daughters play at a park two blocks from their house. The parents weren’t at the park – they simply told the girls to be home by 6 p.m.
A police officer spotted the chil-dren, placed them in the back seat of his squad car, and drove them 10 miles away to a Child Protec-tive Services office. CPS didn’t call the parents until 8 p.m., according to media reports, and the children weren’t released to their parents until 10:30 p.m. In order to take the children home, the parents “had to sign a safety plan that prohibits them from leaving their children unattended.”
That happened in this spring. A couple of days later, a couple in Florida was charged with child ne-glect because they were stuck in a traffic jam and their 11-year-old son
got home before they did. The son didn’t have a key to the house, so he did what most 11-year-olds would do and started playing basketball.
When the parents arrived home, they were greeted by CPS and law enforcement and were booked on a felony. How did police find out about the boy being stranded at home? Funny answer: A neighbor peered out the window, saw the child, and called the police con-cerned about his welfare.
That’s right. Instead of check-ing on the boy, seeing if he needed anything, making sure he was OK, the neighbor called the cops.
The boy was sent to live with a relative until he begged a judge to be reunited with his parents.
My parents begged me to get outside and play with my friends. If there weren’t any friends, they suggested I find something to do with myself. Of course, back then, they weren’t worried about the ills we have today. And back then, our parents didn’t spoon-feed us exotic summer camps and gluten-free diets, either.
I’m just sorry my son won’t get to experience the youth I had. I don’t need a felony on my record.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump has raised a ruckus by saying that Sen. John McCain “was not a hero.” Most people, including those also running for their party’s presi-dential nomination, have jumped into the fight, court martialing Trump for his opinion. But, in fact, we do overuse the title “hero,” es-pecially when ordering sandwiches. If every person in the military is a hero, even every POW is one, this dilutes the beatification of those of us who truly deserve the honor. So this is a good time to look at the mil-itary records of people who would be our commander in chief.
McCain deserves the title, not because he was shot down and tor-tured, but because when the North Vietnamese government realized that McCain, the son and grand-son of admirals, was the son of the commander of the U.S. Navy Pacific Command, they offered to free him. McCain would only accept repatria-tion if every man taken before him was released as well. No deal, said his torturers. I don’t know about you, but I would have been on the next Southwest flight out of Ha-noi. McCain’s naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distin-guished Flying Cross. This makes him a hero.
As for today’s wannabe presidents, militarily they are a pretty sorry lot. The draft ended in 1973, so any male candidate born after 1955, didn’t face compulsory military service. But could volunteer. (Incidentally, the Selective Service System law is still in effect, and all males between 18 and 25 must register. Wonder what percentage?) Trump admits to applying and receiving four separate draft deferments, then got a medical deferment because of a bone spur on his foot. When asked which foot, he said he didn’t know, adding: “You’ll have to look it up.” Huh? He doesn’t know which foot? Jeb Bush was eli-gible for the draft, and registered for service during his freshman year at UT, but the war was slowing and he was never called. ‘’I got a physical,’’ he said. “I was prepared to serve.’’ But he never volunteered, either.
(At this point it is only fair that I explain my own military service. I cleverly avoided the Army draft by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. My drill instructor urged me to defect.) Among others in the GOP fold, Rick Santorum did not serve, nor did Chris Christi, although the Army said he could join as a tank. Dr. Ben Carson excelled in JROTC in high school, quickly rose in rank and was offered an appointment to West Point. He turned it down for Yale, and never joined the military. Ted Cruz never put on a uniform, either that of the US or Canada. (Remember, Cruz didn’t renounce his Canadian citizenship until Au-gust 2013 when his dual citizenship was revealed by the Dallas Morning News.)
Still there are other GOP candi-dates who really did put on a uni-form. Rick Perry joined the Air Force after graduating from Texas A&M, where he was in the Corps of Ca-dets. Perry flew C-130s, those great big cargo planes, all over the world. Lindsey Graham, being a lawyer, served in the JAG of the Air Force from 1982 to 1988 and served in the South Carolina Air National Guard, then the Air Force Reserves, rising
to the rank of colonel.And those are about it in the ranks
of the GOP. Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, John Kasich, Rand Paul, George Pataki, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker and Carly Fiorina, among others, seem to have gotten no clos-er to military duty than giving to the Salvation Army. This is traditional. The Republican’s last presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, did not serve in the military, but did receive a deferment to serve the Mormon Church on a 30-month mission. In Uganda? Bolivia? Mali? Not exactly. In France. He received four draft de-ferments and a safe lottery number. On the other hand, as a college stu-dent Romney had demonstrated in favour of the Vietnam War. That is called an “oxy-Mormon.” Romney has five sons. None of them ever put on a uniform. The most famous high profile GOPer is super-hawk on Iraq, Dick Chaney, who received five deferments during the Vietnam War, (so did Joe Biden), explaining later: “I had other priorities in the 60’s than military service.”
The Democrats also have very little to salute in this matter. Bill Clinton was a master draft dodger. He jumped through hoops to avoid the military. The front runner in the Dem primaries is Hillary Clinton, who never served, even as a nurse. On the other hand, would you really want to be wounded and lying in a field hospital with Nurse Ratched taking care of you? Bernie Sand-ers is old enough to have qualified for the draft – into the Union Army. I can’t find any evidence he ever joined any military, but his record is anti-war and supporter of veterans. Lincoln Chafee graduated with a degree in classics from Brown Uni-versity. He then moved to Bozeman, Mont., studied to become a farrier at Montana State University, then worked at harness racetracks. May-be he could join the horse cavalry.
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s father served in the U.S. Army Air Force in the Pacific dur-ing WW II, and said he witnessed the mushroom cloud rise over Hi-roshima while on a routine mission. That’s close enough for government work. Jim Webb, a former Demo-cratic senator from Virginia, led a Marine Corps platoon and company in Vietnam, later served as assistant defense secretary and secretary of the Navy. His medals include the Navy Cross (that’s second only to the Medal of Honor), the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars.
So we have candidates who want to be our commander in chief, but most either dodged the draft or never volunteered to serve in the military. To those Americans who actually put on a uniform, this says more about their character than all their campaign speeches.
August is here, finally!Dear editor:At last, finally, August is arriving in
Houston. (August certainly took its sweet time getting here!) The sooth-ingly torrid sun, the luxurious swel-tering afternoons, the never-ending thrum of air-conditioners all over the place, the marvelously cleans-ing humidity. And the very best thing about August in Houston is the Heights ice houses, our most grand time of year when all of our beer-joint women, drawing hearty puffs on their cigarettes, sport indescribably alluring crescents of sweat beads above their upper lips. It just doesn’t GET any better than this.
J. Reynolds
Reader offers some sugges-tions for White Linen Night
Dear editor:White Linen Night jumped the
shark a few years ago, but unfortu-nately, this year’s even was the worst yet. There is no crowd movement, it is impossible to go anywhere on 19th Street without having your feet stepped on, beer spilled on you or rolling coolers bashing into your ankles. I couldn’t even make it to the Art Market. The Heights is a dry neighborhood (most of the people coming don’t know this), but alcohol has now become the focus of the event. Everyone mills about with their cooler on wheels or carry-ing their six packs, and, due to the dearth of outhouses, urinating in the alley and on the sides of buildings is common. It’s just no fun to be boxed in by a crowd of drinkers and the multiple bands, DJs and other per-
formers all at once in close proximity is simply not conducive to hearing any of them, not to mention the deafening roar of food truck genera-tors. The event has lost the meaning that it once had.
My suggestions for future White Linen Nights are: 1) move the Art Market off 19th, the way that it used to be, 2) the dry ordinance in the Heights should be emphasized, no open containers allowed, no public urination, 3) the stores and restaurants on 19th Street should coordinate the locations and times of performers, so that there is not a band every 30 feet, 4) the arts, the music and the stores and restaurants should once again be the focus of the event, 5) I brought my dog, this was ill advised, I would suggest no dogs, no coolers on wheels, no wagons and no baby carriages, all of which trip people up in the crush of bodies, 6) start later, maybe 9:30 PM until 3 AM, 7) reconsider the closing of 19th Street. Perhaps some changes can save the event, otherwise it is another Free Press Summer Fest or some other generic festival.
Jason hochman
Residents debate sidewalk petitioned by child in candlelight plaza
Dear editor:These are my people. Sigh. Every-
where in America a sidewalk is an amenity. It increases property values. Only in Oak Forest would they not want sidewalks. I got it. People from the other side of Pinemont will be lurking.
Jefferson Woodruff
Dear editor:A correction, it may have been
stated as such at one time, but the child who requested did not attend Dominion Academy. I guess she used the safe sidewalk application as it seemed the most applicable due to the distance from the school. Now at least one resident is accusing the poor kid of making the request “under false pretenses”…as if she lied and said “I go to DA and need the sidewalk.” That isn’t the case.
Meg
Reader offers help for ste-vens elementary spARK park
Dear editor:I would like more information on
helping with the work as well as sponsoring some of the items still needed.
Justin Burke
VisioN: Law enforcement embraces new collaboration, predictive analytics
Dear editor:Taking the bite out of crime is great
news.How about we get some coopera-
tion with companies NOT COMPLIANT to State and Federal Laws when it comes to NOT COMPLYING to ID Theft LAWS?
A company has a Corporate Gover-nance for an employee to follow but the company DOESN’T follow their OWN Governance.
Any erroneous statement which may appear in The Leader will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. In the event of errors or ommissions in The Leader advertisements, the publisher does not hold himself liable for damages further than the amount
received by him for such advertisements. The Leader’s distribution is independently audited by the Circulation Verification Council.
Katy CattoniInside Sales Executive
Team Previews • Team Photos Coach Interviews • Full Schedules
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Coming August 29, 2015
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at (713) 686-8494
Page 4A • Saturday, August 8, 2015
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Rev. Virginia Wall says she feels both excited and blessed to take up her position as pastor of St. Matthew’s Unit-ed Methodist Church at 4300 North Shepherd Dr.
Wall comes to The Leader area from Longview, TX, where she served at the Wes-ley-McCabe United Method-ist Church for seven years. She was born in the Carib-bean and first immigrated with her mother to the US in 1974. She was ordained in 2010 and previously lived in Brooklyn with her husband and children over 20 years
ago but said she wanted a better environment for her family and found herself in Texas.
While her daughter and son both live in Stafford,
TX with their own families, Wall said she has felt right at home living in the area. Her first sermon at the church focuses on relationships be-tween the congregation with god through Jesus Christ and the power of forgiveness.
“When it comes to the chuch, the main philosophy is that we have love,” Wall said. “Love is our guiding principle and for everything I do it is centered around that love.”
Looking forward, Wall said she is also excited to be part of a church that has been doing an “awesome” job in terms of reaching out tot eh community.
“We have a pre-school ministry, Mother’s Day Out, we have a blessing for the homeless where we hand out food and we have a very big ministry going on with our connection to MANNA,” Wall said. “My goal will be to assess these relationships and see how I can build upon them. At this point, I’m going to build upon the foundation laid at St. Matthew’s.”
Wall’s message to her con-gregation is simple.
“We have been given a tru-ly awesome gift of salvation and with that salvation comes freedom,” Wall said. “We live by a mission – that being the transformation of the world
– with God and Christ and we have to be committed to the partnerships and helping people know they will feel the love of god. We can accom-plish greater things together rather than being apart.”
Sunday worship at St. Matthew’s begins at 9:30 a.m. And more information can be found by calling 713-697-0671 and online at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org.
Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship ............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pmWed. - Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm
Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor
713-864-14701822 W. 18th
Guide
Rev. Elizabeth GrashamA House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston
Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.www.gethsemanelutheran.org
it is the norhill Church of Christ.Hear The Gospel - Mark 16:15; Roman 10: 14-17Believe The Gospel - John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6Repent - Luke 17:3-5; Acts 17:30Confess - Mathew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10Be Baptized - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2:11-13Live Faithfully Till Death - John 8:31; Revelation 2:10; Hebrew 10:23The Norhill Church of Christ is a non-denominational church locat-ed 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 refer-ence to any man-originated creed. Bible study services for all ages are held at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Sunday morning Worship be-gins at 10:15am. Sunday evening worship is at 6:00pm 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
You are cordially invited to the church that can guide you in what you must do to be saved.
Speak WordSThaT UplifTand inSpire
It is perhaps a cliché that words can heal or words can harm. But, it is nevertheless true that we can uplift and inspire our fellows with words or we can
belittle and degrade them. Thus we should always choose our words carefully. Consider the effect which your words will have on others before you blurt them out. And of course words are not the only way for us to express ourselves to each other. Our body language and demeanor speak volumes. If you roll your eyes when someone is speaking you are showing contempt for them. If you ignore someone who is talking to you, this failure to recognize them can be profoundly disrespectful. The forms of language and discourse, both verbal and bodily, are ways in which we can either validate or invalidate others. We should speak words which uplift and inspire others rather than humiliate or attack them. Almost everyone responds to kindness, whether that is a kind word or a kind smile.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh wordstirs up anger.”
Come Checkout One of Houston’s Largest Bingo Halls
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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.
Chase Baker, D.D.S.
During a dental examination, the dentist will need to take x-rays in order to confirm the findings
from the clinical examination. These x-rays should include films showing all the roots of the teeth, as well as clear views between teeth where they contact each other. A full examination, recommended at the first dental visit and then approximately every 36 months (or when a problem is suspected) might include from 16 to 22 films.
The reason for this many films is that the dentist needs to see clearly the following areas: all root tips, the sinuses, the bone around the teeth and behind the last teeth and the contacts between all of the teeth.
For periodic check ups, approximately every six to 18 months, four bitewing x-rays should suffice. Though these will not show the root tips or bone as well, they will show any new cavities which have formed which cannot be seen visually. Your dentist will let you know which x-rays he recommends for you to ensure that you are being cared for as well as possible.
St. Stephen’s United Meth-odist Church will have a monthly fellowship lunch Aug. 9, following the 11 a.m. ser-vice. A Hymn Sing, featuring a bluegrass band, will be held after lunch, followed by an old-fashioned ice cream social.
Adults age 50+ are welcome to attend the VIPs Luncheon, Thursday, Aug. 13, in the fel-lowship hall. Entertainment by jazz duo, Pam and Harry, begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. The cost is $8. RSVP to Barbara Johnson at 713-686-6116.
St. Stephen’s UMC is locat-ed at 2003 W. 43rd St. For in-formation, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org.
damascus mBc celebrates 149 years
Damascus Missionary Bap-tist Church, 3122 Center St., will be celebrating their 149th Historical Church Anniversary with a Climax celebration at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 9. The guest minister will be Rev. Byrd Lacey Jr., Pastor of Greater Mount Olive Missionary Bap-tist Church.
Call 713-862-3539 for infor-mation.
Indoor garage sale at Advent lutheran
It’s that time again. Shop Advent Lutheran Church’s in-door garage sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15. Free popcorn will be provided.
The church is located at
5820 Pinemont Dr. Call 713-686-8201 for information.
hope episcopal holds back to school blessings
Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., is having a Blessing of the Backpacks and Blessing for Teachers, at the 10:30 a.m. service Aug. 16. All children and teachers are welcome to participate in a sendoff for the 2015/2016 academic year.
Call 713-681-6422 for infor-mation.
lifeline screening at st. matthew’s
St. Matthew’s United Meth-odist Church, 4300 N. Shep-herd Dr., will offer Life Line Screening from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 20. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-888-653-6450 to register.
Anyone in need of some quiet, spiritual time may visit the Wednesday evening prayer and praise service. This time of reflection song and prayer is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday eve-nings. Virginia Wall leads the service in the parlor.
Call 713-697-0671 or visit www.stmatthewsmethodist.org for information.
new pastor at heights christian church
Heights Christian Church, 1703 Heights Blvd., welcomes their new pastor Elizabeth Grasham.
She includes an interest-ing presentation for The Chil-dren’s Talk, in the sermon on
Sunday mornings. Bible Study is at 10:30 a.m. every Friday morning. Grasham is also con-ducting a casual conversation group speaking on contempo-rary subjects, ie. war, money, patriotism and more at the Red Desert Dive cafe, located at 1035 Studewood at 6 p.m. Tuesday nights.
For information, call 713-861-0016 or visit www.hc-chouston.org.
loVe, loss And whAt I worecelebration theatre
Come see this hilarious, poignant and provacative play about women and the dilemma of what to wear. The play will run from Aug. 7-Aug. 30, at Music Box Theatre, 2623 Colquitt St. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Visit the website for performance dates and to purchase tickets. Information: 832-330-5478, celebrationtheatrehouston.com.
r.A.d. selF-deFense For womenharris county constable Precinct one
Harris County Constable Precinct One will be hosting a free self-defense for women’s program from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 10-13. This program is free to all women 14 years of age and older. However, girls 14-17 must have a parent or sibling 18 years of age or older accompany them. Registration is required. This is a 90% hands on self-defense class for women only. The class will be held at St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. Information: 713-755-7677, www.pct1constable.net.
hAPPY hoUr meetInGhouston heights Association
This month’s meeting will focus on bikes - trails, security, safety and fun. Happy hour and meet the speakers is at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program and meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 10. The meeting will be at the Historic Heights Fire Station located at 107 W. 12th St. Guests include BikeHouston - Government and Community Affairs Manager Mary Blitzer, and Capt. Larry Satterwhite from HPD speaking about road safety and theft de-terrents and City of Houston city planner Cathy Halka. Informa-tion: www.houstonheights.org, 713-861-4002.
GAtewAY to locAl GoVernment lUncheonGreater heights Area chamber of commerce
Come out and meet represen-tatives from the city, county, state and national levels avail-able to answer questions, report updates and clarify their roles in the region. There will be a may-oral candidate forum with Chris Bell, Stephen Costello, Adrian Garcia, Bill King, Marty McVey and Sylvester Turner participat-ing. The luncheon will be from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 12, at the
Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N. Loop W. Fwy. Information: 713-861-6735, [email protected], heightschamber.com/Gateway-LocalGov.
reAdY, set, enrolllone star college-cyFair
Attend one of several Enroll-ment Information Sessions to receive hands-on assistance with enrollment steps and financial aid. In addition, students will be able to complete their Bacte-rial Meningitis Vaccination Shot for $20. Sessions are set from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at the LSC-Fairbanks Center, 14955 Northwest Frwy. Call or email for other locations. Information: 281-290-3420, [email protected].
It’s A wonderFUl lIFeAUdItIonshouston Family Arts center
Houston Family Arts Center announces auditions for Doug Rand’s stage adaptation of It’s A Wonderful Life. Open auditions are from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 22. Callbacks will be on Aug. 24 by invitation only. Audition appoint-ments can be made at http://bit.ly/HFACauditions. The minimum age to audition is 8 years old.
Houston Family Arts Center is located at 10760 Grant Road. In-formation: 281-587-6100, www.houstonfac.com.
eVenInG oF storYtellInGthe houston storytellers Guild
The Houston Storytellers Guild presents an evening of storytell-ing for children and adults from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 29, at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s Parish Hall, 1819 Heights Blvd. Featured storytellers are Larry Thomas, Sally Bates Goodroe, and Sheila Phillips. Admis-sion is $10 a family and $5 for individuals. Information: www.houstonstorytellers.org.
close the plant’s grease pit in a self-contained facility. Howev-er, Morfey said that scrubber still has not been installed and Timbergrove Manor residents have continued voicing their displeasure.
Morfey also said TCEQ of-ficials at the meeting claimed they couldn’t substantiate any of the complaints made by local residents regarding the odor issue, something many in attendance “vehemently” disagreed with.
“There was a point I made during the informal comment period about how that might not display a lack of substan-tial complaints but rather ex-pose issues with the criteria used by TCEQ,” Morfey said.
Morfey said Cox was in at-tendance along with two other representatives, however Cox could not be reached for com-ment before press time.
Morfey said many took exception with Southwaste’s handling of its air scrubbers.
“It appears they are unwill-ing to install those scrubbers before they receive the go-ahead for their variance re-quest,” Morfey said. “I recall
them saying no matter what happens that they would install the scrubbers. My thinking is why not wait on the variance application and solve the odor problem before moving ahead with additional processing, but it doesn’t appear they’re inter-ested in doing that.”
Dave Dyer, another long-time resident of Timbergrove Manor, said that Southwaste’s plant may have fit in the com-munity when it was primarily residential. However, now that the Heights has continued to see intense redevelopment and growth, he said it simply has no business being in the area.
“They’re trying to get these permits and they’re poised to expand their volume but what the neighborhood really needs is for them to sell their land,” Dyer said. “That’s prime de-velopment property and once that property is sold all the land behind it becomes prime property too.”
While there have been small victories for local resi-dents, including nearby Grace Bible Church’s efforts to have Southwaste avoid operating
on Sundays, residents still feel they have an uphill battle that has endured for years. To date, over 500 comments have been submitted to TCEQ regard-ing the plant and its odor and traffic issues. However Morfey said it doesn’t appear the orga-nization is taking into account
the many residents who have made complaints via the city’s 311 program.
“The primary thing for our civic club will be opening dialogue with other clubs in the area,” Morfey said. “The general level of apathy TCEQ has directed towards the com-
plainants has generated a lot of head-scratching over if this governmental entity is truly looking out for us or just rub-ber stamping permits.”
At the moment, TCEQ is preparing a response to com-ments for all comments re-ceived. The opportunity to
request a public hearing ends 30 days after the mailing date of TCEQ’s response to com-ments, according to a TCEQ spokesperson. The formal comment period on the permit amendment closed July 30.
SUDOKU
WORD SCRAMBLE
the leader Puzzlers.
aCrOss 1. Cleopatra’s viper 4. Cuneiform writing 10. Dekaliter 11. Groaned 12. For instance 14. Wave in spanish 15. Arabian gulf 16. Written in red 18. Denouncements 22. Eat one’s heart out 23. Survive longer
than 24. Take priority over 26. Foreign service 27. Russian king (alt.
sp.) 28. Stinkheads 30. Old name for
Tokyo 31. Box (abbr.) 34. Red rock in Aus-
tralia 36. Not old 37. Enlarge hole 39. Difficulty walking 40. The high point of
something 41. 101 42. Hunting expedi-
tions 48. Unusual appearing
ghostly figure 50. Without civilizing
influences 51. Heartbeat 52. Morning juice 53. Wicket 54. Head louse egg 55. 40th state 56. Pleasing to the
eye (Scot.) 58. Nickname for an
anorexic 59. Engaged in a
game 60. Household god
(Roman)
dOwn 1. Admirer 2. Mouth secretion 3. Afterbirth 4. Initials of “Bullitt”
star 5. Family crest 6. Forearm bone 7. Unable to move 8. Loss due to a rule
from cereal grain 44. Incarnation 45. Norse goddess of
the sea 46. Ignores or snubs
(slang) 47. Tiny glass bubble 49. Chinese mahoga-
ny genus 56. Deepwater Hori-
zon Co. 57. -__, denotes past
Answers found in this week’s Classified section
Page 6A • Saturday, August 8, 2015
greater understanding and appreciation for the world be-yond the US. William said his son had already become good at traveling and once visited Abu Dhabi by himself to visit a friend who had moved there with his family.
Roman said the exchange program in general offered great opportunities for stu-dents across the region.
“The exchange program benefits Reagan High School because the majority of stu-dents are not acquainted with the history and culture of other countries,” Roman said. “While Antonio was a stu-dent at Reagan High School he could have written a book about all the questions he was asked about Europe and Ger-many. Having students from other countries in American schools helps students to be more knowledgeable about how people live elsewhere.”
Traveling to 18 different cit-ies in 10 countries has been an eye opening experience for both teens, and Roman remarked at the differences in Eastern Europe and Western Europe.
“When Antonio and I trav-eled through Riga in Latvia,
Lviv in Ukraine, and Belgrade in Serbia we started to notice that these cities had a much less developed economy with more of a traditional culture,” Roman said. “The prices were mind-blowingly low. This was our best experience, because we could buy lots of food at the super market, which could cook a dinner for four people. The cost of an entire bag of groceries was 8 USD.”
Roman was also reminded as to how others have strug-gled, and noted the home-less population in places like Greece.
While William Dijak ac-knowledges that some of the difficulties in getting kids spon-sored for entry into the US as exchange students comes down to money and other is-sues, the exposure such an ex-perience grants to youngsters like Roman is priceless.
“With respect to our stu-dents and schools, some of the kids here live in a bubble,” William Dijak said. “It’s all about understanding there is another world out there out-side of America and to look at the bigger picture. All of these different cultures open your eyes.”
Southwaste from P. 1A
Europe from P. 1A
Dear GassyHumans are always en-
couraged to find ways to add more fiber to their diets, so that begs the question: Should your pets get supplemental fi-ber as well? For the most part, there’s a fair-amount of fiber in most commercial pet foods, so adding fiber isn’t always a
necessity. But, if you’re seeing your pet have some tummy is-sues, naturally head to the vet first. Once you get the all-clear from the vet, then you might want to incorporate some ex-tra fiber into their diet.
Going the all-natural route is your safest bet. There are some fruits and vegetables that offer a substantial amount of fiber and are completely safe for your pet to consume.
• Bran is the outer shell of a grain and often removed dur-ing processing. Bran is rich in fiber, so sprinkle some in your dog’s food. It can either be rice bran, oat bran, or wheat bran. Because of its nutritional value, it is one of the most common home remedies for constipation and lack of fiber. It is best when you soak it in water so that it can be digested better by your dog.
• Apples are also very rich in fiber and many other good nutrients, and your dog can eat them. Make sure to re-
move the core and the seeds, because the seeds contain bits of cyanide which can be toxic to your dog. Your dog may choose from either red or green apples for his diet and unsweetened applesauce can also work for your dog’s kibble.
• Canned pumpkin that is unseasoned is also good for your dog. Spoon some on your dog’s food, around ½ teaspoon for smaller dogs and around 1 tablespoon for medium-sized and bigger dogs. It helps re-lieve them from constipation and diarrhea and even has a good taste. They can also be put in ice cube trays on the fridge, and then put in freezer bags.
• Brown rice is also rich in fiber, and even has three times the fiber of regular white rice. Make it a family meal and give some to your dog as a topper on his kibble. You can also put plain broth as a flavoring.
• Vegetables are also help-
ful in establishing a good fi-ber diet for your dog’s food. Use them as treats (e.g. carrot sticks, green beans, peas, etc.) or mix them with your dog’s However, DO NOT feed him canned vegetables because these contain a lot of sodium, which is known to be harmful to pets. You can try the ready-made mixed vegetables which are normally frozen and easily cooked, as they are low in so-dium content. Chicken broth can also be added to put fla-vor, especially if your dog is a picky eater and likes flavored food.
• Remember to start slowly with the fiber and don’t give your pet too much. Diarrhea, gassiness and bloat can hap-pen as a result of too much fiber. Hopefully the addition of a few healthy fruits and veg-gies to your pet’s diet will clear the air a bit in your home.
Do you have a burning ques-tion for Tabby? If so, email her at
Tabby clears the air about reader’s gassy problem
Dear Tabby,I have reasons to believe (without
getting too nitty gritty) that my pets need some extra fiber in their diets. How can I safely add fiber to their diets?
Gassy in Garden Oaks
Meet Radar. This 11 month old Toy Fox Terrier is a “triple threat”: He’s playful, but loves napping and is potty trained. It doesn’t get much better than that! Radar loves other dogs, kids and is ready to start his new life. If you think that Radar is the pup for you, contact K-9 Angels Rescue at www.K-9AngelsRescue.org or www.facebook.com/k9angelsrescue.
Pet of the Week
For The Leader
Oak Forest Elementary’s Elizabeth Johnson, the daugh-ter of Kenneth and Imelda Johnson, was selected to travel to Dallas/Fort Worth to participate in a summer 2015 Lone Star Leadership Academy camp. Johnson’s selection was based on her outstanding academic suc-cess, demonstrated leader-ship ability, involvement in school and community activ-ities, and a nomination from OFE’s assistant principal Ra-chel Folse.
Johnson joined a delega-tion of outstanding students from across the state to de-velop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas and its leaders. She visited significant sites in the Dallas/Fort Worth area including the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Perot Museum of Nature and
Science, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Texas Civil War Museum, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, the National Cowgirl Mu-seum and Hall of Fame, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Texas educators facilitate the camps, including leader-ship groups where Johnson and other participants ex-amined qualities of effective leaders, practiced leadership skills and discussed what they learned at the sites vis-ited.
Education in Action is a non-profit organization that hosts camps to empower young people to be informed and active leaders in their communities. Outstanding Texas students are invited to participate in Lone Star Leadership Academy camps in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio and Houston/
Galveston. Participants must be in 4th through 8th grade, maintain an 85 or higher av-erage, demonstrate leader-ship ability, be involved in community or school activi-ties, and receive an educator recommendation. For more information call 817-562-4957 or visit www.educatio-ninaction.org.
Oak Forest Elementary student attends 2015 Lone Star Leadership Academy
Elizabeth Johnson
THE ObITuARIES.Agnes Eve Best, 90, born Dec. 9, 1916 in Kennard, Texas, died July 27. She enjoyed teach-
ing Sunday school to the children of the Baptist Temple Church in the Heights for more than 50 years. Upon visiting Baptist Temple today one will find many adults who were taught the ways of Jesus by Best when they were once first graders. She is survived by her daughters Becky Sullivan and Betty Bailey, and four grandchildren.
Mary A Bodger, 95, born July 21, 1920, died July 29.
Margaret Burleson, 84, born Dec. 20, 1930 in Tyler, Texas, died Aug. 1. She married H.D. Burleson on April 29, 1950. They enjoyed more than 43 years of marriage and she was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her sons, Ron, Larry and Terry Burleson, six grand-children, and nine great-grandchildren.
Nicolas Oliver Merhan, died July 24.
Bobby Starnes, 86, born Oct. 10, 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina, died July 29. He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Starnes and granddaughter Kelly Bircher. Bobby enjoyed spending time with his family, his carpentry work, and his beloved dog Susie. He is survived by his children: Michael T. Starnes and wife Karen; Patricia Bircher and husband Tim; and Mark A. Starnes and partner Jon. He has four grandchildren: Kimberly Moon and husband Brian; Travis Starnes; Blake Starnes; and Laura Starnes. He also has four great grandchildren: Thomas Moon, Timothy Moon, Madilyn McGraw, and Logan Starnes. A private Celebration of Life is being planned.
Veatrice La Merle Taylor, 87, born July 10, 1928, died Aug. 2.Taylor was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed Sunday morning church services at The Clare-
wood House. She is survived by her sons Thomas Craig Taylor and Stanley Ray Taylor, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Shirley Koteras Towns, 72, born Oct. 16, 1942, died July 31, after a long battle with brain cancer. Towns was a graduate of St. Pius X, class of 1961. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Oscar L. Towns, daughters Kristin Wells and Kelli Wright, and three grandchildren.
Leader Nibbles
Food, drink ArTSaturday, August 8, 2015 • Page 7A
Banquet Hall
610
I-45
E. Whitney
Airline D
r
Crosstimber
NorthlineMall
Art? What art? Oh, right, this is an art col-umn. To say I’m exhausted after the past week-end would be an understatement. We sure had fun and the art patrons of Houston came out in their finest white linen and enjoyed the shops, artists and music. I swear we’re all nuts for not moving the event to a cooler day, but tradi-tion … and if you just returned from Mars, I’m talking about White Linen Night. Look up last week’s column for more.
Now what is generally the first thought in my head upon waking Monday morning after that kind of activity, well, luckily I have an arsenal of artist friends to remind me.
A fabulous painter, Lauren Luna, who has been focusing on cityscapes, is showing her lat-est at the very popular Breakfast Klub located in Midtown at 3711 Travis St. Keep an eye on her website (blog section) for reception dates - www.artistaluna.com. Luna is an art teacher by day, and has been showing her art with me and at other popular art shows since relocating to Houston in 2011. Her most popular works are those iconic scenes we see all over town. Plus,
Breakfast Klub! Hello? Go.The newly formed Arts District has open
studios for 2nd Saturday this weekend. I wrote about them a few weeks back in my column, talking about where all the Heights art is going. This is a great time to check it out and see what is coming here - drive around a bit and see the development. Green spaces, a brewery, restau-rants and of course, more art studios.
Artists take note, there is an open call for site specific installation at the Silos in most medi-ums! For details on open studios visit artsdis-tricthouston.com and the artist call: sitehous-ton.com.
Opera in the Heights will be the star at Sil-ver Street’s “2nd Saturday” 2-5 p.m., hosted by Michael Raak of Flashback Films Inc., to kick off Oh!’s 20th anniversary season. Although the focus is on opera, the event will also celebrate the visual arts, as Oh! shares the space with Foto Fest International and its exhibit “I Am A Camera,” along with open studios for the artists housed at Silver Street. Silver Street Studios is located at 2000 Edwards St., Houston, 77007. Call 713-861-5303 or 713-589-8650 for more details. I’ve got my bets on this one.
Time to get your hands into the art and this weekend, Linda Wagner, an artist who uses an-tique wax seals to make new pieces of jewelry, will be among many others at the Pin It Expo Houston, this Saturday teaching various crafts that are popular pins on Pinterest.
Now that is cool. This is Pinterest come to life in a la carte
fashion and entrance and parking is free; just pay for the individual workshops. Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday at Marriott Waterway The Woodlands. Details online pinit.myshopify.com.
Cohen is the founder and manager of First Satur-day Arts Market. Contact him at [email protected] or visit him on the web at ArtValet.com.
Local artist works to be featured in Montrose eatery, Breakfast Klub
Contributed photoLauren Luna and her art will be featured at the Montrose eatery, Breakast klub at 3711 Travis St.
Contributed photo Featured artist Lauren Luna’s art work entitled Be Someone.
Familiar face at Sassafras rolls up in new ventureBy Christina Martinez
If there’s something that you think of when you mention Sassafras, the word ‘steak’ usually comes to mind and the name Mike McElroy might ring a bell, too.
Just this week, McElroy launched his own venture with the restauranteur group that is soon to bring The Union Kitchen to the neigh-
borhood, Gr8 Plate Hospitality. McElroy de-buted their latest project, The Rolling Kitchen, on Monday night at the old spot, Sassafras.
The logo of the truck displays the name, as well as the Fork and Knife that can be seen in the logos of on The Union Kitchen and Paul’s Kitchen, along with their phrase “eat real food.” Real food is exactly what McElroy has planned and says that this menu is made from his heart from the time he spent in New Orleans.
“This is my take on my favorite local New Orleans classics that I am bringing to Houston,” McElroy said.
Sassafras posted a photo on their Facebook upon the truck’s arrival, along with a photo of the soft opening menu. The menu offers Boudin Balls, Shrimp Etouffee, French Fry Poboy - with meat options, including a Smoked, fried short rib Poboy, Muffaletta, a Cajun burger and a chopped salad.
McElroy’s menu has changed from steaks to a Cajun cuisine and his loyal foodie followers will be happy to know that McElroy says he’s coming back strong and with more than just a barbecue pit.
You can catch McElroy and The Rolling Kitchen in the neighborhood on Monday’s
and Friday’s at Sassarfas at 5022 Pinemont Dr. 77092. Stay tuned for more.
Black and White restaurant in the Heights soon-to-open
The Studewood restaurant at 1001 Stude-wood St., Black and White, has finally come to the finish line and hung their “Now Hiring” sign last month.
According to their Facebook page, Black and White will be a contemporary restaurant of Mediterranean Fare and Seafood in the Heights.
The restaurant allows for 200 seats, inside and out. The building has been occupied by sev-eral tenants and has a hard time keeping one. The Heights restaurant has sparingly posted on their Facebook page with updates, but gives promise to one eager follower that they “are now rehearsing and fine tuning everything”, as of July 27. I think we have a soft opening on the horizon this month.
new butcher shop and restaurant joins Washington Ave.
In May, a new business joined the Washing-ton corridor, B&B Butchers and restaurant. At the front of the house, you can find a New York style butcher with a fine dining restaurant at-tached. You can find all of your delicate cuts, but be ready to spend, with most cuts starting at $14.99 per pound, going on up. You can also order from the butcher menu and find deli favorites.
“We are bring-ing back many of the old-fash-ioned steakhouse menu items with a unique twist, as well as contem-porary favorites paired with rotating, seasonal sides,” owner Benjamin Berg boldy states on the website of his Steakhouse restaurant.
The New York steakhouse is doing it big on Washington, price included.
Facebook photoGr8 Plate Hospitality and Mike McElroy’s newest venture, The rolling kitchen.
Facebook photoThe B&B Bone in Chopped Steak that is served during lunch and dinner hours.
Thirsty ExplorerArt Valet By Mitch CohenArts Columnist @ThirstyExplore
r
Town In City Brewing grand opening during White Linen: a Celebration, party
Drink Columnist
Photo by Christina Martinez Artist of the night at Town in City Brewing’s grand opening, was a Houston act, Moji.
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If you were brave enough to roam the streets of the Heights last weekend, I’m sure you heard talk of beer flowing at the new Heights brewery, Town In City. Or you heard talk of “what’s that blue building on Calvacade that’s serving beer?” Probably the second.
Town In City timed their grand opening with White Linen this past weekend and if you weren’t in attendance, the brewery threw a great party.
When I arrived at sunset, the brewery parking lot was jam packed with red solo cups of TIC beer, surrounding a lo-cal Houston act, Moji.
This three-piece indie band has powerful vocals and a strong guitarist and drums. Needless to say, Moji rocked for Town In City and the crowd loved them. White Linen goers were able to hear an up and coming Houston act that everyone should get to know. Check out their first EP ‘Desert Son’ at www.cd-baby.com/cd/moji1 and hear it at 7 p.m.,Thursday, Aug. 6, at The Nightingale Room lo-cated at 308 Main St.
Following the Heights par-ty, Town In City will celebrate National IPA Day this Thurs-day, Aug. 6, with their White Linen Wheat IPA and Chipped Tooth IPA. The brewery will also have the first production batch of Mosquito’s Revenge, a three malt rye pale ale.
The Taproom is open 3 - 10 p.m. at 1125 Calvacade.
8th Wonder Brewery concert downtown
Since we’re on the beer and music track, venture downtown on Saturday to 8th Wonder Brewery to celebrate the play on numbers date 08-08. The downtown brewery will host the Second Lovers from Houston and Potbelly from Cypress, along with a surprise guest who has yet to be announced. Admission is free and the brewery will be releasing their Astroturf Ama-rillo Dry-Hopped Cream Ale.
Since 1946, American Le-gion Post 560 located at 3720 Alba St. in Garden Oaks has been an active member of the local community. First, second, third and fourth generation neighborhood veterans have enjoyed the endless friendship and support services offered to veterans and their families.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 15 Post 560 is doing it again. A veritable army of volunteers is hosting a party at the post for families with its “Family Fun Day,” and all in The Leader’s readership are invited.
Party-goers will speed down an 18-foot water slide, laugh at the dunking tank (or take the plunge), defy gravity in the bounce house, challenge their skills in a kid-approved obsta-cle course and more. In addi-tion, there will be animal dem-onstrations, adoptable pets, a firetruck from the Houston Fire Department and officers from the Houston Police De-partment on hand.
Come hungry - hamburg-ers, hot dogs, sno-cones and popcorn will be served, while face-painters, balloon artists and canine handlers entertain.
For many children, this is the last weekend before the start of school.
There is no admission charge, however, tickets cost $10 per child for lunch and unlimited rides or play on the amusements. This small fee is to off-set expenses as there is no profit. (In fact, several post members have committed, not only a sizable chunk of time, but written a personal check.)
“We view this event as com-munity outreach,” American Legion Post 560 Commander Richard Voorhies said. “We’re looking for new members, particularly veterans from post 9-11 service. These men and women often have young families. In fact, the American Legion has a lot to offer vet-erans and their a families, no matter what their age.”
“This kind of event is also in keeping with the American Legion’s mission,” said vet-eran Charles Powers. “Of all the Veteran’s Service Organi-zations, the legion maintains the most activity in the com-munity. Yes, we are an organi-zation of vets helping vets, but we are also active in a broader sense through our support of the local boy scouts, baseball teams, the donation of parks
and more. With this outreach, we hope to let our area’s younger vets know that we are here to serve them too.”
The need is certainly there. According the “Iraq and Af-ghanistan Veterans of Ameri-ca,” young veterans’ challeng-es after service are daunting. Often these men and women have difficulty re-assimilat-ing. In a survey presented to veterans by I&AVA, one-third of respondents said they had considered suicide. A slightly larger percentage said they knew a vet who had commit-ted suicide, and two-thirds state they have veteran friends who need mental health coun-seling.
Post 560 is addressing this issue. The festival will include information booths from some local non-profit organizations - many dedicated directly to the needs of the young vet.
The Lotus Project for Women Veterans, Texas Veteran’s Commission, and DePelchin Children’s Center will be in at-tendance.
Page 8A • Saturday, August 8, 2015
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Teacher of the Year awards.“I feel like coming back
to elementary is like coming home - it is my foundation and a comfortable place for me,” said Williams, when asked why she was a good fit for the Oak Forest campus. “But more im-portantly, I am a hard worker, I value teachers because I re-member what it is like to be a teacher, and I understand par-ents, because I am one.”
A native Houstonian, she is the mother of four children. “Three girls and finally my husband and I got our boy,” she joked.
Williams names technology as an ever-changing hurdle facing educators today.
Our students come to us in Pre-K already knowing how to use an IPad/tablet, a Smart phone and sometimes even a
computer,” she said. “We must ensure that our systems and curriculum are meeting the advanced needs of our chil-dren. The district does a great job in keeping the curriculum updated and allowing teachers the autonomy to differentiate based on their student’s needs. At Oak Forest, I want to make sure that technology is some-thing we embrace as a campus and in every classroom.
As for additional plans in the coming year, Williams plans to listen and learn.
“There are definitely some great things going on,” Wil-liams said. “My hope is that once school gets started and the kids are engaged in learn-ing, I will have the opportu-nity to see anything that needs tweaking or improvement.”
Principal from P. 1A
American Legion Post 560 to host new ‘Family Fun Day’ for local residents
Contributed PhotoVeteran Joe Millhouse with one of his Humbled Heroes service dogs
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