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Inside Today: See how restaurants fared in inspections • 5B
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston
Saturday, December 13, 2014 • Vol. 61 • No. 6
Michael Silva
713.725.8748Houston Business
Journal Top 25 Residential
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The Leader celebrates birthday with hundreds of local residents
By Jonathan [email protected]
Despite a looming threat of rain throughout Dec. 6, The Leader’s 60th Birthday Bash at Lutheran High North turned out to be a rousing success for the community and our local publication. The event was made possible by Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital.
From visitors to volunteers and vendors, it’s estimat-ed that more than 700 people came out for the bash for a day of winter fun with games, barbecue, free cup-cakes, visits with local businesses and, perhaps most popular for the youngsters, a snow village. Children also took special note to be on their best behavior dur-ing the event as Santa Claus himself was there taking notes for this year’s holiday.
Publisher Jonathan McElvy said the reception from attendees and vendors was positive, even though the
On Dec. 6 The Leader celebrated 60 years serving local news. In celebration, a Birthday Bash was held at Lutheran High North where a community event took place for families to take photos with Santa, play in the snow, buy goods from local businesses, like Claudia Powell and her husband (above) and enjoy the day with family and friends.See Celebrate P. 4A
By Kim HogstromFor the Leader
In March 2012, Lydia Afeman was as happy as she could be. The recent trans-plant from Chicago had accepted a new job as medical sales rep, and bought a 4,500-square-foot empty lot in Houston Heights to build her dream home. The new Houstonian then hired an architec-tural firm for $12,000 to help make her dream a reality.
All did not go as planned. Today, Afe-man describes herself as “boundary line dispute survivor” in an effort to add hu-mor to the nightmare that would unfold.
“When I purchased my Heights prop-erty, I relied on the seller’s survey but when my builder started construction, he discovered that there was a neighbor’s fence on 550 square feet of the property,” Afeman said. “The fence line drastically changed the architectural plans.”
Afeman said she was not aware that her neighbors had a faulty survey per-formed in 2003 when they purchased their home.
“The error shifted mine and three oth-er property boundary lines to the north,” Afeman said.
The situation was a learning experi-ence for Afeman.
“I have learned that when buying a property in an older neighborhood or an area under re-development, hiring a skilled surveyor is very important, so I went on a search for a good one,” Afe-man said. “I found Karl Bowles with B & B Surveyors who was referred to me due to his reputation as a historian and surveyor. He conducted a survey and confirmed that my property was 4,500 square feet, and that the fence was on my property.”
Afeman also found her situation was not an isolated one.
Diana Reyes, along with her husband and two children, recently suffered a similar situation. Their family woke up one morning to find the developer who purchased the property next door to their 1920s Heights bungalow had torn down the family’s fence on one side of their property. He claimed that he owned 10 feet at the side of their house.
“The developer said he had a survey done and that he was sure the 10 feet were his,” Reyes said. “Then he said he was coming back the next day to remove our air conditioning-heating unit and wa-ter heater on that side of the house. He told me that the neighbor on the other side of our house actually had our ten feet, and that applied to the houses all the way down the block.”
The house was originally purchased for Reyes’ mother, who was a house-keeper, by her employers as a home for the young domestic. The home had been in Reyes’ family for more than 60 years,
Where’s the line?Property disputes shed light on boundary issues in the Heights
See Dispute P. 6A
‘It’s not pain medication, it’s giving’
By Betsy Denson [email protected]
Chris McLean, a 40 year resident of Candlelight Plaza and Army veteran, says that people have been calling him Tree ever since he was a student at Our Savior Lutheran. As an adult he stands at 6’8’’, but some would say his stature isn’t the largest thing about him.
“Tree is a tremendous individual with a heart as big as he is,” said Wayne Kyle, the father of American Sniper author Chris Kyle who was tragically killed in February 2013. “He believes in giving back, and that’s what our
Chris believed in as well — to serve those who serve us.”
McLean is the owner of Lonesome
Tree Designs and in addition to craft-ing knives and leather goods for sale, he makes Patriot Knives, which are never sold, but donated to fundrais-ers or awarded to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty. A recent recipient was Captain ‘Iron Bill’ Dowling of the Houston Fire Depart-ment who was seriously wounded in a 5-alarm hotel fire in May of 2013.
“He found us,” said Bill Dowling’s wife Jacki. “He wanted to give Bill a knife and we graciously accepted.”
Jeff Kyle, Chris’ brother, attended the presentation as did Scott Brown of the Scooter Brown Band.
“[The knife] was done with such love – it was beautiful,” said Jacki Dowling, who noted that McLean personalized it with design elements that reflected Dowling’s service as a Marine and a Houston Fire Fighter.
“Bill is not very verbal, but he was emotional,” said Dowling.
Since starting the Patriot Knife pro-gram four years ago, McLean has built 42 of them. The auction of the knives has raised $62,680 for organizations that benefit military families and vet-erans.
Recently Cindy Dietz came to Hous-ton to see McLean. Her son was Navy Seal Danny Dietz, who was posthu-mously awarded the Navy Cross, after he died during a reconnaissance mis-sion in Afghanistan. The mission was portrayed in the recent movie “Lone Survivor.”
McLean is crafting personalized knives for Dietz’s family members, us-ing strips of his T-shirts in the resin of the knife handle. Dietz has also com-
Local resident, Army veteran turns craft into another form of service
Contributed PhotoChris McLean (left) said he was honored to meet Cindy Dietz recently.
See Knife P. 10A
The public.Saturday, December 13, 2014 • page 2A
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by Jonathan [email protected]
A few Leader-area resi-dents are reeling after some of their Christmas joy was stolen over the past several days, after severa thieves decided to steal some deco-rations and lawn ornaments from homes.
According to a Harris County Precinct 1 Con-stable’s Office crime alert, deputies responded to a theft call in the 1900 block of Chamboard Dec. 6. The property owner told depu-ties that thieves had stolen approximately $500 worth of Christmas decorations from around their home sometime
between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday.
While the report states that there are no suspects, it also states a white, 4-door sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Impala, had been seen in the areas of Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Shepherd Park Plaza and may be responsible for area thefts. These thefts appear to be occurring between 9 a.m. and noon, and deputies have identified a possible suspect connected to the vehicle and will be following up on leads.
A similar case of theft struck a pair of business owners on West 34th Street Dec. 7. Michael Holcomb and Glenn Munden, Presi-dent and Treasurer respec-
tively, of Green Thumb Stone & Landscaping Designs were in shock when they awoke to find two lawn soldier decora-tions, valued at $2,000, had disappeared from their drive-way.
Security footage showed a thief, described as a Hispanic male between 5’10 and 6’ tall with a thin build driving a black Nissan Frontier, getting out of his vehicle and using bolt cutters to break a chain around the soldiers before loading them into his truck.
Those with any informa-tion about the thefts are en-couraged to contact the Pre-cinct 1 Constable’s Office at 713-755-5200.
‘Grinch’ thieves stealing christmas cheer from lawns
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police Reports • Dec. 4 - Dec. 6
Dec. 4Theft 4:29 AM 900-999 W 24THTheft 3:56 PM 600-699 OXFORDTheft 1:20 PM 2800-2899
WHITE OAKTheft 3:57 AM 400-499 JANISCH Theft 1:30 PM 6000-6099
WASHINGTON Theft 3:06 AM 1000-1099
PINEMONTBurglary 2:45 AM 4000-4099
W 34THBurglary 6:41 AM 1700-1799
DE MILOTheft 3:30 PM 1500-1599
HEIGHTS BLVDBurglary 12 PM 1600-1699 N
SHEPHERDBurglary 1 PM 500-599 W 38TH
Dec. 5Theft 2:48 PM 4000-4099 N
SHEPHERDRobbery 1:10 PM 1300-1399
CROSSTIMBERS
Theft 11:31 AM 4100-4199 BROOKWOODS
Theft 7:39 AM 300-399 W 20THBurglary 9:28 AM 1200-1299
BEVERLYTheft 3 PM 400-499 W 8THBurglary 5:30 PM 800-899
DOROTHYTheft 3:31 AM 6000-6099
PINESHADE LNTheft 4:13 AM 3900-3999
WASHINGTONTheft 5 PM 5000-5099 WASH-
INGTON
Dec. 6Burglary 12:15 AM 5300-5399
CORNISHBurglary 2 AM 100-199
HEIGHTSTheft 11:09 AM 4900-4999
WASHINGTONRobbery 7:36 AM 100-199 E
CROSSTIMBERSTheft 12:40 PM 5500-5599
ARLINGTON
Reports are provided by Spot-Crime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
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Photo by Jonathan McElvyR.l. perdraza looks through burglarized packages left at doorsteps along Rosslyn on Wednesday. A witness said crooks are following delivery trucks and stealing contents of packages during the day. police say neighbors at home during the day might be the best deterrent to help prevent thieves from targeting holiday deliveries as christmas gets closer.
Crooks targeting delivered boxes for holiday thefts
by Jonathan Mcelvyjonathan@theleadernews.
com
Sure, going online, ordering a Christmas gift and having it delivered to your home may sound like the easiest way to complete your holiday shop-ping. Well, unless a criminal follows a delivery truck and rips open your box before you get home.
Wednesday morning, an alert neighbor on Rosslyn no-ticed three opened boxes of gifts stuck under the shrubs bordering his house. When Tom (last name withheld) pulled the boxes from the brush, each was opened, and the good stuff was stolen.
Houston Police responded, thumbed through the boxes, filed a report and delivered whatever remained from the packages late Wednesday morning.
As for suspects, there are none. Tom told HPD the sus-pects were white, black and Hispanic.
“I saw some of them riding their bikes with backpacks a couple of days ago,” Tom said. “They rode down the street with nothing in them and then I saw them with full bags. They even had shopping bags on the front of their bikes.”
R.L. Perdraza, with HPD, was one of the responding officers. He said there’s very little that can be done during
such a busy delivery time, but he did have suggestions for homeowners expecting a de-livery.
“If your neighbors can be on the lookout, that would help,” Perdraza said. “When a package is delivered, ask them to grab it for you.”
He also said delivery driv-ers, like those from FedEx and UPS, need to be more aware when they are being followed.
Meanwhile, neighbors who are home during the day might be the best deterrent to these crooks. If they can keep their eyes open, like Tom did, they might put a stop to these thefts.
Food & drinkSaturday, December 13, 2014 • Page 3A
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If you head North on Ella from 610, you’ll find Raising Canes, a renovated Burger King, a few more fast food chains and an El Rey at the end of the cor-ridor. After That Pizza Place on Ella closed, people were excited to hear about Lance Fegen’s Surfing Cowboys taking its place. But for permit issues or other reasons that restau-rant is on the back burner. But take heart - just down the road on Ella, you can find new and almost completed construc-tion just over the train tracks before getting to Judiway. New local tenants is what the GOOF wished for, and new local ten-ants is exactly who will move into the retail space at 3510 Ella Blvd. Gatlin’s BBQ first opened their doors in 2010 at their 19th Street location. The eatery has been long overdue an upgrade with their family success story and now will more than double their space with the new 4,200 square foot Ella location. Find the full story next week in our Food & Drink section.
Good dog Houston celebrates 1 year anniversary
It’s been a whole year since Good Dog Houston laid roots down at their Studewood loca-tion and on Saturday, Dec. 13, Good Dog is having a party to celebrate. The anniversary par-ty will piggyback with Lights in the Heights and Good Dog is extending an invitation start-ing at 6 p.m. Live music will be performed by Colonial Blue and you can expect Stephanie
Rice’s folk rock vocals to dazzle the crowd. A craft beer tent will be on site, along with food truck tastes from Third Coast Steak Sandwiches, sweet treats from Fat Catz Creamery, and local shopping from Urban Izzy.Good Dog Houston is located at 903 Studewood St. 77008.
Cheese tastings with Houston dairymaids
Every week at Dairymaids six cheeses are selected to be included in their free cheese tasting. There are a lot of spe-cial cheeses coming in for the holidays and this week they are featuring a few. Here’s the lineup - Red Hawk: Creamy wash rinded triple cream from Cowgirl Creamery; Hunkdora: Tangy and Bright soft ripened goat cheese; Santiago: a new Texas cheese, Manchego style
from Waco; Marieke Jalapeno Gouda: spicy gouda from Wis-consin; Good Shepherd Pyr-enees Cheese: New to Dairy-
maids, a basque-style sheep’s milk cheese from Kentucky; Dunbarton Blue: a creamy and delicious cheddar blue Ameri-can original hybrid. On Wednes-days, Dairymaids samples wine, cider or beer and all wine and beer is 10% off. This Saturday’s pairing will be with McPherson Sangiovese from Lubbock, TX. Check out their Facebook page for a video feature on owner Lindsey Schechter and her store. Dairymaids is located at 2201 Airline Dr. 77009.
Have a tip for Nibbles? Email [email protected]
Local joint moves into the GOOF Leader Nibbles
Stephanie rice and Colonial Blue will perform at 6 p.m. over at Good dog Houston on Saturday, dec. 13.
if you aren’t much of a cook, consider a cheese plate for holiday parties.
Gatlin’s BBQ has announced they are the new tenants in the shopping center at 3510 Ella Blvd.
2400 N. Shepherd • 713-862-5958Open Mon-Sat 6 am-4 pm • Breakfast 6 am-10:45 am
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Page 4A • Saturday, December 13, 2014
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weather could have been somewhat better.
“Obviously, if we have an-other event like this, there are some things we learned and would like to improve,” McElvy said. “But having that many families join us on kind of a gloomy day, and seeing all the young people playing in snow and petting animals and jumping in the moon walks was evidence that we had a pretty good event.”
Aside from wintery attrac-tions like visits with Santa and playing with snow, youngsters could also sit inside of one of the tactical vehicles be-
longing to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. Parents could also meet with Constable Alan Rosen and his deputies, and could also meet with various sponsors and vendors such as Me-morial Hermann Northwest Hospital, St. Jerome Catholic School, Our Savior Lutheran and Connect Dental among others.
As The Leader welcomed hundreds of people to its birthday, McElvy said the event’s success is a testament to the importance of local publications in communities across the nation.
“For all the talk about newspapers being dead and irrelevant, I think having so many local families coming together shows that there’s still something special about local newspapers and the role we can play in our commu-nity,” McElvy said.
Some attendees expressed a desire for the event to be re-peated next year, and McElvy and other Leader staff mem-bers are hoping the celebra-tion makes a return in the future.
“I hope so, but we’ll make that decision next year,” McElvy said.
Celebration, from P. 1A
Finish your Christmas shopping with Montrose Print Market
If you aren’t finished with holiday shopping and looking for that unique gift, all while enjoying live music and com-plimentary beer, this event is for you. The Printing Museum will host their first Montrose Print Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 13. The Market aims to bring to-gether artists and designers in the community produc-ing printed goods. Think of a farmers market but, instead of veggies, vendors are sell-ing posters, t-shirts, books, zines, prints, and more. Com-plimentary refreshments from Saint Arnold Brewing Com-pany, live music provided by A Fistful of Soul, food on site from Koagie Hots and more! Vendors include: DUAL, EYE-SORE, Product Superior LLC, Mystic Multiples, HMD Stuff & Thangs, Houston Histo-ries, Petrine TX, Sex & Death,
Lousy Deal, ACK!, Space City Sound & Print, Charles Cri-ner, and Big Ant Studios. The Printing Museum is located at 1324 W Clay St. 77019.
Speaking of Saint Arnold! It’s time to dust off your
Santa hat and find that Christ-mas sweater with the reindeer on it. This Saturday, Dec. 13 is Part II of Saint Arnold’s Christ-mas Ale Pub Crawl in Rice Vil-lage. The Houston brewery is utilizing their open house method. This means you’ll vis-it the first five stops in any or-der, and you’ll get your ticket at whichever stop you decide to visit first. The Saint Arnold crew will only be handing out tickets between 2 and 3 p.m. So make sure you’re crawling by 3 p.m. At 6 p.m., everybody will gather at the final stop, and that’s where prizes will be awarded! The prize for mak-
ing all six stops will be a Saint Arnold pint glass. As always, designated drivers are both eligible for the award and en-couraged to attend! At 6 p.m., everybody will gather at the final stop, and that’s where we will award the prizes. The prize for making all six stops will be a beautiful Saint Arnold pint glass. As always, designated drivers are both eligible for the award and encouraged to attend! The first five locations: The Ginger Man, Baker St. Pub & Grill, Little Woodrow’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, 55 Bar & Restaurant. And the final stop at 6 p.m.: The Gorgeous Gael located at 5555 Morningside Dr. 77005.
Have a tip for ThirstyExplorer?
Email [email protected] and follow on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer
Thirsty Explorer
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The Topics.Saturday, December 13, 2014 • page 5A
One night I was having dinner in an eatery when the owner came over and said, “Mee-stur HASH-bee, you have a phone call.” Huh? The café was in an unknown village in the Netherlands, and few if any people knew I was there, or cared. The call was from an American friend, Phil, who worked at the Guardian newspaper in Britain. He had an idea for a story, so he called my paper in Houston and tracked me down to my hotel here, where the manager told him the name of the café he had recommended for supper. The café owner probably spotted me as an American by my Stetson and spurs. Accord-ing to Dutch law, the manager had also called in my passport name and number to the local police. Thus both Phil and the Netherlands government knew where I was and probably which fork I used.
America has 11.1 million illegal im-migrants – wild guess – and haven’t a clue where they are. We can’t agree on what to do with them, if anything, who to let in and who to toss out. We can’t even agree what to call them. What term do you use? Illegal alien, undocumented worker, cheap hired help, bus-boy or yardman? What exactly is your idea of “comprehensive immigration reform?” What does that meaningless term mean to you? Open borders or landmines?
But they are not all illiterate, unskilled workers sneaking across the Rio. An esti-mated one-third of our (whichever term you like) arrive here quite legally with student vi-sas, tourist visas, temporary work permits and professional experts on something. My sister-in-law is an immigration lawyer. Her clients are the Texas Medical Center, energy com-panies and universities – all desperately try-ing to keep some highly trained engineers or medical researchers here, rather than deport-ing them back to India. It is an irony that we receive a brain drain of students who come to be educated and want to stay – wouldn’t you? – and we toss them out.
On the other hand, this country has the most generous immigration policies in the world, we have no apologies to make, and I’m tired of being told how guilty and hard-headed we are. Last year 779,929 people became natural-ized U.S. citizens. From 2004 through last New Year’s Day we let immigrants with legal refugee status from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe -- including 164 from countries “unknown”-- stay here. They totaled 69,909. Couldn’t the feds have let in 91 more to make it an even 70,000? Incidentally, some 75,000 refugees have arrived in Houston in the last 35 years. Houston has been the No. 1 city for refugees in the past two years. Texas is also Numero Uno in receiving refugees the past two years.
We also have lawful permanent residents (LPR) or “green card” recipients. Last year, 990,553 persons became LPRs. The major-ity of these (54 percent) already lived in the U.S. The leading countries of birth of new LPRs were Mexico (14 percent), China (7.2 percent), and India (6.9 percent). In fiscal year 2014, an estimated 77,200 children are expected to get apprehended at the border — including 59,000 children from Central America, and now we are allowing 4 to 5 mil-lion illegal parents of legal children to stay. Is there anyone left down there? Over the last decade, the number of immigrants – legal and otherwise -- in the U.S. has steadily grown.
The number reached a record 40.4 million in 2011. This includes illegal immigrants whose number rose from 8.4 million in 2000 to 11.1 million in 2011. The U.S. is by far the world’s leader in immigrants. (Oddly enough, far, far back in second place is Russia with 12.3 mil-lion.)
With Congress absolutely frozen handling this hot tamale, President Obama has taken the extraordinary step of finally doing some-thing, and a lot of Americans don’t like this, including Republicans, of course. (Let’s start a rumor: Dan Patrick is an illegal Ebola-car-rying Marylander.) Those in favor of looser immigration rules could do their cause some good if, for example, during protest demon-strations demanding for U.S. citizenship, the protestors wouldn’t march down the street fly-ing Mexican flags. No kidding. They stopped that. But the GOP does have a point: When word of this latest easing of our immigration laws gets to Honduras, does that touch off yet another “y’all come” stampede?
How often do we see an immigrant who’s been here 20 years being interviewed on TV and they have to use an interpreter? If I lived in, say, Helsinki for that long I should prob-ably have learned some Finnian. Then there’s Akmed who has also been here 20 years ille-gally and claims that’s too long to be deported just because he’s a lawbreaker. Using this ar-gument, if I hold up one bank, I’m deported. But if I’ve been holding up banks for 20 years, shouldn’t I be allowed to stay? Is the longer you break a law make you less guilty?
What about those who are trying to obey our laws? In many parts of the world I have seen wannabe Americans standing in line outside our consulates in all sorts of rotten weather, clutching tattered documents in their hands. “Sorry, folks, but the first law in Amer-ica is that you don’t have to obey our laws.” We should also examine those “leaders” and “spokesmen” who claim to speak for all His-panics on immigration. Here’s why: An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll just out shows that 38 percent of Americans surveyed agreed with Obama’s executive action. This breaks down to 63 percent Democrats, 37 percent independents and 11 percent Republicans. No big surprises there. But only 43 percent of La-tinos approved. Listening to all those “lead-ers” and “spokesmen,” wouldn’t you think it would be 110 percent? Look, newcomers, my ancestors worked very hard to build this country, and so did their slaves. As for that call from Phil, it was about a little Dutch boy plugging the dike in our border fences.
Ashby is legal at [email protected]
Validity in questioning U.S. immigration plan
Lynn
Ashby
Columnist
Ashby’s minor details missingDear editor: I have to correct Lynn Ashby on his recent column
in which he quotes a Texas Republican Congressman for voting “for” the government shutdown. The 2013 shutdown impacted elderly WWII veterans who trav-eled to DC to visit the Memorial. But in fact, it was President Obama who saw to it that the Memorial was barricaded and secured from public viewing. Those who crossed the yellow tape could be subject to arrest.
Points of fact: First, about 80% of the government was not shut down as a result of the GOP vote. Mandatory spending for most programs continues in perpetuity, or until societal collapse.
Second, the WWII Memorial that Ashby references was built almost entirely through private donations. Ashby and other liberals pretend the monument belongs to government and not to the vets and their families who sacrificed for it and the people who donated to build it. Obama deliberately shut it down for political advantage.
Third, it does not cost money to keep an open-air memorial open. It costs money to put up barricades and to man them with security. Shutting down the Memorial is Obama creating a phony crisis and liberal journalists like Ashby attempting to shame Republi-cans for dastardly votes.
When Ashby blames Republicans for voting “for” the shutdown, he wants to send his readers a mes-sage that in today’s America everything is the gift of the government and exists only at the government’s pleasure.
The GOP attempted to break down into smaller pieces a single, multi-trillion dollar annual budget in the face of a $500 billion annual deficit. But we know Mr. Ashby would not want his readers to be bothered with such minor details.
Mike crowe
Dear editor:Wow Lynn, I thought for thirty or forty words this
might not be an “I hate conservatives piece,” but you once again proved you are just a one trick pony.
L.B.
Trending NeighborhoodsDear editor:Great article, but I am surprised you left out
Candlelight Oaks and Candlelight Oaks Village, both are a hidden oasis, across Antoine from Forest West. Candlelight Oaks has large homes on decent sized
lots. The homes range from 4-7 rooms, ideal for the growing family. While Candlelight Oaks Village, a patio home community, was intially developed for the empty nesters or the single person., today, it too has become a hot spot for families with homes ranging from 1,100 square feet to 2,400 square feet.
Donald Wasson
60 events that shaped communityDear editor:I loved this article! It brought back so many memo-
ries. I was 6 when we moved from the Heights to Oak Forest in 1960. Great neighborhood in which to grow up. I have a hard copy of the Leader featuring Patrick Swayze (I skated with him at Tradewinds); is there any way I can have this edition mailed to me, as well? I live in Colorado, now and can’t go pick one up.
Barbara Marshall
Dear editor:Our family were a part of the great heritage in the
Houston Heights. My farther J. R. Everitt started his business at the corner of 11th street and Shepherd Dr. in the mid-fifties as J. R. Everitt and Son’s Texaco. My brother Tom also ran a Locksmith business out of our Texaco station.
Our families have a long history in the city of Hous-ton and at the beginnings of the Republic of Texas. My hope one day is that we will return to our family values that made our city and our state an example of Texas pride that made us a great nation.
Jimmy everitt
Name change?Dear editor:General Robert E. Lee was the commander of
the Confederate armed forces during the Civil War. General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was one of Lee’s soldiers, an exemplary battle tactician. But the fact is, Lee and Jackson were fighting for the pro-slavery South -- slavery being the most repugnant institution in the history of the United States, an inexcusable repudiation of human rights.
I know that if my own name were as historically disgraceful as, say, “Jackson Lee,” I would immediately change it to something honorable -- such as “Sherman Grant.”
J. ReynoldsThe heights
The reader.
Every once in a while, we get crime alerts from local law enforcement, and they ask us
to pass along news to the public. The crimes, for the most part, are stan-dard fare. Burglary of a residence; breaking and entering a car – that sort of thing.
The reason law enforcement shares the information with us (hoping we’ll share it with you) is not because they’re about to film an episode of CSI & Order. In fact, and despite what you see on TV about crime scenes and forensic labs, very few of these cases actually get solved. If you’ve been a crime victim, you know of what I speak.
Actually, the reason law enforce-ment publicizes the information about crimes is because they’re trying to make us civilians – oh, how shall we put this? – a little less dumb.
Take, for instance, the alert we got a few weeks ago:
“Deputies were dispatched to a reported burglary of a motor vehicle… Upon arrival, the com-plainant advised they parked their unlocked vehicle in the driveway overnight, and when they returned to the vehicle, they found that items were missing from the vehicle.”
The alert ends with something of a whisper. “Report will be forwarded to the Houston Police Department for investigation.”
What that last sentence really means is, “There’s no way this case is getting solved, but we’ll file the paperwork anyway.”
No, what police really wanted us to read in that above alert was one word, and one word only: “Un-locked.” If someone leaves his or her car unlocked in a driveway, and said person happens to store an iPad on the seat, there’s a pretty good
chance said iPad will be gone the next morning.
As members of the local media, we always take these crime alerts seriously, even though we know their intended purpose. But recently, we’ve received two alerts the public deserves to know, and these have nothing to do with less-than-illumi-nated victims.
The first came last week: “Sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning, unknown suspects stole approximately $500 worth of Christmas decorations from complainant’s property. There are no suspects in this theft.”
The second came earlier this week: “At approximately 11:50 p.m. [suspect] pulled into the driveway with wire cutters in hand and stole two lawn soldier decorations valued at $2,000 for the set. The male was in and out in a matter of 40 seconds and is described as being between 5’10 and 6’ tall.”
Formulating a poignant, worth-while response to these latest crimes escapes even my thesaurus. The words, “Come on people” immedi-ately comes to mind.
When I read about the latest trend in Christmas crimes, the journalist in me decided to do some research. Are Christmas decoration thefts really an epidemic in our country?
When a criminal steals a toy soldier, where does he take his loot? Are pawn shops buying these things? Is there an underground Christmas Décor shop that hocks Baby Jesus statues?
Unfortunately, you will not be surprised at the answers.
The Catholic League keeps a running tally on thefts of religious symbols each Christmas season, and they’ve got a list two pages long.
Eleven figures of the baby Jesus were stolen from front yards in Floresville, Texas. Jesus has also been stolen in homes or churches in 14 states. The priciest heist was in Sandusky, Ohio, where figures of Jesus and the Virgin Mary were sto-len from the church’s nativity scene
– get this – valued at $35,000. That’s a lot of communion. And speaking of that…
Christmas isn’t just for stealing the Savior. A guy named David Allen Rodgers was arrested in Anderson, S.C., when he entered the city’s parade by drunkenly speeding down Main Street in the “Steppin Out Dance Studio” float with 19 dancers aboard. He ran a red light and then led police on a 3-mile chase before police finally caught him. To the be-wilderment of none, an empty bottle of dirty water was found in the truck.
Alcohol isn’t the only chemical that gets passed around during the holidays, either. Dawn Smith, of Oklahoma, visited her boyfriend in the county lockup and kindly
delivered him a Christmas card. She was arrested when jail staff found not the Virgin Mary, but Mary Jane in the card.
And in a story that hits close to home (from my native neighbor-ing state), William E. Robinson, from Georgia, was arrested after he opened fire on a sprig of mistletoe. He told police he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. “Every year, I go some-where to get some mistletoe to deco-rate the house… I get some for my friends that can’t get mistletoe. The best way to get it is with a shotgun.”
William actually has a point, but that’s not important here in the big city.
Back to these local crimes, which are kind of boring when compared to getting a DUI in a holiday parade while carrying a trailer full of Step-pin’ Out Dancers.
I asked a local member of law enforcement what we should do to protect our decorations. Are we really supposed to take them inside every night?
“That’s probably the only answer,” he told me.
Baloney. Here’s what we do. Arm the toy soldiers with pellet guns set to a timer. Anyone touching the things between 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. the next day get a round of light lead in the knees. If you’ve got an inflatable Santa or Frosty or Rudolph or weird creature from Dr. Suess, stick one strand of lights on it that is plugged in but has about 27 strategi-cally broken bulbs on the arms and head. When the local Grinch comes to grab Horton from the yard, he’ll get a shock strong enough to knock him on his rear.
Which is where he belongs.
Email [email protected]
So Baby Jesus isn’t even safe from the crooks?
Jonathan
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Not even the most jolly toy soldiers appear to be safe from crime.
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keeper, by her employers as a home for the young do-mestic. The home had been in Reyes’ family for more than 60 years, a fact that is true “for most of my neighbors too,” she stated.
“I got help from Lonestar Legal Aide to save our home, and we won a lawsuit. We were grandfathered in,” Reyes said. “All my neighbors were grandfathered in.”
“This in not an uncom-mon problem,” Surveyor Karl
Bowles said. ”Just not to this degree.”
Bowles takes special pride in his research, and has earned a surveying expert witness status as a result. “It’s a domino effect on neighbor-ing properties,” Bowles said. “The west end of the Heights map was replatted in 1890, and it was done incorrectly.”
“I tried to explain this whole unhappy situation to my neighbors, but they wouldn’t listen, so I hired an attorney
and he sent a letter asking them to remove the fence,” Afeman said. “By this time, I not only had a clear title and deed, but I had three surveys that all agreed that I owned the property.”
Afeman said she ultimately had to go to court several times to settle the matter. The courts ruled in her favor, but the entire event was so drain-ing, she chose to trade her lot for another, smaller one in the Heights. Although she won,
Afeman says she does not feel like a winner
“It was mind-bogglingly stressful, expensive, and a life-changing experience,” Afeson said. “It was a nightmare.”
If a reader has questions, or can benefit from her ex-perience, Lydia Afeman wel-comes emails at [email protected].
“I am now a boundary line dispute advocate,” Afeman said.
Dispute, from P. 1A
Art Valet: Houstonian gets creativity flowing with mobile art galleryThis weekend there is an
art show and party that is just slightly unusual. The occa-sion is to celebrate the launch of a crowd funding campaign that includes works of art from more than twenty Houston art-ists, open studios, art activities, mu-sic, food and all to help pay for the interior and exterior makeover of a … bus.
Not just any bus, a soon to be mobile art gallery and a catalyst for com-munity projects. The Dormalou Project specifically, founded by Houston artist Chasity Porter.
The mobile art gallery will feature artists serious about their work but also those who have a desire in giving back to the community and helping to instill desire for creativity in the next generation.
“I’ve always wanted to own my own art gallery,” Porter said. “I had the privilege of working at Redbud and G Gallery right
out of college. (Two prominent fine art galleries in the Heights) I learned a lot. I also learned that I wanted to run a different kind of gallery.”
“As a mother it’s impor-tant for me to find things that my girls can also en-joy, so I thought about starting one that catered to children,” Porter said. “With all the art programs being taken out of schools it seems more important now to create something that will spark inspiration in the youth.
When I was in seventh grade I worked on a mural project with my school,”
Porter said. “At the completion of the mural John Biggers came over and spoke with us. At the time I had no idea who he was but it was inspiring. That was a defining moment for me even if I didn’t know it then.”
Porter admits there may be a bit of wanderlust in her too, getting bored easily with a desire to keep moving. Born and raised in Houston (Is that still rare? People used to stare at me when I said that), Por-ter now lives in Missouri City. Her primary focus in art these days is assemblage and some collage. Dormalou Project has been keeping her busy though, so her work is currently not on display.
The community aspect is in-teresting and will certainly gar-ner plenty of support. The goal
is to have a monthly arts and crafts table wherever Dorma-lou Project is and that includes art openings. Other projects she is exploring include murals, free workshops and demos for kids by artists, and working with groups like the Boys and Girls Club.
The name Dormalou itself is the source of inspiration for Porter. The name is the com-bination of Doris Mae, her inseparable cousin that she lost at 16, and Mattie Lou her maternal grandmother that passed in 2012. Porter says that every positive move that Dor-malou Project makes forward is a dedication to them.
The art show and party is this Saturday at one of my favorite studio spaces, Independence Art Studios at 419 Janisch Rd, 77018, 4-10 p.m. Over 20 art-ists will have their work on view in the bus, including Porter’s! A quick glance at the list and I can tell you, there are several notable and established artists in this crowd. Funds raised for Dormalou Project will also go to the purchase of art supplies for the community arts and crafts table, expect a preview at the event.
Visit the website at www.dormalouproject.com to RSVP for the party and find the link for the fundraising site.
For you early birds that get The Leader on Thursday, join me tonight, along with artists from First Saturday Arts Mar-ket and Gen’s Antiques for our Thursday Social and Holiday Party, 5 − 7:30-ish at 540 W. 19th Street. I’ll list other week-
end events on my website. Cheers!
Cohen is the founder and man-ager of First Saturday Arts Mar-ket. Contact him at [email protected] or visit him on the web at ArtValet.com.
Mitch CohenArts Columnist
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Saturday, December 13, 2014 • Page 7A
From the Pews.
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DefenDing Hope
Human beings can live on scarce resources and in dire circumstances, but we can’t live without hope. Hope is essentially the belief that our future will be better than
our past. When we are sick we hope for a future of health and wellness, when we are poor we hope for a future of prosperity, and when we are alone we hope for a future with friends and family. Perhaps our deepest hope is to be relieved of our finitude. We all know that our bodies are finite and perishable. But, the good news of the gospel is that there is another realm beyond this world that is imperishable, where death, decay and suffering have no place. But what if this hope in a future life is nothing more than wishful thinking? What gives us the right to believe such things? The resurrection and ascension of Jesus is the biblical basis for this hope, but there are other reasons as well to believe that this life isn’t all there is. The principle of conservation of energy suggests that things, including consciousness, can’t just disappear. All things change, including who and what we are, but can you conceive of yourself just disappearing? When the light goes out and our eyes grow dim, perhaps it does literally “go out” into some other realm. Finally, the near universality of belief in a future life gives hope to many. It would be a cruel cosmic joke for this near universal belief to be based on a lie.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect.1 Peter 3:15
BreAKFAst connectIonGreater heights Area chamber of commerce
This month’s breakfast connec-tion, sponsored by The Heights Modern Dentistry, will feature guest speaker Steve Lufburrow, CEO of Goodwill Industries. The event will be from 6:45-8:30 a.m. Dec. 11, at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N. Loop West. The cost is $20 for mem-bers and $25 for non-members. Display tables are available at this event. Register online. Informa-tion: www.heightschamber.com, 713-861-6735.
mAKe A GInGerBreAd hoUsecollier regional library
Join the Collier Regional Library, 6200 Pinemont Rd., at 2 p.m. Dec. 13, for its first Gingerbread House Decorating program. The program is free, but registration is required. Children ages 3-17 are welcome to attend. Limited space available. Call the library to regis-
ter. Information: 832-393-1740.
the AFrIcAn chIldren’s choIrmusic For life
The African Children’s Choir will be performing children’s songs, traditional Spirituals and Gospel favorites at 5 p.m. Dec. 13, at Ecclesia Church, 1100 Elder St. Concerts are free, but a freewill offering will be taken. The African Children’s Choir is a nonprofit humanitarian and relief organization dedicated to helping Africa’s most vulnerable children. Call or visit the website for more performance dates and times. In-formation: 713-622-1846, www.africanchildrenschoir.com.
toY drIVeheights Young Professionals organization
The Heights Young Profes-sionals Organization and the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce are partnering with
Walgreens, Memorial Hermann Northwest and The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA to bring the joy of the holidays to underprivileged children in our community.
Join in making holiday happi-ness by donating an unwrapped toy by Monday, Dec. 15, at any local Walgreens, the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Com-merce office on the second floor of the Chase Bank building at 545 W. 19th St., Memorial Hermann Northwest at 610 and Ella Blvd., or at The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA at 1234 W. 34th St. Donations will benefit the chil-dren served by The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA Outreach Center. Information: 713-861-6735, www.heightschamber.com.
JennIFer mAY reIlAnd solo eXhIBItIonredbud Gallery
Brooklyn-based Houstonian, Jennifer May Reiland, announces
her first U.S. solo show at Redbud Gallery, 303 E. 11th St. Titled “Veronicas,” the show runs Jan. 10 though Feb. 3, featuring watercolor paintings and draw-ings that reflect the overlap of fantasy and reality in the digital age. Information: 713-862-2532, www.redbudgallery.com.
economIc ForecAst lUn-cheonGreater heights Area chamber of commerce
Join the Heights Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Eco-nomic Forecast Luncheon to hear Dr. Bill Gilmer, Director at the Institute for Regional Forecasting, C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, discuss the future of Houston
business, employment, interest rates, energy and real estate. The event will be from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 22, at Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Information: 713-861-6735, www.heightschamber.com.
renoVAtIon toUrsPat h. Foley & company
Stop by for a special guided tour as renovations begin and meet the staff. There will be refreshments. Tours will be at 3 p.m. every Friday. Pat H. Foley & Company is located at 1200 W. 34th St. Information: 713-869-6261, www.pathfoleyfuneral-directors.com.
senIor GAme dAYcandlelight Park
There will be two senior game days on Wednesday and Thursday each week beginning at 9 a.m. at Candlelight Park, 1520 Candle-light Dr.
Call 281-989-4589 or 713-682-3587 for information.
oAKs BUsIness AssocIAtIon meetInG st. James lutheran church
The Oaks Business Association meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd St. The executive committee meets every second Tuesday of the month. David Lorms is presi-dent. Information: [email protected].
st. mark’s choir to perform at lights in the heights
St. Mark’s Bell Choir to-gether with Bering Memorial United Methodist Church Bell Choir will entertain at the An-nual Lights in the Heights Cel-ebration, 530 Omar St., from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Information: 713-861-3104, www.smumc.org.
‘heaven rejoices’ music festival at hope episcopal
Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., presents a music festival “Heaven Re-joices,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
Esprit de Cor de Houston (Horn Group), Soloist Dwight Ward and Paul Clark, choirs St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church and Hope Episcopal Church will be featured.
The last group discussion with Canon John Newton about “New Clothes” will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Supper and fellowship will be at 6 p.m. prior to discussion.
Call 713-681-6422 or visit www.hope-episcopal.org for information.
Youth present christmas play at st. stephen’s
The Children and Youth will present a Christmas play at 6 p.m. Dec. 14, at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. Admission is free. Please bring a new, un-wrapped toy to benefit a child at Wesley Community Center.
All are welcome to attend Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 24. The nursery is available for children age 4 and under during both ser-vices.
For information, call the of-fice at 713-686-8241, or visit www.stsumc.org.
christmas musical at oak Forest Baptist
Oak Forest Baptist, 1700 W. 43rd St., will host a Christmas Musical, presented by the
Oak Forest Baptist Celebra-tion choir during the 4:15 p.m. worship service, Dec. 14. Af-ter the presentation, there will be a Christmas party in the fellowship hall. Charles Cates is the music director, worship leader.
Call 713-682-4942 or visit www.oakforestbaptistnhca.org for information.
Posada celebration at the Vineyard church of houston
The Vineyard Church of Houston, located at 1035 E. 11th St., will host its fifth an-nual Posada celebration from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 14. A Posada is a ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a lodging in Bethlehem. The celebration includes candle-light carols, a live nativity, pi-natas for the kids, a variety of musical acts, folkloric danc-ers, traditional food and bev-erages. Free admission.
Call 713-869-9070 or visit www.houstonvineyard.org for information.
Posada celebration at All saints
The Living Nativity is seek-ing children of all ages to play angels, animals, shepherds, kings, readers, etc. The Live Nativity will be after 5:30 Mass and be part of the Posa-da celebration Dec. 20. Con-tact Lorena Orantes at 832-724-7540 or e-mail forrest@[email protected].
All Saints Catholic Church is located 215. E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653 or visit www.allsaintsheights.com for infor-mation.
heights Presbyterian to hold christmas eve services
Heights Presbyterian Church, 240 W. 18th St., will hold Christmas Eve services at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. The com-munity is welcome.
For information, call 713-861-1907 or visit www.height-spc.org.
celebration Kwanzaa at mt. Ararat Baptist
Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, 5801 West Montgomery Road, 77091, presents Celebration Kwanzaa, at 7 p.m. Dec. 30. This event is sponsored by The One Heritage Society Ministry of the church. There will be drummers, vendors, a storyteller (griot), food, fun and fellowship.
For information, call 713-535-9901.
A chance to Feast in 2015 at new mount cal-vary Baptist
The community is welcome to attend A Chance to Feast in 2015 and Watch Night ser-vices from 7-8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Dec. 31. The theme is “Another Year, Another Chance.” Breakfast served im-mediately following service. The Rev. Christopher Moore is Senior Pastor.
New Mount Calvary Baptist Church is located at 4711 Kel-ley St., 77026. Call 713-635-1955 or visit www.nmcbc.org for information.
mAnnA needs volunteersMake a difference in your
community. Ministry Assis-tance of the Near Northwest Alliance (MANNA), a coali-tion of churches and commu-nity partners which provides social services in near North-west Houston, is seeking volunteers for the Assistance Program, Food Pantry, and Resale Store.
Students at least 16 years of age are welcomed. Volun-teers must attend a training and orientation session.
For information, contact Patricia Dornak at 713-504-5486 or email her at [email protected].
www.aikibudo-aikido.com
Classes Enrolling NowJapanese Martial Arts
40 yrs experience8th Degree Black Belt
AIKIDO & SELF DEFENSE
Page 8A • Saturday, December 13, 2014
SUDOKU
WORD SCRAMBLE
the leader Puzzlers.
aCrOss 1. Smooth music 7. Fails to explode 10. Voluted 12. Tear down 13. Propose for
office 14. Yiddish expert 15. Great ape of
Borneo 16. Arab outer gar-
ments 17. Hundredweight 18. The Muse of
history 19. Neutralizes
alkalis 21. Mortar trough 22. Lapsed into bad
habits 27. Potato State 28. DeGeneres’
partner 33. Egyptian sun
god 34. Makes more
precise 36. Deafening
noise 37. Expresses
pleasure 38. __ Nui, Easter
Island 39. Founder of
Babism
40. Speed competi-tion
41. Artist’s tripod 44. Records 45. A witty reply 48. The content of
cognition 49. Mohs scale
measure 50. __ student,
learns healing 51. Put in advance
dOwn1. Peru’s capital
2. Emerald Isle 3. Group of crimi-
nals 4. Flat sweet pea
petals 5. Vietnamese of-
fensive 6. A lyric poem 7. Philippine sea-
port & gulf 8. Utilizes 9. Lair 10. Covering of
snow 11. Covered walk-
way 12. Overzealous 14. Stench 17. Compartment 18. 2nd largest
Costa Rican island
20. Danish Krone (abbr.)
23. Long narrow bands
24. Woody tropical vine
25. Farm state 26. Tooth caregiver 29. Popular Cana-
dian word 30. Resort 31. Members of
U.S. Navy 32. Smokes 35. Smiling so big
(texting) 36. Capital of Ban-
gladesh 38. Tore down 40. Travel in a car 41. American
bridge engineer James B.
42. “Rule Britannia” composer
43. Let it stand 44. Not bright 45. Rated horse-
power 46. Pinna 47. Prefix for before
Answers found in this week’s Classified section
Barbara June Barnes Allen, 83, born Sept. 29, 1931, died Dec. 2. Allen graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1949, where as a senior she was voted most likely to succeed and friendliest. She then attended University of Texas at Austin and received a BA from the University of Houston in 1953. She held an M.Ed. from University of Houston 1955, and taught elementary school in HISD for 30 years at Coop, Cooley, and Stevens Elementary schools. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, member of Beta Eta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, HART Retired Teachers, VIP Seniors at St. Stephen’s, Joy Group of UMW, and Troop Committee Member of Boy Scout Troop 30. Allen is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dwight Adams Allen; sons Quincy, Russell, Rolland and Geer Allen; sister Juanita Barnes Pyle; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
James G. “Groucho” Landry, 85, born Nov. 17, 1929, died Dec. 2. Landry was born and raised in Houston and a member of Our Mother Mercy Catholic Church. He was the loving husband of Mary Lee (Guil-lory) Landry for over 64 years. He served his country between World War II and the Korean Conflict. He then continued his service working in various federal jobs and retired from the V.A. Hospital as an air conditioning operator with 30 plus years of service. Landry is survived by his wife, Mary; sons Michael, Kenny and John; daughters Rhonda Hagerich, Sharon Arceneaux, Karen Murray; brother John; sister Norma Potier; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Kevin Earl Lane, 55, born April 23, 1959, died Dec. 2.
Duane Alistair Mackay, 68, born Aug. 26, 1946 in Montreal, Canada, died Dec. 6. Mackay was born to Alistair Ian Mackay and Harriet Bakke Mackay. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Gilbert Mindiola, 77, born Nov. 21, 1937, died Dec. 1. Mindiola was born in Houston, grew up in the Sunset Heights and graduated from Reagan High School in 1956. After high school he followed his father’s profession and became a baker. He is survived by his son An-thony, daughter Sylvia Salinas, brothers Tatcho Jr., Robert, and Ronnie; sister Dolores Reagan; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchil-dren.
Valentine A. Mock, 94, born Dec. 23, 1919, died Dec. 4. Mock was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church since 1949. He was a Vet-eran of World War II and retired from Gulf Oil/Chevron after 34 years. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mary; daughter, Linda, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Janis Lea Walsh, 57, born Nov. 24, 1957, died Nov. 30.
Chef Raymond “Ray” F. Zadrowski, 61, born July 16, 1953, died Dec. 2. Zadrowski graduated from Langley High School and continued on later to receive an associate’s degree in the culinary arts, specializing in baking and pastries from Culinary Institute LeNotre in Houston, graduating Silver Magna Cum Laude. Prior to culinary school Chef Raymond worked for TxDOT for 20 years. Zadrowski is survived by his brothers Edward, Robert and Richard; sisters Donna Perella and Patricia Zadrowski Harris.
ThE OBiTuARiEs.
Neighbors: Boone performs senior piano recital at Sam Houston StateCongratulations to the beautiful
and lovely Shannon Boone of Oak Forest who performed her senior piano recital at Sam Houston State University this week. Shannon will graduate on Dec. 13 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance Piano and a Minor in General Business with Hon-ors. She will continue with her edu-cation and pursue a Masters Degree in Accounting. Shannon’s solo senior recital featured Handel’s Suite in G Minor, Mozart Sonata K.310, Trois Novelettes by Poulenc and Chopin’s Ballade No. 1. Shannon studied under Dr. Ilonka Rus. The recital was held at Sam Houston State University’s Performing Arts Center in Hunts-ville, Texas. Mom and Dad (Nancy and Clifford Boone), Aunt Judy, Uncle Josh and Shannon’s boyfriend Stephen were all wowed by her performance. Shannon, who wore an elegant maroon beaded formal gown for the occasion, was presented with a glorious bouquet of red and yel-low roses, white gladiolus and baby’s breath, bound with a white satin rib-bon, after her performance.
Ain’t it nifty? Look who’s 50! Joshua Kornegay of Joshua’s Na-tive Plants & Garden Antiques in the Heights celebrated his 50th with fam-ily and friends at a festive dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Happy day of birth! Josh, you aren’t really 50 – you’re just 21 with 29 years of ex-perience.
Word on the street is that Young and Restless Resale Shop, owned by Candlelight Oaks neighbors Angela and Craig Pennington, is moving to a brand new location with a new look and new merchandise! Loca-tion to be revealed very soon. Stay tuned.
CrossFit BIG & Tiny would like to congratulate Lindsay Ripley who was member of the month for November. Ripley is an elementary school art teacher who has been working out at CFB&T for a year and a half. Her roommate at the time took her to the gym and she was hooked. Her favorite exercises are box jumps and thrusters, while her least favorite workout is bunny hops. Ripley en-joys creating art, hanging out with her dog at the dog park, eating good food, spending time with friends and family, baking, visiting museums, and flying kites. Of CrossFit BIG & Tiny, Ripley said, “I’ve never been to a gym where I’ve been this supported. Coaches and members alike, every-one has each other’s back and wants to see you succeed. I’ve felt an amaz-ing sense of belonging and support throughout every single workout. I’ve gained strength, motivation, and de-
termination, but only with the help of my CFBT family.” How cool is that?
Way to go, Bryan Rabius! Bryan was honored in an Arrow of Light Award ceremony at St. Ambrose Catholic Church recently with Pack 504. Bryan, who is the son of Bran-don and Christine Rabius, began his career in Scouting in 2010 as a Tiger Cub in 1st grade and has been active in Scouts every year since. He has camped at Lake Livingston, Fayetteville Lake, on the USS Lex-ington, and at Bovay Scout Ranch. Rabius has enjoyed mining, archery, fishing, rapelling, completing com-munity service projects, BB guns and paint balling, and making Pinewood Derby cars. He has earned several badges and awards including over 25 belt loops, Wildlife Conservation and Leave No Trace badges, along with various others. The Arrow of Light
is the highest award to be earned in Cub Scouts and symbolizes the crossing over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts. Bryan worked two years towards crossing over to Boy Scout Troop 540 and has already trained his sights on his Eagle Award. Well done, Bryan.
Neighbors, carefully review your City of Houston water bill. Many neighbors report a new charge along with a Notice of Drainage Fee Cor-rection for changes to their lots (addi-tional cement poured or home addi-tions) which have never actually been constructed or even planned. You can review the photograph of your lot online at this website: http://verify.rebuildhouston.org/prod/mydrain.htm.
Tis the season to be neighborly – please join the Shepherd Forest Civic Club for its Annual Christmas Dinner on Monday, Dec. 15. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and dinner (served buffet style) will begin at 7 p.m. Neighbors will be gathering at Temple Oaks Baptist Church (2100 W. 34th at Oak Forest Drive – parking on the 34th Street side of the build-ing). This is a “covered dish” potluck event, so everyone is encouraged to bring something to share with the group – a main dish, a side, a snack or a sweet – anything and everything is greatly appreciated and sure to be enjoyed. This event traditionally includes a food drive to help local residents who are hungry or in need. So please also bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry at Tem-ple Oaks Baptist Church so that the less fortunate can also have a happy holiday season.
What’s happening? Festivities ga-lore! In addition to great food, drink and camaraderie, there will be live
music provided by the Kevin Taylor Band - Saxworx, gifts and door prizes, and for the youngsters, a surprise vis-itor from the North Pole, so parents, bring your kids and your cameras! As a special request – please think about a neighbor who lives alone, does not drive at night, or might not normally attend, and invite them to come along. You can even offer to drive them there and back. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and get to know your neighbors a little better.
Mangum Manor Civic Club is hosting Holiday in the Park at Man-gum Manor Park at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. S’mores, hot chocolate and a merry time awaits you. Come early at 2 p.m. with a shovel or a rake and join in planting a mix of Texas/Oklahoma wildflower seeds. The park will be full of color in the spring after this winter gathering of neighbors.
There will be hot chocolate and s’mores at 4 p.m. It should be a great event for neighbors to get to know each other better while having some tasty treats. All surrounding neigh-borhoods near the park are welcome to join us. We are looking forward to this fun family event. On Dec. 14, we will have a judging for the best Christ-mas decorations. One winner will be chosen for each of the three sections in Mangum Manor. Winners will be posted the following week.
Our next Civic Club Meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan 15. Our guest speaker will be our neighboring Oak Forest resident Mike Zientek. We look forward to getting all of the details and ask questions about the ongoing U.S. 290 Construction Proj-ect.
(Submitted Photo)Parents Nancy and Clifford Boone congratulate their daughter, shannon Boone, after her senior piano recital performance at sam houston state. Boone will graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Performance Piano Dec. 13.
Dear Guilty,Don’t worry. The mere fact
that you’ve reached out to ask this question goes to show that you’re not a negligent pet owner. Here in Houston, we’re fortunate to have a climate
that doesn’t experience the extreme cold that you see in areas further north. In snowy climates, it’s very common to see dogs wearing outerwear as well as boots. Not only do boots help keep things neater in snowy latitudes, they also can protect your pet from licking toxic chemicals off his paws where de-icing solutions are used.
According to veterinarians, there are three kinds of dogs who benefit from the insula-tion provided by a sweater or coat, as well as the protection afforded by life as a pampered house pet:
• Small dogs• Dogs who are elderly,
chronically ill or both• Greyhounds, Whippets
and dogs of a similar thin body type, especially those with short fur
What these dogs have in common is that they have a more difficult time generat-ing and retaining enough body heat on their own. For these dogs, a little help keeping dry and warm is always a good thing. Though protection from the elements is the biggest reason to put clothes on dogs headed outside, it doesn’t hurt to leave a sweater on these dogs inside if you’re keeping the heat down to save energy and money.
In many cases, larger dogs with dense hair coats do not have a need for additional insulation and would be very uncomfortable if they were forced to wear outerwear--possibly to the point of physi-cally overheating. Their fur is already genetically designed to protect them from extreme winter temperatures. The Si-
berian Husky, Malamute, and Saint Bernard breeds are all excellent examples of dogs that are perfectly suited to cold temperatures, while the Chihuahua, Greyhound, and many terrier and pinscher breeds are good examples of dogs that would do well with a little extra outer insulation.
Your best bet is to consider your dog’s lifestyle and prefer-ences. Many dogs aren’t fond of wearing clothing, so, in this case, it’s best to keep your pet comfortable via other means (like a heated dog bed, for in-stance). However, some dogs clearly relish the attention and comfort of an extra layer of warmth during the winter. In this case, dress up your pooch and hit the town!
Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at: [email protected].
Dear Tabby,Does my dog need cold-weath-
er clothes here in Houston? I see dogs wearing sweaters and have even seen them wearing boots. Am I a negligent pet owner if my dog doesn’t have a wardrobe?
Feeling guilty in Garden Oaks
Meet sawyer. This 5½ month old boy is ready to go home for the holidays! he loves to play at the dog park and is sweet and gentle with everyone (and dog) he meets. sawyer also fancies himself a lap dog. Could he snuggle in yours next to the tree this year? if so, connect with K-9 Angels at: at www.K-9AngelsRescue.org or www.facebook.com/k9angelsrescue for more info.
Does your dog need duds?Pet of the Week
Luke 2:1-20
FOCUS: The birth of Jesus brings a new kingdom, a revo-lution in the way we see each other, a revolution fueled by love.
BeatitudesBlessed are the poor in spir-
it, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be com-forted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hun-ger and thirst for righteous-ness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemak-ers, for they will be called chil-dren of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for rigtheousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God.
These teachings are from the Sermon on the Mount, a major teaching of Jesus, spo-ken about 30 or so years after the birth we celebrate tonight. They turn the world upside down, they show a new way of living, a new way of relating to one another, they demand followers that will see things differently. They are powered by the freedom of the love of God.
Christmas SpiritIn this time of year we
hear about people being in the “Christmas Spirit”, act-ing generously, being kind to strangers, offering of them-selves and their treasures to decorate their homes with lights and giving gifts. We call it the Christmas spirit and every year there is some commentator who will say something like, “Why can’t we have this spirit all year round?” Because now we get a glimpse of the kingdom. We get a sense of what Pastor Rudy of St. John’s is calling the “Love Revolution.”
We see it again when di-saster strikes. An earthquake in Haiti, a tsunami across the world, a hurricane here at home and this spirit comes out again and strangers drop everything to help. We get a sense that we are part of something larger than our own desires, we give in to the desire to help others and we get a chance to give our lives a special meaning – we know that what we do really matters. We become revolutionaries.
Birth Story
This birth story read by Dorothy tonight tells us of a revolution that took place 2,000 years ago in a stable in Bethlehem. A little girl gave birth to a miraculous baby, and her husband trusted her and trusted a dream that the child was special.
How special was the child! When he was born were there parades and confetti, trum-pets and tympani and drums and proclamations and feasts throughout the kingdom?
No, none of that. The birth of the child, who would overturn the empire, was an-nounced to the poorest of workers, shepherds staying in the fields at night who had a vision from heaven. They told of the miracle, and they came to the child. They knew some-thing different had taken place, and they were filled with hope and with joy.
But the announcement did not come to the powerful, and there was no military band. It came to the poor, and they were told there was good news for all people. A savior had been born, and it was Christ the Lord.
And they found the Savior, wrapped in stands of cloth, in a feeding trough, attended by his refugee parents. And they worshiped.
Something new had hap-pened. Something of such power that everything was made new. Down was up and up was down. The powerful were put away and the meek would inherit the earth. The peacemakers would be the children of God, and the seek-ers of justice – or righteous-ness – would have the king-dom of God.
The New KingdomThe new kingdom burst
upon the world in the form of a crying infant. The promise made to King David hundreds of years before took on new meaning, and the kingdom birthed that night will have no end. The empire of Rome was doomed, and they didn’t know it. Kingdoms since have come and gone, and the kingdom of heaven still prevails. Even from within some attempt to take it by force, but the power of the love of God, shown in the birth of a child, still pre-vails.
This time of year, we have a glimpse of the kingdom. Last Christmas Eve I told the story and quoted a folksong about the Christmas Eve Truce of 1914, when in World War I the Germans and the British faced each other across the trenches of France. There was a Christ-mas Eve truce, and the fight-ing stopped for the night. Each
side began singing Christmas carols, and finally they each sang Silent Night, every sol-dier in his own tongue. A young German crossed the area into no-man’s land, show-ing a kingdom sort of courage.
A young Briton climbed out of the trenches and met him, shaking hands. Soon both battle lines emptied and the men greeted each other and exchanged pictures and ciga-rettes and brandy and pho-
tographs, wishing each other a blessed Christmas. They played soccer by torchlight.
The officers were horrified and ordered everyone back. Peace could have broken out at any moment.
Saturday, December 13, 2014 • Page 9A
First Church Heights
Pastor Larry D. Young Pastor C. David Harrison
“A Place Where YOU Belong”
201 E. 9th St 713-861-3102www.fbcheights.org
Follow Us On
December 14th @ 10:30am A.B. Anderson Academy (Children’s Violin Performance)December 24th @ 6:00pm Open Candlelight Communion
1245 Heights Blvd. 713-862-8883www.GraceinTheHeights.org
Sunday December 7, 14, 21Church-wide Breakfast 9:00 am
Church-wide Sunday School 9:45 amWorship 11:00am
Saturday December 20Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
9am to noon
Join us for Christmas Eve
Worship @5pmmCandlelight,
Communion, Carols
A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston
December 21 - Sunday Worship 10:45 amDecember 24 - Wednesday 6:00 pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Communion
- for over 100 years -
(Disciples of Christ)
Open COmmuniOn
Reverend Herschel Moore, Pastor
Everyone is invited to come & join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus
1703 Heights Blvd. at 18th Streetwww.hcchouston.org
Our Savior Lutheran Church
5000 W. Tidwell(Between Antoine and T.C. Jester)713-290-8277 • www.oslschool.org
in celebrating Christ’s birth in a glorious sanctuary
that was built for Christmas
Wednesday Advent Service Dec. 10 and 17th - 7:00pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Dec. 24th - 6:00pm
Christmas Day ServiceDec. 25th 9:30am
New Year’s Eve Remembrance Service Dec. 31st 9:30am
Join us
HOLY EUCHARIST Sundays at 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM
CHRISTMAS EVE December 24 at 5:30 PM & 10:30 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY December 25 at 10:00 AM
ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH1819 HEIGHTS BOULEVARD | SAECHEIGHTS.ORG
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!
St. Matthew’SUnited Methodist Church
Join us during this wonderful
Holiday Season!
4300 N. Shepherd Dr. • 713-697-0671w w w . s t m a t t h e w s m e t h o d i s t . o r g
December 14, 2014“A Service of Lessons and Carols”
Featuring the St. Matthew’s UMC Sanctuary Choir9:30am Worship Service
December 24, 20145pm - Children’s Christmas Service
6pm - Live Nativity (presented by Youth Program)
7pm - Candlelight Communion
CelebrateChrist’s birth
2003 W. 43rd St. 713-686-8241
St. Stephen’s
Dec. 24th - 4:30 pm & 7pm (Nursery provided)
United Methodist Church
w w w . s t s u m c . o r g
Christmas EveCandlelight
Communion Service
Christmas Eve - 6:30 pmLessons and Carols with Holy Communion
Sunday Services 8:30am & 10:30amWednesday Service 6:30pm
211 Byrne • www.holytrinityrec.org
Carols and BellsDecember 21, 20148:15 and 11:00 a.m.Bring your friends and your bells—small bells, large bells, dinner bells, boat bells—and join us as we sing and ring the wonderful carols of the Christmas season. You’ll hear the Christmas Story and have an opportunity to ring along with our Festival Choir, Trinity Bells, Organ and Brass.
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, wassail and coffee after the worship services.
Christmas Eve Worship ServicesDecember 24, 20145:00 and 7:00 p.m.Featuring Pageant, Festival Choir and Orchestra
Christmas Day Worship ServiceDecember 25, 20149:30 a.m.Featuring Festival Choir and Brass
New Year’s Eve ServiceDecember 31, 20146:30 p.m.
New Year’s Day ServiceJanuary 1, 20159:30 a.m.
800 Houston Ave. • Houston TX 77007www.trinitydt.org
Join Us In Celebration
Leadership TeamSenior Pastor Pastor Michael P. Dorn 713.229.2940Director of Caring Ministries Pastor David A. Leeland 713.229.2916Visitation Pastor Pastor Donald G. Black 713.229.2917Dir. of Admin. & Human Resources Trinity Garrett 713.229.2937CFO Ron Lacy 713.229.2970Interim Director of Music and Worship Mary Voigt 713.229.2922Director of Accounting Roseann Gamez 713.229.2962Manager of Facilities John Valdez 713.229.2905Communications Coordinator Pam Schroeder 713.229.2944
Christmas Worship GuideThe Birth of a Revolution
And the men went back to war.
John McCutcheon, in his beautiful ballad “Christ-mas in the Trenches” wrote these lines: And the question haunted everyone who lived that wondrous night, “Whose family have I got within my sights?”
The soldiers were changed; they had a glimpse of the king-dom. But the war came back, and the old empire of vio-lence and greed took control. Again.
But there was a glimpse of what could be, as sure a sign as seeing a baby in a manger.
In just a moment, we are going to come to the Commu-
nion Table, in the presence of Christ, to take from the Lord’s Table in a ritual that has been celebrated every day for over 2,000 years somewhere in the world. This is Christ’s table, it is the Kingdom’s table, and all are welcome. As you come, prepare your hearts.
This is Christmas Eve, and the tonight the Kingdom of God is calling you. What holds you back from being part of that Love Revolution called for by Jesus? What resentments are more important than the freedom of forgiveness? This is a time to choose to be part of the Kingdom; this is the time to choose to be merciful, this is the time to strive to be
pure in heart, this is the time to be a peacemaker, this is the time to choose to have within your sights the family and the kingdom of God.
Because this is Christmas Eve, and something new is here. Hallelujah!
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Frank Richard CoatsSt. Matthew’s United Methodist ChurchChristmas Eve, 2010
Page 10A • Saturday, December 13, 2014
O Come, All Ye Faithful
1576 Chantilly Lane • 713-682-2556
Sunday Worship 10:30amChristmas Eve Service 7:00pm
Oaks Presbyterian Church
O Come, All Ye Faithful
St. Joseph Catholic Church
www.stjoseph6thward.org
(in the Historic Heights Sixth Ward)
December 244:00pm Vigil Mass with Children11:15pm Carols12:00 am Midnight Mass
December 2510:00 am Mass12:00 pm Español
1505 Kane Street • Houston TX 77007
Celebrate Christmas With Us
money for the Danny Dietz Memorial Foundation. He also crafting a Patriot Knife, with its trademark red and blue handle, for their auction.
“While they were visiting, I introduced Cindy to neigh-bors because to me it was such an honor to meet her,” said McLean.
Two weeks ago, he was commissioned by the Kyle family to do something simi-lar for their organization which funds veteran sup-ported foundations. At the family’s benefit last February, McLean gifted them with a Patriot Knife.
“We have it proudly dis-played in our home,” said Wayne Kyle. “It means so much to us.”
While the Patriot Knife pro-gram is fairly new, McLean said he’s been cutting leather since he was eight years old. His craftsmanship may be ge-netic.
“My mom managed a craft store on Pinemont called Country Crafts,” he said. “My great-grandfather lived in New York and was one of a handful of people who drew the McCall’s patterns back in the early 1900s.”
That great-grandfather
was one of the few family members not to serve in the military or law enforcement. McLean’s dad was in the Navy and his mother also worked in the Department of Justice – as did McLean for a time, also working a stint in the Houston Police Department’s Crime Lab.
When his mother retired, she furthered her interest in early American antiques and became a dealer at the Antique Center of Texas. McLean followed in her foot-steps there too and was asked by someone if he could re-store a Sheffield Bowie Knife
from the Civil War that had been damaged in a fire.
“When I gave it back to the owner, he pretty much cried,” said McLean. “That’s what got me hooked.”
McLean notes that he makes his knives from draw-ing patterns on Flatstock, or steel, and then cutting off the excess stock with a band saw. Some people forge their blades out of scrap pieces and McLean said he’d like to get into forging when he has the time.
For years, he’d been craft-ing knives and leather goods as a hobby and then part time,
but for the past four years, Lonesome Tree Designs has been his main business. He makes about 150-200 knives a year, which sell for between $70 and $750, and is currently working to fill back orders.
Because of his height, McLean suffers from poor circulation in his legs. He likes to say he has an addic-tion due to his disability and living with daily pain – but it’s not pain medication, it’s giv-ing.
He talked about an auction he attended recently to sup-port the Base Camp 40 orga-nization in Colorado. As the
bidding on his Patriot Knife increased, he started moving around the room in excite-ment and forgot the pain in his legs.
“Every time I donate or award a Patriot Knife the pain goes away for a short time and makes it all worthwhile,” said McLean.
For more information about McLean and his work, visit www.lonesometreedesigns.com. He also has a Go Fund Me account at http://www.gofundme.com/Patriotknife to support the Patriot Knife program.
Knife, from P. 1A
9500 Hempstead HighwayHouston, TX 77092
www.facebook.com/NorthwestMall
713-681-1321www.northwest-mall.com
Grand Prizes - 1 Boys’ Bike & 1 Girls’ BikeMust be present to win. For kids under 18 years of age.
saturday, december 13th, 8:30 amFree of charge to all kids with the donation of 2 canned goods or a new unwrapped toy.
reservation required - (713) 681-1321
Lots of Fun, Games and Giveaways plus the chance to win Great Prizes!
december 20 • 1-3pmD.J. Vidal Luna
Don’t miss your chance to win a new Bike!Just in time for Christmas!
www.gethsemanelutheran.orgLCMS
Christmas Eve Service
December 24th7pm Worship w/communion
GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227
Rev. John Cain, Pastor
Christmas Day Service
December 25th9:30am Worship
All SAintSCAtholiC ChurCh
© Seraphic Icons, “Trinity” Icon by Robert Lentz, OFM Courtesy of TrinityStores, www.trinitystores.com 800-969-4482
215 East 10th • Houston TX 77008
Friday, December 12Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
5:00 a.m. Las Mañanitas7:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish
Wednesday, December 17 @ 7:00 p.m.Parish Advent Penance and Sacrament of Reconciliation
Confession Service / Spanish & English
Saturday, December 20 - Children’s Live Nativity5:30 p.m. Mass
6:30 p.m. Posada Event Parish Hall
Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve4:00 p.m. Children’s Mass7:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish9:30 pm Christmas Carols
10:00 p.m. “Midnight Mass” in English
24 Diciembre, MiercolesVigilia de Navidad
7:00 p.m. Misa en Español
Thursday, December 25, Christmas DayOne Mass @ 10:00 a.m.
25 DiciembreLa Natividad del Senor
Misa a las 10:00 am Ingles
All weekend masses at regular times
www.allsaints.us.com facebook.com/allsaintshouston
713-864-2653
Member of MANNA
1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761Pastor Don Joseph
Oaks Christian ChurCh(Disciples of Christ)
Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceDecember 24 ~ 6:30 pm
Family Festival ~ December 14Light Dinner - 5:00 pm
Ornament Making - 6:00 pmLive Nativity - 7:00 pm
Come Join Us For the Very Best Family Christmas Eve Service Ever!
Christmas Candlelight Communion Service
1700 W. 43rd @ Rosslyn • 713-682-4942Pastor - Dr. Richard Walters
Sunday, December 21 - 4:15pmChristmas Worship Guide Continued
Make Your Christmas Shopping As Easy as...
Dread the long lines at the shopping mall? Help out the neighborhood by shopping
locally this year.
For the first time, The Leader will publish Letters to Santa from children
all over the area.
Look for it in our December 20 Publication
www.KarbachBrewing.com2032 Karbach St • (713) 680-2739
Karbach beer is The Perfect Gift This Year
Alterations
Mon-Fri 7:00-6:00pm, Sat 8:00 - 3:00 pm1765 W. 34th • 713-682-8785
Alterations & Dry Cleaning
— Since 1978 —
Best WishesFor a Wonderful Holiday Season
C
Equal HousingLighthouse ProPerties
Cookie DavenPortBroker/Owner, GRI
713.291.2321
from
City WideWholeSale Supply
City WideWholeSale Supply
Holiday Events - Schools, Churches, Organizations Restaurants, Vending Machines, Concession StandsSupplies For
801 Service St. • 713-862-2530 (1 light inside 610 N @ Airline)
DeliciousPlace Your Holiday Orders Today
DesserTs
7802 Fallbrook Dr. | 281-580-5022 www.msalmas.com
Alma’s Cakes
Herbert’s Watch Repair
1745 W. 34th St.713-686-4655
Excellent Service60 plus Years Experience
Flowers & Gifts
Flower & Gift Shop10570 NW Frwy • 713-680-2350
for Christmas & All Special Occasions
Flower & Gift Shop10570 NW Frwy • 713-680-2350
Great GiftsEnjoy a great shopping experience during the
holiday season
Happy Holidaysfrom Robert Torres & Family
713-869-SOAP(7627)
4211 N. Main(between I-45 & Airline Drive)
in The Heights
InspirationalWishing all a Blessed
and Merry Christmas from the members at
God with Us, Transforming and Sending306 East 15th St. • 713-864-2651
Lutheran Church
Dr. Junkin & Staff
11500 Northwest Fwy. Ste 201 713-686-0828w w w.dr junk in .com
NorthweSt ChiropraCtiC CeNter
Wishes Everyone AHappy Holiday
9900 N. Houston Rosslyn713-849-9000
RoyaltyPet Center
Pet Grooming Boarding and Supplies
Linda ScarboroughWishes You A BlessedChristmas Season
713.868.9300REYNARealty GRoup
RealtoR®
2100 Yale (Inside Yale Grill) • 713-802-1132Email: [email protected]
Holiday Items Galore
Marvelous Gift Selections!
FIND US: Dec 20 • 12-9pmHouston Makerspace Holiday Bash
100 Hutchesn - 77003
www.urbanizzy.com
A Fashion Boutique On WheelsN
Part of Fashion Truck Collection
4 truck co-op shop in City Center 795 Town and Country Blvd. Suite 1444
Open 7 Days A Week
Youth sports since 1954
Girls Ages 4-16 & Boys Ages 4-18To register or for more information visit
us online ODCsports.com
Online registration is now open for Spring 2015 Baseball & Softball
H o u s t o n H e i g H t s2310 Yale Street | 713-861-1125
www.prosperitybankusa.com
www.qualityfeedco.com4428 N. Main St. • 713-862-2323
Feed & GardenQuality
Providing Pet and Animal Supplies Since 1928
3831 Pinemont • 713-686-3589www.BuffaloeFloorCovering.com
Buffaloe
Commercial and Residential ProfessionalsFloor Covering, inC.
Season Greetingsfrom everyone atBuFFaloe
Floor Covering, inC.
(713) 358-46411911 Taylor Street, Ste DTheHeightsModernDentistry.com
Boost$259 In-Office Whitening
opalescence®
There is always time for you to stop in and find a treasure!
190 dealer spaces filling 108,000 sq ft with collectables from all over the U.S. and abroad
9950 Hempstead Rd.600 Northwest Mall • 713-688-4211
the Ultimate Greatest Antique Show on Earth!Thompson’s Antique
Center of Texas
Contact us and let us take care of all the details...
Vacation a gift the whole family can enjoy!
713-688-6793 | www.CulturallyCreativeTravel.com
Warm Wishes
Pat Walker
for a Blessed Christmas Season
713-412-6682
Xcellent Dining
1912 W 18th St. 713.426.1800
www.KojakCafe.com
CATERING AVAILABLE
th
Mighty Sweet Mini PiesMighty Sweet Mini PiesMighty Sweet Mini Pies 4525 N. Main @ 14th • 713.862.4960 • www.mightySweetPies.com
Saturday, December 13, 2014 • Page 11A
Weekdays 8am-6:30pmSaturday 9am-6pm • Sunday 10am-5pm
Shop online @ www.Canddhardware.Com
314 e. 11th Street 713-861-3551
SHOP EARLY - SALE PRICES GOOD TIL DECEMBER 24, 2014
