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Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Construction is underway on the 20th Street side of the old Heights Waterworks site. After months of discussion, the site’s transformation has begun.
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Store owners and workers attempt to navigate around the dumping near shops at 43rd Street and Rosslyn Road. City inspectors came out to investigate this week, and cited the owner for the problem which has plagued Oak Forest for years.
Illegal dumping at 43rd and Rosslyn continues By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
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NW Mall Retraction Earlier this week, it came to our attention that an accidental omission has caused some residents to question whether the entire Northwest Mall will be closing on March 31 (as stated in last week’s print edition). However, while all interior stores are indeed scheduled for closure, places such as Palais Royal, the bar, Thompson’s Antique Center the healthcare school and others with exterior doors will remain open. At The Leader, we always strive to bring our readers the most pertinent, accurate news possible. We apologize for any confusion or business headaches caused by the omission.
The INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries.............................................. 7A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 7B
Illegal dumping on the corner of 43rd and Rosslyn has once again focused resident attention on this area where so many say there is much potential for improvement. For several weeks, dumpers have been unloading their unwanted items, and trash, outside of 1804 West 43rd and 1806 West 43rd. The building owner for both properties is Fouad Mekdessi who leases to both MANNA and Family Dollar. Mekdessi told The Leader that he is working on permitting for a tenant for the vacant space next to Family Dollar and that the tenant would clean up the trash. Evangelina Vigil with the city’s Department of Neighborhoods said that the department conducted an inspection of the illegal dumping site on Tuesday, March 14 and then spoke to the property owner, notifying him of code violations on the property and giving him clear instructions that he had 24 hours to remove the debris. If that deadline is not met, the de-
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Neglect and illegal dumping has caused the area around 43rd Street and Rosslyn to deteriorate, according to some residents.
partment will start issuing citations. “The property owner is responsible for cleaning up illegal dumping on their property,” said Vigil, who notes that it’s the duty of the Department of Neighborhoods to investigate cases of illegal dumping on private property. If property owners do not remove dumped items, the city’s Solid Waste de-
Heights Waterworks site conversion now under way By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
partment will remove it. Two years ago, there was another spate of illegal dumping in front of MANNA which operates an assistance program, food pantry, vision station, clothing vouchers and resale store for residents in The Leader area. Patricia Dornak with MANNA said they have installed cameras on MANNA’s side of the building to curb such activity. Multiple people report on the Oak Forest Homeowner’s association page that they’ve called 311 with regard to the new trash. “Family Dollar and MANNA have been the target of illegal dumping for years,” wrote one resident. “MANNA put up cameras and posted signs and that has helped keep their store front cleaner. Cameras and signs in English and Spanish need to be posted on [the other] corner of the building as well. Also folks need to be vigilant in watching for the folks who are dumping here. It truly degrades the entire community when
Driving down 19th or 20th Streets earlier this week, residents may have noticed the sudden emergence of cranes, city trucks and loud bangs—all a sign that a much-discussed project appears to have been set in motion. Work on the old Heights waterworks, a two-acre site stationed between West 19th and West 20th streets at Nicholson (as well as an adjacent 1.8 acre second tract, where the water tank used to sit), looks to be in full swing as the old site finally undergoes a facelift which has been in discussion since the end of 2016. Alliance Residential’s plans for the southwest and southeast corners of West 20th and Nicholson will still include one eight-story, 275-unit apartment complex and one sixstory, 63-unit complex. The first would be 80 percent one bedroom units, and 20 percent two bedroom units, while the second would be 90 percent two bedroom and 10 percent three bedroom units. Alliance’s partner in the deal, Exezidis, has plans for at least two restaurants on the waterworks site. Since the decommissioned water plant is a City of Houston protected landmark, it cannot be demolished, and Exezidis plans to keep the structures much the same, particularly on the outside.
See Dump P. 3A
See Waterworks P. 2A
Barbara Bush Foundation puts reading within reach By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com A couple of months ago, The Leader alerted its community to a local foundation’s plans to combat the lack of library and book access for less-advantaged students with the community’s help — and the community did its part, leading to a joyous reveal last week. On Wednesday, March 8, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation surprised students at Browning Elementary in the Heights for their “My Home Library” distribution day. Each one of Browning’s 558 students received their own little bag of free books. My Home Library is a webbased tool providing a solution to home libraries being out of reach for economically disadvantaged children.
Through the My Home Library platform, children created a wish list of books for their very own home library, and the community sponsored each child’s home library of six books by making a $30 taxdeductible donation. “When their names were called and they came up to get their bag of books, they ripped the bag a little bit, pulled the books out and immediately started reading them,” BBHLF President Julie Baker Finck said with a smile and hearty laugh. “They started looking at what each other had but then immediately started reading, which I would consider a huge success.” While the Foundation embarks on dozens of similar expeditions each year, See Bush P. 3A
Photo by Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group Author Melissa Howard reads to Browning Elementary students at their My Home Library distribution day. Each of Browning’s 558 students received their own bag of books paid for through community sponsorship.
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The public. Saturday, March 18, 2017 • Page 2A
Resident awareness leads to charges in area car burglaries By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Norbert Aguilar noticed an odd sight at the Oaks Dads BBQ cookoff in late January, and on a whim took a mental note before alerting police. Never in years, however, did he imagine how just a little vigilance could help out those who patrol our neighborhoods. At the Oaks Dads Club meeting last week, Aguilar mentioned that an arrest (and the identification of another suspect) has been made in the case of multiple vehicle burglary cases which occurred at the club’s annual fundraiser Jan. 28. “I was at the fundraiser that night, and I saw a car pull into the backside parking lot of the Oaks Dads Club, and it looked a little suspicious,” he explained. “I walked back there to get a better look. The vehicle had just made a circle in the parking lot and left, and I found it a little strange.” At that point Aguilar had not been able to obtain the li-
cense plate, so on a hunch he stayed back to see if the car would circle around--and sure enough, a few minutes later it did. “At that point, somebody was leaving the restrooms and jumped in the car. Right then I thought something seemed very wrong, and I was in position to take down the license plate,” he said. “As soon as I did, the car left. I took it down and tried to remember the description of the car just in case, because nothing had happened at that point. A couple of hours later people started reporting their cars had been broken into.” As numerous members phoned police, Aguilar supplied a friend the license plate number initially so police could at least add it to their queue. Evidently his friend did indeed pass it along to the police along with her report, but Aguilar thought that was the end of it. On a hunch, however, he emailed an HPD officer a couple of weeks later asking for an update—and his jaw dropped at the response. “He (the officer) said he had
charged one suspect and identified another,” he said. “The one who had been identified had two felony warrants out and had just been laying low. He said it’s just a matter of time before they catch him.” Aguilar has frequented the park for nearly two decades – both as the proud parent of a baseball son and now as a board member — and has always kept an eye out for its patrons. But he never imagined such an innocuous tip could bear such fruit, and said the experience proved that interceding is not the only way to resolve such an event. “If you see something suspicious, go ahead and take the license plate number down,” he said. “You never know what may happen — it’s something as simple as that. In this case, it happened to have helped in the investigations into the car burglaries,” he said. “It goes to show that a little vigilance can go a long way. You don’t have to jump in the middle of it or get involved in any way, it’s just a matter of if you feel something is suspicious, take the next step and get the li-
cense plate number down. Aguilar said the news came at the perfect time — Oaks Dads Club is on the precipice of another season, and the results of this ordeal show how valuable a simple sweep of a parking lot can keep the community from becoming victims to the best of their abilities. “It’s also a message to all our board members to be what we call ‘directors on duty,’” he said. “All you have to do is always be aware of your surroundings, which we hear the local authorities say all the time.” Aguilar also praised the work of the Houston Police Department in going the extra mile to turn this small-time tip into a full-blown investigation. That’s our tax dollars at work,” he said with a laugh. “We may have reported the break-ins and submitted the license plate as a suspicious vehicle, but they went the step further to do a full investigation and it turned out to be fruitful—I think it’s great on their part. It goes to show how fruitful a tip can be.”
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aline Florence Koch Dec. 30, 1921 - Feb. 16, 2017
Aline was born Dec. 30, 1921 in Houston, Texas to Henry A.J. Koch and Laura Bruder Koch. She passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2017 at the age of 95. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1939. She served in the recruiting department of the WACS in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947. She achieved the rank of Sergeant. Koch was employed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, where she retired in 1980, after 35 years of government service. She was secretary to the Chief of the Civil Aeromedical Institute at the Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. She provided secretarial help to the advance party for President Ford’s visit to Oklahoma City. Koch was presented a pin bearing the Presidential Seal 959 memento by the White House staff. In her younger years she enjoyed playing softball, basketball and bowling. She also enjoyed reading the newspaper. Koch was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Selma Koch and Betty Bishop and three brothers Henry Koch Jr., Charles Koch and Otto Koch. She is survived by four nieces and one nephew. Two of her nieces, Debby Hobart and Donna Webb saw that she was lovingly cared for the past 11 years by caregivers at Spring Branch Care Home, Houston and The Veranda House, Katy. Also survived by five great-nieces and three great nephews and three great-great nieces and three great-great nephews, one sister-in-law Mildred Koch, numerous cousins and her loving caregivers. Ms. Koch was laid to rest on Feb. 24, 2017 at the Houston National Cemetary, after many years of Alzheimers.
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Waterworks from P. 1A Concerns regarding infrastructure, sewage, water and traffic dominated a December meeting of residents, and were addressed at another public meeting in January. “I understand the concern,” Cyrus Bahrami told The Leader back in December. Bahrami oversees development, investment and construction operations for Alliance’s Houston office. “We don’t build stereotypical apartments. This is going to integrate with the com-
munity.” The timeline for the project - at last check - had an eye on completion of the two housing units by 2019. Exezidis said he hoped that the restaurants would come sooner. Bahrami was traveling, and thus was unavailable to comment on any potential roadblocks or obstacles as of press time, but stay with The Leader in the coming weeks as more information is revealed.
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Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Workers begin digging on the 19th Street side of the old Heights Waterworks site earlier this week. The timeline for the housing units remains aimed at a 2019 opening as of press time, with the hope that the restuarants will come sooner.
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Bush from P. 1A Finck said the smiles jumping across each child’s face as they eagerly rip into their goodie bags never ceases to put her in awe. “It’s just so moving to be able to see the children so excited, to be book owners and to talk about the books they had chosen. They were so excited to read,” she said. “Some of them spread out on the floor and were on the stomachs, some had the books open in their laps or held up in their faces. It was just such a special day to be able to enjoy with the students.” Additionally, Houston author Melissa Howard stopped by to read to the children, a move Finck said was not without purpose. From sharing how she came up with characters to explaining how the things in her life shaped her book’s setting, Howard attempted to light a creative fire in Browning Elementary students. “Good readers make better writers, so I think that was one of the things she conveyed, was that inside every child, they do have that creativity. She (Howard) really wanted to ignite that inspiration through them by sharing her book and why it was written as it was,” Finck said. “Everyone has things happening in their life, and she talked about how you can choose a main character and about the setting and the dynamics around writing a book. She tried to instill that in the children, and got them so excited.” Many of the children, Finck said, also had chosen one of Howard’s books as
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Photo by Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group Students at Browning Elementary eagerly examine the books they received at the My Home Library distribution day last week. BBHLF director Julie Baker Finck said the smiles never get old.
part of their wish list, so to see her and listen to her stories was an added bonus to the experience. “She had a long line of children wanting her to autograph her books. It was just a very special event, for them to
not only read a book but to know how the process of writing happens and get that inspiration,” she said. “To meet an author and have her sign some of their books was just kind of the cherry on top for the children that day.”
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Dump from P. 1A this occurs.” “Dirtbags who dump there should be fined, not MANNA who is a wonderful charitable organization that really supports this community,” wrote another. Others noted that the vacant spaces at the corner are part of the problem. “That whole property needs to be scraped and rebuilt,” wrote one. “It’s a total eye sore for that side of Oak Forest and Candlelight.” “Such a great spot for a new commercial building for small businesses,” said another poster. “Property values would increase if it wasn’t such a disaster, especially with the front street building being vacant for the last 8+ years.” In addition to Mekdessi’s property, there is another vacant property, 4301 Rosslyn Road, which is owned according to HCAD by Susana Z. Zarazua. Since 2004 there have been four real estate agents who have posted sig-
nage at the property. A number of people have told The Leader off the record that they have expressed interest in either leasing or buying the building but that they found the owner’s price for doing either a deal breaker. One potential bright spot is the apartment complex at 4300 Rosslyn across the street. In December 2015, Light Hill Partners who manage multiple apartments in The Leader area, including nearby The Grove at 43rd, bought the complex. Scott Leichtenberg said that the plan is to completely renovate the complex and that it will be “nice, if not nicer” than The Grove. Work at the apartments now seems to have stalled and Leichtenberg did not respond to The Leader’s recent request for comment. Evangelina Vigil said that once readers see a violation at a private property, the first step is to contact 311 quickly and be sure to let 311 know
if the property owner is a repeat offender. Once the problem is reported to 311, also call your City Council Member’s office to let staff know of the repeat offender. Vigil cautions against attempting to speak to the property owner. “Let the Department of Neighborhoods handle the matter,” she said. “The Department of Neighborhoods will conduct an inspection and notify the property owner of any violations. The property owner will be given 15 days to correct the violation(s). If the violation(s) have not been corrected by the deadline, a citation will be issued to the property owner. If the property owner is a repeat offender, steeper fines may apply.” Vigil says that educating property owners at the time of the initial inspection is key to making sure the property owner complies with the City of Houston Code of Ordinances.
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The Topics. Saturday, March 18, 2017 • Page 4A
It’s our job to chase squirrels and criminals
M
ost every week, we publish a sampling of letters and notes we receive at The Leader. That’s the spot for our readers to say what’s on their mind, and if we could get 100 letters a week, we’d try to run them all. And most times, I don’t say much about those letters because I get this whole block of space to spew nonsense every week. Every once in a while, though, I think it’s important to answer some of the letters – whether they’re directed at me or not. I only do this a couple of times a year, and this seems like an appropriate week. Last week, I dribbled a bunch of words together in an attempt to explain why those of us with voter ID cards are being asked to interrupt our first Saturday in May to vote – again – on a proposition that allows the Houston ISD to send $77 million to the state of Texas. The technical term for this nonsense is “recapture,” and it means Houston collects more property tax than we need for our students, so the state is going to recapture that money and deliver it to other students around the state. (Feel free to go back and read my column from last week or last October if you’re in the dark.) One of the nuggets I shared was that HISD would have to pay $800,000 to put on this election, and my conclusion was that HISD went from having to send $165 million to
Jonathan McElvy Publisher
This is the HPD’s crime map for the first two weeks of February on 19th Street.
$77 million, so it’s probably worth the cost of the election. And then, with the click of the send/receive button, I was made to feel like a complete sucker. An astute reader named Kerry Rock sent me a very simple letter: “I am sure that there is some law that prevents this, but why not reduce the tax rate so we have no excess to share?” As someone who despises every April 15, I should be ashamed for not asking that exact question. Better late than never, so I asked Leah Olive-Nishioka, the spokeswoman for Tax Assessor Ann Harris Bennett, if it was against the law to reduce property taxes. “We have very little to do with Tax Law and no input on the rates and appraisal values,” Nishioka said. Not much help there. Apparently, I needed to ask someone in Austin, so I called State Sen. Paul Bettencourt’s office. Bettencourt is pushing a property tax reform bill through the Senate as we speak, and he’s furious that Texans’ property
This the HPD crime map for Feb. 28-March 14 on 19th Street. Telling stories about crime is done to bring police awareness to the problem.
taxes have increased by almost 34 percent in the last five years. His spokeswoman, Lauri Saathoff, said Bettencourt would call back later this week. We’re not done chasing this squirrel, Kerry. It makes absolute sense that the rate of our property tax increases are out of control, which now explains why HISD has too much money. Stay tuned. Reporting on Crime I received three emails from frustrated readers about a story we published in the Feb. 25 edition of The Leader about what we considered a disturbing crime trend on 19th Street in the Heights. If you didn’t see the story, it sounds like most of the business owners on 19th Street would rather you not read it anyway.
Texas, the rankest state Texas, our Texas, all hail the not-so-mighty state that, compared to the other 49 dwarfs, is strictly mediocre to awful. We rank 30th in health care, near the bottom in opportunity. Who says so? US News & World Reports or USNWR, that’s who. It’s the magazine which annually rates universities. The winners say they deserve it. Those schools down the list say the rankings are meaningless. So let’s say these new state rankings – the first such comparisons by the magazine -- are meaningless. How did USNWR come to these silly conclusions? It evaluated all 50 states across a range of criteria, from education to infrastructure and economy, then drew on thousands of data points to capture how states best serve their citizens. So this is not a survey of us, the citizens, but of how our state government serves us. And to think, our Legislature is currently all knotted up over transgenders in school bathrooms. Which state ranks which No. 1 overall in the Best States rankings and who is No. 50? Well, Texans used to say, “Thank God for Mississippi,” because, otherwise, we would occupy the basement in any favorable comparisons. Now it’s Louisiana, which is 45 or 46 in almost all categories. But let’s get to us. Texas is 41 in education. I lay the blame on several factors: We don’t spend enough on our schools, students and teachers. Indeed, the Legislature even now is figuring out how to reduce our education budget. Meanwhile, we spend tens of millions of dollars on football stadiums. Texas is attempting to educate up to 86,000 Dreamers from south of the border, most of whom don’t speak English. They will drag down any SAT scores. The State Board of Education is a miserable example of inmates running the asylum. No, global warming is not a hoax. Houston was not originally named Hughes Town in honor of native son Howard. And let’s stop debating whether Jesus was a Christian. Next comes health care. We get a 30. Why so low? Because our state officials knowingly and willingly turn their collective backs on Medicare programs, thus sending billions of our tax dollars to other states to treat their citizens. Does this make sense? No wonder Texas has the highest number of unvaccinated children in America and is last in children with health insurance, and no wonder Houston has the largest medical center on Earth. We have the most sick people. Crime and corrections. Texas has long had a lock ‘em up philosophy on crime, which accounts for the 172,000 Texans we hold behind bars, by far the most of any state. And in most years we lead the nation in executions. So in the crime and corrections category we rank 31 among the states. Not much more to say about
Lynn Ashby Columnist
this comparison. Moving on, we come to infrastructure. A miserable Number 40. To be sure, we have more roads, more railroad miles and quite probably more potholes and rickety bridges than any other state. But the state also has more newcomers than the other 49, who use a growing amount of our infrastructure. We can’t keep up, and we obviously don’t plan to. Opportunity: New Mexico calls itself “the land of opportunity,” but ranks 46 in this study. New Hampshire is first. Thank God for Mississippi, which is last. Texas is a lowly 45 in opportunity. That surprises me because hordes of people come here from both south and north seeking jobs, better pay and far better Tex-Mex than their homelands offer. This also surprising because of our next category: Economy. We are up there in the No. 6 slot. (Colorado is first.) Former governor and current Energy Secretary Rick Perry ran for President twice on his “Texas miracle” platform, touting our booming economy and, piggybacking it on our great opportunities. It would seem that these last two categories, opportunities and the economy, would be about the same. Now we get down to the nitty-gritty: the category that is responsible for most of the other rankings: state government. According this first-ever survey by USNWR, the state with the best government is – roll of drums – Indiana! Huh? Yes, they have the Indianapolis 500 (I think they’re all guilty) and former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is now the vice-president, president of the Senate and world-wide Explainer & Apologizer in Chief. But Indiana? Last, with the worst government, is New Jersey. Texas comes in at No. 11. Really, considering how low we are in everything from health care to cons to infrastructure, we should be lower. Which is the best all-around state? The envelope, please. The winner is “La La Land.” No, actually it’s Massachusetts. The Bay State finished first in education (Yeah, but can Harvard play decent football?), second in health care and never placed lower than 16 in any category. Texas, our beloved Texas, all hail the 38th best state. We know we’re No. 1, but when we rank lower than Georgia, South Dakota and Idaho, it’s time to re-evaluate our state’s government. We could be defensive and note that U.S. News was the lowestranking news magazine in the U.S., after Time and Newsweek before it went defunct. Now it
is only on-line and publishes special issues like its rankings. But being defensive would overlook the fact that Texas is poorly governed. As you read these very words, our legislators are meeting in Austin deciding who to tax, how much, and where to spend it. They are empowered to support good and forward-looking projects. But led by the Official State Demagogue, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, our lawmakers are debating school bathrooms. Good ol’ Patrick. Hours after 49 people were massacred and 53 wounded in a gay bar in Orlando, Patrick tweeted a Bible verse: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” And he asked parents if they wanted their 10th grader showering with students of the opposite sex. We’re lucky we rank at all. Ashby ranks at ashby2@ comcast.net
Here’s what happened: Each month or so, we look through public records that show us the crimes committed in this area. Actually, we see this data every day. But monthly, we try to spot any trends in order to warn readers about potential problems and also call the Houston Police Department’s attention to those crimes. The week of Feb. 20, we noticed something strange. There had been 13 reported crimes along 19th Street in the first two weeks of February. That didn’t sound good, because if that trend continued, we’d never have a soul shopping on what amounts to our local Main Street. As journalists, one of the things we can still do – like it or not – is to bring attention to a problem in our community. The reason we do that is not to sell more papers. We are a
free newspaper after all, so we don’t partake in splashy news to drive our revenue. No, we actually care about this community and its safety, and unlike Joe Citizen on the street, we have a relationship with both HPD and Constable Alan Rosen’s office. We called both of them and asked about the problem and were told two things: First, these crimes tend to move in waves. Second, they would up their patrol. A few folks along 19th Street have let me know they weren’t happy about our story because it might scare people from shopping locally. I understand the sentiment, but that’s a fairly narrow perspective. For starters, I completely believe in The Leader’s ability to drive public conversation. I’m proud that our staff has made this newspaper relevant to the lives of our community. But our weight only goes so far, and even I understand that we aren’t so important that we can shut down the most popular street in the Heights. Second, I went back to the same public database to look at how many crimes have been reported on 19th Street in the past two weeks. We can’t take all the credit, because crime moves in waves. But having HPD and Precinct One know about the problem may be the reason there have been zero crimes reported on that stretch of 19th Street since Feb. 28. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com
The reader.
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
HISD tax recapture
Dear Editor: I am sure that there is some law that prevents this, but why not reduce the tax rate so we have no excess to share? The tax payers would certainly support this and it would reduce election costs and continued future hassles about this subject. Kerry Rock
Healthcare Legislation uproar
Dear Editor: Isn’t all this uproar over healthcare legislation the biggest, noisiest mess you’ve ever seen? One bunch writes a bill and shows it to everybody, another bunch attacks it and demands something else, others scrutinize the details and suggest amendments, then additional information is released and it all starts over again, one giant melee until, well, we must suppose, a final product will in time get hammered out. What a refreshing change from having some bilious Chicago-thug president and his rancid Party henchmen conspire in secret then ram a debilitating dictate right down our throats! J. Reynolds
Residents begin bidding farewell to Northwest Mall
Dear Editor: Northwest Mall was “THE” place to go! As others have stated, you could go there as a teen and shop and shop and shop – and parents didn’t have to worry. I remember the Fountain in the center being so beautifully decorated at Christmas – hearing
many local area church groups gathering to sing Christmas carols. There were a couple of shoe stores – Bakers and Thom McAn. Of course the two BIG stores – Foleys and Pennys. Never did like it when Macy’s took over – just wasn’t the same. Foley’s offered my Girl Scout troop a class on modeling, etc – and we had a “Fashion Show” there. All the little speciality shops were also great. The era of that kind of place is long gone; but the memories live on! Kim Hagedorn Dear Editor: I used to work at Woolsworth’s in the Northwest Mall 45 years ago. Helped stock the store before it opened. Then as a waitress at their little restaurant/lunch counter and worked my way up to manager of the restaurant. Really enjoyed working there - so sad to hear most of it is closing. Progress I guess. Sybil Dear Editor: I lived in NW Houston when this mall was built, and I grew up as one of those happy kids getting to run a muk here. I adored Spencer’s Gifts, my room was full of things from there. I loved how the mall’s management would always have a wonderful seasonal décor at the center water fountain. It was always beautiful … and of course the Christmas Santa train village was great for kids. I started bringing my children to Northwest Mall to see Santa even though I lived far north at that time - we still came to Northwest Mall. Chefmichela
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss
1. __ blache: Freedom 6. Plan 12. A jolt 15. ÒDoonesburyÓ character 16. Inspiring with love 17. Blood type 19. Anno Domini 20. Janet Reno held this post 21. Arab Republic of Egypt 22. Midway between south and east 23. Sodium 24. Twitches 26. Not loud 28. Hindmost 30. Be quiet! 31. This gives you money 32. Check 34. Short-term memory 35. Askew 37. Platforms 39. Towards the mouth 40. Copied 41. Emerges 43. Menial laborer 44. Chinese sword 45. Energy unit 47. Unhappy 48. The Golden State (abbr.)
50. External 52. Strayed 54. Liquid body substances 56. Plutonium 57. Truckers use this 59. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 60. Beloved British princess Lady __ 61. The Bay State (abbr.) 62. Thallium 63. Rebuilt 66. Element 67. The law of retaliation 70. Cuts 71. Mexican monetary units
dOwn
1. Mothlike insect 2. Equally 3. Flightless birds 4. Grilling tool 5. When you plan to arrive 6. Thoroughfare 7. Philosophical life force 8. Birds 9. Anxious 10. ManÕs title 11. Issued
13. Prayer leader 14. Edible red algae 15. Hitters need this 18. Froths on fermenting liquors 25. A two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle 26. Amount (abbr.) 27. Small amount 29. Fundamental quality 31. Cubage unit 33. Bleated 36. No longer is 38. Initial public offering 39. Hard to interpret 41. Highly skilled 42. The woman 43. A bachelor has one 46. Trial prints 47. Passover feast 49. Military forces 51. Plant part 53. Remake 54. Flanks 55. Swiss river 58. Ottoman governors 60. Vale 64. Encountered 65. One track circuit 68. Opposite of yes 69. Hello (slang)
WORD SCRAMBLE
Saturday, March 18, 2017 • Page 5A
The calendar. STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and live entertainment, March 17 (third Friday of each month). Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $15 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook.com/AmLegionPost560/, www.txlegion560.org.
teen/maternity clothing, shoes, accessories, cribs, changing tables, swings, Port-a-cribs, strollers, toys, bassinets, high chairs, movies, exersaucers/walkers, books, maternity/nursing items, crib/twin bedding, games, and office/household furniture. The sale will be March 23-25, and is located at 5280 W. 34th St. Information: centralhouston. jbfsale.com.
BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Meet local author Rosalie King, who will read and sign copies of her new book, Deadly Transformation, mystery/suspense, at The Book Scene, 1820 W. 43rd St., from 1-3 p.m. March 18. There will be fun, food and freebies. Information: 713-869-6117, www. thebookscene.xyz/events.
TOWN HALL TALKS Belmont Village Hunters Creek Belmont Village Hunters Creek, 7667 Woodway Dr., will feature guest speaker Jeff Friedman, CEO of Distinctive Life, from 10-11 a.m. March 25. Friedman will discuss making plans for end-oflife care and funeral planning. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Call 713-781-1505 to make a reservation.
COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host the Moonglow Orchestra, Big Band music, from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. March 18. The cost is $15 per person. There is an evening attire dress code. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all Saturday night dances, starting at 7:30 p.m. and during intermission. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org. SPRING SALES EVENT Just Between Friends Find all you need for your growing family at Just Between Friends Spring 2017 Sales Event. Items for sale include: Children/
NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY Theatre Suburbia “Sherlock Holmes: John Watson’s Body,� will be showing through March 25, at Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West Dr. The performances will be at 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 3 p.m. March 12 and 19. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 students and seniors, and $13 for Sunday matinees. Reservations are encouraged. Call or visit website for tickets and reservations. Information: 713-682-3525, www. theatresuburbia.org. CIGNA SUNDAY STREETS Garden Oaks/Oak Forest Come celebrate the first Cigna Sunday Streets of the year and walk, run, bike or play in the
CIRCLE OF LIFE GALA Memorial Hermann Foundation Memorial Hermann Foundation will host the annual Circle of Life Gala, “Celebration,� from 7-9:30 p.m. April 29. The event will honor Memorial Hermann partner, H-E-B, and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Proceeds will benefit the hospital’s specialty programs and services. The gala will be held at the Hilton Americas - Houston, 1600 Lamar St. For sponsorship and ticket information, call 713-242-4450 or email cathleen.fishel@memorialhermann.org. Information: www. circleoflifegala.org.
streets with your neighbors at 43rd Street between Rosslyn Road and Ella Boulevard. The event will be from noon-4 p.m. March 26. Information: facebook. com/events/1343373959065425/ , gohealthyhouston.org. COMMUNITY YARD SALE Katherine Smith Elementary School Katherine Smith Elementary School, 4802 Chrystell Ln., will hold a community yard sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. April 8. Information: myoakforest.org. TOUR THE ART COMPOUND Heights Garden Club Come view the property of prominent artist Dixie Friend Gay, owner of the garden, house and art studios located on an acre of land off a tributary of White Oak Bayou in the Clark Pines neighborhood. The garden is a collection of native and tropical plants intermixed with beautifully placed art and found objects. Features of the garden include a beautiful mixed-media gate by the artist, artfully designed meandering plant beds and a goldfish pond. The event will be at 10 a.m. April 8, at 1901 W. 14th St. Information: www. heightsgardenclub.com.
60TH REUNION Reagan High School class of 1957 The John H. Reagan Class of 1957 will have their 60th reunion May 6-7, at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N. Loop W. Fwy. If you have not received an information packet, please contact Kay Potter Cella at kaycella125@gmail.com or 281658-5111.
Ongoing ADULT COLORING Fairbanks Library Adult coloring is held every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m., in the meeting room at Fairbanks Library, 7122 Gessner Rd. There are new coloring books and pages to pick through and colored pencils or bring your own. No need to register, just show up. Information: 713-466-4438.
URBAN BALLET CONCERT Houston City Dance Houston City Dance, 1307 Clay St., will present their Urban Ballet Concert at 8 p.m. April 13 and 14, and 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 15. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for students. Information: houstoncitydance.com, 713-5296100.
‘The Hands of Lent’ at Advent Lutheran The inspirational Lenten Season series, “The Hands of Lent,� continues with Wednesday worship services are held at noon and 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. A light supper will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. by one of the church organizations. Regular Sunday Worship times are 8 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.(traditional) and 10:25 a.m.(contemporary). Educational hour for all ages is from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Advent Lutheran Church is located at 5820 Pinemont Dr. For information, call 713-6868201 or visit adventhouston. org and the Church’s Facebook page.
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ACTS Fish Fry at St. Ambrose Come by for great fish and fellowship March 25, sponsored by the ACTS. Plates include fish, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, bread and tea. Dinner will be served from Men’s Club. The cost is $10. Tickets can be purchased in the church office. Penance service will be at 7 p.m. April 4. The Stations of the Cross is 7 p.m. every Friday through Lent. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is located at 4213 Mangum Road. Call 713-6863497 or visit stambrosehouston.org for information.
Blood drive at St. Stephen’s Donate blood and help save a life. St. Stephen’s will host a blood drive benefiting the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center March 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please come well-hydrated and with a full stomach. Adults age 50+ are welcome to attend a Fun4Seniors luncheon, sponsored by Harris County Precinct 4, March 27, at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The cost is $10 per person and includes live musical entertainment. RSVP to Precinct 4 at 281-893-3726. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.
11th St., and is a multi-cultural Christian congregation. For information, visit www.houstonvineyard.org.
‘Alpha’ series at The Vineyard For those interested in exploring the meaning of life, The Vineyard Church of Houston is hosting a series of 12 sessions titled “Alpha.� Alpha is a chance to find out more about the basics of Christian faith in a fun, relaxed setting. Food is provided, and there is no charge, no pressure and no follow-up. The series runs weekly from 7-9 p.m. through April 4. Three class times are available at two locations including the Heights and Medical Center areas. To register, visit www.houstonvineyard. org/alpha. The Vineyard Church of Houston is located at 1035 E.
(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)
Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at the YMCA The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship. Guests and new members are welcome to attend this nondenominational Bible study. Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.
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Lenten activities at All Saints The All Saints Knights of Columbus council is hosting four Lenten Fish Fries at the Parish Hall. Dinners are served March 17, and March 31, from 5-8:30 p.m.; and 3-8 p.m. Good Friday (April 14). Plates include great fish, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, green beans, sauces and tea/lemonade. Adult plates are $10 and children under 10 are $5. Cookies will also be available to purchase for dessert. Come and enjoy the food, fellowship, and help raise funds for the KC’s charitable activities. The Stations of the Cross will be every Friday at 6:45 p.m. in English and 7:15 p.m. in Spanish. All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-304-1626 for information.
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From the Pews. Wednesday Lenten meals and lessons at St. Matthew’s The Wednesday evening Lenten meals and lessons continue each week, leading up to Easter. The community is invited to come and participate in a “lite� meal, followed by a Lenten lesson and a testimony from anyone wishing to share his/her experience in their walk with the Lord. The meal is free and starts promptly at 6 p.m. Come, see, hear and enjoy this time of faith and fellowship. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. Call 713-6970671 or visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist. org for information.
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he first of the spiritual works of mercy is to warn or admonish sinners. However, this is an extremely difficult thing to do in a way that is both caring and non-judgemental. Therefore, we should deliberate seriously about how or even whether to carry out this act of mercy and we should remember always that it is intended to be just that, an act of mercy. We should not be scolding or standing in judgement, but rather gently warning a fellow human being of their peril. One should enter upon this course of action with great humility, recognizing that we may have possibly misjudged the person’s actions or their motives. But, if we are convinced that someone is sinning and thereby imperiling their soul, we should speak gently to them, in private if at all possible, using whatever tact and discretion we can muster. If the person refuses to listen, we should then consider calling on the help of someone who this person might trust and listen to. Finally, we should not expect to be thanked or appreciated for this act of mercy. The recipient of our warning is likely to think we are being judgmental, intolerant, and “holier than thou.� So, we should make sure that we are none of these things, and reflect on how we might effectively warn the sinner. My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. R.S.V. James 5:19-20
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Page 6A • Saturday, March 18, 2017
Apartment-friendly pets The Obituaries.
Dear Tabby, I just moved into my first apartment! I’m so excited to have my own space. I’ve had a lifelong dream of owning a pet of my own and now that I have my own place, I’d like to look into adopting a dog or a cat. How do I choose the perfect pet for apartment living? Excited about a pet in The Heights Dear Excited About A Pet, Congratulations on your new place! It’s so exciting to spread your wings and find a space to call your own. It’s also very exciting to consider sharing that new space with a pet, but there are things to take into consideration before you bring a pet into your new abode. Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains that, when choosing a dog, “Prospective owners should consider the size and general activity of the dog,� Eckman said. “It is difficult to house working breeds in small apartments since they need a lot of exercise and space; however, an older working dog may not require that level of activity. Additionally, dog owners should
ensure their pets are getting proper exercise or they can become destructive.� Eckman added that dog owners should consider their lifestyle and if they will have the time and ability to walk their pet outdoors several times a day. Some apartment complexes have several flights of stairs, so consider your dog’s age and ability to climb stairs. If you have an older pet, they may require assistance or have difficulty getting up and down the stairs. Other dogs may live in the same complex, so consider training and socializing your dog to interact well with other dogs. Because there is potential for your dog to come into contact with other dogs, Eckman said to ensure your dog is up to date on immunizations to protect them from infectious diseases. Furthermore, if your dog
is too vocal, this could upset neighbors, causing tension between you and your landlord. “Happy and content dogs may be best for apartment living, but these traits are personality dependent,� Eckman said. “Some dogs are quiet and happy, but others may get anxious from the noises from apartments above, below, or beside them.� If you aren’t fully set on getting a dog, consider a cat. Cats may be lower maintenance than dogs because they generally require less exercise and use a litter box indoors, which may make it easier on pet owners with busy lifestyles. “Cats may not need the outside activity that dogs require and they take up less space in general,� Eckman said. “You can also add vertical height spaces for cats to climb on to help provide them with entertainment and exercise. Gener-
ally, cat owners don’t have to worry about upsetting neighbors because cats are quieter than dogs.� Whether you are considering getting a cat or a dog to live with you in an apartment, Eckman said, “Do your research. If you are adopting from a shelter, the shelter will often be able to tell you how active the pet is and about the animal’s personality.� Additionally, make sure you are not allergic to the pet you want to adopt, and above all, remember owning a pet is a big responsibility. “Don’t forget that your lifestyle may change,� Eckman said. “You will need to be flexible in your schedule when you adopt a new a pet, regardless of where you are living.� Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at: dear tabbyquestions@gmail.com
Bonnie Sue Pawlawski Baranowski, 53, born July 16, 1963, died March 10. She is survived by her husband, William Baranowski, and sisters Rose and Dorothy Impelmance. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Heights Funeral Home, with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held the following morning at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Ralph Walter Clay, 73, born Feb. 28, 1944, died March 9. He courageously battled complications from a stroke for over a year after a heart procedure in 2015. Clay attended the University of Houston Central Campus. He also served in the United States Army Reserves. He was employed at Hahn and Clay from a teenager until he left the company as president in 1994. He continued working as a Residential Property Manager until 2016. Clay Clay is survived by his adoring and devoted wife of 49 years, Flo; sons Christopher and Gregory; daughter Ginger DeVor; brothers Richard, Michael, David, Donald, and Tom; sisters MaryLouise, Rosanne, and Diane. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church by visiting www. stambrosehouston.org. Mary Maxine Collins, 88, born Nov. 25, 1928 in Poteau, Okla., died March 6. She is survived by her sister, Wanda McCoy. Sharon K. Messa, 66, born Oct. 19, 1950, died
March 13.
Myrtle Louise Morton, 81, born Sept. 23, 1935, died March 6. She was a native Houstonian who grew up in The Heights, graduated from Reagan High School, and was an active member of West End Baptist Church and Young Women’s Christian Association. Morton is survived by her daughter Wendy Morton Brasher, sister Nela Harvey, and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen-Houston, 602 Sawyer, Ste. 201, Houston 77007.
Pet of the Week Meet Buddy. This one year old sweetheart’s owner recently had to move to an assisted living facility, leaving a lost and lonely Buddy behind. Even though Buddy is young, he’s the perfect mix of laid-back, affectionate and playful. Buddy is declawed, so he needs an indoor-only home. Buddy is the perfect companion pet--all he’s missing is a companion...could that be you? If so, contact Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue at: www.saveacatrescue.org or visit the shelter located at: 2618 Newman Street 77098.
Mary Lee Thompson Walker, 91, born May 6, 1925 in Rockdale, Texas, died March 8. She was employed at the American Can Company and Koenig Iron Works. Her creativity and knowledge of flowers led her to become the Flower Committee Chairperson at Lazybrook Baptist Church from 1960-1990. Walker volunteered for 7 ½ years at Memorial Greater Heights Hospital. In 2001, she met Jack Raymond Walker and after a year they married on March 2, 2002. They had 10 years together before Jack passed in 2012. She is survived by her son Lance, her step-children Carol, Debbie and Martin, 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
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27
$
75
(713) 680-0825
Furniture rentals
10% DiScount off Any Lift Chair Rental With coupon. Not including taxes and delivery fees
HOURS Thurs & Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat-Wed: 11am - 9:30pm
get a regular hamburger
Free
HambURgeR gRill
Take Out available
5?MN L>
! )#1
Available for Any Occasion or Holiday
Landa CafĂŠ senior speCial $10 OFF Purchase of $25 or more for Seniors (55 years & up).
White Oak
10
'!# !0# +
authentic mexican restaurant
With this coupon only. Not valid with any other offers.
Great Breakfast Menu Too!
Taylor
Southwell’s
W
With this coupon. One coupon per customer. This location only. Expires 11-14-14 3-27-17 Expires
6550 Longpoint Rd. Ste. 204
FOr
• Oil Change • Suspension Check • Brake Check • Steering Control Check • Tire Check • Lights Check • Battery Health Check • Belts & Hoses Check • Check Fluid Levels & Refill • Plus Road Test
With purchase of another Sundae of equal or greater value.
(713)790-0955
a hamburger, Fries and a medium drink
4610 N. Shepherd
with this coupon • expires 3-31-17
%#2 @IL 13," # IHFS
PoWER-Lift REcLinERS
Purchase
AdolfHoepfl.com 713.960.4538
*For faster service, please call for a reservation. Taxes not included. Most cars/light trucks. Oil change includes up to 5 quarts of motor oil and new oil filter. Full synthetic oil extra. Cannot combine with any other offer. Limited time only. Imports or special filters may be extra. Some restrictions may apply. 5 Year Winner
(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)
• Power Assist with standing • Lay Flat-Infinite position available • Weekly, monthly & long-term rentals available • Rentals start at $110 a month, plus delivery fees & sales tax
713-869-8883
www.GoldenCafeChinese.com
$ 95 OFF secOnd entree • Not available on Senior Citizens or Kids Menu • One coupon per table / one coupon per family ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY! No copies accepted • Must be presented before ordering • Expires 3-25-17.
Delivery Order
Min. $15 Order within 5 miles Tipping is appreciated Delivery $30 or more Free 6 pcs cheese puffs or egg roll for 2
302 W. Crosstimbers 281-888-4876
1909 Taylor Street Suite #A ď‚Ź 713-862-6611 Next to PetSmart
Monday - Saturday 7am - 9pm • Sunday 7am - 3pm
3 Cheese Burger
$
w/ fries plate
of equal or lesser value up to $10.
Authentic Mej icano Cuisine
Free Dinner
Buy 1 Dinner and 2 Drinks, Get 1 Dinner Free (up to $10.00) One coupon per table
Dine In Only After 3:00 pm • Expires 3-25-17  Daily luNch SPEcialS  Bar FacilitiES  takE-Out OrDErS availaBlE
Mexican Restaurant
2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th ď‚Ź 713-868-5232
OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm
FREE DONUTS 2 KOLACHES FREE DOzEN FREE DONUT HOLES Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts FREE with purchase of one dozen donuts or more.
With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.
Buy a dozen donuts and get 1 dozen donut holes FREE!
Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.
3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.
(713) 682-4343
Saturday, March 18, 2017 • Page 7A
Annual spring sale flush with unique plants from all over, and it’s exciting,” Norden said. “We even have local residents that come first thing in the morning, go home to plant what they’ve got and then come back around noon for more. It’s a great sale.” “It is a lot of work (we have
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Everyone knows the tale of bluebonnets in the spring in the Lone Star State, and they are certainly the most common thing associated with Texas this time of year. However, one organization knows there are more unique plants than meet the eye, and will have many of them on display this coming April. On Saturday, April 1, hundreds will bust down the doors at the Near Northwest Management District (7603 Antoine Dr.) for the organization’s seventh annual Spring Plant Sale. “We started it as a way to get the community to start cleaning up their property,” Near Northwest Management District President Wayne Norden said. “We had a tremendous response from the community coming to buy the plants and spruce up their yards, so we just continued it. We’re also using it to raise money for the garden projects around this property.” Kicking off the day at 9 a.m. will be a lecture and slideshow by Heidi Sheesly, executive director of Treesearch Farms and an area expert on those
By Landan Kuhlmann Next Friday, March 24 from 4:30-8:30 p.m., family-owned Adams Insurance Service will commemorate its 70th year in the Heights community with a rooftop party and open house on the 5th floor of the Heights Medical Tower. Personal Lines manager Tracy Dacus believes the key to Adams’ ability to not only survive, but thrive, in a day and age where many corporate conglomerates threaten to envelop smaller, independent or family-owned businesses is their ability to adapt with the times and build a personal relationship with their customers. “When my grandfather started the business, he was focused on personal lines (such as auto insurance and things), and then my father came on board and began pursuing more commercial accounts,” she said. “It really boils down to the fact that it’s a relationship business like
For information on all plants to be offered, visit treesearchfarms.biz/White_Oak_Conference_Center.html. The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until plants are sold out.
Finding Yourself In An Unexpected Life Transition? Photo supplied This Iochroma Purple is just one of the many unique plants that will be on display at the Near Northwest Management District’s annual Spring Plant Sale April 1.
plants that have become naturalized to the Houston area. Following Sheesly’s presentation, the gates will open for business from 10 a.m to 2 p.m., or until all plants are sold out. Norden said the NNMD’s annual Spring Plant Sale gives attendees the chance to experience plants not found anywhere else — such as the Mexican Butterfly Vine, Pride of Barbados, Hardy Gloxinia, St. Elmo’s Fire Russelia, Royal Purple Iochroma and YellowEyed Grass along with flow-
many are, and I think that’s been key. A lot of those personal line customers we have, we have because of their business — it just works both ways like that.” “We care about our customers and we want to help them protect their assets,” she added. Adams Insurance prides itself on the aforementioned relationship, and strives each day to live up to the notion that the name on the door is not just a “brand.” With each proposal, renewal, claim, or quote, their highly-regarded name is at stake within the community. That effort to make the relationship less broker-client and more like a family gathering has led to many lifelong customers who now trust Adams with much of their life. “We’ve had some who have been here for 40 years,” Dacus said. Just because a customer has been with the company for many years, Daucus said that every year when the policy comes up for renewal,
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ering plants, tomatoes and herbs— and those native to the Lone Star State. “They’re unique and wonderful plants to have — that’s why the people keep coming back,” Norden said. Such is the allure of the NNMD’s annual sale that it has drawn comers from all around the Houston are — even as far as Clear Lake. “We had roughly 200 transactions last year—pretty much everybody that comes here buys something. They come
Adams to commemorate 70 years in Heights community landan@theleadernews.com
volunteers who make it all happen), but it’s a lot of fun to put it together and it’s a fun four hours,” he said. “We start at 6 a.m. and don’t leave until after 4 p.m., but during those four hours that we’re selling, it’s so much fun.”
it’s never a given. The awareness that someone out there is always attempting to swipe a customer from under their noses, Dacus said, keeps staff at Adams always pushing their best foot forward and puts that much more importance on the relationships. “We don’t ever assume that they’re going to stay with you forever. They run a business just like we do, and there’s a lot of people out there competing for their business and attempting to give them better rates,” she said. “You’ve always got to work for that, and we do that not only on renewal, but throughout the year. That’s part of our service—it’s not just ‘hey we’re going to sell you this policy,’ but we’re providing a service. We feel like we have a lot of capable people on staff who do that.” Festivities at the 70th anniversary bash will include live music from the Buckaroo Band as well as free food and drinks. To RSVP, call 713-869-8346 or visit adamsinsurance.com.
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Our office, managed by Sandy White, CFP® and Mike Ryan, CFP®, has been serving the local community for 34 years. We know the companies, we know the history, we know the concerns of our friends and colleagues who live here. If you are in transition, need to talk about what to do next, explore your options, or simply learn more about the impact different financial decisions could make on you, call us today for a complimentary consultation. Our process is unique and innovative.
1225 North Loop West, Suite 1030 • Houston, Texas 77008
713.869.1144
http://www.unitedcp.com/tx3
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Investment Advisory services offered through United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC(“United Capital”), a registered investment adviser. Securities and additional advisory services offered through Girard Securities Inc., a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment advisory firm. United Capital and Girard Securities are separate and unrelated companies.
Heights High School building bridges to success By Jennifer Layer jennifer@theleadernews.com
David Martinez, a new engineering teacher at Heights High School (HHS), is making great strides for his students. Within the one year that Martinez has been at HHS he has reached out to different engineering organizations and fostered successful collaborations between their programs and the school. The organization that is currently involved with HHS is Engineering Alliance for the Arts (EAA). According to Martinez, HHS is the only school right now in the state that is working with EAA. Every week through EAA, Martinez’ robotics/automation class is introduced to a local structural engineer from a variety of companies. “These professional engineers volunteer an hour of their time to teach my kids,” said Martinez. “Right now we’re focused on bridge building and bridge competition.” The program lasts for nine weeks and will end on the 19th of this month as students reveal and test out their bridges, in which they are only allowed to used popsicle sticks and hot glue. Martinez said in a
previous class one group of students made a bridge that weighed only 10 ounces and held up 235 pounds of weight. “It’s important as a teacher to help the students explore different realms of engineering and with programs like EAA, we are able to do that,” he said. “It encourages a lot of creativity and thinking outside of the box. They’re not just sitting there being bored but they’re actually creating and building things.” Martinez says programs like EAA also provide an opportunity for engineers to share their stories of success with students and inspire them through the tale of their success. “Most of these students come from very challenging backgrounds and are going to be the first in their families to go to college,” said Martinez. “Their story is a lot like mine, as I was the first in my family to go to college after growing up in a very economically disadvantaged situation. So I share my story with my students because I’ve been an engineer in manufacturing for twenty odd years and know the struggles that can come with this journey.”
Local business is our business. Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com
Spring Plant Sale Join us Saturday April 1, 2017 7th Annual Spring Plant Sale. 9:00 Presentation by Heidi Sheesly Horticulture Expert Treesearch Farms, Inc.
Featured Plants
Mexican Butterfly Vine, Pride of Barbados, Hardy Gloxinia, St. Elmo’s Fire Russelia, Royal Purple Iochroma, Yellow-Eyed Grass and a large variety of flowering plants, tomatoes & herbs
Plant Information
http://treesearchfarms.biz/White_Oak_Conference_Center.html
White Oak Conference Center
7603 Antoine Drive, Houston, Texas 77088 www.nnmd.org
Presented by
Near Northwest Community Improvement Corporation Proceeds benefit White Oak Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden and Serenity Garden
10:00 - 2:00 Plant Sale (Or until sold out)
T: (713) 895-8021 • E: Grownear1@nnmd.org www.nnmd.org
TOUCHDOWN SAVINGS
$8900 14 SEER SYSTEM - AS LOW AS
Per Month*
Includes 10 year manufacturer’s warranty Plus FREE upgrade of your choice (Up to a $500 value):
OVER
Programmable Thermostat OR Media Filtration System
100,000
**Call CallAirTeam AirTeam details. Limited timelimited offer,tolimited tohand. stock on hand. forfor details. Limited time offer, stock on Financing withapproved approved credit. 3/31/17. Financing with credit. OfferOffer ExpiresExpires 11/30/16.
HVAC SYSTEM
Our 16 Point System Tune-up Can Help Lower Utility Bills, Protect Your Warranty and Extend the Life of Your Equipment!
TUNE-UP SPECIAL
89
$
00
*
SAVE THIS Until 3/31/17 SAVE THISCOUPON! COUPON!Valid Valid Until 11/30/16
*Cost per system. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Limit one coupon per customer, Other restrictions may apply.
HEALTHY CLIMATE CARBON CLEAN 16 INSTALLED FOR ONLY
• #1 Rated Whole-Home Filtration System. • The Carbon Clean 16® combines industry-leading MERV 16 filtration with activated, carbon-coated fibers to remove allergy-aggravating particles from your home’s air.
475
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*Cost per system. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Limit one coupon per customer, Other restrictions may apply.
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