The Leader • Saturday, June 23, 2018 • Page 1B
Avenue Houston provides landscaping tips, services as hurricane season progresses For The Leader Entering another hurricane season, Houstonians are undoubtedly feeling some anxiety. After all, if was only ten months ago that Hurricane Harvey devastated the region, impacting more than 100,000 single family homes in Harris County alone. Even those who experienced minimal flooding wonder what they can do to protect their homes as the possibility of another major flood event in Houston looms. Recently, Avenue Houston partnered with Living Paradigm and Trees for Houston to provide additional flood protection for area residents who had experienced minimal flooding after Hurricane Harvey, including around Independence Heights. In an effort to draw potential flood water away from the home, teams of volunteers worked to make several enhancements to the properties’ landscapes, including
Photo courtesy of Avenue Houston The first step toward a “rain garden” to absorb rainwater in a north Houston yard, with volunteer help.
are lightweight and easy to transport – can all be sourced locally. Depending on each homeowner’s budget and the individual needs of the home, these tasks can also be completed all at once or in stages. “Our goal is to apply these water mitigation landscaping practices in our new and future developments so we can help families keep their homes safe from future flood risk,” he said.
• Improving gutters and downspouts * Creating dry swales for the storage and filtration of storm water runoff * Installing native grasses and plants to create rain gardens to absorb rainwater * Planting trees donated by Trees for Houston * Installing a 40-gallon rainwater collection tank Avenue has spent more than 26 years building affordable homes and strengthening communities, so Property Acquisition Specialist Anton Edwards said the company understands the critical impact a home – a warm, dry, safe place to live – has on long-term health and wellness. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we have mobilized our team to provide a wide variety of support services including home repair, education and counseling, and simple, affordable DIY projects to help homeowners on
Photo courtesy of Avenue Houston Volunteers help with roof and gutter maintenance on a north Houston home.
the path to recovery,” he said. “We are also proud to partner with a number of other local organizations - including nonprofits and the faith-based community – to assist with unmet needs that still exist nearly a year after Harvey. “ To date, Avenue has completed 84 home repairs and assisted nearly 200 Houstonians in one-on-one counseling. Avenue’s collaboration with Living Paradigm and Trees for Houston is designed to benefit
the lifespan of the home and create more efficient drainage that pulls water away, reducing the flood risk in the event of a severe weather event. “[We] understand that a home is a person’s most valuable asset and we are committed to doing all we can to help preserve that investment,” Edwards said. Edwards said many of the tasks can also be undertaken by a single homeowner. The materials – many of which
Key to affordability All of the flood mitigation landscaping projects completed by Avenue were designed to be done by homeowners, so there were a few key factors to consider including simplicity, affordability and sustainability. To help minimize costs and optimize sustainability, teams focused on utilizing recycled materials and native plants and grasses that naturally occurring in Houston’s environment. Tips for Homeowners According to Edwards, it’s easy to make small changes to an existing water run-off plan.
Summer home prices shoot up
Garden Oaks/Oak Forest (77018, 77092) In the northern portion of local neighborhoods, buyers and sellers saw gains across the board. According to the HAR report, home sales in the majority of Garden Oaks/Oak Forest saw a slight 4 percent uptick, with 258 homes selling last month compared to 249 the previous May. Meanwhile, buyers in this
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If your home already has gutters, you can connect a drainage tube to help move water even further away. “It’s a simple and cost-effective way to help mitigate flood risk,” he said. Another thing to consider with any flood mitigation landscaping project is the terrain of your property. “If possible, it’s best to take advantage of natural low-lying areas because they are prime for minor excavation,” Edwards said. “Homeowners can dig these areas out and fill them in with drainage tubes and gravel to create a detention pond with mosquito-resistant properties.” Homeowners can also take this a step further by covering the detention pond with soil and planting native plants and grasses that are more efficient at soaking up excess water, compared to adaptive species.
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a steady keel, showcasing a modest 3.4 percent gain up to $398,750 by month’s end.
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Leader-area neighborhoods saw a noticeable drop in sales accompanied by rising average and median home prices across the board. Meanwhile, the greater Houston market remained in positive territory in May with a one percent rise in home sales and record highs for average and median prices according to the most recent report from the Houston Association of Realtors. “We saw textbook seasonality at play across most of Houston in May as the spring home-buying season got underway, and an improving supply of homes definitely helped,” said HAR Chair Kenya Burrell-VanWormer with JPMorgan Chase. This past month, home sales in the local area dipped by as much as 9 percent, while average and median prices surged by up to 12 percent in select neighborhoods.
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Photo courtesy of Houston Association of Realtors Homes in the 77092 area are part of the recent rise in prices.
neighborhood experienced skyrocketing home prices. Compared to last May’s $457,400 average price figures, homes in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest went for an average of $515,890 this past month – nearly a 13 percent gain. Further, the neighborhood’s median prices rose by nearly 7 percent from last May’s figure, coming in at $426,975. On the western portion of the area (77092), 9 percent fewer homes came off the market last month compared to the same time period in 2017. According to the HAR report, average prices on the western edge of Garden Oaks/ Oak Forest saw a modest 2 percent rise, while median prices gained a bit more, rising nearly 5 percent to $260,000 at month’s end.
Lazybrook/Timbergrove, Greater Heights (77008, 77009) One of the few areas to experience a sales dip, sellers saw 390 homes come off the market last month in the Greater Heights, Timbergrove, and Lazybrook (77008) — a modest 4.2 percent drop from the pace of 407 the previous May. Both average and median prices gained about 6 percent last month, up to $524,977 and $465,000, respectively. To the east, those in the Woodland Heights and near Northside (77009) saw the greatest local gains in home sales in May, as 222 sales closed during the month – a 12.1 percent rise from the same month in 2017. Average home price mirrored the Greater Heights with a 6.4 percent gain to $452,599, while median home price maintained
Washington Heights, Rice Military (77007) Finally, the southernmost neighborhoods of The Leader’s coverage area showed a significant dip in sales activity compared to the previous May, as only 266 homes came off the market – a downturn of more than 8 percent, one of the largest in the area. Meanwhile home prices in these neighborhoods represented the second-healthiest local gains, rising nearly 10 percent up to $545,073; and median home price gains nearly mirrored the Greater Houston region with a modest 3.9 percent jump.
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Page 2B • Saturday, June 23, 2018 • The Leader
Baham Achievement award goes to Sinclair 5th grader For The Leader Paris’Amaya Pantoja, a fifth grader in Mrs. Smith’s class at Sinclair Elementary, is the 2018 recipient of the Nell Baham Achievement Award. She is the daughter of Maria and Eliseo Pantoja. Her teachers describe her as a dedicated student, receiving many awards since she entered Kindergarten at Sinclair. She is a reading scholar, an honor roll student, and has received the citizenship and principal’s awards multiple times. Her teachers recognize her kind character and loving spirit. Her mother says she strives to always do her best in all she does, but foremost, as a child of God. She loves to read and searches for grammatical errors. Paris says she aspires to attend Harvard and become a book editor. She also wrote and delivered the farewell address to her classmates, principal and teachers. Congratulations to Paris who will attend Hamilton Middle School in the fall. This award was established in honor of Nell Baham, by the parents’ organization at Sinclair. Baham is a life-long educator, teaching at Sinclair for many years before retiring in l999. She spent the next 19 years at University of Houston, teaching students who plan to become educa-
A Be A Champion representitive teaches HISD students how to prepare a healthy meal.
Photo provided
Be A Champion blood drive honors victims of Santa Fe shooting By Kim Hogstrom
Photo provided Pictured from left to right, Sinclair Principal Lee Mashburn, Paris’Amaya Pantoja, and Nell Baham.
tors. She presented a motivational speech to the fifth graders, spotlighting the fifth grade team leader, Karen Drexler, and Lee Mashburn, both former students, and their successes. She continues to use her time and talent in the area schools and at St. Matthews United Methodist Church volunteering and tutoring. Baham expresses her sincere appreciation to the
Sinclair PTO for continuous support of this award. She presented Paris’Amaya with a trophy and monetary awards on the last day of school.
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For many of Houston’s children, summer is a time of long, lazy days, and fun. For Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, summer presents a critical challenge. Donations of life-saving blood typically plummet this time of year, while the need spikes. A local nonprofit agency is calling on north Houston’s citizens to help relieve the situation. Be A Champion, Inc., or BAC, is located on Antoine Drive at 34th Street and maintains a deep commitment to the health of Texas’ youth. The organization serves meals to 65,000 incomequalified children each school day across the state. On June 27, BAC’s employees will partner with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center by donating blood. Organizers are putting out the call for donors. Be A Champion’s dedication to
the health of Texas’ youth continues with the blood drive. BAC has chosen to hold the event in honor of the victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting, two of whom remain in medical care. “We decided to dedicate the blood drive to the victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting because children’s health and education is very much a part of Be A Champion’s mission,” stated Teresa Gil, event organizer and budget analyst for BAC. “We also decided to invite everyone who would like to participate. For our donors’ convenience, we can schedule appointments. The blood center requires a health history, but we can do that online, in advance to save time.” How long will it take and what is involved in giving blood? “Donating typically takes less than one hour from the time a donor arrives until he or she is ready to leave,” explained Kay
Phillips, Donor Recruitment Coordinator for Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. “First, each donor will register with basic information and present identification with a photo. Then, one of our staff will check the donor’s blood pressure, temperature, pulse and hematocrit level, and ask questions about the individual’s health to ensure that he or she is eligible. A donation takes between five and 10 minutes. Afterwards, we ask that the donor remains on site at and enjoy refreshments for at least 15 minutes to ensure everyone is feeling well before going about their day,” she concluded. The Be A Champion, Inc. office is located at 2011 Antoine Drive. The event will be held June 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call 281-833-3129 for more information and to make an appointment.
Neighbors: Food, fun and games for the whole family at Tea + Victory By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com
I went to check out Tea + Victory at 2030 East T.C. Jester near Ella Blvd. one day last week and loved it! Alone, on a date, with a friend or with a crowd, there is a game for you! Morning, noon or night, choose a game and play while you munch and sip at Houston’s first board game cafe. General Manager Sarah Woodard, also a Leader Country neighbor, was in the house and gave me a warm welcome. Woodard attended UofH and went through the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management program there with my daughter, Ariel, but until last week, I was unaware Woodard was GM of Tea + Victory, which I’ve heard so much about and just had to go see. Game Guide Robert Gruver gave me the grand tour and showed me an amazing 600+ beautifully displayed games on outstanding handcrafted shelves. The shelves make you want to try that game ... wayyyyy up there ... because it just looks enticing.
Isabella Aceves with cousins Savannah, Soledad and Sammy Salazar enjoying summer fun together at Tea + Victory.
The open concept space was thoughtfully designed by Erin Hicks (she also designed those amazing shelves) and there is a good energy in the space which probably has a great deal to do with owners Jason Bush, Vanessa Briceno and Meghan Rega who have said they “love games, they love teaching people new games, they love play-
ing all the games, and they love the community that is created when people get together, play together and eat and drink delightful things.” That just sums up the experience at Tea + Victory. If you get stuck or want to try a game you’ve never played, one of the Game Guides is there to assist. I was surprised to learn you can also
purchase a variety of games there, bring groups, hold game tournaments, and one can even have Tea + Victory facilitate games at a private party. The menu covers a great deal of ground with tasty items ranging from hearty American fare like pizza, pork chops with smoked lavender rosemary roasted potatoes and a hefty steak sandwich to traditional pub favorites such as chicken tikka masala, cottage pie and fish & chips along with munchy items like gourmet popcorn, gummy bears, smoked trout pate or melty, creamy Brie - and one can order tea sandwiches and an elegant cream tea (that’s high tea, y’all) as well. And let me not forget the beer and wine selection! A surprisingly large selection is available with 14 local beers on tap in addition to a nice cider and sake collection. Woodard curated the wine list and the tea selection (currently 24+ teas). There is definitely something for everyone at Tea + Victory. As soon as I walked in I spotted Vivienne Aceves sitting at a table enjoying a game but I didn’t want to
interrupt her - I could tell she was involved in what she was doing, and so circled back around to visit with her later on. Aceves said, “What an awesome place and a great break from the heat and the iPads!” Aceves was there with her daughter Isabella Aceves and nieces Savannah and Soledad Salazar and nephew Sammy Salazar. Having just finished her first year of teaching 4th grade at Sinclair Elementary (after 25 years in the insurance industry; what an exciting and meaningful career change!), Aceves is thoroughly enjoying being off for the summer and hanging out with the kids. The group shared they played two games they recommend: Rhino Hero and Hive Mind. They also played Slamwich and Life. The Game Guides can recommend games for certain age groups and also explain how to play them and will check in on you, just in case you are having trouble moving forward. Aceves recommends Tea + Victory and would love to share the experience with her Girl Scout Troop, too.
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The Leader • Saturday, June 23, 2018 • Page 3B
The calendar. AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY Oak Forest Amateur Radio Club Members of the Oak Forest Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, at 11 a.m. June 23-24, at the Oak Forest Masonic Lodge, 4721 Watonga. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. The event is open to the public. Information: 281-7824197, www.arrl.org/what-is-hamradio, kf5oox@arrl.net. DEMENTIA SEMINAR St. Joseph Medical Center Learn about dementia at a free senior seminar and breakfast at St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights, 1917 Ashland St., from 8-9:30 a.m. June 27. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by calling 713969-5376 by 2 p.m. June 25.
COOKING Bhakti Urban Farm Karuna’s Ayurvedic Kitchen presents a cooking class teaching Ayurvedic Principles and create a nutritious meal. The class teaches how to cook plant-based foods in the most appealing way. Make easy 30-minute weeknight meals. The meals are vegan, gluten-free and organic. The cost is $50 and will be held at Bhakti Urban Farm, 5415 Wheatley St., from 7-8:30 p.m. June 28. Class space is limited. Registration required. Information: www.findyournaturalbalance.com/events, karuna@ findyournaturalbalance.com, 281-546-9698. THE BIRDS Theatre Suburbia Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West, presents the Conor McPherson’s “The Birds,” based on a story by Daphen Du Maurier; a gripping, unsettling, and moving look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse. The presentation will run through June 30. Start times are Friday
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and Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (June 24, only). Reservations are encouraged. Tickets are $16 adults, $13 students and seniors, and $13 Sunday matinees. Information: www.theatresuburbia.org, 713-682-3525.
non-refundable fee covers the cost of this trip. Transportation is available from Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1576 Chantilly Lane. Information: www.hcp4.net/sap/ events, 281-893-3726. SUMMER IN PARIS LUNCHEON St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church Precinct 4’s Senior Adult Program invites all senior adults ages 50 years of age and better to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, located at 2003 W. 43rd St., for a summer lunch in Paris. The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. July 13. Ben’s Chuck Wagon is catering chicken cordon bleu with cream gravy sauce, mashed potatoes, French peas, rolls, dessert, and iced tea. $10 per person. Information: www.hcp4. net/sap/events, 281-893-3726.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital The July Stroke survivors group will meet and is open to all stroke patients, stroke survivors and caregivers. The meeting will be from 3-4 p.m. July 12, 1635 North Loop West, Classroom C in the South Tower. Information: 713-222-2273. GALVESTON HARBOR TOUR Precinct 4 Senior Adult Program Board the Seagull II for a narrated tour of Galveston Bay and the Port of Houston, View birds and marine life, and more. The tour is 8:30 a.m. July 12. Lunch is available for purchase on your own at one of the many local eateries on the Strand. An $8 prepaid,
HOUSTON IN THE CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT The Heritage Society Dumped and Forgotten Below the Milam Street Bridge: Houston in the Civil War exhibit will run
through Aug. 4, at The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby St. This multi-media exhibit educates visitors about Houston’s underappreciated role in the Civil War. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-18. THS members, active duty military and children 5 and under are free. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdaySaturday. Information:713-6551912, www.heritagesociety.org. WHITE OAK POOL OPEN White Oak Conference Center The White Oak Pool, located at White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr., is now open. Daily swim passes and pool memberships are available for local residents who are looking for a fun, relaxing escape from the Houston heat this summer. The 2018 swim season will run through Sept. 3, 1-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Information: whiteoakconferencecenter.com, 713-895-8021.
LADIES LUNCHEON Junior League Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce will host their first Ladies Luncheon on July 27 at the Junior League Building, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane. Zenovia Andrews, CEO of MaxOut Marketing, will be guest speaker. For table tickets, visit www.heightschamber.org. HAPPENINGS ON THE WAY TO HEAVEN WRITER’S GROUP Adolf Hoepfl Garage Have you written something you would like to see published? Have you written something you like to share with a small group of experienced writers? Join the writer’s group. All ages are welcome. Meetings are the first Thursdays of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meetings are in the Liberty Room of Adolf Hoepfl Garage, 4610 N. Shepherd Dr. For information and guidelines for reading your work, email Kathryn van der Pol at Kathryn@adolfhoepfl.com.
From the Pews. Freedom Fest celebrated at Advent Lutheran The community is welcome to come out to Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 24, and gather in the sanctuary for a special one service Freedom Fest celebration. This patriotic service will celebrate the love for Christ and the freedoms enjoyed as Americans. All who have served in the military will be honored at the service. Following the worship service, all will gather in the Life Center for an all-American lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, Frito pie, nachos, and apple pie with ice cream. Wear red, white and blue patriotic clothes. Call 713-686-8201 or visit www.adventhouston.org for information. Patriotic Musical at Oak Forest Baptist The Choir Patriotic Presentation this year will be 10:30 a.m. Sunday on July 1. The Musical is titled, “Land of the Free.” The Musical is celebrating God and Country. Narration is by Dr. Jerry Evans, soloist Dulie Ray, and Shelley Karl. Oak Forest Baptist Church is located at 1700 W. 43rd St. Call 713-682-4942 or visit www.oakforestbaptistnhca.org
for information. Fine Arts Camp St. Stephen’s The third Annual Fine Arts Camp, open to students entering K-6th grades, will be held July 8-12, from 5-7:30 p.m. Music and art will be core classes, with drama, dance and ukulele offered as electives. The cost to attend is $100 for the first child, $75 for siblings, with a family cap of $250. Dinner is included. Registration is available at stsumc.org/summercamps. The deadline to register is June 25. Parents and mentors are welcome to attend a time of sharing, including coffee and pastries, on Sunday, July 1, following the 11 a.m. service in the sanctuary foyer. For information, contact Steven Fisher, Family Ministries Director, at steven@stsumc.org. 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. Garden Oaks announces Vacation Bible School Garden Oaks Baptist Church, 3206 N. Shepherd Dr., will have its annual Vacation Bible School the week of July 16-20, from 9 a.m.-noon
each day. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend. Children will hear Bible stories, do crafts, enjoy snacks and music and much more. To register or for information, call 713-864-4447 or visit www.GOBC.org.
stmatthewsmethodist.org. Arise Baptist holds Bible stories in the park and carnival Bring the family to this fun event with games, snacks and Bible Stories from 5-6:15 p.m. Saturdays at various Parks. The event will be at Kerr Park June 23; Candlelight Park June 30 (11 a.m.-noon this week only); McCullough Park July 7; Watonga Park July 14; and concludes at Clark Park July 21. The Family Carnival will be from 2-6 p.m. June 30. There will be food, fun, games and prizes. Coffee Truck Sunday with AvidCoffeeCo. will be 9:15 a.m. July 1. Weekly Worship Series at 10 a.m. - Believe (A study in John). Sunday Night Study at 5 p.m. - Stress Less Parenting. Wednesday Night Study at 7 p.m. - Heroes and Villians. Children’s Classes and Student Ministry Sundays are at 5 p.m. Arise Baptist Church is located at 803 Curtain St. Call 713-659-9697 or visit www. arisebaptistchurch.org for information.
Picnic at St. Matthew’s St. Matthew’s welcomes the community to join the fun June 24, for an after worship old time picnic in the courtyard. The menu includes burgers and dogs, potato salad and chips, drinks and desserts. Bring a friend, along with your favorite games and meet some new friends. The date for Vacation Bible School is July 23-July 26, 9-11 a.m., in the fellowship hall for ages kindergarten through 5th grade. Call the church office to register. The church will be celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary Jubilee Aug. 12. All past members and pastors are invited to come and participate in worship and birthday luncheon. Worship and fellowship at St. Matthew’s Sunday School starts at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 9:17 a.m. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. Call 713-6970671 or visit the Facebook page or the website at www.
through Aug. 3 (except June 22), in the conference room. Jorge Castillo of the Houston Police Department Reporting Abuse and Adult Protective Services will be featured. The Senior Event will held 10:30-11:30 a.m. June 26, and Cynthia Jones of Texas Mobile Dental will be guest speaker. Call 713-861-3102 for information.
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Margaret Elizabeth Koll Brossman,
89, born Dec. 24, 1928 in Richards, Texas, died June 17. Brossman was a longtime member of Assumption Catholic Church, Harvest Years Group, Ladies Auxillary 2917, Catholic Daughters of America Court 1750, and SPJST Lodge 88. She is survived by her sons Charles and Robert Brossman, daughter Patricia Wendt, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Carolyn Jean McElyea Dodd, 81, born Dec. 13, 1936 in Jacksonville, Texas, died June 15. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Don Dodd. She served 14 years as principal of Garden Oaks Elementary. She lived a life of service to her family, the church, and HISD for more than 30 years. Dodd is survived by her sister, June Lawler, daughters, Jill Dodd
Justin Asa Edwards, 37, born June
23, 1980, died June 13. He is survived by his wife, Martha Laura Edwards, son Toby Dean Edwards, step-daughter Audrey Nicole Garcia, mother Susan Edwards, and brother Casey Louis Edwards. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 23, from 2-5 p.m. at Heights Funeral Home.
Barbara Ann Nichols, 76 born Dec. 12,
1941, died June 12.
Lorene Herren Osborn, 96, born Jan. 30, 1922 in Spring (Montgomery County), died
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Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org
St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA • Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm
1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577
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Upcoming events at First Baptist Church Heights First Baptist Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., will hold GriefShare every Friday 7:30-9 p.m.
May 22. Osborn grew up in Spring, graduating from Conroe High School in 1940. She married Archie M. Osborn May 1942. They moved to California where she was employed with Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company. She is survived by her sister, Stella Moore. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 23rd at 10 a.m. at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home, 1200 W. 34th St. A private burial will take place in Willis, TX.
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The Obituaries. and Jan Wright, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dodd Cemetery. Contact family for information.
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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esus experienced tremendous popularity after he fed over five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Everyone liked him when he was taking care of their physical needs, but when he refused to be their king many stopped following Him. Jesus was popular when He did popular things, but when He did not continue to do what the people wanted Him to do or expected Him to do His popularity quickly faded. Living according to popular opinion is not the best way to live. There may be some moments where everyone likes you but it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time. The reason Jesus did not please all of the people was that He had not come to please people but rather to fulfill the will of God the Father here on earth. He had come for a very specific purpose and when that purpose caused him to act contrary to public opinion he very quickly lost approval with the people. The reality is that God is in charge and sometimes the things He does make us feel good and sometimes the things He does don’t seem to make sense to us or work in the timeframe that we want. Even though there are people that do not appreciate the message of Jesus and or try to twist the message of Jesus to their own liking, we must follow the will of God even if it is different than what we want. It comes down to this very simple question. Is God really in charge or am I am in charge?
Page 4B • Saturday, June 23, 2018 • The Leader
Gunnell verbally commits to Arizona By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Once seemingly destined for College Station, St. Pius X senior quarterback Grant Gunnell backed off that track earlier this year, and now appears headed for the Grand Canyon State. According to a June 6 tweet from Gunnell’s Twitter account, the heralded senior leader has given a verbal committment to the University of Arizona. Gunnell had given a verbal commitment to Texas A&M prior to last season, but
de-committed this past February in the wake of Kevin Sumlin’s firing. Following a breakout sophomore campaign in 2016, Gunnell began fielding offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Michigan and more —nearly 40 Division 1 offers in total for the young man rated by Rivals as the 7th-best national pro-style QB recruit (and top Texas prostyle QB recruit) in the Class of 2019. Rivals also currently grades Gunnell as the 20th-best recruit – and best quarterback
recruit – in their most recent Texas Top 100 rankings. “Seeing [Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher] growing up and hearing all the stories about them, it makes me proud [of the work I’ve put in] and it’s extremely humbling,� he told The Leader in an interview last September about the plethora of callers at his doorstep. Over three seasons at St. Pius X, the star signal-caller has led one of TAPPS’ most potent offensive units, completing 70 percent of his passes and accounting more than 12,000 total yards (11,356 passing and 1,088 rushing) and 162 total
touchdowns (142 passing, 20 rushing) against just 21 interceptions. In 29 starts at the helm, Gunnell has helped St. Pius X to a 25-4 record along with three consecutive TAPPS semifinals, falling just shy of an elusive state title last season against Prestonwood Christian in a 42-41 heartbreaker. For now it appears to be finished; but paths to recruitment can change in the blink of an eye. And as such, it should be an interesting few months, with all eyes to be on Gunnell throughout his senior season leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 6, 2019.
Photo by Wayne Donnelly St. Pius X quarterback Grant Gunnell releases a throw during last season’s TAPPS state title bout against Prestonwood Christian. The signal-caller recently gave a verbal committment to Arizona.
Realtor Showcase
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