The Leader • Saturday, September 1, 2018 • Page 1B
Spotlight on Suburbia NW Houston’s long running playhouse seeks new home By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
was selected by the board to serve as president. A committee pre-reads potential scripts for the next year and selects those that they feel would be most applicable for their stage. Then, they work at matching the right script to the most appropriate director. The public is welcome to audition for plays. There’s even a script contest for next year’s Summer Mellerdramer. The current cliffhanger for Theatre Suburbia is where they will make their home after August of 2020. There is a new owner of their building, and although Theatre Suburbia signed a long term lease, they have a few year’s notice of their end date. Moriarty used to live in Oak Forest and said he’d love to stay in the area. “We used to draw mostly from Oak Forest, but now people have spread out and we get people from all over,� he said. Their current space is 5,000 square feet and if the next location is smaller than that, they’d have to look at additional storage options. One bright spot is the challenge grant that Theatre Suburbia has been offered from an anonymous sponsor. To receive the funds, the theatre must raise a matching $5,000 by October 13. If you can help them – or if you want Contributed photo to engage your inner thespian and try out A production shot of Ripcord by David Lindsay-Abaire which starts at Theatre Suburbia on September 14. for a production, please visit their website at http://www.theatresuburbia.org.
If you are a long time Oak Forest resident, then you probably remember Theatre Suburbia’s location on 43rd Street. Theatre Suburbia’s board president – and sometime director and actor –  Elvin Moriarty has been involved with the theatre for more than 30 years but said that the group had been active long before that. “The original group did ‘You Can’t Take It with You’ at the Episcopal church next to [Frank Black] middle school,� explains Moriarty. “It was part of a mission project. Someone knew the Holmes family who owned the strip center [on 43rd]. There was a toy store there and a $1.95 steak house. Theatre Suburbia started renting month to month and borrowed wooden chairs from the steak house for audience seating. This was 1961 and right after they moved in they had to prepare for Hurricane Carla. ‘Philadelphia Story’ was their first play.� For 47 years, the theatre continued renting month to month, until the Holmes family sold the land to Resource One Credit Union. For a short time after they moved from 43rd, Moriarty said the company did productions at Scarborough High School and Northwest Crossing Baptist Church until the stress of trying to find rehearsal time and prop storage got to be too much for the volunteers, many of them with day jobs. “We decided to stop production until we found something and two weeks later we found a new space,� said Moriarty. The current location is at 4106 Way Out West Drive about five miles from the former location. Interestingly enough, another hurricane – this time Ike in 2008 – came along just after they moved in. They configured warehouse and theatre space in 12 weekends, just in time to produce ‘A Nice Family Gathering’ on Halloween. All this hustle and moxie has resulted in Theatre Suburbia being Northwest Houston’s longest running all volunteer playhouse. They are now in their 57th season and have produced 396 shows. Theatre Suburbia produces seven plays each year – including their popular mellerdrammers – remaining dark for only two weekends between productions. No one gets paid. “Every penny goes back into the theatre,� said Moriarty. “There’s the lease and utilities.� Actors and directors, as well as anyContributed photo one else who wants to support the the- Theatre Suburbia was located on 43rd Street across from Oak Forest Elementary for more atre, join the membership which then than 40 years. elects the 6 to 12 person board. Moriarty
Producing creativity through writing in Heights studio
CosmetiC Dentistry State-of-the art procedures, instruments & techniques “One of Houston’s Top Dentists� — HTexas Magazine 2004-2018
new patient Special
70
Exam, X-Ray & Cleaning $ Regularly $100
Mathew Naftis, D.D.S. w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m
1214 W 43rd Ste 300
Certified Pre-Owned APPleÂŽ PrOduCt sAles
uP tO 50% OFF Original prices
Easy Financing! Quick approval!
We Sell & &# • Buy • Repair • Upgrade !&! %&
THE LEADER
Best Computer Service
Call or visit today 301 North Loop West Houston, TX 77008
832-582-7355 www.experimac.com
50 Off
$
By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com Houston is filled with creative diversity, allowing for new artistic outlets to pop up all over the city. The Heights is home to Grackle and Grackle Literary Enterprises, an outlet that provides creative writing classes for all experience levels. Miah Arnold and husband Raj Mankad founded Grackle and Grackle about four years ago. Both Arnold and Mankad have a PhD from the University of Houston’s writing program. After leaving a job in Georgia and coming back to Houston, Arnold knew she wanted to teach, but creative writing jobs in academia are few and far in between. So, Grackle and Grackle was founded as a way for Arnold to continue teaching. “I just started it with one little class in a tiny little garage apartment and the next semester I think I had two classes, then I had three. Over the next two or three years we just grew. So now we have a whole bunch of different
713-682-7939
CARE
cReDiT
savings
ALL MacBook ProsÂŽ and iMacsÂŽ *Bring or mention seeing this ad
Week 4 of celebrating eight years!
Huge sale! 25% off EVERYTHING!
Now through Sept. 6
Your little shop around the corner A creative writing class gathered at Grackle and Grackle.
classes,� Arnold said. When looking for a house Arnold had in mind an attached creative writing studio to host writing classes. Things fell perfectly in place when they found a house that once belonged to Dorothy Hood, who was one of the first modernist painters. The studio that came with the house happened to be Hood’s
painting studio. And though Arnold admits the house is a bit small for her family, she couldn’t pass up a space that already had creative history. The writing classes that Grackle and Grackle offer aren’t just a repeat of what other organizations in Houston have, but they try to offer a variety of new and interesting classes.
Contributed photo
“Clare Anderson’s going to teach this class called starting and finishing, because there are so many people who start a short story and they workshop it, then they revise it then they don’t know what to do. So, you start there, you finish it and then after you finish it, in the class you have to See Studio P. 2B
• New bestselling books • Fashion accessories • Stationery & cards • Fine & fashion jewelry • Fun colorful socks • Children’s books & toys • Neighborhood towels • Texas gifts & soaps • Decorative accessories • Coffee mugs & wine cups
365 W. 19th St. • 713-868-LIFT(5438) www.thelifton19th.com
www.facebook.com/thelifton19th Instagram and Twitter: @thelifton19th
Page 2B • Saturday, September 1, 2018 • The Leader
September Business Briefs. anxiety was when I was a kid’, and ‘I wish my parents would’ve had to tools to help me,’� said Atkinson. “I knew then that I wanted to be in the business of prevention. As a mom of a 9 and 11 year old, I thought of how I spoke to them. So, I married Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and hands on activities and created the 6 week program for children.� Children learn to identify, listen to and understand their emotions and awareness of their brain and body regarding the fight, flight and freeze response among other tools. For more information, visit www.catalyst-counseling.com.
Back to school traffic initiative
The Precinct 1 Constable’s Office has started a back to school traffic initiative on August 27 through September 7, from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. This initiative focuses on school zones within Precinct 1, to deter speeding and cell phone use in school zones, failure to yield to pedestrians and school bus violations. “We are concentrating on 13 schools with students attending grades K-12. The safety of students, parents and administrators is a high priority,� Constable Alan Rosen said. Deputies will secure the roadways by monitoring traffic, conducting traffic stops for violations, and show police visibility near each campus listed. The Leader schools included are Garden Oaks Elementary and Hogg Middle School.
Marcy Basile, LMT, profiled in national publication
Massage therapist Marcy Basile was recently interviewed by a national massage magazine on the subject of obesity - specifically on treating larger clients with dignity and compassion. Basile is a niche LMT for larger clients and is proud of not only the recognition in Massage & Bodyworks magazine but also a lengthy interview on the podcast Massage Business Blueprint. And, thanks to The Leader’s readers, she is also a five-time winner of the Reader’s Choice award.
Y Teen L.I.F.E
The Y Teen L.I.F.E has programs kicking off this fall at the Foster YMCA. The acronym LIFE standing for Leadership, Inspiration, Fellowship, and Education. Y Teen L.I.F.E. provides opportunities for youth to realize who they are and what they are capable of achieving, while making friends and memories along the journey.
Lennar Hosts Official Grand Opening of Fulton Station
Constable Alan Rosen
Programs engage middle and high school age students in fostering a culture of service, provide opportunities to set goals and learn how to share their voice, while being supported by caring adult mentors. All this is accomplished through our three nationwide programs: YMCA Achievers, Leaders Club, and Youth & Government. For more information about this program for teens e-mail Linda Johnson at linda. johnson@ymcahouston.org or visit the informational session at 1234 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018 on September 6 at 6 p.m.
Anxiety prevention program for kids
Barbie Atkinson is a psychotherapist at Catalyst Counseling on 19th Street in the Heights, and the creator of Calm Crusaders, the after school, anxiety prevention program for children aged 9-12. “I kept hearing my adult clients saying things like ‘I wish I would’ve known what
Lennar will celebrate the official grand opening of Fulton Station, its newest intown Houston community and first inside Loop 610, on Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with free tours of its two, fully furnished townhome models, lunch bites, juice bar and giveaways. Located at 202 Fulton Station Drive across the street from METRORail’s Red Line, the tree-lined, gated enclave offers 39, three-bedroom townhomes with private backyards starting in the $350s.
trADItIOnAl WEAPOns
Academy for Elite Samurai Arts Classes Enrolling Now Age 14 & Up
On West 34th St.
(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)
713-826-5877
Paying too much for your storage?
www.aikibudo-aikido.com
AttENtioN Pool owNErs!
Check out just a few of these LOW prices!
Pool Water too Hot?
Get Cold Pool Water today! Call 713-681-0452
• 10x10 $78 • 10x15 $102 • 10x20 $145
Not Electric • No Pumps Just put it in your pool!
Bring this ad in for 50% off second month’s rent
Local business 713-681-1383 is our business. LEASING OFFICE 7721 Pinemont Houston, Texas 77040
Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com
The Book Scene
Your neighborhood Bookstore
THE LEADER
Best Book Store
• New, Used and Collectibles • 713-869-6117 1820 W. 43rd St
Minali Dental opens
Houston TX, 77018
Mina Tabatabai, DDS, an Oak Forest resident, said that she has wanted to be a pediatric dentist since she was 15 and is excited to announce that she just opened up her own pediatric dentist office. “Minali Dental at 7700 Fulton St A , is right on the other side of 45,� she said. “We really are trying to be involved in the local community and are focused on a family environment for our patients.� If you have something for business briefs, please e-mail betsy@theleadernews.com
like us on Facebook
50% OFF 20% OFF Custom Built Furniture At Competitive Prices
writing class,� Arnold said, “I just feel like everyone should get to take a class if they want to.� A lot of people can be timid toward writing or feel that they aren’t good at the craft. “I think even really famous writers feel timid about starting to write when they sit down to an empty page and because it’s linked to your memory and it’s linked to your imagination,� Arnold said,� in the act of writing it unlocks thoughts and ideas and places you didn’t even know you had in your brain.� Being around other writers creates a nice space to open those doors inside your mind and it allows for you to watch other people discover those places. You also come to realize there are good and bad writing days, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. “My husband always said [writing is] the cheapest form of therapy,� Arnold said, “I worked many years at MD Anderson Cancer Center as a writer and would write with the kids. Even if we were writing fiction and they never mentioned having cancer you could always hear the story of their struggles and their thoughts and their processing in the stories that they told. Writing helps you work
things out. And it’s art. It can be both things.� An important part of the process at Grackle and Grackle is the instructors. Arnold only has teachers who love teaching students and who love reading students writing to become an instructor. “If you want to find your writer’s voice, discover a new narrative style, write about the inexpressible, or simply think aloud as you put random thoughts into words, this is the place for you. If you want no pressure guidance in an environment where writing rules are not compulsory, this is the place for you,� said long-time student Patricia Montanes. Grackle and Grackle also has a monthly book club that features a translated novel. At the previous meeting they had the opportunity to have the translator Skype in and talk about the novel. The business also aims to become a publishing house that will focus on publishing translated young adult novels. Whether you’re new to writing or are seasoned in the craft, Grackle and Grackle is a fun environment to learn and progress in. To sign-up for classes go to grackleandgrackle.com.
Labor Custom Furniture Reupholstery
904 W. 34th Street 713-688-1323 castilianupholstery.com Major Credit Cards Accepted
Upholstery Co. Inc. Since 1945
wrote during the weekend eventually made its way into the Chronicle. So not only incredibly productive, but I really learned a lot from the instructor. The instructors know their craft and are excellent teachers. The environment is laid back, welcoming, with a great community-feel (which could be from just the feeling I get walking through the backyard of a Heights home to get to the “classroom.�) And many of my classmates I’m really impressed with - published writers who continue to hone their skills. I’m learning from my classmates as well – and that’s a real plus when you’re spending time reading and critiquing other’s work,� said Amy Pearl, a student at Grackle and Grackle. A novel workshop is also available. It takes place throughout a whole year and is capped at five participants. People bring in their completed novel and each one is completely read through. Another thing that makes Grackle and Grackle unique is that Arnold has scholarships available based on what you can pay. All you need to do is email her and she can help set you up in a class. “I did not come to Houston with very much money, I couldn’t have taken a creative
In-Stock Fabric Sale!
• Slip Covers • Reupholstery Repairs • Antique Restoration COme See OuR ShOWROOm
Castilian
Studio from P. 1B start your next one,� Arnold said. Allyn West, an editor and writer for the Houston Chronicle, will be teaching a 4-week Literary Journalism class. “We have a song writing class, which is really fun because by the end of it you produce a song. The guy who teaches it can play anything,� Arnold said. This semester also features a special class funded by the Houston Flood Museum. In the class the students will go into the northern part of the Heights, where the flooding was especially bad. “People are going to go in and take the stories of people who were affected but might not feel as comfortable as [we would be] sitting down and writing a story. It’s going to be transcription so it’s not going to be like taking oral history, it’s going to be like if you want to write a poem or if you want to write a story, this writer will sit there and write it with you and ask the questions,� Arnold said. Because this is a free class there will be an admission process. The writing that comes from this class will be featured in the Flood Museum. “I signed up for [the weekend class], and the piece I
Aztec StorAgeS
AIKIDO & AIKIjutsu
Lone Star
Social Club & Legal Poker Room 1985 W. T.C. Jester Blvd • 832-623-7831
We’re Open Monday-Saturday • 3pm - 2am
$60 1-3 Limit 3-6-12 Buy In Texas Hold ‘em AvAILABLe for prIvATe pArTIeS plan your next event at Lone Star poker room private vIp room Call Now To reserve $20 Tournaments starting at 7pm daily
Come Play one of Houston’s Largest Bingo Halls
b i n G O
NiGhTly
$5,000
BiNGO Prizes
$6,000
TaB Prizes availaBle
1
$
Play FOr ONly
3
$
Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun only! FOr limiTeD Time! 9 card pkg. - 3 games (1) $750 (2) $500 Winners
DOllar NiGhT
mONDay & FriDay 12 Cards - $1 9 Cards - $1 2-6 Cards - $1
(1) $750 (2) $500 Winners
VFW 9187, VFW 5619, K of C 8494, K of C 7901
DaNce TOWN
7214 airline
(between Parker & Little York) 713-MY BiNgo (692-4646)
Weekly Game Times Doors open 2½ Hours Before game Starts
• Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat Nights: 7:30 pm • Sundays 2:30 pm
Professional Directory George G. Junkin, D.C. -NW Chiro
“Treat the problem itself, not just the symptoms.â€? This is the philosophy behind the chiropractic practice of Dr. George Junkin. Chiropractic adjustments and healthy lifestyle choices produce the best results. For over 35 years, Dr. Junkin has helped patients get releif from pain due to an injury or chronic condition. The result being fast long-lasting relief. 11500 NW Fwy. Suite #201 • Houston, TX 77092 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
The May Group, LLC
Hi! I’m Tony May. Come see me for all your insurance needs. Covering Auto, Home, Life and Business. We make insurance simple. With two convenient locations.
730 North Post Oak, Ste# 120 Houston, TX 77024 713-807-8264
Shipley Do-Nuts
Mike Clark is the proud owner of the #1 Shipley DoNuts in Houston. We’ve been at this location since 1963. Satisfaction guaranteed to all his customers. See our weekly coupons on page 8A in this week’s The Leader news.
3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St. • Houston, TX 77018 713-682-4343
The Leader • Saturday, September 1, 2018 • Page 3B
Is your cat comfortable?
Dear Tabby, As my cat is getting older, I often wonder if she’s comfortable and completely healthy. Unlike my dog, it’s so hard to tell if she’s 100% or not the older she gets. How can I tell if she’s in pain or not? Concerned about kitty’s comfort in Cottage Grove
your kitty is in pain from the Cat Hospital of Chicago: – Less to nonexistent grooming OR too much grooming – Strange or changed sleep patterns (e.g. sleeping on only one side) – Decreased appetite or disinterest in food and water – Less social and interactive with you/the family OR hiding more – Growling or hissing when stroked, touched (in a particular
area) or moved – Change in posture, e.g. is she more hunched back? – Less activity, e.g. has she stopped or is she struggling to jump in her favorite spots? – Ongoing purring; purrs can be used to comfort, calm or heal cats – Not acting like herself, e.g. more cranky or restless than normal Visit Your Vet Just In Case Since our feline companions
don’t communicate pain and discomfort the same way other animals do, it’s important that you watch for signs of pain and stay up to date with vet visits. With a little care and consideration, you can ensure that kitty is happy and content, well into her golden years. Do you have a burning question for Tabby? If so, drop her an email at: deartabbyquestions@gmail.com
September 19 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Pet of the Week
Dear Concerned About Kitty, This is a very timely question because September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) launched Animal Pain Awareness Month in the hopes that more pet guardians learn about and recognize pain in their pets.
SPJST Lodge 88 (15th & Beall)
Meet Lou Lou This 7-ish year old toy poodle boy has the makings of the perfect family dog. Despite his middle-age, Lou Lou still acts like a puppy when there’s a squeaky toy involved and gets along with dogs AND cats. Lou Lou is heartworm positive, but his rescue group is covering the expenses for getting him treated and back on a path to his happy ever after...could that happy ending be with you? If so, contact Animal Justice League at www.animaljusticeleague.org.
Hiding Pain Is Your Cat’s Instinct Unlike other companions, it is hard for a cat to show their pain. Evolution is working against wellmeaning guardians. According to the Okaw Veterinary Clinic, as both predators and prey, disguising pain can save a cat’s life: “The easiest prey for a predator to kill is the sick or injured one.� As solitary creatures, cats don’t have the protection of a pack either.
FREE EVENT Register Online
www.theleadernews.com
or call 713-686-8494
Signs That Your Cat Is In Pain Here are a few telltale signs
FREE DONUTS 2 KOLACHES FREE DOzEN FREE DONUT HOLES Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts FREE with purchase of one dozen donuts or more.
To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives
Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8:00 am - 4:00pm
AdolfHoepfl.com 713.695.5071
• Inspect for Visible leaks • Inspect Fluid Levels • Test vent Temperature • Ck Overall Condition • Perform Acid Test • Written Assessment Most cars/light trucks. Includes 6 steps listed above. Freon, dye, and/or pressure testing is extra.
Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.
4
Buy 1 Dinner Get $4.95 OFF Second Dinner Dine-In Only. No Takeout Orders. Good 3-10 p.m. only. • 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 9-8-18.
Happy Hours: Mon-Thur 3-8
a hamburger, Fries and a medium drink
get a regular hamburger
Free
Southwell’s HambURgeR gRill
THE LEADER
Best Appliance Store
White Oak
10
Thanks for voting us!
20% Off
any item in the store.
Taylor
FOr
Take Out available
713 682-2053
www.trulitegas.com
Next to PetSmart
3F?LI WMS DMP FCJNGLE SQ ACJC@P?RC WC?PQ $5 OFF HAirCut
20% Off Any Chemical Service
includes Color, Hi-Light, Keratin Smoothing & Perms
Coupon expires 9-14-18. Only one offer per customer per visit.
3211 Houston Ave. 77009 713.538.8200 713.503.1420 www.marqsalon.com
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 9-8-18
ď‚Ź Daily luNch SPEcialS ď‚Ź Bar FacilitiES ď‚Ź takE-Out OrDErS availaBlE
Mexican Restaurant
Ad # 29544
WHEN IT COMES TO
ADNORESULTS ONE ELSE STACKS UP The Leader reaches more houses with more readers so you get more response!
Put Us To Work For You:
Expires September 7, 2018. Can not be combined with other offers. 1512 W 34th St • Houston, 77018
1909 Taylor Street Suite #A ď‚Ź 713-862-6611
Free Haircut w/any Chemical Service
4618 Dacoma
(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)
(713) 680-0825
Offers expire 9-7-18 • Cannot be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be presented in advance. Some restrictions apply.
HOURS Thurs & Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat-Wed: 11am - 9:30pm
LIve MUSIC Thursday - Sunday 6 til Close
* Lunch Specials Daily * Take Out Orders Available * Complete Bar Facilities * Party Room Available (Seats 85)
w/FREE BRakE InspEctIon
Purchase
(713) 682-4343
$ 95 OFF secOnd entree
oil ChAnge $32.95 For faster service, please call for a reservation. Taxes not included. Most cars/light trucks. Oil change includes up to 5 quarts of synthetic blend and new oil filter. Full synthetic oil extra. Courtesy check up including checking belts, air filter, coolant, transmission fluid, tire safety and more.
Buy a dozen donuts and get 1 dozen donut holes FREE!
3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.
4610 N. Shepherd
Air Conditioning CheCk Up $27.95
With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.
713-686-8494
2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th ď‚Ź 713-868-5232
OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm
Labor Day SpeciaL 5675 W. Tidwell • 713.686.5677 Your Complete Car Care Center
4 wheel alignment $49.95 Most Cars
a/c check Up $24.95 Freon Extra
oil & Filter change
$24.95
(up to 5 quarts) + Tax & Disposal Fee + Free Tire Rotation + 99 pt inspection
Page 4B • Saturday, September 1, 2018 • The Leader
Home of tHe Precio Perfecto
Ground BreakinG and a deal makinG Come Visit Our New Location! 9225 North Freeway Houston, TX 77037 281.878.4200
doggettford.com
September Special
25 OFF
$
(Formerly Lone Star Ford)
Get Acquainted with Our Parts and Service Team
Excluding oil and filter change.
Must present coupon at time of write-up. Ford vehicles only. Not to be used in conjunction with other coupons or discount specials. Valid only at Doggett Ford.
Free Loaners Available.
Fast, Dependable Services
WE CAN FIX IT! Get your “To-Do” list done at your convenience
Call • (713) 686-4936 Book us at • www.ItJustBroke.com A division of Home Hands Group LLC
Some of our Services Painting/Staining Decks/Fences Gutter Cleaning/Repair Patch drywall (Sheetrock) TV Wall Mount Installation Child-proofing your home Furniture Assembly/Repair Door Install/Repair/Adjustments Doorknob/Lock Installation Curtain Hanging Fence and garage repair Light Bulb Change Ceiling fan replacement/repairs Hang Shelves Organizing Garages Faucet Installations Garbage disposal replacement
* AND MUCH MORE - Just ask!