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Saturday, December 14, 2019 • Vol. 64 • No. 49

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Heights residents seek traffic calming By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Heights resident Cara Drake, who lives at Oxford Street and 4th Street, has seen a big increase in traffic since a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel opened nearby. More recently, her concerns were heightened when she said her middle school son took a header off his bike into a ditch in an effort to get out of

the way of a speeding car on the street and ended up in the emergency room. “This is an adult-sized human being who can’t even ride his bike safely to school,” Drake said. “I’ve seen cars go nose first into the ditch by the hike and bike trail because they don’t know it’s there.” Drake talked to others in the area with similar concerns about vehicle traffic and pedestrian safety.

In a November letter to Houston Public Works, Harvard Street resident Aimee Woodall said that since the construction on the Yale Street Bridge and the addition of an exit between Studemont Street and Heights Boulevard, traffic had increased exponentially and cut-through was occurring at unlawful speeds. Woodall related an incident in which a driver was speeding See Traffic P. 7A

Photo by Adam Zuvanich A pedestrian crosses 11th Street through traffic earlier this year.

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Photo by Melissa Larriviere Wolfe prepares to land in the water while catching a competition stick thrown by his owner, Oak Forest resident Steve Scholtes, during a dock-diving competition earlier this year in Brookshire. Wolfe was adopted from Friends For Life Animal Shelter.

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Heights lights. A popular holiday event is happening this weekend in the Heights.

Page 2A

Spicy. A restaurant serving Nashville-style hot chicken is coming soon to the Heights.

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Area dog takes remarkable path to national competition By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com His adoption profile at Friends For Life Animal Shelter said he had “off the charts potential.” But not even the people who wrote that about the pup could have imagined how far he would go, especially so fast. The progression of the dog they called Duke – who was later renamed Wolfe by the Oak Forest couple who adopted him in July 2017 – is out of this world. So is his jumping ability. Wolfe arrived at the no-kill shelter in the Heights along with his stray mother and five siblings. He was there for nearly a month before being adopted on a whim by Steve and Judith Scholtes, who wanted a fuzzy, cuddly companion during a trying time for their family. Two-and-a-half years later, the Scholtes have helped the black Shepherd mix become one of the best dock-diving dogs in the United States. Wolfe was invited to compete in the 2019 North America Diving Dogs/American Kennel Club National Championships this weekend in Orlando, Florida, where the springiest pooches in the country

Contributed photo Oak Forest residents Judith and Steve Scholtes are taking their dog, Wolfe, to Orlando, Florida, this weekend for a national dock-diving competition.

will dart down a runway and soar 20 feet or more into a pool of water. “For him to make that arc from abandoned stray puppy to dockdiving champion is pretty fantastic,” said Pam Newton, adoption manager at Friends For Life. “It’s very unusual.” Their experience with Wolfe (pronounced Wolfie) has been just as remarkable for the Scholtes, who were not looking for a competition dog and didn’t know they had one until about seven months ago. Training Wolfe to be a therapy dog was the initial objective of Judith Scholtes,

See Wolfe P. 7A

See District H P. 7A

Candlelight Lane’s annual dinner knits neighbors together By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

THE INDEX. Calendar/Church. ............................. 5A Classifieds.............................................. 4B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 3B Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A

who said her pup had been working with Stephanie Bennett of Believe in Dog Training since the fall of 2017. After seeing Wolfe fetch a ball thrown into a pool at a dog park, Bennett suggested the Scholtes try dock diving. So they took Wolfe to the Houston Dog Ranch, where dock diving instructor Michele Scarantino quickly realized the Scholtes had a natural on their hands. That was in the spring, when Wolfe started competing in dock

Karla Cisneros and Isabel Longoria, who are competing for the District H seat on the Houston City Council, are worlds apart in terms of their styles and campaign strategies. But while they are political opponents for the first time, their worlds have been colliding for decades. Cisneros and her husband, Tim, were architecture graduate students at Rice University in the early 1980s when L o n g o r i a ’s Cisneros father, Rafael, also was studying the subject at the school. Rafael Longoria now is a professor at the University of Houston, and over the years he has periodically invited Tim Longoria Cisneros to architectural events and to be a guest lecturer. “It’s kind of funny,” Isabel Longoria said. “She knew me when I was a very little girl.” The current relationship between Karla Cisneros and Longoria, who are both Democrats, is more of an acquaintanceship than a friendship. They are opponents in a runoff election Read about the that will be decided runoff candidates Saturday, Dec. 14, for District A when polling places across Houston Page 7A will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Cisneros, the incumbent, did not receive enough votes on Election Day Nov. 5 to avoid a runoff but still led a four-candidate field by receiving 38.2 percent of the 13,200 votes cast. Longoria was second, receiving 27.2 percent of the vote. “It’s hard to get a majority,” Cisneros said. “I’m really pleased that I was the top vote-getter. Actually, I was the top vote-getter for mail-in ballots and early voting and for the day of, so I feel

Photo by Betsy Denson From left to right are Liz Manchester, Dorothy Pickens and Whitney Davis, with baby Grier Davis.

When Candlelight Lane started its inaugural progressive dinner in 2006, Oak Forest resident Karin Poulos had to ask what a progressive dinner was. Thirteen years later, as one of the organizers of the roaming community feast, she knows the tradition very well. “We do the flyer for it right after Halloween to remind everyone that it is the second Sunday in December,” Poulos said.

The flyer not only is a savethe-date but also a request for hosts for either the appetizer, the salad, the main course or the dessert. Participants walk from home to home for each course of the meal. “The easy courses go fast,” Poulos said with a laugh. Poulos, who has lived in her house since 1978 – and bought it because she said it was “cheap” – is not the most tenured Oak Forest resident on her street. Not by a long shot. That honor goes to 91-year-old Dorothy Pickens,

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who is one of the two so-called “Oak Forest originals” on the street along with Bill Price. Pickens has lived on the street for 69 years, long enough to remember when it was gravel and residents had to pay $50 each to get the street paved in front of their house. The progressive dinner was her idea. Pickens was noticing all the new people moving in, along with all the children. Her husband, Thomas, died in 2010 and her See Dinner P. 6A

Installing Now Lights Yard Ornaments Christmas Trees

THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, December 14, 2019 • Page 2A

Lights in the Heights set for Saturday By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As Christmas draws closer, an annual Heights holiday tradition is gearing up for another round of family-friendly fun that spreads yuletide cheer. The annual Lights in the Heights celebration is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at various homes on Highland and Omar streets between Studewood Street and Florence Street in the Woodland Heights neighborhood. Visitors will be able to walk along the pedestrian-friendly route while enjoying a variety of sights ranging from nostalgic, twinkling white lights to eclectic, colorfully lighted scenes. Some neighbors will also be performing Christmas carols, jazz bands and more on front

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann A fire-breathing dragon was among the highlights of Lights in the Heights in 2018.

porches, driveways and yards throughout the route. Parking for the event will be available at Vineyard Church, Zion Church, Hogg Middle School, Woodland Park and Stude Park. Event organizers have also partnered with Uber and Lyft to provide 50 percent

off two rides if residents use the code LIGHTSRIDE. For more information on the event, which is free and open to the public, visit the event page on Woodland Heights’ website at woodland-heights. org/lith.

Gill takes over as president of Heights chamber of commerce By Adam Zuvanich

Briggs of Houston Highway Credit Union succeeded Dee Farino in October. “I am excited about the future of the chamber with Louie at the helm,” Briggs said in a statement. “His previous civilian and military leadership positions will ensure the chamber’s continued growth and success, and help us stay focused on creating new and dynamic ways to provide value to our members and the Greater Heights area community.”

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce has a new president. U.S. Army veteran Louie Gill is the new leader of the chamber, which serves more than 500 member businesses in the area. Gill, a Jacksonville, Florida, native who holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Indiana and a master’s degree from Saint Leo University in Florida, most recently was the CEO, CFO and executive director of the Southeastern Georgia Habitat for Humanity and also has led a credit union. Gill, who started his new job with the chamber on Dec. 3, replaced Jacob Millwee, who resigned in August to become a teacher in Fort Bend ISD. In Millwee’s five years as president, the Heights-area chamber grew from 341 businesses to 560 -- the most it has had since its inception in 1988. “We have a strong base of

Louie Gill

dedicated members, successful events and strong ties to both the community and our local elected officials,” Gill said in a statement released by the chamber. “I am deeply honored to be asked to lead the chamber.” Gill’s hire came about two months after the chamber named a new chairperson for its board of directors. Teresa

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, December 14, 2019 • Page 4A

We got 85 billion creepy calls last year O f all the things that excite me about the end of Houston’s political season, the reduction in robocalls ranks somewhere near the top. I’ve received one political call a day for the past week, and they all ask me to support a guy who grew up in East Texas and wants to be the mayor of Houston. I’m pretty sure we’re the only city in America where growing up somewhere different could remotely be considered a positive campaign talking point. Actually, this reduction in political calls will hardly make a dent in the number of times my phone rings a day from either Richfield, Idaho, or, amazingly, a number that looks to be just a few digits away from my phone number. Of the last 12 calls I’ve received (yes, I went back and listened just to amuse you), most have been from companies that can miraculously lift me from the anguish of burdensome credit card debt for anywhere between 0 and 6 percent interest. I also got a couple of calls from a nice-sounding lady named Catherine Scott (I don’t know, maybe it was Katherine, or Kathryn). She, like others, wanted to help me climb

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

from the despair of debt, and she was even nice enough to assign me a reference number if and when I called back. I didn’t, but she did two more times. The next day, Catherine called me again, and this time her number came from Hot Springs, Ark. (she’s the one who was in Richfield, Idaho, the day before). She must have been weary from her travel and forgotten she had just called, because she assigned me a different reference number. You’ll think I’m kidding, but I got another call two days later, this time from Meridian, Miss., from a lady named Carolyn Putnam (I don’t know, maybe it was Caroline or Carolynne) and she had the exact same computer-generated voice as Catherine, except she again had a

different reference number for me to use when I called back. Doris Parker called me twice, and I don’t know how else you’d spell her name. She told me we need to discuss my debt consolidation plans. Boy do we ever. Except we didn’t, because I didn’t answer her call. I hope it’s fair to say that I’m like most of you; I don’t answer calls unless I know the number. All of this got me to wondering about the robocall industry, why they do it, and which of us suckers is actually answering their calls. Along the way, I found some useful information that might help as you spend more and more time on your couch pressing the “Ignore” button. According to an article in MarketWatch, a Dow Jones company, half of all mobile calls are expected to be spam robocalls by the end of this year, which happens to be less than three weeks away. In its article, MarketWatch said these calls were just 3.7 percent of all calls two short years ago in 2017. In 2018, they jumped to 29.2 percent. And we’re about to cross the 50-percent mark this year. At this rate, all of our calls will be with robots selling debt relief in two

Lynn Ashby Columnist

2020, which tended to favor Republicans.) This effort to get the downballot vote for the Texas legislature seems to be especially important to the GOP. Why? Because if the Dems get control of the leg, they will draw up new district lines for the legislature and Congress. Considering how gerrymandered Texas’ districts are to favor Republican lawmakers, we can expect massive – MASSIVE – changes in Texas politics if the Dems draw the lines. The GOPers suffered a bruising 2018 election and fear the next go-round could be worse. If Republicans lose just nine seats in the House in the 2020 elections, Democrats would take control of the chamber for the first time in 15 years. (Historically, it has been the Republicans who have been the minority party. Democrats controlled the Texas legislature longer than the PRI ruled Mexico or the communists ruled Russia.) Besides the disinformation campaign, the memo called for finding a catchy tagline to encourage people to vote Republican down-ballot, including “Vote Right To The Bottom.” OK, they are already at the bottom, but still need a catchy bumper-sticker slogan. How about: “Up Your Sleaze” or “Our Chances Are Slime and None”? Maybe: “Bottom Feeders ‘R’ Us” or “Thinking Is For Wussies – Check Your Mind At The Ballot Box.” Yes, just when we think Texas politicians can’t get any worse while we rank 49th among the states in ….wait! Stop! What if this memo wasn’t drawn up by the GOP but by – one guess – the Texas Democratic Party? Party bigwigs brain storm: “We write out a rotten, underhanded campaign strategy that would make a sewer rat gag, complete with plans for lies, fake news, false quotes, innuendos and satire, then release it attributed to the Republicans. The newspaper editorials get all fired up and good government organizations blast the GOP. Hehehe.” No, wait again. In a damage-control statement, Texas GOP chair James Dickey downplayed the mistake and claimed that a staffer “drafted some initial thoughts for discussion.” He added that “it should not be news “that Republicans want to strengthen their hold on the Texas House.” Maybe, and maybe not. What if the GOP deliberately leaked that memo? Hey, you don’t have to be paranoid to suspect that the LBJ School of Dirty Campaigns didn’t think up this battle plan to put the Dems on the wrong trail, causing them to draw up their

seem worth sharing. First, don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do, and you press a button that says you’ll be “removed from the list,” you won’t be removed and you’ll get more calls. Second, calls from local numbers are usually not local numbers. I’ve had someone call me from my own number, which was a bit creepy. These spammers use Internet Voice Over IP (don’t ask), which allows them to assign numbers that may not even be real. Next – and haven’t we learned this already? – don’t give out any personal information. It should go without saying that another trick, calls from purported government agencies like the IRS, is exactly that – a trick. The government won’t ever call you before sending out a mail piece. And they’ll never ask you to make a payment over the phone. Last, the FCC says you can call your phone company and ask for ways to help block unwanted calls. Want my advice? Let’s all throw our phones in a fire, get back to pay phones, and read a newspaper again. Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

THE READER.

Is that really Zwiener? On the morning of Sept. 13, 1862, near Frederick, Maryland, two Union Army soldiers found a piece of paper wrapped around three cigars. The paper was a copy of the Confederates’ plans for the upcoming Battle of Antietam. When Gen. George McClellan, the Union commander, read the orders, he reportedly gloated, “Here is a paper with which if I cannot whip Bobbie Lee, I will be willing to go home.” If Texas Democrats can’t beat Republicans, maybe they should be willing to go away. It wasn’t exactly battle plans wrapped around three cigars, but just as good. Someone in the Texas GOP headquarters has leaked that party’s plans to beat the Democrats in Texas in 2020, complete with targets for Dems in vulnerable districts, fake news (really, the Party of Trump employing fake news? Ridiculous!), mailers, digital ads, and texts to mislead voters. The document in question, titled “Primary/General Election 2020 [Draft],” was emailed to numerous members of the state’s Democratic Party. It took aim at 12 Democratic incumbent state legislators who narrowly beat Republicans in the last election. The GOP thinks the dirty dozen can be defeated by creating websites with similar domains to those Dems to draw viewers to their fake site. “For example, we will purchase ZwienerforTexas. com, ZwienerforTX.com, and so on,” the document reads, referencing Democratic Rep. Erin Zwiener of Driftwood. “Starting after the primary, the RPT (Republican Party of Texas) will generate microsites for negative hits against the Democrat candidates in our twelve target race — we expect each micro-site to be roughly $500,” the document reads. “We will then begin rolling out these websites, prioritizing the races that were within 4 percent in the 2018 election.” So the elephants muddy the waters by confusing voters with a disinformation campaign including “negative hits” i.e. slime, lies and distortions. “The party of Lincoln,” as they like to call themselves, is now the party of Karl Rove, Steve Bannon and alternative facts. Even though Donald Trump won Texas by a 9 percent margin of the vote in 2016, the GOP game plan observes that a lot of Texans don’t like Trump, and his name on the 2020 ballot could be a drawback. “Given the polarizing nature of the president, I suspect some Republicans will refuse to turnout during the general election because they don’t want to vote for him….” The leaked document goes on: “Regardless, I suggest we set up a contingency budget to target these folks with mailers, digital ads, and texts to encourage them to turnout for U.S. Senate, State Senate, State House, and so on.” (As a side note in all of this, the state has eliminated straightticket voting beginning in

more years, which is probably about right, given our country’s propensity for debt and our race to turn all our jobs over to robots. So how many calls do Americans get from robocalls each year? A September story in USA Today said we get somewhere around 200 million spam calls a day. A March 2019 article in Forbes said, across the globe, spam calls had hit 85 billion a year. At that point, is anybody really counting anymore? For the life of me, though, I don’t know who’s actually answering the calls, pressing 3, and handing over bank routing numbers and blood types. The Federal Trade Commission says spammers make about $430 for every successful call they make. The Wall Street Journal went further and said spammers also get paid a share of a Caller ID program, so every time their number shows up on your Caller ID, they earn somewhere between $0.0025 and $0.005. Multiply that by 85 billion, and you’re north of $200 million in revenue. Want the government’s advice on how to handle these spam robocalls? The FCC has some general rules that

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Catholics offended by black mass held at local brewery

own counter-plans and spend money on a campaign that doesn’t exist. At the Elephant Think Tank: “So we get the Dems to circle their wagons and concentrate on these twelve House races, while we sweep the field in all the other contests. Hehehe.” No, wait another minute. Maybe the Republicans, having been caught plotting dirty tricks, now spread the word that it was really the Dems who just wanted the opposition to look bad. The Deep State may be behind the entire project. This is getting too Machiavellian, but we shall probably learn that at the bottom of all of this is Vladimir Putin. Oh, as for Gen. McClellan, he of the vow that “if I cannot whip Bobbie Lee, I will be willing to go home,” even with the knowledge of Lee’s battle plans, Antietam was draw, but McClellan refused to pursue the Confederates and President Lincoln fired him. McClellan went home. Ashby fakes news at ashby2@ comcast.net

Dear Editor: Thank you to Adam for making this as balanced an article as possible, given the subject matter. I did want to respond to something in the article, though. If the Satanic Temple of Houston truly purports to encourage “benevolence and empathy”, and does not promote “ill will”, how can anyone reconcile their Twitter post stating: “The Catholics and their fat mama Mary did not stop our Black Mass. The consecrated host was defiled, destroyed, and swept into the trash where it belongs.” Really?! Say what they want about free speech, empathy, and benevolence; the proof of what they stand for is right there in that post, and it reeks of ill will. It truly is “open season” on Catholicism, despite our faith itself having absolutely nothing to do with the heinous actions of the individual priests who committed the crimes and the bishops who knowingly moved them around. In fact, to define all of Catholicism by the sins and crimes of the few is just as egregious as defining all of Islam by the terrorist activities of the few jihadist extremists. It’s hateful and wrong. Natalie Phillips Dear Editor: I agree with Natalie Phillips that anti-Catholicism is one of the last prejudices still allowed today. However, the concept of a black mass is simply a joke. I love the J. K. Huysmans novel, La Bas, which is the story of late 1800s man in France, who becomes jaded and begins to study the Middle Ages. His interest leads him to learn about a serial killer from the 1400s. This in turn led him to a study of occult practice in the Middle Ages, including the purported black mass. He then learns that occult and Satanic rituals are still taking place in France in the late 1800s, and the novel culminates with his attendance at a black mass. This was perhaps

one of the first descriptions of a black mass. In the 20th century, Anton Lavey wrote the Satanic Bible, which is kind of a joke, and a manifesto in favor of self interest and hedonism. His basic argument is that religion makes us feel guilty for expressing our nature. Obviously no serious religion would use its sacred ceremony at a promotional event for beer, for an audience of amateur thrill seekers. What I find offensive is all of these breweries and brew pubs springing up in every large corrugated formerly industrial building. What happened to beer flavored beer like Schlitz, Coors, and Budweiser? Jason Hochman Dear Editor: Regarding “Catholics offended by black mass at Brash” (Dec. 7): All religions are equally rational. Each religion has identified certain premises from which conclusions have been drawn, according to which specific behaviors are demanded. In every religion, creed, denomination, the overwhelming majority of those premises are absolutely impossible to objectively prove true or false, the resulting conclusions valid or invalid -- hence the label “faith” for such endeavors. P.S. Feeling offended is a choice one makes. No one can offend you -- or anger, upset, irritate, embarrass, disgust, frustrate you, the list goes on -- but you. J. Reynolds Dear Editor: How sad that Brash Brewing Company and The Satanic Church Houston are bringing back the virulent anti-catholic (and really anti-immigrant– Irish, Italian, Polish) attitudes of the Nineteenth Century! Few people remember how much these groups were maligned and lied about. I wonder if Brash Brewing will create a beer called “Mad Mullah” and if they will put on a “Satanic Call to Prayer” to attack our latest immigrants. Michael Horne

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. __ Nui, Easter Island 5. Midway between south and southeast 8. Small mark 12. Small antelope 14. Protects from weather 15. Goddess of women and marriage 16. City in Washington 18. Independent voters association 19. Bird genus 20. Train line 21. Annoy 22. Waste matter 23. 41st President 26. Type of cracker 30. Remove 31. Looked quickly 32. The habitat of wild animals 33. Type of gene 34. Humble 39. Barrels per day (abbr.) 42. Respectful compliments 44. Star Trek: The Next Generation doctor 46. Pithy remark 47. Sums up 49. Tailless amphibian

50. American Gaming Association (abbr.) 51. After seventh 56. Czech River 57. Folk band __ Iver 58. Kids ride this 59. Ancient Greek City 60. Liquefied natural gas (abbr.) 61. Net 62. Colors clothes 63. Midway between east and southeast 64. Japanese beverage

dOwn 1. Island north of Guam 2. Biblical region 3. Scottish ancestor 4. Hills in northeast India 5. A way to cook by baking 6. Attacked ferociously 7. Furniture with open shelves 8. Burt Reynolds film 9. A way to examine 10. Plant of the goosefoot family 11. Job 13. Capable of being

thought 17. One seeded fruit 24. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 25. Platitudes 26. Very fast airplane 27. Pet detective Ventura 28. Resinous substance 29. Explosive 35. Purse 36. Swiss river 37. Separately managed account (abbr.) 38. Electron scanning microscope (abbr.) 40. Fable 41. Mythical monsters 42. Whale (Norwegian) 43. Domed recesses 44. Member of U.S. Navy 45. Cause to be loved 47. Expression of surprise 48. Jessica __, actress 49. Drove 52. Commands to go faster 53. Chinese dynasty 54. Military vehicle 55. Chinese Muslim

WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader â€˘ Saturday, December 14, 2019 â€˘ Page 5A

THINGS TO DO. The Arts

fresh produce source thatâ€™s availSPJST Lodge 88 - 1435 Beall St. Thursday, Dec. 12 Experience and able to Independence Heights Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88 is held 5 â€“ 7 p.m. Knowledge... and surrounding neighborhood every Thursday night. Bingo pads Heights Neighborhood Library â€“ A John Waters Christmas A Powerful residents. This event will feature are $10 each. Doors open at 5:15 1302 Heights Blvd. Friday, Dec. 13 Combination free food, pies and our anOn Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5 â€“ 7 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. 8 p.m. nual homemade community pie p.m. is the Living Room @ HPL â€“ The Heights Theater â€“ 339 W. Realty Associates contest. Tchanori Kone winner of Peace Through Pie Navidades Latinas. Come join and DEBBIE 19th St. ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT the 2018 Gardere MLK, Jr. Oratory Saturday, Jan. 18 take part in our Hispanic Holiday John Waters is performing at Â Â Competition will be the special 10 a.m. â€“ noon Celebration at the library. Bring The Heights Theater. guest orator. St. Matthewâ€™s UMC â€“ 4300 N. your holiday spirit and share St. Matthewâ€™s Event Shepherd your wishes with friends and Tunes in the Tap Room Sunday, Dec. 15 Beautyâ€™s Garden, in partnership neighbors. Learn about and enjoy Tuesday, Dec. 17 10:17 a.m. with St Matthews Church and traditional flavors, music, crafts 6:30 â€“ 9:30 p.m. St. Matthewâ€™s UMC â€“ 4300 N. Peace through PIE, will host its and more. On Monday, Dec. 16 Haroldâ€™s Restaurant & Tap Room Shepherd Dr. 5:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. there will be 4th Annual MLK Peace through â€“ 350 W. 19th St. At St. Matthewâ€™s a service of PIE Day, with a theme of â€˜Food, a â€œMovies for Grown-Upsâ€? screenEnjoy live music in Haroldâ€™s Tap L&C featuring the Chancel Choir Health and Community.â€? ing of The Public.Â On Thursday, TheBeautyâ€™s Leader â€˘ Saturday, November 23, 2019 â€˘ Page 5A Room every Tuesday night. along with guest musicians, Community Garden Director, Dec. 19 there is a â€œCreepy Christperforming music from Spanish Yvette Leno, hopes to increase masâ€? screenings. From 4 p.m. Home For The Holidays speaking countries, including the community gardenâ€™s aware- 5:30 p.m. is the teen movie: Thursday, Dec. 19 Spain and countries from Central a healthy and sustainable Nightmare Before Christmas and lead by ness Davidas Davis. Price: $12 7 p.m. andThe South AmericaÂ Bible Study Group Farm Stand at music Petrol dating Womenâ€™s from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. is donation for the concert. Bradley Ross Herdejurgen, 59, born April 4, died The Heights Theater â€“ 339 W. fromStation the 1500â€™s down to the Monday, Nov. 25 the Song & Cinema Screen-In of on Nov. 12. He was a loving Dad and Grandpa. He loved 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. styles 23 19th St. The Flatlanders present day with ranging Krampus. his granddaughters, and he would do anything for them Nov. 22 YMCA â€“1234 W. 34th St. 1 p.m. to calypso CarolynFriday, Wonderland, Marcia from9 a.m. highâ€“church 7 p.m. from playing softball to having tea parties, swimming with The Womenâ€™s Bible Study meets 948 Wakefield Dr. Ball and The Shelley KingTheater are performcontemporary Latin Heights â€“ 339 W. and other Book Signing Open Mic Night them and trying their food creations. His hobbies included every Monday at the Harriet The Farm Stand at Petrol Staing at The Heights rhythms.Â 19th St. Theater. Tuesday, Nov. 26 Saturday, 14The study showing dogs, specifically Great Danes, listening to his and Joe FosterDec. YMCA. tion features goods from local The Flatlanders is performing at 9 p.m. is 1called The Faithful, which vendors. â€“ 3 p.m. Rock and Roll Music, entertaining his daughter and grandThe Heights Theater. Heights Vinyl â€“ 3301 Cline St. Womenâ€™s Bible Study Group explores crucial moments in W. 43rd daughters, he loved to travel and try new restaurants. He The Book Scene â€“ 1820 This is a free flowing, â€œtap in,â€? the Little White Oak Night Market Monday, Dec. 16 is preceded in Death by his father Allen Ross Herdejurgen. St.lives of five Old Testament Harley Poe share the mic event where everyfigures--Queen Esther, Gideon, 5:30Saturday, p.m. Nov. 23 He is survived by his mother Donna Marie Herdejurgen, Local author Crystal Vranich will Friday, Nov. 22 one is welcome. Eleanoraâ€™s Market Hosea, Malachi, and Nehemiah. 4 â€“ 8 p.m. YMCA â€“1234 W. 34th St. former wife Marilyn Herdejurgen, Daughter Courtney be signing and discussing 7 p.m. Guests and new members are her new Sideout Volleybar â€“ 2623 Saturday, Dec. 14 Womenâ€™s Bible Study meets welcome Marie Cullever and husband Stacy Cullever, GrandaughWhite Oak Music Hall â€“ 2915 N. The Bar Takeover book â€œWriting An Adventureâ€? at to attend this nonKeene St. 9 a.m. â€“ Main 1 p.m. St. everyThe Monday at theOak Harriet Wednesday, Nov. 27 ters Torey Nicole Cullever and Harlie Alexa Cullever, his The Book Scene. Drop in for lively denominational Bible study. Little White Night MarCavatore Harley â€“ 2120Poe Ella Blvd. with The Homeless andket 6 â€“ 9 p.m. Joebrings Foster YMCA.local Thefarmers, study of quality care brother Scott Herdejurgen andforwife Mildred, and two of Email scripturesharing@earthlink. together conversations, refreshments and There will be islocal growers, Gospel performing at White is called La Lucha â€“ 1801 N. Shepherd The Faithful, and which net for information. craft merchandisers, artists. his favorite dogs Boltyour andfamily Roxie. He will be greatly missed prizes. Oak Music Hall. makers, designers, artisans and Dr. explores crucial moments in by many who knew andpets loved him. * With La Lucha is hosting a guest barfood producers. Menâ€™s Scripture Sharing Group the Heights lives of Morning five OldMarket Testament Swing in the Holidays Wellness Exam Coco Montoya tender series benefiting charity. Thursday, Nov. 28 Sunday, Nov. 24 Sandra C. Gresham, 73, born Nov. 2, died on Nov. figures--Queen Esther, Gideon, Saturday, Nov. 23 Tuesday, Dec. 17 On Nov. 27, Alphonso Quinones 6:30 â€“ 7:30 a.m. 10 a.m. â€“ 2 p.m. The Farm8 p.m. Stand at Petrol Sta- Hosea, 18. Sheis survived by her husband, Thomas MichaelCall About Malachi, andDr.Nehemiah. from Capt. Foxheartâ€™s Bad News 8 p.m. YMCA â€“1234 W. 34th St. 3106 White Oak tion Gresham; daughter, Tara (Gresham) Anderson; and daughThe Heights Theater â€“ 339 W. Guests and new members The Menâ€™s Scripture Sharing Heights Morning Market are The Heights Theater â€“ 339 W. Bar & Spirit Lodge will be at La Cat Vaccines Saturday, Dec. 19th St.14 ter, Suzanne (Gresham) Tyrell. Lucha. The charity of his choice is welcome attend thisartisans, nonGroup meets every Thursday at gathersto local talented 19th St. 9 a.m. â€“ 1Coco p.m.Montoya is performing at denominational Child Advocates. the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. farmers, and entrepreneurs Bible study.to Come get in the holiday mood The Heights 948 Wakefield Dr. Theater. Carlos Eduardo Sampaio, 56, born Oct. 7, died There will be music, Bible study bring you closer to the goods you Email scripturesharing@earthlink. asfellowship. we â€œSwingGuests in theand Holidaysâ€? feaTurkey Burn Rev Ride The Farm Stand at Petrol Staand new need. Stop by to shop and stay to Oct. 29. He is survived by his daughters Clara and Celia, net for information. turing Waltrip High Schoolâ€™s Jazz Los Walters Thursday, Nov. 28 brunch, drink mimosas, and listen members are welcome to attend tion features goods from local his sister Christina, brother Luiz and ex-wife Michelle. He Saturday, Nov. 23 9 â€“ 10 a.m.Get Your Business Ensemble 1. Jazz Ensemble this non-denominational Bible 2 will to live music at Onion Creek. vendors.8 p.m. was employed by NASA. A celebration gathering will be Menâ€™s Scripture Sharing Group DEFINE Heights â€“ 714 Yale St. openEmail the scripturesharing@ show at 8 p.m. study. Up and Running held from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 23, at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 White Oak Music Hall â€“ 2915 N.Thursday, Dec. 19 Ste. 200 earthlink.net for information. Heights Main Mercantile Holiday Heights Blvd.5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625 St. DEFINE is kicking off a day of 6:30 â€“ 7:30 a.m. Open Mic Night Market Los Walters is performing at YMCA â€“1234 W. 34th St. feasting with a Thanksgiving Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon Holiday Artisan Market Tuesday, Dec. 17 White Day Turkey Burn Class across Pre-Thanksgiving Worship Saturday, Dec.Oak 14Music Hall. Saturday, Nov. 30 The Menâ€™s Scripture Sharing 9 p.m. all Houston-area locations. The Service 9 a.m. â€“ 4 p.m. 10 a.m. â€“ 5 p.m. Group meets every Hayes Carll Vinyl Cline St.Turkey Burn is a 60 minute rev Sunday, Nov. 24 Thursday at St.Heights Stephenâ€™s UMCâ€“â€“3301 2003 W. 711 Heights Blvd. the 10:17 Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. 43rdThis Local Sunday, Nov. 24 a.m. St. is a free flowing, â€œtap in,â€?ride (indoor cycling) to give you Experience and The Heights Mercantile Holiday 7 p.m. There be music, study the energy to feel your best and St. will Matthewâ€™s UMCBible â€“ 4300 N. The Holiday Artisan Market, business share the mic event where everyKnowledge... Market isThe a free event that isâ€“ kid Heights Theater 339 W. andShepherd kickstart your metabolism.Â Dr. Guests and new fellowship. benefitting the Animal Justice one is welcome. A Powerful is our and pet-friendly. 19th St. Multiple vendors St. Matthewâ€™s United Methodist members are welcome to attend League, will be held in the west Combination is performing The Houston Genealogical cordially invites the combusiness. will be setHayes up forCarll attendees to at ThethisChurch sanctuary parking lot, featuring non-denominational Bible Pints & Pies Christmas Trivia Forum Presents: In Search Heights munity to attend the Pre-Thanksbrowse and lookTheater. for Christmas 713-906-5481 a variety of vendors and food study. Email scripturesharing@ Send your story of interest Thursday, 19 at Realty Associates of William â€œThe Immigrantâ€? giving Worship service. DEBBIE trucks. ContactDec. Kim Antley gifts. earthlink.net for information. ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT Tunes in the Tap Room Cloude 7 â€“ 9:30 p.m. news@theleadernews.com redlipdesigns@gmail.com regardTuesday, Nov. 26 Saturday, Dec. 7 Thanks & Giving Banquet Heights Brewing Company ingGreat vendor participation. The Market Sawyer 6:30 at â€“ 9:30 p.m. Yards 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Nov. 24 Active Shooter Education â€“ 938 Wakefield Dr. Saturday, Dec. 14 Haroldâ€™s Restaurant & Tap Bayland Community Center 5 p.m. Jan. 28 Tuesday, Oâ€™Holy Heights Christmas Join Great Heights Brewing â€“ 350 W. 19th St. 11 a.m. Room â€“ 5 p.m. 6400 Bissonnet Oaks Baptist Church â€“ ExtravaganzaÂ 6:30Garden â€“ 8 p.m. Company for a special Christmas EnjoySt. live music in Haroldâ€™s Tap When presenter Janine 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. 1502 Sawyer Saturday, Dec. 7 Advent Lutheran Church â€“ 5820 of Pints & Pies Trivia. Cloudâ€™s direct paternal line Room every Tuesday Garden Oaks Baptist Church 6 edition p.m. This curated market hostsnight. a mix Pinemont Dr. This edition will cover Christmaspaper trail dead-ends in 1838 will be celebrating Thanksgiving Heights Presbyterian ChurchÂ â€“ of artist mediums with a focus on This will&focus active withevent a Thanks Givingon Banquet Pop 240 W.Culture 18th St.from any movies, Georgia, she turned to Y-DNA folk art, the maker is the seller & shooter education and on Sunday evening. Thecommon church Heights Presbyterian ChurchÂ is TV, music, and tradition. Great testing to attempt to prove a artisan crafts including packaged connection between her brick willinstruction. be providing turkey, sense Hosteddressing, by hosting thegift Oâ€™Holy Heights ChristHeights cards and actual pies specialtyEleanoraâ€™s foods. Market wall ancestor and William â€œThe gravy, Daniel cranberry mas Extravaganza, where there Stephen of sauce HPD.and rolls.Â from Flying Saucer Pie Company Immigrantâ€? Cloud, who settled Members will be furnishing adwill be a Santa in the Gazebo for Saturday, Nov. 23 for top teams. in Pennsylvania Colony in about ditional dishes.Â Visitors are welHeights Morning Market pictures, hot cocoa, coffee, wasgathers local talented artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to bring you closer to the goods you need. Stop by to shop and stay to brunch, drink mimosas, and listen to live music at Onion Creek.

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come to come enjoy good food, Sunday, Cavatore Dec. 15 â€“ 2120 Ella Blvd. Christian fellowship and to give will be local growers, 10 a.m. â€“ There 2 p.m. thanks for the blessings of the makers, designers, artisans and Library 3106 White Oak Dr. Events past year.Â For additional details, producers. Heightsfood Morning Market please call (713) 864-4447.Â Â Coyote, from P. 1A

sail, cookies, other desserts and Thursday Night a silent auction. ThereBingo will also 19with the beThursday, a ChristmasDec. concert Heights worship team and more 5:15 p.m.

discharge of a firearm, it was a â€œThe key is that as long as police matter. food, shelter and water are News of the coyoteâ€™s de- available, another coyote will mise elicited a strong response soon replace the one that grandson Zachary said. David â€œAnd Hill. residents such as Meganher died,â€? Larryfrom Dean Koenekamp, Bradshaw who on saidDec. the 3coyote if it was an alpha female, her 81, born Paschall, Aug. 30, died Lucinda wasTexas. a regular death will trigger the other fein Houston, He istraveler survivedby her Clemencia Hernandez, born June area 10, house. males in the63, surrounding by his wife of 59 years, Marlene Dec. larger 5. She is survived by â€œWe have justDiana as many straydiedtoonhave litters in the Koenekamp, daughters; Hernandez, her husband animals thathusband arenâ€™t small coy-Albert spring.â€? Underwood and her Paschall said. Bradshaw also said the Joseph Lamus, hernorJeff, and otes,â€? Christy Meduna andâ€œItâ€™s herawful.and Carlos is nice toJimmy have.â€? mal, and healthy weight of a coybrother his family. husbandWildlife Randy, brother, Others said they wouldnâ€™t ote in Texas is only 25 pounds. Koenekamp, grandchildren; haveBridges to worry â€œPeople in urban areas comFrances McKinzie, Christopher and so hismuch wife now Stella about their outdoor coyotes to their oftenborn May 19, died on Dec. 5. Annie, Marlaina Oâ€™ Brien and dogs her and90, pare saidMeduna, the coyoteSheoverweight said. is survived dogs,â€? by hershe daughters, husbandcats. Josh, Many and Cade looked too thin and was per-Linda A person and who Jeannie is passionate McKinzie great grandchildren; Robert dyingBridges, slowlyClaire from star-Anderson, about coyotes is Camilla her sisters, Martha H. Bridges, haps Elizabeth thatWade Fox, founder andthe Dollie Beal,and and execuher Bridges, vation. Thomas Some Oâ€™Brien,believed and shooting a coyote was better tive director of Project Coyote sister-in-law Myrna Spicer, her May arrival â€œBaby Oâ€™Brien.â€? than the alternatives. - a nationalFrances nonprofit orgagrandchildren, Foreman, â€œPersonally, I think shoot-Daniel nization based in Leslie, Mill Valley, Baez and wife, and Sharon Lee Meisetschthem is far more humaneShelby California, thatand promotes comAnderson wife Sybil. laeger, ing 59, born Feb. 28, died than setting out (conibear) passionate conservation and on Dec. 3. She isLeeAnn survivedHickman by her said. coexistence between people traps,â€? Lee Church III, 73, loving children, Amanda Ruth is not Walter â€œBut catch and release bornand Aug.wildlife 19, diedthrough on Dec.educa6. Hill and husband David, and John considered an option because tion, science and advocacy. Francis Meisetschlaeger as well as youâ€™ll just be relocating a nuiFox calls the coyote a â€œmasance animal from one place ligned carnivoreâ€? and said it is to another.â€? estimated that 500,000 coyBonnie Bradshaw with 911 otes are killed each year by Wildlife, a wildlife removal humans, partly because they and relocation company with are unprotected by law in 42 offices in Houston, said the states. There are no definitive good-riddance attitude regarding coyotes is typical in neigh- population counts for coyotes either. borhoods throughout the U.S.

â€œTheyâ€™re not valued enough reviewed, radio-collar studies to monitor,â€? Fox said. have proven that most reloTexas is a state where coy- cated wild animals die within otes are undefended and clas- two weeks after being released sified as a non-game species. Jr.,in unfamiliar areas.â€? William Ben Talbott, TPWD Wildlife Di- 6. The incident along the bay76, born Jan. 7, biologist died on Dec. ana Foss of the Texas Parks & ou last week warranted a poWildlife Department said it is lice visit because it is illegal to Beatrice Hargrave illegal to kill a coyote forNov. com-19, discharge a firearm inside the 95, born Mathisen, mercial on ispublicly corporated limits of a municidied onpurposes Dec. 8. She survived by owned land in Texas. her husband Frank A. Mathisen,pality having a population of â€œHowever, is legal toand (kill) son, Robert itRandazzo his 100,000 or more. a wife coyote on private property Claudia, step-son, Frank C. â€œItâ€™s dangerous,â€? Cannon forMathisen any reason,â€? said. said. â€œNo matter what you are and his Foss wife Geraldine, â€œThe person taking the coyote grandchildren; Theresa Wilden shooting at, itâ€™s still an illegal must a currentMike, hunting li- discharge of firearms.â€? and have her husband Robert cense. No permit from TPWD Cannon said anyone with Randazzo Jr. step-grandchildren; isGuilherme needed.â€? Serrao, Dani Plagensinformation about the incident Fossheralso said Michael. a newly and husband Greatshould call HPD. passed law, House Bill 4544, Fox said the irony is that if grandchildren; Justin Corley, allows certain cities,Landyn such as Savannah Wilden, Ran- humans left coyotes alone to Houston, to manage coyotes self-regulate, they would do dazzo, Avery Wilden, Madeline by capturing, relocating or so. Wilden, Scotty Wilden, Lorissa, euthanizing a coyote located Project Coyoteâ€™s Coyote Julia, Austin Courtney and Friendly Communities prowithin the cityand limits or the many nieces and nephews. cityâ€™s extraterritorial juris- gram aims to give both urban

THE OBITUARIES.

diction or by requesting assistance from Texas Wildlife Services. Relocating a coyote, according to Bradshaw, also likely means death. â€œContrary to public opinion, relocated animals donâ€™t have a wonderful new life out in the country where they belong,â€? Bradshaw said. â€œMultiple peer-

CHURCH

and rural audiences the tools to foster coexistence. â€œWe need to teach coyotes (about) the behavior we donâ€™t support,â€? Fox said.

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Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am

t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN

and Adults............................ 6:15pm St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am

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Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t -FBSOJOH )PVS For BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies Youth, Children t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN and Adults ............................ 6:15pm Gethsemane Lutheran Church

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Pastor Jerry McNamara We invite you to worship with us! 4040 Watonga â€˘ 713-688-5227 Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School Classes 10:30 am Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church WePreschool invite you&toBible worship with us! Program â€˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. 4040 Watonga â€˘ 713-688-5227

Pastor Jerry McNamara www.gethsemanelutheran.org Weekly Worship 9:00 a.m. We invite youServices to â€˘worship with us! 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227 Sunday School Bible Services Classes 10:30 Weekly&Worship 9:00 a.m. a.m. We invite you to worship with Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 amus! Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. 9-2p.m. p.m. Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. -- Fri. Fri. 9-2 Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org www.gethsemanelutheran.org Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 a.m. Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

www.gethsemanelutheran.org Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 First Church Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40

Ministries for All Ages Sunday Morning Worship 8:30Children and 11:00 Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Sunday for School ........9:15Youth am and Adults 9:40 Sunday School Children, Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor

Sunday Worship......10:30am Ministries for All Ages 2003 W. 43rd St. 713-686-8241 stsumc.org Wednesday Bible Studyfor Little Children Home of Johnson Memorial School Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 & Prayer Service 6:00pm Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor Ministries for All Ages â—† 713-686-8241 â—† stsumc.org 2003 W. 43rd St. FC Heights Family and Staff Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children 201 Nathan E. 9th St. â€˘ 713-861-3102 Rev. Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor â—† â—† 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday Morning Worship

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t goes without saying, but Iâ€™ll say it anyway: â€œwe have all ByAlexander Pastor Will Cover made mistakes.â€? As Pope so aptly put it: â€œTo Arise Baptist err is human, to forgive, divine.â€?Church We should remember 803we Curtin TX 77018 this the next time makeSt.a Houston mistake. Most certainly, we By713-659-9697 Pastor Will mistakes, Cover â€˘ www.arisebaptistchurch.org must learn from our and hopefully not continue Baptist Church By Arise Pastor Will Cover to repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 Arise Baptist Church it can be hard enough to forgive others for their mistakes, it 713-659-9697 â€˘ www.arisebaptistchurch.org is good to give to our God. ourselves. Praise is a 803It Curtin St. Houston, TXpraises 77018 can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am 713-659-9697 way weâ€˘ www.arisebaptistchurch.org demonstrate our humility before God and St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something Have you ever felt frustrated at Thanksgiving? I Morning Worship ............... 10:45am exalt Him for all that He does. A failure to praise weâ€™ve done, and we may punish and harangue ourselves remember as a boy wishing we could be done with â€˘Wednesday Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am -Children 11:00am Bible Studies For Youth, e are entering a time ofdecades, holidays and celebrations for years, taking or even over youthful indiscretions. In in means the credit for what has taken place the family tradition of saying what we were thankful â€˘ Learning Hour ........... 11:00am 12:00pm for many people in our country. Thanksgiving is MANNA and Adults............................ 6:15pm addition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of for before we ate. I wanted to get to the food as our lives instead of giving God the a holiday that we as Americans have enjoyed for glory. In Neheâ€˘ Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm Sponsor quickly as possible! The turkey, ham, mashed our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating generations. Many people are looking forward to time spent Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ...ELCA 9:30am miah 12 the people of God gave praise to God as they St. James Lutheran Church, > [O ŕ Ž 1602 West 43rd St. â€˘ Houston, Tx 77018 â€˘ 713-686-1577 with potatoes and gravy, green beans, family,them, time off from work, big feast,corn, watching football, we must bea charitable andcranberry forgive ourselves, just as Morning Worship ............... 10:45am dedicated the walls around Jerusalem. The people â€˘ Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am catching the biggest sales of the years, and probably many sauce, homemade dinner rolls, etc. were piled high we should forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children others during this Thanksgiving weekend. There willpeople be had laid the bricks in place, the had worked on mythings plate. The aromas wafting up from my loaded MANNA â€˘ Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm the coming days and weeks to time forgive the offenses of others and Adults............................ 6:15pm who will struggle during the this ofand holiday â€˘ Worship (Spanish) ....Sunday 12:30 pm - 1:30pm Weekly Services some platepeople wereastogether, enough make my mouth water myjust each Sponsor and the people protected well loved as to our own. Sometimes, it helps to forgetother about as as they remember ones who they havehad lost, or close stomach ache with anticipation. Why did we have to â€˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. 1602 West 43rd St. â€˘ > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 â€˘ 713-686-1577 companionsthem; that are unable because ofdid the the they were then, give that is, working. to totrybetotogether putWhy them out of our mindpeople and stop â€˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. take time to aboutEither thanksgiving before we ate? schedule orrepeatedly thetalk logistics. way, Thanksgiving will a reasons we use mulling over them. One of be the praise to God for the completion of the wall? Why â€˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m. Could we not just do that while we were eating? As time when people are either thinking happy thoughts or sad the phrase and because sometimes 1700 West 43 rd and at Rosslyn Weekly Sunday Services they not take theforgetâ€? credit themselves? Why that did isNean adult, I did look backâ€œforgive at my childish selfisand realize about something. Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 11:00 thoughts 713-682-4942 the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N Whenthis I wastradition ahemiah boy, I remember my mother saying, â€œDonâ€™t forget why was and still is important. While â€˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. not take the credit for the work as the leader Sunday School r .PSOJOH B N for Children, Youth and Walters Adults 9:40 Pastor â€“ Dr. Richard more divine, toisbenot able forgive even to say thank you.â€? Shethanks wasisreminding metoto be thankful towhile my remembering â€˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. the time of giving the important issue, Ministries for All4:15 Agesp.m. and organizer? r &WFOJOH Q N grandmother for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, or to my â€˘ Evening: the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, Ad # 32285 the priority of giving thanks does matter. As a child, SE 8FTU Home of Johnson Memorial School for Children family member that gave me gift, to my friend who issue of praise. 1700 West 43 rd BU 3PTTMZO at Little Rosslyn These questions allorspeak to I wasnâ€™t as thankful as Ia special should have been vindictive, shameful feelings aboutbecause thethe past, and get over 713-682-4942 invited me to their birthday party. Most people want to teach Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor children have a thankful. natural sense of entitlement. The people takewho credit forwould their accomplishments. it!Most Corrie ten Boom, survived incarceration in a Nazi Pastor Walters Pastor â€“â€“ Dr. Dr. Richard Richard children to be I think most people agree X sWalters t s u m c . o r gtheir 2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 longer live the more I like understand truth of prison camp said, â€œForgiveness is to anot prisoner free, and that beingI thankful isleaders important, it iseveryone also truethe that itset isto Most else hear about what Ad # 32285 Godâ€™s to Word when depending itthat saysthe â€œIn everything give Join us for Services always betothankful on what wewas through. realize prisoner you.â€? they have done. Why are didgoing thethanks, people praise God in-

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Candlelight Church of Christ Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Join us for Services Sunday Bible Classes 9am in English or Spanish Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

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for this theinwill of God5:20 in â€œGiving Christthanks Jesus always concerning The Bibleis says Ephesians for all stead of themselves? Very the passage reads things God the Father the name ofnot oursimply Lord Jesus you.â€? unto I canJudge giveand thanks in allinthings because Godjudged; is in not, and you will be condemn Christ.â€? would encourage you, no matter how you feel during controlI of my life.and I am thankful for our city and for innot, verse forty-three, â€œFor God had made them rejoice you will not be condemned; forgive, this seasonand to remember that you canresponded be thankful to to the holiday individuals organizations that joy.â€? The people understood that the reaand you will be on forgiven... God. He gavewith up Hisgreat only Son to die a cruel death the cross Hurricane Harvey in such an admirable way. I am so that anyone whoall trusts him canthings be forgiven of their sins and was not because son of these were possible thankful have started church this past year have eternaltolife. Donâ€™t forget atonew sayR.S.V. thank you! Luke 6:37 ofliketheir great ability but rather because of the great that able tototake partthis in the community efforts If youwas would discuss further or have questions, to help people after I Arise am thankful for my power ofbeHarvey. God toatwork through them Pastor Will Cover can reached Baptist Church at and accomplish 803 Curtin St.,great or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697. wife, my children, my parents, and my friends. things for Him. May we notI am take the credit but thankful for my country that gives me the freedoms rather to live, think, and may write we as I offer wish. praise There istosoGod! much He our praise! for which to give thanks. What are you thankful for?

is worthy of

Page 6A • Saturday, December 14, 2019 • The Leader

Dinner, from P. 1A

Keep dangerous holiday plants away from pets enough of the plant to cause death. But just to be safe (and to save you and your pet from a few days of violent vomiting), keep poinsettias out of reach of your critters.

Dear Tabby, I’ve been decorating my home for Christmas and have already begun to receive the gift of live, seasonal plants from friends and neighbors. I’m concerned about bringing potentially toxic plants into my home and my pets ingesting them. What plants should I look out for?

Mistletoe Sure, it’s cute to steal a kiss under the mistletoe, but make sure that Fido and Fluffy don’t do anything more than smooch near it. Mistletoe contains toxins that can cause breathing problems, a drop in blood pressure and hallucinations that often lead to unusual behavior in pets. So, if you must, hang that mistletoe high from the ceiling, well out of reach from your pets.

Protecting Pets from Plants in Garden Oaks Dear Protecting Pets from Plants, ‘Tis the season for beautiful gifts of flowers and festive plants to begin arriving on doorsteps and under the tree. If you have pets, you know how curious they can be about any new item that’s brought into the home. Unfortunately, sometimes this curiosity presents as a pet eating a new plant, and this can have disastrous effects. Here are a few seasonal plants to keep away from your pets this holiday season:

Christmas tree

Not to be a Grinch, but your real Christmas tree is a hazard for your pets. Not only can pine cause vomiting and intestinal distress in animals, but the water that you use to keep your fresh tree hydrated is a cesspool of bacteria, molds and fertilizers, which are very dangerous if ingested. Amaryllis flower Who doesn’t love “forcing” a seasonal bulb and watching, day by day, as it slowly grows into a beautiful flower? One such popular plant is the amaryllis that is so common this time of the year. Unfortunately, the amaryllis contains toxins that can cause drooling, a decrease in appetite, abdominal pain and vomiting.

The toxins in the amaryllis can also slow your dog’s breathing and cause a drop in blood pressure, so you might notice your pet moving more slowly. Tremors are another frightening side effect. Keeping your favorite seasonal plants outside and away from pets is an easy way to circumvent a holiday pet emergency. But if you love the look of these plants and want them to adorn your living room, look for artificial versions of the plants, which will keep your pets safer and last for years to come. Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week Meet Nuke Nuke’s is a sad story about a good boy who lost everyone and was saved just in the nick of time from certain death. Now, Nuke’s next chapter can only be better and he’s ready to begin again. Nuke is a 6-year-old Beagle/ English Coonhound mix who loves going on walks and playing. He’d be the perfect dog for just the right, loving family this holiday season. To learn more, go to www.scoutshonor. org.

Poinsettias That iconic flower of the Christmas season often gets a bad rap for being deadly if ingested by pets, but (thankfully) that warning is blown slightly out of proportion. Only in extreme cases can a pet die from eating poinsettia -- mainly because the plant contains a vomit-inducing sap that keeps Fido from being able to eat

own children were grown. “We met through the children back then,” she said. It was a church progressive dinner that Pickens’ children attended in which parents had to drive them from house to house that was the seed for Candlelight’s own walkable version. “I thought maybe it would be a good idea,” Pickens said. And it was. Oak Forest originals and varying degrees of Oak Forest newbies gather every year to continue the custom. The crowd is always a little different mix as the street itself changes, but some attendees never miss it. Last Sunday, about 30 people, all wearing name tags, met first at Carol Steffes’ home where she lives with son, Jimmy, for the appetizer course. Neighbor Donna Lindsay moved to Houston, and the street, three years ago due to a job transfer. Lindsay assisted Steffes with hospitality duties and said she was sold on the neighbors and the dinner almost immediately. “It was so wonderful,” Lindsay said. “We wanted to be a part of this.” The salad course was hosted by Rachna and Sean Hanrahan, who own Platypus Brewing on Washington Avenue. The Hanrahans moved in a few years ago,

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and Sean said the dinner is something they were excited to be a part of. Next up was Poulos’ home for the main course and then on to Whitney and Blake Davis’ home for dessert. Attendees spend about 30 minutes at each house with perhaps some additional lingering at desserts. But not too long as the Davises have a 6-month-old son who was also a co-host. Although Pickens said the neighborhood has changed, she enjoys being a part of it now as much as she ever has. She said she still gets a lot of visits from former neighbors and from those who knew her at Stevens Elementary, where she worked in the office for several years. The progressive dinner is a way to make some new friends and reconnect with longtime ones. “I just wanted to get to know people,” Pickens said. “I wanted to walk down the street and say hello.” David Simpson lives in the house his parents bought in 1950 for $8,000. He said he enjoys the food and camaraderie at the yearly dinners. “We chit-chat about everything,” Simpson said. Added Poulos: “We are a group of people getting together once a year, (going) down the street, laughing and yelling. We know each other’s names. That’s a glue.”

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The Leader • Saturday, December 14, 2019 • Page 7A

Peck confident in District A runoff against Zoes By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Who is George Harry Zoes? Amy Peck has been running against him for months, but she said she isn’t exactly sure. “The constituents in District A kind of feel that way, too,” Peck said. “They know who I am. They’re not familiar with my opponent. I’ve been working with everyone in the community for a long time, many years now, so people know me. I don’t think they know him or what his campaign is about.” Peck and Zoes are competing in a runoff election for the

District A seat on the Houston City Council. Early voting for the runoff ended Tuesday, and Election Day is Saturday, Dec. 14, when polling places will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Peck nearly won outright on Nov. 5, when she received 45.4 percent of the 15,749 votes cast. Zoes was second among the six candidates with 16.5 percent. Zoes did not respond to multiple emails from The Leader or a voice message left at the phone number listed on his campaign website. According to his site, he is the son of Greek immigrants and a

Peck

Zoes

businessman who has owned Ruby’s Wig Salon in Spring Branch since 2013. His campaign website also says Zoes supports the Hous-

ton Police Department and the city’s other emergency services, small businesses and flood mitigation. It says he wants to fight corruption in city govern-

Traffic, from P. 1A

needs more police officers and its firefighters need better equipment. Peck has been endorsed by the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, the union for local firefighters. “I’m a better candidate because I have been working with the community for a long time now,” Peck said. “I’ve been in the trenches with everybody fighting for them, fighting on their behalf. I think the constituents know that. They’ve seen my results, and I’m ready to continue that in this new capacity.”

Wolfe, from P. 1A

down Harvard, almost running her over. “To make matters more dangerous, the driver of the car honked at me as if I was in his way, flipped me off, and kept speeding down the road,” she wrote. “I felt my clothes move he was so close.” Drake, Woodall and other concerned neighbors submitted an application to the City of Houston Neighborhood Traffic Management Program’s Speed Control Program for a traffic study that would look at the area bordered by Studewood, the I-10 feeder road, Heights Boulevard and 11th Street, with the goal of addressing the speeding issues. Desired outcomes for the residents, as stated in the application, would be pedestrian crossing signals at Studewood and 10th Street for Hogg Middle School students and at 11th and Harvard for Harvard Elementary students as well as speed cushions at other locations. Drake said they were surprised when an employee with the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program told them that the city already had an application for the area – from 2015. “Since our program does not have any funds and the only projects moving forward are the ones either privately funded or funded by the District Council Member,” Senior Staff Analyst Gary Drabek wrote in an e-mail. “This project will remain on our waiting list till funding is allocated.” With regard to the issue, Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, the outgoing Houston City Council member for District C, said that as a strong supporter of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program her office has allocated approximately $900,000 from the Council District Service Fund toward the overall program. These funds have processed 13 applications, including the area applications for Shepherd Park Plaza, Heights–Arlington, Rice Military, Shepherd Forest and Timbergrove-Seamist. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted.

AY Y D 1 NL O

ment as well. Peck, who since 2014 has served as the chief of staff for outgoing District A council member Brenda Stardig, said she wants to audit every city department and program to streamline City Hall and reduce wasteful spending. “Basically, each department would have to justify their existence to council,” Peck said. She also wants to ensure that existing flood mitigation projects are completed and new ones are initiated. Like Zoes, Peck also supports Houston’s police and fire departments, saying the city

Drake’s application, called “White Oak,” is 12th on the list of 32 for District C. Questions about cost Cohen’s office said her service fund this fiscal year is a total of $750,000, but $500,000 of it can only be spent on infrastructure, with requirements matching those of the Build Houston Forward Program. Of the remaining $250,000, half is required to be reserved for the new District C council member who will take office in January. Abbie Kamin and Shelley Kennedy are in a runoff to replace Cohen, who is approaching her term limit. Early voting for the runoff ended Tuesday, with Election Day on Saturday. With the cost of a Neighborhood Traffic Management Program typically ranging from $30,000-$150,000, depending on the size of the neighborhood and the level of neighborhood consensus, Cohen’s office estimates an average cost of $90,000. “Thus, unfortunately, even if we were to reserve our entire portion of the CDSF for this year for NTMP, the best we could hope to complete is NTMP one to two projects this year,” Cohen said. “For that reason, the best option for the neighborhood to receive speed bumps in a timely manner would be to pursue private funding.” Not many applicants go the private funding route. Houston Public Works spokesperson Erin Jones said that of the 47 requests the city received in 2017, the 37 requests it got in 2018 and the 25 it had received so far in 2019, two applications from 2017 and one from 2019 were funded privately. Heights residents reached out to Kamin to ask how she might enhance pedestrian safety in the Heights and she said that if elected, she would review the application and give the overall issue her full attention. Kamin said that in addition to the intersections mentioned by others, the intersection of 11th and Nicholson Street is a big concern of hers as well. With funding allocated from

the Houston Bike Plan, passed by the city council in 2017, the city already is considering reconfiguring 11th Street between North Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street in an attempt to calm traffic and reduce collisions. The plan calls for converting the four-lane configuration, with two lanes of traffic going in each direction, into one lane going in each direction with a center left-turn lane and bicycle lanes on the outside of the road. A median refuge island, which would provide protection to cyclists and pedestrians using the Heights Hike and Bike Trail that crosses 11th at Nicholson, also would be installed at that intersection. “I know the mayor (Sylvester Turner) is giving increased attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety, as evidenced by the city’s signing on to Vision Zero initiative and other programs,” Kamin said. “If I’m honored enough to win this seat, I look forward to making the case to the mayor that the city should be funding these studies.” Kennedy made a trip to two of the locations mentioned in the Speed Control Program application. Kennedy said that while sitting at 401 Oxford St. for 5 minutes, she counted 20 cars that did not stop at the four-way intersection. “It was like those stop signs did not exist,” Kennedy said. “I can’t recall ever seeing such blatant disregard for a stop sign. I was there at 12 noon. I cannot imagine how bad it must get during peak traffic times. On Harvard, it is only a two-way stop. A four-way stop sign could improve that situation at very little cost.” Kennedy said that in a time of shrinking council member funding, there might be other remedies for residents to pursue, like having a police officer document the safety risks at problematic intersections. Additional strategies for funding these projects, according to Kennedy, might be working with a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and/or management district, or looking at grants and matching funding.

diving around the Houston area and throughout Texas. He earned his invitation to the national competition in September, when he won his division at a qualifying event in San Marcos. “We thought we’d try something else with him. Next thing you know, we were in competitions,” Judith Scholtes said. “Next thing you know, we got a letter saying we’re going to nationals. We’re like, ‘Really? OK. I guess we’re going.’ “We really feel like we don’t even know what we’re doing,” she added. “We’re going anyway.” Scarantino, who is taking her own dog to the national competition, said the animals are mostly responsible for their success in the sport. They just need nudging from their owners. Judith Scholtes stays with Wolfe at the start of the runway before sending him off toward the water. Husband Steve, positioned near the end of the dock, then provides a jumping target by tossing a bright yellow competition stick into the water. Wolfe averaged 23 feet, 9 inches in 15 competitive jumps this year. He competes in the Master division,

which is the second-highest classification out of five, and is ranked in a tie for 33rd out of 589 dogs in his division across the country. “That boy can fly,” Scarantino said. Scarantino said Wolfe is so good because he’s athletic, intelligent, loves to play and loves water. Judith Scholtes said she and her husband want 2-year-old Wolfe to take advantage of his world-class talent while he has the opportunity. Traveling to competitions might be just as much fun for the Scholtes, who do not have children but can now relate to parents who take their kids to gymnastics meets or soccer tournaments. “It’s like, ‘Oh wow, this is what all these people have been doing all these years. Now I get it. Now I know,” Judith said. “It’s taking us all these places we never imaged we would ever go.” The Scholtes were not having nearly as much fun when they adopted Wolfe. About two weeks beforehand, their soft-coated Wheaten Terrier named Riley died suddenly at age 7. The Scholtes also were caring for Judith’s father,

Henri Irvington, at the time. He had to go to the emergency room one night, and the Scholtes adopted Wolfe on their way home from the hospital the next morning. “My husband liked him, and next thing we knew we were sitting in the car with him,” Judith said. “We were kind of punch drunk, like, ‘What did we just do?’ ” Wolfe and the dog the Scholtes had previously adopted from Friends For Life, named Ruby, comforted them when Hurricane Harvey damaged a significant portion of their home one month later. Then, in October 2017, Irvington died and the Scholtes were again in mourning. Scarantino said she applauds the Scholtes for keeping Wolfe and continuing to train him during that time, when they could have decided to give him away. Now the dog, who will compete on a national stage Saturday, is a source of joy and a source of pride. “It’s not just about his dock diving,” Newton said. “That’s wonderful, but he’s been a real companion and kind of helped the family through some rough times.”

District H, from P. 1A strong about that.” Longoria criticized Cisneros’ four-year tenure and questioned her stances on some of the key issues facing residents of District H, which includes the eastern part of the Heights, Independence Heights and Sawyer Yards. The challenger said Cisneros hasn’t taken a strong-enough stance against the proposed reconstruction and expansion of I-45, which would negatively impact some existing homes and businesses in District H. Longoria said there are needs for more affordable housing as well as flood mitigation in the district – positions shared by Cisneros – and that the Houston Planning Commission needs to impose stricter guidelines for development in a city without zoning laws. Longoria served on the planning commission for nine months and also has worked for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as well as in the offices of former state legislators Jessica Farrar and Sylvia Garcia. In 2018, while working for AARP, Longoria was named Hispanic Female Executive of the Year by the Houston Hispanic Cham-

ber of Commerce. “I love community work. I love being a public wonk,” Longoria said. “I just want to get projects done. I think I have the ideas, plans and the heart to get it done.” Cisneros was an elementary school teacher and Houston ISD trustee before being elected to the city council in 2015. She supports the arts, which are especially valued in the Heights and Sawyer Yards, and has spearheaded a number of educational and quality-of-life initiatives during her four years at City Hall. Among them are the TechConnect Program, which provides internet access and learning tools to low-income residents, resource fairs for immigrants in the community and a spay-and-neuter initiative to help control the stray pet population. Cisneros also promoted the use of hidden cameras to combat illegal dumping and thereby reduce flood risks in the district. “We are on a roll,” Cisneros said. “Everything that I have initiated has grown and gotten bigger, richer and deeper with the connections that we’ve made.”

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Christmas at Advent

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December 1st

Traditional Service – 9:00 am Welcome w/ Coffee – 10:00 am A Contemporary Journey – 10:30 am

December 4th

Hospitality Dinner – 5:30 pm Advent Worship Service – 7:30 pm

December 8th

Welcome w/ Coffee – 9:00 am Worship Cantata Service – 10:30 am

December 11th

Hospitality Dinner – 5:30 pm Advent Worship Service – 7:30 pm

December 14th

Breakfast with Santa – 8:00 am

December 15th

Traditional Service – 9:00 am Welcome w/ Coffee – 10:00 am A Contemporary Journey – 10:30 am

December 18th

Hospitality Dinner – 5:30 pm Advent Worship Service – 7:30 pm

December 22nd

Traditional Service – 9:00 am Welcome w/ Coffee – 10:00 am A Contemporary Journey – 10:30 am December 24th Family Candlelight Service – 4:30 pm Traditional Candlelight Service – 7:00 pm

December 25th

Christmas Pot Luck Breakfast – 9:00 am Christmas Service – 10:30 am

December 29th

Carol Service – 10:30 am

Advent Lutheran Church 5820 Pinemont Dr. Houston, TX 77092

Page 8A • Saturday, December 14, 2019 • The Leader

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