leader4 23 a

8
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, April 23, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 17 Public Information THE INDEX. Food/Drink/Art Opinion Church Puzzles Classifieds Sports Coupons Obituaries 6A 4B 5A 7A 2A 4A 2A 4A 7B ABOUT US 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494 [email protected] www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER. www.mosquitojoe.com CALL TODAY FOR FREE QUOTE We make outside fun again! 713-864-8888 Mosquitos Fleas Ticks Inside Today: Stevens Elementary students show off with sewing • Page 3A Photos by Jonathan Garris (Top) A family uses a day off from school to go for a walk along the MKT Trail in the Heights Monday. (Left) A local resident in the Tim- bergrove Manor area pauses to take a photo of the intense flooding along the White Oak Bayou near E. TC Jester Boulevard. Many parts of the hike and bike trail were submerged after the intense rainfall earlier this week. Independence Heights youth team, adult clubs butt heads over use of fields Instruments needed for Hamilton MS band program Many in Houston likely had a sense of deja vu as intense rain and flooding swept across the Houston area this week, similar to what was seen during Memorial Day in 2015. Lo- cal media referred to Monday’s storms as “unprecedented” as school districts and other city services were shut down for the day. According to the Harris County Flood Control District, parts of The Leader area received up to 7 inches of rain within a two-day period. Discussions over the 34th Street Quiet Zone see a resurgence By Betsy Denson [email protected] Freight trains have been around since the early part of the nineteenth century. They are a part of the cultural heritage and eco- nomic prosperity of America. No one can argue that they aren’t needed. But some people just want them to travel on by with a little less fanfare, namely, less horn blow- ing. Mark Klein, president of The Central Northwest Super Neighborhood Council which represents neighborhoods like Gar- den Oaks, Mangum Manor, Shepherd Forest and Oak Forest, is one who falls in the latter category. A former president of the Garden Oaks Civic Club, Klein is part of a group of community members still pursuing a Quiet Zone, after an initial attempt five years ago. “People are getting active about it again,” Klein said. “We have an interest in starting a petition drive and other volunteer efforts to see if we can get this thing done. A 34th Street Quiet Zone would improve livability for so many neighborhoods.” According to 34thquietzone.com, a Qui- et Zone is a stretch of train track within a community where train conductors can- not sound the train horn unless there is an emergency or imminent safety risk. The movement grew out of a 2005 Federal Railroad Administration rule declaring that trains must sound their horns at all public By Jonathan Garris [email protected] Justin McLean has been leading the Hamilton Middle School band program for five years now, and, like other schools in Houston ISD, is ask- ing the community for help in secur- ing new instruments for the program’s students. The program faces some of its big- gest deficiencies with instruments like saxophones, flutes, clarinets and trombones. McLean said a lot of old- er instruments are “on their last leg,” and students and administrators have been pulling out all the stops to make things work. “We’ve been able to get some new stands and some brand new chairs,” McLean said. “We’ve been able to get a few percussion instruments and others, like flutes, but not in bulk and not quickly enough.” McLean teaches about 180 stu- dents in the program and that num- ber has dropped a bit over the years because he doesn’t have enough working instruments. It’s particu- larly challenging as economically disadvantaged students often have to rely on second-hand instruments purchased at stores not specializing in musical instruments. The result is a revolving door of less functioning instruments replacing those that can’t be used anymore. “On instruments like our saxo- phones, there’s a tendency for issues like screws to fall loose or keys that become unpadded,” McLean said. “I spend a lot of time on instrument care and repairs can get pretty pricey.” McLean is hoping a bit of help from the community, and people like Sylvia Torres with Mosquito Joe and others INSIDE. The future of Oakbrook Find it on 1B Readers have long been wondering what might be in store for the long abandoned Oakbrook Apartments. With the city council’s vote to pur- chase the property at last week’s meeting, a new day is dawning. Find out when the demolition is likely to happen and what is planned for the green space. INSIDE. The Do Over Find it on 1B In this month’s edition of The Do Over, we take a look at one of the three remaining “Century Built Homes” in the Houston area, located right in our very own Garden Oaks area. Turn to Leader List- ings to find out more about the owners’ restoration efforts for this small piece of local history. By Jonathan Garris [email protected] A group of young Independence Heights baseball players and an adult kickball team found themselves in a different type of con- flict last week after one group displaced the other in an ongoing dispute regarding per- mitting in Leader-area parks. Rob Rollans, coach of the Houston Crush youth baseball team, said he and his team were asked to leave the Independence Heights Park on East 35th Street April 14 by members of the Houston Sports & Social Club. Rollans took exception to being asked to leave, as his team – comprised of disad- vantaged youngsters from across the area – is currently ranked fifth among nine and under teams in the US by Nation’s Baseball out of 100 other teams. The group has had an unusual amount of success, and Rollans fears this new dispute will hinder his team’s ability to practice. Rollans claims they were approached in the evening by the group, who said they had a permit to play in the park. “We asked if we could please just have about 30 more minutes as we had a tour- niquet coming up that weekend,” Rollans said. “We’ve had the field from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. permitted for quite some time but [they] said they couldn’t find it.” Omid Rafiei, president and owner of Houston Sports & Social Club, also said the Crush were receptive initially but as the time approached for their activity to begin the team did not leave the field. Rafiei said Photo by Jonathan Garris Houston Crush coach Rob Rollans (back right) looks on as a youngster practices pitching at Independence Heights Park. FIND IT. See Quiet P. 2A See Music P. 2A See Fields P. 5A Photo by Betsy Denson Children may enjoy the sound of the BNSF train from time to time but many are still hoping there’s a chance for a quiet zone to lessen the noise from the train’s horns. 5050 Westheimer Suite 200 713.305.5036 Gamel Hartman eileen [email protected] I would love to help! BUYING OR SELLING SHEPHERD FOREST COMMU- NITY YARD SALE: Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m.-noon. Temple Oaks Baptist Church parking lot. 2101 W. 34th St., Houston, TX 77018. Flower & Gift Shop 10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350 Don’t Forget Administrative Professionals Week See Our Ad 3A April 25-29 • CURRENT PROPERTY LISTINGS • Lori Austin 713-499-0485 A Name You Can Trust. PREMIER PROPERTIES • A NAME YOU CAN TRUST 713-686-5454 | www.preproperties.com | 1803 W. 43rd • Houston, TX 77018 GARDEN OAKS 923 Gardenia 2-1 Lot Value $270,000 MLS# 77605845 SHEPHERD FOREST 1242 W. 30th Corner Lot 3-2-2 with carport $299,900 MLS#87439095 Peggy Smith 832-368-9933 713-397-1916 Susan Pesl CANDLELIGHT ESTATES 1923 Bethlehem St 4-2-2 with fireplace $465,500 MLS#44340918 OAK FOREST 5719 N Chantilly Ln 4 -2 ½ -2 $239,000 MLS# 77503944 713-875-4240 Todd Welch

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Page 1: Leader4 23 a

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North HoustonSaturday, April 23, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 17

Public Information

The INDeX.

Food/Drink/Art

Opinion

Church

Puzzles

Classifieds

Sports

Coupons

Obituaries

6A

4B

5A

7A

2A

4A

2A

4A

7B

AbOut uS3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A

(713) 686-8494

[email protected]

Facebook/THE LEADER.

w w w . m o s q u i t o j o e . c o m

Call Today For Free QuoTe

We make outside fun again!

713-864-8888

Mosquitos

FleasTicks

Inside Today: Stevens Elementary students show off with sewing • Page 3A

Photos by Jonathan Garris(Top) A family uses a day off from school to go for a walk along the MKT Trail in the Heights Monday. (Left) A local resident in the Tim-bergrove Manor area pauses to take a photo of the intense flooding along the White Oak Bayou near E. TC Jester Boulevard. Many parts of the hike and bike trail were submerged after the intense rainfall earlier this week.

Independence Heights youth team, adult clubs butt heads over use of fields

Instruments needed forHamilton MS band program

Many in Houston likely had a sense of deja vu as intense rain and flooding swept across the Houston area this week, similar to what was seen during Memorial Day in 2015. Lo-cal media referred to Monday’s storms as “unprecedented” as school districts and other city services were shut down for the day.

According to the Harris County Flood Control District, parts of The Leader area received up to 7 inches of rain within a two-day period.

Discussions over the 34th Street Quiet Zone see a resurgence By Betsy Denson

[email protected]

Freight trains have been around since the early part of the nineteenth century. They are a part of the cultural heritage and eco-nomic prosperity of America. No one can argue that they aren’t needed. But some people just want them to travel on by with a little less fanfare, namely, less horn blow-ing.

Mark Klein, president of The Central Northwest Super Neighborhood Council which represents neighborhoods like Gar-den Oaks, Mangum Manor, Shepherd Forest and Oak Forest, is one who falls in the latter category. A former president of the Garden Oaks Civic Club, Klein is part of a group of

community members still pursuing a Quiet Zone, after an initial attempt five years ago.

“People are getting active about it again,” Klein said. “We have an interest in starting a petition drive and other volunteer efforts to see if we can get this thing done. A 34th Street Quiet Zone would improve livability for so many neighborhoods.”

According to 34thquietzone.com, a Qui-et Zone is a stretch of train track within a community where train conductors can-not sound the train horn unless there is an emergency or imminent safety risk. The movement grew out of a 2005 Federal Railroad Administration rule declaring that trains must sound their horns at all public

By Jonathan [email protected]

Justin McLean has been leading the Hamilton Middle School band program for five years now, and, like other schools in Houston ISD, is ask-ing the community for help in secur-ing new instruments for the program’s students.

The program faces some of its big-gest deficiencies with instruments like saxophones, flutes, clarinets and trombones. McLean said a lot of old-er instruments are “on their last leg,” and students and administrators have been pulling out all the stops to make things work.

“We’ve been able to get some new stands and some brand new chairs,” McLean said. “We’ve been able to get a few percussion instruments and others, like flutes, but not in bulk and not quickly enough.”

McLean teaches about 180 stu-dents in the program and that num-ber has dropped a bit over the years because he doesn’t have enough working instruments. It’s particu-larly challenging as economically disadvantaged students often have to rely on second-hand instruments purchased at stores not specializing in musical instruments. The result is a revolving door of less functioning instruments replacing those that can’t be used anymore.

“On instruments like our saxo-phones, there’s a tendency for issues like screws to fall loose or keys that become unpadded,” McLean said. “I spend a lot of time on instrument care and repairs can get pretty pricey.”

McLean is hoping a bit of help from the community, and people like Sylvia Torres with Mosquito Joe and others

INSIDe.

The future of Oakbrook

Find it on 1B

Readers have long been wondering what might be in store for the long abandoned Oakbrook Apartments. With the city council’s vote to pur-chase the property at last week’s meeting, a new day is dawning. Find out when the demolition is likely to happen and what is planned for the green space.

INSIDe.

The Do Over

Find it on 1B

In this month’s edition of The Do Over, we take a look at one of the three remaining “Century Built Homes” in the Houston area, located right in our very own Garden Oaks area. Turn to Leader List-ings to find out more about the owners’ restoration efforts for this small piece of local history.

By Jonathan [email protected]

A group of young Independence Heights baseball players and an adult kickball team found themselves in a different type of con-flict last week after one group displaced the other in an ongoing dispute regarding per-mitting in Leader-area parks.

Rob Rollans, coach of the Houston Crush youth baseball team, said he and his team were asked to leave the Independence Heights Park on East 35th Street April 14 by members of the Houston Sports & Social Club. Rollans took exception to being asked to leave, as his team – comprised of disad-vantaged youngsters from across the area – is currently ranked fifth among nine and under teams in the US by Nation’s Baseball out of 100 other teams. The group has had

an unusual amount of success, and Rollans fears this new dispute will hinder his team’s ability to practice.

Rollans claims they were approached in the evening by the group, who said they had a permit to play in the park.

“We asked if we could please just have about 30 more minutes as we had a tour-niquet coming up that weekend,” Rollans said. “We’ve had the field from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. permitted for quite some time but [they] said they couldn’t find it.”

Omid Rafiei, president and owner of Houston Sports & Social Club, also said the Crush were receptive initially but as the time approached for their activity to begin the team did not leave the field. Rafiei said

Photo by Jonathan GarrisHouston Crush coach Rob Rollans (back right) looks on as a youngster practices pitching at Independence Heights Park.

FIND IT.

See Quiet P. 2A

See Music P. 2A

See Fields P. 5A

Photo by betsy DensonChildren may enjoy the sound of the BNSF train from time to time but many are still hoping there’s a chance for a quiet zone to lessen the noise from the train’s horns.

5050 WestheimerSuite 200

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Page 2: Leader4 23 a

Margaret Catherine Barham, 91, born Nov. 26, 1924, died April 9.

Michael Wainwright Brennan, 68, born Feb. 4, 1948 in Indianapolis, Ind., died April 2. Brennan received his B.S. in Geology from the Uni-versity of Southwestern Louisiana in 1970. Michael completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned into the United States Navy as an Ensign. He served for two and a half years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. He was employed at Gulf Oil in New Orleans, and Occidental and LL&E in Houston. After 23 years in the field of geology and oil exploration, he retired in 1998.

Michael is survived by his sister, Mary Margret Virginia Brennan Thomas.

Joseph Harold Cornelius, 77, born Feb. 28, 1939, died April 3.

Harvey Joseph Fitzpatrick, 92, born Feb. 15, 1924, died April 12. He was educated at Isidore Newman School, Tulane University and Colorado School of Mines. He was employed as an engineer for The California Company (now Chevron), vice president of Oil and Gas Futures and lastly as the owner of Q.E.D. Inc., Petroleum Consultants. He honorably served his country as a USMC Captain during WW II and the Korean War. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Fitzpatrick is survived by his wife, Susan Williams Fitzpatrick, children Harvey J. Fitzpatrick Jr., Deborah F. Ladstaetter, Delilah F. Royce, Tarah F. Taylor, Stephan T. Fitzpatrick, Henry C. Foust III and Elizabeth F. York, 26 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Claris Ann Robinson, 72, born Nov. 29, 1943, died April 7. She was employed at TRW Controls and Ferrani International. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Castleschouldt, brother Clarence Walker McKay, children Raymond Benjamin Robinson, and Laura Siragusa, four grand-children, five great-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren Caden and Aubrianna Pacheco.

Mary E. Robinson, 93, born Sept. 8, 1922 in Jonesville, La., died April 12. She is survived by her daughter Sharron Seymour, son Carl Robinson, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Parish. There will be a memorial service for Mary in Tulsa at a later date.

Andrea R. Serena, 92, born Feb. 4, 1924, died April 14. Serena is survived by her children, Minerva Ruiz, Connie Ramirez, Jesse Serena Jr., Cynthia Kleinworth, Jimmy Serena and Christina Serena, nine grandchil-dren and eight great-grandchildren.

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THE OBITuARIES.

in the business community, can change that.

“There are methods of get-ting help and we’ve been do-ing our fundraisers to help gain some more support,” McLean said. “There are times when we perform at the Heights library and some people hear us and

want to help out and there’s a hope that they might be part of an organization that would be willing to help us purchase instruments.”

His main goal is to continue efforts to build a musical foun-dation for students entering HISD high schools and culti-

vate a healthier environment for music programs.

“The band is here for the community,” McLean said. “The kids are all very inter-ested in learning about music and I want Hamilton to be an example for all schools. They want to play and they want to sing but if they don’t have the

necessary tools it leaves us distraught and without a way to truly reach all of our stu-dents.”

For more information, email [email protected] or call 832-686-3599.

train/highway intersections.Communities must qualify

for Quiet Zones with the Fed-eral Railroad Administration by installing Supplemental Safety Measures at train cross-ings, like new crossing arms and transponders, in order to overcome any additional safety risk. Advocates say a quiet zone not only will im-prove quality of life, but also increase safety at rail crossings and spur development along the train track.

Those against the quiet zone do not believe the safety controls are adequate.

“A quiet zone would be nice but the thought of a human fatality because we do not like the train’s horn is not some-thing I would want to live with the rest of my life,” said Kevin David. “The track was there when most of us moved here. We could have chosen some-where further from the tracks. Many of us have kids who will be driving in the next few years. The horn is a good thing and probably one of the train’s best safety measures.”

Others aren’t bothered by the noise at all.

“I love the train and all the noise that comes with it,” said Betty Markoski.

As The Leader reported in 2013, the application for a 34th St Corridor Quiet Zone – which would have run from Cornell (near Airline) to West TC Jester – was stymied for lack of city funds, a situation that has not improved with time. In 2009, the City of Houston reviewed and ranked proposed Quiet Zones. Out of 16 proposed zones, only the first six were to be funded. The 34th St Zone was number nine.

One of those that was fund-ed was the Greater Inwood Quiet Zone. Although the pro-cess started in 2011, the quiet zone did not become a reality until January of 2016.

Debbie Harlow, a Sheraton Oaks resident, who spearhead-

ed that effort with Pat Turner, said it was a long process that required the continued com-munication and cooperation of the city and BNSF but that it was worth it.

“YES Prep says the noise is better and the people in Can-dlelight Oaks where the train backed right up to them said it’s been a great improvement too,” said Harlow. She notes that their quiet zone also has a positive impact on Oak Forest as it runs along U.S. 290 from W. Little York Rd and Watonga Blvd.

Growing SupportJudging by the results of a

recent survey by the Oak For-est Homeowners Association, there is backing for a 34th Street quiet zone. Out of 574 respondents, 200 of whom have lived in the neighbor-hood for more than 10 years, 361 said they were somewhat, or extremely bothered by the horns. More than 400 said they would support a quiet zone.

Some wondered on social media if the supporters were the newbies in the area.

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she has lived in an original Oak Forest home three blocks from the tracks for about 17 years.

“I believe it is a misnomer that the residents who are in favor of the quiet zone are the new residents in larger homes,” she said. “I have a friend in a new home only two blocks from the track and she does not hear the horn nearly as much as I do because new homes have better insulation and windows. The 3 a.m. train woke me up every time for the first two years of living here. Now I can sometimes sleep through it even though it still disturbs my sleep. The train seems to pass much more fre-quently now than it did years ago.”

Cheryl Murray has lived on West 34th, just a few houses from Yale, since the early 90s.

“I love the train, and I agree

it can be soothing,” she said. “I hate the horn. I don’t know the science of it, but I’d swear the sound is amplified by the warehouses across the tracks, somehow reverberating that side’s ‘share’ of the sound right back at us.”

Those who are on the quiet zone fence wonder about the safety records of other com-munities who have instituted the zones, like the Washington Avenue Corridor, West Univer-sity, Bellaire and River Oaks.

City Manager of West Uni-versity Place City Manager Christopher Peifer said that in the 10 years that West Univer-sity has had a quiet zone, there has been no uptick in train ac-cidents or fatalities.

“The property owners and residents love it,” he said. “It’s spurred development and el-evated property values. Any time there’s a worker on the tracks, the quiet zone goes away, and you can remember what it was like when we didn’t have it.”

BNSF Director Public Af-fairs Joe Faust said that from a safety standpoint, the lack of a horn makes things a little more challenging, but says they will work with communities.

“It’s strictly a safety issue,” Faust said, noting that engi-neers must start blowing the horn 1,500 feet before the crossing. With a quiet zone, engineers can still sound their horn if they see a need, but a pedestrian on the tracks would not have as much advance no-tice – at 50 miles per hour, it takes an engineer one mile to make a sudden stop.

Klein counters that the quiet zone traffic barriers go all the way across the tracks, making the track inaccessible to cars. He said that while there are challenges – among them the roughly $1.7 million price tag, and the length of the 34th St. zone – there is also huge op-portunity, including the possi-bility of a public/private part-nership to fund the project.

“We should continue to ex-press to elected officials our strong desire for a QZ and the quality of life benefits it can bring,” Klein said.

Page 3: Leader4 23 a

Saturday, April 23, 2016 • Page 3A

SUPERHEALTHY KIDSSUPERHEALTHY KIDSSUPERHEALTHY KIDS!!!

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

Join us for Healthy Kids Day®, a FREE community event on Saturday, April 30 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA.

Learn more at ymcahouston.org/foster-family

Member benefits include: · Access to outdoor pool· Discounts on programs including Y Day Camp,

Swim Lessons and Youth Sports· Over 80 free Group Exercise Classes

Join the Y between April 18-May 2 and pay no joining fee, a savings of up to $125.

By Betsy [email protected]

When SK Designs Custom Drapery owner and Garden Oaks resident Susan Kost-elecky decided to ease back on her seminar business where she taught professionals her trade, she had a number of sewing machines on her hands that she didn’t want to put into storage. So she decided to find another group of students – this time at Stevens Elemen-tary.

“I contacted the principal, and asked if she was interested in having a sewing club,” said Kostelecky. “I told her that I would provide the sewing ma-chines and the supplies.”

Not only was Principal Jen-nifer Barrientez enthusiastic. The kids were too.

“The kids were excited about sewing club before they even knew exactly what they would be doing,” said school librarian Leslie Novak. “She of-fered five slots and I had over 50 applications for the club.”

In October Angela Trujillo, Christopher Medrano, Nata-lia Garza, Gabby Perez and Emerita Quezada showed up at the first meeting ready for anything.

“One girl’s grandmother sewed, but the rest of them didn’t have any familiarity with it,” said Kostelecky.

She started them off with an embroidery hoop clock so

they would learn hand sewing before they started on the ma-chines.

“They were so cute,” said Kostelecky. Everyone wanted to know, ‘Can I keep it?’”

What followed was a book-mark, a drawstring bag, pil-lowcases, a reading/travel pil-low, and a Superheroes apron – Superheroes are a school theme this year.

Last week the club took a field trip to Jo-Ann Fabric to pick up fabric and supplies for a special mother’s day gift.

“Everyone has their own sewing book and basket,” said Kostelecky. “They’ve learned how to iron. I’ve picked out

See Sewing, P. 5A

Stevens Elementary students get creative in sewing club

Contributed photosStudents show off aprons they made in their sewing club. Susan Kostelecky started the club members off with a needle and thread but they soon graduated to a sewing machine. Kostelecky’s business, SK Designs, is an award winning custom window treatment and bedding service serving the greater Houston area.

April 25-29

Go To http://myapp.is/Darlenes

and download our app to your smart phone!

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Page 4: Leader4 23 a

The Topics.Saturday, April 23, 2016 • page 4A

THE REFRIGERATOR – A warm spring afternoon, time for a beer. I was given a six-pack of some new product made by Buffalo Bayou Brew-ing Co. The can is bronze colors, (and says it’s “copper ale”) and the name is 1836. Interesting. Here are some words on the side: “If you have to ask what 1836 stands for, please put down this beer and leave our country.” That’s not very nice, but at least they said “please.” It is yet an-other reminder that Texas is awash with newcomers who are changing Texas, Texans, our very culture and, which speaks volumes, the name of our soccer team.

First, some stats I stole from others. They call it “plagia-rism,” I call it “research.” As we know by bumper stickers and license plates, newcomers are arriving from everywhere, many from the other 49 states, lots from Mexico and the rest of Latin America, and all over the world. One example: al-most a quarter of the resi-dents in Harris County were born in foreign lands. OK, two examples: Houston has 84 foreign consulates, third most in the U.S. This surge of arrivals is easily seen when a Houston team plays a visiting team, college or pro. You will see as many flags, T-shirts and cheers for the Dodgers, Soon-ers, Dolphins or Bears (Chi-cago) as you will see for the local team.

Houston, Austin-San An-tonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth added more people last year than any other state in the country, growing by more than 400,000 residents. It is as though every man, wom-an and child in Minneapolis moved here in that 12-month period, and sometimes I think they have. Austin is the fastest growing big city in the coun-try, and according to new U.S. Census Bureau data, the five-county Austin region now has almost 2 million people. But when it comes to metropoli-tan areas, greater Houston is Number One, adding more people than any region in the country. Harris County alone added nearly 90,500 residents. Combined, the greater Hous-ton metropolitan area, which includes Houston, The Wood-lands and Sugar Land, grew

by about 160,000 people be-tween July 2014 and July 2015. Even in a year when the area was hit with the oil bust, the fracking finale and when U-haul companies report a greater exodus of rentals than in-bound, the population gain was still bigger than the two previous years.

All of these folks may change, acclimate, assimilate, accommodate, or die off. A neighbor moved here from Pittsburg and remained an avid Steelers fan the rest of his life. His kids, one a Longhorn, the other an Aggie, aren’t. But our new Texans have changed us, too. For years there were big parades in Houston on April 21 (that’s the anniver-sary of the Battle of San Ja-cinto, pilgrim). If it weren’t for the Sons of the Republic of Texas firing a few shots in the air to celebrate, the day would go unnoticed. Fortunately, the Texas Aggies mark the date with their Muster. At noon on March 2, Texas Independence Day, UT students would drop a huge Lone Star Flag down the Tower, the band would play our national anthem, “The Eyes of Texas,” and af-ternoon classes would be for-gotten. I don’t think they do that anymore.

We require that our young people take Texas history, and daily recite the Texas Pledge of Allegiance, in English I as-sume. I once got an angry let-ter from a mother who had just moved here, and objected to her children saying the pledge. Then I got another letter from a newly arrived mother who objected to a column I wrote about requiring my children to say Sir and M’am to their elders, be they coachmen, butlers or food-tasters. She wrote, “I will ask them to do so only after I have earned their respect.” (At this point I will note that my own mother sent her three sons off to the U.S. Marine Corps – we were

seeking an easier and less dis-ciplined life.)

Most native Texans would not haul statues of Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee off a college campus to be dumped elsewhere. The Houston ISD is in the midst of changing the names of several schools, including John H. Reagan: He was the postmaster of the Confederacy. What did he do wrong, mail pipe bombs to Grant? One might think that the massive arrivals from such liberal places as California and New York would nudge Texas to the left. Oddly enough, we now have the most conserva-tive state and federal elected officials since they authorized Ku Klux Klan Day at the State Fair of Texas in 1923. But when did anyone greet you with “Howdy,” and when was the last time you heard “Di-xie”? On the other hand, Tex-as has been blessed by new ideas, habits and food, like good delis, better pizza and the best Tex-Mex on earth, Remember that Houston was developed by two brothers from New York, which ex-plains our original city slogan, “Fugetaboutit!” Of course, there are those missionar-ies to the savages who like to tell us how things are bet-ter Up North. They are easily dismissed with that old Texas term, “Git a rope.”

Finally, earlier we men-tioned the ale, 1836, and its warning label. That year, 1836, was the original title of Houston’s brand new pro soc-cer team (those teams have odd names). In our case it was a fitting title, that being the year of the founding of both the Republic of Texas and the city of Houston. Big and unexpected problem: Many, if not a majority, of new fans would be newly arrived His-panics. To them 1836 was also the year of the Alamo, San Jacinto and Mexico’s defeat. The new Houston futbal team was renamed the Dynamo, a totally meaningless and use-less title. So much for assimi-lation.

Here I am, contemplating the true meaning of 1836. It means Texas, ever chang-ing, welcoming the new while keeping the good stuff, M’am.

Ashby is changing at [email protected].

I know there are plenty of our readers out there that are big Houston sports fans. When I drive around the Heights, I see an eclectic mix of bumper stickers, hats, shirts and other merchandise from other cities and their teams, of course. But the endless stream of Rockets, Dynamo, Astros and Texans logos is obviously ubiquitous.

That’s why it warms my heart when I see the occasional Houston Aeros logo hiding away in our area. I know for some people that name will generate either indifference or a big question mark, but hear me out.

When I first moved to Houston, I was starved for my beloved sport. Coming from up north to attend school in Nacogdo-ches, TX, will do that to you if you enjoy a competition that needs a thick sheet of ice and hundreds of dollars of equipment and a big sense of balance. I was completely unfamiliar with the city’s American Hockey League team, the Aeros, but decided to start going to games regularly at the end of 2011 to satiate my desire for hockey.

I was hooked. Not only were the games great, the fans were great too. It was an amazing way to meet with new people (of course visits to my beloved Maple Leaf Pub helped too) and it was a fantastic way to connect on a deeper level with my then relatively new home. The fans were pas-sionate and the team had some of the best turnout in the entire league, attracting a record average attendance of over 7,300 in 2011-12 and almost 6,800 the following season.

For reference, the Florida Panthers aver-aged just 11,265 in attendance during the 2014-15 season and the Carolina Hurricanes averaged 12,594. Keep in mind both are NHL teams.

I was heartbroken when the Aeros were forced to move, and I understand the busi-ness aspect of it. I can sit here and drone on endlessly about how I’ll pretty much never go to another event at the Toyota Center because of the treatment the team got from Les Alexander and how it’s utterly embar-rassing that a city of this size (that contin-ues to try to bill itself as a world class city) now lacks any sort of professional hockey. There’s the potential for an instant cross-state rivalry with Dallas, there’s already a team name, logos, an NHL-ready stadium and a fanbase that’s already here so I will always be baffled by it.

One thing I’ve always enjoyed about the Heights is how receptive people are, especially with sports. Obviously, living in East Texas and saying you like hockey can garner some distinct responses (usually not very understanding) but saying it around

some of our local bars has garnered a few responses I find interesting – some wax poetically about how they missed their teams from other cities and others were genuinely confused about what happened to the Aeros.

There’s a part of me that would love to see the sport come back in full-force on a professional level here in Houston. Seeing a Reagan High School (if you’re in the future reading this, just replace that name with the new one) or Waltrip or Scarborough hockey team produce talent and grab kids the way it does on a scale in places even like Dallas would be incredible.

Those of us who continue to keep track of our hockey teams know well the struggle of finding places to play and ways to watch our sport, and there’s a strange sort of camaraderie with meeting people in our area and realizing that you’re part of a very special (if very strange) community that this part of Texas doesn’t entirely understand. Even here in the Leader area, hockey fans continue to walk among us, scurrying away to places like The Maple Leaf and rinks like the Aerodome and Memorial City Mall to scratch that winter sport itch.

While the tepid news of a possible-but-not-really-happening AHL team coming to Pasadena has me cautiously optimistic even at just prolonging the conversation about hockey returning to our city, I fear that all I can do is raise a glass to the other small group of fans right here in our area and pour one out for the Aeros. The city of Houston continues to miss a golden op-portunity to build up a market that already has fertile soil for an NHL team to truly succeed, but so long as Les Alexander is holding the reins at the Toyota Center it looks like it’s just going to dry up.

Those dreams of walking into that downtown arena with an Aeros jersey will continue to be on my mind so long as I’m in Houston. For now, I’ll keep an eye out for the few bumper stickers I see in our area that celebrate our awesome, but currently dead, little hockey team.

Editor

Jonathan

Garris

Local hockey fans - trust me, I feel all of your lingering pain

Lynn

Ashby

Columnist

The reader.Email us your letters:

[email protected]

They’ve got our number

A Role for Bill clintonDear editor:With Lyndon Johnson’s presi-

dency, we saw how America’s First Spouse can be extremely effective sponsoring a “cause” -- and subsequent to Lady Bird’s “Let’s Beautify America” campaign, First Spouses have addressed drug use, nutrition, literacy and other pertinent issues. When Hillary Clinton becomes president in January 2017, First Spouse Bill Clinton should champion the cause of Feminism. Bill must take up the flag for eradicating unequal pay, shat-tering glass ceilings and, by far most importantly, putting an end to sexual exploitation, as-sault and battery of females. This would be the ideal climax for Bill Clinton’s studded career. It’s like they say: Only Nixon could go to China.

J. Reynolds

Remedy for a smelly dogDear editor:In regards to your column on

4/16/2016 about the smelly dog, I have a golden retriever that is professionally groomed once a month. She also goes outside and comes in smell-ing. Take her for a walk, and she starts smelling. I take her fur brush and spray brush with Fabreeze for Pets, and brush her with it and repeat and all the odor is gone. I never spray directly on the dog.

Mary Ann Bullard

son refuses my early retirement request

Dear editor:Great Jonathan. Proud of

you and your family. Good luck always.

Jim oakley

Dear editor:Congratulations to all three of

you Jonathan. Loved the piece, please keep them coming.

Margarette chasteen

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Page 5: Leader4 23 a

Saturday, April 23, 2016 • Page 5A

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Sewing, from P. 3A

the projects and the fabric but they help. I learned to sew in 5th grade. We used to have that in home economics or Girl Scouts or you could go to J. C. Penney to learn but those kind of opportunities aren’t around anymore.”

Kostelecky said that Callie Delmore with The Drinking Fox Embroidery even made a custom embroidered patch for each student to have.

Novak thinks that the kids who are currently in the club enjoy it so much because Su-san lets them “do”.

“She doesn’t talk at them for an hour once a week,” said Novak. “She models and then they try it. Also, there is a finished product at the end. With all of the projects they have worked on, they are able to take them home at the end of a class or two. Susan is fabulous with them and they love her. Regularly kids check in with me to make sure she is going to be here.”

In the fall Kostelecky said she’ll take a new batch of kids and teach them too.

“I really enjoy it,” she said.

“They are all so appreciative.” Novak said the school wants

volunteers to run other clubs, especially soccer.

“We would also love a lo-cal engineer to help out with robotics,” said Novak. “We are still in the process of installing a butterfly garden to go along with all the vegetable beds and citrus trees we have planted over the past few years. The kids have expressed an inter-est in doing more gardening themselves. Music is the one area I have not been able to get access to – choir or instru-ments.”

Anyone interested in check-ing out the school is encour-aged to visit their annual sci-ence night on Thursday, April 21st at 5:30 p.m. “May the Forest Be with You” will com-memorate Earth Day with a Star Wars flavor.

“We are starting to let the community know about our new STEAM (STEM with art) designation and the science night is a wonderful opportu-nity for neighborhood people to come on campus and check us out,” said Novak.

he and another supervisor went out to the field to talk with Rollans and others, and said he was not aware the baseball team would be there. Rollans said the mistake may have been further compli-cated by a misspelling of his name in the city’s records.

Rafiei said the group is working with the city and the Crush towards a com-promise, emphasizing that they were “all on the same team.”

“The following day, I contacted Houston Parks & Recreation and ex-plained there was this youth organiza-tion and that wanted to practice there,” Rafiei said. “We said we didn’t want the kids to be displaced and we’re willing to give that permit up. We are very social-ly conscientious in our community and we want to work harmoniously with our community.”

The dispute between Crush and HS&SC sheds some light on some of the challenges facing many groups vy-ing for permits at city parks. Rollans said that, although the Houston Parks & Recreation Department prioritizes youth leagues over other activities (in-cluding adult sports and recreational leagues), he is only able to get permits for local fields five business days in advance of the day his team needs to practice.

According to the city’s policy regard-ing sports fields permits, practice per-

mits requests may be made within the current week and the week following of the required date. Tournament re-quests, involving a minimum of 4 teams per field, for existing leagues may be made six weeks prior to the requested start date of the league. In general, or-ganizations shall be given priority when reserving fields during the time period permitted the previous year.

Rollans argues that the adult leagues should be avoiding playing at parks like Independence Heights Parks altogether. Mardie Paige, Super Neighborhood 13 president, said the field itself was built specifically for area children.

“The community worked so hard for this park and even the kids helped out with putting signs up and making sure everything has been taken care of,” Paige said.

Rafiei said there also challenges with getting field spaces even for his adult leagues. Many of the fields that are viable around Houston have already been designated as youth only fields and some sit empty when they could otherwise be used by local leagues. In one case, Rafiei said the city set aside a few days for a youth soccer league he had hoped could have been used for his recreational league and said officials opted to use the days not necessarily for play but for rain days just in case. Even when those rain days never hap-

pened, the city wouldn’t release them for league use.

“Some of these fields sit there empty with the lights on and no one playing on them,” Rafiei said.

The group’s president insists that they will do their best to work within the community and with groups like the Crush, and Rafiei said he even offered to help support the team and their endeav-ors. He understands the importance of youth teams, but also the importance of understanding the permitting process and the place of adult leagues.

“We have so many young people coming in from other cities, trying to find out how to find people and make friends,” Rafiei said. “There’s a stigma that we’re just a beer league but we fo-cus on people staying active and hav-ing fun and we’re trying to change that perception by working with people and making a positive impact.”

“We’re unsure of what will happen,” Rollans said. “As far as we’re concerned we have our practice field back but we know there are other teams that have likely been displaced as well.”

“We’re not here to do anything nega-tive or mess the fields up,” Rafiei said. “At the end of the day it doesn’t do us any good and we’re here to support the community.”

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Page 6: Leader4 23 a

Page 6A • Saturday, April 23, 2016

C.S. Lewis once remarked that “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” It is easy to be

merciful or honest when nothing is at stake. But what do we do when honesty or mercy comes with a price? There are times when telling the truth may get us into trouble, especially when we have done wrong or gone astray in some way. In these situations, it takes real courage to openly and honestly confess our sins. Being virtuous is hardly praiseworthy when it is easy. But, it is precisely when we are being tested, i.e., when virtue is dangerous, that it requires courage and is truly worthy of praise. In a sense, courage is the linchpin of the virtuous life, since without it we may be reluctant to do the right thing, especially when doing the right thing has significant risks. We should make a commitment to always do the right thing, regardless of the cost, and be prepared to call upon our courage. And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

ChurChMESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.www.gethsemanelutheran.org

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

Member of MANNA

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided)Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Reverend John Cain, Pastor

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The Courage To be VirTuous

It is the Norhill Church of Christ.Hear The Gospel - Mark 16:15; Roman 10: 14-17Believe The Gospel - John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6Repent - Luke 17:3-5; Acts 17:30Confess - Mathew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10Be Baptized - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2:11-13Live Faithfully Till Death - John 8:31; Revelation 2:10; Hebrew 10:23The Norhill Church of Christ is a non-denominational church locat-ed in the near north side of Houston in the inner loop 77009 area. It has operated as a church of Christ since 1927, it is located at 634 West Cottage on the corner of West Cottage and Reagan streets. The Norhill Church of Christ teaches only the Bible, without refer-ence to any man-originated creed. Bible study services for all ages are held at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Sunday morning Worship be-gins at 10:15am. Sunday evening worship is at 5:00pm Wednesday evening worship and Bible study is held at 7:30pm. Norhill welcomes everyone to attend worship or Bible study to learn more about the truth of the Bible.

www.noRHiLLCoC.oRG

You are cordially invited to the church that can guide you in what you must do to be saved.

www.fbcheights.org201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102

First Church Heights First Church

Sunday School ........9:15 amSunday Worship......10:30am

Pastor C. David Harrison

Thursday Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:00pm

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.

New K.J.V. 1 Peter 3:13-14

From the Pews.

the cAlendAr.

Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S.,

3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

There is a lot of discussion recently of dental offices and their infection control measures relating to the recent story

coming from the oral surgeon in Tulsa allegedly ignoring proper standards and delegating dental procedures. As a member of the American Dental Association, I have been closely follow-ing this story as it has developed and it is troubling to think of the consequences of such oversight. Every patient should have the confidence when going to their dentist that they are being protected while being treated.

You should be assured that all staff thoroughly scrubs their hands before and after each patient. New gloves and masks are used with every patient. All surfaces of the treatment room have been cleaned and disinfected. Instruments have been sterilized in an autoclave or another sterilization device. Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special containers for monitored disposal.

A patient’s well being should be the dentist’s top priority, and you should be ensured that your dentist is following stringent infection control procedures and complying with state regulations for your protection.

inFECtionControllED

hIm Food Pantry holds rummage sale

The HIM Food Pantry will be having their annual Rum-mage Sale April 21, 22 and 23 at Zion Lutheran Church. Do-nations may be dropped off at the HIM Food Pantry, 3525 Beauchamp, on Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon.

For information, email [email protected].

oaks Presbyterian hosts bus trip for seniors

Adults over 50 are welcome to attend a bus trip with Har-ris County Precinct 4 “Fun-4Seniors” for a day of outdoor fishing fun to Burroughs Park in Tomball April 29. A buffet fried catfish, shrimp and side dishes will be served. Bait and tackle will be provided. The cost is $12 per person. Call 281-893-3726 for required res-ervations. Bus departs Oaks Presbyterian Church promptly AT 9:30 a.m.

Older Adults Konnect-ing Socially will meet at the church from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26. Lunch is served at noon. Games include domi-noes, Rummikub, Scrabble, Skip Bo, Train, Uno, and Yahtzee. Fancy adult coloring books are also available.

The community is invited to the Eat, Pray, Read! Book Club at 7 p.m. May 3. The group will discuss the current selec-tion Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler plus enjoy dinner cooked by mem-bers.

Oaks Presbyterian Church is located at 1576 Chantilly Ln. For information, visit www.oakspresbyterian.org or call 713-682-2556.

Golf tournament registration at st. stephen’s

Registration is now open for the 2016 Bill Hardwick Memo-rial Golf Classic, to be held May 7, from 8 a.m. to noon at Jersey Meadow Golf Course, 8502 Rio Grande Dr., in Jersey Village. Entry fees are $125 per golfer ($75 per golfer age 72 and older), and includes lunch and awards. Registration forms are available at www.stsumc.org and through the church office.

Also needed are hole spon-sors and donations for door prizes. Call church office, if interested.

St. Stephen’s United Meth-odist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For infor-mation, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.

trinity concert series at trinity lutheran

Trinity Concert Series pres-ents the dedicatory recital for the newly expanded and renovated 50-rank Holtkamp/Reuter pipe organ featuring Ken Cowan, associate pro-fessor and head of the organ program at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.

The free concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. April 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave. A freewill offer-ing is appreciated.

Call 713-224-0684 or visit www.trinitydt.org for informa-tion.

compassion in Action hosted by community of Faith

Compassion in Action is a free monthly event hosted by the Community of Faith

Church, located at 1024 Pinemont Dr. Each fourth Sunday of the month, church volunteers caravan in their vehicles to a designated com-munity in northwest Houston to provide resources, informa-tion and opportunities.

This month, on April 24, the church volunteers will be at Sylvester Turner Park, 2800 W. Little York, from 2-4 p.m. Church volunteers will serve Sunday dinner to everyone. Compassion in Action accepts donations of non-perishable food and monetary enumera-tions.

For information, call 713-688-2900, ext. 235 or visit www.thecommunityoffaith.org.

Bravura concert to be held at All saints

The Bravura Concert Series will present “Passioni” and will be featured by Angelo Ferrari. He will be joined by Stacey Franklin, Soprano, and accom-panied by collaborative pianist Frankie Kelly. Music will in-clude opera, zarzuela, popular broadway tunes and sacred music. The concert will be at 5 p.m. April 24.

All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653 for information.

st. Ambrose to hold annual bazaar

St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum, will hold their annual bazaar from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 24. The Telstars will perform. The show will start at 3 p.m. Bring the family for food, fun and entertainment. The theme for this year is “Never Underesti-mate the Power of Faith.”

The bazaar committee is

looking for groups, compa-nies and/or individuals for sponsorships. For information, call 281-851-6324 or 713-443-9254.

Call 713-686-3497 or visit stambrosehouston.org for in-formation.

st. rose of lima holds spring Festival

The 2016 Spring Festival is scheduled for the weekend of May 1, kicking off with a live auction and dinner at 6:30 p.m. April 29, in the parish hall. Tickets are $35. The Sky is the Limit is this year’s theme.

Purchase wristbands for the children to play and enjoy the midway from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There will be lots of en-tertainment for the kids. Each presale pass includes one hot dog, chips and drink, one can of silly string, bubbles and un-limited access to the age ap-propriate entertainment.

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community is located at 3600 Brinkman. Call 713-692-9123 for information.

Voice of the martyrs six-week series at hope episcopal

Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., will hold a six-week discussion series beginning Wednesday nights on Christians facing Islam ex-tremists around the world. The following six weeks will focus on different sections of the material produced by Voice of the Martyrs and other mis-sions organizations. All are welcome to attend at 6 p.m. Wednesdays for dinner fol-lowed by Christian Formation.

Call 713-681-6422 or visit hope-episcopal.org for infor-mation.

FIsh FrYAmerican legion Post 560

The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 560, 3720 Alba Rd., will host their monthly Fish Fry and live enter-tainment from 6 p.m. til sold out April 22. The cost is $8 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, americanlegionpost560.org.

heIGhts KIds’ dAY oF mUsIclove Park

Join us for the Second An-nual Heights Kids’ Day of Music happening April 23, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Love Park. It’s a free festival focused on bringing local music to the families in the community. Main performers include: Linsey Papion and DJ Puppy Love, El Rectorado del Son, Tickle, The Legacy Group, Yogi-G, and AndyRoo. There will also be an instrument petting zoo and a singing station and creative zone. Information: heightskidsdayof-music.com.

monthlY hAPPY hoUrheights Young Professionals

Meet, network, socialize and make direct connections with area professionals. This month’s event will be hosted by Karbach Brewing Co., who will be provid-ing complimentary appetizers and happy hour drink pricing. The first 100 pre-registered people to check in will receive a compli-mentary pint glass. The cost is $10 for non-members before April 22, $15 before noon April 28, and $20 at the door. Informa-

tion: [email protected], heightschamber.com, 713-861-6735.

Prom dress GIVe-AwAYlone star college-cyFair

The 12th Annual Prom Dress Give-Away benefiting teens without the financial means to purchase a dress for prom this spring is set at Lone Star College-CyFair Branch Library, Rm. 131, 9191 Barker Cypress Road, April 23, from 1-4 p.m. Dresses are free to the recipients thanks to community donations. All dress sizes 0-30 (plus sizes are in most need) and accessories are ac-cepted year-round. Information: [email protected], 281-290-5248.

2016 GArden oAKs home And GArden toUr

The 2016 Garden Oaks Home and Garden Tour is one of Houston’s most popular home tours, taking visitors into the special homes and gardens found in this architecturally diverse neighborhood known for its gracious trees and narrow, rural-like lanes. The tour will be from noon-6 p.m. April 24. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of tour, and $5 individual homes on the day of the tour. Presale tickets can be purchased at Joshua’s Native Plants, 502 W. 18th St., Merle Norman Cosmetics, 4216 Ella Blvd., or LV Nails Spa, 3902 N. Shepherd.

For information, visit gardeno-

aks.org.

JoUrneY commUnItY rUn clUBJourney school of houston

The Journey Community Run Club meeting location is at the green space between the baseball field and parking lot on Usener St. The run is at Stude Park, 1031 Stude St. at 9:30 a.m. April 24. Running time is at 9:45 a.m. It is a two mile run/jog on the White Oak trail. The community is welcome to participate. Come learn more about The Journey School of Houston and take part of the running club. Information: journeyschoolofhouston.org.

commUnItY YArd sAlesinclair PtA

The Sinclair PTA will hold their community yard sale from 8 a.m.-noon, April 30, at Sinclair Elementary, 6410 Grovewood. Popcorn and bottled water will be available for $1 each. Donate items on Fridays through April 22, between 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Grovewood Teacher parking lot. Those who would like to bring their own table(s) and items for sale may reserve a spot for $25. Information: 713-885-3898, 713-304-3266.

APrIl eVentsthe health museum

Mindfulness Classes for children ages 6-8 and one parent will be on Sundays through May 22, 1-2 p.m.; children ages 9-11 and one

parent will be on Sundays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. through May 22. Register online. Mindfulness classes to cultivate positive emo-tions will be held Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. through May 11. Free Family Thursdays: Go Green is from 2-7 p.m. Thursday April 28. This series will concentrate on living Earth-healthy. Boy Scout Merit Badge Classes will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 23 and 30 and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. April 24. The Health Museum is located at 1515 Hermann Dr. Information: www.thehealthmuseum.org, 713-521-1515.

teAm UP to cleAn UP woodland Park

The Friends of Woodland Park, troops from the Girls Scouts of America and Bridgestone Ameri-cas (parent company of Firestone Complete Auto Care) are teaming up to clean up Woodland Park, from 7 a.m.-noon April 24. Vol-unteers are needed to help pull out tires, remove trash and debris from Little White Oak Bayou and the park. The Friends of Wood-land Park are providing all the refreshments, snacks and sup-plies. Woodland Park is located at 212 Parkview St. Information: friendsofwoodlandpark.org.

trInItY concert serIestrinity lutheran church

Trinity Concert Series presents the dedicatory recital for the newly expanded and renovated 50-rank Holtkamp/Reuter pipe

organ featuring Ken Cowan, associate professor and head of the organ program at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. The free concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. April 24, at Trin-ity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave. A freewill offering is appreci-ated. Information: 713-224-0684, www.trinitydt.org.

AArP monthlY meetInGAArP chapter 1265

The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., May 2, in the community room at 1520 Candle-light Ln. The special guest is The Sunshine Band. The meeting is

open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m. There will be no meetings for June through Au-gust. Next meeting will be Sept. 12. Information: 713-681-1133.thUrsdAY nIGht BInGosPJst lodge 88

Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., is held every Thursday night (unless otherwise noted, or announced). Bingo pads are $5 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Early bird special starts at 7 p.m. with regular bingo games begin-ning at 7:30 p.m. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org. Ad # 30111

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Page 7: Leader4 23 a

Food, drink ArTSaturday, April 23, 2016 • Page 7A

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You know? I love Galveston; you may remember me men-tioning this before. Every time I go, I wonder why it took me so long to get back.

I was there this past week-end for ArtWalk and after the event was relaxing with friends at The Proletariat, a bar/gallery on the corner of the National Hotel Artist Lofts building. There is a vibe in this space that can only be expe-rienced in person. Looking around, it was full of artists, many like me, from Houston.

The bar is co-owned by Bri-an “Visker” Mahanay, formerly of the Heights, who also owns a shop next door called Visker & Scrivener’s Quills, Books & Oddities with his wife, Julie. When I told Mahanay how much I liked his shop, he opened it back up and gave me the grand tour.

Mahanay said he tends to enjoy reinventing himself ev-ery decade, professionally, but has been consistently a professional artist for the last 25 years. Originally from Du-rant, OK, his educational back-ground was in art education, sculpture, and printmaking.

Having a knack for comput-ers and programming, Mah-anay found his way to Houston during the big computer boom of the early 1990’s. It was dur-ing this period that Mahanay

discovered the Houston Art Car Parade and started build-ing art cars. For art car fans, you may recall Noggin del Fuego, Stumper, and Oojah with their brightly-colored fiberglass sculpted exoskel-etons. His art car “sculptures” led to carving a room in the IceHotel in Jukkasjärvi, Swe-den and several large burnable sculptures at Burning Man and Flipside. Working with Kim Stolis and Brian O’Leary for the Bayou City Art Festival gave him insight into festival vending and he and his wife decided that festivals were the way to go.

Mahanay started with leath-er-bound books, but then made a couple of quills using vintage nibs as they were enormously popular. This quickly turned them from a bookstore into a quill shop.

Why Galveston?“I find being by the water

is calming and the summer-time tourism traffic a fantastic bonus,” Mahanay said. “My wife, Julie, and I were getting a bit tired of the developing density in the Heights and wanted to move somewhere with a slower pace. Since we both work remotely, the op-tions were pretty wide open, but I mentioned Galveston and it just stuck. Since Julie worked on the redevelopment of the Elder Street Artist Lofts in Houston, we looked into ArtSpace’s Galveston prop-erty, The National Hotel Art-ist Lofts. This is how we met our business partner, Becky, who is the creative director of NHAL. From that organic path, the retail shop side of Visker & Scrivener was born, and then later The Proletariat Gallery & Public House.“

does Visker & Scrivener’s have an international audience?

“Thanks to the magic of Etsy we do. Though we began our store with mostly art fairs and renaissance festivals, Etsy opened our products up to the world and we have hundreds of new customers (and repeat customers) from around the world. I still find it strange we

sell as much as we do to Aus-tralia. Who knew they were so ravenous about quill pens down under.“

is Visker & Scrivener’s a rarity among specialty shops?

“I believe we are. This thought is mainly rooted in our interaction with custom-ers and the attention we pay to the history of writing. We spend a lot of time teaching people about the historic quill nibs we use in all our pens and the timeline behind them. Now that the quill shop and art gal-lery are thriving, our eyes are on our dream of opening a museum of writing history here in Galveston.”

Visit Visker & Scrivener’s in person at 406 23rd St., and The Proletariat next door at 2221 Market St. Suite 100 in Galveston, 77550. Online de-tails - Visker.com and prole-tariatgallery.com.

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him through his website ArtValet.com.

A venture down to good ol’ Galveston

From the left, Brian Mahanay, his wife, Julie Mahanay, and apprentice, Taylor.

By Christina [email protected]

I sat at the bar this week and took in some knowledge. This particular sitting was a bit dif-ferent from the many others. This sitting was for my late grandfather, Raymond Marti-nez, Sr.

My Gramps was called home last Tuesday afternoon, April 12, in San Antonio. He left be-hind a loving wife, three sons and their respective families, twelve grand kids, great grand kids (with one on the way), his loving brothers, numerous nieces and nephews and a life time of memories.

If you’ve read any of my op-eds in The Leader, you may have found a common reoccur-rence that has seasoned many of my writings – my family. We’re a close-knit bunch, and while I am here with you in Houston, that bunch that I call home is in San Antonio.

This month marks two years of living and growing in The Leader coverage area. When I first made the move, my sweet Gramps was reluctant to see me leave. That reluctance was mirrored with excitement for my journey and he was at ease knowing I’d be living in the same city as his youngest brother, John, and two of his nephews (and family), Alec and Ken.

While I was wasting away in the hospital last week, my Uncle David shared a few words with me. He shared my grandfather’s joy in knowing that I was getting to know his brother John and the whole Houston family.

“Christina, your Gramps was so happy to see you with Uncle John and Aunt Lupe,” he said. “He thought it was so cool and just great to see you

connecting with of our family, his family.”

I heard my uncle’s words and they made me smile. Getting to know my “Houston-Martinez-Clan,” what I like to call them, was special to me, too. My great Uncle John brings me comfort every time I see and chat with him. Not only does he look like my sweet Gramps, he carries his spirit, his wit, his humor and his great taste in beer and spirits. We get along just fine.

This week I asked my great Uncle John what my Gramps’ drink of choice was in his day. I knew Gramps was a scotch man and a beer drinker, but never knew specifics. Uncle John was quick with his answer and said he enjoyed scotch and beer, yes, but also enjoyed a gin martini during his Air Force officer club days.

Those gin martini officer club days were a highlight of my grandfather’s life, as they

were truly earned. He was an education man, graduat-ing from St. Mary’s University holding his bachelor and mas-ter’s degrees and later becom-ing a true activist of education to his family, to me.

Often times I’ve enjoyed a gin martini, but have never took in any knowledge for the classic cocktail. When going about my research for this col-umn, I couldn’t think of a bet-ter teacher other than Richard Middleton of Brennan’s Hous-ton. I’ve had the courtesy of at-tending a handful of Richard’s monthly Spirit Roundtable tast-ings and not only is Richard a tall glass of knowledge, he has a welcoming spirit and passion for the beverage industry that makes him a clear first choice and a wonderful teacher.

I gave Richard my assign-ment and he made me four takes on the gin martini for me to study.

The first martini was a clas-

sic London gin style martini.The London gin style term is

one of four legally divided cat-egories in the European Union recognized by the U.S. The term “London gin” can be sup-plemented by the term “dry”, according to Richard. Also within the categories: juniper-flavored spirit drinks, distilled gin and compound gin.

The dry martini was a clas-sic take, made with Tanqueray gin, coated with a vermouth wash and served up with a single olive garnish. Richard noted that classics like this he stirs versus shaking and chills the spirit from a room tem-perature start so the cocktail can be properly chilled and coated with the right amount of water.

The next martini was made with a light, citrus gin – G’Vine Floraison. This gin is for those non-gin believers. This martini, again, was stirred and served up with a single olive garnish.

The citrus, floral notes carry this cocktail into easy drink-ing.

The third martini shadowed behind the second, made with a more fragrant citrus nosed gin – Uncle Val’s Botanical gin. This martini was served just as the others and was garnished with a lemon twist. Richard noted that Val’s Botanical gin is also excellent for a Tom Col-lins.

The final gin martini was a fun take and a little less tradi-tional, as this martini does not include vermouth like the oth-ers, but includes a delectable substitute – Thatcher’s Organic Cucumber Liquor. The liquor is included in this martini and not washed, like the others. This

cocktail calls for Hendrick’s gin and is served with a cucumber garnish. A nod to a classic and a fitting testament to Houston summers.

Of the four cocktails, I shared with Richard that I saw my Gramps in the first take – classic, direct and unforget-table.

Just like that classic gin martini, Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole couldn’t have said it any better, my sweet, sweet, Gramps – Unforgettable, though, near or far. Unforget-table, in every way. Unforget-table, that’s what you are.

Email [email protected]

A toast to you, my sweet, sweet, Gramps

I n M e M o r I a M

Raymond Martinez, Sr., born on November 17, 1927, was

called home to the Lord on April 12, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pedro G. and Eva Mier Martinez; brothers, Andy Martinez, Pete Martinez and sisters, Marcie Sepulveda and Vicky Salas.

Raymond is survived by his loving and devoted wife Angela of 63 blissful years, sons (daughters-in-law) Raymond Martinez Jr. (Gloria), Richard M. Martinez and David A. Martinez (Elizabeth); his grandchildren and great-grand children Miranda Martinez, Destiny Martinez, Raymond Martinez III (Corrine), Amy Martinez, Marie Kirkpatrick (Sean), Christina Martinez, Nicholas Martinez, Riki Martinez, Eric Guzman, Mareck Cassias, Adrian Guzman, Annalia Ramos; his loving brothers Albert Martinez, David Martinez, and John Martinez plus numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family.

Raymond served in the Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1947 at the end of WWII. He held a bachelor and masters degree from St. Mary’s University. Retiring after nearly 40 years of civil service, he spent his retirement years mentoring and helping his children and grandchildren, and caring for his loving bride, Angela. Raymond Martinez, Sr.’s life will be remembered and celebrated Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Castillo Mission Funeral Home.

raymond Martineznovember 17, 1927 – april 12, 2016

Photo by Christina Martinez My humble teacher and head bartender of Brennan’s Houston, richard Middleton.

Page 8: Leader4 23 a

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