The Bellaire Buzz - February 2017

Mike and Lisa Heim with Peju and Chloe

Summer Camp Guide

Texas

From Camp Crush to Lifetime Love

Snow Dogs

Aishel House: A Home for Patients

by Tracy L. Barnett

Chef’s Corner: Hugo Ortega Pairing Wine with Dessert Cooking Buzz: The Big Game Houston, TX

Buzz Baby: Potty Training

Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Back Porch: Recipes for Love

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EDITOR’S NOTE Michael and I are often asked: “How do you work together (without killing each other)?!” Our personalities are so different – I’m talkative and spontaneous. He is not. But when you put us together, it’s our differences that make us work. We recently visited Telluride. We were searching for Buzz families who take their dogs to ski destinations. Hours before our flight back to Houston, we had our photo shoot. After a bitter cold and snowy night we awoke to a sunny morning. We were in this spectacular setting with a gorgeous backdrop but the true beauty of our trip was the families. We ended up connecting with five dog-loving Buzz-area families, including 8 parents, 15 children and 10 dogs. We hope you enjoy this month’s cover story, Texas Snow Dogs. Also, we are touched by the inspirational partnership of Rabbi Lazer Lazaroff and his wife Rochel who worked together to create Aishel House, a home for patients. Also, in Back Porch, you can read about couples whose relationships were helped along by home-cooked meals. (It definitely wasn’t my cooking that sealed the deal with Michael.) However you celebrate and bond, Happy Valentine’s Day to you all. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter thebuzzmagazines.com Editor Publisher Associate Editors Design Manager Staff Writers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Semmes Etheridge Burns Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Helen van Rensburg

On our cover: Mike and Lisa Heim travel to Colorado with their maltipoos, Peju and Chloe. Cover photo by Brenda Colwell, brendacolwellphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2017 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Children need advocates As a long-time Child Advocate I read Diana Moga’s article [A Child Advocate: Buzz resident helps struggling families, January 2017] with great interest. Ms. Moga did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the volunteer’s role and the commitment and heart (love the pun implied) Allison [Hart] brings to this volunteer effort. I most sincerely hope that your readers will take note of this effort and consider becoming a Child Advocate’s volunteer when the time is right. I was really struck by Allison’s comment that if she had time to train for a marathon she had time to become an advocate. Bless her, and Ms. Moga for so clearly and accurately presenting Child Advocate’s mission to your readers. Linda Murphy

More restaurants from then and now I enjoyed your story about favorite old-Houston restaurants [More Restaurant Memories: Stories from Houston’s dining past, by Russell Weil, December 2016]. Here are some more you might remember. Nielsen’s Delicatessen – around for almost 70 years and still going on Richmond. Confederate House – another great steakhouse first located on San Felipe (John L. served drinks for over 50 years). Ming Palace – Chinese food on West Gray next to the River Oaks theater. China Garden – downtown and still there. Mexican Food – lots of them – Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, Spanish Village on Almeda, El Patio. Also, the original Maxim’s downtown was the only upscale restaurant downtown that was open after 5 and was very popular in the ’70s. Lots of great memories. Michael Chadwick

Brenner’s closed in 2002, I was delighted to see that Tilman Fertitta reopened the restaurant. Lynn L. Elsenhans

Abuzz about books What a great column [Book Buzz: Reading is Going to the Dogs! By Kathleen Green, Nov. 8, 2016, at thebuzzmagazines.com] to encourage young readers, and such great tools for building a new reader’s confidence! Reading (and writing) with and about dogs are some of my favorite things, too. I was excited to see Pug Meets Pig on your recommended reading list. I think animal main characters in picture books – whether they’re dogs, pigs, or any other creature – can help any kids relate to similar situations. I’m a former resident of Bellaire and West University from twenty-plus years ago, but I’m still a big fan of the area. Living in the Midwest now, I especially long for the azaleas, tulips, and live oaks of Houston in February and March! Sue Lowell Gallion, Author of Pug Meets Pig (illustrated by Joyce Wan) Editor’s note: Book Buzz is a blog produced in collaboration with neighborhood librarians. Check it out under Buzzworthy at thebuzzmagazines.com. Also, look for a feature story about reading to therapy dogs in an upcoming print issue. Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.

The snake story is freaking us out I enjoyed your article on stories from Houston’s dining past. My family moved to Houston the first time in 1961, just before Hurricane Carla. Our first house was “way out” Memorial drive in the Wilchester subdivision. In what was then far-west Houston, there were not many nearby choices for a nice dinner, but there was one restaurant we would go to for special occasions, Brenner’s. I will never forget my first trip to Brenner’s. My grandparents were babysitting. Being from New Jersey, they wanted a real Texas steak dinner while in town, and my parents suggested Brenner’s. We were seated at a nice table in front of a large window with a nice view of the gardens that led out to Buffalo Bayou. While we were waiting for our dinner to be served, I noticed a huge snake slithering up the window toward an unsuspecting frog. The snake won the ensuing race and swallowed the frog whole. I thought my grandmother would faint. My brother and I couldn’t have been happier with the unexpected show. As I recall, the dinner, while somewhat anticlimactic, was also very tasty. I loved their Roquefort dressing, the special butters they served with the rolls, and the apple strudel for dessert. After BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 6

What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Collect interesting items. • Went on a father-son trip. • Have a fun passion or hobby. • Know a compelling neighbor to profile. • Have a travel story to share. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.

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NEIGHBORS by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

A House of Hope Patients find a home at Aishel House

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he prognosis was grim. Malignant cells in Robert Villarreal’s right kidney had led a virulent march up the body’s largest vein, the inferior vena cava, depositing a nasty clump of cancer just inches from his heart. Stage 4 kidney cancer. Six months to live. With a referral to MD Anderson Cancer Center, the retired Albuquerque marine piled into his Ford Expedition, wife Dannette and two grown children in tow, and headed to Houston with a prayer on his lips and scarcely enough money for a three-day stay. “Please just give me some medicine to make me live another year or two. I don’t want to die in six months,” he remembers thinking. But doctors had other plans. They wanted to cut him open from collarbone to pelvis to excise the lethal tumor. There was an 80 percent chance he’d die during the procedure, the surgeon said. But without it the wolf would most certainly be knocking at his door. Surgery was scheduled 22 days out. “We had hardly any money left for food and lodging. I thought we might have to sleep in our car,” Robert says, his voice cracking with emotion. “I’m a retired veteran on a pension. I didn’t know what to do.” Fortunately for the family, Rabbi Lazer Lazaroff and wife Rochel of West University offer up accommodations, warm meals, transportation and a myriad of other services through their benevolent brainchild, Aishel House, a non-profit hospitality center that aims to ease the emotional and financial burden of the ill undergoing treatment. “Aishel is a Jewish term that touches on the specific tradition of hospitality that we get from Abraham in the Bible,” explains the rabbi. To Robert and kin, it was a godsend. “Their number was on a list my wife got from MD Anderson, and we stayed there before my surgery and after for several weeks,” explains Robert, 70, now five years cancer-free. “I came to Houston with a death sentence and left with a new lease on life. Aishel House was our family.” And that, say its founders, is the point. “Aishel House should feel like home,” says Lazer, giving a tour of the new Aishel House BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 8

ALL IN FOR AISHEL HOUSE Aishel House founders Rabbi Lazer Lazaroff, wife Rochel and Volunteer of the Year Ellen Kleinman (right) are all smiles in the new hospitality center’s synagogue.

building at 1955 University Blvd., slated to open late this month. Every feature of this state-ofthe-art, 23-apartment unit center, designed by Houston architect Mark Mucasey, is built to express a warm, restful refuge from the clinical hustle and bustle of a hospital. “When people feel lost in a desert, they need a place to revive their soul,” says Rochel, whose passion for their cause is as palpable as her warm, homemade challah bread. “It was built on a million little miracles and donations,” Lazer says of the building, named for Houston philanthropist Barbara Hines, who made a generous donation. “She’s a dear friend. She developed a very close relationship to the cause and saw what people were going through.” With comfortable lounges, a synagogue, dining room, playroom for babysitting, activity room and two kitchens (one for staff and volunteers), the center assures a community feel. All this and a courtyard view of gardens and a fountain. The only requirement of residents is that they be accompanied by a caregiver and pay $25 per day. “Our biggest thing is we didn’t want Aishel House to feel like a house of sick people,”

explains Lazer. “With that intention we created a few public spaces to give the community a gateway to come in, cook, sit and lounge, so that patients aren’t just with patients. Our volunteers are everything. It’s a real community. This building just hums with energy.” Energy is something this couple knows a bit about. With 11 children, ages 25 to 5, one might think they’re frazzled to the core. No, says Lazer. “They say if you need something done, give it to a busy person to do.” The couple came to West University in 1992, moving into a small house on University Boulevard with their baby boy. United in their passion to serve the Jewish community, they started a Chabad Center to provide spiritual support to students at Rice University. Lazer visited Jewish patients at MD Anderson, Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Luke’s and Methodist Hospital. He’d pass out Rochel’s delectable challah rolls on Friday’s Jewish Sabbath. “We were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” Lazer quips. “We wanted to be of service to the community but didn’t exactly know what that would look like yet.”

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Happy with a wide-eyed baby boy and another child on the way, Rochel wondered aloud how their healthy little family could offer hope and support to people who were struggling. “How will they relate to us?” she’d muse. “How are we going to comfort people?” “But we received God’s internship pretty quickly,” says Lazer. Their baby girl, Chaya, was born with multiple congenital problems. They spent 11 months in and out of Texas Children’s Hospital until Chaya died. “That child taught me a deep empathy for people, but not pity,” Rochel says. “Even in a dark place there can be a little light to ease the pain so you’re not alone. We understood that in a very real way after we experienced what we did with our daughter. We wanted to do more to help others who were struggling.” On occasion, the two had met hospital patients in need of a place to stay. But the growing family had no room. Desperate to help, they bought an apartment to offer as temporary housing to one Jewish patient at a time. But demand was enormous. Rochel would stand outside their house, point to a ramshackle, 18-unit apartment complex next-door and say, “Someday we will do something with that.” The couple envisioned tearing down the eyesore and building a place for multiple patients. Years later, after deliberations with its owner and financial donations, it was theirs. But hope of a new facility was still years off. From 2004 to 2014, they operated Aishel House in this rundown apartment complex and opened it up to anyone in need, not just the Jewish community. Lazer took clinical pastoraleducation classes part-time for three years to transcend spiritual-language differences and better counsel the residents. Volunteers fixed up the apartments one by one, painting and laying new floors, donating furniture. Residents were treated to Rochel’s delightful vegetable soup, challah bread and other concoctions. “She’s not a cook. She’s an artist with food,” Lazer says of his wife’s culinary skill. Some volunteers helped with the cooking, took patients to doctor appointments, played cards with patients and families, relieved caregivers. Or just sat with them. A comforting ear. To Rochel and Lazer’s children, volunteering at Aishel House was second nature, their heart. “There was always a waiting list of 10 to 20 people even for those ugly, subpar apartments,” says Lazer, citing more than 60,000 nights of accommodations at that location. “Patients would tell us that social workers told them they’d be treated like family here.” Fast-forward to today and the Lazaroffs are delighted to offer the new, modern setting for Aishel House guests. The building’s feel and beauty is appreciated more than words can convey, they say. But it’s the army of passionate volunteers that make it tick. Bellaire resident Ellen Kleinman has been on both sides of Aishel House’s hospitality, as volunteer and patient.

A TASTE OF HOME Guests at Aishel House are in for a treat, Rochel Lazaroff’s scrumptious challah bread. Volunteer Ellen Kleinman (left) and Rochel show off the tasty concoction in the center’s state-of-the-art kitchen.

“I want to be Rochel when I grow up,” quips the 56 year old, who was honored as Volunteer of the Year at a recent Aishel House fundraising gala. “She’s my hero.” In recent years, Ellen, a congregant at Bellaire’s Brith Shalom, has been the recipient of Rochel’s kosher meals following surgeries for a rare thymus gland cancer. “Her cooking is amazing,” says Ellen, who has spent the past 15 years, early on with children Alyssa, Jonathan and Mackenzie, volunteering for Aishel House projects. She’s delivered Rochel’s meals to hospital patients. For six weeks she happily drove a patient to appointments at the medical center. “And now I’m the recipient of the wonderful things that Aishel House does,” says Ellen, now on a maintenance dose of chemotherapy. “We are so incredibly blessed to have something like this in our community where people who are dealing with so much don’t have to worry about where to stay and, in some cases, where they can get a kosher meal. I think people from this community need their support as

much as those coming from the outside. I don’t know that anyone realized what a void there was in the community until they started to fill it.” The significance of Aishel House to Ellen and others is not lost on her children. For her Hanukkah present, they collected more than $1,000 in donations from friends to give to the center in Ellen’s name. “My daughter talked to Rochel, and they decided to make the donation go toward the kitchen for pots and pans so that all the meals that come out of the kitchen can be made with love from me,” Ellen shares, stifling tears. “When I read the card signed by groups of their friends I could hardly speak, I was so emotional.” That, says Rochel, is the miracle of Aishel House. “It’s all about loving and caring for one another. It might be random people we meet and help and never see again. But please, we pray, may they leave here, live a long time and be well.” To learn more or make a donation, visit www.aishelhouse.org. BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 9

NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Summer Nights From camp crush to a lifetime

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f there were ever a blueprint for summer romance, it would have to be summer camp. No parents! No school! No rules! Okay, maybe rules, but the kind of rules that encourage kids to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. It just works. At least for the summer. But not all camp romances cool with the temperatures. Sometimes, love strikes and stays. Every summer growing up, Debbie (Forkowitz) and Arturo Karakowsky attended Camp Young Judaea in Wimberley. Debbie, a recently retired attorney, remembers being just 6 or 7 when she left her home and family in Waxahachie to spend a few weeks as a camper. Arturo, a financial advisor, started camp when he was just slightly older that that, maybe 10 or 11, as one of a large group of Mexican children making the trip to Wimberley from Monterrey. But Debbie and Arturo attended different summer sessions, so they never knew each other as campers. Fast-forward several summers to 2001, when the two returned to Young Judaea as high school graduates and counselors. “We became really good friends for years,” Debbie says. “Every single summer, we returned back to camp because we were both passionate about it.” It took them four years of summering together as counselors, but finally the friends began dating. “I think over the years we had different times when we were both interested, but someone always had a boyfriend or a girlfriend,” Debbie says. “That summer after we graduated from college [in 2005] was just a good time for us to start dating.” The two spent a semester together at The University of Texas at Austin, he as an exchange student and she in law school, and then they dated long-distance until becoming engaged in 2007. Camp continued to play an integral role in Debbie and Arturo’s life together. “If you go to summer camp every year, the closest relationships in your life will usually be connected to camp in some way,” Debbie says. “For me it’s just natural that my husband is a part of that community. “We knew each other’s best friends and exes. We became close a lot younger than marriage BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 10

CAMP CONTINUED At top: Debbie and Arturo Karakowsky met when the two were counselors at Camp Young Judaea (inset photo). Fifteen years later, they are married with three children (from left): Noa, Liv and Eli. Bottom photo: Matt and Christina Buzby met as counselors at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston. Now they have a 1 year old, Brooks, and are expecting another baby.

age, so it fostered a different kind of relationship before we ever entered a romantic relationship. By the time we started dating we were probably already in love.” Ali (Donelson) and Ben Monk might say the same thing. The two met their first year working on the summer staff at Camp Ozark in 2009 (they both still work for the camp). Ben was a longtime camper, and it was Ali’s first experience with the camp. “We met at staff orientation and became really good friends,” Ben says. “We continued to be friends when Ali graduated [college] and began

working [at the camp] full-time. Once I graduated and began working there full-time we continued to be friends.” “We were like best friends,” Ali says. “We worked on the same team, so we’d work together all year and go to camp together all summer. I actually realized I had a crush on him over Christmas break of year six. After that, I talked to him in the office and said, ‘Maybe we should think about this.’” “It took a little while for me to figure things out,” Ben says. “We went on our first date in (continued on page 12) April 2014.”

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Jenny McElroy Photography

SUMMER LOVE At left: Ali and Ben Monk, who met at Camp Ozark, celebrate their first wedding anniversary this month. At right: Working as counselors at camp in Maine morphed into lifetime love for Andy Edison and Donna Lax-Edison, here with their daughter Shelby (center).

“We wanted to be totally sure if we were going to move from best friends to something like that,” Ali says. “What was awesome about the whole thing was that we got to know each other really, really well working in an amazing environment,” Ben says. “I got to see this really cute guy hang out with a bunch of 7 year old boys who really looked up to him,” Ali says. “There’s nothing more attractive that that!” The two married on Feb. 20 of last year, with over half the wedding party – and the officiant – a part of their camp “family,” as Ali and Ben describe them. It didn’t take quite as long for summer sparks to fly for Donna Lax-Edison and her attorney husband Andrew Edison. The two met when both were counselors at Forest Acres and Indian Acres in Fryeburg, Maine. Donna, who grew up in Michigan, started attending the camp when she was 12, while Andy, a Houstonian, came in at 19 as a counselor. “We met during counselor training,” Donna says. “I was wearing a Detroit Pistons shirt, and he is a really big sports fan. So we started talking about the Pistons, and he was impressed that I actually knew something about sports. “We spent a lot of time together during train-

(continued from page 10)

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ing week,” she says, explaining that they lived separately, she at Indian Acres, the girls’ camp, and he at Forest Acres, the boys’ camp. “We didn’t have the same day-off schedule, so we would trade with other people so we could go out together. There was this thing called the Pony Express between the girls’ and boys’ camps, so we’d write letters to each other, and we also could call back and forth. People would hear us and make fun of us.” At summer’s end, the couple went their separate ways, he to his second year at Dartmouth and she to her first at the University of Michigan, but they decided to remain exclusive. “I’m sure Andy was terrified because I had never been to college,” Donna says. After college came more distance – law school in Virginia for Andy and a move to Washington, D.C., for Donna. But three more summers as counselors brought them together at camp, as did long weekends and holidays. “We had a long-distance relationship until we got married,” Donna says. “Now we’ve been married for 22 years and have known each other since 1988.” While Donna says she didn’t go to camp with any thoughts of meeting a boyfriend or future hus-

band, she does recommend the job highly. “It’s one of the best jobs in the entire world,” she says. “I know kids think they should get internships for their careers, but think about camp: One, it’s a blast; two, all meals are paid for; three, they do laundry for you; and four, you get to meet people. It was obviously the best experience for us.” For Christina (Strider) and Matt Buzby, who met as counselors at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, camp has become a theme in their seven-year marriage. “Matt [now a business management consultant] brought me on my very first camping trip at the end of our second summer at Cho-Yeh,” says Christina, a personal trainer in Portland, Oregon. “So for our wedding cake, he had a tent made at the top with us in it. The cake lady suggested wildlife themes, and Matt really wanted a bear on top of the cake. I didn’t, but the cake lady made it work, and I’m really glad she did. “Now, we do a small wedding cake every year to celebrate our anniversary, and the cake topper is always a bear theme. It’s funny, because I didn’t want the bear originally, but here we are.” Which all goes to show that you never know when summer love will turn into a lifetime of summers together.

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Summer Camp Guide W

hen we think of camp, so many images pop into our minds. Crackling campfires and sticky s’mores. Silly songs and stories. Chilly lakes and The Blob. Hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, playing. And above all, learning new skills, discovering new interests, gaining sometimes-lifelong friendships – and occasionally marriages, as you’ll see in Andria Frankfort’s Summer Nights this month. Buzz-area residents are fortunate in that Houston is home to many types of camps, programs and classes to choose from, including specialized sports, arts and educational programs for all ages. Additionally, many overnight camps are located just a car or bus ride away. Choosing the right camp for your child depends on your child’s personality, interests, summer schedule and other factors. This guide is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all camps. Instead, our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each camp and program, as a starting point in the research process. You can also view this directory online, where you will find links to camps’ websites.

Alodia Basketball Academy Summer Camps Est. 2008 Ages: incoming grades 3-9 Co-ed • Day camp 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball, Texas 77377 281-255-2552 • camps@alodiaconsulting.com • www.alodiasports.com Camp Director: Taylor Schippers Developing the next generation of leaders through sports! Alodia Basketball Academy provides camps at great values with low coach to camper ratios: shooting camps (2,000 shots in 4 days), competition camps (12 games in 4 days), and total player camps (elevating a player's overall game).

Basketball University Spring and Summer Youth Skills Camp Est. 2004 Ages: 10-18 Co-ed • Day camp FilHoops Gym, 10131 Emnora, Houston, Texas 77080 832-453-4562 • info@BasketballU.org • www.Basketballu.org Camp Director: Rhossi Carron Basketball University will host its Spring Break Skills Camp, March 13-16 @ FilHoops Gym. Open to youth athletes ages 10-18, this camp is designed to promote skill development, performance enhancement, and increase basketball IQ during the off-season. Basketball University's Spring Break Camp is only $140 per youth athlete. The Skills Camp is also available during the Summer Sessions. Check website for dates and times.

Beth Yeshurun Day School Est. 1949 Ages: 15 months-5th Grade Co-ed • Day camp 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • camp@byds.org • www.byds.org/student-life/camp Camp Director: Jessica Di Giulio Sports and traditional summer camp activities combined with Jewish education offer an unforgettable summer at Beth Yeshurun Day School. Choose from a wide variety of weekly enrichment camps for children ages 15 months through 5th grade. Multifaceted enrichment programs include computer skills, strategic games, reinforcing classroom learning, and innovative problem solving, plus dance and creative movement, music classes, and a variety of sports. Our summer camp follows the highest standards of safety and security, and our low staff-to-camper ratio ensures each child receives individualized attention. We aim to provide a captivating environment with activities and programs that keep your child interested, engaged, and having fun while making new friends, learning important social skills, and continuing to develop Jewish values.

Camp Balcones Springs Est. 1993 Ages: 7-17 Co-ed • Overnight 104 Balcones Springs Drive, Marble Falls, Texas 78654 830-693-2267 • info@campbalconessprings.com • www.campiscool.com Camp Director: Christine Baskin At Camp Balcones Springs our mission is to change lives for the better through fun, relationships, and spiritual impact. We aspire to bring solid values from the home to the camp and provide campers with the attention needed to build self-confidence and help them reach their full potential in one of Texas’ most beautiful settings. BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 14

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Camp Champions Est. 1967 Ages: 6-17 Co-ed • Overnight 775 Camp Road, Marble Falls, Texas 78654 830-598-2571 • info@campchampions.com • www.campchampions.com Camp Director: Leah Mesches Camp Champions has had a tradition of excellence since 1967. Fantastic activities and the best-trained counselors are a few of the reasons that Camp Champions is consistently ranked among the top camps in the country. Our passion is to help every camper grow into the Champion they are intended to be. Two and three-week sessions are offered where we create a loving community and encourage every camper to discover the best versions of themselves. Informational meetings in Houston scheduled for February and March. See www.campchampions.com for details.

Camp Cho-Yeh Est. 1947 Ages: 6-16 Co-ed • Overnight 2200 South Washington, Livingston, Texas 77351 936-328-3200 • jennj@cho-yeh.org • www.cho-yeh.org Camp Director: Garret Larsen Camp Cho-Yeh exists to be a place where Jesus Christ transforms lives though meaningful relationships and outdoor adventures. Free from technology, campers are challenged to grow in their faith, character, and independence in a positive community. Featured activities include high ropes adventure park, zip line and climbing tower, archery tag, paintball, crate stacking, banana boating, blob, water zip line, wet willie, pool, wet bubble, jumping pillow, mud course, trail rides, treehouse, tomahawks and more!

Camp Lantern Creek Est. 2011 Ages: 7-17 All Girls • Overnight 4545 North FM 1486, Montgomery, Texas 77356 936-597-8225 • ange@camplanterncreek.com • www.camplanterncreek.com Camp Director: Ange Atkinson At Camp Lantern Creek, our mission is to focus each girl on helping her to find her voice, discover her path, learn new life skills, and build emotional strength all while building life-long friendships. In this summer home away from home, we create a magical environment where girls learn to try new things, take risks, celebrate both new achievements and great tries. This unique experience builds friendships and newfound confidence that campers take with them back home to bolster them for the rest of the year.

Camp Olympia Est. 1968 Ages: 6-16 Coed • Overnight 723 Olympia Drive, Trinity, Texas 75862 936-594-2541 • campinfo@campolympia.com • www.campolympia.com Camp Directors: Debbie Stubblefield, Administrative Director; Cody Mauldin, Director of Boys’ Camp; Michelle Mauldin, Director of Girls’ Camp Camp Olympia is dedicated to having fun together, helping people grow in body, mind, and spirit. Established in 1968, Camp Olympia is a private, overnight Texas summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-16 offering one, two and three-week sessions. Camp Olympia blends its rich camping history and experience with its continual growth and exciting additions, making it a nationally recognized summer camp.

Camp Peniel Est. 1946 Ages: 6-18 All Girls and All Boys / Overnight and day camps (summer) • Family camps (fall/spring) Marble Falls, Texas 78654 800-848-1731 • info@camppeniel.org • www.camppeniel.org Camp Director: Brian Anderson Camp Peniel, a place where God is known, and lives are changed. Be prepared for adventure on 382 acres of the beautiful hill country! Swim in our spring-fed lake, hike, ride horses, or challenge yourself on the zip-line. Peniel was founded for the sole purpose of reaching today's youth for Jesus Christ. We operate as a non-denominational ministry. We believe that every week of camp should be a life-changing experience because of the extreme fun experienced and the rock solid Bible training received. Our mission is to challenge every camper to strengthen their personal relationship with Christ while experiencing an adventure… with a purpose! (continued on page 16) BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 15

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Camp Stewart Est. 1924 Ages: 6-16 All boys • Overnight 612 FM 1340, Hunt, Texas 78024 830-238-4670 • jeeper@campstewart.com • www.campstewart.com Camp Director: Jeeper Ragsdale One-week, two-week and four-week options for separate traditional camps, boys and girls age 6-16, on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Family-style dining, homestyle food, worldwide, limited enrollment, personable staff, role model counselors, and fun programs! Instruction-oriented, offering more than 50 activities, including sports, horseback and swim. Also intangibles – self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity, dealing with challenges. Ragsdale family owned and operated. Open house on Saturday, March 18. Call or email for details.

Camp Young Judaea-Texas Est. 1952 Ages: 6-15 Co-ed • Overnight 121 Camp Young Judaea Drive, Wimberley, Texas 78676 713-723-8354 • info@cyjtexas.org • www.cyjtexas.org Camp Director: Frank Silberlicht CYJ-Texas strives to provide a supportive and dynamic environment in which Jewish youth can explore, grow, and mature. Our programming aims to strengthen Jewish identity, foster devotion to Israel, create lasting friendships, encourage individual achievement, and heighten self-esteem and leadership skills. Through experiences designed to encourage a lifetime commitment to Judaism and Israel, Camp Young Judaea fulfills its mission: to educate, to inspire, and to enrich the lives of its campers. Camp Young Judaea is a great place to spend the summer. We provide a Jewish summer experience for children from all different backgrounds: Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative, Traditional, Orthodox, and any Jew who wants to enjoy the camp experience. We provide a Shabbat-friendly, kosher environment where our campers learn and develop a strong connection to Israel. From singing to swimming, hiking to hanging out, there is something for everyone here at CYJ.

Firat Education Build-Your-Own Summer Camp Est. 2008 Ages: Grades K-12 Co-ed • Day camp 3701 W. Alabama Street., Suite 390, Houston, Texas 77027 713-871-1048 • info@firateducation.com • www.firateducation.com Camp Director: Ibrahim Firat Firat Education lives for its mission to create customizable services for its clients. You and up to 4 friends can custom build your summer camp program with us. Select the subject/topic (any standardized test, any school subject); tell us how many friends, family, neighbors, teammates (up to 5); tell us how many hours you’d like your camp to be. Contact us to schedule a free session and let us help you build your summer program with endless options for scheduling.

Fusion Academy Houston Galleria Est. 2015 Ages: 6-12th grade Co-ed • Day camp 5065 Westheimer Road, Suite 840, Houston, Texas 77056 713-963-9096 • ebeguerie@fusionacademy.com • www.FusionHoustonGalleria.com Camp Director: Elizabeth Beguerie, Head of School Finally, a summer school that won’t take away your summer fun! Catch up on missed credits, retake a class, get ahead before next semester, or supplement a homeschool program with an art, music, or lab class. From algebra to yoga and everything in between, we have over 250 courses, all taught one student to one teacher. Students can start at any point in the year and take classes in the morning, afternoon, or evening based on their personal preference and learning style.

Gerry and Greta’s Art Camp Adventures Est. 2009 Ages: First through fifth grade Co-ed • Day Camp 10371 Stella Link, Houston, Texas 77025 713-817-0177 • gerryandgreta@gmail.com • www.artcampadventures.com Camp Directors: Gerry Melot and Greta Bernitz Gerry and Greta’s Art Camp is a great way to expose campers to art history, different styles of art and art materials in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. The projects are creative, designed to be easy for the youngest campers, yet challenging for the older ones. The camp has a morning snack break and a 30-minute break in The Zone’s bounce house room. The small camp size ensures every camper receives lots of attention and guidance. BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 16

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Heart O’ the Hills Est. 1953 Ages: 6-16 All girls • Overnight 2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt, Texas 78024 830-238-4650 • jane@hohcamp.com • www.hohcamp.com Camp Director: Jane Ragsdale Two-week and four-week options for separate traditional camps, boys and girls age 6-16, on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Family-style dining, homestyle food, worldwide, limited enrollment, personable staff, role model counselors, and fun programs! Instruction-oriented, offering more than 50 activities, including sports, horseback and swim. Also intangibles – self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity, dealing with challenges. Ragsdale family owned and operated. Open house on Saturday, March 18. Call or email for details.

The Honeycomb Artista Est. 2017 All ages Co-ed • Day camp 5401 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas 77081 832-258-8500 • thehoneycombart@gmail.com • www.thehoneycombartista.com Camp Director: Eve Sweet Your creative journey starts here! Fun, educational and inspirational no matter your age or experience level. Painting classes, private parties and camps.

Houston Camera Exchange – Kids Camp Est. 2017 Ages: 14 and older Co-ed • Day camp 5900 Richmond Ave, Houston, Texas 77057 713-789-6901 • info@hcehouston.com • hcehouston.com Camp Director: Sharlie Douglass HCE Kids Camp is designed to help a new generation learn the basics and enjoy all kinds of photography. Cameras will be provided for hands on applications of exposure, composition and live shooting.

Houston Center for Photography – Youth Programs Est. 1981 Ages: 9-17 Co-ed • Day camp 1441 West Alabama Street, Houston, Texas 77006 713-529-4755 • Japheth@hcponline.org • www.hcponline.org/classes/Youth Education Coordinator: Japheth A Storlie The Houston Center for Photography has exciting and innovative youth programs that offer something for everyone. HCP Summer Camps take place in June & July and cover a variety of photography topics for students ages 9-17. Focusing Spot classes are offered year-round and are open to students ages 12-17. HCP's Collaborations is a semester-long program for high school students that provides the opportunity to experience the planning of a photography exhibition first-hand.

Houston Elite Cheer Summer Camp Est. 2013 Ages: 3-15 Co-ed • Day camp (all day or half day sessions) 1800 Sherwood Forest Street, Ste. B2, Houston, Texas 77043 713-464-1445 • houstonelitecheer@yahoo.com • houstonelitecheer.com Camp Director: Lauryn Arntz Join HEC for a jam packed week of exciting and challenging activities. Summer camp will include gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling, arts and crafts, water balloon wars, obstacle courses and more! Our goal is for campers to have loads of fun while promoting fitness.

IDEA Lab Kids Est. 2011 Ages: 5-14 Co-ed • Day camp Bellaire • West U • Heights • Memorial • Spring • Katy Sugar Land • Missouri City • Austin • Energy Corridor 832-672-7932 • camps@idealabkids.com • www.IdeaLabKids.com Camp Director: Amber Diaz Idea Lab Kids provides S.T.E.A.M. (Science | Technology | Engineering | Arts | Mathematics) camps ranging from dinosaur expe- (continued on page 18) BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 17

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(continued from page 17) ditions, drone flights, Minecraft programming, cooking school, pet vet, art studio, robotics, 3D Spanish and Mandarin immersion,

chess, engineering, investigative science and many more. At Idea Lab Summer Camps, campers learn through inquisitive hands-on activities utilizing technology, science, math, critical-thinking skills and a great deal of IMAGINATION!

Marine Military Academy Summer Camp Program Est. 1965 Ages: 12-18 (if not yet graduated from High School) All Boys • Overnight (4-week session) 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-423-6006, Ext. 861 • admissions@mma-tx.org • www.summer-camp-mma.com Camp Director: Sgt.Maj. Ford Kinsley, USMC, Ret. At MMA Summer Camp you work hard and play hard, you’ll be in constant motion. Every day, you’ll participate in challenging but exciting outdoor activities that build discipline, teamwork and confidence. As you have fun, you will also learn how to focus, problem solve and overcome your fears. No other camp will strengthen your body and mind like MMA Summer Camp! At MMA Summer Camp. Space is limited. You are not!

Power Camp Est. 1999 Ages: Entering pre-K/4 through entering 6th grade Co-ed • Day Camp (before and after care offered 8-9 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m.) 4417 Bellaire Boulevard (at Bellaire United Methodist Church), Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-666-2167 • powercamp@bellaireumc.org • belllaireumc.org Power Camp is a Christ centered summer day camp ministry of Bellaire United Methodist Church for children entering pre-K through the sixth grade. Our mission is to provide a positive Christian environment which includes education, recreation, and fun, while also providing a safe sanctuary for children in and around our community. We strive to create a caring, loving atmosphere where children are nurtured in faith and guided in personal and spiritual growth. Activities include Bible lessons, mission projects, swimming, weekly field trips, athletics/gym, games, art, crafts, cooking, science, theater arts, music and cooperative challenges.

St. John the Divine Vacation Bible School Est. 1943 Ages: 4 through 5th grade Co-ed • Day camp 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77019 713-622-3600 • children@sjd.org • sjd.org/vbs Camp Director: Deanna Lawson St. John the Divine Vacation Bible School is here to assist families in introducing their kids to Jesus Christ, to plant the seed of God's Word into their hearts, to model the love of Jesus through a team of caring volunteers, and to nurture and shepherd them into a lasting relationship with God. Join us this summer for Vacation Bible School: Mission Unstoppable, July 31-August 3.

Summer@STH Est. 2009 Ages: 6th -12th grades Co-ed • Day camp 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 281-757-4005 • summer@sths.org • summer.sths.org Camp Director: Gail Calkins From our middle school academic, enrichment and sports camps to our high school academic and enrichment classes, our mission is to provide an experience which sparks curiosity and ignites passion while improving core skills through a wide range of fun yet challenging activities in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, in the computer lab or in the film room. Enhance your skill set, explore what you truly love doing, all while meeting new friends – Summer@STH!

Summer Theatre Camp at The Grand 1894 Opera House Est. 2010 Ages: 7-16 Co-ed • Day camp The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post Office Street, Galveston, Texas 77550 409-770-5066 • spiel@thegrand.com • www.thegrand.com Camp Director: Sarah Piel You could be a star! Join The Grand for this one-week theatre camp featuring a residency with Missoula Children’s Theatre actors and directors. Camp led by MCT actors/directors and staff at The Grand. Camp culminates with a performance of “Peter and Wendy” on Friday, BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 18

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July 28. Camp hours: Mon.-Fri., July 24-28, 2017, 12:30-5:30 p.m. Campers must attend each day. Open to students ages 7-16 Cost: $245 per student.

Total Football Soccer Camps affiliated with The Houston Dynamo Academy Est. 2012 Ages: 5-13 Co-ed • Day camp or half-day camp Q & B Indoor, 1739 Bingle Road, Houston, Texas 77055 281-658-6651 • nelson@totalfoot.org • www.totalfoot.org Camp Director: Nelson Ballesteros The Total Football Club utilizes the Dutch philosophy that focuses on developing all around technical players. We have a partnership with Ajax of Amsterdam and are an affiliate of the Houston Dynamo Academy. Our camps are a great way to allow players to develop their technical skills during the off season (first touch, moves to beat players, etc.) TFC camps are held indoors to avoid weather cancellations and keep the players indoors during the summer.

URJ Greene Family Camp Est. 1976 Ages: 7-17 Co-ed • Overnight 1192 Smith Lane, Bruceville, Texas 76630 254-859-5411 • gfc@urj.org • www.greene.org Camp Director: Loui Dobin At the URJ Greene Family Camp, we provide opportunity to grow and learn at the same time. It is an unforgettable religious, cultural, recreational and emotional experience. At GFC, nature, community, Judaism and fun are in tune with one another. Programs include the arts, individual and team sports, adventure and water activities. Campers gain new skills, improve upon strengths and build community with fellow campers and our exceptional staff. Transformative experiences at camp inspire kids to bring camp home to their daily lives, applying what they learn here to better themselves, their communities and the world.

Westbury Baptist Church Day Camp Est. 1989 Ages: Finished Kindergarten through 6th grade Co-ed • Day Camp 10425 Hillcroft Street, Houston, Texas 77096 713-723-8136 • daycamp@wbchouston.org • www.wbchouston.org/Day-Camp Camp Director: Erick Salazar The WBC Day Camp is a recreation oriented camp for children who want to have a great summer of playing, learning, experiencing, and making new friends. We strive to help children learn about themselves and God and to provide a safe environment for childcare needs.

Western Academy Summer Camps Est. 2010 Ages: 7-14 All Boys • Day Camp 1511 Butlercrest Street, Houston, Texas 77080 713-461-7000 x104 • pat.miggins@westernacademy.net • www.westernacademy.net/camps Camp Director: Patrick Miggins Western Academy is a private, independent, liberal arts, lower and middle school for boys. Summer Camps at Western reflect what we strive for throughout the school year, but in heightened spirit of adventure and freedom. We offer various, yet unique adventure, athletic and academic summer programs. Western Academy Summer Camps are led by our teachers who foster a particular enthusiasm for the camp they will direct, bringing alive that genuine passion for learning and fun.

West U Baptist Church – Super Summer Stuff Est. 1997 Ages: 2 months-13 years Co-ed • Day camp 6218 Auden, Houston, Texas 77005 713-668-2319 • supersummerstuff@wubc.org • www.wubc.org/sss Camp Director: Dave Allee Super Summer Stuff is a high energy summer day camp at West U Baptist Church. We offer exciting field trips and have fun programming throughout the summer for a wide age range. Every week has a different theme that teaches and instructs as well as helping to build basic skills. Friendships are made, learning is encouraged, and we have a ton of fun! BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 19

KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Potty training

Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies from the perspective of a first-time mother.

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otty training is daunting. But as long as you have some patience, a sense of humor and Clorox bleach, as with any other transition in parenting, you’re all likely to survive it. There are a lot of different methods. With the “wait-and-potty” method, parents watch for signals from the child indicating a need to do his or her business and encourage the child to use a potty, whether a small training toilet or the real one. There’s also the disposable training-pants method, where you transition the child from diapers to throw-away training pants. Some parents let their children pick out real underwear, perhaps with superheroes or princesses on them, to encourage the child to want to wear them. Another method, promoted by San Franciscobased preschool teacher Julie Fellom, among others, calls for three days of diaper-less and pantsless potty training. Fellom suggests setting up multiple portable potties around the house. In addition to learning to use the toilet, children also need to learn how pull their pants back on, flush the toilet, and wash their hands. All in all, it’s quite the undertaking. One classic move is to offer an incentive or reward. Buzz mom Meg Markland took this route when she started potty training her son, Harry. Her tactic was to let Harry pick out any toy he wanted for going No. 2 in the potty. Harry successfully went, so Meg took him to pick out his toy. The results? Less than ideal. His choice was a bright red toy piano. “Do not ever tell your toddler that they can pick out whatever toy they want at the toy store,” said Meg, laughing. “This was our compromise from the bright pink baby-grand piano. The worst part is, he has yet to poop on the potty again, and I am reminded of that every time I hear him banging away on that piano.” Meg and her husband Matt tried a three-day potty-training plan. She said she printed a 40page PDF manual and read through the whole thing. “Two hours in on Day 1, we had already gone through 12 pairs of underwear, a whole container of Clorox wipes, and when my husBELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 20

band called to check on us, I was heading outside to fish diapers out of the trash,” said Meg. She suggested a few tips for other parents trying the same route. “Have both parents home for reinforcement, lots of wine, and believe you need [the recommended] 21 pairs of underwear. Did I mention the wine?” she said. Potty training can naturally lead to some messy situations. “My stubborn little boy,” said mom-of-three KEYS TO SUCCESS Almost 3-year-old Harry Markland (pictured) was rewarded with any toy he wanted for successfully using the potty for the first time. He picked a bright Kelly Miller. “He red toy piano. was over 3 and not to get a plastic bag to pick it up like we do with willing to potty train at all.” Kelly had him on the dogs, he just started bawling and got so upset the waitlist for a Mother’s Day Out program. and said, ‘That’s dirty!’ Kids.” There was only one problem – all children had Fisher eventually started to do his business in to be fully potty trained to attend. the bathroom, but not quite in the toilet at first. He got a spot, so it was go-time. “We got the “He’s also pooped on the bathroom floor, twice. call and a 2-week warning that he could start That’s been real fun,” said Lanie. “But no-underMother’s Day Out,” said Kelly. “So, power potty wear has done the trick for us though. We spent training began.” a week at the beach, and because he was in a The family went to a trampoline park during swimsuit the whole time with no swim diaper he that time. “He had been doing pretty well, but started going potty in the toilet because he with all of the fun, he managed to poop in his didn’t have the diaper safety net.” pants,” said Kelly. “He really didn’t like it. But And that, my friends, is the last of the potty talk after we cleaned up and left the pants and this month – unless you have some tips to share. If so, underwear in trash can, he was potty trained.” comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com Mom-of-two Lanie Towsley couldn’t help but or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com. laugh when her son Fischer went No. 2 outside in the backyard. She said his reasoning was because their two dogs, Guinness and Millie, For more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com pooped in the backyard. “Maybe a sign of solifor writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, darity with our four-legged friends? I don’t “Mommy Moments.” know,” said Lanie, laughing. “When I told him

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BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 21

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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Texas snow dogs

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olidays are just not holidays without the whole family there. For five Buzz families, that includes the dogs. And that’s fortunate for the dogs – because in ski country, the holidays mean snow, and most dogs love the snow. “My family’s complete when we have our dogs with us,” said Julie Brown, the supermom of four kids and four dogs – three border collies and a schnauzer. She has made the 20-hour drive to Telluride with her dogs so many times it has developed into an art form. “We could leave them in Texas, but I’d feel like a part of my family’s missing. “Thankfully they are wonderful travelers,” she says. “We drive a lot with them, so they’re used to getting into their zone.” It wasn’t always that way, however; their youngest dog, Belle, used to be out of control when they traveled. Julie took her to obedience school and got her a beep collar. It took some work but now when Belle is starting to get out of hand, she can give her a small beep to calm her down. Ivette and Brad McNeill have also been making the trip by car with Maggie, 8, and Cocoa, 3, since they got them. Their dogs are both poodle blends; Maggie, the eldest, is a goldendoodle (half golden retriever) and Cocoa is a labradoodle (half Labrador retriever). For Tammy and Scott Smith, it’s a little easier – they have only one dog, a 14-month-old golden retriever named Dixie, and they were able to crate her in cargo. “She did just great – she’s a real travel dog,” said Tammy. Kathy Berkman’s strategy is to have a dog that is small enough to fit under the seat; her 3month-old cavapoo, Spencer, rode along as her carry-on. Lisa and Mike Heim do the same with their little maltipoos, Peju and Chloe, who fit under the seat and fly with no problems – although they do bark when they hear other dogs. Suneeta and Raj Rangwani have a 7-year-old miniature poodle named Bacci, who also travels in the cabin. They’ve also made the drive with him a couple of times, but usually they fly. For all of these families, companionship is really important, but the cuteness factor is over the top. Remembering the first encounter with snow inevitably brings a chuckle. BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 22

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TRAVEL

“They jumped out of the car and landed in the snow and just stood there and looked at me like, ‘What the hell?’” said Julie Brown of her border collies and her schnauzer. “Then I said, ‘It’s snow – go play in it!’ and they just took off. They love, love, love the snow.” Kathy Berkman arrived in Aspen with little 3-month-old Spencer in December, right after a 19-inch snow. “He did not know what to do – it was bigger than him. It was pretty funny. He didn’t know what to make of it – he got out at the airBUNDLE UP, BACCI The Rangwani family – (from left) 12-year-old Nikhil, Raj, port and started eating it.” Suneeta and 14-year-old Sabrina – travel with Bacci, their miniature poodle. The Smiths’ golden so hard of them with their booties on – they retriever puppy, Dixie, on the other hand, knew would look hilarious, pulling their feet up. exactly what to do. “She goes bounding through, They’re not used to it.” and she’ll dig her way out. She puts her face in it. Other dogs, like the Smiths’ Dixie, have no use She just loves it,” says Tammy. for such niceties. “We don’t put anything on her – Different dogs, of course, have different temit would just get wet,” says Scott Smith of the parkas. peraments and different needs with regards to Julie Brown’s border collies are the same. “We the snow. The Rangwanis’ poodle, Bacci, was a have lots of booties – they hated their booties. I little older when they introduced him to snow. said, ‘Oh they need it to protect their feet; we have “He would not step in the snow the first time – boots.’ But they hated it. It was like they were he’s such a southern dog,” said Suneeta. “He would marching; they couldn’t run. Now we have somekind of stand there with one paw up and shivering. thing like a balloon that clamps down and proHe’s enjoying it more now, after being here a coutects their feet, but they don’t like that, either.” ple days and realizing it wasn’t going anywhere!” Over time, she’s discovered the best thing for Some dogs, like little Spencer and the Heims’ her dogs is a product called Musher’s Secret, a maltipoos, need sweaters or parkas and booties to waxy salve that protects dogs’ feet in all seasons, keep the snow from clumping up between their toes. but especially in the winter. Ivette just uses When they first got to Aspen, Kathy says, Vaseline and says her dogs are fine with it. they didn’t have any, so Spencer’s first outings Julie’s schnauzer, on the other hand, had to were barefoot. have a shave recently since she’d run through a “He’ll walk for a little while and then starts cocklebur patch, so for the first time, she’s sportyelping because it’s cold,” she said. The Heims’ ing a sweater. dogs would come back up on the sidewalk, Julie strongly recommends that owners bring where it was heated. vet records with them, and (continued on page 24) “We have so many videos that make us laugh

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FOUR-LEGGED KIDS, TOO The Brown family kids are (from left) Christopher, 28; Ashley, 24; Caroline, 21; and Madeline, 22, plus miniature schnauzer Dixie and border collies Mollie, Pearl and Belle.

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THE SNOW PATROL The Heim family travels together. From left: Tristan, 14; Rachel, 23; Mike; Lisa; Brett, 21; and Lexie, 17 – plus maltipoos Peju and Chloe. (continued from page 22) that all dogs have a collar

with names and phone numbers, as well as a chip. “They have to be chipped, but they also need a tag with name and phone number in case (the finders) don’t have a chip reader.” Telluride and Aspen both are famous for their dog-friendliness, and people can often be seen with their canine companions at hotels, restaurants and even ski lifts in the area. The McNeills have found a marked difference in their dogs’ lives in Telluride as compared with Houston. “I don’t know if it’s because of the weather in Houston, or because people aren’t used to walking and being outdoors, but

Pets on flights There's a limit to how many dogs are permitted on each flight, so it's important to purchase your dog's ticket early. Carry-on dogs must be in a container that fits under the seat. They generally cost $125 each way on United and American airlines; larger dogs cost more and need to be checked in cargo. Southwest Airlines charges $95 for small carry-on dogs, but will not check pets in cargo. See the website bringfido.com for different airlines’ policies.

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 24

it’s really limited where you can take your dog,” says Ivette. “Here it’s a really a wonderful place where you really enjoy whatever activity you do with your dogs.” Maggie and Cocoa accompany their family everywhere. They go hiking, biking, riding around; they accompany Yvette when she picks the kids up at school, and even to restaurants, where they hang out tied on a leash outside. “Everyone stops and admires them,” says Yvette. “They get so much attention and love from everyone. It’s really easy to be with dogs here.” Getting around Telluride with the dogs is easy; even the public transport-ski lift blend, the gondola, has a special car for pets. “You just have to get in a line and wait for the gondola that takes your dog,” says Ivette. Maggie needs a little special care, however, because she always wants to chase the gondola and jump in. Ivette laughs when she recalls the time three years ago when her daughter, Claire, who now is 15, was walking with Maggie in the village. She saw the gondola and got so excited that she broke away from Claire and ran and jumped into one of the ski chairs by herself. “They had to stop the whole ski lift and help her,” said Ivette. “But everyone is so friendly and nice. We have kids who are on the street who stop and say, ‘Can we pet your dog?’” Indeed, her son Brad, entrepreneurial spirit that he is, launched a business on Main Street

one summer six years ago. He made a sign that read: “$1 to pet the dog.” “He made some money – maybe $10,” she said. “Some people would even say, “’Can I come back in one hour and pet her again?’ Brad said sure – and if it’s within one hour, I won’t charge you again.” Summers are wonderful for the dogs, who find the fresh mountain air to be ideal. Caution must be exercised, however. While a longtime regulation prohibiting dogs in public wildlife areas around Telluride has been lifted, it’s still illegal to allow them to run at large and harass wildlife, particularly in winter when the animals can be under stress already due to harsh weather conditions. It’s important to rein in the dogs for their own safety, as well. One of the most frequent injuries in the Telluride area can result from tangling with a porcupine. And Ivette just learned that a lynx was living in her neighborhood thanks to a Facebook forum called “Telluride Sweet Deals.” Her advice, though: “Just really bring as many pets as you have, enjoy beautiful Colorado and let everyone enjoy your dog. People go crazy over them.”

MORE ONLINE For more information about traveling with your dog, whether by air or by road, see what our pet veterans have to say at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 25

FOOD The Junior League of Houston

by Semmes Etheridge Burns, contributing writer

Cooking Buzz Celebrating Houston and the Big Game Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.

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ouston has a lot to celebrate these days. I’m sure you know that Houston has the honor of hosting the Super Bowl this month. Are you also aware that our hometown has been lauded nationally by food critics and chefs as a foodie destination? I thought it would be fun to host some friends to watch the game while also celebrating the food we are so lucky to enjoy here. An abundance of restaurants and grocery stores representing diverse cuisines means that it is easy to mix favorites from my own kitchen with take-out treats. When I think of football parties, I think of dips and spreads. And when I think of dips and spreads, bacon and cheese are the first two ingredients that pop into my mind. I mean, how can you go wrong with Bacon Tomato Dip from Stop and Smell the Rosemary? The very first ingredient is bacon, and as a bonus, it can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Curried Snowball, also from Stop and Smell the Rosemary, is another option that can be made a day or two in advance. It has a hint of curry within a cheeseball and is covered with mango chutney, green onions, peanuts and coconut for a bit of international flare. Houston is home to some amazing Tex-Mex restaurants and food trucks. I frequently pick up tamales to serve at football parties. In order to make the tamales a bit more “my own,” I’ll whip up some salsas to serve alongside. I love the traditional Pico de Gallo and the less traditional Mango Chile Salsa, both from Stop and Smell the Rosemary, as well as Avocado Salsa from Peace Meals. These are equally as good with tortilla chips. As a nod to the world-class Vietnamese food we can find here, I like to pick up several bánh mì sandwiches from my favorite Vietnamese place and cut them up into smaller sections so that they’re more appetizer portioned. This is always a hit; newcomers are usually in love with this Vietnamese treasure of a sandwich – comBELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 26

monly a crusty baguette filled with spiced meat, cucumbers, jalapeño and pickled carrots – by the time they leave my house. If you were lucky enough to pick up a PreGame Party-to-Go package from The Pantry at The Junior League of Houston, with meatballs and dipping sauces, you’d be set on savory dishes. If you weren’t so lucky, then perhaps the IndianSpiced Pork and Red Grape Brochettes from Peace Meals would hit the spot. These skewers can be made and marinated overnight for easy GAME CHANGER Spiced meat plus sweet red grapes on a skewer update a preparation, and quickly football-party classic in Indian-Spiced Pork and Red Grape Brochettes. cooked over a grill or Bacon Tomato Dip grill pan. The Indian-inspired spices combined From Stop and Smell the Rosemary with the sweetness of the red grapes on a skewer 10 slices bacon, cooked crisp, drained and are a perfectly updated take on a football-party cooled classic. 3 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped What would a celebration of Houston and 1 cup mayonnaise our flavorful food scene be without a nod to our 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard Louisiana neighbors? I love the Pecan Pralines ¼ cup minced green onions from Stop and Smell the Rosemary. This combi¼ cup minced fresh parsley nation of sugar, butter, bourbon and pecans is 6 drops Tabasco sauce divine and easy to make ahead of time. And lastly, drinks for the Big Game. I’ll have Combine bacon, tomatoes, mayonnaise, musa spread of beer from local breweries to hightard, onions, parsley and Tabasco in a food light what amazing work they’re doing in our processor. Process until chopped, but not pureed, city. What beverage goes better with football preserving some of the texture. Adjust seasonthan beer, right? But, I’ll also have this gem ings. Serve with crisp, fresh vegetables or melba from Monica Pope, found in Peace Meals: the toast. (Bacon tomato dip may be prepared up to T’afia Ratafia. The ultimate make-ahead 2 days in advance.) Refrigerate. Makes 1½ cups. drink, this combination of whatever seasonable fruit, veggies or herbs look best, vanilla beans, sugar, vodka and crisp white wine that is mixed For other recipes mentioned in this story, see theand refrigerated for several weeks is certainly a buzzmagazines.com. To buy a Houston Junior cocktail that will stand out in a crowd. Just like League cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608. our hometown.

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BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 27

Debora Small

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Hugo Ortega

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ind out about your favorite chefs, and where they like to eat, in our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews chef Hugo Ortega.

“Hello,” said Hugo Ortega, in his soft accent. “Can you hear me? I’m at Hugo’s Cocina in the airport. We’re getting ready to open the restaurant in Terminal D.” It’s been 15 years since I spoke to the 52 year old at length. The last time we chit-chatted for more than a few minutes was in 2002, when he opened Hugo’s (1600 Westheimer). For weeks, I followed him, scribbling down the tale of a 19 year old who illegally crossed the U.S. border on a train carrying coal in 1984. With 600 pesos, he followed his cousin, David, to Houston, sleeping in an abandoned grocery store until one fortuitous day when he timidly approached Tracy Vaught for a job at Backstreet Cafe (1103 Shepherd Drive). The Mexico City-born chef worked his way up from cheese slicer to dishwasher to executive chef. He also fell in love. Tracy and Hugo married on the front yard of her River Oaks family home in 1994. Daughter Sophia arrived three years later. I have eavesdropped on young Latin chefs speaking in awe of Hugo Ortega. He epitomizes hope for them because if a mild-mannered Mexican chef with brown puppy eyes can achieve the American Dream, they can, too. In 2011, the prestigious Houston Culinary Awards bestowed on him the title of Chef of the Year, and for the fifth time, in 2016, Hugo was a finalist for the James Beard Best Chef Southwest Award. In a fast-paced city where chefs come and go, Hugo’s star continues to shine. This year, Hugo opened not one, but two restaurants: the 120seat Hugo’s Cocina at Bush Intercontinental Airport and Xochi at the new Marriott Marquis Houston (1777 Walker Street). Xochi pays homage to Hugo’s beloved cuisine of Oaxaca, a remote state in southern Mexico. Why Oaxacan? This is my tribute to one of the greatest local cuisines of Mexico. I just hope it’s not too ethnic for travelers, but if that is the case, then I will BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 28

be there to explain what it is because I hope with all my heart they will be happy with it. What does “Xochi” mean? It means “beautiful flower.” It’s short for “Xochitl,” the goddess of flowers. How did you come up with the concept for this restaurant? Right after we opened Hugo’s, a good friend, Jose Leyva, started an import company, bringing products from Oaxaca. It is a special XOCHI Five-time nominated Hugo Ortega introduces Oaxacan cuisine to place, with a wonderful Houstonian at his new restaurant, Xochi. spirit. You know, duce new herbs, like poleo, which has a kind of Oaxaca is the richest land in all of Mexico, and minty flavor, but very soft. It goes nicely in black the poorest, too. It’s a poor state, the poorest, but beans and desserts. Pitonia is another herb. The it is so rich in what it can give to the world, not essence of pitonia is so inviting, so fragrant. I’ll only Mexico – the corn, the chocolate, the cofput it on ice cream or mole, or to flavor beans. fee, the mezcal. Which restaurant is a must-dine when visYou once told me about a fantastic food fesiting Oaxaca City? tival in the colonial city of Oaxaca? You’ve got to try Origen. The menu is very Yes, about three, four years ago, I went to El seasonal. Now, I have to tell you, a year ago, Saber del Sabor and had an incredible time. Tracy and I invested in Origen. I was so Chefs from all corners of Oaxaca bring their impressed by the chef, Rodolfo Castellanos. I foods. It was the most flavorful food I’ve ever wanted to really learn about Oaxacan cuisine; it experienced in my life. was my continuing education. And you know At Hugo’s, you introduced the Oaxaqueños what? Last year, Rodolfo won the first season of tradition of fried grasshoppers, which taste like Univision’s Top Chef Mexico. He became an popcorn, but better. What will you introduce instant celebrity overnight. at Xochi? The grasshopper has been iconic for Hugo’s, Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh but in Oaxaca, it is just a midday snack to calm is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and the appetite. I’m happy that Houstonians have longtime Houston-based restaurant writer. enjoyed it. You know, I have a new insect: chicatana. They grind these flying ants up to make a paste for mole and salsa. See thebuzzmagazines.com/restaurants for Oaxaca is known as the land of the seven moles. restaurant listings. Use the restaurant finder to Will you be serving different moles [sauces]? search by area, cuisine and price. Leave a comment I’ll serve lighter moles made with fruits in the online or write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with summertime and heavier, more dense ones, like your dining stories and suggestions. mole negro, in the winter. I also want to intro-

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Promotion time Most estate plans begin with young children and concerned parents. You name someone your age to serve as executor under the will. The executor ages as fast as you do, and in time needs to be replaced. How old should a child be before you name them executor? Minors cannot serve. Children become legal adults upon turning 18, getting married, or the order of a court emancipating them. As a rule of thumb, no one under 18 may serve as an executor. The executor’s age is tested at the time of the probate application, not the date of the will. You can name a minor child now as your executor. This does not make sense for the primary executor, the one that would serve if you died immediately. However, if you’ve also named one or two alternates, it’s not illegal to name a minor as a third or fourth alternate, and might save the cost of a second will later. Felons are disqualified. Indictment is okay, conviction is not. If your will requires your executor to be bonded, arrests even without conviction may thwart your child’s ability to serve. Most planners resist naming a child younger than 25 as executor. At that age, everyone is engrossed in school or their first job, neither of which are accommodating when asked for two weeks off to clean out the house. After 25, some say 30, the right person is as mature as they need to be. Whether your child is the right person depends on the job you leave them. At a minimum, every executor is expected to collect your assets, pay your bills, distribute the remainder, file your final tax return, and account to the beneficiaries. Engineers do better than musicians, but neither can start or

finish without a lawyer and CPA to help. Maturity matters more than skills. Special circumstances demand more. Does your child owe you money? They will have to settle up. Are other beneficiaries minors or disabled? Trust management may last a lifetime. Do your children get along? Family discord can legally disqualify a proposed executor. Is a family business involved? Key employees may not take orders from the youngest one. Parents tend to name the oldest child as executor, then the rest in birth order, as alternates. You may rearrange or omit anyone you care. If you die without updating your will, and all the named executors predeceased you, your beneficiaries can agree on a replacement. We write wills and go to probate court. We offer no-obligation initial interviews for estate planning and administration, so it costs nothing to hear specific recommendations that suit your needs. Foreign nationals and international families welcome. Russell W. Hall, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, www.rwhpc.com

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 29

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

This Month in Dining very wine has a story arc – a beginning, a middle and an end. Evan Turner, a sommelier-turned-restaurateur, planted this seed in my head that helped paint a picture of what comes naturally to him. Most people don’t think of wine as a tale that unfolds on the palate, but for novices, it is something worth thinking about when pairing wine with dessert. February is Cupid’s come-hither month, and according to the Nielsen Company, Americans binge on more than 127 million pounds of candy, worth $700 million, and 2 million bottles of sparkling wines, worth $23 million, in the week leading up to and including Valentine’s Day. Lovers adore long-stem roses and marry wines with sugar-laced treats. To help us figure out what wine goes best with chocolate, or even baklava, we turn to oenophiles like Turner, who owns Helen Greek Food And Wine (2429 Rice Blvd.) in Rice Village and Arthur Ave Restaurant (1111 Studewood St.) in the Heights. Like a novel, each wine has its own character. Some are bubbly and flinty, others sweet or dry. Regardless, all have a start, a middle and an end. So ask yourself: What kind of journey of the senses are you looking for in your pairing? Turner currently is partial to vinsanto, a complex sweet wine with golden notes of vanilla and dried fruits, such as cherries and hazelnuts from the Santorini islands in the Aegean Sea. “It’s a blend of two grapes,” he said. “The grapes are harvested late and laid out on the rooftop of their houses until they become raisins, then they are pressed and fermented in old oak barrels.” The end result is the darkest of honey-colored dessert wines – rich and unctuous at mid-palate, but on the finish, it has a wonderful level of acidity that finishes clean. “A lot of dessert wines can be cloying,” Turner noted. “But this one is a wellwritten song or story, where there is an arc. When it’s done, it feels like it’s done. For me, a long finish, especially with desserts, is a bit leaden.” At Helen Greek Food & Wine, he recommends it with the custard-filled, phyllo-doughwrapped bougatsa. It also would work well with a light mousse dessert. Another favorite is the commandaria from the Commandaria region of Turkey-ruled Cyprus, once BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 30

a part of ancient Greece. “Commandaria is the oldest continuously made wine in the world,” Turner said. “It’s been confirmed that they’ve been making it since the eighth century B.C., so close to 3,000 years. It’s called commandaria because during the Crusades, the commanders took a shine to the wine, taking it back to Europe and the Holy Land.” The late-harvested grapes have about a 15 percent alcohol level, with lovely notes of chocolate, figs, raisins and dates, underlined by hints of almonds and toasted A SURPRISING MATCH California cabernet sauvignon goes well with walnuts. “It’s stunning,” American-made chocolate truffles or, surprisingly, even with Hershey's chocolate. Turner said. “It goes with is Japanese whiskey with KUU’s brownies with baklava for sure, but also with our chocolate olive black sesame seeds. “For me, it’s not only about oil cake, or just enjoy it on its own.” the taste, but the nose,” he said. “The sesame For a successful pairing, Antonio Gianola seeds and red bean ganache pick up the malt in advised keeping the wine sweeter than the the whisky. Another pairing to try? Añejo tequidessert. “Otherwise, the wine gets lost, and you la with a chocolate dessert. I love the oak and taste only the dessert,” he explained. nuttiness of the tequila with chocolate.” The Houston Wine Merchant (2646 S. U.S. desserts tend to be sweeter than Shepherd Drive) manager often recommends European desserts, making them harder to pair Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage for about $26. “It with wine. So Spec’s fine-wine buyer Charles M. marries well with chocolate’s cocoa butter, Bear Dalton suggested pairing a sauterne, tokay which helps to balance the tannin in the port,” or late-harvest riesling with a French apple tart Gianola said. Another chocolate truffle considinstead of good ol’ American apple pie. There eration from Gianola is Graham’s 10-year-old are exceptions, like pecan pie with tawny port tawny port for $41, with notes of orange peel, and a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar with raisins and walnuts. California Cabernet, a flavor epiphany Dalton Something outside the box to try is the had 20 years ago while cleaning his house after Pommeau de Normandie from the Dupont fama big holiday soiree. “I was drinking a glass of ily. “It’s a happy marriage between calvados Napa Valley Cabernet while picking up things,” [apple brandy] and freshly pressed apple juice, he recalled, “and without thinking, I popped a and it goes wonderfully with fruit desserts and few red and green M&M’s in my mouth.” charcuterie,” Gianola said. “It’s like apple juice Now, if you’re going to fork into that apple for adults, with the sugar toned down a bit.” pie, have your dessert wine afterward instead. “I Director of operations Ricky Cheung at KUU find that everyone is happier, and you don’t Restaurant (947 Gessner Road) likes to experihave to worry about compatibility,” Dalton said. ment with pairings, and one surprising discovery TPOphoto / depositphotos.com

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Pairing wine with dessert

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Early testing can set the stage for a child’s success Parents know children aren’t perfect. The occasional missed homework assignment or a squabble with friends is probably nothing to fret about. But if you suspect your child is grappling with more serious issues, seek professional assessment as early as possible to ensure the best outcomes. Learn all you can, as soon as you can Promptly identifying academic issues, developmental delays, social difficulties, inattention and oppositional behaviors allows interventions to begin when they can be most effective, preventing lost time and increasing odds for academic success. “The earlier a child receives help the better, often even before beginning school,” says Michelle Patriquin, PhD, staff psychologist with The Menninger Clinic’s Outpatient Services. Without proper assessment, Dr. Patriquin says, children may go without the assistance they need – or they may get the wrong type of help. “One recent study showed that untreated inattention at age 7 is associated with worse academic outcomes at age 16,” she says. “Others show children who have difficulty with interpersonal skills, teamwork and emotion regulation have lower grades. This makes the case for the earliest possible assessment.” Should my child be tested? What are some clues your child might benefit from testing? ● Falling grades ● Trouble making friends ● Being bullied – or bullying other children

● Inattention and difficulty focusing ● Talking back ● Not listening ● Delays in developmental milestones “Keep in mind that teachers know what is typical,” she says. “If a teacher says there are problems, you should listen.” What to expect with assessment Look for a comprehensive assessment with a multidisciplinary team approach. Methods may include observation of social skills or play, classroom-type testing and interviews with parents and teachers. Screenings for emerging mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, sleep problems, medical issues and autistic-spectrum disorders also may be appropriate. Armed with assessment results, therapists, parents and teachers can design specific modifications for a child. “Systematic evaluation of a child can make parents feel much better,” Dr. Patriquin says. “When they know where their child is and the path they should take, it’s like a breath of fresh air.” To make an appointment for a child assessment with Dr. Patriquin or another Menninger clinician, call 713-275-5000. The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, www.MenningerClinic.com

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 31

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz E

ven before the area’s top football players signed on the dotted line for National Signing Day this month, Episcopal Knights standout senior offensive lineman Walker Little made his collegiate choice official by announcing he would play college football at Stanford University. The 6’8”, 305-pound senior, who is ranked among the nation’s top college football prospects, had narrowed his choices to Texas and Stanford, before making his choice official before a large crowd at the high school theater just prior to the holiday break. “I just wanted to go somewhere that’s going to give me the best opportunity to be successful in life, both on and off the field,” said Little. “I’m excited about what the future holds for me. I can’t wait to get out there and start working and trying to bring championships to Stanford.” “It’s a perfect fit,” added Episcopal football coach Steve Leisz. “Stanford has had great success with lineman playing at the next level. Walker is one of the best offensive linemen in the country. With his size and competitiveness, I can certainly see him in the NFL in a few years. Plus, academically, it doesn’t get any better than Stanford.” Little and Episcopal quarterback Gavin Geib were among the honorees at the Touchdown Club of Houston Private High School Awards Dinner, where Geib was named the Offensive Player of the Year, and Little captured the Lineman of the Year award. Geib, who helped lead Episcopal to a dominant season and the SPC title game, threw for 2,500 yards and 38 touchdowns this past season. “Gavin is an incredible manager of the offense,” said Leisz. “He knows what every player is doing on every snap of the ball, which is pretty special at the high school level. Plus, considering Gavin was a starting linebacker for us last season makes this award all the more impressive.” If all that weren’t enough, Geib, who will play college football at Penn, is also in the running for valedictorian honors at Episcopal. Meanwhile, another big award at the same Private High School Awards dinner went to Second Baptist Eagles senior John Hildreth, who was named the Ironman of the Year for his BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 32

STANFORD-BOUND Episcopal Knights offensive lineman Walker Little (#75) will play his collegiate ball at Stanford University. Little had narrowed his choices to Stanford and Texas before announcing his pick during an on-campus ceremony.

outstanding play offensively and defensively for the Eagles. “An award like this is designed for a player like John, who made an unbelievable contribution on both sides of the line of scrimmage for all three years in our program,” said Eagles head coach Terry Pirtle. As a starting running back, Hildreth rushed for nearly 900 yards this past season, while at the same time playing a major role on defense as a starting linebacker. “John was also the Most Valuable Player in our district,” said Pirtle. “The coaches recognized that he had a huge impact on both sides of the football.” In the wake of one of the school’s best seasons in recent history, Stephen Hill of St. Pius X won the award as the Greater Houston Private High School Coach of the Year. Hill’s Panthers owned an undefeated 11-0 record before losing a heartbreaker in the TAPPS Division 1 State Semifinals. “I like to think of this award as an honor for our entire coaching staff. It’s really a testament to all the hard work they put forth,” said Hill. “These types of awards also come with the success of a great season,” added Hill. “Our kids were just tremendous dating back to our summer workouts, and I was also proud to see a lot of

them nominated in the different player of the year categories.” At the 37th annual High School Awards dinner, which honors the area’s best public school players, Lamar Texans senior Trevon Lewis was named the Greater Houston Defensive Player of the Year. “I really owe this award to my coaches, my teammates and even my friends and family. Everyone who supported me made this happen,” said Lewis. “The high school coaches just loved him, and they’re the ones who voted on this award,” said Lamar head coach Tom Nolen. “Trevon is just a great kid and a great story. He was relatively unknown before his senior season, but he had a simply sensational senior year. He’s also one of the hardest working players I’ve been around. I almost started crying when Trevon called to tell me he was committing to play college football for Baylor University. I was just so happy for him.” Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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Four excuses to stop using 1. “I just don’t have the time to exercise.” We all have things that come up throughout the day. Life has this funny way of always throwing us curve balls. However, the excuse of not having time is a poor one, especially since the average American spends about three hours a night watching TV. That amounts to 15 hours per work week, which is more than three times the amount of activity recommended for optimal health. So use your DVR to record the distractions, and start making time to focus on yourself. 2. “I’m always too tired.” Sometimes you just don’t have the mojo. However, leading studies have shown that exercise helps prevent fatigue. Actually, only 20 minutes of exercise every other day can have a significant effect on your daily energy levels. This means don’t spend all day in the gym, which is exhausting for anyone. Instead stick to a 20-minute workout to get started. Once you get in the groove, you can start to bump up the time and intensity level. 3. “I don’t want to hurt.” Good form is important, so make sure you have appropriate coaching. Those troublesome issues like arthritis, joint aches and osteoporosis all have the potential to be subsided with a little exercise. Movement makes things better! Moderate exercise is a great therapy for chronic-pain management. Seek out your neighborhood gym and trainer, as they can help you get on the right path to a pain-free life and help you walk out of the gym feeling great. 4. “I can’t afford a gym or a trainer.” You should invest in yourself appropriately. If you are able to afford a

great gym and a fitness professional, it goes a long way. Still, if you can’t or aren’t ready, you can do simple things in and around the neighborhood. Walking, running and riding a bike are all fair game. Even utilizing the many free fitness apps available for download to your phone can help you get moving. You could even take out that good old-fashioned jump rope and skip around in your garage for a bit. These suggestions range from free to minimal in cost and can be extremely effective at establishing a workout regimen. Utilize what you have to get moving and reap the reward of a happier, healthier you! Don’t let these four excuses keep you from putting your health at the top of your priority list. Don’t shoot for one single moment of change. It’s all about consistently taking little steps and getting better each and every day. You don’t have to train like a bodybuilder or look like a supermodel. Just keep moving, stay healthy, and make it through each month a little bit better than the last. Thanks for reading! David Boettcher, Team Member, Pledge To Fitness, 4665 Southwest Fwy., Suite 209, Houston, TX 77027, 281.932.9593, www.pledgetofitness.com

St. Thomas High School is on a mission Whether it’s in the classroom or on the field, in the lab or on the stage, our students and graduates excel in every competitive arena. Our commitment to academic excellence, faith and service means making a difference in the world and building champions for life. Catholic. Basilian. Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900. Exciting summer options at www.summer.sth.org 4500 Memorial Dr. | Houston, TX 77007 | www.sths.org

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 33

SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.

Rise to victory The sophomore-division Longhorns (top photo) pose with mustaches to celebrate their Southwest Football League championship. The third- and fourth-grade boys defeated the Mustangs, 41-8, in the league’s final game. After finishing the regular season with a 3-3-2 record, the Longhorns became an unstoppable force in the playoffs, with big wins in each of the games. Coach Staton Childers credits the boys’ focus, effort and hustle for their success at the end of the season. The champion team is (top row) coach Staton Childers; (middle row, from left) Luke Loving, Lee Beasley, Grant Berger, Wyatt Childers, Cash Harris, Kolbe Stewart, Reid Roberson, Ryan Cortez, Lane Hackerman; (bottom row, from left) Brayden Blackburn, John Hicks, Morgan Tannery, Xander Oldham, Lawson Behan and Andy Garcia.

Dedicated competitor Leila Chadraoui (middle photo), 10, practices a floor routine at Houston Gymnastics Academy. The West University Elementary fourth grader is on the women’s team and works out for 16 hours each week to prepare for Level 4 competition. During the compulsory season, Leila competes at weekend meets all around Houston, and also in San Antonio and Dallas. Leila started gymnastics classes when she was 4 years old, and her favorite part is tumbling. At Level 4, she has mastered two back handsprings with many dance elements for the floor routine, a cartwheel on the beam, a handspring on the vault and a kip on the bars.

Cougar champs The Cougars (bottom photo) are Southwest Football League junior division champs after winning the championship game 30-22. Play started with the Cougars scoring on the opening kick-off. It was a tough-fought battle, but the boys never gave up and scored several more times to declare victory. Led by head coach Brad Fleming, the Cougars entered the playoffs with a first-place division title. The champs are (top row, from left) coaches Stephen Gill, Curtis Clerkley, Brad Fleming and Josh Jones; (middle row, from left) Dean Naulls, Jonathan Varcados, Henry Jones, Liam Clerkley, Miller Fleming, Adam Deutsch, Sam Aulbach and Christopher Barr; (bottom row) Holt Brickley, Casey Colley, Reid Gilder, Jack Verducci, Riley Gilder, Stephen Gill and Justin Begg; not pictured: Patrick Schroeder.

Proud sponsor of Bellaire and neighboring sports BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 34

Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.

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Update on peanut allergy The prevalence of all types of allergy has been on the rise for the past 200 years, especially the past 50 years. In the 1990s, in response to a steep increase in children with peanut allergy, a group of American and British experts recommended withholding introduction of peanuts to children until age 3 or 4 “so that the immune system had a chance to develop.” The prevalence of peanut allergy continued to increase. In about 2008, researchers in Israel noted that Jewish children with similar genetic backgrounds living in Great Britain were 10 times more likely to be allergic to peanuts than their brethren living in Israel. Peanuts are introduced in the first year of life of Israel, whereas they were avoided until age 3 in Great Britain. It is thought that peanut protein was being absorbed by the skin, even if peanuts were kept out of the diet, resulting in allergy to peanut. Children with eczema, where the skin barrier is incomplete, are at higher risk for significant absorption through the skin. The LEAP study, presented here in Houston in February 2015, verified that introducing peanuts into a high-risk baby’s diet earlier reduced the chance of developing peanut allergy. In January 2017, formal guidelines were introduced by the NIH, providing advice for three different groups. Group one are youngsters with either egg allergy or severe eczema. This group is to be assessed for peanut allergy either by skin or blood testing. If highly positive, peanuts are to be avoided. If negative or low positive, an “oral challenge” is recommended – seeing how the patient reacts when given peanuts in a doctor’s office. We don’t feed babies whole peanuts; rather, we dilute peanut butter with water and feed small amounts of that.

Watch Their Smiles Grow

If peanuts are tolerated, they should be eaten regularly, about three times a week starting at age 4 to 6 months. Group two are youngsters with mild or moderate eczema but no history of egg allergy. It is recommended that peanuts be introduced to these children’s diets about the age of 6 months and be given about 3 times a week. Group three are youngsters with no eczema. Peanuts should be introduced “in accordance with family preferences and cultural practices” in this group. With no actual studies, expert consensus in the 1990s gave the exact opposite of the right advice. Although there are still unanswered questions, it is comforting to have some evidence-based guidance on how to reduce allergy to peanut. No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic

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ROAD TRIP Isabella Godfrey, a seventh grader at St. Catherine’s Montessori, is pictured on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., the site of the “Bloody Sunday” conflict in 1965.

KIDS by Isabella Godfrey, age 12

Buzz Kidz

Trials, tribulations and toilets

I

know you’ve all had this thought. “Seriously? The toilet won’t flush? And it just HAD to be today?” Yeah. That might have happened a few times on our school’s Peace Trip. Just maybe. It all started one fateful day that we left on a bus for D.C. Paul, the bus driver, told us the rules. He started with “Rule No. 2.” Not No. 1. Because that’s how we count in English. Rule No. 2 was: You may use the bathroom on this bus. However, if you are a boy, you may not use the toilet standing up (in case of sudden stops). There was instantly this strange picture in my mind of the bus stopping and tinkle going all over the place. I was scarred. One thing he forgot to mention was that we were not supposed to do Number 2 in the toilet on the bus. I wish we had learned that earlier. The last two days were ripe.

The next day, at Fontainebleau State Park in Louisiana, we had another toilet trial. The pipe was blocked in one of the girls’ cabins, and the toilet overflowed. There happened to be a hole in the wall, and the water flowed into the bedroom. The next malfunctioning toilet was the next day at Mary’s Southern Cooking. There was a long line of girls waiting, and it got clogged. Mary herself came and unclogged the toilet. When the bus dropped us off at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, Ala., a group of us wandered around for awhile until we came upon someone who knew the owner of a barber shop The owner was nice and let us use the bathroom, even though there was only one unisex bathroom with no toilet paper. At least there were napkins, and we had this long strange conversa-

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tion about accidentally flushing random things down the toilet. After all that, it was meaningful to think, more seriously, that we were in Birmingham, where there had been segregated bathrooms for way too long. I realized that we take so much for granted, including that there will always be a place for us to do our business. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.

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A minute with Maisie

Eagle fellowship beyond borders

Many clients ask me, “What is an amicus attorney, and do I need one?” Your favorite lawyer answer is, “It depends.” An amicus attorney is a lawyer who represents the best interest of your children in a divorce or custody modification lawsuit. An amicus attorney can be agreed upon between the parties or appointed by the Court. The “best interest of the child” is a term of art and can encompass a variety of issues, including the child’s desires and parental involvement, just to name a few. Whenever I am appointed as an amicus attorney, I always talk to the parents and anyone whom the parent identifies as an important person in the child’s life, including the child. This work becomes invaluable for me whenever I represent parents because I can focus the parent on issues important to the amicus attorney, and thus the child. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, familylaw firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012-2015. Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., Maisie A. Barringer, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com

For generations, St. Thomas High School has instilled social responsibility by creating a culture rooted in volunteer service, emphasizing that individual formation requires more than achievement in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, but is buttressed and balanced by devoting significant energy and talent for the betterment of communities. In this academic year, members of the sophomore and freshman classes worked alongside volunteer faculty and staff, donned hairnets and aprons, stuffed air-tight packets with food, and packed boxes with life-saving nutrition for the chronically malnourished. In a single day, the collective STH effort, in collaboration with Cross Catholic Outreach and an anonymous donor whose philanthropy graciously provided $25,000 in support, generated 100,000 meals for villages in Nicaragua, Haiti and Guatemala. More than a decade ago, St. Thomas Campus Ministry, under the dedicated direction of Marty Matulia, established a consistently strong relationship with Magnificat House and its Loaves and Fishes program, which provides meals for many of Houston’s hungry and homeless. “You realize there’s no reason we should have hunger in the world,” Matulia said. “I’m just glad that with all the problems that we read about every single day, St. Thomas can be part of a solution, to try to make a difference from our small corner of the world.” St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007, 713.864.6348, www.sths.org

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 37

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Daisy, age 2, St. Bernard, Phil St. I am a 2-year-old St. Bernard that you may see dragging my mom daily down Baldwin. Sometimes, I bark at people, but even though I am 135 pounds, I won’t hurt anyone. I’m really sorry if I scare you. I love the dog park and all my friends who chase me there, although mom says I stink extra special after I go. I live with four cats that are my besties and who make great drool catchers. I am supposed to be a therapy dog, but my manners aren’t quite there yet. I have not mastered those “leave it and heel” commands. They are for the birds! Who needs “leave it,” when there are shoes to chew and paper towels to shred? I also love to go for car rides very much. Dad says I’m still not allowed in his car, though – something about me being a drooling, hairy, nasty mess? My most favorite place to be though is in my mom’s lap, because I’m a big baby! Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Featured pets receive two passes to Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Each pass can be redeemed for one day of lodging in a Bunk House Suite, 25 percent off your next grooming appointment or 25 percent off one obedience training class.

The Buzz Magazines 2016 Pet of the Year

Bentley and Lenny Second place

Colby Third place

Congratulations to our 2016 Buzz Magazines Pet of the Year winners! As always, competition was fierce with more than 30,000 votes cast on our website. As part of this year’s contest, we asked readers to also vote on a pet-related charitable organization, to which The Buzz Magazines would make a donation. As a result, the Buzz is making a $1,000 donation to the Harris County Animal Shelter. Our first, second and third place winners will each receive prizes from our contest sponsors. Thank you to our sponsors and to all who voted.

Griffin First place To have your pet considered for 2017, please submit a high-resolution photo and 150 words from your pet’s perspective to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 38

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Show your love

30-year shingles? Not really

February is certainly a month with “love” as a major theme. Along with Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, did you know that Feb. 20 this year is National Love Your Pet Day? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 80 million U.S. households have canine or feline pets. AVMA statistics indicate that 37 percent of households have at least one dog, and 30 percent have at least one cat. So February is a great time to focus on those furry friends that offer us great companionship and unconditional love. Take them for extra walks; give them scrumptious treats; play with them and their favorite toys each day; spend fun time working on training skills; cuddle them and brush them and anything else you know they like. Or, if you really want to show your love, consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or rescue organization. To highlight how much the pet-owning readers of The Buzz love their companions, Rover Oaks Pet Resort would love for you to share your photos of you or your family showing love to your pet on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/RoverOaksPetResort, or you can email your photos to news@roveroaks.com. Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, fish, hamster or reptile, make sure you show them (and us!) your love and affection this month. Rover Oaks Pet Resort, 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.662.2119, www.roveroaks.com

Houston is not a good location for roofs to last their full timespan. Most shingles are rated to last 30 years, but with our heat, rain, wind and hailstorms, the average in Houston is 15-16 years. That is why it is so important to have an inspection done before major damage occurs. Shingles can have broken or cracked tabs, but the most common hail damage takes the form of crushed or dented areas where granules protect the shingle from UV degradation. Once the shingles are compromised, the underlying structure begins to rot and increases the cost of replacement substantially. Slate, concrete shingles and tile roofs hold up better but still often need repair after storms. The high winds that accompany hail storms can cause blow-off damage that should be repaired right away. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible. We find that many insurance companies have a time limit on coverage after storms, usually a year, so it’s important to have an inspection done by a licensed professional within that time frame. On Jan. 8, 2016, the Houston area had a substantial hail event. Rainproof Roofing has repaired and replaced many roofs in the area since this event, most covered by insurance. We can help streamline communication with your insurance company and meet adjusters to point out where damage occurred. Rainproof Roofing, owned by Bellaire residents, provides free inspections and estimates for all roofing services. Call us today at 832-405-9787. Rainproof Roofing, Jennifer Kalinsky at 281.546.0278, Cesar Alvarez at 832.405.9787, www.rainproofrooftoday.com

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NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Alexander, Lauren Balentine, Katie Banner, Hayley Barnhill, Carson Bell, Audrey Briscoe, Anna Buckley, Jordan Caravella, Savannah Conte, Kortney Debner, Mary Ganucheau, Erin Granberry, Abigail Henningsen, Anna Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Niki Kirby, Gabi LaRue, Loraine Maxwell, Drewe Molin, Rachel Mussa, Sarah Rothwell, Maddie Silva, Laura Stubbs and Kierra Vogel.

New year, new space

Mallory Kaplan (pictured), the daughter of Lee and Bernard Kaplan, will be presented this month as a duchess in the Knights of Momus, Galveston’s oldest Mardi Gras krewe. Mallory is a senior at Texas Christian University majoring in strategic communications and creative writing and a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Continuing the tradition of Mardi Gras court presentations (which date back to 1871), the Knights of Momus will present its royal court, King Frivolous CII and his queen at the Knights of Momus Coronation Ball and reception on Feb. 18 at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. Other 2017 Knights of Momus Mardi Gras duchesses include Annie

Condit Elementary School families, teachers, students and faculty stood as the school’s new building was dedicated. The original building was built in 1914 (and demolished last year) and had seen thousands of students enter through its doors for more than 100 years. The new building is a two-story structure that features collaborative spaces and flexible furniture that can be configured in a variety of ways. Pictured (below, from left) are students Makai Shoulders, Sloan Goodman, Suria Mehta, Annabelle Whom, Maya Reyes, Andrew Sederis and Layla Warley.

the Down Syndrome Academy, a school for adults. Pictured is Bellaire High School graduate and current Down Syndrome Academy student J.J. Moore and his mom, Terrie Moore, at last year’s ball. Tim Heller, chief meteorologist at KTRK Channel 13, will emcee. The Academy offers academic programs, as well as vocational and wellness training. Students will compete leading up to the ball to raise the most money for their school and be named Prince Charming or Cinderella. See cinderellaball.org or friendsofdownsyndrome.org.

Breakfast with the big guy Dave Rossman

Mallory’s moment

Come have a ball The Friends of Down Syndrome will host the third annual Cinderella Ball March 18 at Norris Conference Center/CityCentre (in the Red Oak Ballroom, 816 Town and Country Blvd.). The Friends of Down Syndrome’s main program is Michelle and Paul Williams (pictured, with children George and Thomas) enjoyed a special morning at The Little Galleria for breakfast with Santa. MD Anderson and The Galleria teamed up to host the party. Families noshed on a breakfast spread and snapped photos with Santa. Kids enjoyed face painting, balloon characters, holiday crafts, cookie decorating and more. Guests were also encouraged to donate toys for young cancer patients who had to spend their holidays in the hospital.

Happily ever after When Cadie and Walker Gamble met at Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, they became good friends. (continued on page 42) BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 40

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scream the loudest for their day/grade.

A winning day

Horn Elementary students won first place in the second UIL Invitational Meet at Ortiz Middle School. Horn students competed against 14 other schools and won a total of seven team awards. The Horn Social Studies team won first, second, third and fourth place in the competition. The students included (pictured, from left) fifth graders Alina Syed, Liesl Klaasen and Simon Tran, and fourth grader Ryan Shen.

Robotics teamwork

(continued from page 40) Then they became more.

The college sweethearts tied the knot this fall in New Orleans at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. After the ceremony, their 300 guests were welcomed with an authentic brass band to second-line their way to the party. The couple moved back to Houston after their wedding, and now they live in Bellaire. Pictured (from left) are Cason Hancock (brother of bride), Charles Hancock (father of bride), Chandel Hancock (mother of the bride), Cadie Gamble, Walker Gamble, Maureen Gamble (mother of the

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 42

groom) and Keith Gamble (best man and father of groom).

Dads who sing Students at Horn Elementary (pictured, below) were treated to a holiday sing-a-long from the Horn Dad’s Club over the holidays. Dads got into the spirit of the season as they sang familiar holiday songs with the students, ending with The Twelve Days of Christmas. The grade levels were assigned to their own “day” and then battled it out to see who could

The Bellaire “Robo-Sapiens” robotics team advanced to regionals in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics competition held in Sugar Land. Pictured (next page, from left) are team members Pranav Brahmbhatt, Esha Bhavsar, James Cross and Shiv Brahmbhatt. Out of 27 teams competing, they were one of seven teams to advance. The team is a group of Bellaire kids (ages 9-13) who attend Condit Elementary and Pin Oak Middle School. As part of the project, teams were required to research a real-world challenge and create an innovative solution. The Bellaire Robo-Sapiens chose to research the Gambian pouched rat, which is helping humans in two major ways: sniffing out landmines in Africa and detecting tuberculosis in humans. The team will compete on (continued on page 44)

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TMEA All-State Orchestra. High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts competed through several levels of auditions beginning in the fall of 2016 to qualify at the state level. It is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive, with only the top 3 percent of musicians who initially audition making it through.

Condit’s casino night

(continued from page 42) Feb. 4 at the British

International School of Houston.

From Bellaire to Israel The Strauss, Levy, Sorkin, Leibman and Sheldon families of Bellaire, all members of the Biennial Beth Yeshurun Family Mission, traveled to Israel with Rabbi Brian and Lisa Strauss. They stopped to pose together (pictured, below) for a photo in Tzfat, Israel. The parents and children explored and connected with the people, land and significance of Israel for 10 days. For information on the next Beth Yeshurun Family Mission to Israel, contact Rabbi Strauss at bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org. Other families along on the trip were from other parts of Houston, Austin and New York.

BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 44

Musical talent Bellaire High School orchestra students (pictured, from left) Jiakai Pan (violin), Rituparna

Mukherjee (viola), Martin Sirakov (bass) and Jesse Ji (violin – not pictured) were named to

The Condit Elementary School’s PTO fundraising gala is all set for 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the HESS Club (5430 Westheimer). All profits will benefit the school. The theme for the night will be Casino Royale, and guests are sure to enjoy the dinner buffet, dancing, silent auction, casino games with a prize raffle and wine pull. The event is co-chaired by (pictured, from left) Esther Puig, Kelly Marx, Michal Lutfak and Meredith Reyes. The gala committee is still looking for sponsors and auction items. Contact Michal Lutfak at mitchh19@yahoo.com or go to the Condit PTO website at conditpto.org. Tickets are $125. Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your upcoming-event listings on thebuzzmagazines.com.

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

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Cooking that clinched the deal

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he routes to a man’s heart may be more varied than the cliché would have us believe, but sometimes the one right through his stomach is the one that seals the deal. Editors at Glamour magazine have been so sure that food does the trick that they espouse a roast chicken recipe famously dubbed “Engagement Chicken.” As the story goes, the recipe has made the rounds among Glamour staffers, several of whom became engaged soon after making the chicken for their boyfriends. Even Howard Stern’s wife claims Engagement Chicken prompted the radio DJ, married three times prior, to relinquish his beloved bachelor status. Ina Garten, a.k.a. the Barefoot Contessa, claims it’s roast chicken that’s kept her husband driving a four-hour commute to come home every Friday night. The famous cookbook author put her own spin on Engagement Chicken, brightening the Glamour recipe with extra herbs while perpetuating the dish’s promise. Some local couples’ love stories also have had a little help from food. One Memorial couple married for 25 years (no names please, they asked) remembers the pasta with salmon and caviar that the wife would make when the two were courting in New York City in the ’90s. “It didn’t really seal the deal,” the wife says, explaining that the couple knew they’d marry after dating for a mere two weeks. “But it was a nice accessory and said I was going to make a great wife! “We were poor and living in New York,” she says, “so I would cook in his dorm room [at Columbia University]. I guess the pasta was a little ’90s fancy, but I was impressing him.” “I thought it was pretty awesome,” says the husband. “Of course she made enough for a whole crew [of roommates], so that was pretty cool. She made the salmon caviar whatchacallit bowtie pasta.” “Farfalle,” the wife chimes in. “Farfalle,” the husband remembers. “She brought it out…” “And your roommates thought I was amazing!” she says. “It was fun cooking for all the roommates. The shocker was when they all came back from Spring Break like, ‘What did you do?’ and he was like, ‘Oh, I got engaged.’ Poof!” BELLAIRE BUZZ FEBRUARY 2017 46

“Yes, it was fast,” the husband says. “Who would do such a thing?” “It was love! And here we are 27 years later after 25 years of marriage,” says the wife. Does she still serve farfalle with salmon and caviar? “No, I don’t make that pasta anymore,” she says. “But maybe I need to resurrect it. Maybe for Valentine’s Day. “But of course I don’t like cooking for those holidays anymore. You can hook ’em, and then it’s time for them to take you out!” Another Memorial couple (also no names please, they requested) who just celebrated their ENGAGEMENT CHICKEN Sometimes all it takes is a great roast chicken to first anniversary togeth- seal the deal. er cite culinary skill as a just pulled that quesadilla out of thin air!” clincher preceding their engagement. Between them, the couple has six children Coincidentally, both are expert cheesecake bakranging in age from 13 to late 20s. “It’s kind of ers. Years ago the husband baked cheesecakes for rare now that it’s just the two of us,” the wife the original Ruggles restaurant. “He would send says. “But the kids still request chicken enchithem to friends for Thanksgiving,” the wife says. ladas, and every once and a while I’ll have a lit“When we were dating, I told him I also had a tle chicken left over. I know he likes the quelittle cheesecake business. I brought one over for sadillas, so when I have the chicken I’ll still him and his friends, and they all told him, ‘Yours make them for him.” just got beat!’ It was funny and so coincidental.” What is it really about food that makes us And there’s more. “When we were first datswoon? Jeffrey Garten may have pegged it. ing, we had been out maybe to a movie and hadWhen he explains what it was about Ina that n’t stopped for dinner,” the wife says. “He came hooked him, he says, “She looked like she would inside to drop me off, and I asked if he wanted take care of me.” Almost 50 years later, she’s still anything to eat or drink. Of all things, he told taking care of him with food. me he was kind of craving a chicken quesadilla. “Luckily, the day before I had made chicken enchiladas and put the filling in a baggie in the See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for Ina fridge. So I had the chicken and tortillas and Garten’s Engagement Roast Chicken recipe. Also, cheese right there. He was so impressed because email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com if you want the chicken was already seasoned – it wasn’t just to brag on a life partner who caught you with food. plain chicken. He’s told so many people that I

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When you choose UT Physicians, you are selecting individualized care from a team of more than 1,000 clinicians ready to meet your medical needs. UT Physicians offers advanced technologies with a personalized touch at our flagship location in the Texas Medical Center and a growing number of sites throughout the greater Houston area.

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