Class of 2020
Cooking With Houston Chefs Backyard Pandemic Wedding Beatles Open Mic Buddies
Beamon Welch
Cindy Gabriel: Hello, New Life Travel: School on the Road Buzz Reads: Five Books for June Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD
What Does Everybody Miss?
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 3
EDITOR’S NOTE Every June, I love our annual “Where Are They Headed?” article highlighting Buzz-area high school seniors. But no one could have predicted their final semester would be spent social distancing. No prom night tales to talk about, no walking across the stage to receive their diploma, no participating in the “I can’t wait ’til my senior-year” traditions. I know seniors are disappointed and ready to move on and out, but for some headed to college, the fall semester may be delayed or online. Seniors, we hear you, and you are not alone. In fact, in this month’s Back Porch column, writer Andria Frankfort asks residents: What is the first thing they want to do when we get the all-clear? I, for one, can’t wait to hug my mom, right after I get my roots done and stop for a quick mani-pedi. Someday, though, I suspect we all might long for those quality family quarantine conversations, long walks and bike rides. For right now, let’s raise a glass to the one-and-only Class of 2020. It might not be the graduation year you planned for, but it’s one we all will remember. Congratulations, Class of 2020. 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 Editorial Assistant Design Manager Staff Writers
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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Pooja Salhotra John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Deborah Lynn Blumberg Sharon Albert Brier Cindy Burnett Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon Michelle Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Russell Weil JeNeika Smith Boone Andrea Blitzer, Leslie Little Jo Rogers
On our cover: St. Thomas High School graduating senior Beamon Welch is heading to Ogden Honors College at LSU. Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.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 © 2020 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.
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 4
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MAILBAG
Your letters, thoughts, opinions A happy Mandy Thank you so much, Pooja, for the wonderful article [Mandy’s Miracle: A one-in-5.7 million heart, by Pooja Salhotra, May 2020] and for the opportunity to get to know you. Now I know why David [Nathan] bragged about you so much as the editor of the St. John's Review! You have such talent, and I can't wait to see what you do after completing J-School at NYU. And thank you, Joni and Michael, for your interest in my story, your willingness to share it with the Bellaire community that provided me so much support, and your friendship for almost 20 years. Time really does fly! I loved your editor's note about the beginnings of The Buzz. The Buzz really has become such an integral part of Bellaire and I'm sure each of the other communities to which it goes, so thank you on behalf of all of them. Mandy Nathan
They loved the love story Such a delight having our children's story in April's Bellaire Buzz [Meant to Be: From high school to forever, by Pooja Salhotra]. We are so happy about the engagement of Holli and Matt and look forward to their future. And with our current situation and many, many walks that we are taking, it's been wonderful being stopped along the way, getting congratulations for us and hearing how many people enjoyed their Meant to Be article. Mindy Wertheimer and Cindy Abrahams
Trying out those recipes I want to thank you for Andria Frankfort's Back Porch Table column. I always consult it for recipes to try out at home. I recently tried the pot roast recipe, which has now become my new favorite way to make pot roast. My whole family loved it. Making it was a breeze; it was so easy and low maintenance. We have now bought the ingredients to make the Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies, also featured in the column, which I am sure will be just as delicious as the pot roast. Carol Thomas Editor’s note: Andria Frankfort’s Back Porch Table column is an online exclusive at thebuzzmagazines.com. For the recipes Carol mentions, search “Perfect Fall Pot Roast” and “Stress Baking.”
Gift of a garden I was so pleased to read the very fine article on The Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden at Houston Botanic Garden (HBG) [The Garden That Came to Be: Honoring Susan Garver’s life and loves, by Pooja Salhotra, May 2020]. Not only was the piece well written and complete, but it was also very timely as HBG is moving forward to its fall opening. I have been blessed to have been on the board of HBG and am continually amazed at the generous spirit of Houstonians, working for the betterment of the city, and in this case, to create needed greenspace as our city becomes more and more dense. This civic generosity, perfectly exemplified by the Garver family, is what keeps our city such an amazing place to live, BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 6
a place that is actually improving as it matures. And HBG, with its 132 acres of diverse topography, will be part of the improvement. Thanks to the family, the Garver Gardens are planted and ready to charm and teach. And thanks to the continued generosity of Houstonians, Houston Botanic Garden will continue to grow and become greenspace for learning and celebration, a jewel in Houston’s crown. Gail Wandel Hendryx
Fan of the sweater story Thank you, Cindy, for the really cute article about your Astros sweater [Ode to an Astros Sweater: With a bit of a Nationals perspective, by Cindy Gabriel, April 2020]. I really enjoyed it and appreciate receiving your magazine in the mail. Rebecca Delity
Another Cindy fan Your writing is enchanting. Brisk, funny and filled with enviable wisdom and your and his [Stan-the-Man’s] abilities to expand that love and/or regard to everything about and everyone in Stan's family! Ione Weisberg Moran 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.
What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have special back-to-school traditions. • Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to profile. • Play a musical instrument and would like to be part of our new “Name That Tune” video series on Facebook. • Have an interesting hobby. • Have funny or unique parenting stories. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 7
NEIGHBORS by Deborah Lynn Blumberg, staff writer
Annie Mulligan
Backyard Wedding Hurricane-to-pandemic love
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n Amanda Sorena’s backyard, guests in formal wear and masks spaced six feet apart cheered as Kaitlin Johnson and Matthew Truelove said, “I do.” It wasn’t the big church wedding surrounded by hundreds of family members and friends that Amanda had pictured for her younger sister. The coronavirus put those plans on hold. But the backyard wedding in Meyerland was a fitting spot for Kaitlin and Matthew to wed after they met at Sorena’s house three years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. “Getting the two of them married was the most important thing,” says Amanda, who has worked in event planning and organized the wedding. “The big party and celebration can always come later.” Kaitlin and Matthew planned to get married on May 2 at Magnolia Bells in Magnolia. Wedding invitation RSVPs were supposed to arrive just as concerns about the coronavirus in the United States began to escalate. “When major moments in our life happen, the world seems to be imploding,” says Kaitlin, who works as a medical assistant. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Amanda tidied up her backyard, planted flowers, ordered a flower arch for the ceremony and a silver and gold balloon arch for her driveway. She bought a cake from a local bakery, borrowed tables and tablecloths, and reached out to Westbury resident and freelance photographer Annie Mulligan to photograph the event from a distance. Neighbors lent vases to decorate the tables. “We kept it simple,” Amanda says. Amanda and Kaitlin’s parents, Richard and Karen Johnson; the groom’s parents, Brian and Dana Truelove; the groom’s brother and wife, James and Annabelle Truelove; and Amanda’s husband, Joe, and their three children – Sophia, 10, Michael, 7, and Angelina, 7 – also attended the ceremony. Joe decided to get ordained online so he could officiate. “We've been in such dark times,” Kaitlin says, “that I think it was an escape for people, something happy that they could focus on.” With stores shuttered, not all of the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses were ready. Amanda BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 8
TRUE LOVE When the quarantine dashed plans, Amanda Sorena pulled off a backyard wedding for her sister, Kaitlin. From left: Karen and Richard Johnson; Amanda and Joseph Sorena with children Sophia, Michael and Angelina; bride and groom Matthew and Kaitlyn Truelove; Dana and Brian Truelove; and Annabelle and James Truelove.
instead chose formal wear from her closet. Kaitlin bought a new dress from local designer and Project Runway winner Chloe Dao. Karen Johnson sewed masks for guests that served as practical party favors, and along with Matthew’s mother, read scripture during the ceremony. The family streamed the wedding on Facebook Live, where more than 200 people tuned in. They also set up a Zoom meeting so that friends and family could watch together. Afterwards, the 11 guests ate wedding cake, and the adults toasted with champagne. Family groups each sat separately at their own table. Amanda’s daughters lined up to catch the bouquet. Then, Kaitlin and Matthew strolled out front to meet several dozen friends, family members and co-workers who arrived for a drive-by reception. “It may not have been what we planned, but the ceremony had so much significance,” Kaitlin says. “It was amazing.” Adds Amanda, “the day felt organic, and stripped down to what really matters.” Kaitlin and Matthew first met in August 2016 when Matthew helped remediate Amanda’s house days after it flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Amanda was impressed with Matthew Truelove from the start. “He was a guy who showed up for a stranger,” she says. “His name being Truelove was icing on the cake.”
Kaitlin says, “Amanda called me and told me I needed to put mascara on and come over. There were a lot of guys at her house. Matthew was the first one I talked to.” After meeting, Kaitlin tracked down Matthew online. For their first date, they went to a showing of Murder on the Orient Express. Two years later, Matthew proposed to her on Labor Day weekend at her parents’ home in Bellaire before more than a dozen family members. Her parents provided the cover story – they wanted to invite his family over for a barbecue. When Matthew rang the doorbell that day, he held Kaitlin’s dog, dressed in a tuxedo, and with the engagement ring attached to the collar. At the backyard wedding during the drive-by reception, from their cars, friends in masks waved and shouted their congratulations to the newlyweds. One of Kaitlin’s co-workers tossed rose petals at the couple from their car window. “To me, this felt as special as any wedding ceremony I’ve been to,” Amanda says. “If they can roll with all of this and figure out how to make joy in challenging times, their marriage is already off to a great start.”
MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for more photos.
NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Come Together, Right Now Friends, open mic and The Beatles
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ust south of downtown, in an unassuming strip center, an incongruous group gathers each Wednesday for Beatles Open Mic Night, among them a former Enron employee, an ER doctor, a 19 year old from Sealy, a pothead, an investment advisor and a retired orthodontist. They all come to Bohemeo's Café to claim their moment on stage and play to the crowd. The only caveat is, “Beatles songs only! Don’t even try to sneak in some Monkees.” For the past several years, college fraternity brothers Jack Selber and David Wadler have been regulars. Jack, an investment advisor, remembers playing with David in their band The One Way Street at Tulane. “We came up with the name when we [and two other band members] were in the car, and our friend pointed to a one-way sign. He said, ‘That’s the name.’ I still have the business cards for it.” The One Way Street played fraternity parties, and they even played a few times on Bourbon Street. During that time, Jack met his wife Phyllis, and David, now a retired orthodontist, met his wife Dede (Phyllis and Dede were sorority sisters). “Then Phyllis and I spent a few years in Shreveport, and David and Dede came here, and I didn’t touch a guitar for years.” But that changed several years ago, when Jack took up playing again. “One thing led to another,” he says, “and I found this little restaurant and Beatles Open Mic Night. David and I started playing together, and it’s become one of the highlights of the week. You just escape from everything and focus on playing your guitar. “Being at Bohemeo's is like being at Cheers,” Jack says. “It’s one of those places that you couldn’t plan, but has kind of grown into a little community. Some people come for a while and then you don’t see them, a couple of bands started there, two people got married. We got invited to the wedding in Crosby. David and I say you could make a TV show out of it. It’s all kinds of people who don’t have anything in common except they like Beatles music. The Beatles are the uniter.” “I remember Jack and I would be sitting in the fraternity house playing those Beatles songs,” David says. “When we got out, I kept playing BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 10
through dental school and residency in ’73, and I started playing with the band Midlife Crisis and the Hot Flashes in ’81. But when Jack started playing again, and he found this open mic night, we started going. Only problem was we couldn’t sing. We found this one girl, but she was kind of a diva. So we said, ‘The hell with her!’ and took some basic lessons.” “Fortunately, we THE LONG WINDING ROAD Top: Jack Selber and David Wadler didn't let a found out nobody pandemic stop them from participating in Beatles Open Mic Night. They brought the really cares that we music to David's backyard and played live with a Facebook group. Bottom: David and Jack played in a band together at Tulane decades ago. Now they play at Bohemeo's can’t sing,” Jack Beatles Open Mic Night. says. David says. “It’s more fun to be with everyone and When Houston shut down for coronavirus, so be on stage, plus I prefer electric guitar over did Bohemeo's. But two weeks later, the group acoustic, but there’s something fun about this, too.” gathered again over Zoom, then Facebook Live. At Bohemeo's, Jack says the pair sometimes “Jason hosts it,” David says. “I forget what he breaks the Beatles-only rule. “David and I wrote does, something to do with media. But he gets this song while we were in college,” he says. “We everyone together.” had like a verse and a half, and last year we “The first time, I was like, ‘Man, this is really wrote the rest. It sounds kind of like it could be weird,’” Jack says. “But now we have a setup. from that time, so we just tell people somebody Nobody’s had haircuts, people are unshaven. found it, and it was never released or recorded. We’ve been cooped up for a while.” It’s our little joke.” During time at home, Jack and David began Jack says playing with David is “kind of a legameeting at David’s house every Wednesday. “We cy from a long time ago.” sit apart,” Jack says, “and we have the best time. It’s a treasured legacy. David says, “The only Neither one of us sees our grandchildren that much time we don’t go is if we’re out of town. Or if right now, so this creates an outlet we wouldn’t oththere’s a pandemic.” erwise have. Nobody sounds great, because you’re speaking into the mic of a computer. At Bohemeo's Editor’s note: Follow @TheBuzzMagazines on we have a stage and mic and amps and speakers. Facebook to see David Wadler and Jack Selber in an But on Facebook, we don’t have that. When your upcoming edition of our “Name That Tune” video series turn’s over, everyone claps, gives a thumbs up, and featuring local musicians. Play an instrument and want then you listen to everyone else.” to participate? Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. “We’ve revived our Wednesdays virtually,”
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 11
Katie Wright
NEIGHBORS by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer
Hello, New Life Heading for the hills
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would like to report a theft. The title for this column last month was stolen from a book I read called Welcome to Your Crisis by Laura Day. I only realized it after seeing it where I left it, on a bookshelf in Hunt, Texas, a country home I am blessed to be able to retreat to when I get the chance. Back in the day when people actually browsed through bookstores, the title jumped out at me. But what really sold me was the inside-jacket cover quote. “The moment your life falls apart is also the moment your new one begins. It is the moment when illusion and deception fall away and the naked truth emerges. Crisis can be extraordinarily painful. But when approached head-on, it can also be a source of power, hope and vision, and the start of the life you really want.” The book focused mostly on personal crisis, but it was published in 2006 in midst of the savings and loan crisis, backdropped by 9/11, 2001. Like this country, most of us have had a startercrisis or two of our own. This house in Hunt entered the picture with the sudden, unexpected death of my father in January 2011, 72 days following the death of his wife of 20-something years, whom he married eight months after my mother died. In between that, my husband George’s father died. So we lost three parents in 72 days. What ensued, on my family side, was a threeyear probate melodrama with a colorful cast of characters that would fit right into the cable genre: Schitt’s Creek meets Tiger King with a hint of Breaking Bad. One of the many wrinkles in the costly mess was this house in Hunt that Dad and his wife had recently purchased for more than it was worth. It was basically upside down. It stayed on the market for the entire three years of the probate purgatory. Every time I visited to check on the property, it seemed as if the property was doing its own checking in on me. As the only beneficiary living in Texas, I ended up accepting it (against my lawyer’s advice) with a little cash helping from the other three, who were glad to get it off their hands. Stepping on the back deck for me feels like Dorothy stepping into Oz. The hills, trees, deer, BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 12
NESTING “Think I’ll nest here a while.” Cindy Gabriel social distances with a Phoebe bird family on her porch in Hunt, Texas.
cactus, birds and sky combine to cast their spell – always familiar, yet always different, as a vivid new color presents itself each visit, through some blooming vine or the wildflower color of the week. This time, upon arriving, the surprise wasn’t initially so pleasant. On the covered back porch was a scattering of dirt and twigs that appeared as if a rodent of some kind were making itself at home. Above was a mossy mess resting on the blade of a ceiling fan. Should I get a paper bag and broom and try to sweep it away? What if I wound up with a paper bag full of baby rats? Not relishing the thought, I decided to do nothing. By the next morning, I had totally forgotten about it, until, from my kitchen window, I saw a bird sitting on that messy ceiling fan lump. My bag of rats had magically transformed into something much more pleasant. Procrastination can sometimes be a friend, especially if you’re a city girl in the country. My dad’s wife saw this place as a back-up home in case of, well, in case of what we are going through right now. It had survival food, Bunsen
burners, storage bins for toilet paper, paper towels and other stuff she anticipated needing. Her family took the expensive stuff, leaving me with six years worth of toilet paper and paper towels, ironically. I chose to run through it, not because I didn’t appreciate the possibility of something catastrophic happening. I just don’t want to spend a lot of time worrying about things that might happen and miss what actually is happening. Right now, what I have before me, I discovered (after some calling of friends and Googling) is a bird called a Phoebe, of the flycatcher family. She eats flying insects like wasps, which is good. Phoebes are known for building tight, artful nests, despite the messy outside view. Mizz Phoebe Bird has no way of knowing what a precarious place she has chosen, or how close she came to having her life upended by my broom. She’s still a human switch flip away from being sent hurling along with her nest. But that won’t happen on my watch. On April 8, 2024, Hunt, Texas will be smack dab in the center of the next total solar eclipse. God willing, I’ll be on this back porch.
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 13
NEIGHBORS by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
Pooja Salhotra
When you have two 2020 grads
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rom dresses hang in closets, and graduation invitations printed with no-longer-accurate dates haven’t been mailed. Instead of celebrating, the Class of 2020 is trying to make the best of their new virtual world and wrap their heads around the fact that the final semester is ending far from how anyone expected. As for me, I’m one of the heartbroken moms of a high school senior who is watching him miss all the things he looked forward to for years: prom, graduation, final sports seasons, hanging out in groups of friends, and simply walking the halls of high school with the pride and confidence that comes with being a second-semester senior. Some Buzz families have not one but two graduating seniors: one in high school and another in college. It’s double the disappointment, but they are making the best of it.
Pooja Salhotra
Graduation, Interrupted
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or the Sigmon family, the pandemic cut short three major life events: Lewis’ last semester at Bellaire High School, Jackie’s final semester at Texas State University, and the end of mom Angie’s 30-year teaching career and last semester as a kindergarten teacher at Mark Twain Elementary. “We were planning a big celebration at our house to celebrate both kids and my retirement,” Angie said. Lewis and the rest of the senior class at Bellaire High School are missing traditions like the BHS senior luncheon, senior skip day, and, of course, prom and graduation. Senior prom has been rescheduled for late July, but, as of press time, an in-person graduation ceremony was still hanging in the balance. “I hope that HISD decides to do a walking ceremony,” Angie said. “Not everybody is all into prom. Graduation would bring closure to the group and let them meet one more time together and celebrate.” Lewis shares his mom’s opinion and is hopeful for a real graduation ceremony. “I’m chill with no prom,” he said. Jackie simply misses being on the Texas State campus. “If I had known that would be my last time on campus, I could have said goodbye to my friends and professors,” she said of the day in March when the university administration sent the students home. She is also missing several of the “lasts,” with her sorority formal canceled, BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 14
LOOKING AHEAD At left: The Sigmon siblings, Jackie and Lewis, missed senior traditions at Texas State University and Bellaire High School. At right: Bellaire High School senior Juliana Cantrell and her brother, Texas A&M University senior Luke, also had their senior years cut short because of the coronavirus quarantine.
along with the final chapter meeting where the seniors planned to give goodbye speeches. These days the Sigmons are looking for small bits of happiness and spending more time together at home, in contrast to pre-quarantine life, Angie said, when “we are usually all doing our own things, and we’re always scheduled and gone somewhere.” Quarantine has brought enough boredom that Lewis and younger sister Jessica, a high school freshman, are hanging out together and working on puzzles.
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nother Bellaire family also has both a high school and college senior. Luke Cantrell, a senior nuclear engineering major at Texas A&M University, was looking forward to Aggie family weekend. As a member of the Aggie Band and Corps of Cadets, the weekend would mark the final time he would march at A&M. “It’s happened every year since 1917. All these traditions are gone,” he said. Younger sister Juliana Cantrell says that in
addition to the typical senior traditions she is missing at Bellaire High School, she wishes she could still teach swim lessons at the Bellaire Rec Center. “I can’t go to work, and that’s the worst part of this. I have made so many friends there,” she said. One thing that all of these seniors can agree on is that distance learning is a challenge. Juliana says it’s hard to focus when you’re at home and you think of other things you could be doing. Luke says he’s still productive in his online classes, but it’s not the same. “I don’t feel as involved. It’s more like checking the boxes than sitting down and really learning something,” he said. Parents Sharon and Kent Cantrell are trying to focus on the positive, and for Kent that means passing the yard-upkeep duties to the kids. “I get the lawn mowed for me, which is great,” he said. “Yes, there’s lots of free labor happening around here,” Sharon said, laughing. “The situation is just sad, but it is what it is,” Kent said. “It’s really tough on parents of seniors.” “It won’t,” said Sharon, “be forgotten.”
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 15
NEIGHBORS by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer
lawellphoto.com
Senior Send-Off Saying goodbye from afar
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hen they started school last August, there was no way the senior class of 2020 could have known it was going to end this way. As Spring Break splintered into a constellation of dashed plane flights and road trips, as schools shuttered and notices of cancelled events pinged inboxes, it was the seniors who perhaps felt the loss the most. No prom. No senior prank day. No baccalaureate. No walking the stage at graduation. Senior skip day, so highly anticipated, essentially became every day for seniors – forced to attend virtual classes at home. However, in a time of missing out on so much, at a moment when motivational commencement speeches go unheard, families are joining together to honor their seniors. In spite of the coronavirus, parents are celebrating their graduates at home – helping them begin paths forward that are full of hope and promise.
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liza Griggs, a senior at The Kinkaid School, says one of the hardest parts about the pandemic is not having closure. School was there one day, and gone the next. “It’s upsetting because we worked so hard in school for so many years, and we don’t get to say goodbye,” says the 18-year-old varsity tennis captain. “We all thought we were coming back after Spring Break. I miss seeing familiar faces in the hallways.” Eliza was especially looking forward to the remainder of the tennis season and Field Day. “All seniors do a tug-of-war, and then we are paired with Pre-K students, and we get to run around the maypole. And we get to wear our college T-shirts,” says Eliza, who will attend Tulane University. “We did not get to do that – these may be small things, but they are very important.” Mom Blakely Griggs says the small things added up for the senior class. “The sense of loss for Eliza has been fairly intense,” she says. “There was so much that she was looking forward to during March, April and May: a senior trip to the Bahamas, graduation parties, the camaraderie of the last year of her varsity tennis team and many other time-honored traditions at Kinkaid. She was dreaming of these times. I really hadn't realized how great her anticipation BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 16
SENIOR IN THE HOUSE Like all seniors at The Kinkaid School, Eliza Griggs was surprised with a clever and caring yard sign. Eliza will attend Tulane University.
of them was, until they were taken away.” Blakely hopes that one of the takeaways from this spring is for the seniors to value their human connections. “I do believe that we all need a com-
munity at large to blossom in and that virtual substitutions are a very shallow replacement for the bonds that form when we are actually together,” she says. “Perhaps, this has (continued on page 18)
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 17
lawellphoto.com
lawellphoto.com
SIGNS OF THE TIMES At left: All Memorial High School seniors were given cheerful yard signs celebrating their graduation during the coronavirus quarantine. Peyton Mitchell will attend Baylor University. At right: St. Thomas High School seniors also got signs for their yards, encouraging passers-by to honk in support of the Class of 2020. Beamon Welch will attend the Ogden Honors College at LSU. (continued from page 16) been a lesson for the grad-
uating seniors of 2020 because they have grown up surrounded by social media and may not have been fully aware of its limitations.” Eliza has taken the lesson to heart. “I am not going to take going out for granted ever again,” she says. “I will never ever say ‘no’ anytime I get asked to do something!”
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hat lack of in-person connection has resonated deeply with seniors. Peyton Mitchell, a senior at Memorial High School, says she misses daily interactions with friends and teachers – and had really been looking forward to prom. To lift her spirits, her boyfriend surprised Peyton with a driveway prom. “I had to return my prom dress, and I was sad,” BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 18
she says. “So he texted me to come over to his house, and I drove over and sat in my car and looked through the window since we have to be six feet apart, and he came out the door in his tux, with a big smile on his face. We just laughed so much!” Laughter comes easily to Peyton, a multisport athlete, and she has tried to remain upbeat and look at the positives of the pandemic. “High school is a very stressful time, preparing for college,” says Peyton, who will attend Baylor University. “I feel like everyone in high school can’t wait for their senior year – and I basically only got my first semester.” Mom Denise Kim says there was a bright side for her. “I am very thankful that I have had this one-on-one forced family fun time and the
opportunity to spend so much time with her,” says Denise. "I love being quarantined together. I love her. We play puzzles, we pick up food, we play golf. Peyton has made us laugh every day for the last 17 years, and she lights up any room she walks into. Once she started driving, she was off – and this has been nice to have her again.”
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aving the unexpected together time resonates with Julia Vine, whose son Beckett is a senior at St. John’s School. It was upsetting to count up all the baseball games that were being taken off the schedule, and it was difficult to find a silver lining in those retractions. “I hated to look at the calendar because of all the events that were getting cancelled,” says Julia. “The high school (continued on page 20)
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 19
Terry Vine Photography
HONK FOR THE SENIORS St. John’s School seniors all were given signs for their yards asking folks to honk their horns for the Class of 2020. Beckett Vine will play baseball at Pepperdine University. (continued from page 18) milestones are always so
vivid in your mind and they set you off into your adult life. When you don’t get those, it’s almost like high school is cut short. We had to give him something.” And so she did, making sure that Beckett, a varsity baseball captain, would be recognized on Senior Night – in their backyard instead of on the baseball diamond. “It’s a night when all seniors and their parents are honored before the game, and the player gives their mom a red rose, and the coach talks about the players, and then pictures are taken of the players and their family,” she says. “I thought, we can’t have the whole thing, but we can have that picture. We had a neighbor come over to take our photo, and Beckett said, ‘This is probably the last time I will have this uniform on.’” Beckett says he was glad his folks staged the at-home ceremony. “My parents thought it would be nice to throw ourselves a senior night,” says Beckett, who has committed to play baseball at Pepperdine University. “It was really fun. I went to the garden and picked flowers for my mom.” Although disappointed about losing the end of his senior year, he is trying to be reflective BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 20
about the time. “Instead of worrying about what could have been, you have to keep moving forward with the same attitude that you always have,” he says. "That’s why a lot of people say to play a baseball game like it is your last because you don’t know what is going to happen.”
S
usan Welch has tried to be accepting in her approach to the abrupt end to son Beamon’s senior year at St. Thomas High School. “This has been tough,” she says. “But you know, this is life, and this too will pass. I told Beamon, ‘You will get through it. There will be bigger things that will happen.’” That pragmatic approach, she says, is helpful, but it does not entirely take the sting out of the cancelled events that are high school rites of passage. “This is a sad time for the students because they are missing so many different things,” she says. Beamon is an Eagle Scout and on the school’s student council. “And Beamon is not just missing it; the parents are missing it, too. The parents are missing the time to say goodbye to the kids and the school.” Among the multitude of events that she was looking forward to attending, one stands out among the others: the 49th Annual Mothers’
Club Style Show & Luncheon that was to have taken place in April. “This event is kind of the beginning of the end for the seniors,” Susan says, noting that the luncheon has never been cancelled before. “There are lots of things sentimental about it: the boys model, and the president Father Jim Murphy and our principal Dr. Aaron Dominguez also model; then they have a Rose Ceremony where each senior walks the runway in a suit while his mother watches from the stage all while they read letters out loud that the boys have written to their mothers. And, at the very end, the boys put their hats on and announce where they are going to college.” Susan had really wanted to be at that special event and watch Beamon, who will be attending the Ogden Honors College at LSU, put on his cap. So did he. “I was kind of looking forward to it, but I will never admit it to her, though,” Beamon says with a smile. Since he did not get to have his letter read, he says the following is what he wanted her to know: “My mom means everything to me. She’s been there since the beginning and has always pushed me to where I am now, and I couldn’t be more thankful and blessed for her love and support throughout my life.”
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 21
NEIGHBORS by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer
Class of 2020 Where are they headed?
F
Peter Berry – Beth Yeshurun Day School, The Emery/Weiner School Peter Berry is heading to the University of Alabama, where he’ll study general business. He’s looking forward to playing wheelchair basketball at the collegiate level and is excited to meet new people. He isn’t sure of a dream job but loves helping people, public speaking and playing basketball. One favorite high school moment was when his wheelchair basketball team and the Emery varsity basketball team scrimmaged in wheelchairs in front of the student body. He’d share this advice with his kindergarten self: “Cherish all of the times you have right now and do not take what you have for granted. Enjoy each and every moment to the best of your ability because you never know how fast it can be taken away from you, and somebody else might have it worse.” Ava Barcelo – Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Ava Barcelo is off to Texas A&M University, where she’ll study neuroscience; she dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. She’s looking forward to making friendships that will last a lifetime. Her favorite high school moment was “walking into school on the first day of senior year, knowing I was about to start my last year of a 13-year journey at St. Thomas’ Episcopal where I got to grow up with amazing friends and teachers.” She’d tell her younger self: “Surround yourself with your best supporters because they will help you succeed.” BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 22
Tanya Radoff Photography
or the Class of 2020, the conclusion of their senior year – and the culmination of many years of education – has been remarkably different than anything they, or their families, could have expected. Despite the loss of senior-year milestones – and the uncertainty of what the fall will look like – these new grads are looking forward to college experiences. Here, our graduating neighbors share their college plans and look back on their favorite high school memories. They also reflect on what advice they’d give their kindergarten selves, if they could. Congratulations, Class of 2020! We are so proud of you.
Peter Berry – University of Alabama
Maria Del Carmen Bello – St. Thomas More Parish School, St. Cecilia Catholic School, Incarnate Word Academy Maria Del Carmen Bello is heading to the University of St. Thomas to major in liberal arts/humanities. Ideally, she’d love to be a Broadway actress, “but since that is very difficult, I wouldn’t mind finding a job where I could get paid to sample good food.” She’s looking forward to living more independently and making new friendships. Her favorite high-school moments were the “countless laughs I enjoyed in choir and theater that made my high school experience so much fun.” She’d remind her kindergarten self to cherish every minute of nap time – “you’ll miss it later.” Noah Berry – Beth Yeshurun Day School, The Emery/Weiner School Noah Berry is heading to California
Polytechnic State University, where he’ll study business and play Division 1 tennis. His dream is to be an entrepreneur and professional tennis player. He’s looking forward to playing tennis in college and meeting new people from different places. His favorite high school moment was signing his National Letter of Intent along with his cousin, Peter Berry. He’d tell his kindergarten self: “Work as hard as you can and enjoy the journey because it could be over at any second.” Morgan Brandt – Beth Yeshurun Day School, The Emery/Weiner School Morgan Brandt is off to Pace University in NYC, where she’ll study arts and entertainment management. She dreams of becoming a Broadway casting director. She’s looking forward to independence and interesting internships. She’d tell her kindergarten self: “Your one-woman concerts will (continued on page 24)
Noah Berry – California Polytechnic State University
Morgan Brandt – Pace University Jennifer Fails Photography
Natural Expressions
Jack Brandt
Maria Del Carmen Bello – University of St. Thomas Jack Brandt
Freeman Photography
Jill Huston
Ava Barcelo – Texas A&M University
Ben Dauber – Vanderbilt University
Madison Dodson – University of Alabama
Thomas Fuller – Texas Tech University
Amanda Dearborn
Spenser Dale – University of Missouri
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 23
Jordan Fullen
(continued from page 22) pay off for you in so
many ways, so do not stop performing.” Her favorite high school moment was singing at her school’s opening ceremonies senior year with her best friends. Spenser Dale – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School Spenser Dale is heading to the University of Missouri to study journalism. He’d like to be involved in the sports world, potentially reporting on sports news. He’s looking forward to the university experience. His favorite high school moment was participating in the senior Mr. Bellaire pageant with his friends. He’d tell his kindergarten self: “Eat more veggies.” Ben Dauber – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, The Emery/Weiner School Ben Dauber is heading to Vanderbilt University, where he’ll study mechanical engineering. His dream would be to work as a NASA engineer. He’s looking forward to making new friends. His favorite high school memory was winning a football state championship as a senior captain. He’d tell his kindergarten self: “When in doubt, do.” Madison Dodson – Horn Elementary School, Trafton Academy, Bellaire High School Madison Dodson is off to the University of Alabama where she will take on premed/biomedical science. She dreams of becoming a doctor in pediatrics. She’s looking forward to having freedom in college. Her favorite moment from high school was making varsity on the Bellaire Belles dance team. She’d advise her kindergarten self to “pay attention more and don’t be afraid to ask teachers questions!” Thomas Fuller – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, St. Thomas High School Thomas Fuller is heading to Texas Tech University; his major is undeclared, but he’s interested in marketing. He’s looking forward to meeting new people and seeing new things. His favorite high school memories were spent on the lacrosse field. He’d remind his kindergarten self to work hard and enjoy school. Isaac Gateno – Robert M. Beren Academy Isaac Gateno is heading to the University of Pennsylvania, where he’ll study politics, philosophy and economics. He dreams of becoming a constitutional lawyer. He’s looking forward to exploring new opportunities and campus life. His favorite high school moment was going to the TAPPS 1A state finals with his basketball team. He would tell his kindergarten self: “Alright, so there's this thing called bitcoin.... For your birthday, ask Dad to buy you as many as he can. Let your BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 24
Reeti Mangal – Cornell University
friends laugh at you when you tell them your present because they'll see. They'll all see. Sell every last one of them on December 17, 2017. Thank me later, kid.” Olivia Golub – The Shlenker School, The Emery/Weiner School Olivia Golub is headed to Tulane University. She would like to be a photojournalist. She’s looking forward to meeting new people from all over the world. She’d advise her kindergarten self: “Always share toys on the playground, and you will have lots of friends. Everyone needs more friends!” Her favorite moment was during their Big Bend trip during her freshman year. “We hiked to the top of Emery Peak…. It took about three hours and once on top, together with our best friends, we looked out and felt proud together of what we had accomplished together.” Rachel James – Condit Elementary School, Trafton Academy, Second Baptist School Rachel James is heading to Texas A&M University, where she’ll major in business. She’d love a career in business that also allows her to spend time with family. She’s looking forward to new experiences and people. She says her favorite high school moments were “all the Friday nights spent in the bleachers, surrounded by friends, cheering on our team together as a family!” She’d tell her young self not to sweat the small stuff so much and “enjoy your time while things are simple!” Reagan Kimzey – Horn Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Bellaire High School
Reagan Kimzey is headed to Macalester College, where she plans to major in liberal arts. She says her dream job “consists of music, travel, people and social justice, so if anyone knows anything that fits that criteria, please let me know!” She’s looking forward to accomplishing new things on her own, making new friends, and snow. She’d reassure her younger self that it’s not necessary to know how to tie shoes in order to attend kindergarten. She’d also say: “Don’t worry about growing up so much and cherish the time you have as a kid.” Abbie Kleban – Beth Yeshurun Day School, The Emery/Weiner School Abbie Kleban is off to Penn State University, where she’ll study sports medicine/athletic training. She dreams of being an athletic trainer for a professional sports team. She’s excited to become more independent, meet new people and immerse herself in new opportunities. She has “many favorite moments, and I have realized, like many other seniors out there that have had our senior year cut short, how much I will miss the comfort of walking through the doors of my high school.” She’d tell her kindergarten self to remember her strengths and not to compare herself to others. Audrey Leonard – Condit Elementary School, St. Mark’s Episcopal School, St. Agnes Academy Audrey Leonard is off to Texas A&M University, where she’ll study public health. She’d love to be a physician’s assistant and work with children. “I have so (continued on page 26)
Marlo Wise Joanna Brandt
Olivia Golub – Tulane University Natural Expressions Photography
Isaac Gateno – University of Pennsylvania
Reagan Kimzey – Macalester College
Audrey Leonard – Texas A&M University
Anna Macia – The University of Texas at Austin
Ashley Thornhill, Hey Pretty Baby Photography
Ashley Kennedy
Abbie Kleban – Penn State University
Annette Boatwright Photography
Lisa Beth Photography
Rachel James – Texas A&M University
Liza Meyer – The University of Texas at Austin BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 25
(continued from page 24) much respect for health-
care workers and hope to do my part one day.” She’s looking forward to meeting new people. Her favorite high school memory is Friday night football games. She’d tell her younger self: “Work hard in school, and you can achieve anything.” Anna Macia – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Webber Academy (Canada), Bellaire High School Anna Macia is off to The University of Texas at Austin, where she’ll study biomedical engineering. Her dream is to be CEO of a biomedical institute. She’s looking forward to meeting new people. Her favorite high school memory was being part of the student section at the homecoming game during her senior year. “Almost everyone I knew was there and in red-out, and everyone was so hyped up, jumping around and bopping to the music from the band. It was straight out of an idyllic high school movie.” She’d tell her kindergarten self: “Put yourself out there and always lead with ‘Yes!’ Also, never take yourself too seriously – life is more fun when you can laugh at yourself.” Reeti Mangal – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. John’s School Reeti Mangal is heading to Cornell University, where she’ll study global and public health sciences. She’d like to be a lawyer. She’s looking forward to freedom. Her favorite high school moment was “foosball in Senior Country.” She’d tell her kindergarten self: “Don’t just study for the grades – study because you enjoy learning.” Liza Meyer – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, The Emery/Weiner School Liza Meyer is heading to The University of Texas at Austin, where she’ll study biology/pre-med. Her dream is to become a plastic surgeon. She’s excited to live independently and grow as a person. Her favorite moment from high school was playing the lead role in Mary Poppins. “It was exhilarating to play the title character of a show and serve as a leader in the theater department.” She’d advise her kindergarten self to work hard in all subjects, regardless of whether she’s passionate about them or not. Lauren Ohler – Condit Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Bellaire High School Lauren Ohler is off to The University of Texas at Austin, where she’ll study biology. She dreams of becoming a pediatrician. She’s excited to pursue more advanced biology and math classes. She’s looking forward to playing college frisbee, joining a running group and exploring Austin. Her favorite high-school moment was playing Ultimate Frisbee at night. “My friends and I played for hours, and BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 26
although we were all playing casually, the game was intense and high energy. Everyone worked super hard and played as a cooperative team.” She’d tell her younger self: “You don't need to wait for someone else. When you are passionate, with a clear goal in mind, get it started, and others will join along.” Abigail Shelby – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, St. Agnes Academy Abigail Shelby is heading to Villanova University. She hasn’t decided on a major but is considering criminology – her dream job would be working for the FBI. She’s looking forward to being part of the Villanova women’s water polo team. “I never thought I would be playing at the collegiate level, but here I am. Being part of the St. Agnes Academy water polo team has shaped who I am today.” She’d advise her kindergarten self not to fight naptime – “one day, you will miss it.” Meira Silverman – Beth Yeshurun Day School, Robert M. Beren Academy, Bellaire High School Meira Silverman is off to the University of Missouri, where she’ll study pre-physical therapy to be a physical therapist. She’s looking forward to learning how to live on her own. Her favorite moments in high school were all the memories she made as a Bellaire Belle, including “trying out as an eighth grader not knowing anyone and then getting the letter in the mail telling me I made it. I do not know what high school would’ve been without my team.” She’d remind her kindergarten self to focus on what’s most important in life. Julia Strug – Beth Yeshurun Day School, The Emery/Weiner School Julia Strug is off to Illinois Wesleyan University where she’ll work toward a BFA in acting with a double minor in dance and film. She’s looking forward to meeting people with different perspectives and immersing herself in theater. Her dream is to be an actor, playwright, composer, director or choreographer. She dreams of being on “the big screen” or on Broadway. Her favorite high school moment was stargazing on a trip to Big Bend surrounded by her friends. If she could advise her kindergarten self, she’d say: “It never hurts to be kind.” Tessa Valente – Horn Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School Tessa Valente is heading to the University of Alabama, where she’ll study nursing. She dreams of becoming an RN in an emergency room. She’s looking forward to having more freedom. If she could chat with her kindergarten self, she’d say: “Take more naps.” Her favorite high school moment was performing during the Bellaire High School varsity football games as a member of the Bellaire Belles
dance team. Leigh Vo – Condit Elementary School, Horn Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School Leigh Vo is heading to Syracuse University, where she’ll major in business and communications. She’d love to become a chief marketing officer. She’s looking forward to exploring new food, trying new things and facing new challenges, continuing to dance and make new friends. The high school moment that she’ll always remember was during her sophomore year. “We had organized a school walkout for the March for Our Lives protest, and I remember feeling strange walking out when most of my friends chose to stay. Nevertheless, I proudly left the school to protest for something that I cared about, and as I turned around, I saw my principal, Mr. McDonough, proudly waving back at us from the second floor window.” She’d remind her kindergarten self that “who you are is enough and you should be proud of yourself.” Madeleine Wildt – Washington School (NJ), Pershing Middle School, Bellaire High School Madeleine Wildt is heading to Colorado State University, where she’ll study biology. She dreams of becoming a pediatrician or a traveling advanced practitioner nurse. She’s looking forward to exploring a new state and living on her own. Her favorite high school moment was “when my younger sister gave me the perfect idea of what to dress up as for Spirit Week. I dressed up as the famous girl from the ‘Tie Dye Beauty’ Vine. I had people coming up begging me for pictures and asking to film me.” She’d tell her kindergarten self that what she thinks she wants to pursue as a little kid is probably not what will happen but to try many new things. Conner Young – Condit Elementary School, Trafton Academy, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Conner Young is heading to Rhodes College where he’ll study business. He’s looking forward to playing college football. His dream is to be the lead ESPN anchor on SportsCenter. His favorite high school moment was making it to the third round of playoffs (regionals) in football and getting the opportunity to play at NRG Stadium. He’d remind his kindergarten self to be friendly to everyone and “those that you meet early on will still be some of your really good friends way beyond elementary school.”
MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for more graduating neighbors. Also, check out – and contribute to, if you haven’t yet – our annual database of collegebound Buzz seniors. Additionally, read about some of the teachers who inspired these graduates along the way.
BethanyMichaelPhotography
Mercy and Grace Photography
Abigail Shelby – Villanova University
Leigh Vo – Syracuse University Prestige Photos
Tessa Valente – University of Alabama
Madeleine Wildt – Colorado State University
Conner Young – Rhodes College
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 27
Maia Vo
Tom Vo
Julia Strug – Illinois Wesleyan University Meredith Flaherty Photography
Meira Silverman – University of Missouri
Natural Expressions
Joanna Brandt
Lauren Ohler – The University of Texas at Austin
KIDS
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz Baby
Family bike rides
Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies. Writer Annie McQueen is a mother of four children under the age of 5.
F
amily bike rides have always been a thing. But now, thanks to the pandemic, they’re all the rage. Neighborhoods are bustling with bikes. There are even bike shortages at retailers. Bike rides are a way for families to get out of the house for some exercise and fresh air while maintaining social distance. With handy contraptions like bike trailers and bike seats for babies and toddlers, everyone gets to go. Helen Bernard searched for a bike online for her husband Will’s birthday in May. The couple have a 16-month-old son named Whit, and she planned to get them a bike and a bike trailer. It wasn’t as simple as Helen thought it would be. “Finding a bike for Will was like finding a needle in a haystack,” she said, laughing. “I finally found one online at Walmart, but after ordering it, I got an email later that it was out of stock.” Helen spent half a day driving around Houston to various bike shops, searching for one that was freshly stocked or even one that was returned. She located a bike and purchased it. Shortly after, to her surprise, she received an email from Walmart: “Your order has shipped!” it read. Rather than return the second, she listed it for sale on her local Facebook buy and sell
Outside the neighborhood As time goes on and neighborhood streets become a little too familiar, you may want to load up the bikes and explore some of the Houston area’s best cycling trails. Family-friendly, paved bike paths in Houston include the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail, Buffalo Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, Heights Hike and Bike Trail, White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail, Terry Hershey Park Hike & Bike Trail, and Cullen Park in Katy.
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 28
HOW WE ROLL The Verly family – parents Nancy and Thomas, along with Sebastian, 8, Olivia, 6, Reeves, 4, and Hugo, 2 – take a daily family bike ride through their neighborhood.
group. “I had, like, 20 comments of people wanting to buy it,” she said. Helen and her sister Julia Smith, who has a 2year-old son named Wells, now often cook dinner while their husbands pull Whit and Wells around in the bike trailer. Everyone is happy. A bike-trailer ride with two toddlers can have a lot of moving parts, starting with snacks. “We learned the hard way to not put shoes on the boys,” said Helen, laughing. “We have had instances of them taking them off and throwing them along the way.” Another Buzz family soaking up the extra family bike rides are the Verlys. Nancy, her husband Thomas and their four kids, Sebastian, 8, Olivia, 6, Reeves, 4, and Hugo, 18 months, have always been “a bike family,” says Nancy. Thomas and Nancy started to teach their kids young on balance bikes – bikes without pedals that teach riders to balance. Their kids can all ride bikes – except for Hugo, who’s not yet 2. Every morning, the Verlys wake up, have breakfast and head out for a morning family bike ride before the day of work and school begins. Nancy says she’s always on her toes when they are out riding, and she has taught her kids to be alert as
well. “If we are crossing San Felipe, we count to five after the crosswalk sign is lit, just to make absolutely sure there are no cars running the red light.” Hugo rides in a unique bike seat on the front of Nancy’s handlebars. She picked it up when her oldest, Sebastian, was a toddler. “I never really liked the seats in the back because I wanted to see him and chat with him,” said Nancy. She and Thomas had seen them in Belgium, where Thomas is from. “Everyone rides bikes everywhere in Belgium. I had not seen the seat in Houston. We gave up but happened to be in REI one day, and they had the seat. It has lasted us through four children,” said Nancy. The Verly’s bike seat is the iBert by Kazam Safe-TSeat. It runs around $110. The family of six recently went on one extralong and memorable family bike when all six rode from Briargrove to Memorial Park and back, about eight miles in total. Nancy rode in front, and Thomas stayed in the back, and they stuck with neighborhood streets until they reached Woodway. “My 4 year old didn't even complain,” said Nancy. “He rode circles around us and wanted to keep going even after we got home.”
NEIGHBORS
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by Cindy Burnett, staff writer
Buzz Reads
Five picks for June
Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. This month, Cindy recommends five recently released titles. Beach Read by Emily Henry: This literary love story is smart, humorous and highly entertaining and addresses substantive issues within a clever romance. Beach Read follows two writers, a romance novelist and an author of literary fiction, who are both impeded by writer’s block and struggling to meet looming deadlines. Polar opposites encumbered by prior misconceptions about each other, January and Augustus are thrown together when they rent neighboring beach houses. Late one evening, they agree to swap genres. January will write a heavy drama, and Augustus will compose a happily-ever-after story. To research their books, they spend time together visiting local spots and, in the process, learn more about each other. This book is a ton of fun and will live up to its name and make a fabulous beach read. The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner: The Jane Austen Society is set in Chawton, England, following the Second World War – where Jane Austen spent her last years. When Austen’s legacy is threatened, an eclectic group of townspeople band together to save her home and heritage. Struggling with personal tragedies and loss, these individuals unite around their love of Jane Austen and find themselves aiding each other as much as they help save Austen’s legacy. The Jane Austen Society is full of fascinating tidbits about the author and her tales, but it also highlights the importance of community and relationships, demonstrating that both can be found in unlikely places. Natalie Jenner’s tale is historical fiction at its finest – she transports the reader to another time and place filled with unique and authentic characters. The Last Flight by Julie Clark: The Last Flight is a high-octane thriller that begins with a bang and never slows down. Two women eager to flee their own lives agree to swap tickets for their flights at the last minute. Claire gives Eva her ticket to Puerto Rico and takes Eva’s ticket to Oakland. When the flight to Puerto Rico crashes into the ocean, Claire realizes she must assume Eva’s identity to survive, but quickly learns that BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 30
WHAT TO READ This month's picks include a tour through the U.S. National Parks, a modern-day retelling of Persuasion, a clever beach read, historical fiction involving Jane Austen's legacy and an unputdownable thriller.
Eva was not who she claimed to be. Toggling between the two women, the story rapidly unfolds, revealing jaw-dropping twists that you will not see coming. The Last Flight is the best thriller I have read in ages – Clark skillfully blends great characters, beautiful writing and a superb mystery. Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park by Conor Knighton: In this non-fiction gem, Knighton chronicles the year he spent traveling to every national park in the United States. The parks are grouped by theme instead of location, and the book is interspersed with humor and intriguing details. Knighton highlights the importance of our national parks, how various parks received their designations, and how climate change and over-visiting is impacting many of these beautiful places. In the epilogue, Knighton discusses how the National Park System continues to expand and quickly reviews three parks that achieved the designation after 2016 (the year Knighton made his journey). This book is a fascinating read and will make my top ten list for 2020. Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev: In recent years, modernizing Jane Austen stories
has become all the rage. In Recipe for Persuasion, Dev takes inspiration from Austen’s Persuasion to tell the story of Ashna Raje, a chef who reluctantly agrees to join the cast of Cooking with the Stars to save her struggling restaurant. She immediately regrets her hasty decision when she is paired with her first love, Rico Silva, who is now a FIFA soccer star. Their romance ended badly, and Ashna and Rico blame each other for the failed relationship. When they have a disastrous first meeting for Cooking with the Stars, the clip goes viral and they become social media darlings. The author hews close enough to Persuasion to warrant the inspiration claim but creates her own sweet, clever tale, a highly satisfying update of a classic story. Editor’s note: Southside Place resident Cindy Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column at thebuzzmagazines.com. She is co-creator of the Houston literary event series Conversations from the Page, runs the Instagram account Thoughts from a Page, contributes to bookreporter.com and shereads.com, and regularly speaks to groups about books.
TRAVEL
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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz
A year of school on the road
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t was something that Cassie Neumann had had on her bucket list for a long time, and for the 2018-19 school year, she and husband Spencer finally decided to do it. They took Noah, Nelson and Niles – at the time, 12, 10 and 7, respectively – out of school and on the road for a year. Today, as they shelter in place in Bellaire, they are homeschooling as so many families are – and they are drawing on a year of ample experience in doing so, as well as the many learnings from their global expedition. “We were kind of scared, but Spencer said why not? If not now, when?” said Cassie. “There were lots of doubters and naysayers. Even the people who trust me and love me were saying, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? You’re pulling them out of school, and are you making a good decision….’ But we just kind of went with our gut and said, ‘Well, we can’t ruin them in a year, so we’ll see.’” She laughed. “It ended up just being so amazing for everyone. Were there times it was exhausting? Yes. We’re a family who doesn’t relax when we’re on vacation. We work, and we move, and it’s not really a vacation – we need a vacation when we get home from the vacation.” Cassie, who has her own interior consulting company, took the year off, while Spencer has his own marketing firm and was able to work virtually. At first the family planned to just take off and keep going until the year was through. But as they talked it through, they decided it would be better to do a series of trips, returning home to recharge for two or three weeks and continue schooling before taking off again for another destination. Their nanny, Paige Whitson, formerly Niles’ preschool teacher, accompanied them as well, lending a hand with the homeschooling – which, as many parents are finding these days, is a one-on-one kind of job. “It’s interesting now because so many of our friends who were like, ‘I can’t imagine teaching my children!’ – and now all these moms are homeschooling themselves because they have to. I knew they could do it all along – and now they know.” One thing they’ve come to realize, however, BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 32
BIKER’S PARADISE Amsterdam amidst a sea of bicycles, the preferred mode of transportation in Holland. From left: Noah, Cassie, Niles, Spencer and Nelson Neumann.
is the enormous difference between homeschooling and distance learning. “With homeschooling, I wrote the curriculum,” she said, whereas with distance learning, parents serve more as substitute teachers instead of the real teacher. But the biggest difference, obviously, was that their classroom – instead of being their living room – was the world. And as is often the case with hands-on learning, the most important lessons are not on the curriculum. Everywhere they went, Cassie and Paige would study up in advance and shape the lessons around what they wanted to teach, often approaching the cities through culture, religion and food – “because food gets us all excited.” When they were in Rome, they connected with the Gregorian University and had a priest in training – from Houston – serve as their guide, taking them to religious sites and explaining their significance. Many days began with morning excursions, followed by four hours of study, with the lesson based on the excursion. They used the Duolingo learning app to study basic language skills for
each of the countries they were visiting. Noah worked online with teachers back in Houston to supplement his material. “Sometimes the most amazing things would happen,” said Cassie. “Like one time he was on the computer with other classmates and he said, ‘Look where I am!’ and he was standing at the Taj Mahal – or, ‘What’s that sound? – That’s the call to prayer.’” Spencer was always in charge of the itineraries. “He would just instinctively know what we should see, what foods to try, what not to miss, etc.,” said Cassie. “He would book hotels and tour guides, and plan out our days. He kept us moving, but always built in time for school and a good night’s sleep.” “My dad should’ve been a travel agent,” added Nelson. Many places left their mark on the kids. They trekked through 13 countries and 26 cities with a lineup spanning the range of human existence. In Europe they visited Austria and Amsterdam, France and Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland. In Asia they spent time in India and Nepal, and in the Middle East they explored Egypt, Israel, the Gulf
OLD WORLD CHARM Noah, Nelson and Niles Neumann with their tour guide, a Texan studying at Gregorian University in Rome; date night for Cassie and Spencer Neumann in Austria at the Vienna State Opera.
States of Dubai and Abu Dhabi; in Africa, they explored the souks and the beaches of Morocco. The journey taught them about the wisdom and history of world religions from Catholicism to Islam to Sikhism to Hinduism to Judaism, and it taught them a lot about themselves, as well. “As parents we wanted to teach them that the world is bigger than just what we see every day, and that we are blessed to have so much – and that there are people who really don’t have so much,” said Cassie. “And that maybe having the latest Nikes isn’t the most important thing.” This lesson was brought home to them in full force in Mumbai, where they took a tour through Dharavi, the world’s third-largest slum, where Slumdog Millionaire was filmed – led by a resident of the slum. The hive of humanity was marked by dirt floors, flimsy dwellings and, in many cases, a lack of running water. “We loved our tour guide, who was amazing,” said Cassie. “And at the end of the tour I said, ‘With all due respect, you seem educated and you’re very eloquent and you have a skill – do you realize you could leave and go outside and be successful?’ But he was like, ‘Why would I leave? I love this place – this is our town.’” Cassie describes walking into a hut and seeing people squatting on the floor making luggage, handing pieces to each other in a sort of prehistoric assembly line. “And he would say, ‘You’d be surprised what brand names get put on this luggage, and it gets shipped to America.’” “It was the most shocking place, and the one where I learned the most,” said Noah, now 13. “It was more about realizing what you have… and then, when we’re going through the slums and seeing this infrastructure and seeing these people who have nothing but are living happily like they have everything – they have a great life!” One of the most spectacular memories is of the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, when people
throw colored powder into the air. Everywhere they went, people were having parties, and families would spot the Neumanns and invite them to come throw colors with them. “It was the first day of summer in India, and something that stood out to me is that the people wanted to know more about us; they were very curious,” recalled Noah. “Mom said it’s because we’re of a different color.” “The whole thing seemed strange to me because we’re taught to think skin color doesn’t matter,” said Nelson. The boys were shocked to learn about the ancient caste system, and while discrimination based on caste was outlawed in 1950, it is far from a thing of the past. Another India memory was the day they volunteered at a Sikh temple that served a daily meal to 10,000 people, and then sat down to eat with them. The most jarring aspect of that particular journey was that after India and Nepal they flew to Dubai, which provided a shockingly stark contrast to the poverty of millions that they had just left behind. “It was crazy to see,” said Noah. “It was just too much; there were gold vending machines where you could go and get gold. And we’re on the side of the street calling an Uber, and they’d ask – ‘Do you want a car or a helicopter?’ “It was weird going from poor to rich like that,” he added. “If I were to come from Houston to Dubai I might have thought about it differently. But I kept having flashbacks on Mumbai and seeing what these people had, and that made it feel different. And in Nepal – we were laying in bed and the whole entire power circuit would go out every three hours.” Nelson, 11, agreed. “It’s kind of like, you have too much at home, so you feel guilty – and they have nothing. You feel like you’re so spoiled, so
privileged … you come back not running the water, trying not to waste so much. When I came home, I was changed.” A hands-on lesson in archaeology came in Egypt when they went to the Karnak Temple Complex near Luxor, and were allowed to enter a tomb that had not yet been released to the public – and they had the place to themselves. In Morocco they did the typical tourist things – charmed a rattlesnake, rode a camel, wandered the ancient souks – but the country won their hearts with its friendliness and color and vibrancy. In Austria, they took in the grandness of the Vienna State Opera and studied the rise of the Third Reich in the place where it happened. In Amsterdam they were amazed to see the sea of bicycles overtaking the traffic. Seeing the Great Pyramids and King Tut’s Tomb in Egypt was unforgettable as well. They loved the Middle East so much that they have begun studying Arabic as a family. The lessons were profound and were too many to count, but Spencer and Cassie each summarized it in their own way. As they planned their next trip – Turkey, Ethiopia and Rwanda, with a possible return to Morocco — they contemplated perhaps the most important one that their year on the road taught them. “When we were writing home, people were very worried about us all the time, just because we weren’t taking the usual seaside vacation,” said Cassie. “We were really pushing the boundaries – and we’ve only just begun.” “Don’t let anyone fool you; the people of the world are amazing people, and as wonderful as they can be,” summarized Spencer. “And don’t be scared to go see the world. It’s truly a friendly planet.” Editor’s note: Buzz travel columnist Tracy L. Barnett is a Lowell Thomas travel journalism award winner and longtime travel and environmental writer. BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 33
Jenn Duncan
DINING
by Dai Huynh, staff writer
Chef’s Corner C
At home with the pros
ooking every night during the coronavirus pandemic, I needed some professional inspiration and insight, and who better to provide it than James Beard Award winner Robert Del Grande? The Annie Café & Bar chef and other experts helped me take my cooking up a notch, along with simple ideas to retool leftovers, like stirring in pureed chickpeas into soups and stews. I also learned an easier, almost no-fail technique that savvy toques use to roast meats like hanger steaks. Thanks to such kitchen know-how, cooking became remarkably less stressful, and right now, we need that. Pan-frying steaks on the stove usually leads to a smoky, grease-splattered kitchen, but Del Grande solves this by searing the hanger steak on the stovetop, then finishing it in the oven. So, rather than sweat bullets and stand watch to avoid overcooking the steak, I could relax with a glass of wine while dinner finishes cooking in the oven. “If nobody is ready to eat in 20 minutes, just leave the oven door ajar. This will keep the steak warm until you’re ready,” Del Grande says. “This approach gives you a lot of flexibility.” For an easy side dish, Del Grande relies on potatoes, which he always has on hand. Like pasta, they have 101 uses, he says. For the hanger steak, he sliced Yukon Golds, then layered the spuds on top of thinly sliced onions, followed by olive oil and fennel seeds. With just two layers in a 9-x-13 baking dish, the potatoes cook evenly and quickly. The day before Houston’s stay-home-worksafe order, Del Grande’s wife, Mimi, asked what he needed from the store. “Eggs, lots of eggs,” he replied, then added rice, polenta, pastas, tomato sauce, canned beans and anchovies to his musthave pantry list. The pandemic led to a surge in demand for nonperishables and eggs. This inexpensive protein is wildly versatile and is not just for breakfast. For a quick dinner or lunch, Del Grande likes to top butter or Parmesan cheese-tossed pasta with a sunnyside-up egg. “Eggs are one of the few food items that come with their own sauce,” he says. But his all-time favorite egg dish is the Joe’s Special, made with spinach, mushrooms, BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 34
Parmesan cheese and ground beef. The 1920s dish originated in San Francisco. Later, it was the signature dish of the Bay Area chain Original Joe’s, where Del Grande ate as a kid. “It’s FIRST, BUY EGGS Executive chef Robert Del Grande, here on the patio of The Annie delicious and com- Cafe & Bar, gave Chef’s Corner columnist Dai Huynh some tips on cooking at home. forting because it’s meals that H-E-B selected to showcase in its like a ravioli filling,” he says. foodie-inspired pilot program to support local restaurants during the coronavirus crisis. rowing up, Fajita Pete’s founder Pedro Brennan’s uses its own secret Creole blend of Mora looked forward to his grandmother’s seasonings for the Crawfish & Andouille Mac homemade chicken soup. These days, he takes ’n Cheese, but home cooks can dupe this dish short cuts by making it with leftover chicken by using Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic fajitas. “I keep it homey and simple by adding Seasoning. “It’s very similar to the blend we carrots, potatoes and broth. That’s it,” he says. use,” Cervantez says. Mora noticed that since social distancing Canned beans are on the stockpile list as well. began, his customers are buying fajitas to last Cervantez transforms red beans into a one-pot several days. “That wasn’t the case before,” he meal with sautéed onions, bell peppers and celsaid. “But now, they’ll have fajitas the first night ery, plus bacon and andouille sausage. and then later in the week, use the leftovers to “Don’t forget to add the bay leaf and some top salads or breakfast eggs.” Crystal hot sauce,” the Pearland native says. His favorite way of retooling fajitas is to make “Now you have a pot of beans that you can eat chicken or beef quesadillas for his kids. He says that for a few days. It couldn’t be easier.” the leftover proteins also make great Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and a keto-friendly fajita Perfect Oven Hanger Steak casserole with sautéed poblano peppers and cheese. Adapted from Robert Del Grande’s recipe 1 hanger steak (1 pound, 1-1½ inches thick); long with flour and rice, dried pasta sales ribeye or New York strip also can be used worldwide also have surged during the pan1 Tablespoon canola or vegetable oil demic – by more than 249 percent, according to Freshly cracked black pepper ResearchAndMarkets.com. Kosher salt “You can do so many things with pasta, and it can go a long way feeding a family,” said Allow the steak to reach room temperature, Brennan’s of Houston executive chef Joe then blot the steak dry with paper towels. While Cervantez. The father of two young kids always the oven is heating to 400 degrees, place a casthas macaroni and cheese in his kitchen cupiron skillet over high heat. Lightly season the steak board. To keep it from becoming boring, he will with kosher salt and black pepper. Go light on the switch it up a bit by adding canned tuna or salt for now, as it tends to draw out juices and precrumbled bacon. vent the meat from browning properly. Rub the At Brennan’s, he dresses up macaroni and steak with oil and place into the hot skillet. cheese with crawfish and andouille sausage. It’s Sear for 30 seconds on (continued on page 36) a big seller and is among the take-and-bake
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BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 35
Fern Casio
MACARONI, UPGRADED Brennan's executive chef Joe Cervantez prepares his popular macaroni and cheese with crawfish to sell for H-E-B's chef-inspired meals. He says home cooks can use Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning in their versions. (continued from page 34) each side. Season the steak
with salt and pepper to taste before transferring the beef onto a roasting or baking pan with a wire rack. Put into the oven and cook five minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 225-to-250 degrees and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the steak temperature reads 140 degrees. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serves 2.
Potatoes with Onions Adapted from Robert Del Grande’s recipe 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced thin Olive oil 4 gold potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛-inch thick Kosher salt Freshly cracked black pepper Fennel seed Fresh rosemary (optional) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9-by-11 pan with olive oil. Spread the onions evenly on the bottom of the pan and season them with salt and pepper. Layer potatoes on top and sprinkle with fennel seed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle more olive oil and bake until the potatoes are almost tender. If desired, this is the time to sprinkle fresh rosemary (or even fresh thyme) on top of the potatoes if desired. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and lightly BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 36
golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serves 4.
Joe’s Scramble Adapted from Robert Del Grande’s recipe 2 Tablespoons olive oil 4-5 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 8 ounces ground chuck 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry in paper towels 8 eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, then cook until soft, about five minutes. Add ground chuck, then stir and cook until browned and all moisture evaporates, about 10 minutes. Add spinach, then cook until heated through, about two minutes. Add eggs and cook about three or four minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately with French or sourdough bread. Serves 4.
Andouille and Crawfish Mac ’n Cheese Adapted from Joe Cervantez’ recipe 2 (7.25-ounce) boxes of macaroni and cheese,
or homemade 3 ounces andouille sausage, cubed ½ cup onions, diced 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning, or more to taste 4 ounces crawfish tail Kosher salt Freshly cracked black pepper to taste 2 Tablespoons green onions, sliced Prepare macaroni and cheese following box instructions; set aside. In a large pan over medium-high heat, sauté andouille sausage until fat starts to render. Add onions and garlic; cook onions until almost transparent. Add Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning, followed by crawfish tails. Reduce to medium heat and cook crawfish tails until almost opaque, indicating they are almost done. Fold in macaroni and cheese. Season with salt and black pepper and adjust Magic Seasonings if necessary. Reduce to low heat and stir noodles gently until hot. Sprinkle with green onions and serve immediately. Serves 6. Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime Houston-based restaurant writer.
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 37
Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Houston
FOOD by JeNeika Smith Boone, contributing writer
Cooking Buzz Simple meals for summer Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.
I
f you are like me, you are ready to step out of the house and into the sunshine. In the summer, I am typically a no-fuss cook. I enjoy meals that are light, flavorful and easy to prepare. Summer is also a time that I associate with seafood, and, due to our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, we are fortunate to have a wide selection of seafood. One dish that can be prepared quickly is the Italian Seafood Stew from Peace Meals. This stew is attractive and savory. For a more substantial meal, serve over linguine and pair with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. The Poached Salmon in Thai Green Curry Broth from Peace Meals is another relatively light meal. While the list of ingredients may look intimidating, they combine to create a vividly flavored broth. When looking for the lemongrass, look for fresh, fragrant stalks and avoid any that look dry or brown, as the entire stalk is edible. Consider serving this dish over steamed jasmine rice. Shrimp is a staple in my kitchen, and I love finding new recipes that feature it prominently. The Shrimp and Mushroom Sauté from Stop and Smell the Rosemary includes several other ingredients I keep on hand at home: unsalted butter, lemon juice, tabasco, rice and pasta. This recipe is easy and can be served over rice or pasta. For a healthier alternative, try serving over quinoa or cauliflower rice. For evenings when I want something simple and comforting, or prefer to go meatless, the Risotto Limone from Stop and Smell the Rosemary fits the bill. This recipe serves 8 to 10, so if you are dining solo or with your family, the ingredient measurements can be cut in half. Pairing the risotto with the Grilled Vegetables or Two-Bean Succotash, also from Stop and Smell the Rosemary, ensures a well-balanced meal. Happy summer and bon appétit!
Italian Seafood Stew From Peace Meals ½ cup olive oil 1 shallot, diced BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 38
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Anaheim peppers, seeded and chopped 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes 2 cups chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley Coarse salt Cayenne pepper 1 thread saffron SERVING UP SEAFOOD This Italian Seafood Stew from Peace Meals is an elevated ¾ cup dry ver- meal with little effort. mouth or white 2 Tablespoons peeled and finely grated fresh wine ginger 12 Little Neck clams, scrubbed 2 green onions (white and pale green parts 12 black mussels, scrubbed and beards only), thinly sliced removed 1 pinch ground turmeric 1 lobster tail (6 to 8 ounces) 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tilapia filet, washed and halved Zest of 1 lime, finely grated 6 large shrimp, shelled and deveined 3½ cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon coarse salt Heat the olive oil in a heavy stockpot over ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper medium-low heat. Add the shallots, garlic and 1 pound skinless salmon, bones removed and peppers, and sauté for about 10 minutes. Add the cut into 1-inch pieces tomatoes and parsley, and season with salt and 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, coarsely chopped cayenne; cook for 3 minutes. Add the saffron, 2 Tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro vermouth and ½ cup of water; bring to a boil. 1 Tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh basil Add the clams, mussels, lobster and tilapia, and 1 Tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint cover tightly. Steam until the clams and mussels open, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the shrimp, Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medicover and steam for 2 more minutes. Remove um heat. Add the coriander and cumin, and from heat and set aside for 2 minutes. Transfer cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic, shallots, the seafood with a slotted spoon to soup bowls lemongrass, chiles, ginger, onions, turmeric, lime and ladle in the remaining broth. Serves 2. juice and zest, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or Poached Salmon in Thai Green until softened. Add the broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Pour Curry Broth the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean From Peace Meals saucepan; discard the solids. Bring the broth to a 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil simmer, add the salmon and cook for 2 to 5 min4 Tablespoons coriander seed utes or until done. Stir in the spinach and herbs, ¾ teaspoon cumin seed, crushed and cook until the greens are wilted. Serve 2 cloves garlic, crushed immediately. Serves 2 to 4. ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh shallots 3 Tablespoons finely chopped lemongrass (only use the bottom 4 inches of the stalks) See thebuzzmagazines.com for more recipes. 1 to 2 serrano chiles, seeded and thinly sliced
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BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 39
SPORTS
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz W
hen Episcopal Knights pitching ace Tanner Witt fired a one-hitter in an early-season SPC victory over rival Kinkaid, little could he have ever imagined that it would be his final game on the mound as a high school baseball player. “To go out there and not know that you’re pitching your final high school game with your close friends and teammates is pretty heartbreaking,” said Witt. “We were on a mission this season, and this was going to be our redemption year after losing to Kinkaid in last year’s SPC championship game.” The Knights’ mission was aborted by circumstances beyond their control with the baseball season ended in the wake of the coronavirus. “It’s just heartbreaking,” said Knights baseball coach Matt Fox. “As a competitor, I’ve been on the baseball field every spring my entire life. You build for the season all-year long, and we had something special with these guys. Between the competitiveness and talent of our team, we were ready to compete for a title.” Witt, a highly regarded Texas Longhorn signee who is also expected to be picked in the early rounds of the upcoming MLB draft, leaves Episcopal with a pair of SPC baseball championships in his brilliant career with the Knights. “I’m forever grateful for everything I’ve been through at Episcopal,” said Witt. “My experiences put me into the man I am today both on and off the field, including the relationships I’ve made with my teammates and coaches.” “In my 18 years of coaching, Tanner is probably the most irreplaceable player I’ve ever coached, both from a talent and leadership standpoint,” said Fox. “I’m thankful for him not just as a player, but also as a person. My message to our baseball community is that our relationships do not stop here, so we have a lot to be grateful for despite what’s happened.” Much like Episcopal, the Memorial Mustangs were off to a great start to the UIL Class 6A baseball season before it all came to an abrupt halt. “It feels like something was ripped from under you,” said Mustangs head coach Jeremy York. “We had 15 seniors, including a foursome of tremendous three-year starters in
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 40
ST. AGNES TO VILLANOVA St. Agnes Academy senior goalie Abigail Shelby led her team to a district championship in water polo just before the season was halted due to the coronavirus. Shelby will play collegiate water polo for Villanova University.
Ben Dukes, Jack Riedel, Thomas Vincent and Mason Flinn who’ll all be playing collegiate baseball. We kind of saw the cancellation coming, but the finality pulls at your heartstrings for a great senior class.” Before the season was suspended and ultimately canceled, the Mustangs were off to a 103 start and were ranked among the area’s top Class 6A programs. “It ends up being a season of what ifs,” said York. “Regardless of what happens, you’re always going to say ‘what if.’ We were definitely in position to do something special this season.” All those ‘what ifs’ aside, York said his players are moving forward as best as possible. “One thing we talked about was that it’s not just what happens to you, but also how you respond to adversity. We are right now trying to figure out a way to honor the contributions our 15 seniors made to Memorial Mustangs baseball. Every one of them leaves a legacy to our program.” A signing-day ceremony hardly seemed possible in the wake of social distancing, but St. Agnes Academy water polo player Abigail Shelby, who’ll play collegiately at Villanova, received the surprise of a lifetime outside of her Bellaire-area home as a parade of well wishers turned out to cheer on the Tigers senior.
“I missed my teammates so much, and it meant a lot to me that they showed up outside my house on what was supposed to be my signing day. As soon as I stepped out, I started to cry because I hadn’t seen them in so long. It all started with the Villanova water polo coach calling me on the phone and asking me to step outside to check something out. I was shocked and really couldn’t believe it all.” Along with her teammates, Shelby’s coaches, friends, family and even local Villanova alumni joined in on the surprise celebration highlighted by a parade of cars with horns honking and everyone cheering for Shelby. The celebration helped cut the sting of a senior season cut much too short for the all-state goalie. “We finished first in district and were looking to win state after an unexpected loss at last year’s state meet,” said Shelby. “It was upsetting, but I’m now excited and looking forward to next season at Villanova.” 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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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. Most sports came to a halt during the health crisis, but we want to celebrate our young athletes, whether they are still competing or training on their own at home. So keep snapping those pictures, and send them our way. See contact information at the end of this story.
Softball sisters In an effort to keep up their softball skills, Elliot Loper (top photo, left) tosses a ball for her sister, Caroline (right) to hit. The girls had both started their spring softball games when the pandemic began and forced the season’s cancellation. Elliot plays second base and outfield for both Pershing Middle School and the West University Softball Association (WUSA). Caroline, a student at Mark Twain Elementary, plays first and second base for WUSA and Stix Academy. The girls are thankful for their coaches, who have reached out to all of the players. Pershing Middle School coach David Burgan brought each player a handwritten note, and Stix Academy coach Juan Garcia sends weekly workouts to the team to help them stay connected.
Homeschool baseball When Bellaire Little League’s (BLL) season was canceled, coach and dad David Wu (middle photo, center) decided to keep his sons practicing at home. Right after celebrating at BLL’s opening ceremony, the season ended for brothers Mason and Maxwell Wu (from left). Maxwell, a third grader at Horn Elementary, was looking forward to his first kid-pitch season in the National League, and first-grader Mason was eager to start hitting off of a pitching machine. During quarantine, the boys are working on throwing accuracy and catching skills. Maxwell is also practicing pitching, to improve his ability to throw consistent strikes. After an extended practice season, the boys will be ready to start BLL Fall Ball.
Keep up their stick skills The lacrosse season may have been cut short, but Macyn and Morgan Tannery (bottom photo, from left) aren’t slowing down. In addition to running drills together, the siblings do 100 rebounds every day, with each hand, against the side of a building in the lacrosse-practice staple known as wall ball. Morgan, a sixth grader at The Kinkaid School, and Macyn, a fifth grader at River Oaks Baptist School, both play on Houston Youth Lacrosse (HYLAX) club teams. They both play attack, and their teams had played many games before the season ended. Speed runs in the family, and Morgan and Macyn use it to their advantage to run down the field for a pass or to take a shot. They hope to be back on the field soon to put their practice to work. 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. BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 42
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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The itch that rashes meets its match Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a miserable condition. Itching brings on the scratch, which spreads the rash, and a vicious cycle ensues. Many rashes itch, but with eczema, the rash does not appear until after you scratch it. Thus, instead of being a “rash that itches,” it is known as the “itch that rashes.” In mild cases, using skin moisturizers and creams or ointments that contain steroids provide adequate control. In more severe cases, we have to use stronger doses of steroids that are taken by mouth and can cause terrible steroid side effects if used too long. Over the past 30-plus years, medical researchers have studied how white blood cells communicate with each other to regulate the immune system. One class of regulators is called interleukins (IL). IL-4, IL-13 and IL-31 play a role in eczema, so research has been done on how to block these signals to control the eczema. In March 2017, the FDA approved the biologic dupilumab (Dupixent), an injectable medication that inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13. In a pivotal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2014, Dupixent provided much better relief when compared against steroid creams and ointments placed on the skin. Much larger studies confirmed this benefit in a 2016 NEJM manuscript. We have now started several patients on this treatment and have been amazed by how well it works. With eczema of any severity, rule No. 1 is moisturizing the skin. Dry skin is more likely to itch than is moisturized skin, and if we can control the itch, we control the scratch, and thus minimize the rash. Many allergic patients do not tolerate fragrances, so try a moisturizer that is “fragrance free.” It’s not good
enough if it says “unscented” because many unscented products have irritating fragrances that are offset by other masking (also irritating) fragrances. Many patients tolerate Vanicream, Cetaphil and CeraVe. Moisturizing can also be achieved from the inside out – staying well hydrated helps, as does ruling out and correcting Vitamin D deficiency. Oftentimes, the rash will get infected with bacteria, which complicates the situation. We sometimes have a patient pour half a cup of bleach into a bathtub full of water to kill the bacteria. Many patients find this unpleasant, and using a bleach-containing cleanser, like Cln, is almost as effective. If you are suffering with uncontrolled eczema, please ask for help. Better control is now within reach. 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. Alnoor A. Malick, 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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ZOOMING Nico Thompson, a junior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, says life now is computer time, all the time.
KIDS by Nico Thompson, age 17
Buzz Kidz
My new school universe
M
y new school universe consists of waking up, throwing on an acceptable Tshirt over my pajama bottoms, then “Zooming” into my class downstairs. When I log on to Zoom, I see my friends, but only their heads. I quickly scan the Zoom heads to see if everyone is there. Sometimes, if the teacher is not there, we have to wait for him/her to let us into the Zoom world. Then the lecture starts. Most of the time, we have to stay for the full time, and sometimes we stay for about 30 minutes. Then we have time to work on assignments. Sometimes when I lose track of the time, and I’m in the kitchen getting something to eat or drink, my mom yells from her virtual office upstairs for me to sign in to class because my teacher just texted her – oops!
I miss the times when I complained about walking from one end of campus to the other for fear of being late to class or just being plain exhausted. My freshman year, I actually lost weight because I would walk three miles every day on campus! I really miss getting to walk outside to get to my classes. Most of all, I miss seeing and talking to my friends at lunch, during community time or just in passing. We do play virtual games like Uno, Chips and Guac, and Cards against Humanity. Although we have fun, it's just not the same as visiting with them in class or at their home to play games in person. Now when I have a break from school, I jump on the trampoline outside by myself or play my violin outside. The neighbors can hear me and have said they enjoy it. I like that I can spread a
little joy during this time when we cannot gather. I really don't like that I am on the computer day and night, and that's hard for me to say because I was always fighting for more time on the computer. The only problem is that my time on the computer is filled with work. Then I hit repeat for the next four days – welcome to my virtual school universe! 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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Remote fiduciaries and Covid workarounds As a family to-do list to support aging parents, it’s hard to beat the standards of practice for guardians: bellaireprobate.com/2020/05/checklists-for-mom/. Even with Mom’s consent, it was never easy for children to help. In the age of Covid isolation, office closures, and forwarded phones, what can be done now? Quite a bit, actually, even if you can’t visit Mom or leave your own home. Mom can’t manage the doctor’s telemedicine app? You’ll need her email credentials (user id and password). Load the app on your own phone, reset the password if needed (likely sent to her email), and log in for her. Come the appointment, call Mom from a second phone, and put her on speaker. Mom keeps her appointment and you don’t have to guess the doctor’s orders, new prescriptions, or next visit. Nursing home won’t fax the meds list? Send a courier. If you pay someone to deliver your groceries, you can afford someone to pick up medical records and fax them. With Mom’s email and account credentials, she can go paperless, and you can see bank statements, property and liability insurance bills, and tax statements. Forward the mail to receive medical bills and items that aren’t paperless. I like Personal Capital, a free, secure aggregator that compiles a balance sheet and cash flow statement from bank and brokerage credentials. Drill down to see individual transactions, e.g., the gallon of milk from Aldi or the auto repair last month. Compare against monthly bank and credit card statements to get the full picture, identify tax deductions, and stay ahead of insurance premiums, utilities, and other critical expenses. LastPass is my password manager. Credentials can be shared securely,
allowing Mom’s business and medical agents to remain in charge while distributing the workload. Just share credentials without enabling view or edit permissions, so the agent retains control. For example, keeping prescription drugs filled requires access to Mom’s email, the prescription drug plan, Mom’s credit card, and funds to pay the card each month. Mom’s primary agent can gather all that information, then deputize a sibling to keep the Losartan in good supply. LastPass is a good way to distribute information and not just responsibilities. With Mom’s okay, every sibling, not just responsible ones, can have access to Personal Capital or other aggregator, so everyone can track Mom’s savings and spending, without needling the primary agent for a formal accounting. Remote fiduciaries have the same responsibilities as others. Covid workarounds might help all of them. 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, bellaireprobate.com/blog
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 45
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Quarantine marriage damage
Neighborhood Tails Schrödinger, age 4, Cat, Elm St. Ich heisse Schrödinger. Though Garfield is more humorous, I am one of the most famous cats in the world, even though you’d probably only know me if you are a physics geek. For those who aren’t as fluent in quantum theory, you should know that I was part of a 1935 thought experiment that created quite the buzz in the science community, for it said I could be both alive and dead at the same time! I was a semi-feral cat when my mom decided to make me a fullfledged member of the family. Even as a kitten, I’ve been plagued with this existential thought: “At this moment, am I alive or dead?” Either way, I love my forever home whether I really live here or not. My mom and dad think I’m cute; if you want to see for yourself, look for me in the front window. I may be there. Or not. 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.
Houstonians understand stress-inducing disasters, but the duration and unpredictability of the coronavirus quarantine was different. It took away our usual human interaction, created emotional/financial pressures, and added distress over the health of everyone. Perhaps to lighten the mood, jokes abound about whether we will see a baby boom or spike in divorces. If you are someone for whom being stuck at home with your spouse was the breaking point in your relationship, you aren’t laughing, and you may be wondering what to do next. Education is step one. Find the right attorney to educate you about child-related matters, property division, and spousal support. Information gathering is step two. Use time stuck at home to collect copies of tax returns and asset and liability statements. Maybe even take pictures of special furniture and furnishings. Step three: Figure out what you need on a monthly basis to support yourself and your family. Make that monthly budget and figure out where the cushion is because, initially, splitting the family into two separate homes may be a stretch. Your future seems cloudy, but with a plan and expert support, this storm shall pass, and, like recovering from an illness, you will emerge stronger. Jeryl A. Golub is an attorney with Tindall England PC, a family-law firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption and premarital and postmarital agreements. Jeryl has been recognized as a Best Lawyers® for 2020 in the area of family law. Tindall England PC, 515 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.622.8733, www.tindallengland.com
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Finding a new normal
RF microneedling for skin
The phrase “uncertain times” is an understatement. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are increasing in people of all ages, and fear about the future is the new pandemic. It’s time to create a new normal! An empowered way to move forward includes making a plan that battles this fear of the unknown by focusing on things we can control. Think about what has worked better since we’ve been quarantined and try to incorporate those features into your summer and fall schedules. Have your children had more time to freely play instead of being overscheduled? Have you rediscovered the joy of baking? Have you been able to read more, or exercise more, or play together more as a family? These are gifts from the crisis. You can choose whether to keep these gifts or give them away. An easy way to make sure you have a balanced lifestyle moving forward is to use a Wellness Wheel, which is a simple tool that identifies components of healthy living. Wellness categories include physical, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and intellectual. Make sure you incorporate something from each category every day. Fear is managed by walking through it. As we emerge from quarantine, we are all moving forward slowly and carefully, creating a new normal. Make sure you include balance and wellness in yours. Dr. Kimberly Harrison is a clinical psychologist and founder of The Conative Group. She has published several vlogs and blogs to help with pandemic-related issues at www.theconativegroup.com. Kimberly Harrison, Ph.D., The Conative Group, 4130 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 208, Houston, Texas 77025, 713-993-7030, www.theconativegroup.com
Are you looking to tone and rejuvenate your skin? Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa may have the perfect solution for you. Microneedling is an advanced, non-surgical, skin-resurfacing treatment that triggers the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA), which are three of the most essential building blocks that keep skin cells firm and supple. It also improves the appearance of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and tone, and aids in the reduction of surface imperfections such as acne scarring, stretchmarks and age spots. Microneedling is performed using a device with miniscule needles that creates a very minor controlled injury to the skin, thus triggering a healing response to renew the skin’s surface. In addition, we take collagen induction therapy to the next level by offering microneedling with radiofrequency (RF). Radiofrequency is known to be one of the most effective treatments available for skin tightening and produces healthier and firmer skin with ongoing gradual improvement for weeks at a time. Our professional and qualified staff take every measure to ensure safety and comfort during treatment. Take your standard microneedling treatments to the next level with microneedling with radiofrequency at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa. Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, Olga Bachilo, MD, 6300 West Loop South, Suite 620, Bellaire Texas 77401, 713.766.4428, hello@glamourplasticsurgery.com, GlamourPlasticSurgery.com
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NEIGHBORS
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by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer
Buzz About Town Bringing Ring Day home
their babymoon in Hawaii, not long before the pandemic hit) are looking forward to welcoming Baby Boy Bauer in June.
Typically, Texas A&M students receive their graduate rings the spring before their senior year. The rings are presented on campus with lots of fanfare. This year, the coronavirus intervened, and the event was cancelled. So, Dana and Juan Harris surprised daughter Sophia Harris with a Ring Day at home. Dana created a faux A&M ring out of a soda bottle cap, and it was presented to Sophia, a 2017 St. Agnes Academy graduate, during a socially distanced celebration in the driveway of grandparents Dee and Jim Avioli. Proud supporters included Sophia’s brother Matthew (big brother Joshua wasn’t in attendance as he was preparing to graduate from A&M soon after), Gina Taylor, Amanda and Seth Taylor, Laura Henderson, Catherine Buthod, Suzie Heiser, Sarah and Katie Fiore, DeeDee and Julianna Garcia, and Erin Smith.
Feeding healthcare heroes Friends Jeffrey Chuong, Omar Busaidy and BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 48
Bryce Liu – whose parents all work in the healthcare industry – started Food For Heroes to support local restaurants while feeding stressed healthcare workers. Jeffrey, Omar and Bryce order from local restaurants with donations they’ve collected and provide meals to hospitals. Omar and Bryce are students at Bellaire High School, and Jeffrey is a student at Texas Academy of Math and Science. Pictured are healthcare professionals at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center with a delivery of meals from The ’401. See FoodForHeroesTX.org or @FoodForHeroesTX on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Tuning in for Baby Bauer Friends had planned to host a musical-themed baby shower for Elissa Bauer, but, due to the coronavirus, the shower became virtual. Friends sent in video messages, compiled into a 30minute video, plus a playlist with a favorite song from every guest. Friends and family members who planned the event were Jamie Ashton, Rachael Baum, Sandi Selzer Bryant, Morgan Gaffney, Ricki Guberman, Susan Klaiman, Heather Krol, Arlene Lassin, Blake Leiber, Judy Mucasey, Andi Riesenfeld, Stacy Samet and Dina Shliak. Excited grandparents are Arlene and Gary Lassin, Jeffrey Riesenfeld, David and Doris Bauer, and Michelle Bauer and Chris Fader. Elissa and Josh (pictured on
Courtesy of Interfaith Ministries
Gala at home
As the scheduled date for Interfaith Ministries’ Tapestry Gala came closer, it became clear the in-person event couldn’t happen due to the coronavirus pandemic. IM president and CEO Martin B. Cominsky decided to proceed, virtually. The online experience was complemented by a gala-style dinner, delivered by IM’s Meals on Wheels drivers. Four hundred supporters participated, dining from home in the requested attire – PJs or loungewear – and raised more than $525,000 for IM’s services. The program included a performance of Home from The Wiz and of Bridge Over Troubled Water. It concluded with funny video bloopers, including board chair Franklin J. Harberg, Jr. (pictured), waving goodbye in his (continued on page 50)
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 49
Sarah McGriff
(continued from page 48) bathrobe. Search “Homey
Event: Interfaith Ministries Hosts Virtual Gala” at thebuzzmagazines.com for more details, photos and video.
Sweet sendoff
The Bellaire High School Belles Dance Team surprised their graduating seniors by delivering yard signs to each dancer’s house. Booster club president Judy Cheng and dance director Cindi Denman wanted to recognize the Class of 2020 Belles – Lauren Walker, Grace Marshall, Reagan Draper, Trinity Pittman, Madelyn Lewis, Meira Silverman, Leigh Vo, Jasmine Beveridge, Julissa Segura, Madison Dodson, Morgan Cheng, Amy Vazquez and Tessa Valente. Pictured is Colonel Morgan Cheng.
Drive-by celebration Twenty-two Bellaire-area seniors – graduates of Bellaire High School, St. John’s School, The Kinkaid School and The Emery/Weiner School – received a special celebration. Dr. Randi Raizner organized a car parade of neighbors to drive by the
seniors’ homes on several streets in Bellaire. Parents were asked to have their seniors wait outside their homes at a certain time and were surprised to see a parade of decorated cars with neighbors throwing candy and honking their congratulations. Pictured are Randi, Brad, Alex and Morgan Raizner and (on top of the car) Mickie May Levin.
Like father, like daughter Amy Engler recently graduated from Baylor College of Medicine. She matched to BCM's internal medicine program and is looking for-
ward to continuing her medical training in Houston. Her father, David Engler (pictured, with Amy), graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1985 and completed his residency training in internal medicine at BCM as well. David and Myrna Engler eagerly looked over Amy’s shoulder as she opened the email with the match results, and all were thrilled. The family celebrated at home with brunch and cake.
Printing PPE
Iron Plaid, Duchesne Academy's Upper School robotics team, went from building robots to making personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals. Sisters Anna and Bella Smith (pictured, from left), who are both members of Iron Plaid, used a 3D printer at home to create plastic visors to be used in face shields. Additionally, Lena Shadow printed plastic "ear savers" to protect ears from chafing from face masks. Iron Plaid worked with TXRX Labs, which is coordinating Houston's 3D printing community to create plastic components for PPE. Iron Plaid students, parents and faculty have donated more than 250 PPE components.
Crafting for a cause Beatrice Graubart (pictured, on right), who graduates from Emery/Weiner this (continued on page 52) BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 50
BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 51
Photo courtesy of Beth Yeshurun Yearbook
(continued from page 50) spring, and her older sister
Isabel Graubart (on left) have been making beaded bracelets that spell out phrases like “stay home” or “6 feet apart” and donating the proceeds to various causes. In addition, Beatrice sews face masks using a sewing machine she discovered in her attic – she watched YouTube videos, taught herself how to sew and has been donating the masks. She also makes hand sanitizer out of aloe vera and essential oils for her grandparents and their friends. In addition, she helped put together more than 200 baskets of school supplies and gift certificates for low-income children through Families Empowered. Read more on Beatrice; search “Crafting for a Cause: Houston Teen Steps Up During Coronavirus” by Pooja Salhotra at thebuzzmagazines.com.
The parade goes on
Julie Dickinson, Parker Elementary’s art teacher, had worked with students for nearly seven months to design an art car. Students were looking forward to cheering on the bright yellow car decorated with musical instruments, a nod to the school’s music-magnet status, in the 2020 Houston Art Car Parade. The popular event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Ms. D. drove the lion-themed car down the streets of Westbury with husband Ryan Dilbert so students could admire their work of art. She marked her route on a map she posted online, and the timing coincided with Parker music students’ quarantine flash mob. That day happened to be Ms. D’s birthday, and students played and sang “Happy Birthday” to their teacher. For photos and video, search "The Parade Goes On: An Art Car Parade of One" by Deborah Lynn Blumberg at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Honoring Joshua Erani Josh Erani passed away April 19 as a result of a weather-related car accident. The collegeBELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 52
bound senior spent his early years in Houston before moving to Newton, Mass., with his family seven years ago. Before moving, Josh attended Beth Yeshurun Day School. One day after Josh died, more than 30 students who graduated fifth grade with Josh in 2013 gathered on Zoom for a virtual service in his honor. Every one of his classmates attended the service – even those who had not spoken to Josh for years – a testament to Josh’s ability to make everyone feel seen, even as a child. “I would describe Josh as one of the most selfless and generous individuals I’ve ever met,” said Lillie Rosen, who met Josh at Beth Yeshurun and kept in touch with him since he left Houston. Led by Sam Rosen and Peter Berry, the call lasted for over an hour. Josh is survived by siblings Sarah, Joseph and Rachel and parents Dr. David and Diana Erani. Josh is pictured here (second from right in the bottom row) with his fifth-grade classmates and teachers. For more, search "Students Honor the Legacy of Classmate Joshua Erani" by Pooja Salhotra at thebuzzmagazines.com.
with the unusual circumstances surrounding her special day. He was inspired when a friend sent him a photo of their family calendar – their firstgrader had put Xs on all their fun planned events and remarked that “stupid Covid ruined everything.” As far as Annie’s 11th birthday plans, this hit home. Spring Break was cancelled; their Disney cruise plans were cancelled. So Coert decided to bake that idea into a cake. He replicated the structure of the coronavirus in red and gray fondant, including the club-shaped spikes that give the virus its distinctive, crownlike appearance. He set the fondant virus on top of a circular cake that he decorated as a calendar and then wrote “Happy 11th Birthday Annie!” in bright pink icing. The cake was a hit. Pictured are Annie (on left) and Dayton (on right), all smiles with the coronavirus-themed cake. For more on creative cakes during quarantine, search "Baking in Place: Baking Rises During Stay-at-Home Order" by Jennifer Oakley at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Corona-themed cake
Bellaire High School student staffers of the yearbook, Carillon, and newspaper, Three Penny Press, earned 21 Individual Achievement Awards from the Interscholastic League Press Conference. In addition, the 2019 Carillon won the highest possible award, the Distinguished Merit rating, and received a Bronze Star. Carillon staffers who placed included Anthony Chen, Jin Park, Eunice Bao, Reagan Kimzey, Allison Clarke, Declan Donnelly, Skye Waterland, Daniel Yuan and Thy Tran. Three Penny Press staffers who placed included Adam Remels, Adele Wren, Anna Trevino, Anne Greene, Joseph Mazella, Zoe George, Adam Remels, Mizuki Kai, Ishani Shethia and Ashlyn Martin. See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links to more information on winners.
For special occasions, Coert Voorhees loves to bake cakes for wife Molly, son Dayton and daughter Annie. Deciding on a theme for Annie’s 11th birthday cake was challenging
Power of the press
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
What do we miss?
I
n most every situation, there is a silver lining. Something to look forward to, something to take joy in, a lesson to be learned. This story began with a phone conversation I had with a friend during our stay-at-home days, lamenting our gray hair and the never-ending cycles of the dishwasher. At one point, our talk turned to what we were missing most: Was it seeing friends’ faces? Being comfortable in the same room as our parents? Dinners out? We wondered what everyone else was missing about the olden days, the ones back in February. So we asked, and, yes, much of our old normal was missed. But surprisingly – and here’s where the silver lining comes in – we learned a lot. About ourselves, and about what really matters. Here is what we heard. “I went to Target yesterday for the first time in six-plus weeks. It was awesome. What should I be looking forward to? A vaccine.” – Tracy Kapiloff “I am 60 years old, and my mother told me that women friends will matter more when you get older. It’s really true. Even if it’s inconvenient, I’m going to connect with my friends that matter to me. Not just convenient friends. And … I can’t wait to have dinner parties.” – Tina Pyne “I am loving quarantine! I’m going to miss more things than I am looking forward to. I love spontaneous workouts in the backyard as a family, I love everyone being home for dinner, I love not needing a manicure or brushing my hair!” – Peta Rubenstein “Besides the obvious – going to a grocery store and not feeling anxious and rushed, going to the gym, seeing friends, travel, kids back at school, visiting the hair colorist and manicurist – what I am really looking forward to is being able to be around people and not be anxious about whether I am too close, or in danger, or putting them in danger.” – Anonymous “I should be looking forward to full days at the office. I really just want to travel!” – Wendy Burgower “I am looking forward to not seeing myself on Zoom or Teams or any other video-based platform. Seriously, could anything be less flattering? I should be looking forward to taking a trip with my family, but honestly, I really want to go BELLAIRE BUZZ JUNE 2020 54
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back to the [Episcopal High School] campus. I miss my co-workers, the energy of the students, the beauty of the Trinity Courtyard, and the view of the front lawn from my office window.” – Peggy Haney “Hugging my friends and family and sitting comfortably inside their houses. And using their bathrooms and silverware!” – Amy Krasner “My mom! My mom is 80, and I have been going weekly to drop off groceries and medicines. I sit outside her door, 20 to 25 feet away. I want IT'S ALL RELATIVE For some, the time stuck at home during quarantine came with to kiss her! I want its share of blessings. to hug her! I want about what happens next: the uncertainty of the her to be able to go to the beauty shop again like health risks, the lack of firm calendar commitshe did every Friday! We will be fine, our kids ments. Of course, too many in our community will be fine. But my mom, it’s hard.” – Sarah are feeling the real financial impact that won't Gibbs disappear when the quarantine is lifted. So I “Non-socially-distanced sex.” – Buddy Herz guess I am crazy.” – Nicole Gibson “I love being isolated! I’m cooking, needle“I am ready for my college son to be able to pointing, reading and relaxing. Who knew? It work out and do things out of the house. He’s will be interesting to see what things defined as stir crazy.” – Denise Rashti normal will actually be worth going back to.” – “Simple. Going out to eat.” – Bernie Milstein Nancy Beck “I am really enjoying having my four kids at “I look forward to meeting friends and enjoyhome. I’m not sure they are enjoying it quite so ing a meal out with them.” – Stuart Hudson much. I never want to change this little bubble “I might be crazy, but I'm not too upset by the that I'm living in and [wish I could] somehow quarantine. My nest is full – those days are numkeep the news from them that stay-at-home bered, so I'm grateful to have my kids at home. orders have been lifted and just keep living this Don't get me wrong, I'm missing in-person time way for years.” – Anonymous Dad with friends and family, but I'm more worried