Issuu

The Waters family

Rodeo Chic by Michelle Casas Groogan

Vacationing with Wolves Neighbors Changing the World Breaking for Spring Recipe Wars Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

This Month in Dining: Sports Bars

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

o maybe we weren’t riding the range with a thunderstorm bearing down, threatening to wash away our calves. But it sure felt that way as we watched the hard rain drown out our outdoor photo shoot at the Houston Polo Club for this month’s cover story on rodeo fashion. Coordinating two photographers and more than 18 residents’ schedules had been no easy task for always-cheerful associate editor Annie Blaylock McQueen. One hour before, we had to cancel. Buzz editor Joni Hoffman’s dreaded first call was to Anne Richardson, who had rounded up 11 members of her rodeo-loving family for the photos. Anne said, “There’s no way we can possibly get everyone together again.” Then, a beautiful thing happened. Texas women took control. Anne, Joni, Annie and rodeo media manager Sarah Poole showed range-worthy resourcefulness. They redirected everyone to the Reliant Center board room, and the show went on. Cowboy up, everyone, and happy rodeoing. michael@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 bellairebuzz.com • facebook.com/bellairebuzz Editor Publisher Associate Editors Vice President, Sales Staff Writers

Contributing Writer Manager, Interactive Media Designer Manager, Business Administration Account Managers

Sales Associates

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Annie Blaylock McQueen Jay Janecek Tracy L. Barnett Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Jacob Padden Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Leslie Little Andrea Blitzer Darsey Swaim Erin Thompson Laura Callan Helen Hamilton Michele Luke

On our cover: Gerry and Lou Waters and daughter Thalie like to watch Lou’s brother, champion-cowboy Mike Outhier, compete in saddle-bronc riding at the Houston Rodeo. Cover photo by Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.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. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2014 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 MARCH 2014 4

The Results are in: YEAR 2013

Most Bellaire Homes Sold! WHY? #1 in SELLER SATISFACTION Specializing in Bellaire Properties since 1993 with over 650 Bellaire Sales Transactions to Date Honored 7 Times by the Houston Business Journal as being among Houstonâ€™s Top Realtors NEWER HOMES 4616 Locust 4820 Linden 4928 Mimosa 849 Jaquet 5007 Beech 4329 Darsey 4702 Welford 805 Circle 4614 Pine 4615 Birch 5307 Evergreen 5541 Grand Lake 3 Fournace Gardens 5316 Braeburn

NEW CONSTRUCTION 5200 Patrick Henry 5319 Pocahontas 127 Bellaire Ct. 5527 Grand Lake 5556 Little Lake 4803 Elm 5119 Locust 5219 Mimosa 4625 Birch 107 Bellaire Court 4511 Evergreen ORIGINAL HOMES 5564 Aspen

5541 Huisache 4810 Spruce 5424 Braeburn 5569 Aspen 5604 Whitehaven 5129 Maple 4922 Maple 4415 Ione 404 Otto 5000 Locust LOTS 5556 Little Lake 4803 Elm 4801 Locust

5119 Locust 4717 Sunburst 107 Bellaire Ct. 5304 Valerie 4408 Edith 4625 Birch 4628 Willow 5219 Mimosa 5221 Mimosa 5316 Patrick Henry 4618 Oakdale 4928 Valerie 531 Cascade

713.764.9850 mlivingston@gmail.com www.har.com/mikelivingston

Mike Livingston CRS ABR

#1 in Bellaire Listings sold since 2001. Let my record work for you! Professionalism, Local Market Knowledge, Personal Service

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Story helped her find old friend Thumbing through the most recent Buzz this month, I was quite shocked and delighted to see a familiar face: a photo of a handsome young man, who looked exactly as I remembered him when I was in grade school in our small hometown, Edna, Texas. The article, Love Lost and Found (by Andria Frankfort, February 2014), related a wonderful story about a couple who reunited in marriage after a lapse of 20 years apart, and it was undisputedly George Simons. I immediately contacted The Buzz to request the possibility of contacting him. Now we are communicating, sharing and recalling the deep, historical ties which always existed between our families, further enriched by subsequent generations. Interestingly, I also discovered that the nephew of a friend with whom he maintains contact is married to my sister! Having lived and raised my family in Houston it is very consoling to discover a connection from my hometown residing in such proximity to my neighborhood. After these many years we would never have recognized one another even within the perimeters of WU, so it is a happy circumstance that through The Buzz we experienced “Friendship: Lost and Found!” Susan Vance Williford

We started chatting for a while, and I told I her I needed to run so I could get to carpool and I still had to find some peanuts before I left. She said she was looking for peanuts, too. So, we headed off to find the nut aisle together. She told me she was trying a recipe for almond bark that she saw in The Buzz (Back Porch: Gifts You Can Eat, by Andria Frankfort, December 2013). I started cracking up and told her that was my recipe!! What are the odds?! Too funny! Kelly Evans Editor’s note: For Kelly’s recipe, see Andria’s story under the Food tab on our website: bellairebuzz.com.

Writer got it right We enjoyed our contact with Andria Frankfort concerning the article about us in The Buzz (Love Lost and Found, February 2014). She was very concise and interested in details about our story. We commend you in having her as a member of your staff. Sammie and George Simons 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?

Great! But now everyone knows As a 19-year resident of West University and a 16-year part-time resident of Telluride (in recent years at the Fairmont Franz Klammer) I was thrilled to see the story on wonderful Telluride (Travel Buzz: Texans in Telluride, by Tracy L. Barnett, February 2014). You captured some of the laid-back atmosphere of the town. My only hesitancy is that too much publicity might attract too many people. It has grown a lot in our years there. Each Monday at the Fairmont Franz Klammer reception for owners and guests, a favorite game is, “What part of Texas/Houston are you from?” Bert Campbell

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Know an amazing mother we should profile. • Are planning a wedding or recently got married. • Have a personal photo with a meaningful story behind it. • Have gone or know someone who has gone sailing in Greece. • Know an intelligent person who lacks street smarts or common sense.

Going nuts over Buzz recipe I have to share a funny story with you. I was at HEB, outside the Loop, just before Christmas, and a woman stopped me to compliment my boots.

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 6

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 7

BUZZ PICS

Vacationing With Wolves Instead of lounging on a beach, this college student studied wolves in Colorado and brought home never-ending memories. Submitted by Kelly Engler

When and where was the photo taken? Northwestern University Alternative Student Break 2013 at Mission: Wolf, a non-profit wolf sanctuary in the remote Colorado mountains. Who is pictured? I am rubbing the belly of Abe, an “ambassador wolf.” I went to Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and now am a junior at Northwestern University, majoring in theater and psychology. I wanted to do something adventurous over Spring Break, and I'm especially interested in studying animal behavior as it relates to acting and psychology. What is happening here? The sanctuary was started by Kent Weber in 1986 to provide a safe haven for captive wolves. They believe that keeping wild animals as pets does not end well. Wolves are not domesticated like dogs, who have been bred to be subservient. BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 8

Wolves prefer to interact with humans on their own accord. So Kent taught us the pressurerelease technique. You ignore the wolves and let them approach you. Then, when they come around, you bare your teeth to them so they can smell you. They can tell your age, gender and mood, all from sniffing your teeth. To make them come closer, you do the opposite of what you'd normally do. With dogs, you'd usually pull them over and hug them. With wolves, you touch them only for a second (pressure) and then let go (release). This makes them want to come closer. My favorite wolf was Farah. She licked all over my face and even knocked me over a bit. Kent told me to pull her in closer if I wanted her to back off. So I grabbed her fur and tugged her closer, and she quickly scooted back. She was high-energy and just wanted to lick me, but she doesn't necessarily know how delicate humans are compared to her wolf strength.

Why is the photo special to you? It embodies all that I learned at Mission: Wolf. I learned what it means to be sustainable and why that's important. Learning how wolves operate opened my eyes to how to interact with these gorgeous creatures. They are not monsters; they are simply misunderstood. I hope more people will learn how to live peacefully alongside these creatures before they go extinct. Every picture tells a story. Buzz Pics highlights a resident’s special photo and tells the story behind it. To submit your own Buzz Pics, send a high-resolution photo and answers to the Q&A questions. Total word length, including the questions, should be 300350 words. Send to info@thebuzzmagazines.com, or call 713-668-4157, ext. 22. With a print photo, bring it by or mail to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Please include your email, phone and home address. Stories may be edited for clarity or space.

Custom made in Houston, Texas Boots • Belts • Buckles Ostrich • Alligator And other fine leather goods

415 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas 77006 713.524.9860 www.tejascustomboots.com

RODEO SPECIAL Call us for details

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 9

by Michelle Casas Groogan, staff writer

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

NEIGHBORS

Rodeo Chic

s sure as you’ll find an honest-to-goodness cowboy in spurs at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, so too will you the finest urban-western duds – from fivefigure custom boots to heirloom-quality buckles to a Silver Belly Stetson. It’s as clear as a Corral Club shot of tequila that well-heeled city slickers know how to embrace this three-week invasion of country and western culture in style. Mary Ellen Verbois’ devotion to the rodeo started in 1974. Now on the Trailblazers and International committees, you can bet she has some gems in her closets. She pulled from an assortment of concho belts with Americanmined turquoise and coral accents to demonstrate how a gal can accessorize a simple blouse and jeans. “We used to dress to the nines. It’s very hard now to wear a total suede outfit,” said Verbois, who said attire has evolved from formal to casual now that the rodeo extends into Spring Break. “I’ve gone through all the changes and the styles. Years ago, it was the Native American squash blossom necklace that was in. Rodeo style has transitioned so much, and now that you have concho belts and jewelry you can take anything and make it western.” Gerry Waters, a marketing consultant who works with local refugees, is newer to the rodeo scene but has become an avid fan since moving to Houston from England 15 years ago. Her brother-in-law is a professional rodeo cowboy. “When I moved to Texas, I thought rodeos were just done for tourists in ol’ cowboy towns,” said Waters. “The first time I came to Houston, I went to the rodeo and I was completely blown away.” She has embraced the culture and fashion. “I’m not a glitzy dresser, and I don’t like a lot of bling. I like earthy, authentic and very strong colors, usually browns, blacks, reds and turquoises. I’ve got some big turquoise jewelry. But I love Emily Armenta – her jewelry is really strong and fantastic for accessorizing with western wear.” A jacket is a must for Gerry’s getup, and her favorites include apparel by Double D Ranch, suede by Scully or Paparazzi by Biz with intricate embroidered detailing. She is inspired by what others are wearing. BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 10

“I love the beginning of the rodeo when everyone is walking in looking their very best. Everybody is different. There are purists who wear tiny skirts and incredible boots and have the beautiful legs in between.” Her 10-year-old daughter Thalie’s ranch-wear collection is growing too. “I have a jacket with fringes and brown boots that have stitched design on them,” said Thalie. “I have some fantastic leggings that I wear. We have a lot of fun shopping together.” Fashion has become such a big seller at the HLSR that there is a waiting list for merchants to get a booth. This year, 350 were awarded coveted spots. Pat Mann Phillips, director of energy servKICKER Brock Wagner, owner of Saint Arnold Brewery, brainstormed a long ices at Revenade, spends time before deciding on custom boots with hop-flower inlays of crocodile-feet skin countless volunteer from Tejas Custom Boots. hours at the rodeo on where. And don’t forget to check out the sale the board of directors and as founding chair of rack in the men’s department. Consignment the Tours Committee, but her western sense shops will often have a good variety of seasonal comes from experience on the farm and four boots, jackets, hats and handbags.” decades of helping run a family-owned farm and Chris and Anne Richardson know a thing or ranch store. two about style. She is the 2010 recipient of the “My wardrobe is probably considered pretty Pearl Trailblazer Award, which honors top rodeo eclectic because I daily mix a lot of western and volunteers, and he serves on the Executive or Ralph Lauren-esque clothing into my tradiCommittee. They have a suite at Reliant tional wardrobe,” said Phillips. “Comfy leggings Stadium that they entertain in almost every and a tunic, from just about anywhere, make a night of the rodeo. Her “rodeo closet” is made great foundation. As long as you have a few good up of racks of clothes that take up most of the accessories, boots, jewelry, maybe a vest or scarf, third floor of her townhouse. you can put together a fun western outfit. Boho “When you get a bunch (continued on page 12) looks mix in well. Tunics are popular and every-

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

BACK IN BLACK Gerry Waters, who moved to Houston from England, cowgirls it up these days. She wears a Gretty Zueger shirt, Lucchese boots, and Main Street Utopia earrings. On the cover, she wears a Scully jacket. Daughter Thalie wears a Painsman hat, Rockmount jacket, Zara shirt, Ragdoll & Rockets pants, and Ariat boots.

is going to be fashion that happens,” said Anne Richardson. “It’s a fun environment, and you can get out of your box when you get ready for rodeo. I like to bring out some relics, and they’ll still work. You don’t even have to have a big huge western wardrobe – you can just accessorize to make things western.” “Sure there is some fancy dress, but western clothes really have a practical purpose,” said Chris Richardson. “They were used for protection of the cowboy – the jackets used to keep him warm, the hats to block the sun and the scarves to protect from all the dust. It’s part of our Texas heritage.” Rodeo has been a longtime family affair for the Richardsons. Their daughters, Christan Fuqua and Leslie Denby, both work the Trailblazer committee, along with their husbands. Matt Fuqua is chairman of the Junior Lamb and Goat Auction Committee. Many committees have moved toward vest uniforms, but it’s not stopping men from taking rodeo accessories seriously. “We have a nice rodeo vest we wear. It’s also a way to show what you’re working on – it’s a badge of honor,” said Fuqua. “I have a couple vests I like to wear, sports coats and jackets, but the buckles are a big deal. Customized belt buckles represent certain levels of money that have been raised.” This year the Fuquas gifted each other a pair of custom-made alligator boots for their 10th anniversary. Matt actually shot the alligator and saw it through the tanning process. But nothing beats dressing up their three little boys. “Some of the most fun we have is getting our kids duded up,” said Matt. “They love walking around wearing their chaps and hats, and we’ll get them a rope.” Brock Wagner, owner of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, decided nothing would be better than custom-made boots with hops on them, the flowering part of the plant used to make beer. He took his idea to Mike Kuykendahl of Tejas Custom Boots in Montrose, who has been making boots for 25 years, and they spent months brainstorming the idea. In the end, it was the normally useless piece of skin from a crocodile’s foot that proved the key. The scales had the same texture as the leaves on the hop cones. “They’re awesome. People love them,” said

Fashion show March 13 Rodeo-goers are invited to the Rocking the Rodeo Runway Fashion Show in Reliant Arena, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13. The show is included in your livestockshow admission. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs March 4-23 at Reliant Park. See rodeohouston.com.

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 12

Wagner. “I wear them to the brewery a couple of days a week. I have always loved wearing boots. I was the one kid wearing boots to high school in Cincinnati. I have always loved the outdoors and hiking, and I love going to the rodeo and looking at all the livestock – even the chickens are oddly compelling.” Some of the more glamorous and creative rodeo fashion doesn’t come from ranch-wear stores and instead has a biker edge. Jacki Cosgrove owns Azuz, a clothing boutique in Rice Village. “We don’t have any western wear. We have items that you can wear to the rodeo and be in style and current, then go and wear it to brunch the next day. It’s as easy as taking a crocheted hand-dyed dress or a blouse made with chain mail and putting it with boots and jewelry, and you’re ready for the show,” said Cosgrove. John McAleer, owner of the popular Buffalo Grille, is comfortable in boots and jeans year round. The member of the Judging Contest STAR STYLE Singer/songwriter Libby Koch, who will be playing at the Rodeo’s Committee, Tejas Wine Garden March 15, has a Gretsch Tennessee Rose guitar. The guitar strap Vaqueros Trail Ride and is from Souldier Straps in Chicago. Valley Lodge Trail Ride off of gorgeous sterling silver beads but stacked is happiest on his family-owned land outside up – that is the jewelry buzz right now,” said Houston. But he won’t let you label him a bona Maida. “Not just one necklace, but maybe two fide rancher. or three of different lengths.” “I’m not a cowboy. I’m not a city slicker. I’m Michelle Wasaff, daughter of Mary Ellen in between – I’m a Texan,” said McAleer. “I’ve Verbois, chair of the Trailblazers Committee, is a got about four different hats, and I’ll buy cheap full-time working mom of two. Her stylish rodeo ones. I keep it real simple and classy. I usually fashion sense is all about easy and sophisticated. wear [custom] M.L. Leddy’s boots with khakis “If I’m going to something that calls for cowboy and white button-down shirts. I like dressing just chic attire, then I’m gonna go buy a cocktail dress like my granddad did.” and pair it with my tall boots because those are He has lovingly held on to some heirloom more elegant. Then I’ll add a hat with some jewpieces like buckles and jackets passed down from elry,” said Wasaff. “Anything like lace, crochet, his grandparents. “I don’t consider myself a fashor anything with texture always works. Even your ionable person at all. But my grandmother used work blazer can be made to look western with to always get voted best dressed.” accessories. Confidence can pull anything off.” Jason Christopher Maida of Maida’s Belts and Buckles, just back from a big jewelry conference, Editor’s note: Photos were shot at the Louis M. says the big hype is all about turquoise. Pearce, Jr. Board Dining Room at Reliant Park. “American-mined turquoise pendants hanging Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

(continued from page 10) of women together, there

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

FASHIONISTAS Cindy Owen (at left), co-chair of the March 13 Rocking the Rodeo Runway Fashion Show, wears a Patricia Wolf vest, Bing Crosby jewelry and Twisted boots. April McGee (at right), Cindyâ€™s co-chair, wears Lucchese boots, a tunic top by Ivy Jane, and a Charlie 1 Horse hat.

www.hartphoto.com

RODEO ROYALTY Anne Richardson, Trailblazer Pearl Award winner, wears a Kippy appliqué jacket, porcupine-quill hatband and Lucchese lizard boots. Chris Richardson of the Executive Committee wears a Pinto Ranch jacket, 200X American Hat from The Hat Store and M.L. Leddy’s custom alligator boots.

www.hartphoto.com

GO WEST Matt Fuqua, chairman of the Lamb and Goat Auction Committee, loves to dress up his sons, Luke (at left), Graham (right) and his youngest, Clay, Western-style.

www.hartphoto.com

LIKE MOTHER Longtime rodeo volunteer Anne Richardson (middle) wears a Saddle Ridge Vintage Collection dress. Daughter Leslie Denby (at right) wears a vintage Anne jacket, leather pants and Stallion boots, and daughter Christan Fuqua (at left) wears a suede skirt by Scully, a sheer top by Etcetera, and custom alligator boots by James Morado.

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

DARLING DUO Mary Ellen Verbois (standing) wears a squash-blossom necklace and Joan Slifka earrings. Daughter Michelle Wasaff wears a cocktail dress, deer-hide belt, custom alligator boots, a Charlie 1 Horse hat and an ME Designs necklace.

NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Neighbors changing the world

he theory of collective consciousness says we’re all connected, and while we’re all living our own small lives, there’s something bigger going on. While working individually in their own distinct corners of the world, Lisa Helfman and Mandy Stein are both making big strides toward change. Lisa is director of real estate services at Texas Children’s Hospital and mom of two young boys. Mandy, 22 and a recent University of Texas at Austin graduate, lives across the globe in Tanzania. Both are connecting the dots in inspiring ways.

Lisa Helfman: Fresh produce for everyone Three years ago, Lisa was a working mom and a runner in good health, but her energy was low. So she decided to cut back on processed foods and join a weekly fruit and vegetable co-op. She thought the fresh produce would inspire better choices for herself and her family, and her hunch was right. Her sons, now 8 and 5, began tasting the swiss chard on their parents’ plates and asking for more apples. Lisa says she knew things had shifted when her son Drew, then 5, looked at a birthday cake and then up at her to ask, “Mama, do I have to eat this?” Around the same time, she and her husband, Jonathan Adler, a real estate developer, sat at a Texans game, taking stock of the other fans. For the first time, Lisa says, she and Jonathan noticed what everyone was eating, which, of course, was junk. “We thought about what a big change we had made at home, and we wondered how we could make it bigger,” Lisa says. “We thought about the need to change inner city kids’ eating habits and wondered if we could bring what we and our own kids had learned into the schools.” At the time, Lisa was participating in an American Leadership Forum class where they were discussing ways to effect positive change. Lisa brought her idea, tentatively, to her group. An enthusiastic response led to networking, which led to a conversation with Mike Feinberg, a founder of KIPP (the Knowledge Is Power Program public charter schools). Lisa says he told BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 18

BAGGED Lisa Helfman sits amidst 550 bags full of fresh Brighter Bites produce ready for students and teachers to take home.

her in that first meeting that if she could put the program together, she could launch it at KIPP. More networking ensued, and Lisa eventually enlisted support from the Houston Food Bank (the largest food bank in the country), which offered to be the project’s food distributor, its president taking it on as his personal project. Next, the University of Texas School of Public Health dialed in, adding a teaching component to the program. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” Lisa says. “I just had an idea and connected all the leaders.” With that, she put the building blocks – school, food and nutritional education – in place. Lisa piloted the project at KIPP Explore, a school in the East End of Houston’s downtown where more than 90 percent qualify for free lunches. She and her small team began distributing produce and educational flyers to 200 families. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Every one of the families who participated in the optional program that first fall semester signed up again in the spring. Today, Lisa oversees the distribution of produce to 2,300 families in 12 schools. “One third-grade boy told us he’d never had an orange before,” Lisa says. “Now they’re trying all this gorgeous produce, and they’re chasing us asking for kale smoothies!” In addition to overseeing distribution, Lisa writes grant proposals, resulting thus far in some

$3 million funneling in from the State of Texas, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The funding has enabled the project – now dubbed Brighter Bites – to hire three full-time staffers who office at the Food Bank, which incubates the program with office space, equipment and staff benefits. Six researchers at UT work on the project, and six interns rotate through. Parents at the schools sort and bag the fresh fruits and vegetables, and they’re given handbooks containing weekly nutrition lessons and recipes teaching them how to use the produce. Bags are co-branded with HEB, another sponsor, and soon families will get coupons to help them purchase healthy foods at the grocery store. There’s a PE component as well, with coaches being trained in nutrition and healthy activities for the kids. Dallas schools are next – they also received funding from the state legislature to implement the project – and some foundations are looking to take Brighter Bites national. Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank, says, “We are excited about the potential scale and replicability of the Brighter Bites model. Houston Food Bank loves to channel our food where it can not only feed people but also have a lasting impact.” Lisa adds, “We’re supercharging the Food Bank by sending the food out with the impact of education.” Little by little, she says, “We’re changing behavior.”

GRACE Mandy Stein, surrounded here by the African orphans she supports, named her nonprofit "Neema" International, meaning "grace" in Swahili.

Mandy Stein: From Austin to Africa While Mandy says there wasn’t “one particular thing” that caused her to move to Africa and work with orphaned children there, a family vacation in Kenya was key to opening her eyes – and her heart – to effecting change halfway across the globe. “Our family was on a luxurious safari, but our short detour into a Maasai village had a lifechanging effect on me,” Mandy writes from Tanzania. “These people lived off the land and had few to no material possessions at all. They were lacking access to medical care and education.” Mandy says when she came home from that trip, she couldn’t stop thinking about the villagers she met and the “hundreds of millions of other individuals around the world who lack access to the same things.” A few years later, while attending The University of Texas at Austin, Mandy returned to Africa to volunteer and teach in an impoverished, remote village. On her first day in Tanzania, a little boy gave her the name “Neema,” meaning “blessing” or “grace” in Swahili. It was on that trip that she promised the children with whom she was working – the Tuleeni orphans – that she would come back. “Many volunteers make promises to these children, but they very rarely follow through. I am not one to make promises I cannot keep.” So

Mandy went back to Africa, again and again, during Christmas and summer breaks from school. This past June, she moved there. Mandy is now executive director of Neema International, a non-profit organization she founded with the goal of improving the lives of East Africa’s youth. She spends her time working and living with the Tuleeni orphans, named “Tuleeni,” or “care for us” in Swahili, by the orphanage’s founder, an African woman who was once an orphan herself and began taking in children one by one. Most of the children Mandy works with were orphaned when their parents died of HIV/AIDS. She calls herself “a mom, a social worker, a mentor, a teacher.” In the 28 years that the Tuleeni Orphanage has existed, it has never had as many children enrolled in private schools. “We feel we are on the brink of something great that will help us transform the lives of hundreds of other children in our village,” Mandy says. Mandy also fundraises and is helping to build a bigger orphanage with a community center/educational facility. The new structure will include classrooms and a community library and computer lab, where people in the Tanzanian village of Uru will have access to educational opportunities promoting a sustainable lifestyle. “These people are stuck in a crushing cycle of poverty that will continue for generations to come, unless someone does something

to stop it,” Mandy says. Family friend and Neema supporter Lesley Robbins says she’s watched Mandy grow up and “always knew what she was doing but never anticipated that she would essentially give everything away to go and help these children. What she’s doing is phenomenal.” Even at 22, Mandy has volunteered extensively in the States, having served as a mentor, tutor and counselor at “the poorest middle school in Austin, which works on drop-out prevention. These children, just like me, were born in America and dealt a hand of cards,” the Bellaire resident and graduate of The Emery/Weiner School says. “I never understood why I was handed a life filled with education, opportunity and unconditional love, while there were other children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from.” Mandy recognizes that there is a lot of work to do at home. “The wide variety of people I have worked with [at home] live with hardships and disadvantages, but they are blessed to live in America, where opportunities do exist and resources are available, even if they are difficult to obtain.” Mandy knows she “may not be able to save everyone’s life. But at the end of the day,” she says, “at least you will be able to say that you were one of the people who went out and tried to do something.” BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 19

TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Breaking for Spring

y now, many of you have already made your Spring Break reservations and are counting the days – but if not, you’re lucky. Houstonians are well placed to make a decision at the last minute. Some head east along 1-10 to Seaside, Florida, where legions of Houstonians are known to congregate during Spring Break and all summer long; others stay closer to home. Whether your Spring Break is a staycation, a quick getaway or the adventure of a lifetime, the important thing is to do it. Terrie and Rob James discovered Seaside, an idyllic community along Florida’s famed 30A

near Destin, in 2011. Their longtime friends and Memorial neighbors Anna and Tim Jones had been going for several years, and had fallen in love with the place. It was easy to see why. Many Houston families travel together to Seaside and its surrounding neighborhood of Watercolor, renting homes just down the road from each other. For the Jameses and Joneses, when they aren’t enjoying Seaside’s sugar-white sand beaches and emerald water, they’re biking down picture-perfect lanes and trails; stand-up paddleboarding with friends; ordering a Frost Bite snow cone or a grilled cheese sandwich from the vintage Airstream

trailers that line 30A in the center of Seaside; or playing flashlight tag at sundown. On one trip the Jameses’ three daughters – Carolyn, Emily and Sarah Kate – took off with friends their first day in Seaside. “We suddenly had the afternoon to ourselves, so we were able to sit, have a cocktail, and enjoy the view from Bud and Alley’s.” “It’s a little community,” explained her friend Anna, who’s been going to Seaside for seven years. “Kids are free to be kids; they’ll go get their snow cones and run around with their friends and go to the beach and go surfing…. For us it’s just a fun, active family vacation. There’s some-

Kristen Metcalf

Why pay a 6% commission to sell your home? William Palmer Properties 713-682-4999 • williampalmerproperties.com BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 20

thing for everyone there.” Other Houston families have found other ways to experience the magic of shared Spring Break with friends and family. Usually the Shahs go skiing in Tahoe, and the Yalamanchilis have gone on a Disney Caribbean cruise and skiing in Vail on recent Spring Breaks. But a couple of years ago, Nina Shah was looking to save money and was shocked by the airline ticket prices to just about anywhere – at a minimum of $300 apiece, for a family of five it was a stretch. And Sushma Yalamanchili, whose husband Haresh couldn’t get away last year for Spring Break, decided at the last minute to team up with her friends Julie Weatherly and Yvette Gotthelf and find a closer destination. The Shahs coordinated with other friends in Bellaire, the Allens and the Garcias, who have children around the same age, and caravanned together to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. They chose the place for its giant indoor waterpark – ideal for a pack of little ones. At the time, her son and daughter, Vir and Uma, were 5 and 6. The kids were enthralled with Great Wolf Lodge – which looks like an ordinary hotel on the outside but behind the ordinary façade there’s an imaginary forest, vast waterpark and roaming characters. But what captivated them the most was Magic Quest. Modeled after the Harry Potter books, the game involved following

HOUSTON HITS THE BEACH The Jones and James families from Memorial enjoy vacationing with other Houston friends at a favorite getaway spot, Watercolor Resort at Seaside, Fla. From left, back row: Emily James, Katie Jones, Sarah Kate James, Claire Gammill (riding piggyback), Carolyn Stewart, Maddie Hiskey, Bryant Hiskey, Kenzie Hiskey and Carolyn James. Front row: Olivia Jones, Evan Jones.

clues to find magic wands hidden all over the resort. “The kids would wake up in the morning and say, “Oh, can I go with Augustine and do a quest? And they can’t really get lost; it’s a

nice contained way for them to roam around.” Meanwhile, the moms could relax, go to the gym or just hang out. Later, as the children swam or watched the dive-in movie, they could sit at the bar overlooking (continued on page 22)

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 21

(continued from page 21) the pool and enjoy a

drink together. Sushma’s group chose Lakeway Resort in Austin at the suggestion of some of her Austin friends, one of whom had gotten married there. Her boys, Ravi and Rohan, are 8 and 9; Julie has two boys the same age, and Yvette has an 8 year old. At Lakeway they went fishing and enjoyed an indoor pool with “dive-in” movies; on a day trip into Austin, they explored Barton Springs. “We have had some trips that by the time we returned home, we needed a vacation from the vacation,” Sushma said. “For this trip, we just packed up the car and left for a few days, and it was a spontaneous, last-minute decision.” Sushma says her husband is sorry he missed it last year – and he doesn’t plan to again. “I think it’s really important for the family to spend quality time together over Spring Break— wherever you choose to spend it,” Sushma said. “I think it makes the family a closer unit and creates lasting memories for all of us.” For families with kids at home, long gone are the days of lounging on the beach with an umbrella drink. But that’s not to say that Spring Break is a thing of the past – or that it has to be all about the kids. For the spontaneous among you, we’ve put our heads together and come up with a few suggestions.

Quick Trips Some years it’s enough to just pack the kids in the car and do day trips or head to the closest available resort. If that’s you: San Antonio: Explore the city’s new Mission Reach of the expanded River Walk – think hiking, biking or kayaking along the San Antonio River going south past all four Spanish Colonial Missions, recently nominated as a World Heritage Site. Visitors can save hundreds on their San Antonio Spring Break with the city’s SAVE (San Antonio Vacation Experience) program (visitsanantonio.com). Southwest Louisiana: Mosey along the 180mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road with stops for alligator adventures, airboat tours, shelling on the Gulf beaches or bird watching. Download the free smartphone app at creolenaturetrail.org. Galveston: Moody Gardens has a couple of new items for Spring Break: National Geographic Real Pirates exhibit, and a new ropes course and zipline. Adventurers, take a stand-up paddle board excursion with Ohana Surf & Skate (lessons available). Gamers, drop by Board Game Island, a new café at 213 23rd St. Foodies, head down the street to the new kitchen boutique, Kitchen Chick, 528 23rd St. For sea and sand, head for Stewart Beach (named one of the best family-friendly beaches in America by Family Vacation Critic last year) over East Beach, which is known as the “party” beach in Galveston and is the only public beach park where alcohol is permitted. Houston area: Blessington Farms in BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 22

BARTON SPRING BREAK Three Buzz-area families take a timeout together to enjoy a bit of Austin. From left: Cole Wakil, Sean Gotthelf, Ravi Yalamanchili and Jake Wakil.

Simonton gives kids a taste of the farm life. Pick your own strawberries, then set the kids loose to explore the giant hill slides, barreltrain rides, a giant sand mountain, hay rides, pedal cars, chickens to hold, a hay maze and more. From March 8 to 11, the Compassion International Change the Story Tour will set up its 3,500-square-foot interactive Mobile Experience here, giving families a chance to travel virtually to other countries and see the lives of real families.

Road Warriors Moab, Utah, with layover in Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Experience this geological marvel by camping, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and, new this year, zip lining at Palo Duro Adventure Park, located just outside the state park entrance. There’s plenty to see in Amarillo, too; cowboys still ride the range, you can still find a chuck wagon meal, and thanks to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, the town is also home to more than 100 quarter horse sculptures that dot the city, each of them painted in a different and often imaginative way. Moab (18-hour drive from Houston): Take the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, see remnants

of an old copper mill and Indian rock art, and take the kids rappelling and learn climbing techniques with one of Moab’s trained tour companies. Arches National Park is a breathtaking sight, as is the nearby Canyonlands National Park, and both have several short trails great for children. Consider renting a campground cabin for the family spring break.

Florida Beachcombers Destin: On Florida’s Gulf Coast, Destin has become a hub for Houstonians. Like Seaside, it’s a day’s drive east down I-10, and the waters are emerald green and inviting. For those who want a little more action than bucolic Seaside, Destin Harbor is where it’s at. You can walk along the docks to see the charter fishing boats coming in with their catch (or charter an excursion yourself). Take a dolphin cruise, go parasailing or jet skiing. For schoolage kids, there is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park as well as Big Kahunas Waterpark. Note: Last season, Destin started having an influx of Spring Breakers, who became unruly and littered the beach. “The Sheriff’s office came out in full force, and we’re hoping word spreads fast this is NOT for the Spring Break party crowd,” said Tracy Louthain, Destin spokesperson. “Up until last year, it was all families.”

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 23

SPORTS

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 24

Twine had high praise for his five starting players, including Isaiah Specks, son Chase Twine, James Masterson, Ehi Airwele and J.T. Williams. “It’s a really strong group. Isaiah is a 6-4 power forward who averages 21 points a game. Chase averages 14 points per game, and he’s only a sophomore. Also, James and Ehi average about 12 points a game, and J.T. is our junior point guard who averages eight points and five assists a game.” With that kind of talent, Twine has his sights on duplicating last year’s success in the playoffs. UNDEFEATED James Masterson is part of an impressive group of five starting “We made it all the way players who led St. Thomas' Episcopal to an undefeated district championship. to the state Final Four for the Mustangs. “Leslie’s a powerhouse,” said for the first time in school history last year, and Amarantos. “She’s extremely strong and physithat was a pretty great deal for our school.” cal. In addition, Amarantos had high praise for With a talented and experienced lineup, the senior forward Olivia Brook, as well as senior Memorial Mustangs girls soccer team has high defender Maggie Sherwood. “Olivia is one of expectations this season. “We’ve got 14 returnthe fastest players you’ll see on the soccer field. ers, including 10 seniors, so we’re pretty excited She’s signed to play at Texas. Maggie’s just a about our prospects,” said Mustangs head coach great defender. She is extremely consistent game Lindley Amarantos. in and game out. The Mustangs certainly were off to a prom“I expect us to fight for a district champiising start by finishing second in the I-10 onship. Last year, we lost a tough 2-1 game in Shootout soccer tournament, which brings the playoffs to a Katy-Taylor team that advanced many of the region’s top teams to Katy each to the state tournament, so with so many players year. “The girls played well,” said Amarantos. coming back, I think we have a chance to go a “It’s a great tournament, so we’re pleased to long way again this season.” finish second.” Among the key starters returning from a team Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardthat advanced to the third round of the playoffs winning co-host and producer of the KUBE last year is senior midfielder Lanie Russo. SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 “Lanie is a dynamic player. She controls the p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school middle and can really change the game.” sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, Also, senior Leslie Bonner, who’ll play colplease email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. lege soccer at Texas Christian University is back Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

ational Signing Day amounted to a magnificent day for the Lamar High School football team, with eight players signing their official letters of intent to play at the highest level of collegiate football. Four of the signees – Darrell Colbert, Braylon Hyder, Kyran Mitchell and Shelby Walker – will play for the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. “The coaches at SMU respect our winning tradition here at Lamar,” said player Colbert. “We have great talent and coaches at Lamar, and that’s why you’re seeing so many of us moving on to the next level.” In addition to the SMU signees, Ira SavageLewis signed with Baylor, John Plattenburg is going to USC, Brandon Agomuo is heading to New Mexico State, and John Bonney signed with The University of Texas. Bonney’s signing was especially big for Texas in the wake of reports that the highly touted defensive back was considering a switch to Auburn or Baylor. “The last couple of days were pretty stressful,” said Bonney. “But I really like new head coach, Charlie Strong, and the idea of being part of something special at UT. It’s been a life-long dream for me to play at Texas.” The eight Division 1 signees for Lamar is more than any high school in all of Greater Houston. “It was an incredible class of players, and we’re going to miss those guys,” said Lamar head coach Tom Nolen. In basketball, with big wins over The Woodlands Christian and Cypress Christian to close out the regular season, St. Thomas’ Episcopal captured its TAPPS-3A District Championship with an undefeated 12-0 record in district play. In addition, with an overall 239 record, STE entered the playoffs as the state’s No. 3-ranked small private school. “We’ve been playing really well, despite playing a bunch of freshmen this season,” said head coach Chris Twine. “We played a really tough non-district schedule against some good public schools, and that helped us out at well. One of our big non-district wins was against Wichita Falls by 10 points. We also beat state-ranked Bay Area Christian by 28 points and Lutheran North by 20 points.”

What is a life settlement? Often people buy life insurance to cover a certain risk, such as dying too early. Other times to pay estate taxes. Or they are required to buy a policy in connection with a business loan. What is to be done with these policies when the need for which they were purchased is no longer present? For term insurance policies, owners can simply stop paying the premium and the policy goes away. For cash value policies, owners can cash in the policy and receive its cash surrender value, and the policy is gone. However, these two options may not maximize value. Another option that should be examined is selling a life insurance policy to a third party. Often hedge funds and other investment groups will purchase policies from people who no longer need them. The purchase price, in some cases, exceeds the cash value, sometimes by a significant amount. Proper valuation of the policy is extremely important. The value of the policy is based upon the insured’s age and health. When a policy is purchased, the younger and healthier a person, the lower the cost. When a policy is sold, the older and sicker a person is, the higher the value. If an offer is made, it is not uncommon for the offer to range between 10 percent and 45 percent of the face value of the policy. If there is a cash value, the policy owner often receives the cash value as well as 10 percent to 45 percent of the excess death benefit. Here is a real life example. A Buzz reader came to my office for some financial planning. He is in his early 70s. He had a term policy, and his question was should he keep it. He had been considering stopping payments because the premium was becoming very expensive. I suggested he look at

selling the term policy, which had a death benefit of $300,000. The policy was shopped, and he ended up with an offer of $12,000 in exchange for the policy. This man is in relatively good health. Many people have purchased insurance to cover estate taxes. With the 2014 exemption set at $5,340,000, many policies that were purchased to pay estate taxes may no longer be needed. Rather than just cashing in these polices or stopping payments, consider attempting to maximize value by selling the policy. Not all policies will receive an offer, but some will. See your financial advisor for details! This material is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation. All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed. Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Park Place Financial, which is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. SagePoint Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Legal advice provided by Christopher J. Maurer. 6750 West Loop S, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401 (713) 667-4884. Christopher J. Maurer, J.D., CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in Bellaire, with over 20 years of experience. He can be reached at cmaurer@parkplacefinancial.co or 713-667-4884.

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 25

SPORTS

by Jacob Padden, contributing writer

elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school. This month we’re all about middle school.

Pin Oak lacrosse

Matthew Williams

SportzBuzz, Jr. Matthew Morrison (top photo) and the Pin Oak boys’ lacrosse team, along with dozens of other Houston teams, competed in the fourth annual “7’s for 7” lacrosse tournament at Houston Amateur Sports Park. This tournament benefitted the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance in Greater Houston. It was held in memory of Drew Webb, who tragically took his life in 2010 after suffering from depression. Drew grew up in Houston and was a star lacrosse player at Episcopal High School, as well as the school’s valedictorian.

George Fisher (middle photo) was able to dribble around the defender with the help of a strong pick set by Sachin Jaggi, as the basketball season for private middle schools came to a close at the varsity, junior varsity and sixth-grade levels. Throughout the season, Presbyterian competed against schools within the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference and some schools in the Greater Houston Athletic Conference. This photo comes from a varsity game with John Paul II Catholic School.

Sarah Fisher

Presbyterian boys’ basketball

ROBS girls’ soccer

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 SportsBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis. BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 26

Melanie Hightower

Leena Provenzano (bottom photo), captain of River Oaks Baptist School’s seventh-grade girls’ soccer team, dribbles around an opposing player. River Oaks Baptist School is part of the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference, which includes Annunciation Orthodox School, Duchesne, First Baptist, The Kinkaid School, Presbyterian School, Second Baptist, St. John’s, St. Michael’s, St. Francis and The Village School.

NEIGHBORS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Art of writing Jackson Hassell won two Silver Key awards, for science fiction and poetry, in the 2013-14 regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. His short story, The Daedalus Network, describes, through the eyes of a grieving man, a future in which a wellmeaning artificial intelligence, via a popular Internet network, tries unsuccessfully to solve its users’ problems. His poem, What Angels Look Like,

explores a moment when a glass window cracks on a doomed underwater explorer’s submersible. Jackson is a sophomore in creative writing at The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Other writing honorees from HSPVA were Seokhyun Baek, Willow Curry, Adam Elkhadem, Claudia Heymach, Olivia LopezParsons, Sarah Portugal, Caitlin Rhoades, Eva Schneller, Jaelynn Walls, Alexander Wheeler and Natasha Wright. Visual-arts winners were Zoie Brown, Willow Curry, Adam Elkhadem, Ian Estes, Hazel Fricke, Tatyana Oliva Skalany, Cassie O’Sullivan, Sidney Tennant and Patrick Zapien.

Alex Atherton • Bellaire native and resident • Former Bellaire Cardinal • Special discount offers for Bellaire residents

Advantage BMW - Alex Atherton New and Pre-Owned Sales 713.705.5788 • aatherton@advantagecars.com 1305 Gray Street, Houston 77002 www.advantagebmw.com BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 28

Baseball banquet The highlight of the second annual Skeeter’s Hot Stove Banquet was the introduction of the 16-member All-Greater Houston Preseason High School Baseball Team. Among the 2014 honorees were Tucker Cascadden, Lamar High School; Matt Collins, Memorial High School;

Michael Rodgers (pictured), St. Thomas High School; and John Henry Styles, Episcopal High School. Rodgers, a right-handed pitcher, has committed to play next year at Rice University.

Horn golf

bottles, light bulbs and other glass containers. His creations have been exhibited in museum collections in Japan and Europe, as well as the Smithsonian in Washington D.C and the San Diego and Houston maritime museums. His pieces focusing on the Holocaust have been recognized by the U.S. Holocaust Museum and Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. Enjoying the talk were teacher Jill Morgenstern, teacher Sandy Reckles (Burton’s daughter-inlaw), Sarah Savitz, Simon Itkin, Kovi Omessi, Zain Rao, Benjamin Shoss, Benjamin Litofsky,

Madison Rose, Shannon Pacholder and Ryan Gartzman.

Burgers for baseball Brennan Hoffman, Walker Whitney, Evan Cox and Jackson Kelso (pictured, from left) all recently turned 13. The boys are great friends and have played Bellaire Little League together since they were 5. They had a joint birthday bash at Beck’s Prime in Memorial Park with more than 200 friends in attendance. In lieu of presents, the boys asked (continued on page 30)

Be sure and join the Horn Academy Dad’s Club for its ninth annual golf tournament this Spring. The tournament will be April 25 at Southwyck Golf Club in Pearland. Last year it raised more than $12,000 for the school. Pictured (from left) are dads Jeff Draper, Tyler Forner, Kent Cantrell and Tomas Sloan.

How’d he do that? Burton Reckles, a world-renowned miniaturist of maritime and Judaica-themed works, recently visited with elementary students at The Shlenker School. He brought a few of his famous glass-encapsulated miniatures, which were in

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 29

(continued from page 29) each invitee to instead

make a small donation to the Bellaire Little League Dirt to Diamonds Campaign. The boys were successful in raising more than $5,000 for the campaign. They will be able to sponsor the purchase of the final park bench for the Little League fields at Horn Academy. Their names will be added to the wall of fame for reaching at least $2,500.

Joshua Natelson, Grant Stidman, Nicholas Vo, Rahul Draksharam and Matthew James.

Boy meets world On March 6, the Houston Boychoir will host its third annual Status of Boys Scholarship Luncheon at the Junior League of Houston. A noted expert on boys, Dr. Anthony Rao, will

Strawberry pickin’

It was a fun-filled day in the country for Bear Den 9 of Pack 34 as they enjoyed an outing to Blessington Farms just west of Katy. At the farm they learned about hydroponic strawberry farming and got to pick their own strawberries. They also enjoyed pedal cars and hay rides, and holding heritage-breed chickens. Pictured are (from left)

Brain Training What it is, how it works, and

why you should care. LearningRx is the expert in the applied science of neuroplasticity by performing intense one-on-one mental exercises that strengthen neural connections and even create new ones resulting in measurable and permanent improvements, raising IQ an average of 15 points and changing how the brain thinks, reads, remembers and pays attention. • Struggling students • ADHD • Dyslexia/Reading • Adults • Memory • and much more…

Special Oﬀer: $145 Cognitive Assessment (Reg $245)

713.839.8885 • www.learningrx.com/houston-central Houston-Central 4061 Bellaire Blvd. Cinco Ranch • Huntsville • Houston-Clear Lake Spring-Champions • The Woodlands • Sugar Land

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 30

answer many of the most asked questions about raising boys in today’s world. The proceeds from the luncheon will fund Houston Boychoir scholarships. Individual tickets are $125. Pictured (back row, from left) are Seth Quintinilla, Jacob Miller, Coleman Harper, Hunter Pando, Matthew Zhang, Ethan Fang, Ian Anderson, (middle row, standing), Caleb Martinez, Brook

Gee, Wake Foster, Adrian Alhadidi, (front row) Preston Parker, Justin Hu, Grey Watson and Patrick Jones. See houstonboychoir.org or call 281-484-1560.

with a large committee of more than 30 volunteers to pull off a huge silent auction, tuition raffle, and live auction – all in support of Fay’s mission. Individual tickets start at $200.

Fay’s Havana Nights

You go, girls

The Fay School’s annual school gala is set for March 29 at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of The Houstonian Hotel. This year’s co-chairs, Debbey Guy and Jennifer Shellist, (pictured, from left) are not amateurs when it comes to pulling off a great fundraiser. The duo have worked on numerous events throughout their years at Fay and say they are particularly looking forward to watching this year’s theme, Havana

Nights, A Gala in White, unfold through the decorations. Think cigar rolling and Cubanthemed cocktails. The chairs have collaborated

The St. Mark’s Episcopal school sixth-grade girls’ basketball team won back-to-back tournaments. The victories included the St. Mark’s Tournament, with a win over Cornerstone Academy, and the St. Francis Tournament, with a win over The Presbyterian School. They’re coached by Fred Silverstein and Isis Gardner. Pictured (from left) are Coach Silverstein, Ashley Mamuko, Emma Birdwell, Abby Bailey, Coach Gardner, (front row, from left) Abbey Sizemore, Maddie Scholtes, Jamesy Trammell and Abby Lynch. Not pictured: Lani McHenry.

This is the first time a St. Mark’s basketball team has won both its tournaments in the same year.

Honoring Rich Germain

Friends and family gathered together for a poker tournament held on Jan. 26 in honor of Rich Germain, a husband, father and friend who passed away suddenly on Jan. 3. His poker buddies held the tournament to raise money for the Germain Children’s Fund, which was set up to help support Rich’s four children. The event was at The Shlenker School at Congregation Beth Israel, and 73 players raised a substantial sum. The tournament was hosted by (pictured, from left) Jeff Karchmer, Rabbi Mark Miller, Samara Hurley and Chris Bisel. Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.

Watch polo come alive! The Houston Polo Club. Sunday polo and a whole lot more.

• Polo school/English riding lessons • Programs for players and riders of all skill levels and ages. • Corporate & charity group events • Polo clinics/corporate team building • Visit us online for tickets, schedules and more information.

8552 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024 713.997.8375 • www.thehoustonpoloclub.com

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 31

COLLECTOR Jon Daniels, an eighth grader at Pershing Middle School, has about 10,500 Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. He has collected them since age 5.

KIDS by Jon Daniels, age 14

Buzz Kidz

House of cards

ver since I was 5, I have been fascinated by the collectible trading card game YuGi-Oh! Every single weekend I would go out to any store I could find and buy about 10 packs there. I am now 14, and I have about 10,500 cards. Yes, I own more than most stores do. I’ve been called a nerd, as I’m sure you could guess. I’ve had cards stolen, destroyed, and, the simplest of all, lost. There was a running joke at my house that cards were in every single nook and cranny, and seeing as I would find them anywhere from my mattress to inside of a fireplace (I don’t know – don’t ask), I think it was pretty reasonable. In my picture here, I have most of the cards from the new set, Legacy of the Valiant, one of my four binders, and a duel disk on my arm. A duel disk is what characters from

the show would wear to make the summoned monsters “come to life.” They were discontinued soon after they came out, so they are more collectible than the cards! All of my cards are up for sale, and I really wish that I could make some people happy by making them a deck or two. If expensive ink and paper make you happy, I’m the guy for the job. I remember a time not so long ago when I went to Target with one of my best friends, and we decided to buy some packs. We went into the store, got five packs each, and went on our merry way. On the way back to our tournament, we opened our packs, and we were pretty impressed. My friend got a few $5 cards, and I got the staple for every deck I have built from this point on: Evilswarm Exciton Knight. Here’s some perspective: After spending $20 on

packs, we got this Secret Rare (1:256 ratio) $70 card. If you want to get involved in this game, just use the online game Dueling Network to see every card, and try to make your way from there. 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, TX 77401.

Early Bird

$10 off one week

Hrs. 9am-3pm • Weekly Sessions June-Aug 1st-5th grade • Creative Themes • A huge amount of FUN 10371 Stella Link (inside THE ZONE) (713)817-0177 • www.ArtCampAdventures.com

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 32

Porsche • Mercedes • BMW • Audi • Land Rover Since 1973, Houston’s leader in the care and repair of fine European autos. Bring this ad and receive 10% off your next service. Up to $100 off. Expires April 30, 2014.

5103 Gulfton @ S. Rice 713.661.6428 • www.eurocarwerk.com

DINING GUIDE by Dai Huynh, staff writer

This Month in Dining: Sports Bars Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime restaurant writer. Her visits to restaurants in our Buzz Dining Guide were anonymous, and she paid for her meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too. Write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at bellairebuzz.com.

Bite Macarons

YARD HOUSE Sports fans and families gather at the Yard House for its multiple TV screens and a well-executed, diverse menu.

here is no shortage of bars at which to watch the crowd-pleasing spectacle that is March Madness. Here, amid draft choices and a chilled-out vibe, you can cheer or jeer while chomping on quasi-tapas and pub grub as flat-screen TVs broadcast whatever NCAA game’s playing or being overanalyzed. It’s fun, and just more exciting when watching with a crowd. Rarely do these places take reservations, so arrive early to snag a prime viewing spot, or, in the case of the Celtic Gardens (2300 Louisiana), a cozy leather sofa or a picnic table on the expansive patio. Along with a 24-faucet draft-beer tower named Goliath, regulars can choose from 20-plus bottled beers and a better-than-average selection of bar food, including seared ahi tuna sliders, quesadillas with marinated artichokes and mushrooms, and Southern-fried chicken tenders with waffle fries. For local football fans, the Houston Texans Grille (12848 Queensbury Lane) is the place at which to celebrate or commiserate. Nearby, in the heart of CityCentre, Yard House (800 Sorella Court) appeals to foodies, sports fans and families with its wide variety of choices, from Chinese-style, orangepeel chicken to Cajun spicy jambalaya with jumbo shrimp. Chula’s Sports Cantina (9501 Southwest Freeway and 10500 Katy Freeway) embodies a bordertown ambiance with skimpily dressed waitresses and buffalo wings and Tex-Mex standards. The big advantage here is the multiple screens, and – even better – almost all of the booths have their own personal TVs to tune into your game of choice. In the Galleria, Champps Americana (1121 Uptown Park Blvd.) boasts it has the best seat outside the stadium. That’s because there are 30 flat-screen TVs, including four giant-screen projectors reserved for Texas teams. Here, guests can watch multiple live games at once while chomping on a signature gourmet burger, or they can request a specific sporting event. BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 34

French pastries Neighborhood: West University Making macarons is a dare, especially in Houston’s soggy climate. These delicate orbs in a multitude of colors and flavors are finicky. Their golden, smooth crust turns into dud-like chews at the hint of humidity. Macarons also demand surgical precision in the sifting of superfine sugar and ground almonds, combined with the beating of egg whites. A misstep and the result is a gritty fistful of chalk. And so, it was a treat (and surprise) to bite into the puffed-up salted caramel and pistachio renditions from Bite (in the Kroger shopping center). At last, the search for macarons “almost” like those from the venerable Ladurée in Paris is over. Granted, the weather was perfect that day – hardly a hint of humidity, nor a disappointed face at this charming whitegloss dessert-coffee house. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sun. 5172-B Buffalo Speedway, 713-664-2483. $

Costa Brava Bistro French-and-Spanish cuisine Neighborhood: Bellaire Working backward at this Spanish-inspired restaurant, the refined desserts include crema Catalan with a miraculous crunchy sugar glaze

and an apple tart that smartly blends smoky caramel with buttery pastry. The flavorful seafood paella from owner Angeles Duenas’ grandfather sports perfectly al dente rice. Moist roasted duck and shrimp piquant with garlic make this upscale spot pleasing. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat. 5115 Bellaire Blvd., 713-839-1005. costabravabistro.com. $$$

Étoile Authentic French Neighborhood: Galleria area When several talented French chefs urge you to try the food at Étoile, it’s hard to dispute their keen taste for the food of their homeland. Just as they said, the flavors here are true, and ownerchef Philippe Verpiand and wife Monica Bui have created an alluringly warm showcase for a hearty coq au vin and tender sole meunière with lemon caper sauce, fingerling potatoes and roasted cauliflower – both brunch items. Briny mussels flavored with tomatoes and onions are served with homemade pomme frites and garlic aioli. The beauty of this place is almost everything is made from scratch, including the crusty baguettes. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., 832-668-5808. etoilecuisine.com. $$

Fioza Gourmet coffees & paninis Neighborhood: Meyerland

Fragrant coffees from a local roaster are bolstered by crispy paninis in this cozy nook frequented by Latin professionals. Stellar croissants and fresh baked goods support a minimalistic breakfast-sandwich menu that includes baked eggs with either mushroom and pesto or tomato, pesto and fresh basil. Stack corn beef onto any, and at lunchtime, try the chicken pesto or roasted vegetables with goat cheese. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 9002 Chimney Rock Road, 713-729-8810. fioza.com. $

Hugo’s Regional Mexican Neighborhood: Montrose Tex-Mex was the game in town until risk takers such as Hugo’s owner-chef Hugo Ortega set out to educate Houstonians about the food of his motherland. Many traditional Mexican establishments have failed, but not the high-ceiling, palatial Hugo’s, with such comida tipica as a soulful offthe-menu oxtail soup, earthy moles and snapper tamales fragrant in banana leaves. Perennial favorites are the wood-grilled rib-eye steak and baby pig roasted in banana leaves, not to mention pan-fried grasshoppers, which taste like popcorn and are delicious when paired with a blanco tequila. The crown jewel is Hugo’s Sunday brunch – a majestic cornucopian spread, worth every peso. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1600 Westheimer Road, 713-524-7744. hugosrestaurant.net. $$$

Izakaya Wa Authentic Japanese Neighborhood: Memorial You can tell a lot about a restaurant by the diners. In this case, about 80 percent of the customers at Izakaya Wa are Japanese. Here, they can savor the true flavors of home without flying home. No wonder. Kubo-san is in the kitchen. Hajime Kubokawa is revered by chefs around town. There is artistry in how he wields the knife. His expertly sliced sushi and sashimi melt on the palate. But at Izakaya Wa, he has left the sushi bar in the very capable hands of business partner Akira Asano. Instead, Kubokawa is in the kitchen prepping homey noodle soups, stews and izakaya, or Japanese tapas of grilled and fried meats and vegetables, best enjoyed with friends over good, cold beers. Food by Kubo-san can be a revelation. Simplicity defines Japanese cookery, and he has mastered its succinctness. Want to learn about real Japanese food? Here is your chance. A great perspective is the rotating halfand-half lunch special, consisting a rice dish and a noodle dish – a rare duo offering in the U.S., but common in Japan. Lunch Mon.-Thurs. and dinner Mon.-Sun. 12665 Memorial Drive, 713461-0155. izakayawa.com. $$

Jonathan’s The Rub American classics Neighborhood: Memorial (continued on page 36)

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 35

menus. Provisions, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat; Pass, dinner only. 808 Taft, 713-628-9020. Passandprovisions.com. $$-$$$$

Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana Neopolitan-style pizzas Neighborhood: Memorial Pizzerias abound. But Pizaro’s stands above most in its attempt to recreate authentic Neopolitan-style pies in a custom-made, Italian, wood-fired brick oven. Here, the pizzas comes out puffy, beautifully charred around the edges in 90 seconds after baking in a 900degree inferno. We’re envious of nearby residents who can enjoy Pizaro’s creations daily, from the well-crafted margherita to the lusty calabrese, composed of spicy sopressata sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella and basil. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 14028 Memorial Drive, 281-5897277. pizarospizza.com. $

Post Oak Grill

IZAKAYA WA Stellar Japanese cuisine includes a half-and-half lunch special featuring a rice dish and noodle soup.

It isn’t unusual to find a chef or restaurateur at this BYOB eatery, chomping down on one of the juiciest grinders in town. It’s that good. Burger aficionados around Hedwig Village pay homage to the 9-ounce chargrilled ground chuck seasoned with chefowner Jonathan Levine’s secret rub seasonings. Available at lunchtime only, you can build your own, or opt for the original Rub with the usual fixings on sweet sourdough bun. There’s also the Blue with chunky blue cheese, the AVO with grilled avocado and the Latino Nuevo with chipotle mayonnaise and Mexican cheese. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat., 9061 Gaylord, 713-465-8200. jonathanstherub.com. $$

(continued from page 35)

Kenny & Ziggy’s New York deli Neighborhood: Galleria area Kenny & Ziggy’s is a wood-panelled delicatessen plastered with movie posters, memorabilia and anything else that might invoke Broadway. Homesick New Yorkers line up for pickled herring, bagels, lox, potato pancakes, and pastrami and corned-beef sandwiches, which owner Ziggy Gruber stacks with hand-sliced, triple-smoked beef. While packed for lunch, breakfast draws a much smaller crowd. But hearty morning fare is Kenny & Ziggy’s best-kept secret. The two eggs any style are a bargain at $7.95 and with enough food to share with your best friend. Huge servings are the standard here. Even so, the Texas-size bowls of homemade matzo ball soup empty quickly. These tender orbs have won com-

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 36

petitions all over town. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 2327 Post Oak Blvd., 713-8718883. kennyandziggys.com. $$

Osteria Mazzantini Upscale rustic Italian Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown Whipped lardo butter arrives with pillowy potato bread. If diners don't succumb to chefowner John Sheely's opening act, then they'll likely fall for his house-made ravioli, stuffed with earthy sweetbreads and kale, then lightly tossed in seared browned butter dotted with aged balsamic vinegar. The flavors are appealing – caramelized saltiness shot through with sweet and sour notes. Desserts are creative but grounded in Old World flavors, such as a mousse made with limoncello and an orangeolive oil cake with olive oil ice gelato and zabaglione. Lunch and dinner, Mon.-Sun., 2200 Post Oak Blvd. No. 140, 713-993-9898. osteriamazzantini.com. $$$$

Gulf Coast classics Neighborhood: Tanglewood Happiness exists in a bread basket at this popular outpost for business lunches. The basket usually cradles oven-fresh biscuits fragrant with green onions, bacon and cheddar cheese. One really isn’t enough; nor is two or three. Slow down, though, or you’ll fill up before the perfectly grilled rainbow trout arrives, glistening lightly with butter-caper sauce. Polo Becerra is a classic chef with a timeless approach of keeping ingredients simple and clean, with just a sheath of sauce to elevate the flavors of beef and seafood. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sat., 1415 S. Post Oak Lane, 713-993-9966. postoakgrill.com. $$$

Quattro Contemporary Italian Neighborhood: Downtown Talented chef Maurizio Ferrarese brings the flavors of his native Italy to Quattro at the Four Seasons Hotel. The dining room is an elegant affair. Quality is high, and almost everything is made in-house. Just as engaging is the adjoining Vinoteca Quattro bar where an eclectic group of downtown workers unwind over Italian beers, wines and Italian small plates during happy hour. From 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, guests can purchase a wine or cocktail and allyou-can-eat antipasti for $18. Breakfast, lunch & dining Mon.-Sun. 1300 Lamar, 713-6501300. quattrorestauranthouston.com. $$-$$$$

Pass & Provisions Inventive modern fare Neighborhood: Fourth Ward A duo eatery in one space – white-tablecloth Pass and bustling Provisions. Pass is a caviar affair, while Provision serves casual edibles, including smartly donned sandwiches and billowy pizzas with such toppings as kale with pork sausage and duck confit with potato and pickled currants. There are some crossovers of dishes and kitchen playfulness between the two

Smallcakes Cupcake emporium Neighborhood: Memorial We stumbled on this tiny, sweet-smelling shop by accident, and a happy one at that. The cupcakes here are edible icons of childhood innocence. Nearly perfect. Voluptuous. The cake is moist and tender. The well-balanced frosting is buttery and fluffy. The Choco-holic (chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream) and the

Caramel Crunch (with sea salt and pretzel) exemplify grown-up flavors and high-quality ingredients. About 15 flavors are featured daily by this Kansas franchise founded by Jeff Martin, who competed on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and was featured on The View, where one of the hosts declared, “Now this is a red velvet cupcake right here.” Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1531 Eldridge Parkway, 281-920-9110. smallcakesmemorial.com. $

Sparrow Bar + Cookshop Modern American Neighborhood: Midtown Monica Pope is forever reinventing herself and her restaurant concept. Her latest incarnation, the Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, applies beautiful, subtle flavors to farm-fresh local ingredients. Bronzed Texas quail nestles on warm yellow-corn grits hinting of orange zest. Caramel miso and blossom butter enhance hanger steak. Creativity carries over to a dynamic cocktail menu. Pope grasped the value of using fresh fruits and herbs in drinks long before it became a trend. Her hand-crafted cocktails push boundaries to offer new, exciting flavors, such as a vodka creation with roasted red bell pepper puree, shiitake mushroom vermouth and jalapeño syrup. Lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sat., 3701 Travis, 713-524-6922. sparrowhouston.com. $$$

Teotihuacan Tex-Mex originals Neighborhood: Northeast Houston Diners pack in day after day for grilled steaks, chiles rellenos and flautas in a room decorated with festive streamers. Co-owner Silvia Galvan applies soy sauce and black pepper to make fajitas and juicy sirloins with grilled onions. A must try: grilled shrimp, bathed in garlic butter, particularly satisfying wrapped in homemade corn tortillas and a dollop of lush guacamole. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 4624 Irvington, 713-695-8757. teomexicancafe.com. $

Underbelly Upscale Texas eats Neighborhood: Montrose Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd’s menu is a touchstone of the nose-to-tail movement. The Oklahoman is known to haul a whole hog through a roomful of diners, and his passion is mirrored by a striking woodcutting of a snout at the entrance. Family-style offerings include a pork roast with smoky sweet cornbread. Another piglet rendition is spicy kimchi stew. Shepherd shares his fondness for Asian cuisines with sweeping touches here and there – all of which are satisfying against an airy, modern, Texas Hill Country setting, with maple wood communal tables, fresh wildflowers and a wall of homemade preserves. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Thurs. and dinner Fri.-Sat. 1100 Westheimer Road, 712-528-9800. underbellyhouston.com. $$$

Vallone’s Modern-American steakhouse Neighborhood: Memorial The option of adding any homemade pasta, such diminutive corn ravioli or short-rib tortellini, to your steak dinner for $9 adds to the appeal of the impeccably hand-cut slabs of steaks. But really all that is required for the juicy, charred, dry-aged, bone-in ribeye is a side of fries and a robust California cabernet. With his new steakhouse, restaurateur Tony Vallone again illustrates that he knows good food, and his impeccable tastes are expertly translated on the menu by executive chef-partner Grant Gordon. Normally, we skip sauces, especially when the steaks (wet and dry age) shine with just a dash of salt. But in this case, the cabernet foie gras jus and spicy béarnaise are hard to pass up, as is the Colorado lamb chop with chickpea purée. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. and dinner Sun. 947 Gessner, 713-395-6100. vallonessteakhouse.com. $$$$

MORE ONLINE For more restaurants and to comment, see this story online at bellairebuzz.com.

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 37

Point. Click. Win. Enter The Buzz 2014 Photo Contest DEADLINE MAY 15TH The Buzz Magazines is pleased to announce our ninth annual Photo Contest. Categories include People, Sports/Action, Animals, Landscapes, and Nature. Winning photos will be published in our July issue and on our website. Our grand prize winner will receive a Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS digital camera. To submit a photo, and for contest rules, visit thebuzzmagazines.com and click on â€œEnter Our 2014 Photo Contestâ€? in the upper right corner. You can also view our 2013 winners online.

Grand Prize, Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS digital camera (or camera of equal value)

When bad hives happen to good people Hives (or urticaria, in medical lingo) are red, itchy, raised areas of the skin with clear borders. They are an inflammation of the skin triggered when the immune system releases histamine, causing blood vessels to leak, leading to swelling and itching. They can appear anywhere on the body and for most people last a few days to weeks, earning the title “acute urticaria.” In some cases, a trigger can be identified, like a viral or bacterial infection, food, drug or insect sting reactions, or even a physical factor, like cold, heat, sun, exercise or pressure. If you are lucky enough to find a trigger, avoidance of that trigger will typically result in resolution of the hives. In the case of acute urticaria, oral antihistamines are typically helpful to relieve the itching and shorten the duration of the flare. Some people, however, suffer from “chronic urticaria,” which can last months to years. These hives can become particularly cumbersome. They are especially itchy and large, cover large surface areas of the skin, and are frequently resistant to traditional treatment regimens. They have a large impact on a person’s quality of life and can cause sleepless nights and missed days of work. Frequently patients will be given steroids, which may help temporarily, but rarely lead to resolution of the hives. With this type of hive, we have to break out the big guns. Zyrtec and Allegra are the two best antihistamines available over the counter, and the prescription versions really are not better. In some cases, we have to use above the normal “24-hour” dose of one pill to see relief. Sometimes it takes two, three, or even four in a 24-hour period. If this does not offer significant benefit, there are other drugs such as dapsone and tacrolimus that may be tried. These actually affect

the way the immune system works, and routine blood work while on these meds may be required. A promising biotech drug called Xolair has been shown to be effective in people battling chronic hives. Xolair has been available in the United States to treat asthma for 10 years, but sometime in 2014 the FDA will approve it for chronic urticaria that doesn’t respond to antihistamines. For chronic hives, blood work may be done, looking for an internal reason for the problem, like thyroid disease, autoimmune issues, high IgE (allergy antibody), etc. Skin testing to environmental allergens or drug testing to suspected drug culprits may also be warranted. Regardless of whether a trigger is found or not, a board-certified allergist can help make sure the hives don’t become a constant burden in your life, and give you the tools needed to help prevent and better control flares of your hives. Talk with your allergist today, and be on the way to better control of your hives! 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 & Asthma Clinic

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 39

An estate planning checklist Estate planning isn’t a form. It’s the lifelong process of preparing your finances and your family for your own death or disability. It’s a moving target. Paper won’t save you; people will. Planning and communication lighten their load, bind you together, and leave you in control longer. Here’s a checklist combining action items for yourself with talking points for family and advisors. Cut it out and tape it to your fridge. r KNOW YOURSELF. Do you balance your checkbook? Do you hate finances and paperwork? If you’ll need help planning your estate and following through, ask for it. A CPA or financial advisor can nag you if spouse or children can’t. r KNOW YOUR FAMILY. Can your family manage money? Do they cooperate? A trust company or money manager is expensive, but often worth it. r KNOW YOUR TEAM. Are your children reliable? What sacrifices will they make to help you? Who will take up the slack? r MAKE A WILL. Can you find it? Can your family? r UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES. One marriage and two children later, is the wrong girlfriend still the beneficiary of your life insurance? r SIGN POWERS OF ATTORNEY. If you’re not dead, but just disabled, who will manage your money, hire a sitter, or reroof the house? r ENABLE YOUR AGENTS. Have you confirmed your power of attorney with the bank? The bank may not let your agent sign checks unless added to your account.

r ORGANIZE YOUR MONEY. Can family find your assets? Can you? A balance sheet is helpful once you are dead. A cash flow statement is better if you are disabled. r CIRCULATE MEDICAL DIRECTIVES. If you’re in the hospital, why’s your medical power of attorney in the safe deposit box? Share it with your doctor now. Keep a copy with your proof of insurance, so it’s handy when you drive to the emergency room. Discuss end of life with your agents. If you don’t know what to say, they won’t either. r BRAG ON YOURSELF. If you made it this far, you are the family expert. Share what you’ve done and what you learned. Plans work best when everyone knows and understands. 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 So. Ste. 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, www.rwhpc.com

Houston Real Estate’s Best Kept Secret. New Rates. New Approach. New Leaf.

New Leaf Real Estate LLC | 3100 Richmond Ave., Suite 500, Houston, TX 77098 713.820.4017 | www.newleafre.com | info@newleafre.com

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 40

New Year. New You.

Eliminate Stubborn Fat. No Surgery. No Downtime. Buy 1 treatment area, get 2nd 30% off!

Become a Certified Personal Trainer Enroll Now!

Craig Teller, MD

Suneel Chilukuri, MD

• Hands-on 500-Hour Training Program • Diploma in Personal Training • NASM® Certification • Day, night & Weekend classes

Located in Hank’s Gym in Bellaire 1-800-960-6294 www.NPTIFitness.com

6565 West Loop South, Suite 800 Bellaire, TX 77401 832.553.2314 • bda-derm.com

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 41

Professional, but personal

New primary care doctors

Mike Livingston is an expert when it comes to buying and selling homes in Bellaire. Being a resident of Bellaire, he understands the local market. It was Mike’s experience and personal service that enabled Pricha Sethapakdi to not lose the sale on her property. “Selling a property can be frustrating, and many things can go wrong even after a serious buyer shows up,” she says. “Our property in Bellaire was on and off the market several times within four years. Our listing agent suggested we give someone else who is better connected with our neighborhood a try. Mike Livingston came highly recommended as being the best performer in Bellaire, and that prompted us to give him a try. An offer was made within a few weeks by a successful builder in Bellaire. Things seemed to be falling into place until the builder spotted a problem in the property survey. The buyer would not close until the survey was fixed, which could mean an additional 2-3 months’ delay. It was in a time like this that Mike Livingston showed his character as an extraordinarily dedicated real estate agent. Mike went out of his way to expedite the survey resolution and even offered temporary relief when he learned of our financial needs. The sale eventually closed within a reasonable time frame, and our financial crisis was averted, thanks to Mike Livingston. “We believe that Mike Livingston is one of the best listing agents a seller can work with, whether the property is perfect or difficult to sell. We would strongly recommend him to our friends and family.” Mike Livingston, Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan, 713.764.9850, mlivingston@gmail.com, www.har.com/mikelivingston

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is growing across the Houston metropolitan area. Serving the Bellaire community, Dr. Rachel Bishop and Dr. Bhuvana Muthuswamy, both certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, have extensive training and experience in diagnosis and treating patients with a caring, hands-on, familyoriented approach. They are dedicated to providing personalized patient care to you and your family. Dr. Bishop tells us: “I have a special interest in preventive care and women’s health, in addition to managing most chronic and acute conditions. I love forming long-term relationships with my patients and their families, and I enjoy treating multiple members of the same family.” In speaking with Dr. Muthuswamy, she shared, “I believe in providing excellent, personalized care to patients with chronic medical conditions. I work to provide the best care I can through good communication and patient education. I have special interests in women’s health, preventive medicine, diabetes and chronic liver diseases.” Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is proudly supported by the leading technology and expertise of Houston Methodist and its medical professionals and physicians. Our physicians are leading medicine, not just practicing it. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, 4710 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401. 714.441.9040, houstonmethodist.org/primarycare

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 42

Blessing of the Animals

Teaching writing at BYDS

Let’s face it. Our pets are beloved members of the family. So they deserve to be showered with blessings! Bellaire United Methodist Church at Bellaire Boulevard and Newcastle invites the community to bring their pets to the church’s “Blessing of the Animals” on Saturday, March 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. This traditional celebration honors St. Francis of Assisi, who was declared Patron Saint of the Ecology because of his special devotion to the animal kingdom. The event will take place on the front lawn of the church, where each of your pets can receive a personal blessing from Pastors Jim Flagg, Jim Love and Diane McGehee. Plus, a professional photographer will provide a free commemorative photo of your pet to take home. Bellaire residents can come and go during the two-hour event, and pet-care professionals and trainers will be present to answer questions and provide samples of nutritious, holistic dog and cat food. In addition, several pet-adoption groups will bring some adorable, lovable canines who are looking for forever homes! Please remember that all pets should be friendly and either on a leash (dogs), in protective carriers (cats), cages (birds, small mammals), fish bowls or terrariums (amphibians, reptiles). For more information, contact Becki Flores at 713-666-2167 or bflores@bellaireumc.org. Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.666.2167, www.bellaireumc.org

At Beth Yeshurun Day School, preschool through grade five, students are learning the full set of writing styles and essay types. Rigorous adherence to writing rubrics in the third and fourth grades helps students learn organization, idea development, thoroughness, freshness of voice, and accurate writing mechanics. The school has recently increased the quantity of writing in all of its classes; in the fourth-grade language-arts classroom, for example, students will have written seven fulllength expository essays in the first half of the school year, leaving the second half to hone particular skills. Creative writing and poetry are also emphasized in all the grade levels, so that students develop a sense of voice and originality. Through sophisticated online writing software, students go deep into particular elements of writing that suit their own areas of need. The school’s laptop program in the classrooms, alongside focused computer instruction in the lab, strengthen the writing process by facilitating a greater quantity of output and practice. The writing curriculum pulls from several national class programs to offer teachers and students plentiful resources to keep the writing experience vibrant and fresh. To learn more about the Beth Yeshurun Day School program and to tour the new educational facility, please contact Mireille Chait, admissions director, at 713-666-1884. Beth Yeshurun Day School, 4525 Beechnut Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096, 713.666.1884, www.byds.org

BELLAIRE BUZZ MARCH 2014 43