Bonnie and Walter Bering
For the Love What’s New at Your Park?
of Baseball by Jennifer Oakley
Evelyn’s Park and the Ritter Family Happy 80th Anniversary, Lamar Chef’s Corner: Michael Parker Cooking Buzz: Spring Showers
Houston, TX
Back Porch: Team Snacks
Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD
Buzz Baby: Unexpected Birth Stories
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE This is the fifth year Joni and I attended the Interactive (i.e., technology) conference at SXSW in Austin, and I noticed some interesting shifts this year. First, people just seemed more laid back. They seemed more interested in listening to what speakers and panelists had to say, instead of working furiously on their laptops to immediately blog or post about it. Second, there appeared to be more sessions on topics that have nothing to do with technology and a more to do with happiness, both personally and professionally. I attended non-technology sessions with topics such as employee engagement, emotional leadership, psychology in the human workplace, the power of purpose in business and life, and even how entrepreneurs can overcome depression. Technology has improved our lives in many ways but has it made us happier? The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. This month’s issue is about simple outdoor pleasures – neighborhood parks, baseball and dining outside – and Buzz families who make the most of them. Happy springtime. 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 Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter thebuzzmagazines.com Editor Publisher Associate Editors Design Manager Staff Writers
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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Carolyn McCormick Diana Moga Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Helen van Rensburg Dylan Aguilar
On our cover: Avid Astros fans Bonnie and Walter Bering collect memorabilia and photos on their tours of MLB stadiums. Cover photo by George Flores, georgefloresphotography.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2017 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.
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MAILBAG
Your letters, thoughts, opinions Made her smile Andria Frankfort’s article Little Smiles [Back Porch, March 2017] was smile-worthy itself! I have fun matching photos or images to the contacts in my phone, and it does make me smile to see a shot of a Dairy Queen sign pop up when I hear from a friend who loves Dairy Queen, for example. The suggestion Andria reported on to take photos of Christmas cards was, as she writes, “genius.” I look forward to doing exactly that before I recycle my next batch of Christmas cards next year, or to add other fun reminders of friends to their contact information in the meantime. It is easy to do and well worth the couple of seconds it takes. Kathryn Wilson Editor’s note: We thought that was a great idea too. For readers who missed this story or any other stories or photographs in our print issues, you can find everything online at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Showing rivals as friends As a parent of one of the students that dives for SBISD, I want to thank Jordan Steinfeld for truly capturing the spirit and camaraderie of SBISD Diving [Buzz About Town, March 2017, The Memorial Buzz]. Their district coach, Anastasia Pozdniakova, has developed a unique situation in high school sports, rival teams that truly support and root for each other, and they want each other to succeed at the sport. Geoffrey Dixon, Assistant Principal, Memorial Senior High School
Party write-up not funny I am a longtime, faithful reader of The Buzz. I was just reading the March [2017] issue when I came across an item in Rumor Has It that really offended me. I'm referring to the "thank you party" (Rumor Has It, The Memorial Buzz and The Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz) where there was a donation jar for Planned Parenthood "in honor of Mike Pence" as well as an Obama cutout and a Trump piñata. I can only conclude that the idea was to beat the Trump pinata with a stick. I find this piece to have been highly insensitive to those who share a different political philosophy. Indeed, hitting a piñata in the form of our president is incredibly disrespectful, not just of the person but also of the office itself. I can't imagine that you would publish a piece about a party given to celebrate the end of the Obama era, complete with a piñata of Pres. Obama that guests would gleefully hit with a stick. I would hope that in the future, The Buzz takes a little more time to conTANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 6
sider what is printed on the pages of this wonderful, neighborhood magazine, and avoids this sort of inappropriate reporting. Elizabeth Labanowski
Place to get a passport I saw that you published an article on passport services in The Buzz Magazines in January [Travel Buzz: Passport tips from the pros, by Tracy L Barnett, January 2017]. The Harris County District Clerk’s Office, my employer, runs a quick, efficient passport service. Is there a chance that you might provide some information on the DCO’s passport service in an upcoming Travel Buzz column, please? The downtown passport service remains the hub of the DCO’s passport operation. The service is convenient for residents of River Oaks, West University, Bellaire, Meyerland, Tanglewood and Memorial. The downtown service is located on the first floor of the Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline. Hours of operation are weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted. To make an appointment or get more information, residents may call 713755-1674. Thanks. Bill Murphy, Office of Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.
What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Are high school seniors who have chosen a college. This is for our annual “Where are they headed?” story. • Have college-dorm decoration stories, tips or mishaps. • Have Sweet 16 party stories. • Have back-to-school family traditions. • Have a travel story to share. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.
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NEIGHBORS by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer
Dreaming of Fields Families hit the road for baseball big impression.” Inspired, both boys eventually joined tournament teams to play yearround. Cade “played for the Houston Royals baseball team with Mark Quinn,” says Jen. “Many baseball players in Houston start their tournament years playing with Coach Quinn, as he is a former Major League player who offers sound fundamental training.” Cade played with different Spring Branch tournament teams in middle school and then on summer travel teams once in high school. Last summer he played on a team out of Detroit, Michigan. The Kinkaid School sophomore plays pitcher, first TAKE ME OUT Bonnie and Walter Bering have a collection of miniature MLB stadiand third on the ums representing ballparks they have visited. school’s varsity ily, something we all care about deeply,” says team and on the Evoshield Texas Tournament Cory, CEO of Southern Vanguard Insurance Team. Jen says the Kinkaid varsity head coach Company. “Baseball has also taken us to parts of has been instrumental in Cade’s baseball develHouston, Texas, and the United States in genopment. eral that we would otherwise have never seen. Reece, a sixth grader at Kinkaid, is following While that seems like a small thing, I know the in Cade’s cleats and plays on the JPS kids will always remember the small towns, dusty Tournament Team. The traveling will continue fields and long car rides with their family and this summer with the family following the boys friends. Reece’s team won a tournament last around the country again for baseball. year, and the final game was (continued on page 10) “It has given us something to share as a fam-
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georgefloresphotography.com
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ast summer, Memorial resident Jen Moulton easily could have been named the ultimate baseball mom. She was driving her then-15-year-old son Cade from Michigan to a baseball tournament in the middle of Ohio, and she saw nothing but fields – corn fields, that is. “It was a scorching hot June day, and row after row, mile after mile, field after field, there was only corn and cows. It smelled like manure!” recalls the outgoing Jen, with a laugh. “I was pretty sure I was going the wrong way and might even be in the wrong county. I was scared and worried we were going to be late to the game and was just about to turn around when literally, out of nowhere – out of this cornfield – emerged a brand new baseball diamond. Field of Dreams is real.” Her story, like so many other baseball stories, is about dreams that are rooted in the love of the game – and the life lessons that come with hitting the road for America’s pastime. Jen, husband Cory and sons Cade and Reece are not alone in traveling for baseball. Buzz residents log a lot of miles and hours for the sport. Memories are made as families travel for their own personal fields of dreams. For the Moulton family, passion for baseball started early, with Jen growing up in a small town in Michigan and Cory growing up in Denver. “Both of our families raised us to love baseball,” says Jen. “My favorite memory of my Grandpa is going to the old Tiger stadium in Detroit with him and sitting in the outfield having a hot dog and holding my glove hoping to catch a fly ball.” Jen and Cory grew up playing sports. (Cory played one year of football as a walk on at San Diego State.) Their sons naturally gravitated to sports as well. The Moultons estimate they clocked in about 1,000 hours watching and playing baseball, and 6,600 miles traveling for baseball. Oh – and that was just for 2016. Don’t try to add it all up from the time Cade (now 16) and Reece (now 12) were 4 years old – that figure would be astronomical. Jen says the boys’ coaches in Spring Branch Little League made long-lasting impressions. Says Jen, a retired insurance litigator: “Those positive Little League experiences can make a
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out, Reece immediately ran off the mound and gave me a long bear hug. Those kinds of memories are, in a nutshell, what baseball has meant to us: countless opportunities to share both victory and defeat with our kids.” Another family going the distance for baseball is River Oaks resident Walter Bering and 21year-old daughter Bonnie. But instead of playing baseball, they are watching it to the extreme, going on the road to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the country. With 30 parks in as many cities, that’s a lot of ground to cover. But these die-hard Astros fans love their baseball road trips and the memories they have made as they have crisscrossed the country. When Bonnie was 4 years old, Walter took her to Minute Maid Park for the first time. “As season ticket holders, we went to many home games throughout that summer,” says Walter, a broker associate with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. “We enjoy the baseball, but more importantly, it became a fun father-daughter outing. In the summer of 2007, the Astros were away, and we were having baseball withdrawals. I asked Bonnie if she would like to see the Astros play in Pittsburgh. She jumped at the chance and we made quick travel plans to PNC Park.” Dressed in Astros attire, the pair caught two games on that trip – and they noticed a family waving a poster board in the stands. Interested in what was written on the board, Walter went to take a closer look. “It had a list of all the baseball parks and the ones that they had visited. This family was making it their summer experience of visiting all the baseball parks in one summer. A lightbulb went off in my head: ‘Hey, wouldn’t visiting all the baseball parks be a fun summer trip each year? I can fill in the summer calendar with baseball trips for many years to come.’ And, that was my ‘Field of Dreams’ moment: Plan it and they will come!” True to his plan, Walter and Bonnie have made it to a Major League stadium every summer – and then some. To date, they have gone to 15 parks for games: Minute Maid, PNC Park, Petco Park, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium, Busch Stadium, Turner Field, Fenway Park, Citi Field, Globe Life Park, White Sox Field, Chase Field, Coors Field and Angel Stadium. And although they will root for the Astros if the Astros are playing, Walter says, “if we are visiting a nonAstros game, we will root for the home team.” They have a routine when stepping foot into each stadium. “Our ‘to do’ list is to sample the local cuisine,” says Walter. “As a side venture, we are in search of the best ballpark hot dog. Thus far, my favorite hot dog is the Boston Red Sox Fenway Frank.” They never leave without a photo. “We will indulge one of our neighbors to take our photo in order to capture this piece of baseball history,” he says. “Once again, it’s all about the father-daughter experience!” Bonnie, now a junior at Chapman University, says she looks forward to their annual stadium
georgefloresphotography.com
(continued from page 8) very tight. After the final
GOING THE DISTANCE Jen and Cory Moulton, with sons Reece (at left) and Cade, travel year-round for the boys’ baseball tournaments. They are pictured here at Minute Maid Park.
tour. “I think my favorite part of getting to tour all of these parks are the things we get to do because we are in the right place at the right time,” she says. When they visited Wrigley Field for a second time, they ended up buying lastminute tickets to a Billy Joel concert at the stadium. That’s the only stadium that they have gone to twice, because so far, that one is their favorite. “It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to in my entire life,” says Bonnie. “It’s little things like that that I get to share with my dad that wouldn’t be possible without this stadium tour. One memory I’ll never let my dad live down is when we went to Citi Field for the Mets. Because it happened to be the All-Star Game, he made us leave early to beat the traffic, and right after we left Neil Diamond came out and sang Sweet Caroline!” Walter and Bonnie have also started a unique collection along with their ticket stubs: miniature replicas of the stadiums. “I saw a vendor online that offers miniature stadiums of baseball parks,” says Walter. “I have a display in my
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bookcase that features the miniature stadium model with a photo of us at that stadium behind us. Some people collect stamps, but I collect baseball stadiums.” They are both collecting memories that will last a lifetime. “I’m extremely grateful to my dad for taking me on this journey,” says Bonnie. “We’ve always been really close, but this is something we’ll always share. It’s hard to beat sitting with your dad on a summer’s day enjoying a baseball game in a new city – it’s made every summer an exciting one.” And what’s up next for the pair this summer? “This year Bonnie has turned 21,” says Walter. “I figure it is only fitting that we venture to Milwaukee for a Brewers game. She can have her first beer in Milwaukee.”
MORE ONLINE For more Buzz residents’ baseball stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com. If baseball has impacted your life too, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment online, or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 11
Christina Sizemore
NEIGHBORS by Diana Moga, contributing writer
Parks Guide What’s new at your park?
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aybe you’ve been hibernating inside this winter. When you venture out, you’ll discover your neighborhood parks have been doing a good bit of sprucing up. We’ll get to the updated parks in a bit, but first, here’s a brand-new one. If you’ve been driving by this prime, corner property at Bellaire and Newcastle – the site of former gardening mecca Teas Nursery – you know the workers have been busy.
Evelyn’s Park After years of community effort, Evelyn’s Park is scheduled to open this month, on Earth Day, April 22. Teas Nursery closed in 2009, and brothers Jerry and Maury Rubenstein bought and gave the 5-acre site to the city of Bellaire under the condition that it be used as parkland and be named in honor of their mother, Evelyn, a longtime Bellaire resident and philanthropist who loved the outdoors. Think tranquil and relaxing, with a decorative fountain at the southwest pedestrian entrance, a giant center lawn, intimate gardens, public restrooms and modern architecture under a canopy of live oaks, crossed by trails. The trails take you along a paved walkway to a gravel loop punctuated by rectangular-cube benches, gardens and artwork. More than 300 native trees have been planted, and designers used solar installations and repurposed tree stumps into play areas. A main attraction will be a large Alice in Wonderland sculpture of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party by artist Bridgette Mongeon. The Mad Hatter and the March Hare are 8 feet tall, and Alice is seated in a large chair with room enough for a park visitor to sit next to her. The Children’s Play Area, located at the top of Lawn Forest Trail, does not feature traditional playground apparatus, but instead opts for a more natural play experience with open space and a single, extra wide slide atop a hill that Denton Ragland, executive director of the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, calls “Mount Bellaire.” The play space encourages climbing and playing on the hill and jumping across a series of tree stumps. Another draw will be a restaurant, The Ivy &
EVELYN’S PARK Artist Bridgette Mongeon created an Alice in Wonderland sculpture for the brand-new Evelyn’s Park, on the former site of Teas Nursery. The park is scheduled to open on April 22. It will feature a lawn, gardens, restaurant, fountain and trails.
James, located in the new “Old Yellow House”, a replica of the original structure, which could not be preserved due to wood damage. The restaurant’s owners are Jamie and Dalia Zelko, formerly of Zelko Bistro in The Heights. The cafe will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, including beer and wine, and can cater events at the Evelyn’s Park Event Pavilion. The pavilion, available for private receptions of up to 250 guests ($1,000$2,500), blends an airy indoor space with an outdoor patio and private lawn space. Planned programming includes Farmer’s Market Saturdays and art events. The summer schedule will be posted on the Evelyn’s Park website after Memorial Day. The park is still accepting donations to complete remaining master-plan features, including a stream garden and pond. See evelynspark.org.
Nature Discovery Center Recent visitors to the Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center, also in
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Bellaire, just down the street from the new Evelyn’s Park, may have noticed restricted access to the north parking lot and a shuffling around of outdoor animal enclosures while the park has been undergoing improvements. For almost 30 years, the four-acre Nature Discovery Center has stood as a surprising and intimate nature preserve surrounded by urban neighborhoods. It’s not a heavily landscaped, manicured park. Instead, the center’s mission to nurture native plants, teach youngsters and remain a natural escape for visitors. The walkway to the Henshaw House has been expanded, making it more visible and inviting to people pushing strollers or wheelchairs alone Newcastle. Signs have been added to once-unidentified vegetation and trees, inviting visitors to learn about the native ecology, and inviting kids to “feel this bark.” The center path, which used to flood after heavy rains, has been reconstructed out of a porous material. Executive director Henry Owen said a new
Morris Malakoff
THE NEW LEVY PARK The renovated park has community gardens, a dog park, lawn space, game tables and a modern, creative children’s playground. It hosts live music and regular programming.
restroom building outside prevents the old bottleneck of waiting children at the stairs in the Henshaw House. This means less time waiting in line for little ones to use the restroom, and more time visiting the park’s beloved bunnies and reptiles, spotting birds, and walking the trails. The Renovation Reveal is 10 a.m. May 6, with naturalists leading demonstrations, lessons and crafts. See naturediscoverycenter.org.
Levy Park Levy Park, donated in 1941 by investor Leon Levy, came back online in February after a $15 million facelift led by the Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority. To call Levy Park a park does not adequately describe this dynamic urban green space. It feels more like a permanent community festival. The park occupies a city block at 3801 Eastside, south of Richmond Avenue in the Upper Kirby area. A swooping, modern, performance pavilion anchors the large park jammed with spaces that encourage activity more than lounging. It is a mix of lawn space, paved walkways, game tables, an enclosed dog park, and community gardens, shaded by live oaks and surrounded by upscale apartments and high-end offices.
The creatively designed children’s playground, on a maze of blue rubber flooring, is all about adventure and imagination. It has a hill with a slide and a rock wall built in, a tree house, fountains to run through and what looks like a giant Buckyball to climb on. “It’s one of my favorite areas of the park,” says Doug Overman, park director for the Levy Park Conservancy. “There is a reverse splash pad with mushroom towers and lit tunnels and mounds, a small climbing wall, and a seven-foot slide.” A double-decker bus serves coffee and pastries in the mornings and beer and wine in the evenings. Live music is planned every Wednesday at noon, at an electric keyboard mounted inside an upright piano, painted in the Levy Park lime green. The event lawn and performance pavilion will host free concerts. For the Saturday morning crowd, there’s park programming, from yoga and tai chi to astronomy, photography and reading programs through partnerships with the Houston Public Library. See levyparkhouston.org.
Memorial Park At the northwest corner of 610 and I-10 is one of Houston’s largest urban parks and protected green spaces, popular with runners, mountain bikers, hikers, golfers, tennis players and picnick-
ers: Memorial Park. It’s undergoing some changes too. One update will add 100 acres of grassy fields for passive relaxation, another will add a new endurance training loop for runners, and another will educate Houstonians about the park’s World War I legacy, Just after the Super Bowl, Memorial Park started moving East Memorial Loop Drive further east and expanding the popular running loop adjacent to East Memorial Loop Drive, the Lieberman Trail. The move will catch an 83-acre space that has been inaccessible to visitors due to the excessive growth of invasive plants. The move will expand the Lieberman Trail to measure exactly three miles, an optimum running distance for endurance and speed workouts. By next fall, the space will be further developed for use as a picnic area, with a five-acre lake and wetlands expected to create a whole new biology and habitat. Memorial Park served as one of 17 World War I training camps and is one of a handful in the nation that has not been paved. Memorial Park workers and volunteers have discovered archeological ruins from the park’s Camp Logan history. Visitors who join Friends of Memorial Park can tour with park staff during the ongoing WWI centennial commemoration to view the ruins and even be part of the preservation effort. See memorialparkconservancy.org.
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NEIGHBORS
Morris Malakoff
by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer
What’s happening? Events and activities at the park
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xplore neighborhood parks and you’ll find more than playground equipment and grass. Check out these upcoming events and programs.
Evelyn’s Park 4400 Bellaire Blvd. This brand-new Bellaire park opens Earth Day, Sat., April 22 with a Picnic in the Park celebration 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Grand Opening will include culinary events, a mini-farmer’s market, beer and wine tastings, fitness classes and kids’ activities. See evelynspark.org/events.
Levy Park 3801 Eastside St. The newly reopened Levy Park offers free activities daily. Mondays: Yoga 6 p.m., Zumba 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Hula Hooping 11:30 a.m., Yoga 6 p.m. Wednesdays: Piano Concert noon, Tai Chi 6 p.m., Yoga 6 p.m. Thursdays: Houston Public Library Story Hour 10 a.m., MET Dance for Adults 6 p.m., Yoga 6 p.m. Fridays: Yoga 6 p.m., Tango 7 p.m. (last Friday of the month), Writers in the Schools, 7-8 p.m. (first Friday). Saturdays: Bootcamp 8:30 a.m., Yoga 10 a.m., MET Dance for Kids 1 p.m. (second and fourth Saturdays), Young Audiences of Houston 1 p.m. (first, third and fifth Saturdays), Houston Museum of Natural Science 2 p.m. (fourth Saturday). Sundays: Yoga 10 a.m., POUND 11 a.m. Upcoming events: Houston VIP Poetry Performances: April 8, July 15, Oct. 21, Jan. 20 Prelude Family Concerts: March 11, May 6, June 3 MET Season Kickoff Performance: Sept. 30 See levyparkhouston.org.
Discovery Green 1500 McKinney St. There is something – a fitness class, concert, movie night and more – at Discovery Green every day. Here’s a sampling. Yoga on Mondays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through June 26. CoreFocused Yoga on Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. through June 27. Circus Arts on Tuesdays 6-8
p.m. through June 27. Zumba on Wednesdays 6-7 p.m. through June 28. Parkour on Thursdays 6:30-8 p.m. through June 29. Hatha Yoga on Saturdays 9-10 a.m. through June 24. LEVY PARK About 7,500 people celebrated the reopening of Levy Park on Feb. 25. The renovated park has a creative playground, a dog park, a commuYoung Writer’s nity garden, a modern pavilion, a lawn and scheduled classes. Workshop on Saturdays Blanket Bingo, April 20, 6-9 p.m. 10:30-11:30 a.m. STEM Saturdays on Saturdays 2017 Bayou Bash, April 22, 12-4 p.m. 12:30-1:30 p.m. through June 24. Screen on the See buffalobayou.org/calendar. Green: monthly on a Saturday, April 8 (Moana), May 6 (Ghostbusters), June 3 (Secret Nature Discovery Center Life of Pets). Sundays in the Park (live music) 7112 Newcastle St. Sundays through June 25. The Nature Discovery Center has been Upcoming events: undergoing a facelift and will showcase the renArt Car Sneak Peek, April 6, 6-10 p.m. ovations Sat., May 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Also, Earth Day on the Avenida, April 22, 5-10 p.m. upcoming programs include: FUNomenal Family Festival, April 29, 1-6 p.m. Monday Morning Gardening (for adults): UTHealth Stomp Out Stroke Festival, May 6, April 3 and May 1, 9:30 a.m.-noon. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Curious Kids (preschoolers, ages 3-5): See discoverygreen.com. Tuesdays, 10-11:15 a.m. or 4-5:15 p.m., through May 23. Hermann Park Lunch with the Birds (all ages): Wednesdays, 6100 Hermann Park Dr. noon-1:15 p.m., through May 10. Bring your kids for Children’s Story Hour and Walk on the Wild Side (all ages): Sat., April activities after on Fridays, 10-11 a.m., in the 8, 10 a.m. McGovern Centennial Gardens. They can also lisSee naturediscoverycenter.org/events. ten as students from local schools perform in the free Student Performance Series starting on April 7. Memorial Park The Hermann Park Conservancy’s gala, 7575 North Picnic Ln. Evening in the Park, will take place Fri., April Memorial Park is home to events and activi28, 6:30 p.m., at Molly Ann Smith Plaza and ties throughout the year. The next event is the Jones Reflection Pool. The event includes cockgolf tournament benefiting Memorial Park tails, dinner, dessert and dancing. Conservancy May 9. Call 713-863-8403. In the See hermannpark.org/calendar. fall, popular activities include adult softball league, adult flag football or adult kickball. Buffalo Bayou Park See memorialparkconservancy.org 1800-3600 Allen Pkwy./Memorial Dr. See houstontx.gov/parks Buffalo Bayou Park is good for hiking, canoeing, kayaking and more. Events include: Second Saturday Boat Ride, April 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m See more upcoming events on our calendar at Waugh Bat Colony Boat Tour, April 8, 7thebuzzmagazines.com. Share your favorite park 8:30 p.m. activities or favorite park memories by leaving a “Looking Back” History Tour, April 15, 10 comment under this story online or emailing a.m.-11:30 p.m. info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Walking Tour, April 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m
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MORE ONLINE
NEIGHBORS by Cathy Gordon, staff writer
Passion for a Park Chubby Foot Photography
A family’s love for Evelyn’s Park
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n Patricia Ritter’s house, your word is your bond. You say it, you own it. So when son Luke, then 6, looked squarely into a news camera four years ago pledging to raise $5,000 for Bellaire’s Evelyn’s Park, well, that was a surprise to mom. “What just happened?” thought Patricia. “Yeah, that just happened.” It was a sweet broadcast segment, a child handing over his allowance – a Ziploc bag of $70.85 – to then-park president Marybeth Flaherty. As cameras rolled, Luke rolled out an ambitious business plan. “I’ll get the money by selling $25 cookies and $5 lemonade,” he enthused. Easy-peasy. “I remember thinking, okay, now Luke has to figure out a real way to earn $5,000 because you can’t just say things and not follow through,” says Patricia, the current park president whose family’s connection to the community project was sweetly, indelibly forged in that one teachable moment. She rolled up her sleeves – Luke’s too – and set about meeting his goal. “I didn’t want to tell him what to do so much as make him think about what he could do,” says Patricia, an admitted Type A personality whose degree in marketing from The University of Texas came in handy. That’s where she met husband Tom, of like mind when it comes to child rearing. “We think it’s important to help our kids think for themselves and do good for the community,” she says. Luke, of his own volition, suggested that friends and family give money to the park in lieu of his birthday presents that year. So they hosted a party, hired a food truck, and invitees gave donations. Bellaire’s Whole Foods set aside a day for his cookie plan, letting him sell the store’s cookies and lemonade out front on “donate any amount you want” terms. Between the two events, Luke overreached his goal. “I was very proud of him,” says Patricia. “It’s an experience he will always remember.” Fast forward a few years and you’ll find the Ritters are seriously devout Park People. Luke, now 10, and identical twin sisters Kia and Ellie, 8, give 10 percent of their allowance to the park. Patricia, powerhouse behind the project’s mar-
PARK PEOPLE Patricia Ritter, president of the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, and husband Tom are all smiles with children Ellie, Luke and Kia (from left), who donated part of their allowance toward the park’s development.
keting, was appointed to the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy board in June 2014. Four months later, she was voted president. The park, with trails, natural play areas, lawn, café, event center and art, opens on the former Teas Nursery site, Bellaire Boulevard at Newcastle, on Earth Day, April 22. Patricia is almost giddy about the positive impact she thinks it will have on the community. “I think we forget what a park can do for you. It takes you back to the basics. Our mission theme is ‘Enrich Your Everyday,’ with the core values being family, community and nature. I can’t wait for my kids to use the natural playscape. There are no typical park structures, just cool things from nature that spark the imagination. “As adults we forget to spend time outdoors. Our society has become such overachievers with no time to breathe. In nature, you reboot. Your brain figures out how to balance, figures out spacial relations. A hike is so refreshing to the mind. Luke and I like to hike and find fun learning things to do along the way, like we’ve hiked and counted prime numbers.” Yes, Patricia is a bit of a math geek. She was president of Mu Alpha Theta, the math club at Clear Creek High School. Not that she’s always
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looking to be president. But it’s a trend. She was instrumental in a successful effort to acquire curbside recycling in Bellaire years ago. Within six months of appointment to the city’s recycling committee, yep, she was president. “I know how to get things done,” quips Patricia, who sits at her breakfast table, long dark hair topped with a baseball cap, looking like she’s in her 30s. She turns 50 in June. “I get that all the time,” she laughs. “Don’t have a single gray hair. My dad died at 80 with a head of black hair.” Her youthful exuberance for life and giving back was certainly a learned trait from her Chinese immigrant parents, she says. Her dad grew up dirt-poor in Shanghai, her mom in Hong Kong. “They had that immigrant mentality to come over here, work hard and live the dream, so to speak. And they always gave to charity and took leadership roles in the community.” Three sets of acrylic containers on the breakfast room windowsill, receptacles for her children’s’ allowance, tell the tale. They are marked “Spend,” “Save” and “Donate.” The kids happily plop money into the donate jar. “I want to instill a value in them,” Patricia says, flashing a smile, “that being a part of something is wonderful.”
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NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Happy Anniversary, Lamar 80 years of high school memories www.andrewsphoto.com
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eptember 1937. A new Houston high school was opening its doors to just over 1,300 students in newly developed River Oaks. The school’s Texas limestone building, with its sleek, Art Deco design created by John Staub and Kenneth Franzheim, was a modernlooking spectacle capping the end of River Oaks Boulevard opposite the country club. Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, named for the president of the Republic of Texas, was Houston’s newest and most exciting high school. Eight decades later, Lamar still stands as a landmark on Westheimer, although much has changed. The student population has grown by 150 percent since that first day. And since then, countless luminaries – among them a Nobel Prize winner, the first African-American prima ballerina, a governor, congressmen, actors and business leaders – have graduated from Lamar. In total, 40,000 graduates. The International Baccalaureate program, almost 40 years old, is the largest in the state. There’s a championship football team, award-winning robotics program and debate teams, an acclaimed JROTC and countless clubs. And in the fall of this year, the 80th graduating class will start their high school careers there. Which makes the commencement of a new era for Lamar quite timely. On March 30, 80 graduates from 80 classes raised shovels to break ground for a new Lamar. The original Art Deco building will remain, but a new building will spring up behind it. Instead of limestone, the building will be glass and steel, with a swimming pool and giant parking garage. After that building goes up, the others that were built in the ’80s will go down, leaving ground space for five new sports fields, including areas for football, baseball, track, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and golf. Grace Picton Wise and Alice Picton Craig are two sisters who were among the first to walk the halls at Lamar. “My father was an attorney, and we moved out to River Oaks when they opened it up,” Grace says. “We went to River Oaks Elementary, which had just opened, so we had our own school. And then, of course, we went to Lanier [for middle school], and then to San Jacinto for a year and a half of high school until Lamar opened. “It’s being at the end of River Oaks Boulevard
ALWAYS A CHEERLEADER Grace Picton Wise, shown here 10 years ago in the same cheerleading sweater she wore in high school, was a member of the first graduating class at Lamar.
made it especially pretty,” Grace remembers. “We had a good time because we had clubs and we had social parties. There were a lot of dances, and of course the football games were all fun. I was one of the cheerleaders.” Grace also was the president of the student body. “I think Tom Hardy, captain of our football team, was president of our class,” she says. Grace’s younger sister Alice, who attended Lamar at the same time, says, “It was very much a neighborhood school, and we often walked home. All our neighbors were our classmates.
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We worked hard, we had wonderful teachers and tried to please them.” Unlike today, there were no uniforms at Lamar. “We wore usually cotton dresses in hot weather and maybe wool skirts and sweaters in the cold weather. Never pants because they weren’t in fashion then. “We cheered on all of the sports teams, and everybody attended all of the events, which were held on campus. There were informal dances there in the gym. And we had little social clubs, like girls’ clubs, and we would have parties and
lawellphoto.com
ALL IN THE FAMILY Top left: Carolyn Montgomery Lange (at left) and her daughter-in-law Vicki Venn Lange both graduated from Lamar, as did Carolyn’s grandson and Vicki’s son, Joe. Bottom left: Yearbook photos of Carolyn (at left), who graduated in 1944, and Vicki, who graduated in 1969. Top right: Amanda Kepke Fisher (at left) graduated from Lamar in 1988. Her daughter Elizabeth (right) is now a freshman. Bottom right: Amanda (fourth from top, on left) says the Lamar Madrigals, an elite acapella group, inspired a lifelong passion for music. Also pictured: Bentley Craft, Roderick Glass, Ted Willmore, Dylan Murray, John Bradshaw, Jason McAnaer, Philip Mustachio, Mark Patterson, Cyvia Reiser, Jennifer Day, Angie Reeves, Holly Taegal, Amy Chatewald, Molly Tarkington, Lauren Keith, Heath Wood and Jennifer Knight.
try to do something nice for the community. The one I was in was the Chums,” Alice says. “My older sister was a year ahead, and my younger sister was a year behind me. I just thoroughly enjoyed it.” Vicki Venn Lange attended Lamar many years later, graduating in 1969. For Vicki, the
school is family – her mother-in-law Carolyn Montgomery Lange graduated in 1944, and her son Joe Lange in 2006. “John [Vicki’s husband] went to Lee,” Vicki says. “We were rivals!” In 2004 and 2005, Vicki served as PTO president. “They asked me to do it, and I feel such a tie to that school. I was so thrilled that one of
my children would be there. “I think there is such an incredible mix of kids and teachers at Lamar. You learn so much from each other. When Joe was there, he said, ‘This is the real world.’ He was right, because there are kids who drive their own cars there and kids who get up at 5 in the morning to ride (continued on page 20)
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(continued from page 19) the bus. You learn to get
along with everyone, and it’s a great mix.” Vicki remembers her parents requesting Lamar, although her Tanglewood neighborhood was zoned to Lee. “It was interesting,” she says. “All the girls chose Lamar, and all the guys chose Lee. “Then, like today, there were all the gazillion different clubs,” Vicki says. “Everybody joined everything – future teachers, future nurses. All outlets for creativity and volunteering. I was a member of the Choralettes, a singing group that was around for 30 or 40 years. It was all girls, and every year we went on some fabulous trip; my year we went to Hawaii. And every year we performed at Jones Hall to raise money for those trips. “I also was a member of the social club Mirabeau. You would apply, and they chose members by drawing names out of a hat. There were probably seven different women’s social clubs, and we did things like took turkeys to people during Thanksgiving and also had a party.” Vicki says she also has fond memories of lunching under the trees facing Westheimer. Although lunching under them is no longer allowed, “Those trees are still there,” she says. Amanda Kepke Fisher graduated from Lamar in 1988 and, just this year, calls herself both an alumna and a parent. Her daughter Elizabeth is a freshman. “I had gone to St. John’s for middle school and River Oaks Baptist for elementary,” Amanda says. “My parents knew I needed a different environment for high school. So I chose Lamar, and I loved it from the minute I started. What I was really excited about when I got there was the wonderful longtime choir director – Judy McEnany. Being so involved in the vocal performance at Lamar was one of the reasons I studied music in college at UT.” Amanda now runs AFA, a nonprofit connecting young people and music. “I loved the diversity,” Amanda says. “I loved eating lunch on the front lawn like we used to be able to back in the ’80s. It felt very independent, and coming from a small school, I loved it being so large and diverse.” Elizabeth will likely never eat lunch under the trees. Today, students eat in the courtyard outside or in the cafeteria. “I always had wanted to go to Lamar because the swim program is the talk of every swim program I’ve been in,” she says. “If you’re serious about swimming, that’s where you want to go.” About the academics, Elizabeth says, “Definitely the IB program is a lot more challenging than I guess when my mom was there. I love the classes. We’re not taking history, we’re taking human geography.” “I think the IB program now is fabulous,” Amanda says. “It’s a true global education with real-life experiences. The kids are in charge and managing their time.” So how does it feel to be a mom and not a student? “It smells the same; it really does! When I went up there last May, walking the halls trying to find the office, I saw the transoms over the doors that you would open to get air. I remember staring
HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS Katherine Heyne Tramonte and Jason Tramonte, who graduated from Lamar in 1994 and 1993, respectively, started dating in high school (inset photo). Their daughter Isa is now a Lamar freshman.
off into space and looking at them, and when I saw those same transoms, I got a little emotional. It was very nostalgic. I was excited to see the differences and excited to see what was the same. “The great thing about Lamar is that you can be whoever you want to be, and I was excited to see that with Elizabeth, how she would invent herself. “I will say that when I drop her off, I drive by my old parking space every morning. Elizabeth will attest that I’ll say way too much, ‘That was my parking space!’” Katherine Heyne Tramonte and Jason Tramonte met at Lamar; he graduated in 1993 and she in 1994. They dated in high school, took a little break when they went to different colleges, and then married 17 years ago. Their daughter Isa is currently a Lamar freshman. “Coach Martinez, the football coach” Jason says. “That’s what I remember most about Lamar. He was a very big influence on most of my life. He was not the nicest, but he had the best intentions, and that was to push us to be the best we could and to bring out the potential in us.” Katherine says, “I went and found him during open house [for Isa] and snapped a picture with him!” Jason says of Lamar, “I love its diversity. It’s a great school to grow up in. It’s protected and safe, but you learn a little street credit while you’re there. You just get a mix of a lot of different people and backgrounds, and that’s really what the world is about.” Isa agrees: “I like how you get to interact with all kinds of new people.” The powerhouse behind gathering 80 graduates for 80 years to celebrate the 2017 groundbreaking is Fran Callahan. Fran went from being a parent and president of the Lamar PTO in 1998 to founding the Lamar Alumni Association, one of only about five associations of its kind in the country.
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“The bathrooms were in terrible shape,” Fran says of her time as PTO president. “I went to the then-principal and said, ‘Listen, we came out of the Catholic schools where they’re always raising money. Maybe we could raise some money and fix the bathrooms. When you’re in Catholic school, you can sell raffle tickets and all kinds of things, but what do you do when you’re in public school?’ He said, ‘You can have a bake sale or car wash.’ I started laughing and said, ‘No, no. We need money with commas and zeros.’ So we started the Alumni Association. “We never got the bathrooms fixed because there was leftover bond money that did that,” Fran says. “But we’ve landscaped, remodeled the auditorium, bought the greenhouse, built a sports building, trimmed oak trees multiple times. And we’ve given $200,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. “When my first child was here, there were no computers in the school. One of my daughters took keyboarding on a piece of paper with a printout of a keyboard. The Alumni Association raised 100,000 for computers.” Today, the school gives every student their own laptop. Of all the changes that have been and are yet to come, the high school’s motto, “Reach for the stars!” remains. Even still, what students hear every morning over the loudspeaker has changed. There are still daily announcements, along with a word of the day, recitation of the pledge of allegiance and a pledge to the Texas flag. And it’s all followed, every day, by a mantra: “At Lamar High School, we are on time, on task and on a mission. Have a great day!” Editor's note: Ten years ago, Andy Blitzer wrote a 70th-anniversary story about Lamar. To see it and the photos we ran then, search "70th Lamar Anniversary" at thebuzzmagazines.com.
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NEIGHBORS
Celebrating 15 Years of The Buzz Magazines I
t’s hard to believe that this year marks the 15th anniversary of The Buzz Magazines. Thank you to all of our readers and advertisers for your support and trust over the past 15 years. The Buzz Magazines celebrated our anniversary Feb. 23 at Kirby Grove with more than 500 advertisers, vendors and longtime supporters. The newly renovated Levy Park provided a stunning backdrop, all lit up at night. Fifteen years of Buzz covers featuring Buzz residents were displayed on 80-inch monitors, along with the names of our advertisers and partners. Pianist Kelly Dean was followed by high-energy dance music from DJ Matt Murdock. There were plenty of cocktails, bites from Charlie’s & Co. Events and Catering that included a carving station, sliders and ceviche, desserts by Chef Smirnov Catering, coffee drinks by Java Pura Coffee Roasters and entertainment by magician Dante. A highlight was when Houston Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen presented a certificate of recognition in honor of our 15th anniversary. As guests left the party, they were handed a sweet treat – cookies from Michael’s Cookie Jar plus cartons of milk. Thank you to the readers, advertisers and friends who celebrated with us. We are looking forward to many more Buzzworthy years. Thank you, as well, to our vendors: Midway Companies, Kirby Grove, Charlie’s & Co Events and Catering, Chef Smirnov Catering, Java Pura Coffee Roasters, Michael’s Cookie Jar, Bacardi, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Total Wine & More, Any Occasion Party Rental, Culinary Eye Candy, Texas Pro-Audio Rentals, Elaine’s Florist & Gift Baskets, Praetorian Protective Services Corporation, Kim Coffman Photography, Laura Howey Photography, Kelly Dean, DJ Matt Murdock, Laz Parking, Sharp Cleaning Houston, LetourneauKeller and Magic by Dante.
MORE ONLINE For more on the anniversary party, see the photo album on our Facebook page and search “Celebrating 15 Years of The Buzz Magazines” at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Jon Aills, Alason Connell, Philip Alter
Gary Whitney and Molly Boren
The Buzz Magazines team celebrating 15 years: (front row, from left) Amber Lewis, Andy Blitzer, Jennifer Oakley, Sharon Brier, Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, Joni Hoffman, Michael Hoffman, Annie Blaylock McQueen, Angie Frederickson, Andria Frankfort, Leslie Little, Russell Weil; (back row, from left) John Duboise, Cheryl Ursin, Helen Van Rensburg, Michelle Casas Groogan, Todd Freed, Cheryl Laird, Kim Montgomery
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Jamie and Clem Barrere
DiAnn and George Sutherland
Local students helped to check in guests at the party: Caroline Funderburk, Haley Kurisky, Celia Houston, Sarah Bass, Ella Morgan, Madelyn Montgomery, Emma Montgomery, Sophia Wayne, Sara Koch
Photos by Kim Coffman and Laura Howey
Gigi and Stuart Shapiro
Laura Ward
Carolyn Rosenthal, Joni Hoffman and Harry Rosenthal
Julie Baker Finck and Ron Finck Beth Wolff
Gigi Huang
Louise Upshaw-McClenny, Michael Savino, Anne Janis
Phyllis and Bernie Milstein
Nina and Asif Ali and Jennifer Oakley
Amy Rozzell and Adam Newar
Michael and Joni Hoffman with Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen
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NEIGHBORS
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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Rumor Has It Downhill is a good thing. Beth Benson, Jim Slaughter, Stuart Traver and 30 friends with Space City Ski Club not only experienced skiing in the French Alps but went on side trips to Lyon, France, and Geneva, Switzerland. After many years of skiing in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada, Beth fulfilled a bucket-list item on the Paradiski Winter Expedition Trip. They stayed at an allinclusive resort near La Plagne that overlooked Mont Blanc and the lights of Courchevel. Surprise pop! The surprise party was not even close to Clif Iverson’s birthday, as it was in November and the party was in February. It just so happened to be midway between his and his wife Ann’s May birthday. Their dual 75th birthdays were celebrated with song and humor at The Music Box Theater, where a talented cabaret group tailored their performance for the honorees with some of their fave songs such as It’s a Man’s World, Ol’Man River, Desperado, Circle of Life and Lollipop. Friends came in from five states, and their family came in from Boulder. The birthday cake depicted a pair of lollipop pants that Ann bought for Clif just after their daughter Haven was born. All aboard. Lucette and Richard Rieger took their own challenge to see if they could visit the wild west Texas without a car. They left their house with carry-on suitcases and walked to a nearby bus stop on Richmond that took them to light rail and then a five-block walk to board the Amtrak train. After their overnight trip to Alpine, they had to rent a car to see Fort Davis, the McDonald Observatory, Marathon, Marfa and the historic Hotel Paisano, where the movie Giant was filmed. The Rieger trip was rather giant too. Sweet 16. Sixteen single gals, widowed or divorced, gathered on Valentine’s Day for dinner at a Memorial home. Part of the fun was a discussion about worst dates. Laughing in the group were Linda Suib, Frances Rubin, Brenda Nemzin and Phyllis Crowell. The party was given by a married couple who wanted to share the evening with a group hug. There were lots of giggles over the raffle prizes. Real-life actors. The Whole World’s a
WE’RE NOT IN HOUSTON After downhill skiing all day, Beth Benson, Jim Slaughter and Stuart Traver snow down at The Bar Igloo Igloo in La Plagne, France.
Stage could not have been more true than at the Social Book party at the Ballroom at Bayou Place. While Shakespeare roamed around, Scott Evans was working his oversized Hairspray can as Corny Collins. Jeff Henry, clad in a Phantom of the Opera cape and mask, pointed a rose as guests walked under a video mist that rolled off credits of sponsors. Most creative team went to Tirey Counts and Mary Wilson for Singing in the Rain as the duo walked around under mylarfringe “rain” and carried a lamp post. Jada August, aka Zsa Zsa Gabor, cuddled her mini chi dog Tica. Missa Sutton, in purple hair, and Helen Perry, bejeweled with a mini feathered jeweled hat, were just glam, as well as Jennifer Roosth, Nancy Golden, Jane Page, James Crump and Joann Peterson. Creative types. The Fresh Arts Cineball partiers dressed with passion and abandon as movie characters to celebrate arts advocates Steve Gibson, Jon Deal and Frank Liu, along with Sawyer Yards and the Washington Avenue Arts District. Julia Zaraza and Fritz McDonald Jr. ran around with a knife a la Pulp Fiction, while, big-hair Vicky (“Marie Antoinette”) and Gordon Wight and “Queen of Hearts” April McMayon crossed paths on the Emerald Brick Road to the bar with victims from Hitchcock’s
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The Birds, Lauren and Paul Grossbard, and Clockwork Orange misfits Palmer and Merry Schooley. Also in the crowd was Joe Horzepa, Richard Vaughan, Paula Canlas and, as Chicago flappers Velma and Roxie, Artista Elisabet and Cathy Krznar. Three parties. The Junior League hosted the 69th Annual Charity Ball, American Journey, and raised an impressive $740,000 to fund the Junior League’s community programs. Thursday night was a cocktail-party preview, while Friday night’s dinner featured Reckless Kelly, and Sunset Blvd. took the stage on Saturday night. An impressive video filled the walls as the singers and fashion show took place. A wine toss to win wine was popular. Kudos to Charity Ball chair Jennifer Scheifley Roberts, development vice president Amy Dunn and president Shannon Beirne Wiesedeppe. Bethany Buchanan, Melissa Polka and Leslie Bramlett Keyes, decked out in long, sparkly blue dresses, were the lead singers in the “Dream Girls” finale number.
MORE ONLINE See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for additional photos. Have some good news to share? Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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KIDS
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz Baby
Unexpected birth stories Leslie Gaworecki/Goodlight Photography
Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies from the perspective of a first-time mother.
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ears filled Brandi Dowell’s eyes as she was pushed towards the operating room. She was in labor with her fourth child, Watson, and after three successful drug-free deliveries, her labor had stalled out this time. Baby Watson’s heart rate had started to dip with each contraction, so after more than 24 hours of drug-free labor, her doctor and medical team made the decision that it was time to deliver the baby via C-section. “[My doctor] quickly assured us the baby was fine, but that it was time to get him or her out of there. I didn’t argue. Of course I just wanted to do what was best for the baby, but I cried,” said Brandi. “Not because I was scared about having a C-section or because my birth plan had gone off the tracks, but because I knew I wouldn’t be able to get right back home to my then-6, 4 and 2 year olds.” Brandi’s husband, Brian, a commodities broker, and the medical team hurried down the hallway, scrubbed up and ready for surgery. “Everyone saw my tears,” said Brandi. “I think they thought I was worried or scared that this baby was in danger, but I was totally confident [my doctor] had all of that under control. But when you are a mom, you are always thinking about all of them, and what they need from you.” Brandi said she had decided against using drugs or an epidural for a hopefully faster recovery and, in fact, less of a chance for an emergency C-section. That was her plan for all four births, along with the couple being surprised with the gender. “It all went really quick, and then there was my precious Watson, another boy,” said Brandi, with a smile. “He was absolutely perfect.” She spent several days recovering in the hospital, and after some missed basketball games, downtime and a couple of weeks of no driving, all was back to normal. The couple also had a dose of the unexpected with their first son, Fletcher, now 10. They had toured several hospitals, but when the due date arrived, they had trouble finding an available
UNEXPECTED PLANS Brandi Dowell had an emergency C-section after three natural deliveries. She says the important thing to focus on is what’s best for baby. Brandi and husband Brian have four boys: (from left) Jud, Dash, Watson and Fletch.
room. Almost one full week past her due date, her doctor called with an open room at Methodist Hospital. They rushed there. She was induced and delivered 12 hours later. “The thing about birth plans is, the moment that baby is in your arms the birth plan is over anyway. The birth plan is not the important part,” said Brandi. She urges other moms to stay focused on whatever is happening. “[You are] getting one step closer to seeing that tiny face, and that is all that matters.” Mom-of-three Amber Lewis, who is expecting a girl in May, found herself in an interesting scenario with the birth of her third son, Beck, in April 2015. Upon their arrival at the hospital, she said her husband, Mike, warned nurses of her track record of quick labor with the two older boys, Cade and Evan. The nurse on-duty proceeded to check if she was in labor, standard protocol. “It was literally [the nurse’s] first day,” said Amber. “She couldn’t hook me up properly to the machines, so they were unsure about the [baby’s heart-rate] readings.” They sent her to another floor for an ultrasound. By the time she got back to her room, she was
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in full-blown, ready-to-push labor. She barely got an epidural at 10 centimeters dilated. That baby was coming. With no other family members to watch little Evan and Cade (no time to even call them), the boys just stayed in the hospital room. “The nurses quickly constructed a fort out of sheets and chairs in my hospital room,” said Amber. “Evan watched the iPad while Cade played on Mike’s phone. They heard everything but saw nothing.” A healthy baby arrived moments later while the nurses entertained the boys. Amber said she is looking forward to a more controlled birth for their baby girl. “I actually had a friend ask me if I would have the boys in the delivery room, and my thought was, hell to the no!”
MORE ONLINE Did you or someone you know end up with an unexpected birth story? If so, we’d love for you to share the tale by emailing info@thebuzzmagazines.com or commenting under this article at thebuzzmagazines.com. For more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com for writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, “Mommy Moments.”
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lawellphoto.com
FOOD by Carolyn McCormick, contributing writer
Cooking Buzz Spring showers Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.
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hile we have Houston’s unpredictable rain to contend with in April, spring also means it’s time for bridal and baby showers. As wedding season begins, you can count on attending or hosting a shower or two this month. Although there are many wonderful venues for hosting a shower in Houston, I always appreciate hostesses who open up their homes for friends and family to celebrate together in a more intimate setting. Sometimes I find hosting a party in my home intimidating, but with enough advance preparation and the right make-ahead recipes, I can relax and focus on the guest of honor and her guests. To prepare, I try to set the tables and all decorations at least a couple of days before the big event. Then, I can add fresh flowers on the morning of the shower, and the scene is set. When menu planning, I focus on those dishes that can be prepped in advance. My goal is always to free up my time on the morning of the shower to focus on the last-minute touches and addressing those sneaky problems that might pop up. First things first, a signature drink to greet the guests. I like to have a bubbly drink ready to welcome everyone as soon as they arrive, and the Peach Champagne Punch from Peace Meals is perfect. Not only does the peach ice ring make for a beautiful punch bowl, but it can be prepared almost entirely ahead of time, with the soda and champagne added in at the last minute. For a baby shower, you can either substitute extra soda or sparkling apple cider in place of the champagne or keep the champagne separate to top off the glasses of any guests that would like a little bubbly. For the main course, the Elegant Egg Strata from Peace Meals is delicious and hearty. I pair it with the Crème Brûlée French Toast also featured in Peace Meals. Both casserole dishes can be prepared in advance and baked the morning of the shower. As an extra time-saving bonus, they both bake at the same temperature (although depending on your oven you may
need to increase the cooking time if you’re cooking both at the same time). This combination of casseroles is great for a shower because the egg dish is creamy, cheesy and rich, while the French toast casserole is perfect for guests with a sweet tooth. I always include a muffin or breakfast scone too, and the Scotch Oatmeal Muffins from the Houston Junior League Cookbook are a classic that are just sweet enough without being cupcakes in disguise. HAVE A GLASS Peach Champagne Brunch is festive and can be prepared Finally, for an extra ahead of time. fresh treat, I prepare the 3 Tablespoons almond extract Fresh Tomato Salad with Herbed Dressing 1liter (about 34 ounces) lemon-lime soda, from Peace Meals with the beautiful tomatoes chilled the markets are just starting to carry this time of 1 bottle Champagne, chilled year. While the tomatoes for this dish must be sliced on the day of the event in order to preThis recipe requires advance preparation. To serve their freshness, the dressing can be made make the peach ice ring, evenly distribute the in advance for an easier morning. chopped peaches in the bottom of a Bundt pan. And, if I’m feeling ambitious earlier in the Fill with 4 to 5 cups of water and freeze until week, I’ll make a batch of Shortbread Cookies solid, about 5 to 6 hours or overnight. with Perfect Icing for a to-go favor since I can Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a large personalize these cookies to suit the shower theme saucepan; remove from heat and whisk in the – a ring cookie cutter for a bridal shower and a gelatin until dissolved. Mix in the lemonade, baby bottle cookie cutter for a baby shower. pineapple juice and almond extract. Pour into a With all of these make-ahead recipes, it’s pospunch bowl. When ready to serve, stir in the sible to host a beautiful brunch shower. soda and Champagne. Gently float the prepared ice ring in the punch. Serves a crowd. Peach Champagne Punch From Peace Meals To buy a Houston Junior League cookbook, see 6 fresh ripe peaches, pitted and chopped jlh.org or call 713-871-6608. (about 3 cups) 1 package (3 ounces) peach-flavored gelatin 12 ounces frozen pink lemonade concentrate For other recipes mentioned in this story, see (or limeade) thebuzzmagazines.com 64 ounces pineapple juice, chilled
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 28
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DINING
by Dai Huynh, staff writer
Chef’s Corner
Michael Parker
Find out about your favorite chefs, and where they like to eat, in our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews chef Michael Parker.
P
rior to the Super Bowl’s kickoff last month, 40-plus restaurants opened eagerly to fans converging on Houston. Among the most anticipated openings was Potente, Houston Astros owner Jim Crane’s restaurant. Neighboring Minute Maid Park, Potente (1515 Texas) is an upscale, modern Italian showpiece with chef Michael Parker at the helm, working alongside chef de cuisine Micah Rideout and pastry veteran David Berg. A few weeks after Potente started serving veal osso buco and bistecca alla florentina, Crane opened trattoriainspired Osso & Kristalla. The two handsome restaurants anchor the ground floor of the blockwide 500 Crawford apartment building. Parker and his team oversee the breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch menus for Osso & Kristalla and the dinner-only Potente. Just add this to Parker’s extensive duty roster. Along with being Crane’s personal chef, he is the executive chef at the millionaire’s exclusive Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Fla., which has hosted dignitaries that include President Obama. “It’s not your average country club,” Parker said. Members fly in on their private jets. Parker now splits time between Texas and Florida. The 47-year-old Englishman earned his stripes in the kitchen, working with the famed Roux brothers at the Waterside Inn, a three-star Michelin restaurant near London. After graduating from high school at age 15, he received his culinary degree from Bournemouth and Poole College in Dorset in 1987. He has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, along with Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama. Here, he talks about cooking for the Houston Astros and turning President Obama’s team onto hidden culinary gems along the North Atlantic Ocean. When hiring new cooks, chefs like yourself come up with all sorts of tests to gauge skills. How do you determine whether someone is qualified to work in your kitchen? You’re only as good as your worst cook, so you
got to know your basics. The first test is can you dice or slice an onion? It is amazing how many guys come through who can’t do it correctly. Then I’ll ask, “How do you make hollandaise?” You’ll be amazed by what some people say. I’ve heard guys tell me that you make it with hard-boiled eggs and then you put CHEF PARKER U.S. presidents, Queen Elizabeth II and other dignitaries have savored his signature dishes. Now, chef Michael Parker is cooking for Houstonians at mayonnaise in Jim Crane's two downtown restaurants. them. wine list, fine scotches, and whiskeys. How Michel and Albert Roux are culinary lumiwould you describe its more relaxed, younger naries. What did you learn working for them? sibling, Osso & Kristalla? You learn perfection. You learn how to taste We have a strong coffee program for breakfast and season. We tasted everything. We had an with homemade pastries. We fire up the wood80-cover restaurant and 22 cooks. You worked burning pizza oven for lunch and dinner. We’ll 16-17 hours a day. have pastas and paninis. Lunch is fast-paced. The Roux brothers put out an expressive Dinner is more relaxed, with wines by the glass. alumni roster – you and others. Can you recommend a favorite place to eat? Yes, Gordon Ramsay worked for the Roux, There is a place called Little Moir’s Food Shack along with Marco Pierre White and Gary Jones. (Jupiter Square, 103 US-1 D3) in Jupiter, Fla. It’s What do you recommend ordering on a first just a bunch of surfer guys who love surfing and visit to Potente? fishing. They cook fresh fish. It’s not a whiteThe whole brazino, grilled and stuffed with tablecloth place; they don’t take reservations. I crab and cauliflower. We also have a terrific tratook some guys who worked for Obama here, and ditional veal osso buco with olive tapenade. The they loved it. They went back there a few times. beef carpaccio – that’s a good dish – and the It’s a no-frills place, but it’s fresh and good. tuna crudo, which I think is the best dish on the menu, with shaved foie gras, caper berries and a Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh lemon curd aioli. is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and What is Jim Crane’s favorite dish? longtime Houston-based restaurant writer. Jim Crane likes a lot of fish. He likes scallops. We have a good diver-scallop dish. Have any Houston Astros players been See thebuzzmagazines.com/restaurants for spotted at Potente or Osso & Kristalla? restaurant listings. Use the restaurant finder to I’ll be doing a dinner for the Astros soon, and search by area, cuisine and price. Leave a comment naturally, when baseball season starts, the players online or write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with will be hanging out there after the games, I’m sure. your dining stories and suggestions. Potente is high-end, with an impressive
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 30
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SPORTS
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz I
t was a historic season for the St. John’s boys wrestling team, which became the first Southwest Preparatory School from Houston to win the Texas State Prep Wrestling Championship. The Mavericks defeated 23 teams to claim the title. “I’m so proud of the kids and what they’ve accomplished,” said Mavericks wrestling coach Alan Paul. “It’s incredibly difficult to win state with so many great wrestling programs competing. This year’s field was especially tough.” Toughing it out for St. John’s were several wrestlers, including Layo Laniyan, who won gold in the 138 lb. weight class. In addition, Peter Chen (170 lb.) and Josh Thomas (285 lb.) were each a state runner-up. Will Skinner (132 lb.) and Dani Yan (160 lb.) captured third place, while Thomas Grannen (120 lb.), Malcolm Sturgis (152 lb.), Matthew Mercado (182 lb.) and Michael Meaux (195 lb.) were all fourth-place finishers. St. John’s then capped off the season by winning its fourth SPC Championship in the last five years. “We’ve really created a sense of community throughout our entire wrestling program,” said Paul. “A lot of our success comes from the boys caring and helping each other.” In swimming, St. Agnes Academy defended its TAPPS Division 1 State Swimming Championship, while also winning the title for the third time in the last four years. “We had a lot of swimmers back from last year’s state champs, so, we knew had a chance to do great things,” said Tigers coach Kaitlin Kelley. “Our girls simply rose to the occasion.” St. Agnes was especially strong in the relays, with the foursome of Lilli Metts, Bridget Hibbler, Rachel Wright and Anastasia Kontrimas breaking a school record to win gold in the 4x50 medley relay. Plus, Hibbler and Kontrimas teamed with Lilli Storemski and Delaney Wolfe to break a school record while winning the 4x50 freestyle relay. “We have a really strong and deep program,” said Kelley. “The girls worked together and really went after the title.” In TAPPS Division 3, chalk up eight state championships for the powerful Saint Thomas’
MAVERICKS WIN The St. John’s Mavericks wrestling team became the first SPC school to win the prestigious Texas State Prep Wrestling Championship. The Mavericks also defended their SPC wrestling championship this season.
Episcopal School swim program, with the STE girls winning this year’s state title and the STE boys finishing a strong second. “The girls were simply dominant,” said STE coach Helena Finley. Freshman Kathryn Schwartz led the way with four gold medals, including wins in both of her freestyle events. Schwartz, Celia Houston, Sophie Close and Olivia Lane broke a school record in winning the 200-yard medley relay, while the foursome of Schwartz, Close, Lucy McLean and Katie Flato won gold in the 400yard freestyle relay. Close also broke a school record in winning the 100-yard butterfly. With a spectacular come-from-behind win in the 400-yard freestyle relay, the STE boys finished second overall at the state meet. James Finley, Sebastian Ortiz, Alexander Halsey and freshman Patrick Close, who made up a 10-second deficit on the final leg, pulled out the thrilling victory in the meet’s final race. Finley also won the 100 breastroke and finished fifth in the 200 individual medley. A sensational performance from junior Clayton Bobo propelled the Stratford Spartans to a seventh-place finish at the UIL 6A State Swimming and Diving Meet. Bobo, who was named the swimmer of the meet, finished first in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races. In the
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50 freestyle, Bobo became the third swimmer ever to break the 20-second mark at the state meet, while in the 100 freestyle, he swam the second fastest time in the history of the UIL state meet. “It was pretty amazing,” said Stratford coach Mike Hoskovec. “Clayton is actually so good that he doesn’t consistently get close competition. It’s really fun to watch him go when he has guys to push him. He’s also taken a lot of steps forward in his daily workouts to swim fast consistently.” Bobo also teamed with Dean Rathgeb, Peyton Moak and Jim Nantz to win the consolation final in the medley relay, while Kyle Storemski, Bobo, Rathgeb and Nantz won the consolation race in the 200 freestyle relay. The Stratford girls were led by sophomore Emma Stephenson, who finished fifth in the 50 freestyle and seventh in the 100 butterfly. Prior to state at regionals, Stephenson, Sloane Pyle, Brittany Baerg and Morgen Reyna broke a 22year-old school record in winning the medley relay. Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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Horton hears a what? Fake news and alternative facts are nothing new. In the story, Horton Hears a Who, a young elephant tries to save a small speck of dust because it allegedly houses thousands of Whos in Whoville. That story, contrary to belief, was not written by Dr. Seuss, but by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). On their website, they state, “There is a misconception that asthma and allergy sufferers should avoid carpet. In fact, the opposite is true. Studies have shown that carpet actually improves indoor air quality.” Oh, and what studies would those be, CRI? Carpet is a safe reservoir for dust mites and other allergens to hide. Dust mites thrive in heat and humidity, so they love Houston; in fact, they are the No. 1 cause of yearround allergies in this area. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, “Wall-to-wall carpeting should be removed as much as possible." That sounds a little different from the advice offered by the Carpet and Rug Institute. The word “carpet," mentioned 68 times in the practice parameter on exposure control to dust mites, is almost always preceded by the words “eliminate” or “remove.” In Horton Hears a Who, the outraged animals wanted to “…boil that dust speck!” This is what allergists have been recommending for years to decrease exposure to house dust mites. Washing sheets and pillow cases in hot water (at least 130 degrees) is effective in reducing mite populations. The most important consideration in dust mite avoidance is preventing the humidity from getting above 50 percent. Dust mites can’t drink water. They have to absorb it from the air. If the air is too dry, dust mites can’t
make baby dust mites, and your allergies start to get better. But don’t let the humidity get too low! Below 35 percent, your skin may itch and your nose may bleed. You can buy a digital Acurite humidity gauge at hardware stores for $10 or $15. In this area, running your air conditioner usually lowers the humidity adequately, but during spring and fall, it may be necessary to supplement with a dehumidifier. If you’ve got a dust mite allergy, that $10 investment in the hygrometer may be the best investment you’ll make this year. Lastly, if you’re allergic to dust mites, you should encase your mattress and pillow in a dust-mite impermeable cover. Oh, and one more thing: APRIL FOOLS! (about Dr. Seuss and the CRI – the rest of the advice is scientifically sound.) No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 33
Kirsten Robinson
SPORTS
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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
SportzBuzz, Jr. W
elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
Dodging a defender Eighth grader Parker Rose (top photo, at right) runs past a defender on his way to the goal in a lacrosse game against Lake Travis. Parker attends River Oaks Baptist School (ROBS) and plays for the Sidewinders lacrosse tournament team with other eighth-grade boys from ROBS, St. John’s School, The Kinkaid School and Memorial Middle School. The Sidewinders are coached by David deLemos and have been successful on the field, including winning first place in the Laxpalooza tournament held in College Station. Parker plays the attack position and began playing lacrosse in fourth grade. He plans to continue in high school, playing for both a school team and summer travel team.
Conference court champs The Second Baptist School eighth-grade girls basketball team (middle photo) won the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference championship. Led by head coach Ceci Torn and assistant coach Eric Johnson, the Eagles battled the St. John’s School Mavericks in a tough championship game, and won the title with a final score of 24-20. During the regular season, the eighth-grade Eagles had an overall middle school record of 39-2 and were undefeated in their conference. The champions are (back row, from left) coach Eric Johnson, Ashley Turnage, Kennedy Walk, Leyla Ertan, Mimi Gilbert, Sophie Cela, Audrey Vick, Jenna Risher, Eliza Dixon, coach Ceci Torn; (front row, from left) Laila West, Grace Evans, Carter Callaway, Anni Shewmake, Ashley Maurer and Audrey Bishop.
Winning warriors The Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association Warriors (bottom photo) won the 7/8 gold division basketball championship in a hard-fought game against the Bulls. All of the second- and third-grade Warriors attend Valley Oaks Elementary and were coached by Derek Hollingsworth, Bob Naponic and Paul Carrillo. The championship came at the end of a season that started slowly for the boys. After losing their first four games, the Warriors started playing solid defense, and things really took off during the playoffs. At the end of the final game, the boys were so excited to be champions that they all did cartwheels on the court. The champs are (back row, from left) coaches Bob Naponic and Derek Hollingsworth; (front row, from left) Tyler Koehn, Jude Parnell, Jackson Carrillo, Rafe Hollingsworth, Zachary Dina, Ethan Pancioli, Kaden Gulledge, Greyson Gunn, Sam Anderson and Brady Johnson.
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Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.
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The high price of a mental health misdiagnosis One in five Americans suffers from mental illness each year. Chances are you know someone struggling with a mental health issue that’s disrupting their personal or professional lives. Yet common conditions, including ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, are frequently misdiagnosed, especially when symptoms first appear. Impact For those who receive an incorrect diagnosis, the price can be high. “Misdiagnosis results in ineffective or delayed treatment, which worsens the outcome and risks, magnifying the impact of the illness on a person’s ability to function,” said Jonathan Stevens, MD, MPH, chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and medical director of Outpatient Services at The Menninger Clinic. “Initial misdiagnosis also increases the risk of recurrence and the duration of future episodes.” What contributes to a misdiagnosis? The main culprits are often an incomplete history and physical, and the presence of other psychiatric or even medical disorders. Getting it right So how do you avoid the risk of misdiagnosis? “It’s crucial to be assessed by an experienced and comprehensive diagnostic team,” said Dr. Stevens. Such a team should perform a careful examination of symptoms, which includes taking a comprehensive patient history and employing reliable screening questionnaires to help uncover the real diagnosis.
Information gathered from interviews with family, friends and significant others should also be included, and physical exams, brain imaging, sleep studies, lab work and genetic testing can help improve the chances of getting an accurate diagnosis. “While the information these tests produce is important, success depends on a careful diagnostic evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians,” added Dr. Stevens. “Without such a team, you’re more likely to get – and keep getting – an inaccurate diagnosis.” Sobering statistics Statistics from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance help show why it’s important to find the right team to give you the right diagnosis: • Only one in four individuals with bipolar disorder receives an accurate diagnosis in less than three years. • Depression costs U.S. businesses $70 billion in medical expenditures, lost productivity and other costs each year. • Up to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the U.S. may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder. To make an appointment for an adult or adolescent outpatient psychiatric assessment at Menninger, call 713-275-5000. The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, www.MenningerClinic.com
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PAST AND PRESENT Paige Clark, a junior at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, says certain moments in history are especially meaningful to her. She likes to think of future important moments that she may experience in her life.
KIDS by Paige Clark, age 16
Buzz Kidz
Musing on moments
I
n the seventh grade, I read, for the first time, A Separate Peace by John Knowles. Upon completing the novel, I wrote an essay about the inner and outer struggles of the main character, Gene Forrester. I can’t imagine I said anything profound. Because I was 12 years old, I overlooked one of the most important lines: Everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him. It is the moment when his emotions achieve their most powerful sway over him, and afterward when you say to this person “the world today” or “life” or “reality” he will assume that you mean this moment, even if it is fifty years past. The world, through his unleashed emotions, imprinted itself upon him, and he carries the stamp of that passing moment forever. Because I was so young, I couldn’t fully grasp
how important this quote is. Now, not that I am truly any older, I understand what it means to have a moment “imprinted” upon me. However, I imagine these moments more than I actually experience them. My hope for the future is that my “moment in history” is greater, bigger and better than what I could come up with before I fall asleep. I like to think of moments that could have been my “moment,” if only I had been alive. Here are a few: tearing down the Berlin Wall, New Year’s 2000 (technically I was here for this, but I was still in the womb), Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the moon landing, JFK’s “Do not ask what your country can do for you…”, June 4, 1919 (the 19th Amendment, granting women the vote), and the Beatles live. Being a part of history is one of my favorite
parts of life. I want to remember everything: the scents, the songs, the shirt I was wearing. I live my life knowing that one day, this will all make an excellent story. Hopefully, with (extreme) effort and dedication, I will be able to tell these stories in different languages. I am usually quite shy, so becoming an explorer of the world will take some extra practice. But when I am watching the first female president being sworn in, I know it will have been worth it. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.
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Crafting a competitive resume The college admissions process is competitive, and students are feeling the pressure. They work hard to earn top grades, dominate the SAT and ACT, and participate in the best extracurricular activities. On top of that, students know they need to gain leadership experience and accumulate volunteer hours. In other words, the quest for a “perfect” college application is exhausting. The process is hard on parents too. After all, you’ve been preparing for your child’s future since before they even entered the world. From putting money into a college fund to choosing the right schools, from shuttling them to activities to helping them with homework, setting your child up for success is a full-time job. All of your patience and hard work comes to a head when your student starts on those college applications. The biggest question is, what makes an applicant stand out? More than anything, colleges and universities want to see applicants who know what they want to do and have the past experiences to prove it. Excellent grades and scores are important, but students need to show they have specific goals, big ambitions, and boundless passion as well. The Enrichery’s Career Accelerator internship program gives young people real world experience that will improve their college admissions prospects by providing them with pertinent experiences to discuss in admissions essays, resume-building opportunities, and mentors who can teach them about their field of interest. The Career Accelerator offers structured guidance and detailed assessments to help identify a professional path that will utilize a student’s personal strengths and passions. Students will gain invaluable experience to
highlight on future job applications, as well as the opportunity to network and meet instrumental mentors. During the first week of the Career Accelerator program, mentors and coaches assist students in crafting strong resumes, marketing their talents, and learning how to interview. Students then spend four weeks working as interns in the field of their choice. At the end of the program, students present their capstone projects. Whether your student wants to save lives as a doctor, change lives as an activist, or experience different lives as an actor, we’ve built partnerships with businesses all over Houston to give young people the summer internship and professional development experience of a lifetime. For admission into the program, students can apply online at www.theenrichery.com/ca-application/. If their initial application is approved, they will be scheduled for an interview. Admission into the program is selective, based upon a student’s poise, professionalism, and academic performance. The Enrichery Academic Consulting, 9111 Katy Freeway, Suite 310, Houston, Texas 77024, 832.863.3807, sarah@theenrichery.com, www.theenrichery.com
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A piece of Tanglewood preserved
Neighborhood Tails
713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com
Elvis, age 10, Chocolate Labrador, River Point Dr. Dylan Aguilar
I was put up for adoption because I was terrorizing chickens in the chicken coop. Then I met Joe, who was in college, and he and his roommate adopted me to be their hunting dog. But I am afraid of guns. So I came to live with Bozo, my brother here in Houston. We are very happy together here. I’m grateful for my home, and I love getting to see Joe and his brothers when they come to visit. My favorite thing to do is play with Bozo, who was found on the side of the highway. I love getting treats – in particular, chicken and bacon. My neighbor Cupcake and my cousin Scooter have both been featured in The Buzz Magazines, and I’m also happy to be featured, although it was tough to sit long enough to get my picture taken. I hope all of the neighbors’ dogs get to see my picture. Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Featured pets receive two passes to Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Each pass can be redeemed for one day of lodging in a Bunk House Suite, 25 percent off your next grooming appointment or 25 percent off one obedience training class.
For over 10 years, we tried to buy the 1940s ranch house on Longmont Drive. This beautiful one-acre property was the last available land on the street. The location is unique because Longmont is the only street where buyers can live in a gated community and still be part of Tanglewood. In 2005, we began writing the owner a letter explaining our dream to develop the land with homes that have a “master down.” Each year we followed up with a phone call or a postcard, and finally this past year the owner was ready to sell. After a year of planning and design, we are breaking ground. To preserve history, we named the development “Imber Place,” after the family who lived in the Tanglewood community for over 68 years. The development consists of nine single-family brick homes that have the master suite and living area on the first floor, a feature which is in great demand and hard to find, especially in the Galleria area. The guest parking, individual back-door trash pickup and mail delivery, as well as the courtyard lifestyle with a summer kitchen, fireplace and room for a pool, are a few of the many details thoughtfully planned to bring together the best possible living experience. With a lock-and-leave lifestyle and low HOA fees, this Charleston-inspired development is the perfect alternative to high-rise living in a beautiful neighborhood. Contact us for pre-construction pricing and the ability to customize each home Charter Custom Homes/Imber Place, 5120 Longmont Drive, Houston, Texas 77056, 713.202.4428, www.chartercustomhomes/imberplace
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Are you aging gracefully?
A minute with Maisie
I don't know about you, but I check a lot of boxes to give myself the best chance. Moisturizers, check; eye cream, check; eating healthy, check; sunscreen, of course; plenty of water, check; cardio, check. What about strength and flexibility? What if I told you that you can do a workout that gives you flexibility and strength while at the same time setting you up to be more active as you age? Whether your main concern is to preserve bone density, boost your golf game or simply tone up, pilates will work for you. Have you tried or ever wanted to? All it takes is one decision to take a class. There are many options with how to care for our bodies, but there is no “quick fix.” It is important to give yourself the time and attention to be stronger. It isn’t about perfection but about the growth progression of your body, mind and heart. Our hope is people feel at home here and know anyone can come just as they are no matter their age or stage of life. Let us help you stand a little taller as you tone your entire body from the inside out using these safe, energetic, low impact and fun workout systems. We do require grip socks for all classes, your personal mat for barre classes and just yourself for reformer. Fill up your water bottle, and let's get moving! PosturFIT Pilates & Barre, 3451 Kirby Drive, 77098, ashley@posturfit.com, www.posturfit.com, 713.554.0200
Many clients ask me, “What type of documents do I need to prove my claim of separate property?” The Texas Family Code provides a presumption that all property owned by either party is community property. However, a party can rebut that presumption by proving that the property was 1) owned prior to the marriage, 2) inherited or 3) a gift. To prove any one of these, documents are typically required. For example, to prove property ownership of a bank account prior to marriage, it is incumbent on the proponent to produce ALL the account statements beginning at least one month prior to the marriage through the date of divorce. Therefore, for long-term marriages, this can be quite the task. Retaining documents is imperative in cases where there is no pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family law firm specializing in divorce, child custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., Maisie A. Barringer, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com
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Quy Tran Photography
NEIGHBORS
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by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer
Buzz About Town For children’s scholarships
On the runway Guests gathered at The Briar Club for KNOWAutism’s A Transformational Evening gala. The venue was transformed by the gala’s creative director David Peck into a garden scene, and the evening included a fashion show of junior fashionistas Caitlyn Chang, Alana Dichoso, Ariana Lee, Zenya Merchant, Alexis Nasser, Natalya Pavlovic, Josie Perich and Brooke Stevens. The event also featured a show by local models Farida Abjani, Karina Barbieri, Amy Dichoso, Varda Dror Fields, Shamika Johnson, Lisa Kornhauser, Sneha Merchant, Perri Kay Palermo Motamedi, Amy Pierce
Mark Katz Photography
More than 600 people gathered at the Royal Sonesta Houston for the 27th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball, themed “Spirit of the J.” The black-tie gala raised more than $450,000 for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. The evening opened with HEB’S Scott McClelland announcing that guests would get the opportunity to get the first look at his newest commercial, which ended up being a HEB-style “commercial” filmed at the Café at the J, presenting all the honorees of the ball. There was a fun, energizing vibe during the evening, and a J staff member dressed as a “referee” and blew the whistle every time a guest would get “too rowdy.” Pictured (seated, from left) are Erika Kaufman, 2017 ball chair; Lisa Helfman, honorary chair; Lauren Blachman, 2017 honoree; Abby Ackerman, 2017 ball chair; (standing, from left)
Joel Dinkin, JCC executive vice president; Debbie Kaplan, president JCC board of directors; Soraya and Scott McClelland of HEB, 2017 honorees; Jeremy Blachman, 2017 honoree; and Eve and Bobby Lapin, honorary chairs.
(pictured) and Christina Zhou. A video on autism education was played. Co-chairs were Tracy and Harry Faulkner and Drs. Alice Mao and Matthew Brams, and honorary gala chair was Carolyn Farb.
Fun run
All school year, Briargrove Elementary School has hosted events in celebration of its 60th birthday. In February right before the Super Bowl, the PTO hosted an all-school Fun Run, a fundraiser for the school’s new track. Each of the students solicited pledges from family and friends all over the world. They were paid per lap, and pledges came in (continued on page 42) TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 40
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tries, including Germany, France and India. The school raised more than $35,000. Celebrating the day were (pictured, previous page, from left) PTO president-elect Julie Economides, Dianne Friedl, second grader Kyle Economides and first grader Drew Friedl.
Gittings
’70s throwback
Corazón. Leisa Holland Nelson and Leila Perrin were chairs for the second year in a row, and Philamena and Arthur Baird were the honorary chairs. Gina Gaston of KTRH Channel 13 emceed the event. Karen Love, a longtime active community member, of PKF Texas, was recognized as the 2017 Making a Difference Community Leader Honoree. Keynote speaker Maria Hinojosa, a news anchor and reporter, shared her story and spoke about the importance of organizations like El Centro. Spotted in the crowd were John Hernandez, Cathy Easter, Dr. Charles Millikan, Bill King, Beckie and Gasper Mir, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Sippi Khurana, Shawntell McWilliams, Roxann Neumann, and Margaret and Joel Shannon. Proceeds benefit low-income, medically underserved families in Houston. Pictured (from left) are Leila Perrin, Elizabeth Killinger, Karen Love and Leisa Holland Nelson. See www.elcentrodecorazon.org.
30-minute play explored the sometimes-tragic consequences of underage drinking. All performances were followed by a talk-back with the cast and choices counselor Sam Scharff to discuss prevention of high-risk behaviors in high school. Pictured are juniors Hanna Nyberg (front) and Bella Ray.
Good Samaritans Michelle Watson
(continued from page 40) from 10 different coun-
Claire Fletcher
Playwrights
Attendees will throw it back to 1975 at the Chinquapin Preparatory Spring Gala, which honors David Medina, who was part of the first graduating class of 1975. The gala takes place April 27 at River Oaks Country Club, and the chair is Francie Willis (pictured, with husband Mike Willis). See chinquapin.org.
Making a difference
Episcopal High School’s advanced acting troupe, Masque, presented Looking Back on It Now, a play written by EHS students Bella Ray, Anthony Buzbee and Morgan Cuenod. The
Daniel Ortiz
More than 300 community leaders gathered at Hotel ZaZa for the 10th annual Making a Difference Luncheon benefiting El Centro de
More than 200 guests gathered for the Good Samaritan Foundation’s Pearl Ball at the River Oaks Country Club. The Space City-themed evening raised more than $220,000 in support of the organization’s scholarship program for student nurses. Attendees danced to the sounds of the Doppelganger Band. Good Samaritan Foundation chair Jason Fertitta explained its goal to increase the quantity of nurses dedicated to clinical care and to improve the quality of nurse education. Pictured are event chairs Dr. Courtney Toomey and Bill Toomey.
Community immunity The 8th annual Community Immunity Spring Luncheon will take place at River Oaks Country Club on April 20. Supporters will gather to honor leaders and will raise funds for The Immunization Partnership. Event chairs are Selby DeVault, Catherine Mitchell and Shannan Sturgis. Mustafa Tameez will facilitate a panel discussion on “The hidden faces of HPV-related cancers;” panelists include throat and neck cancer survivor Bert Noojin and cervical cancer survivor Kara Million. Pictured (next page, from left) are luncheon co-chair Selby DeVault, chief development officer for The (continued on page 44) TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 42
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 43
Julie Comiskey and Amy Dunn, a supporter of The Immunization Partnership.
A mile in their shoes
Michelle Watson
ing his personal story. Floral centerpieces had a baseball in them. Chairs were Patti and Vince Elliott, and honorary chairs were Doris and Terry Looper, Sherry and Jim Smith, and Kim and Chuck Watson. Proceeds will go toward Young Life’s Houston Urban Multicultural Ministry. Pictured (from left) are Lance Berkman with chairs Patti and Vince Elliott.
Hats, hearts and horseshoes Chairs Megan and Luke Hotze and Hannah and Cal McNair are planning the inaugural KentuckyDerby themed Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event to benefit Bo’s Place. Pictured (from left) at a recent event kickoff are Megan Hotze, Hannah McNair and Joanna and Brad Marks. Guests will don their derby best and enjoy a day on the lawn At River Oaks Baptist School, administrators cleared their calendars, silenced their phones and laced up their tennis shoes. Then they immersed themselves in student life for a day by “shadowing” a student from morning carpool through afternoon pick-up. Second grader Thomas Fanning spent Go Texan Day hosting head of school Leanne Reynolds (pictured). "I felt special and important all day,” Thomas said. He loved playing “hotfoot bingo” during P.E. and enjoyed reading his dream vacation project about Charlottesville to Mrs. Reynolds, especially as she lived in Virginia after college. Mrs. Reynolds also sat with Thomas at lunch and visited with his friends. “That night, Mrs. Reynolds sent Tiff’s Treats to our house, and my mom let me have two cookies,” Thomas said. “It was an amazing day!"
Grand-slam gala More than 330 supporters of Young Life gathered at The Houstonian Hotel for the gala themed Get in the Game for Young Life. The baseball theme wove throughout the evening with special guest speaker Lance Berkman sharTANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 44
Editor’s note: The Buzz congratulates Buzz About Town columnist Annie Blaylock McQueen on the arrival of her beautiful baby Georgia. Annie took a short break to spend time with Georgia and twin toddlers Cash and Lila and will return to the Buzz About Town column in May. In the meantime, associate editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld handled this column. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis. Dave Rossman
Photography by www.AlexandersPortraits.com
(continued from page 42) Immunization Partnership
at a home in River Oaks, with cocktails, a cigar bar, band, big board and live auction. At the kickoff, Derby Day attire, including fashionable hats, was modeled, and guests sipped on spiked mini milkshakes. Spotted in the crowd were Joanna and Brad Marks, Meredith and Patrick Chastang, David Hartland, Kadriye Alcorn, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Susan and Charlie Neuhaus, Bo’s Place executive director Mary Beth Staine, Bo’s Place board president Travis Torrence, Kristina Somerville and Christie Sullivan. See bosplace.org.
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NEIGHBORS
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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Back Porch
On top of team snacks behance.net/runamokstudios
T
here are a whole lot of soccer games (or swim meets or tennis matches – insert your children’s sport of choice here) in the life of a family with kids. Which means there are a whole lot of “opportunities” for each family to be in charge of team snacks. (Note that I use the term “opportunities” here, intentionally steering away from something more to-the-point, like “forced marches.”) After a few games, or a few years, the snack thing gets pretty de rigueur. Goldfish and water, anyone? Whatever they’ve got at Target that’s individually bagged and easily transported usually wins, as long as it won’t prompt turned-up noses from starving players. “I felt like by bringing Cuties [oranges] and cheese sticks I was being a rebel, because everyone else was bringing Goldfish and those granola bars with chocolate chips,” one Buzz mom of three boys says. When asked if she ever got any more creative than that, the mom said, “Last week I brought [the] coaches a 12-pack of Bud Light, but I don’t think that’s the kind of snack you’re looking for.” Jason Reimers, a beloved track, basketball and football coach at The Emery/Weiner School, has seen it all in his nine years as a coach. “It’s been a hot-button topic every now and then,” he says. “We actually are working with our Athletic Leadership Council now, which is about 10 to 15 kids, to figure out whether they like when one parent brings a snack, or if they want to bring their own, or if they want Sage [the school’s lunch caterer] to bring.” Apparently the kids are partial to either a parent or lunch service. The range of snacks is wide: “Some parents are bringing Jimmy John’s, and some are bringing a bag of Cheetos,” Jason says. “One time a mom or maybe the girl told the nanny, ‘We need to bring a snack.’ They brought a whole chicken! We weren’t sure how to divide the thing up, and the girl was pretty embarrassed.” So avoiding the whole rotisserie-chicken option, how do we move beyond tiny crackers in a bag? Miri Levy, who has three children playing sports in high school and middle school, is known for her homemade quesadillas. “I buy
SNACK MOM Team snacks can run the gamut from bags of chips to homemade treats.
those Central Market tortillas; they make them fresh,” she says. “And I get the cheese that they grate for you, and I put it together in a nonstick pan to make it nice and crispy. No oil, no butter, and it’s really delicious, thanks to those tortillas. The key is to bring them fresh to the kids so that they don’t get soggy. So I wrap them individually in parchment. “Sometimes for my own kids, I will put fresh spinach that I add, but I never do it for the teams, because I never know who will hate it or not.” Miri says when she finds the freshly made Central Market tortillas still warm at the store, “I buy like 20 packs and freeze them. I have three kids, so I bring a lot of quesadillas to school.” Mary Johnson’s 14-year-old son Ben has played Post Oak Little League baseball since he was 8, having played around town since he was 6. (Her daughter, 16-year-old Helena, swims, “but there’s not really any snacking in that,” Mary says.) When Ben’s teams were young, Mary liked bringing sugary treats. “If the boys were down
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ APRIL 2017 46
and blue, we’d go get a bunch of candy and put it in the dugout to lighten the mood a little bit and give them a little sugar kick. “It would be so terrible to do it now that Ben is 14, but when he was in peewee, like 8 or 9, it was so much fun. But after peewees, they really frown upon that. A lot of moms will bring their kids tacos or hamburgers in the dugout, but as a coach, my husband never allowed that.” Mary also believes that eventually the kids need to start planning their own snacks. “At this age, you’re old enough to start taking care of yourself,” she says. “It’s just a snack. You’re not going to die.” To that point: Recently her son was playing in a baseball tournament with some older boys. “I overheard the tournament director saying that the [college] scouts coming to look at the high school boys look for two things: one, if mommy is bringing food to the kids in the dugout, and two, if the kids are talking back to the coach. “So now that they’re older, if they want Pixie Sticks, they can go to the store and buy them.”
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