Brittany Aaronson and Cara Maines
School Buzz Introducing our correspondents
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Buzz Home It’s a labor of love
EDITOR’S NOTE It all started with a tall, nonfat latte. On a springtime trip to Chicago, I met former Buzz intern Elisa O’Neal for coffee, and that’s when the concept for School Buzz was born. We would carve out a dedicated online spot for high school correspondents to share what was happening in their schools. Our goal is that it would be good for the aspiring writers, and good for the community. Digital media manager Jordan Magaziner started contacting local schools. To pull this off for 2014-15, we needed student writers to commit during May. They were cramming for final exams, but they sent writing samples, came in for interviews, started assignments, and ultimately attended a photo shoot during summer break. It’s encouraging to me that so many students are passionate about writing, photography and journalism. We hope you enjoy meeting our high school correspondents in this issue. You can follow the new School Buzz blog at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 tanglewoodbuzz.com • riveroaksbuzz.com• facebook.com/twrobuzz Editor Publisher Associate Editors Vice President, Sales Staff Writers
Contributing Writers Digital Media Manager Designer Account Managers
Sales Associates
Interns
Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Annie Blaylock McQueen Jay Janecek Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Cathy Gordon, Jacob Padden Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Darsey Swaim Laura Callan Helen Hamilton Michele Luke Mark Cox, Alex Daily, Jacob Padden, Madison Tebbe
On our cover: Brittany Aaronson, a senior at Episcopal High School, and Cara Maines, a junior at St. John’s School, are correspondents for School Buzz. Thanks to Bellaire High School for permission to use the campus for our photo shoot. Cover photo by Michael Hart Photography, www.hartphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2014 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 4
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Your letters, thoughts, opinions The Buzz takes flight Thanks so much for publishing the interview Tracy Barnett wrote about our family reunion [Travel Buzz – Family Reunions: Getting Away to Get Together, July 2014]. The article turned out so nice that I decided to give a copy to my mom in assisted living in Denton. As Southwest carried me towards Love Field today, I finished reading The Buzz, then left it face-up on my tray table while I looked for a pen. Tammy, the friendly flight attendant, spotted the award-winning photo of the damselflies [2014 Buzz Magazines Photo Contest, First Place, Nature Category: Shu Cheuk, Honeymoon on Pink] and said, “Wow, what a pretty magazine! Where did you get it?” I replied, “It’s my neighborhood magazine.” I quickly grabbed my business card and copied down the Buzz website from page 4. When Tammy came back by, I gave her the website. She was thrilled and said she’ll definitely check it out. Gotta love Southwest and The Buzz! Carolyn Johnson Editor’s note: If some of you missed the July issue and want to read this family-reunion travel story or see the winning photos in our annual photo contest, go to tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com. As always, all past stories and photos are searchable in our archives.
Pup’s pop says thanks How very kind of you to publish the story of my Teddy in Neighborhood Tails [Teddy, age 1, Golden Retriever, Sackett St., The West University Buzz, July 2014]. I can’t wait to get copies to share with all my friends. Leonard Rutan Editor’s note: If you’d like to see your pet in print, email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
Big on burger story I had just finished eating lunch when I opened The Buzz and read your article from The Burger Blogger, Russell Weil [This Month in Dining: Burgers, July 2014]. His descriptions including jalapeño fried eggs, kimchi, pickled and crispy shallots, Dr. Pepper marmalade, moist challah rolls and pillow-soft buttery buns made my mouth start to water! I can’t wait to follow his blog at eat-more-burgers.com. My own personal favorites are from Barnaby’s, Brooklyn Athletic Club and anything made by The Eatsie Boys. Liz Aussenberg
about their activities or events that they don’t think to mention in conversation. Writing seems to bring out the details. Nan Chandler Editor’s note: If you live in a Buzz neighborhood and are or know someone 18 or younger who would like to write a 350-word essay for our Buzz Kidz column, email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
Glad for youth-sport coverage I look forward to receiving The Buzz each month and will immediately turn to the SportzBuzz, Jr. column. I love seeing the great pictures of the younger kids in action. The column has opened my eyes to the wide variety of sports that are available to the youth in our area. I also would like to commend Jacob Padden on extending his love of sports by editing the column each month. What a great way for a young adult to hone his writing skills while putting smiles on the faces of the younger kids in the community when they see themselves in print. Jennifer Johnson 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: • Love Halloween and host outlandish parties. • Have experienced a recent travel mishap (for example: flew to the wrong destination).
Liked seeing Bill in The Buzz Thank you so much for presenting Bill with the opportunity to write an article for and be published in The Buzz [Buzz Kidz – Bill Chandler: Blue Monday no more, The Memorial Buzz, June 2014]. What fun! What an honor! We really appreciate that. As an English major, I am especially thrilled when I see my children expressing themselves with written language. I love to read about their experiences because they will write things TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 6
• Have a unique home-movie theater and/or host home-movie nights. • Know of a beautiful and unique home we should profile. • Have a unique annual holiday tradition. 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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KIDS
School Buzz Introducing our correspondents
F
rom the first day of freshman year to graduation, high school is a whirlwind of academic and social pressures, exams, homework, clubs and extracurricular activities. There are daily highs and lows, from bombing an exam in a dreaded class to meeting a teacher who will be a lifelong inspiration or getting to know a friend who will forever be like family. If you’re a student or parent and want to know what is going on at your school – or you simply want to experience for yourself what high school is like today, follow our new School Buzz blog at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com. We have lined up a roster of motivated young neighbors to highlight happenings in their schools. Each student applied and was interviewed for one of two positions: a “reporter” to write and/or produce multimedia stories and an “editor” to coordinate with Buzz digital media manager Jordan Magaziner. We’re excited to introduce you to them.
Editor’s note: Students interested in being correspondents for School Buzz, especially those from local schools not yet represented, should contact Jordan Magaziner at jordan@thebuzzmagazines.com.
Bellaire High School Mackenzie Ward, senior, School Buzz editor: “This year I will be captain of the women’s soccer team and president of Leading Ladies, a girls-only philanthropy organization. This summer I am working at Rover Oaks Pet Resort, playing with the dogs and taking photos of the pups to send to their parents. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that this past school year my family and I hosted a foreignexchange student from Brazil, which was one of the best experiences of my life. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the medical field (for animals or older folks) or as an entrepreneur. I am psyched to begin School Buzz because I love taking pictures and enjoy participating in new activities.” Claire Weddle, senior, School Buzz reporter: “I enjoy writing about people and events, and I love when people read my work. Last year, I was a news writer for my school’s newspaper, and I
am currently the news editor. During my spare time, I like to volunteer at the Houston SPCA, and I am also a foster parent for sick or injured animals. Some of my hobbies are photography and drawing, and I love to go to concerts and art exhibitions. I have been learning Spanish for five years now, and my goal is to become fluent. I’m looking forward to this coming school JACOB PADDEN AND MARK COX Both seniors at Lamar High School, Jacob (at year and being right) and Mark will work together to report on happenings at their school for the able to connect my School Buzz blog. high school with ing program with National Geographic, and I got the School Buzz program.” to explore journalistic travel writing in Greece Carnegie Vanguard High School and Italy. This program gave me a passion for not only travel writing, but traveling in general. Ari Rotenberg, junior, editor: “I have been I am doing the program once again this summer, interested in writing ever since second grade this time in Ireland. I am so honored to have the when my teacher read an assignment of mine School Buzz editor position because it is such an and told my parents that I would not write the amazing opportunity for me to improve my writnext great American novel. Since then, I have ing skills and learn more about journalism – my done my best to develop my writing skills, and, dream career.” even though I do not plan on writing that novel Matthew Hall, senior, reporter: “I am the any time soon, I will still do my best to prove my goalie and one of the captains of the lacrosse former teacher’s statement false. I look forward team, as well as the president of the Mock Trial to working as a School Buzz editor and improving Club. I am so excited to work for The Buzz my writing abilities through this experience.” because I love reporting on current events and being able to show people what is going on Emery/Weiner School around me. My goal for the future is to study Miranda Levy, senior, editor: “I love to write. communications in college and be a sports That is – ironically – not the most articulate way reporter. I cannot wait to start reporting.” of describing who I am, but in many ways it is Brooke Kaplan, senior, reporter: “I applied the most accurate. I have always enjoyed writing for the School Buzz program to explore my intermore than reading because it gives me an ability est in journalism. I recently discovered my pasto make my own stories, with my own characters sion for writing through my college essays. I have and my own endings. Last year I went on a writ-
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Episcopal High School Brittany Aaronson, senior, editor: “Recently, I have discovered a passion for writing because I was asked to write the Buzz Kidz article in The Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz (June 2014), and I enjoyed it so much. I applied for the School Buzz program because I feel like it is a good opportunity for me to channel my thoughts and become a better writer, and I am so thrilled to be part of it. I am excited for this upcoming year because it is my senior year, and I am looking forward to applying to colleges and having fun with my friends! My goals for the future are to get into the college of my choice, and potentially become a speech pathologist.”
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Cyrus Pacht, junior, editor: “I am a creative writing student at The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. HSPVA is one of the most unique schools in Houston, and I look forward to letting the world know about its concerts, readings, galleries, shows and more. I was thrilled to learn that I got the role of School Buzz editor. By the age of 7, I was writing incomprehensible epics of elementary school fantasy that presented themselves as novels, and since then I have been unable to kick this nasty habit. When not writing for The Buzz or elsewhere, I can be found playing Kabalevsky and Bach on the piano, composing music for flute choir, building a telescope or robbing a bank. I see my future self as an author, editor, translator, professor, philosopher, humorist, amateur linguist, composer and astronomer: a holder of innumerable odd jobs. In 30 years, you may recognize me as the author of the Very Good American Novel.”
Incarnate Word Academy Monica Da Jose, senior, editor: “I enjoyed telling stories as a child and eventually realized that committing them to paper gave them permanence. This led to my love of writing, which now manifests in a comic that my best friend and I co-author in our free time. I’m excited to report for School Buzz because it will give a glimpse into IWA and its unique campus culture. I realize that this will be a lot of work, and my goal is to balance this, theater, handbells, volunteering and school. I will be graduating next year, and I hope to be a physical therapist
in the future. No matter where the future takes me, I never want to stop writing.”
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enjoyed writing more creatively, much like what this program allows its writers to do. This year, I will be participating in both the basketball and lacrosse team at Emery and am currently the regional treasurer of Lonestar Region BBYO. I am also doing teen leadership work at the Jewish Community Center by helping plan teen programs. My dream job would be working on the E! Network as a news anchor. The thing I love most about Houston is the food scene. There are so many diverse cultures that we are really able to have authentic foreign foods, which I think is very unique.”
Lamar High School Jacob Padden, senior, editor: “I was born and raised in Houston except for a brief period when my family moved to Singapore when I was 2-4 years old. I love living here, one of the most important reasons being the amazing food. I have always been involved in sports and follow the Houston teams religiously. I am excited to head the School Buzz program at Lamar because it will allow me to report on things I can relate to and thoroughly discover journalism.” Mark Cox, senior, reporter: “Writing is some- ADAM HOFFMAN A freshman at Robert M. Beren Academy, Adam loves to write thing about which essays and non-fiction. I have always been last year of high school because I believe that passionate. I can’t wait to start writing for between my work for the yearbook and School School Buzz, as I will be able to share my Buzz it will provide an excellent foundation for school’s news and happenings with the commua possible writing career in my future.” nity. In addition to writing for School Buzz, I Nancy Nguyen, senior, reporter: “Due to my play the trumpet in my school’s band. I hope to interest in math, I plan on majoring in fields one day become a physician and to move to related to finance or statistics in college. California. This summer I visited San Francisco However, I hope to expand my horizons by parand enjoyed hiking through the redwood forest. ticipating in the School Buzz program and I love playing basketball with my friends when expressing my creative side. By incorporating I have free time. The thing I enjoy most about other aspects of my life, such as dabbling in pole living in Houston is the Mexican food.” vaulting and playing the ukulele, into future blog posts, I hope to keep posts interesting for Memorial High School the readers. I am very excited to share my ideas Madison Tebbe, senior, editor: “The School and collaborate with others to ensure that this Buzz program initially caught my interest new program evolves into something phenombecause I thought it was a great way to get the enal and exceeds all expectations.” inside scoop on what goes on in the different school areas around Houston, and I knew that I Robert M. Beren Academy had to be a part of that. I’ve been writing stories Lilly Gelman, senior, co-editor: “I am since I was little, and English has been my extremely excited about School Buzz. It is such favorite class for as long as I can remember, but a great opportunity to inform the community my passion for photography developed when I about all of the goings-on in our schools. Along decided to take a photojournalism class in with writing, I enjoy art, music and biology. One school my junior year. In addition to working of the downsides of attending an orthodox with School Buzz this year, I’ll be a member of Jewish school is that few (continued on page 10) the yearbook staff as well. I’m so excited for my TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 9
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STORIES FROM STUDENTS Some of our School Buzz editors and reporters gather to brainstorm for the upcoming year. Bottom row, from left: Jacob Padden, Lamar High Sc er, from left: Brittany Aaronson, Episcopal High School, Mackenzie Ward, Bellaire High School, Brittney Reese, St. Agnes School, Nancy Nguyen, Memorial High School. Thir Maines, St. John’s School. Fourth bleacher, from left: Mark Cox, Lamar High School, Morgan Goldsmith, St. Agnes School, Taylor Brittain, Stratford High School, Megan Routbo (continued from page 9) people outside of the
Jewish community are aware of all of the amazing programs and events that we have at our school. School Buzz will be a fantastic outlet to express to the readers what we are passionate and enthusiastic about. I cannot wait to share an amazing year with you!” Brett Kleiman, senior, co-editor: “One of the
main reasons that I applied to the School Buzz program is that I love taking on and trying new things. I love the rush because it builds character. As clichéd as that might sound, it’s true. I have gone on several international youth exchanges to places like Hungary, Germany and Spain. I also love writing. Grandparents on both sides of my family were great writers, especially my grandpa,
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Jerry Ribnick, who was a prominent sports writer back in the day. I look forward to sharing much more about my school with our community.” Adam Hoffman, freshman, reporter: “A passion of mine is composition of essays and non-fiction. Writing absorbs hours of my day and slots of my schedule. I was overjoyed to hear about the School Buzz program because I knew
hool, and Ari Rotenberg, Carnegie Vanguard High School. First bleacher, from left: Rachel Blakes, Second Baptist, and Madison Tebbe, Memorial High School. Second bleachrd bleacher, from left: Amara Nelson, Westbury Christian, Cyrus Pacht, High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Adam Hoffman, Robert M. Beren Academy, and Cara ort, St. John’s School. Top bleacher, from left: Sam Kretzschmar, Strake Jesuit, and Nick Ferguson, St. Pius X High School.
that it would be a perfect fit for me. Not only would I be able to put my writing skills to use, but I would also be able to share news about my school with the community. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year with The Buzz.”
Second Baptist School Rachel Blakes, senior, editor: “I will serve as
the 2014-15 publicity prefect at Second Baptist School, which is why the director of communications recommended that I apply to be a part of this program. I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana, but I’ve lived in Houston for about nine years, and I’ve always loved the shopping. I identified my passion for writing in the sixth grade. I also have a passion for theater; this year I will partic-
ipate in my school’s fall drama, Anne of Green Gables, and our spring musical, Cinderella. I intend to continue both of my passions in college by double majoring in journalism and theater.” Sara White, senior, reporter: “Senior year. The year that everyone looks forward to in high school. You are not only one of the oldest students, but you are also (continued on page 12)
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your life. You are most likely applying to college, and you are taking on new leadership roles at school. You are saying goodbye to the normal, however. You have your last first day of school, your last homecoming game and your last prom. While all of the things are exciting, it’s bittersweet. I’m excited to write about my senior year for the School Buzz program, and hopefully I will be able to use my posts as an outlet to reflect. Although I begin to say goodbye to the normal this year, I will say hello to new, just like I’m saying hello to The Buzz.”
St. Agnes Academy Brittney Reese, junior, editor: “Being an avid reader, writing has always come naturally. Over the years, crafting stories and poetry became my outlet of creative expression. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of School Buzz. Since the beginning of freshman year, I have spent countless hours working the set of our theater productions, doing everything from staining wooden furniture to constructing an entire sorority house with a team of students. I also enjoy being a member of clubs, including ones centered on poetry, books and environmental welfare. Outside of school, I volunteer at the Houston SPCA. My heart is completely captured by all sorts of canines; however, I am scared by some of the smaller dogs. I would rather cuddle a Saint Bernard than walk a Chihuahua!” Catherine Gassiot, sophomore, reporter: “This year will be my sophomore year at St. Agnes, and I can say truthfully that it has been one of the best experiences of my life thus far due to the amazing sisterhood I have experienced. I applied for the School Buzz program because I have a genuine love for writing. I am always writing poems in my spare time and posting stories online, and I also love to read, absolutely devouring anything I can get my hands on. Like most teenage girls, I never go anywhere without my phone, text 24/7, and am constantly binge-watching a show on Netflix. At school, I am on the speech and debate team, JV lacrosse team and Model UN. Each team is unique and offers opportunities to bond with people in other grades, helping with teamwork, which is essential to all three. I’m looking forward to an awesome year with School Buzz.” Morgan Goldsmith, sophomore, reporter: “I originally hated writing until I discovered a book series [The Hunger Games trilogy] that changed my life and inspired me to begin writing short stories. I applied for School Buzz because I think everyone should have a little bit of insight as to what goes on in the estrogen-filled halls of SAA. I am also interested in journalism and want to get a taste of what is in store for the future. Hopefully, I can brighten a Buzz reader’s day with my blog posts. I can’t wait to begin writing!” Frances Wheeler, junior, reporter: “I applied to the School Buzz program because I love attending St. Agnes Academy and want others in the community to stay updated about what is
happening there! I discovered my passion for writing at a very young age when I would find myself writing poems and short stories to share with my family. This next year, other than writing for The Buzz, I will be president of the business club and will be spending time with friends and family. I enjoy living in Houston because so much is always going on. My favorite time of the year in Houston is rodeo season.”
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(continued from page 11) entering a new chapter in
St. John’s School M e g a n Routbort, senior, editor: “As future editor-in-chief of our award-winning newspaper, The Review, the School Buzz program was a natural fit for me. I first discovered my love of the written word reading Harry Potter books with my father; my love RACHEL BLAKES A senior at Second Baptist School, Rachel is from New Orleans has evolved from and has lived in Houston nine years. She loves journalism and theater. voraciously readstant source of inspiration!” ing, to writing fiction, to its most recent manifest in my passion for journalism, which combines my St. Pius X High School thirst for adventure with language. I’m an amaNick Ferguson, senior, editor: “I joined this teur backpacker and outdoorswoman; I’d love to program because I feel that this is a great opporpursue travel writing and foreign correspondence tunity to practice my writing, which is somein the future. I am currently collecting cancellathing that I enjoy a lot. This upcoming year, I tion stamps from all 397 sites in the national will probably not be joining any clubs. I see this parks system, and I hope to backpack the entirety as an advantage because I am not tied to anyof the Pacific Crest Trail someday. But I’ll always thing; now I can jump between clubs and see love Houston because there’s nothing better what’s going with different people and have than the Reese’s Pie at Ruggles after a week of much more to write about.” trail food.” Cara Maines, junior, reporter: “I have been St. Thomas’ Episcopal High School passionate about writing from a young age Noah Melendrez, senior, editor: “I applied because I love words and finding different ways to the School Buzz program to help exposure of to express myself. The School Buzz program my school. I have been writing for the yearbook seemed like the perfect opportunity for me since freshman year and have really enjoyed because it would allow me to write in a new setbeing part of the program. I am president of ting for a different audience. I am interested in Student Council and part of my school’s orchespursuing a career that involves writing, though tra, where I play cello. My goal is to become a I am not sure what that will be yet. I love living psychologist. One of my favorite things about in Houston because it is such a diverse, cosmoliving in Houston is the Museum District. It’s politan city, and it has so much to offer – a con-
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St. Thomas High School Karch Calkins, senior, co-editor: “I have lived in Houston my whole life and love this city. I attended St. Michael and St. Cecilia for grade school and middle school. Outside of the demanding schoolwork that St. Thomas requires, I play basketball and write for the school newspaper, and am a senior leader at school retreats, where I help the younger students. I am very passionate about my St. Thomas experience and hope to show how great it is through School Buzz.” Carson Storie, senior, co-editor: “I was born here in Houston and am the oldest of three boys. My mom grew up in Beaumont, and my dad is from a small town on the Mississippi coast. I went to St. Michael from Pre-K through eighth grade. On top of a tough academic load, I play multiple sports, including football, rugby and track. I have participated in student council all four years at St. Thomas and will serve as head of committees this year. I am also a senior leader, which means that I will help at all underclassmen retreats. Last year, I wrote for the school paper. I see the School Buzz program as an opportunity to continue practicing my writing and as a great way to represent St. Thomas High School.”
Strake Jesuit Sam Kretzschmar, junior, editor: “I’m very excited to be working alongside The Buzz to bring you enticing stories that flourish within the Strake Jesuit community. I currently play lacrosse as a goalie. I also enjoy partaking in activities with Strake’s Business Club. I aspire to attend law school after completing my undergraduate degree. A fun fact about myself is that despite being a native Texan, I am an avid hockey fan for the Boston Bruins. I love living in Houston because of its massively diverse culture and fantastic eateries.”
Stratford High School Scott Kennedy, junior, editor: “I discovered my love for writing in seventh grade, and in high school I decided to try journalism and ended up loving it. I was a sports editor of our school paper, The Oracle, last year, and am going to be co-editor-in-chief this upcoming year. I also play football and am involved in Student Council and Young Life. I would love to go into some form of business, journalism or ministry later in life.” Taylor Brittain, junior, photo editor: “Photography is extremely important in the journalism world because a picture captures what is happening and freezes a moment, making it last forever. I am thrilled to be a part of the new School Buzz program and can’t wait to start photographing the events and stories around my school. In addition to being on the newspaper staff I am also a member of my school’s broadcast journalism team. My dream job is to one day be
in the world of broadcast journalism. I am very excited for the upcoming year and I can’t wait to get started!” C a m e r o n Henkel, sophomore, reporter: “I’m very excited to be a reporter for this new and interesting blog. I live right next to Wilchester Elementary, so I’m always near the action when big school events like the fair are going on. While writing for School Buzz will be my first priority, I’d also like to film local events and make videos for the community as well. I am looking forward to writing about all of the unique experiences going on in schools around the Memorial area. I hope to accurately portray all students as well.” Haley Wilson, junior, reporter: “I have grown up in MEGAN ROUTBORT A senior at St. John’s School, Megan will be editor-in-chief of the same house her school newspaper in the fall. along with my two me realize that I might be able to do that older brothers and loving parents my entire life. through the media. A fun fact about me is that Starting at age 3, three days a week and every I love to read Gothic literature, and yet I cannot Saturday were dedicated to soccer. Moving into stand horror movies.” middle school, I took great interest in the yearAmara Nelson, senior, reporter: “I’ve been book staff at John Paul II, but it wasn’t until after writing stories since I was 7, and I enjoy creating I tore my ACL at the end of eighth grade that new worlds and having power with words that photography became so fascinating to me. It allow me to express myself. Writing as a journalist amazes me that a picture truly does say a thousand allows me to tell the stories of the people around words. I can’t wait to be a reporter for School Buzz. me, and it puts me in a setting where I can meet I am looking forward to learning about all the new people and go find the stories that need to be interesting things students are doing at school.” told. I have a strong interest in pursuing a writing career, and my dream job is working as a travel Westbury Christian School journalist for National Geographic along with being Laura Nelson, senior, editor: “I first became a published author. I enjoy spending my free time active in journalism to fill an elective credit with reading books and volunteering at animal shelters.” my friend Amara Nelson, and we both loved it. Unfortunately, the school newspaper was discontinued, but on the bright side, Amara disYou can follow our School Buzz blog at tanglecovered the School Buzz program and now here woodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com. Also, be sure I am! I hope to participate in volleyball and actto “Like” The Buzz Magazines on Facebook for links ing next school year as well. Eventually I hope to School Buzz posts, as well as all the other local stoto travel the world and engage in international ries in The Buzz. politics. Joining the School Buzz program helped lawellphoto.com
really amazing to be able to learn so much and experience so many things without having to go too far from home.”
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NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Block Parties Getting to know the neighbors
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ari and Dale Rude met when both were dorm resident assistants at Iowa State University, responsible for making sure a floor of 50 or so disparate students interacted. Forty years later, Mari, a nurse practitioner, and Dale, associate professor of management at the University of Houston, are still helping people interact. But now they do it with neighbors at biannual block parties. “We moved on our block in 1990,” Dale says. “In 1994, I went to Bellaire City Hall and saw two neighbors standing five feet in front of me. We didn’t speak to each other. “There were 26 houses on our street, and we knew only five or six of the families. So we and two other sets of neighbors, Susan and Lu Christ and Karen and George Persely, decided to organize a block party. They’ve continued on since.” Dale says the Cedar Street block parties in Bellaire have “transformed our street into a neighborhood. Now I know my neighbors. People with kids feel like there are extra sets of eyes watching. We all feel more secure.” Especially helpful, say neighbors, is the phone list that Dale updates and distributes to every house. The connections are lasting. Even after the Perselys moved and George passed away, Karen and teen Josh returned for block parties. At one, they held a remembrance ceremony for George at the handprints he and then-tiny Josh had left in the cul de sac sidewalk. Even now, when longtimers walk their dogs and see those handprints, they think of their old friends. When new families move to the block, Dale says, “we let them attend one party, and then we ask them to sponsor the next one. It gives them sweat equity, everyone knows who they are, they feel like they belong. Much more than if they just attended.” Two families host each party. They decide on the date, always a Sunday in April and October, distribute invitations, buy burgers and hot dogs, and bring paper plates. Then they set up and grill. Neighbors bring sides, desserts and their own drinks and lawn chairs. In West University on Vanderbilt, they’ve recently begun having block parties of a different sort. The “Vanderbilt Vixens” started getting
NEW FRIENDS Ada Roger, Mickey Graubart, Carolyn Hariani, Aileen Rains, Noura Nessim and Connie Vernon (from left) only just met through the Four Leaf Social Group. Here, Lee Mountain wears a crown for having Mah Jongged on the last hand of a weekly game.
together last August, and since then they’ve met five times. As the name suggests, this group is women-only. “It started as a way for new neighbors to meet each other and has evolved into a much larger gathering,” says Karen Craft, an ad-sales rep. Names and e-mail addresses are being added to the list all the time. “We do not invite the husbands. They stay home with the kids while we get to know the neighbors. “The best thing,” Karen says, “is that there are some women I have known and seen around town for years and had no idea they lived on my street. Now we’ve become friends.” The host provides the home and the food, and everyone else brings drinks. So far, the Vixens have hosted catered dinners, visits from decorators and fashion advisors, and a post-Christmas white elephant party, where Karen says, “We got to know everyone’s personality pretty well, based on the gifts they wanted to get rid of!” At the Four Leaf Towers on San Felipe, there’s no block to speak of, unless you count the elevators and lobby. Last October, Phyllis Milstein, who lives in the West Tower, was in an elevator with a woman – a neighbor – she didn’t know. They started chatting, and the woman asked Phyllis if neighbors in the building acknowledged her. “I told her, ‘If you’re asking me if people say
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hi, the answer is yes,’” Phyllis says. “‘If you’re asking me if we invite each other over, the answer is no.’ “So I started thinking and decided we should get together. That was Monday night. Thursday afternoon 35 ladies showed up in my condo. And a month later, 55 ladies showed up at my neighbor Sharon Katz’s condo.” What began as the Four Leaf Ladies’ Social Group has morphed into the Four Leaf Social Group, with some 125 couples and individuals belonging. Everyone is invited; most pay nominal dues, which allow for a secretary who coordinates and emails a monthly calendar, along with weekly updates and reminders. There’s a yoga group, a water exercise group, a book club, standing mahjong games and a speaker series that invites discussion of topics from investing to what’s happening on Post Oak Boulevard. “The most popular thing has been that several residents who have fabulous art collections have opened their homes to entertain the group,” Phyllis says. “One lady said to me, ‘Now when I see someone in the lobby I have something to say to them.’” Editor’s note: Inspired by this article? If you’ve recently hosted or attended a block party of your own, be sure to send us your photos. tanglewoodbuzzbuzz.com/submit-your-story
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1. Pencils 2. School uniform 3. Allergy treatment With the start of the new school year just around the corner, parents are on the hunt for ways to ensure their children are on the path to success. Treating your child’s allergies may be just as essential to ensuring academic success as starting them off each morning with a good breakfast. In a recent survey, 94 percent of the allergic respondents stated that their allergy symptoms affected their quality of life, including their performance at school and work. Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, drainage, sneezing and sore throat can impair a child’s ability to sleep well, often leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness. This can have a tremendous impact on your child’s ability to perform well in school. Children dealing with untreated allergy symptoms often find it difficult to concentrate and may have behavioral problems such as increased irritability or hyperactivity. Your child’s allergies can even affect activities outside of the classroom, with diminished interest and performance in extracurricular activities such as sports, band or special interest clubs. If your child has allergies, there is a possibility he or she also has asthma, as allergies and asthma often go hand in hand. If left untreated, asthma can also hinder performance in academic and extracurricular activities. The shortness of breath, wheezing and nighttime cough associated with asthma can impair sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased concentration. “Asthma attacks” can impair athletic performance, and the fear of having an attack is enough to discourage some children from participating. Children with allergies and asthma also miss more days of school due to flare-ups, which can lead to decreased academic performance as well as
missed work for parents. The good news is that many treatments are available for allergy and asthma symptoms. Unlike many older medications, which have a high incidence of sedation, current regimens will allow your child to be awake and alert during the day and sleep well at night. Irritability may decrease when children are no longer suffering from constant allergy symptoms, and involvement in extracurricular activities may be easier when they can breathe freely and have improved concentration. Immunotherapy, in the form of allergy shots, drops or tablets, can also lead to improvement in symptoms, and with continued use may eliminate the need for daily medications. Remember, a child who does not feel well may not learn well. If your child has allergies or asthma, make sure he or she is getting the essentials needed for academic success. 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. Lisa Dargel, MS, MPAS, PA-C, The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy & Asthma Clinic
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SPORTS by Dave Schafer, staff writer
Competitive Sports It’s a family thing
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ill Dickson doesn’t go fly fishing very often any more. He used to fish in Galveston two or three weekends a month. Now, his weekends are spent at softball tournaments, or volleyball tournaments, or shuttling one of his two daughters to practice. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. Megan, 15, is a 10th grader at Lamar High School and a member of the Impact Gold Fisher select softball team. Sarah, 13, is an eighth grader at Trafton Academy and member of the 692 select beach volleyball team. “I get so much enjoyment watching my girls do what they love doing, and doing it well,” said Dickson, a landscape manager with Thompson+Hanson. “We’re only going to have them for three and five more years, and we want to make the most of that time.” Lots of kids play recreational sports after school or at a YMCA around the corner in a season that may last 6-8 weeks. But the Dickson girls, like many other serious athletes, are beyond that. They are deeply into the highly competitive, time-consuming realm of youth sports practiced under pros’ eyes in private gyms and fields, or on select club teams. Individual sports, such as equestrian, fencing, gymnastics and swimming, may call for practice and events 4-6 days a week. Team sports are similarly time-consuming, with select or club team practice 2-3 times a week, on top of school-team practice, plus weekend tournaments, many out of town, 2-4 times a month. During weekday rush hour, it takes the Dicksons an hour to get Megan to practice at Collins Park in Spring. On tournament Saturdays, the family is often out the door by 6 a.m. and doesn’t return until midnight or later. Then, they’re back out early again Sunday morning. “There’s a reason we only had two children,” mom Kathy said with a laugh. “The poor dog is neglected.” The Vincent family understands. Sometimes they divide and conquer. One parent will take daughter Ellie, a sophomore at Memorial High, to a swim meet while the other parent takes Tom, 12, a Memorial Middle School seventh grader, to a baseball tournament or a swim meet.
This can be especially interesting when they have competitions in different cities, as in 2012 when Tom attended a baseball tournament in Orlando and Ellie traveled to Boca Raton with her club team, Dad’s Club, for a swim tournament. Mom (Melanie) and Dad (Griffin) went with Tom to watch his Saturday games, and then Melanie drove over to Boca Raton to watch SETTING UP THE SHOT Ella Hawes, #4, moved to a club volleyball team when she was 12 because she wanted to play more, practice more, and be challenged by Ellie swim Sunday more competitive players. and get her on a Megan Dickson is now on one of Impact plane back to Houston to attend a swim camp. Gold’s top select teams. As a high school freshMany young athletes begin sports in a recreman, she played on her varsity teams and won ational league, where they discover their love of offensive player of the year and MVP and allthe game and learn the rules. But eventually, they district newcomer of the year awards. want to play against a higher level of competition Even with that, she has to try out for the in tougher leagues with professional coaches. select team each summer, her spot as a utility Both Dickson parents coached softball in the player not guaranteed by what she did last year. West U rec league. “It gave the girls the basic Those tryouts can be stressful, players say. skills and let them see what was out there. And that’s one of the great character-building Because of that, we were able to say, ‘You know, aspects of competitive leagues, parents said. The let’s go select,’” Bill said. children learn the value of hard work, earning The West U Softball Association is different what they get, and dealing with failure. than most rec leagues, though. The largest softAnother life skill they learn, discipline, helps ball league in Texas, it accepts all players, but it them balance the hours of practice with their also fields summer all-star teams that go to tourhomework – never mind the attempts to have a naments out of town. That league is very comsocial life. But they understand that dedicating petitive, said Corbitt Burns, who has coached themselves to the sport will pay off more than West U softball for the last eight years and sitting in a darkened theater for two hours, whose four daughters play in West U softball but Megan said. Practicing hard means she’ll have never played for a select team. improve, she says, which will allow her to get on “If I lived on the outskirts of town, I’d be in select the best select team, which will get her more league because it’s hard to find enough players to exposure to colleges. She hopes that that expoform competitive rec teams out there,” he said.
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BEHIND THE PLATE Being on a select team, with its professional coaches and more competitive opponents, has helped Megan Dickson improve her play.
sure will help her get fast-tracked into the upperechelon college she’ll choose. “Many of my friends are also in competitive sports, so they understand when I have to practice or have a tournament,” Megan said. When there’s a big event she doesn’t want to miss, she simply tells her coach about it and misses practice that night, Megan said. “The coaches want us to have a social life.” Megan chose to skip a big tournament in Dallas Memorial Day weekend this year because the school district used the planned off day as a makeup day, and she suddenly had two finals that Monday. The tournament wouldn’t have left her time to study. “She understands that school comes first,” Bill Dickson said. “That’s the thing that will get her where she wants to go.” Ella Hawes, 15, a 10th grader at Bellaire High School who plays for Texas Alliance Volleyball Club, said, “Making the tradeoffs between school work, playing volleyball and hanging out with friends can be a drawback. It’s a balancing act – wanting to do something and having to pass on it because there other things I have to get done.” Sometimes she has to skip going out with friends, and she’d love to go to a water ski camp this summer, but it’s the same week as volleyball camp. She was torn about which to attend. And, she admits, she misses sleeping in on Saturdays. But she loves the sport and playing on the team, so she’s able to drag herself out of
the comfy bed. Tournaments start at 8 a.m., and the family typically leaves the house at 6 a.m. Her sister, Emma, 13, a seventh grader at River Oaks Baptist, plays volleyball for the Houston Skyline Juniors. Both girls play beach volleyball with Breakaway Speed. Club teams also require parents to make a financial sacrifice – with team fees, travel, hotel rooms and private lessons, the costs can add up. It costs $2,500-$4,000 in club volleyball fees to play on a team traveling to out-of-state tournaments. Private lessons can cost $30-65 an hour. “I’m sure that all families who allow their children the opportunity to pursue a hobby, whatever that may be, spend money to pay for it, and that money comes out of the family budget,” said Melanie Vincent. “In addition, there are many social aspects to the club games and travel that make those events family entertainment/vacations. For instance, instead of going to sleep-away camp this summer, Tom is in Cooperstown, N.Y., playing baseball, staying in the barracks with his teammates and coaches and having the time of his life.” Studies show fewer than 1 percent of high school athletes get a scholarship to college, and in many sports, fewer than 20 percent of high school athletes even play college sports. But while some players hope that playing a sport at a high level will give them an edge in admittance to college, they’re not all playing with an
eye toward a free ride. When the Hawes family drives to tournaments in San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, St. Louis, Denver, Los Angeles and elsewhere, they have traditions along the way. Their father, David Hawes, says the routines reduce the stress the girls feel. They often stop at Whataburger for breakfast taquitos, and they don’t talk a lot during the ride as the girls spend the time thinking about the competition. If the tournament is out of town, they stop at Buc-ee’s for beef jerky and a snack. After the tournament, David does a lot of listening to whatever is on his daughter’s mind. “It’s not always exclusively about the volleyball games,” he said. “But it’s a time to make sure our girls know they are loved, always, unconditionally, regardless of any outcome on the court. It’s become part of their competitive experience. “The whole crux of it is that we’re doing this because it’s what the kids want,” said David, who used to ride in the MS150 bike ride each year. Now, there’s a 600-team volleyball tournament in Dallas that weekend that he attends with his daughters. “Rec leagues are less stress, and they’re fun. But my girls prefer a competitive experience. They prefer playing with and against the best players around, to be taught by professional coaches who have played at a high level themselves, and they want to compete to be the best they can in their chosen sport.”
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NEIGHBORS
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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Wildly in love. When Nick Altman and Jennifer Buenik met three years ago for drinks on a blind date, which led to dinner, they had no idea it would later lead to another passion. They and besties Rainey and Kirby Janke took a couples trip to Zimbabwe (and Paris) for Nick to share his love of Africa. On a romantic secluded island in Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, there was a table with a white tablecloth set up with desserts, candles and champagne. As the sun was setting, Nick, on one knee, asked Jennifer to spend the rest of his life with him. They later went on to South Africa for a hunting safari. The parents of the couple, Donna and George Buenik Jr., CarolAnn (Altman) and Bill Simmons and Mickey Altman, are looking forward to a spring 2015 wedding. The hunt is over. French toast. Although Consul General of France Sujiro Seam said he is just a regular guy on the weekends, he was a grand host to 100 guests when he and his wife Jane Seam opened their home for a weekend of culture. Artfully painted doors in the front yard led to a mixedmedia art show inside. Dancers from Ad Deum and director Randall Flinn expressed their stories with a visual fusion of moving human images. Tango dancers from Susana Tango glided across the floor. Lauren Lombardo, Elina Htun and Jill Reichman wildly applauded. Cheers were heard by all – à la vôtre! House-warming party. After selling her Tanglewood patio home, Lili Rubin found renting an apartment a little cramped. She recently settled into a West U home with a private yard. Fifteen gal pals brought food over to celebrate and admire the new wood floors, including breaking a china dish on the floor to break it in. Nancy Ehrenkranz, Debra Soefer, Ann Bullock, Vicky Dyer-Smith and Connie Reddy helped celebrate. Hang them. When Jo Fogg and David Dennison took a postponed honeymoon to Istanbul and Paris, they didn’t plan to return with five Turkish rugs. David said, “These rugs are too expensive to walk on; they will be hung.” They say their visit to the Blue Mosque with a sophisticated water cistern built by a teenaged sultan and a night concert dedicated to Gregorian
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chant in the Notre Dame Cathedral were exhilarating. It was a step back in time for the couple, who are looking forward to many more adventures together. Fountain of youth. “What do you want to do for your birthday, Grandma?” asked Cindy Atlas. “Oh, nothing special. It’s not a big one,” Faye Tucker replied when she turned 107 in June. She celebrated at RDG with daughter Helene Atlas and grandson Brian Atlas and his wife, Cindy Atlas. The patrons at RDG gave Faye applause when a cake came out. The next day there was a large family pool party at Brian and Cindy’s. It was a splash. WILL YOU? The champagne bubbled, and the diamond sparkled when Nick No agenda. Altman proposed to Jennifer Buenik on a remote island in Zimbabwe. Connie and Rick the United Way, 50 Waugh Drive. Wine and Senter took a month to experience New light bites will be served as guests learn about Zealand. There was no itinerary and no reservafun events they can take a twirl at by becoming tions but a few surprises. In Greymouth, a ballet guild member. RSVP to houstonballetthey watched the wrath of Cyclone Ita from the guild@gmail.com. Also, Jo Furr, Shawn Kingsgate Hotel balcony. Waves crashed as the Stephens, Beth Zdeblick and Kris Tasman Sea and the Grey River merged and Abercrombie have planned a fall coffee at a destroyed 60 homes. They were thankful for the River Oaks home. And finally, “The Guild Goes skimpy staff that remained to cater to them. On to the Ballet,” Sept. 28, an annual trip planned calmer waters on Lake Taupo, Rick hired a flyby Sam Gershen and Katrina Arnim, and a fishing guide and caught many 20-plus-inch winter special event organized by Vanessa rainbow trout, and a chef prepared some of them Sendukas, Cheryl Gallagher and Mignon Gill for their dinner. Many laughs were shared with will keep members in a high jump before the college friends in New Plymouth. Connie spring events. For more information, call Patsy returned in time to celebrate her birthday with Chapman at 713-523-6300. happy hour at Seasons 52 with 15 gal pals. Spin and spend. Houston Ballet Guild Have some good news to share? We want to president Lenni Burke announced a free event, know. Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. “Oppor-Tutu-nity Night,” Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m., at
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NEIGHBORS by Cathy Gordon, contributing writer
Buzz Home It’s a labor of love
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ust call her the Plant Lady. Evelyn Leightman knows a thing or two about houseplants. While others were hawking Tupperware, her company sold greenery on the home-party circuit. “No burping airtight containers, just lovely plants with a hostess gift and everything,” she recalls of former days in Washington, D.C. suburbs. She opened a 3,000-square-foot, interiorplant store near the nation’s capital next, supplying the original ficus trees for the Kennedy Center. In 1989, after a stint in California, her green thumb hitched a ride to Houston where husband Dan’s career as an international tax attorney took off. With her son settled into college in the Golden State and a daughter in middle school, she satisfied her horticultural craving as head of Teas Nursery’s interior-plant department in Bellaire. And that is how it started, this love affair with her house. She had admired the contemporary River Oaks dwelling from afar while en route to clients. Fate intervened in the form of a Sunday newspaper advertisement. “It was for sale. I had to see what this place was about,” she says. “But the front door opened, and I was in shock.” Two ficus trees in the home’s marble-lined atrium were clinging to the last shreds of life with not a leaf on them. Beds were choked with weeds. To Evelyn, it was massacre by neglect. “I just about flipped out! It looked like a battle zone. I mean, how could anyone leave those trees like that?” Add to this bleak scene water leaks, white carpet marred with black splotches, tacky lattice work and a brass staircase that had turned black from neglect (“I thought it was wrought iron,” she says) and she was ready to bolt. But something about the place beckoned. It had good bones, potential. And after looking at the house again with Dan, they bought it. Evelyn went about triage duty on the ficus trees and a few months later invited 75 of their closest friends to a pre-construction party at the fixerupper. “Very casual, no air conditioning, no toilets
LUSH LIVING Top photo: The home’s atrium is lush with greenery thanks to Evelyn, the plant whisperer. Bottom left: A mirrored wall, curvy sofas and cabinets full of art glass, minerals and other treasures give this living room pizzazz. The original Picasso above the fireplace is a favorite piece. Bottom right: The master bathtub, one of the home’s few original items, doubled as seating during a party for the Houston Ballet. “It was the perfect gathering point for the dancers. They had a ball!” says Evelyn.
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ALL ABOUT FAMILY Left: A cherished sculpture from Israeli artist Ben Shalom was purchased while there for their son’s Bar Mitzvah years ago. “We take all our family photographs by that piece,” Evelyn says. Top right: A round kitchen makes for fun round-table conversation at parties. Bottom right: Dan and Evelyn in their front garden.
that really worked,” explains Evelyn with a chuckle. “We had a contest asking guests to predict how long it would take to renovate the house. One friend said, ‘Oh, it’s going to be a year.’” Bingo. That person won a meal prepared by Evelyn and a spectacular bottle of wine. It took that full year “and then some to really bring it to life,” says Evelyn who tackled the project with gusto, playing off the curves of the staircase in her design. No square kitchen here. “It’s rounded, the better for people to mingle around.” These days, the atrium is its standout feature, brimming with bromeliads, orchids, Chinese evergreens and ivies below two lush ficus trees. The home’s positive energy is palpable. “I’m the only person crazy enough to have taken this on,” she quips. “But we love it. It’s a house of music, minerals, plants and art. All the things we love.”
They’ve added a wine room off the dining room as well as an exercise suite and all-purpose room upstairs. A dilapidated back porch was done away with during construction, replaced with a new breakfast room. And a comfy den now sits where a bedroom used to be. “It’s a great party house,” says Evelyn. A throng of 300 packed the place at a 2004 preSuper bowl party, the year Houston played host. The couple opens up their home routinely for charity and fundraising events. Evelyn, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia survivor, works closely with the Texas Gulf Coast Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hosting and organizing galas and other fundraisers. “My goal in life is to raise money that is going to fund research into a cure for blood cancers,” says Evelyn, a former president of the group. They’ve also opened their doors to the
National Council of Jewish Women. Evelyn was president of the group’s Greater Houston Section for two years. For these contributions and more, she was honored with a 2009 ABC13 Women of Distinction Award. And not many couples can boast a bevy of ballerinas sitting around their bathtub. “We had a opening-night party here for the Houston Ballet,” explains Evelyn. “It was the perfect gathering point for the dancers. They had a ball!” The couple are longtime patrons of the ballet. Dan has served on the foundation board for 23 years, and Evelyn is a past president of the Houston Ballet Guild. She also chaired the popular Nutcracker Market with – what else – flowers as the theme. “No real surprise there. Reliant Center was brimming with flowers,” she says. “Flowers, plants, they just make everything better.”
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TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz Stepping out of the bubble
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rom the traffic of ultra-modern Berlin to the forested mountain trails of the Alps, from the beautifully rebuilt Dresden to the Lederhosen-clad denizens of Bavaria, Deutschland revealed herself in all her diverse splendor this summer to 21 Memorial High School students who took a giant step forward in claiming their global citizenship with a month of travel and study in Germany. Memorial is one of several Houston schools that participate in the non-profit German American Partnership Program, which has been fostering U.S.-German relations through cultural exchange since 1972. A handful of the young travelers gathered recently with their teacher Frau Susan Sisler to share their impressions over Skype with The Buzz from the living room of Sisler’s exchange partner, Frau Dagmar Carra, an English teacher at Werner Heisenberg Gymnasium in Garching, a suburb of Munich. If the excited clamor were any indication, they were enjoying the adventure enormously. Learning to negotiate the public transit system, figuring out how to budget their euros, getting to know their host families and simply trying to order a meal in a restaurant – every day had its own built-in curriculum, not even counting the official itinerary. Highlights in Berlin included mixing with
HOUSTON MEETS MUNICH Memorial High School exchange students stop for a photo op at the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm. From left: David Salas, Nathan Morgan, Ethan Barr, David Lueders, Dori Hauk, Sam Kroger, Aaron Genin, Lillie Kram, Sam Altum, Nicholas Reger, David Cook, Rebekah Koehn, Carlos Fidalgo, Peyton Hance, Katie Ohman, Gabby Henning, Breno Nasser, Johnny Hurley, Caius Selheimer, Arabella Benavides and Philip Millmaker.
thousands of jubilant soccer fans watching the Germany-Portugal World Cup game on Berlin’s famous Fanmeile, projected on eight theatersized movie screens near the Brandenburg Gate; perusing the graffiti on the Berlin Wall, preserved for posterity in the East Side Gallery; climbing to the top of the Reichstag, home of the German legislature, or Bundestag; and reflecting on the horrors of the Holocaust at a maze-like memorial to the victims. In Munich, it was more the experience of daily life among the Germans. Instead of staying in a hostel, as they had done in Berlin, each of them went to a different host family spread out among three different suburbs and commuted to school each day on trains, buses or bikes, just as the local kids do.
6 reasons to study abroad Student-exchange programs are nothing new, but in today’s increasingly interconnected world they are more relevant than ever. To learn more, check out exchangestudentworld.com, a website by and for exchange students and their host families. There are many reasons to join a student-exchange program. “Frau Sisler” shares a few, gleaned from more than 30 years supervising them. 1. You learn another language in its real-life context. 2. You appreciate your own community from a different perspective. 3. You learn more about yourself by challenging your own assumptions, reconsidering your beliefs and values. 4. You become more informed and expand your worldview. 5. You learn to act independently, problem-solve and cope with unexpected situations. 6. You experience the joy of discovering and experiencing new things, and finding that your comfort zone is much larger than you thought it was.
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Rebekah Koehn was particularly impressed with this custom. One of the more nervous ones in the group, it was her first trip abroad. “It’s cool to see how kids here from 6 to 7 years old are riding the trains by themselves,” she said. “In America you see 6 to 7 year olds getting walked to school holding their parents’ hands. I learned it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone.” The experience was an eye-opener for all of them. As Peyton Hance put it, “I learned I can do things by myself. I don’t need my parents to help me all the time. And I learned to be more resourceful…. It’s good to be doing this before we go to college.” Some of the kids, like Arabella Benavides and Breno Nasser, are veterans of world travel. For Arabella, whose parents are from Peru, the journey had an extra dimension; she was able to meet a German-Peruvian relative who had immigrated to Europe, married a German wife and raised his family there. For Breno, who is from Brazil, the trip was a reminder of the need to “step out of the bubble” that is life in the United States. Frau Sisler, who began studying German in the ninth grade like most of her students, summed it up for the group. “I love the GAPP exchange because I get to see my students improve their German-language skills and learn about German culture, history, and daily life,” she wrote after the group interview. “In addition to that, they learn real-life skills and become responsible and self-sufficient. But most of all, they find that they are ‘at home in the world.’ German hikers have a saying, ‘Der Weg its das Ziel’ – ‘The journey is the destination.’”
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SPORTS
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz 16 from fine arts and 10 from academics. “This award is a great honor for our school,” said athletic director Clayton Harrell. “It’s the second time in the last three years we’ve won the award, and it shows what a wellrounded educational experience we provide at St. Thomas’.” Over at St. John’s, the girls lacrosse team closed out the school year by winning the Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League State Championship. The GROUND ATTACK The Lamar Texans should boast an explosive ground attack Mavericks beat neigh- this season with the return of standout running back Ronnie Wesley, who rushed boring rival Lamar in for 19 touchdowns last year. the state final. The vicservice and extracurricular activities. tory also marked the 11th consecutive season Riedel was named the Scholar Athlete of the the Mavericks have won either the state chamYear in boys golf, while DiGregorio represented pionship, SPC title or a combination of both. boys soccer and Kirchhofer won the award in “It was a great victory for our girls,” said St. boys swimming. John’s head coach Angie Kensinger. “We had a Meanwhile, a number of other local athletes very young team with only four seniors.” were Scholar Athlete of the Year finalists in Several players won major post-season their respective sports, including Ben Graber awards, including senior Eden Epner and soph(Memorial baseball), Brenna Black (Memorial omore Lindsey McKone, who were both softball), Abigail Brown (Stratford softball), named US Lacrosse All-Americans. In addiBrian Doyle (Strake Jesuit basketball), tion, McKone, junior Nell Copeland and senior Campbell Ross (Stratford golf), Margaret captain Grace Winston were part of the allSherwood (Memorial soccer), Taylor state team, while Eden, McKone and junior Troutman (Stratford soccer), Brianna Burns Jessica Nyquist were named to the SPC All(Memorial swimming), Daniel Gawerc Conference team. (Memorial track and field), Colin Thompson The school year closed out with major aca(Strake Jesuit track and field) and Kimmie demic honors for Memorial’s Grant Kirchhofer, George (Strake Jesuit cheerleading). Stratford’s Benjamin Riedel and Thomas DiGregorio of Strake Jesuit, who were all named Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardthe Greater Houston Scholar Athletes of the winning co-host and producer of the KUBE Year for their respective sports. The awards were SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 presented by the Touchdown Club of Houston p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school at its 48th annual Spring Sports Scholar Athlete sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, Banquet, with the judging based on athletic and please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. academic achievement as well as community
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 24
Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com
A
fter a strong showing in this summer’s Texas State 7-on-7 Championships, the Lamar Texans football team appears to have all the makings of another powerhouse season. The Texans advanced to the 7-on-7 State Tournament for the 10th time in the last 13 seasons. “We had really great participation in our summer weight and conditioning program, and I like what we did in 7-on-7,” said Lamar head coach Tom Nolen. With 12 players from last year’s team moving on to play college football, the Texans will have some big holes to fill this fall, but by no means is the Lamar roster short on talent. Senior defensive back Holton Hill is being recruited by multiple Division 1 schools, while fellow senior Traveon Duncan is an athletic defensive back as well. Offensively, the Texans received a major boost in the off-season with Fort Bend Marshall quarterback J.W. Ketchum and Episcopal running back Tyreik Gray both transferring to Lamar. Ketchum actually played at Lamar his freshman season before moving to Fort Bend and now back to Houston. At Marshall, he established himself as one of the Houston area’s top quarterbacks. “J.W. has always been a great athlete. We’re thrilled to have him back,” said Nolen. Meanwhile, Gray is regarded as one of the top running back prospects in the state, and he’ll join senior Ronnie Wesley to give Lamar an explosive one-two threat in the backfield. Wesley helped lead Lamar to the state finals two years ago, and just last season rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Lamar also returns standout offensive linemen Trey Jones and Jonathan Veaudion. Saint Thomas’ Episcopal enters the school year as the winner of the TAPPS 3A Henderson Cup, beating out 46 other schools for the award. The Henderson Cup goes to the school with the top sports programs over the course of the entire school year, with added points for achievements in fine arts and academics. Along with winning the TAPPS 3A State Championship in boys basketball, STE also boasted high statewide rankings in several sports over the 2013-14 school year. STE scored 87 points in winning the cup, 61 of which were from athletics,
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 25
SPORTS
by Jacob Padden, contributing writer
Emily Madison
SportzBuzz, Jr. W
elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
Post Oak All-Stars The Post Oak Little League’s 12U All-Star team conquered the District 16 tournament and advanced to sectionals. They routed the team from Missouri City Little League, winning 11-0 and ending the game after the fourth inning due to a run rule. The squad includes (top photo, from left) Max Madison, head coach Andy Priest, Matthew McHenry, Dylan Kins (holding banner), Drake Meiss, Michael Duncan, Hayden Smith, coach Darren Inoff, Nick Haas, Harris Inoff, Dalton Priest, Hans Doughtie, Ryan Erikson, Wyatt Bailey, Chip Hixson (holding banner), Ryan Moore and coach Dwayne Day. Christine Gentil
Wahoo! The Wilchester Wahoo swim team competed in the Meet of Champs, the final meet of the summer season, featuring all 13 teams in the Memorial area. These girls managed to pull out a third-place finish to cap off an excellent summer of swimming. Pictured (middle photo, from left) are Isabel Vierra, Maddie Gentil, Claire Johnson, Rachel Harkins, Kristin Kight and Georgia Harper.
Run of the Bulls The 10U Marucci Bulls won the South Zone state tournament, competing against 33 of the best 10U teams in Texas. They went undefeated throughout the tournament and advanced to nationals. Members of the Bulls are (bottom photo, from left, back row) Gavin Waits, Braxton Bond, Marc Arsham, Trey Duffield, West Jinks, coach Stephen Machorro, (front row) Jackson Braun, Carson Zahn, Kade Cannizaro, Connor Rodriguez and Clayton Freshcorn.
Rosemary Buckle
Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportsBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzzcirculation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a spaceavailable basis.
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NEIGHBORS
by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz About Town brate the era in which the League began. “Dressed to the 9s” is the theme for the the event, which will be held Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Junior League Ballroom. This year’s event will be led by Tea Room special events chair Bethany Michiels Buchanan, Tea Room director Josie Godshall Morgan and Junior League president Elizabeth Graves Love. Pictured (from left) are Sarah Snyder, Rachel Regan, Marian Hilpert, Shannon Wiesedeppe and Elizabeth Graves Love.
Fashion and fun
Mark your calendar for The Junior League of Houston’s 2014 Opening Style Show. In honor of the League’s 90th anniversary, the show will cele-
One year later Lamar High School grads Melissa Sawyer and Blane Pless tied the knot exactly one year after
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getting engaged, at West University Methodist Church, followed by a night of dinner and dancing at The Parador. The maid of honor was the bride’s sister, Kathryn Sawyer, and bridesmaids were Allison Assel, Lauren Assel, Autumn Caldwell, Jessica Caldwell, Julia
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Domning, Nora Reardon and Brooke Thompson. The groom’s best man was Sonny Reil, and groomsmen were Eric Cummings, Ethan Fitzgerald, Wylder Green, Raymond Loving and Max Vaclavik. Ushers were Garrin Raymond and Dustin Teague. The bride’s parents, Carol and Chuck Sawyer, and groom’s parents, Rayland Pless and Michelle Wildman, had a ball watching their children marry. The couple ventured to the beautiful Bora Bora for a honeymoon in paradise.
Michelle Watson
What a circus
Fashion Show on Earth,” was the cutest show on Earth. Tables were decorated with Ferris wheels and carousel centerpieces made out of candy, as guests were transported back to a 1913 circus. Over 40 children, ages 1 to 12, rocked the runway wearing the latest spring/summer fashions from Neiman Marcus. In the crowd were Mark, Christina, Andrew, Nicholas and Christoper Hanson, Bill, Courtney, Callie and Billy Toomey, Rocky, Max, Donna and Eloise Chapman, Matt, Catherine and Molly Hennessy, Brandon, Audrey and Conrad Cochran, Vicki West, Lilly Andress, Joyce Standish, Joshua, Colette, Isabel and Juliet Nguyen, John, Terri, Mallette, Prentiss and Davis Havens, and Susan Hansen and Brittany Cassin (pictured, from left).
Groundbreaking renovations
Nearly $50,000 was raised for the Houston’s Symphony’s Music Matters! education and community-engagement programs. The fashion show and luncheon, themed “The Greatest Children’s
For the first time since its opening in 1968, the Alley Theatre is changing the look of its facilities. Recently, the theater celebrated the groundbreaking for the extensive renovation as part of its $73 million capital campaign, cochaired by Meredith Long and Roger Plank. At the ceremony, Roger Plank shattered a column on the Hubbard Stage, marking the beginning of the $46.5 million renovation. Pictured, from left, are artistic director Gregory Boyd, Roger Plank, Margaret Alkek Williams, Jesse Marion and managing director Dean R.
Gladden with their sledgehammers. Although the theater is undergoing changes, it doesn’t
mean the show won’t go on; the 2014-15 season will be performed at the University of Houston, on its main campus. The grand opening of the renovated Alley Theatre is scheduled for fall 2015. Visit www.alleytheatre.org/2014-2015.
Fairytale wedding In Gnesta, Sweden, on the eve of the summer solstice (June 21), also known as Midsummer’s Eve, friends and family of Michael Bischoff and Julia Furumo (pictured, next page) gathered at a beautiful countryside castle to celebrate the couple’s marriage. Michael, a Strake Jesuit and Texas Tech University alum, met Julia while he was living in Atlanta. Julia, a Swedish native, was working in Atlanta, planning on returning home to her country before she met Michael. In attendance at the wedding (continued on page 30)
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(continued from page 29) were Michael’s parents,
Mike and Colleen Bischoff, as well as Katie, Lauren, Allie and Andrew Bischoff, Richard and Linda Bischoff, Lee Bischoff, Elvie Bischoff, George and Tommye Zenner,
to Rome where they saw the Rolling Stones perform, then to Santorini, Greece, where they stayed for a week.
Volunteers celebrate
Lemonade stand raises $300 Briargrove residents Emma Eidman, Callie Oneil, Elizabeth Loeffler, Caroline Loeffler, Gabriela Dastmalchian (pictured, from left) and (not pictured) Thomas Loeffler created a lemonade stand to raise money and awareness
Thomas and Kelly Zenner and children Thomas Jr. and Margo, Thomas Glover, Kayla Colvill, Stephen Sacra, Stewart and Allison Nixon, Sarah Altemus, John Seger, Jaisel Gosai and Donny Nuckel. The bride’s parents and relatives live in Sweden, close to the castle where the wedding party stayed for the weekend. Everyone participated in traditional Swedish Midsummer’s Eve festivities such as decorating the Maypole with freshly picked flowers, singing and dancing the “frog dance,” and eating pickled herring. For their honeymoon, the couple went
for MD Anderson Cancer Center. The volunteers passed out sunscreen, yellow MDA sunglasses and literature promoting the importance of practicing good skin-care habits. They raised $300 from Briargrove residents and through cookie and lemonade sales. Mom Ashley Loeffler worked with MD Anderson to pick up all the materials and set up the lemonade stand.
Celebrating at Susan G. Komen Houston’s Laugh and Live for the Cure Impact Awards Luncheon was three-time breast-cancer survivor Lourdes Hernandez, who was presented with Komen’s “Promise of One” national award for outstanding volunteer service. More than 400 attendees filled the Royal Sonesta pink-washed ballroom brimming with blush centerpieces and treats donated by Janice and Bobby Jucker of Three Brothers Bakery. E! Fashion Police star Joan Rivers had the room in stitches. Pictured (standing, from left) are Jeannie Frazier, Nadine Eidman, Margaret Pfeiffer, G.G. Hsieh, Lourdes Hernandez, Allen Wilson, Dorothy Paterson, (seated, from left) Karen Funk and Arza Funk.
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Eat for a cause
Get ready to take a bite out of Houston’s food scene at The Parador, 2021 Binz St., with Camp For All’s Young Professionals at the second annual Camp Culinary Challenge. Save your appetite for Sept. 18, 7-10 p.m., when you can sample chefs’ contest entries and vote for best mac ‘n’ cheese and best s’mores. Enjoy a drink at the bar, plus entertainment, while supporting Camp For All’s mission of sending kids and adults with disabilities to camp. Enjoy entries from past s’mores winner chef Bobby Jucker of Three Brothers Bakery, new competitors Sorrel Urban Bistro and Kris Bistro, and many more. Pictured (from left) are Jessica Nimon, Pat Sorrells, Pat Schafer and Sarah Mullins. See campforall.org.
Lunch packs punch The Brookwood Community hosted a one-hour luncheon at the Hilton Americas that brought
in an impressive $1,025,000. The funds will help the nonprofit’s mission as a residential facility that provides vocational programs for adults with disabilities. Pictured (from left) are Frank Tucker, Stephanie Tucker, J. Brady Lum and Brad Tucker. Chairs were Dan and Mary McCulloch. Other noteables involved were Lora Jean Kilroy, Danny and Robin Klaes, Sam and
attendees signing up to volunteer for the organization that helps less-privileged women get
Women WOWed
back into the work force. The Dress for Success building on Eastside was turned into a pop-up shop featuring goods from designers Dao Chloe Dao and Temple Street Jewelry. Also in the mix were WOW president Paige Branam, Rebecca Emrick, Helen Yancy, Ashley Authorlee, Sara Connell, Jason Kaminsky, Michaela Williams, Millie Fitzpatrick, Allie Trail, Danielle Johnson and Natalie Berko.
Over 120 fashionistas, including Michelle Kobelan and Danielle Rios (pictured, from left), flocked to the 11th annual Women of Wardrobe Membership Drive at Dress for Success Houston. It was a success, with over 40 of the
Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.
Melinda Stubbs, Dr. Patrick and Domitille McCulloch, Les and Anne Csorba, Howard and Kay House, Jim McIngvale and Marty and Mary Goosen. See brookwoodcommunity.org.
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 31
SUMMER AT CITY HALL Elizabeth Moore, a junior at St. John’s School, spent her summer as an intern in the mayor’s office.
KIDS by Elizabeth Moore, age 15
Buzz Kidz E
Learning from the mayor
xperiencing foreign cultures and learning about international affairs have always been important to me. So, when I learned I was going to be interning at the Mayor’s Office of International Trade and Development this summer, I felt excited and nervous. I had just finished my sophomore year in high school, and all of the other interns were well into or past college. However, on my first day, I realized that I had nothing to fear. The other interns were friendly and approachable. Some are studying international relations or law, and some hail from other countries like Russia. The work turned out to be interesting, too. Instead of filing or taking coffee orders, right off the bat, I started drafting letters to important people, coordinating events, and even attending meetings of the different Mayor’s International
Trade and Development Councils. Recently, I was able to attend a meeting of the MITDC– Asia/Australia. At that meeting, I enjoyed seeing how members of the committee represented many different parts of Asia (for example, Japan, Vietnam and Korea) coming together in the Houston community. The most interesting part was hearing from Consul General Li Qiangmin about connections between Houston and China. I especially liked learning about how we support each other through business and trade. What I like the best about my internship is working in the heart of downtown and being assigned intriguing projects. I’ve had a few challenges at my internship, including figuring out how to write formal business letters and navigate the tunnel system downtown (although now, I can proudly say I am a master of the tunnel sys-
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 32
tem). To cap off my summer, I will have the incredible opportunity, if I pay for my own travel expenses, to continue my internship for a week in August in Stavanger, Norway. My bosses will be attending the annual conference of the World Energy Cities Partnership, and they said they could use my help. I’ve really enjoyed interning at the Mayor’s Office of International Trade and Development and I hope to intern there again next summer! Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401.
DINING GUIDE by Dai Huynh, staff writer
This Month in Dining Dine and do good during Houston Restaurant Weeks
Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person If a limited budget has slowed the pace of your restaurant visits this year, this is your chance to catch up. This month’s restaurant listings highlight some of the city’s best dining spots, offering pre-fixe lunches and dinners at reduced prices during Houston Restaurant Weeks. The common denominator? Other than combining efforts and talents to raise money to end hunger in Houston? These chefs and restaurants use as many local and artisanal products as possible.
Canopy
VALLONE’S The Tex – two cheese enchiladas served with a center-cut, house-aged filet – is one of the dishes featured at Vallone's in Gateway Memorial City during Houston Restaurant Weeks.
W
ith fork and knife, Buzz resident Victor Roberts has launched his annual steak hunt. The goal is to taste as many steaks as his pocketbook permits, compare the marbled cuts and find the best. The only rule is that the steaks must come from one of more than 150 restaurants participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1. This month-long charity event raised about $1.3 million for the Houston Food Bank last year, and more than $4 million since 2003. “Houston Restaurant Weeks is the largest primary fund-raising event,” says Brian Greene, president/CEO of the Houston Food Bank. “Of the $35 meal, $5 goes to the Houston Food Bank. For the typical diner, it equates to one meal. But for the Food Bank, it translates to 15 meals.” Diners can select from two-, three- or four-course prix-fixe menus. Dinners will be $35 or $45, depending on the menu, with $5 and $7, respectively, going to charity. Lunches will be priced at $20, with $3 going to the non-profit. Brunch – a new category – was added this year for $25. Roberts appreciates the chance to contribute to the Food Bank with the added bonus of testing out new restaurants and getting a few fancy meals at a lower cost. “A good night at a nice steakhouse will typically run you about $100,” he says. “Here, I can get a three-course steak dinner for $45.” He plans to sample Vallone’s, a recent addition to the steakhouse scene, along with The Capital Grille at CityCentre and Lynn’s Steakhouse. Some other participating eateries include Nara, Bradley’s Fine Diner (BFD), Artista, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Peli Peli, Latin Bites, Mezzanotte Ristorante and Tony’s. All participating restaurants and their menus are posted on the HRW site at houstonrestaurantweeks.com. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2014 34
Creative Gulf-Coast cuisine Neighborhood: Montrose When the weekend arrives, Houston’s motor shifts into idle, and Canopy greets its favorite meal – brunch. The austere space with blond furniture bubbles with conversations as Claire Smith’s reliable kitchen sends out babyspinach salads with pulled chicken that is peppy with a dessert-wine vinaigrette, apples and roasted red grapes. Try, too, eggs benedict on sweet potato English muffins and an earthy four-mushroom pot pie. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 3939 Montrose, 713-5286848. canopyhouston.com. $$
Caracol Mexican coastal cuisines Neighborhood: Galleria Hugo Ortega is largely credited with introducing Houstonians to the foodways of Mexico. His namesake restaurant, Hugo’s, on Westheimer captivates with interior specialties, while Caracol showcases Mexico’s lilting coastal cuisines. Ceviches and crudos shine against a snow-white interior dressed with deep-sea creatures by renowned illustrator Charley Harper. Jalapeño and ginger give great spark and crunch to conch,
while scallops combined with sweet mango, papaya and lime crudos dance merrily between sweet, salty and tangy. A house favorite is oysters smoked in a wood-burning domed oven, then drizzled with a luscious chipotle butter. The menu leans toward seafood, but there are meatier options, such as bone-in short rib with cocoa nib and roasted duck with pumpkin seed sauce. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., No. 160, 713-622-9996. caracol.net. $$$
Costa Brava Bistro French-and-Spanish cuisine Neighborhood: Bellaire Working backward at this Spanish-inspired restaurant, the refined desserts include crema Catalan with a miraculous crunchy sugar glaze and an apple tart that smartly blends smoky caramel with buttery pastry. The flavorful seafood paella from owner Angeles Duenas’ grandfather sports perfectly al dente rice. Moist roasted duck and shrimp piquant with garlic make this upscale spot pleasing. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat. 5115 Bellaire Blvd., 713-839-1005. costabravabistro.com. $$$
Étoile Authentic French Neighborhood: Galleria area When several talented French chefs urge you to try the food at Étoile, it’s hard to dispute their keen taste for the food of their homeland. Just as they said, the flavors here are true, and owner-chef Philippe Verpiand and wife Monica Bui have created an alluringly warm showcase for a hearty coq au vin and tender sole meunière with lemon caper sauce, fingerling potatoes and roasted cauliflower – both brunch items. Briny mussels flavored with tomatoes and onions are served with homemade pomme frites and garlic aioli. The beauty of this place is almost everything is made from scratch, including the crusty baguettes. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., 832668-5808. etoilecuisine.com. $$
Hugo’s Regional Mexican Neighborhood: Montrose Tex-Mex was the game in town until risk takers such as Hugo’s owner-chef Hugo Ortega set out to educate Houstonians about the food of his motherland. Many traditional Mexican establishments have failed, but not the highceiling, palatial Hugo’s, with such comida tipica as a soulful off-the-menu oxtail soup, earthy moles and snapper tamales fragrant in banana leaves. Perennial favorites are the wood-grilled rib-eye steak and baby pig roasted in banana leaves, not to mention pan-fried grasshoppers, which taste like popcorn and are delicious when paired with a blanco tequila. The crown jewel is Hugo’s Sunday brunch – a majestic cornucopian spread, worth every peso. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1600 Westheimer Road, 713-5247744. hugosrestaurant.net. $$$
LUCILLE’S Chef-owner Chris Williams of Lucille's in the Museum District takes an innovative approach to Southern classics, some of which will be featured on his Houston Restaurant Weeks' prix-fixe menu.
La Casa Del Caballo Mexican steakhouse Neighborhood: Montrose Gregarious Latin voices ring through this Mexican steakhouse that buys its premium beef from the storied Allen Brothers in Chicago. Owner-chef Carlos Abedrop butchers a whole rib rack himself to ensure the right cut. The steak here isn’t the buttery, tender sort American diners have come to expect. Here, it has the kind of chew that bursts with forceful flavors from beef grilled over mesquite fire. The lamb, too, while tender, is resilient with its characteristic gamey nuances. Meats are good by themselves even with the standard sides of smoke-kissed beans, skin-on fried potatoes and three-alarm salsas. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sun., 322 Westheimer, 832-623-6467. $$$
Lucille’s Creative Southern Neighborhood: Museum District The fried green tomatoes – lightly crisped and anointed with a rich, bright-orange remoulade sauce – know few peers around town. This and a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, in this refurbished brick building, would do just fine for lunch. That and a side order of chef-owner Chris Williams’ hot rolls. Look around. You’ll see many breaking bread while waiting for shrimp and grits and the pan-roasted white fish on a pile of pancakes, surrounded by candied-sweet cherry tomatoes. Lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sun., 5512 La Branch, 713-568-2505. lucilleshouston.com. $$$
Quattro Contemporary Italian Neighborhood: Downtown Talented chef Maurizio Ferrarese brings the flavors of his native Italy to Quattro at the Four Seasons Hotel. The dining room is an elegant affair. Just as engaging is the adjoining Vinoteca Quattro bar where downtown workers unwind over Italian beers, wines and Italian small plates during happy hour. From 4 to 7 p.m. on
Thursday, guests can purchase a wine or cocktail and all-you-can-eat antipasti for $18. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 1300 Lamar, 713-6501300. quattrorestauranthouston.com. $$-$$$$
Tony’s Upscale Gulf Coast Italian Neighborhood: Upper Richmond Old World Italian provides a water-walled backdrop for star sightings, anniversaries, birthdays and engagements over Riedel glasses and Christofle flatware. Cinematic plots unfold under the watchful eye of restaurateur Tony Vallone, whose Gulf Coast Italian menu sparkles with chef Grant Gordon’s flavors. When available, try the pea ravioli with lamb sausage, which shimmers with creamy richness. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat. 3755 Richmond, Houston, TX 77046, 713-622-6778. tonyshouston.com. $$$$
Vallone’s Modern-American steakhouse Neighborhood: Memorial The option of adding any homemade pasta, such diminutive corn ravioli or short-rib tortellini, to your steak dinner for $9 adds to the appeal of the impeccably hand-cut slabs of steaks. But really all that is required for the juicy, charred, dry-aged, bone-in ribeye is a side of fries and a robust California cabernet. With his new steakhouse, restaurateur Tony Vallone again illustrates that he knows good food, and his impeccable tastes are expertly translated on the menu. Normally, we skip sauces, especially when the steaks (wet and dry age) shine with just a dash of salt. But in this case, the cabernet foie gras jus and spicy béarnaise are hard to pass up, as is the Colorado lamb chop with chickpea purée. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. and dinner Sun. 947 Gessner, 713-395-6100. vallonessteakhouse.com. $$$$
MORE ONLINE For more restaurants and to comment, visit us online at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com.
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Paternity issues
When that assignment comes out of the backpack at 5 p.m., and suddenly everyone needs Mom, who is spread thin helping the younger with bath time and cooking dinner, and Dad is at the office late, who can you turn to? Here’s a solution: Bee Tutored will come to you, even on weekends. Says one satisfied parent: “Bee Tutored has been an excellent resource for our family. Each time that I’ve recognized a tutoring need for my children, the Bee Tutored staff has been Kate Prichard, founder and director tremendously responsive and insightful. Kate, the founder and director, understands that it can be a stressful time when your child needs help. She makes things happen quickly while paying close attention to your child’s personality and learning style to ensure everyone is set up for success.” Another family shared: “Bee Tutored has proven absolutely invaluable to my son and family throughout his first year of middle school. We have had experience with a number of tutors, and each one has been smart, engaging and extremely well suited to guide my son through homework assignments and test prep. One of the very best qualities of Bee Tutored is the incredible flexibility of the tutoring staff. If my son has needed some quick help on a math topic that is proving difficult, I can call Bee Tutored and arrange for someone to come to my house or meet my son on a day’s notice.” Bee Tutored, www.beetutored.com, learn@beetutored.com, 832.304.3121
When you have a child and are not married it is important to establish paternity even if you are living together, to protect yourself for the future. You should begin paying child support once the child is born to avoid having a retroactive amount accrue. It is also vital that you pay child support through the correct avenue and not make direct payments or make side agreements regarding paying for additional items for the child (i.e., child care) that you may not receive credit for from the court. The only payments that are guaranteed to be considered child support are ones made through a state-disbursement unit based on a court order. You also protect your relationship with your child by obtaining specific periods of possession and access to your child that the other parent can not interfere with without risk of being put in jail. If you do not have an order, you cannot guarantee periods of time you can spend with your child. K. Nicole Voyles, a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family law firm, has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomas Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine, for 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013. K. Nicole Voyles, Board Certified in Family Law, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com
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Starting children’s braces
Enriching your cat’s life
Every child is unique. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children begin seeing an orthodontic specialist around age 7. Determining the best time to begin orthodontic treatment depends greatly on individual needs. Treatment can usually begin when children have lost most of their baby teeth and their adult teeth have erupted. As your orthodontic specialist, we guide you through this process and let you know when your child is ready to begin. We can also identify bite concerns that may require earlier treatment. The need for early treatment can fall under the following: • Severe overbite: The upper teeth protrude further than the lower teeth. • Underbite: The lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth. • Cross bite or narrow arch: The upper arch is smaller than the lower arch at one or more areas of the jaw. • Missing adult tooth: Permanent teeth never form (more common than you think). If your child displays any early issues or you want to align his or her crooked teeth, it’s best to be evaluated by an orthodontist. A healthy bite achieved with orthodontic treatment not only provides a beautiful smile but also contributes to healthier teeth. Call now for an appointment because summer is a great time to begin treatment. Dr. Raja Nasir, Nasir Orthodontics, 1011 Augusta, Houston, Texas 77057, 713.781.4457, www.NasirOrtho.com
Most veterinarians and cat experts now recommend that cats should live indoors their entire lives. While the health and safety of our pets is always paramount, it’s important to stimulate their brains and keep them active as well. For many cats, this means bringing the outdoors inside. Here are some ways you can help your cat experience the outdoors from the safety of the indoors: • Create an outdoor enclosure such as a screened-in porch. Your cat will love being closer to the sights, smells and sounds of the birds, squirrels and other outside activity. • Mount bird and squirrel feeders near windows to provide year-round entertainment for your feline friend. • Bring in potted plants such as cat grass or catnip and place them by a sunny window. (Make sure the plants you choose are not toxic to cats.) • Invest in a cat tree or perch and locate it next to a window. Your cat will have a blast jumping, climbing, scratching and hiding in the cat tree, not to mention pretending to hunt the birds and squirrels he can see. More external stimulation throughout the day will help keep your cat busy and happy, not just a cat couch potato! Rover Oaks Pet Resort, 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.662.2119, www.roveroaks.com
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Spying on your spouse
Ask Reneé, the Realtor
In our digital world, there are many things designed to let you spy on your spouse. In a divorce, it may be tempting to install some software on your computer that allows you to read your spouse’s e-mails, or an app on his or her cellphone that lets you remotely read text messages. It may seem fine, but should you do it? The answer is probably no. Both federal and Texas law say that it’s illegal to intercept another person’s electronic communications – which includes emails, text messages and other forms of messaging – without his or her permission. State and federal law also say that it’s illegal to access another person’s stored electronic communications, like email accounts, without consent. Worse, Texas law specifically says that you can go to jail if you illegally access another person’s email without permission if your purpose is to “obtain a benefit or to harm another,” which may be implied in your divorce case. When something appears to be too good to be true, it often is. New software is produced and marketed every day, aimed at people seeking to trap their spouses in an affair or some other bad act. But be very careful before you install these things on your spouse’s cell phone or computer. In trying to trap them, it may be you who takes the fall. Cindy Diggs, Board Certified in Family Law and Civil Trial Law, Holmes, Diggs & Eames, PLLC, 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 900, Houston, Texas 77007, 713.802.1777. www.holmesdiggs.com
This month, J. Bonelli asks: “We are buying a home in an estate sale. The home is selling as an ‘As-is/Where-is’ home. Reneé, are we still allowed to have inspections?” Answer: “Yes, sir, absolutely! “Asis/Where-is” means that what you see is what you get. An estate most likely will not include a Seller’s Disclosure. However, you are still allowed to inspect the property as thouroughly as you’d like to find the current conditions, past situations or any future problematic issues with the home. Be aware, the seller/estate is not going to make any repairs for the buyer or contribute any monies for repairs. The condition or need for repairs will not play a part of negotiations of the sale price. Always inspect a home and its property by a reputable licensed insector, whether “As-is” or not. Davy Oakum Berkshire Hathaway Home Services is a full-service boutique firm specializing in the luxury market. Reneé Davy Oakum focuses on the clients’ goals first and foremost. Reneé is recognized by the Houston Association of Realtors as a top producer year after year. Reneé and her team are consistently recognized and recommended as the ones to go to for real-estate needs. Reneé Davy Oakum Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Anderson Properties, 12900 Queensbury, Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77079 and 3600 Kirby, Suite T, Houston, Texas 77019, 713.647.8278, renee@davyoakumbhhs.com, www.andersonprops.com
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Help with a home move
Silent killer
A normal move is stressful enough. The planning, packing and other preparation. The sorting and getting rid of stuff. And then you have to unpack, organize and hang the pictures. Now, pile on all the emotions that come with making this move when you are empty nesters and scaling down. Difficult, right? Well, what if you were told that you could achieve some peace of mind before you move? Move managers are knowledgeable about the local and interstate moving companies, shippers, estate-sale companies, artwork installers, decorators, etc., all the vendors you may not know you even need. From creating a scaled furniture-layout plan of the new home to setting the clocks on move-in day, move managers handle every aspect of the move. Many empty nesters or retirees do not have nearby family members who can jump in and help with the downsizing. Move managers make the arrangements and see that the move goes as smoothly as possible. Some will even unpack, make beds, set up electronics and plug in the coffee pot. Too good to be true? Just ask realtors who have relied on this service to assist their clients and the adult children whose elderly parents needed assistance. Cynthia Williams owns Transitions, Making Moves Manageable, based in Houston. TMMM has moved clients within Houston and across the country. Transitions, Making Moves Manageable, 713.993.0344, cwilliams@transitionsmmm.com, www.transitionsmmm.com
Could you be at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and pregnancy complications? Recent evidence has shown that having a chronic infection such as gum disease can leave you at a higher risk for all these conditions. For so long, we have viewed our mouth as a separate entity. Could it be true that the health of our mouth can correlate to the overall health of the rest of our body? As dental professionals, we have always preached to our patients that gum disease is a silent killer; it’s not painful, but signs include bad breath, bleeding gums, bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Recent studies have shown that the inflammatory response may be the culprit; an inflammatory response is an overreaction of the immune system, which results in injury to the tissues in the body. In the incidence of heart disease, it damages the arteries supplying blood to the heart, therefore increasing risk of heart disease and strokes. In the occurrence of diabetes, the immune response destroys the cells in the pancreas where insulin is produced. Research also suggests that bacteria in our mouth are carried into the throat and lungs, which can worsen chronic lung conditions and increase risk for respiratory disease. Not only are our vital organs at risk, but studies have also shown that women with active gum disease are more susceptible to premature contractions and births. It has been estimated that over 80 percent of the population has some form of gum disease. Most people are not even aware there is an issue until visiting their dentist and hygienist. Dr. John Barras, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77056, 713.993.9814, www.johnbarrasdds.com
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Cupcake, age 6, Maltipoo, River Bend When I was a puppy, we had another dog named Bailey, a golden retriever who was a good friend. After Bailey passed, things were quiet. One night, everything changed. I was sleeping next to this tree in the living room and a fat fellow in a red suit dropped out of the chimney and set a box down. The next morning, the family opened the box. It was a puppy that looked like a miniature Bailey. The puppy, named Bexar, stayed out my way at first. But in just a few weeks, he was three times my size and driving me crazy. One day my master let me out the back. Out of nowhere, three big, scruffy dogs were surrounding me, growling and showing their teeth. I knew I was a goner. Just as the biggest dog lunged, a brown dog came out of nowhere. It was Bexar! Bexar rose, ears back, and growled a growl that I had never heard before. The three dogs walked away. Once home, I lay in the den, and Bexar came and lay next to me. I like Bexar now. Just like Bailey, he is a good friend. 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, TX 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.
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NEIGHBORS
by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Back Porch F
Parents embarrassing their kids
or three years, I did exactly what I was not supposed to do as the parent of a middleschooler. Every morning in carpool line, when my older daughter would leave the car and head down the walkway into school, already encumbered by a colossal pink backpack and the daily providence of middle school, my younger daughter would roll down the back-seat car window. Then she’d stick her head out of the window and yell at the top of her lungs, “BYE SISTER! I LOVE YOU! HAVE A GREAT DAY!” And with a giant satisfied smile, she’d quietly roll the window back up, and we’d be on our way. I did not stop this. Actually, I must admit to encouraging it just a tiny bit by intentionally not locking the passenger windows. But it was worse than that. For the entire first year of this routine, temperature be damned, my younger daughter wore a bright blue, Cookie Monster knit hat with earflaps and googly eyes on top of her head. This is what was hanging out of the window yelling at her sister, earflap pompoms blowing in the breeze. It was perversely pleasurable, this turn of events, my daughter being the one embarrassed, I having the perspective (and age) to enjoy it. I grew up embarrassed. Pretending like my mother didn’t actually sing to my fifth grade class. (I still cringe.) Like my dad didn’t drive my friends and me to Madonna and Phil Collins concerts in a van emblazoned with “The Eye Clinic of Texas” along the sides. (Consolation: He bought the seats, and they were good.) What is it they say about becoming your parents? My poor children. Recently I surveyed a few teenaged kids to get their thoughts on embarrassing parents. (Many declined to talk to me. Too embarrassing.) Ben Feldman, 18 and about to go off to the University of Washington in Seattle, has us summed up. “In my mind my dad doesn’t accidentally embarrass me,” Ben says. “He knows exactly what he’s doing. “For instance, during my bar mitzvah party he put a naked baby photo in the slide show that everyone saw. I refuse to believe he just didn’t know he was embarrassing me! But on the off chance that he’s just oblivious to the things he
says around my friends, basically he should just think before he talks. Dirty jokes are funny, but they’re weird coming from parents.” When I called Hannah Cohen to ask what her mom does that’s embarrassing, she said, “She’s not that bad at embarrassing me. But my brother is looking at me saying otherwise.” Hannah and her twin brother Ben, both entering ninth grade at St. John’s School, say it’s hard just to shop with their parents. “It’s probably worst when she’s picking out extremely ugly clothes in stores and yelling, ‘Hannah, come try this on!’ Everyone looks over at her and I try to look the other way and ignore it a little bit. But I’ve never walked away and been like, ‘I don’t know REALLY, MOM? Like most soon-to-be-high-schoolers, Hannah and Ben Cohen (pictured here with mom Dorene) are pretty easily embarrassed by their parents, who this lady is.’ That especially, it seems, when they are shopping in public. would just be mean. I “Like if we’re in line at Pappas Burger, and my just feel like it’s awkward and everyone’s looking brother [who is 10] refuses to order, my parents at me.” try to make him [to teach him how]. But other Her brother Ben says his mom doesn’t embarpeople are waiting behind us. It’s just unnecesrass him as much as she does his sister. But pretty sary, wasting other people’s time like that.” quickly he comes up with his own stories about Ben, Hannah, Ben and Alec are relatively lucky. shopping with his dad. He recalls being at a shoe Their parents aren’t the mom we saw on Facebook store “where they sell shoes with pink sequins who had posted a picture of her teenaged son holdand the sort of shoes that are basketball shoes of ing a frozen (nonalcoholic) drink with the line many colors, not the sort of shoes I’d wear.” He below reading, “This is a virgin.” was mortified just to be there. That his father But they’re teenagers. And just about everywould suggest finding shoes in that particular thing is an embarrassment. I’m pretty sure I’m locale – even worse. mortifying someone just writing this. So if whatAlec Gibson, entering ninth grade at The ever we do, however benign, is going to elicit Kinkaid School, says it’s mostly his parents’ dealeye-rolls, why not have a little fun? ings with his younger siblings that set him off.
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