Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz - August 2016

Olivia, Parker and Ashton Bell

Lunches That Make the Grade by Jennifer Oakley

Memorable Teachers Little Free Libraries Travel Buzz: Texas Road Trips Today’s San Antonio Chef’s Corner: Ziggy Gruber Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Dining Guide: Burgers

EDITOR’S NOTE This year marks the first that I do not have any kids heading to school, now that both my sons have graduated college. I always loved our back-to-school traditions. We had the same routine of heading to Target to pick out new backpacks, supplies and lunchboxes. Andy and Matt probably would not admit it, but I think they loved it too. When they grew out of lunchboxes, I started a new routine of heading to Sam’s Club before school started and stockpiling essentials. I think they were in middle school when I bought a box of what must have been 5,000 brown lunch bags. I was impressed by all the moms featured this month in Jennifer Oakley’s article on healthy lunches. I loved reading their creative packing ideas and recipes. I do have to laugh – one mom has a brilliant idea to have her kids pack their own healthy lunches by choosing from various bins with fruit, protein, a carb, etc. My boys’ entire lunch consisted of prepackaged items and a tuna or peanut butter sandwich every single day. No matter your routine, I wish you all a wonderful start to the new school year. And if you need lunch bags, call me. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Maddy Payne, Russell Weil, Lauren Michelle Williams Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer, Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis, Helen van Rensburg Karina Arnold, Sarah Bass Andi Minter, Maddy Payne, Mackenzie Ward

On our cover: Olivia, Parker and Ashton Bell (from left) get ready for lunch in the new school year. Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2016 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Tough but important story I wanted to thank you for your article about the addictions that plague some of our children [Breaking the Chains: How two Buzz residents battled addiction, by Cathy Gordon, June 2016]. It was a difficult read for me, especially the list of warning signs that cut way too close to home. In any event, your passion given for the community and the love extended to Esmeralda and I are a blessing. Thank you. Tim Henderson Editor’s note: It was your beautiful and brave eulogy about your son Luke that gave me the idea to do this article. Too many families are dealing with this dreadful disease. As you know, addiction is still not often talked about openly or honestly. We want to encourage the discussion. I will always treasure our time with Luke. – Joni Hoffman

people like you will help him do more and more. Your article showed your magazine cares about its community. Thank you again. Sam Alam Editor’s note: Ryan Alam, a St. Thomas’ Episcopal School alum, while working on his master’s degree in social entrepreneurship, helped develop a proposal to eradicate landmines from Angola and establish an agricultural industry for the country. Ryan and his team won first place in a worldwide Morgan Stanley-sponsored competition.

Congrats to Buzz writer Congratulations to staff writer Jennifer Oakley, who won second place in the “Magazine Article” category of the Houston Press Club’s 2016 Lone Star Awards for her September 2015 Buzz story Ghost Bikes: White bicycles memorialize riders. The article was about the white-painted “ghost bikes” that raise awareness of bike safety and pay tribute to cyclists who are killed. We appreciate the volunteers who maintain the bikes and the Buzz residents who so openly shared stories of their loved ones. You can find this story, as well as all others printed in The Buzz, at thebuzzmagazines.com. 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.

Archery piece hit target Thank you so much for the article titled “Our Katniss” [Our Katniss: Young archer is one of the world’s best, by Cheryl Laird, April 2016] written about our daughter, Inga Pever. The feedback we received from our friends, family and archery community was very positive. Many stated that they felt a real connection to her and if they didn’t know her that they’d want to! The author, Cheryl Laird, really gave her attention into capturing the intricacies of the sport and understanding Inga’s dedication to the sport. She was able to articulate the uniqueness of this Olympic sport, the work necessary to reach elite status, and availability of this amazing sport right here in Houston. Melanie Pever

Motivating young adults Thank you very much for a nice story on Ryan [Alam]. I think Ryan has a great heart to help the poor and contribute to society. The title of the story was awesome [Buzz About Town: Top idea in the world, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, July 2016]. It gave kids Ryan’s age the understanding they can do the same. I have raised my children on the Jewish philosophy (even though I am Muslim) that helping the needy is helping yourself in the long run. Notwithstanding, praising children – not criticizing – is the best way to help improve their egos. I want to keep him motivated, and TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 6

What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have a creative Halloween-costume story. • Have a memorable travel story. • Know a fascinating neighbor to profile. • Have an interesting passion or hobby. • Have a pet that needs to be in print. 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 by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Memorable Teachers 2016 graduates’ favorites

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ears from now, students may or may not remember a specific date that a historical event occurred, or an exact mathematical equation. But they will never forget the teacher who inspired them to take a certain career path, or who made them laugh, or who calmed them down when they were feeling overwhelmed. This year, as part of our annual Where Are They Headed? article featuring local 2016 high school graduates, now entering college, we included the question: “Teacher who changed your life and why.” We know you or your kids have your own favorites. To give them a public shout out, leave a comment under the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Kolin Ariza: “Mr. Gregory Switzer in sixth grade at Pin Oak Middle School. I joined the fishing club and immediately fell in love with fishing until this day. We went on tons of fishing trips on the weekends, and I enjoyed every one of them.” Madison Auerbach: “Coach Miguel Garza at St. Pius X High School was my basketball coach in ninth and 10th grade. During intense games, when I would get frustrated and angry at myself, he taught me it was more important to have fun and not take life so seriously.” Jillian Bass: “My 12th-grade English teacher, Dr. Charlie Scott [The Kinkaid School], because he showed me that even in simple books, there are always different ways to see the depth in writing.” Greer Blitzer: “Mrs. Tarah Moser, my AP English teacher in 10th grade when I originally attended Westside High School. She never gave up on me and sought to make sure I reached my full potential.” Jared Burch: “My 12th-grade calculus teacher Ms. Nguyet Pham [Episcopal High School] was the nicest lady I have ever met and gave the class money on Chinese New Year.” Quinn Burhans: “Ms. Sara Matthews, my second grade English teacher at The Joy School. She taught me how to read and, within a few months, I was reading at grade level. Without

MS. HIGGINS Kathy Higgins, a beloved Condit Elementary School teacher, is surrounded by students at her goodbye party this spring. She will be teaching in Florida.

her guidance and willingness to help me succeed, I would not be where I am today.” Merritt Chastain: “Coach Russell Wichmann [Memorial High School] gave me a better appreciation of literature and was an excellent football coach.” David Cook: “Ms. Susan Sisler, German teacher at Memorial High School. I had her for all four years of high school, and she always took the time to make sure we reached our full potential as students.” Charles Dorfman: “Ms. Gara Johnson-West is an Upper School history teacher at St. John’s School. I had her sophomore year. She has always been a fan of mine and checks on me from time to time offering support and guidance. She is also responsible for fueling my interest in history.” Lane Drager: “The teacher that changed my life the most was my eighth-grade English teacher, Mr. Scott Hanold [Presbyterian School]. He helped me further my interest in English and gave me some of the best advice

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about school that I have ever received, that ‘School is what I make of it.’ The more work that I put into school, the more reward I will receive; this is a piece of advice that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” Sarah Drew: “My engineering class junior year with Mrs. Alaina Scorsone [Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart] really changed my life. That class helped me get out of my comfort zone and made me realize that I want to be an engineer.” Lizzy Fallon: “Ms. Rosie Beniretto, the eighth grade World History teacher from St. John’s School. She taught me that working hard for my grades will pay off.” Madeline Graham: “When I was in fifth grade at River Oaks Elementary, my teacher Ms. Tomiko Wilkerson would go out of her way to give us extra opportunities for science experiments. I remember playing with the circuit boards, trying to get the lightbulb to light up. Her passion for science (continued on page 10)

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(continued from page 8) aided in developing my

love for the subject and ultimately my decision to pursue a career in the sciences.” Valerie Herrscher: “Mrs. Elizabeth Schwartz, 10th- and 12th-grade English at St. Thomas’ Episcopal. She was always there for me when I needed her. It didn’t matter if I was sad about a bad grade or if my parents were out of town and I needed some help with my brother. I know I can go to her with anything.” Scott Kennedy: “Mrs. Mary Jackson at Stratford High School, 12th, for Student Council and accounting, helped me build a passion for my school. Mrs. Janice Cummons at Stratford, 10th-12th, for newspaper, encouraged my love of writing and gave me the freedom I was craving to think outside the box.” Kushal Kuchibhotla: “Ms. Archana Kadam, the chemistry teacher in Kuwait [Fahaheel AlWatanieh Indian Private School] who taught me in grades VII, VIII, IX and X, was not only an excellent teacher in the subject, but her classes were brought to life by her practical approach of relating the subject to day-to-day life.” Paul Labanowski: “Mrs. Gara JohnsonWest, 10th grade World History II at St. John’s School, taught me to learn for the sake of growing as an individual, not just to get good grades.” Erin Lai: “Mrs. Evelyn Cornejo was my fifthgrade science teacher at Condit Elementary School. She was the first teacher that I had that I saw as more than just another authority figure. She became and still is my role model today.” Kaitlyn Massin: “My 11th-grade Algebra II teacher, Mr. Jacob Guidry, at Emery High School, changed my perspective on math. I used to dislike math because it was my hardest subject and nothing clicked, but Mr. Guidry dedicated extra time to help me and always made sure I was grasping the information. He made math actually fun to learn and he explained every concept thoroughly. Any person can see that he cares a lot about his students and has full confidence that all of them will succeed.” Charlie Meacham: “I have had so many amazing teachers it is difficult to select just one. Mrs. Susan Permenter was my second grade teacher at Awty International School and she took the time to understand what I needed as a student. She allowed me to stand while I worked, which was important for me because I was very active. Mr. Greg Cullinan taught me English in seventh and eighth grade at Awty International School and he helped me realize how engaging a teacher can be. It made me a much more curious student. All of my IB teachers at Awty have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They have all been outstanding.” Camryn Mitchell: “My eighth-grade math teacher Ms. Debrah Magee [Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart] has changed my life the most because she was more than just a teacher for me. She was like a parent, but also a friend. She was easily approachable, fun and treated everyone like her equal. She taught me

MS. BURDICK Kari Burdick taught twins Eli (at left) and Isaac Winter (at right) when they were in kindergarten at West University Elementary School, and they still keep in touch with her. The brothers just graduated from Carnegie Vanguard High School.

that making mistakes is a part of life, and sometimes instead of crying about them you have to laugh about them, shake them off and move on. We also had the same birthday, which I think made us even closer.” Sydney Nelson: “Coach Stephanie Gore was my history and RTOT [Research Tools of Technology, The Briarwood School] teacher. She would always make me laugh. When you are in her class, you will have so much fun, share laughs and more.” Domenic Patronella: “Coach Brett Mills, my junior year at St. Thomas High School. He’s a very stern disciplinarian, but fair. Taught me a greater appreciation for history and how important it is, as it always repeats itself.” Bryan Read: “Mrs. Sandra Hardy in the fourth grade at Memorial Drive Elementary School because she got me interested in writing and encouraged me to be creative.” Harrison Rosenthal: “My kindergarten teacher, Ms. Kathy Higgins at Condit Elementary School, had the biggest impact on my life. I had a special connection with her, and she helped give me the basic knowledge on all subjects to help me excel in them later in life. I always spent extra time with her having her help me and teach me extra. I even slept at her house one night, and she took me to one of my gymnastics competitions.” Peyton Ross: “Coach Ivory Young was my coach all through St. Vincent de Paul middle school sports. He taught me discipline and how to be a team player. I will always appreciate what he did for me.” Emily Soice: “Tenth grade, AP World History, HSPVA [The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts], Mr. Wyatt Bingham. Mr. Bingham taught me how civilization came to the point it is at today, how the world became separated into have and havenots, Sunni and Shiite, North America and South America, industry and agriculture. He

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was my first AP teacher, and taught me how to write piercing essays and analyze the world around us. He is also one cool dude.” Oliver Wang: “Mr. Bret Ramsey from St. Thomas’ Episcopal School, who showed me in Mock Trial that passion and hard work can achieve anything.” Katie Whalley: “A teacher who has changed my life is Dr. Yvette Tumminello [The Briarwood School]. She has taught me to never give up on math and to keep persevering even though math isn’t the easiest subject for me.” Eli Winter: “I’ve got lots. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kari Burdick [West University Elementary School], has gotta be up there. She let me read whatever I wanted to, and we’re still friends today. That kind of thing is really formative in ways you don’t realize until 11 or 12 years later. In high school [Carnegie Vanguard]: Mrs. Erica Harris, freshman English and 10th-grade Creative Writing. She’s why I’m here today. Also, Mr. Benjamin Holloway, senior AP English Lit. He’s also amazing. I have trouble articulating why. Also, Mr. Chris Rajadurai. Many other teachers: Mr. James Parker, Mr. Terry Swift from Pin Oak Middle School, Mr. Nick Gonzalez from Pin Oak. Quick, obligatory shout-out to Mr. Quang Tran. My music teachers, both formally and informally: Formally, Rachel Buchman, Dan Sedgwick, Kris Wettstein. And more informally, Max Jared, Daniel Bachman, Mike Cooper, Nathan Salsburg, Jana Hunter. All huge inspirations. Jamal Cyrus at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Also, Jackie and Steve Majerus-Collins from Youth Journalism International and Becca Keo-Meier. Lastly, Michael Duke from Helfman Religious School. He’s my role model. (Tapuach!)”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links to our June 2016 “Where are they headed?” article and annual database of college-bound, Buzz-area graduates.

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TRAVEL by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Road Trip To San Antonio

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ver the years we’ve heard so much about Austin – the lakes! the music! the Longhorns! – that neighboring San Antonio has gotten little to no play. But lately everyone is realizing there’s more to this Hill Country town than the Alamo. Why drive the 2.5 hours (make that 3 if you stop at Buc-ee’s) out I-10? Ceci Goldstone, who left Houston and moved to San Antonio with her husband Michael and two now-teenaged boys six years ago, says, “San Antonio is getting ever hipper. [The city] is doing its darndest to catch up with [Houston’s] arts scene…, more of which I discover daily.” Josh Zeller, who grew up in Houston and moved to San Antonio with his wife Allison in 2001 (they now have three children) agrees. “The San Antonio Museum of Art [samuseum.org; houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Asian art in the southern United States] always has great exhibits, and The Witte [wittemuseum.org] has a great new expansion as well. The new children’s museum, called The DoSeum [thedoseum.org], is very hands-on and fantastic for kids.” Robin Wayne, who, with her husband Donald, grew up in San Antonio and moved to Houston 15 years ago, adds, “If you have kids [they have two teenaged girls], the Witte has a big treehouse that’s like a kids’ museum. It’s a great family museum. “And you have to go to the McNay [mcnayart.org]. All the brides take their pictures there.” That’s because the collections, comprising the first modern-art museum in Texas, are housed in a 1920s Spanish Colonial-Revival manse, which not only makes for a great photo backdrop but also allows museum-goers to view the art as they would in a residence. Beyond museums, check out Pearl, a 16-block retail-dining-residential neighborhood off the River Walk that was home to the Pearl Brewery until it closed in 2001. Here, coffee shops and pop-up outdoor yoga classes coalesce with restaurants rated as some of the best in Texas. “There seem to be new restaurants and bars opening weekly,” Josh says.

THE HOUSTON EFFECT Emily and Grace Beauchamp are happy after eating at Southerleigh, a Pearlarea restaurant owned by former Galvestonian Jeff Balfour. The girls' mom, Courtney, grew up in Houston and owns The Tiny Finch, one of Pearl's boutiques, just across from the restaurant.

Ceci’s favorite Pearl shops: “The Tiny Finch, owned by Houston native Courtney Beauchamp, has wonderful gifts [thetinyfinch.com]. Dos Carolinas for San Antonio’s own custom guayaberas [doscarolinas.com; there’s also an outpost in Houston]. The Sporting District [sportingdistrict.com] is a very Garden & Gun-type establishment with wonderful southern … leather goods, apparel and artisan knives. Local Coffee [localcoffeesa.com] for an afternoon pick-me-up, accompanied by beautifully boxed macarons from Bakery Lorraine [bakerylorraine.com]. “And the restaurants. A bar seat at Cured [curedatpearl.com] is one of our favorite spots,” Ceci says. “And if you are young and hip, a beer at Southerleigh is not to be missed [southerleigh.com; Galvestonian Jeff Balfour is the chef and owner here].” Ceci also recommends walking to the San Antonio Museum of Art [SAMA] from Pearl: “The walk is a treat,” she says. Another option: rent bikes at the Pearl out-

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post of Bike World [bikeworld.com], where staff will map out a ride along the immaculately maintained River Walk’s Museum Reach. You’ll ride past SAMA and several public art displays, including Philadelphia artist Donald Lipski’s F.I.S.H. installation: 25 giant, anatomically correct, lit-from-within sunfish hanging from an I35 underpass outside the museum. Veering from Pearl, Robin suggests visiting Market Square [www.marketsquaresa.com]: “My friends always want me to bring home Mexican dresses, and I’ll get them there. Go to Mi Tierra [mitierracafe.com] for Mexican food and La Margarita [lamargarita.com] for really good margaritas,” she says. In the Alamo Heights neighborhood, Ceci says, “The Bird Bakery [birdbakery.com] is not to be missed for sweets like the delicious minicupcakes [in flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coconut Candy Bar and St. Germaine] or a quick salad for lunch.” Native Houstonian Meg Culp moved to San

San Antonio happenings iStock.com/David Sucsy

by Maddy Payne, contributing writer

Looking for something to do in San Antonio over the next few months? Ford Canoe Challenge – This canoe race has been a River Walk tradition since 1969. Enter or just watch. 7-11 a.m. Aug. 6, River Walk, thesanantonioriverwalk.com Foam Glow 5k – Run in a nighttime race that has glowing foam and black lights all over the course. 8:15 p.m. Sept. 9, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 IH-10 West, admission: $50, www.foamglow.com/location-san-antonio-tx/ Bud Light, The Taste – Stroll along the River Walk while you sample appetizer-sized culinary offerings from over 30 restaurants at Bud Light, The Taste. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 13-15, River Walk, San Antonio, www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Sweeney Todd – Enjoy this London urban musical that tells the gory tale of Sweeney Todd. Fridays-Sundays Oct. 7– Nov. 6, Woodlawn DOWN I-10 There’s always something going on in San Antonio, from traditional favorites like the Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd., admission: $17- River Walk and Alamo to museums, art walks and newer attractions like the Pearl Brewery district. 26, woodlawntheatre.org Wine Down at the Garden – Sample food and South American wine. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 10, San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., admission: $75, sabot.org San Antonio Beer Festival – The 11th Annual San Antonio Beer Festival is the largest beer festival in San Antonio, with 350 beers from 85-plus breweries. 1:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Maverick Park, 1000 Broadway, admission: $30-70, sanantoniobeerfestival.com Festival de Puerto Rico in San Antonio – Explore Puerto Rican culture at the Puerto Rican Heritage Society’s 15th Festival de Puerto Rico in San Antonio with music, food, art, dancing and games. Noon-6 p.m., Oct. 23, San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 North Loop 1604 West, sociedadherenciaprsa.org Halloween Fest – Costume contest, music and river parade at Bud Light Halloween Fest. 7-10:30 p.m. Oct. 28, River Walk, admission: free, thesanantonioriverwalk.com Día de los Muertos – Celebrate the Day of the Dead with face painting, a procession and pan de muerto. The Guadalupe Dance Company and Academy, Grupo Animo and Mariachi Guadalupe will perform. 5 p.m. Oct. 29-30, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 723 S. Brazos St. admission: free, guadalupeculturalarts.org Antonio 11 years ago with her husband John. They live there today with their children, who are 12 and 10. In and around Alamo Heights, Meg likes the San Antonio Botanical Garden (sabot.org) and the Sunken Garden (or Japanese Tea Garden; sanantonio.gov/parksandrec). “I think both are spectacular,” she says. “They’re beautiful green spaces that you can go wander, and there’s always a special exhibit going on at the Botanical Gardens that will change season to season. “The Sunken Gardens are on sort of the same grounds as the zoo (sazoo-aq.org). You know we have a great zoo. You can park wherever, take the train and do it all: the zoo, then get off at the Witte and then at the Sunken Gardens, where you could be for 10 minutes or two hours. It’s really a hidden treasure.” In the same neighborhood, Meg likes Cappy’s for dinner – “Old San Antonio,” she says – and Cappyccino’s for lunch [cappysrestaurant.com; cappyccinos.com]. At either, do not miss the Sticky Toffee Pudding or Coconut Cream Pie. Meg also recommends Tre Trattoria [tretrattoria.com] for pizza and Italian. And for Mexican

in Alamo Heights, she likes Paloma Blanca [palomablanca.net]. Ceci says everyone should take time to visit the missions [missionsofsanantonio.org]. “Yes, even the Alamo,” she says. “The missions really shaped this city.” In 2015, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated San Antonio’s missions as a World Heritage site – one of only 10 designations in the U.S., including the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall. Meg specifically suggests going to Mission Concepción. “I think it’s the prettiest mission, and it’s easy to take a picnic and wander through.” Ceci adds, “I would be remiss if I didn’t include a walk around the King William District [ourkwa.org] I was sad to have missed [its] grandeur and grace for my first three years here. Lots of up-and-coming restaurants there. Bliss [foodisbliss.com] and Hot Joy [hotjoysa.com] are our favorites.” King William is Texas’ first officially zoned historic district and encompasses 25 downtown blocks filled with grand 19th-century residences, many of which have been restored as residences, restaurants, galleries and shops.

Where to stay? “The best spot for a couple would have to be the Emma in Pearl [thehotelemma.com],” Josh says. “It is over the top in luxury and very well done. As for a family, the JW Marriott [San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa] is fantastic [marriott.com]. They just added new waterslides and have so much for a family to do. “And Westin La Cantera is fantastic if you really like eating, shopping and golf [destinationhotels.com/la-cantera-resort-and-spa].” Others to consider: “The St. Anthony is a neat hotel with an historic feel [thestanthonyhotel.com],” Robin says. “For the River Walk, the Valencia is really nice [hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com].” Ceci agrees: “They have a great spa on-site.” “San Antonio always seems to have something going on,” Josh says. “Whether it’s something large like Fiesta and the rodeo, or something a little more toned-down like a paella festival or farmer’s market, you can always find something to celebrate.” Editor’s note: To share your own San Antonio roadtrip gems, email info@thebuzzmagazines.com or leave a comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer

lawellphoto.com

FOOD

Back to School Lunches that make the grade

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hannon Bell is a long way from the small town in central Pennsylvania where she grew up. But when she packs lunches for her three children, she is transported back in time to the days when she would open a lunchbox at school and take out a message from her own mom. “Somehow I have never gotten around to leaving surprises in my kids’ lunches and snacks, but I do, however, always write on the kids’ bananas,” says Bell, owner of S. Bell Designs Jewelry, flashing a smile. “I use the tip of a butter knife and usually write something like ‘Have a great day! Love, Mom,’ and the writing turns black by snack time. This is something my mom did for me on my bananas growing up, and now I have carried on a little tradition of hers.” Passing on family food traditions is important to the Afton Oaks resident year-round, but even more so in August when her children, Ashton, 9, and Olivia, 7, who both attend Annunciation Orthodox School, and Parker, 2, who attends St. Paul’s School, go back to class. “We all want to give our kids the best possible start to a new school year,” she says. “A balanced diet is absolutely an important part of that equation.” Bellaire resident Allison Sovany, a stay-athome mother of three, ramps things up in August. “With every back-to-school season comes changes for everyone. Though I strive to keep my kids eating on the healthier side, we do slip up more in the summer time (popcorn movie days, turning the grill into a pizza oven), so getting back into the school routine brings more structure,” she says. “To be smart in school and a strong athlete, you must feed your body the proper fuel. It’s not to say that we eat clean and strict all the time; it’s all about balance.” Food allergies are a complication. “Food in general is a challenge at my house because everyone has different tastes and allergies,” says Sovany, whose children, Caroline, 10, Henry, 7, and William, 6, all attend St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. “My daughter is allergic to cashews and pistachios, and one son is allergic to walnuts, and my other son was milk-protein allergic as a baby. My kids tend to be picky, and I cater to their

GO BANANAS Olivia, Shannon and Ashton Bell (from left) gear up for the new school year. Olivia holds up a banana love note penned by mom Shannon.

pickiness at lunch because I want them to have a good meal while they are away from me.” Sovany says as a family, they look at the school lunch menu on Sundays and decide which days they will take lunches from home vs. buy, and then they map out menus. “I think that if you give your kids a say on what they can have for lunch it gives them a sense of inclusion and a say over something that is important to them,” says Sovany. “We require our kids to have a good serving of protein at every meal because that is what sustains you, and I also make sure they have a fruit that they will actually eat – we’re still working on vegetables they like and eat!” “Snacks have to be quick, practical and something they like, or you will end up seeing it uneaten when they come home – with a moody kid to show for it.” Her go-to staples are apple slices, granola bars, carrots with ranch dip, pretzels with peanut butter, hummus and vegetables, and veggie straws. West University resident Lindsey Lee Hirsch finds that having a weekly game plan helps her when making lunches and snacks for her three children: Daniel, 8, Jonah, 5, and Nicholas, 3. While Daniel and Jonah attend Post Oak School and have no food restrictions, Nicholas

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attends Beth Yeshurun Day School and has some parameters about what can be brought to eat at school. “Preparing lunches within the confines of Beth Yeshurun’s dietary rules is no small task,” says Hirsch, who is an in-home personal cooking instructor. “They allow the students to bring in kosher dairy lunches, which doesn’t work for Nicholas because he is lactose intolerant. It’s also a no-nuts campus, so I have to be really creative with his lunches.” Hirsch sends protein-enriched English muffins with grass-fed butter, cereal with coconut milk, soy butter and strawberry jam sandwiches, veggies with hummus and her specialty, “Pizza Men” with lactose-free cheese. Hirsch streamlines the preparation process. “I make lunches the morning of school,” she says. “I give myself five minutes per lunch. Have your bread defrosted [if it’s frozen], have your fruit already washed and dried, and have your veggies already sliced.” Hirsch also recommends assembling sandwiches right before going into the lunch box to keep the bread from getting soggy. Also big on planning is Memorial resident Jordan Maedgen, a stay-at-home mother of three: Carter, 8, and Charlotte, 6, who both attend Rummel Creek Elementary, and

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LET’S DO LUNCH At left: Shannon Bell uses metal bento boxes and easy-to-clean bags. At right: Charlotte Maedgen, 6, packs her own lunches, with help from mom Jordan Maedgen’s clever numbered bin system in the pantry and fridge.

Coleman, 3, who attends Christ Memorial Lutheran School. “I would encourage anyone wanting to make a change to do it in small steps. Try adding fresh fruit to your lunch or cutting out extra sugar in snacks. Also, evaluate your kid’s hunger level each semester. I have noticed my oldest son usually goes through growth spurts and eats more in the spring, and my daughter seems to be hungrier in the fall. “I do as much as I can the night before. I’ll leave their empty water bottles out on the island, so I can fill them with ice and cold water in the morning. My suggestion is to keep it simple. The cutesy Pinterest food animals are really fun, and I’m impressed with anyone who comes up with those things, but in the end saving yourself time and sanity to allow for even 5 minutes of quality time would be my choice.” Maedgen has come up with a creative way to get her kids to help. “I try and send one ‘main food’ that changes daily (turkey roll ups, chicken/spinach tortellini, chicken strips) and then a combo of a fruit, a dry/wheat product, a dairy and a vegetable, if I am lucky,” she says. “I have a system of numbered baskets and bins in the pantry and fridge and the kids have the responsibility of selecting one item from each bin to pack in their lunches.” Choices may include: (bin 1) cutie oranges, applesauce, raisins, dried fruit; (bin 2) almond crackers, veggie sticks, goldfish, granola; (bins 3 and 4) yogurt, string cheese, boiled eggs, apple slices, cut-up mango, frozen grapes, blueberries; (bin 5) Fig Newtons, Special K bars and vanilla cookies. Doing lunch the night before helps. “I remind

my kids to grab their lunch selections before heading up for baths and bedtime,” she says. Maedgen likes to send notes of encouragement, writing messages such as, “I love you!” on the outside of a hard-boiled egg with a Sharpie pen. Bell suggests focusing on simple guidelines and healthy choices. “We have a loose ‘one packaged, one fresh’ rule – meaning that they can have a bag of pretzels, but then the other snack needs to be something perishable like Greek yogurts because they have a lot of protein.” Bell hopes her children have lasting memories of healthy foods when they are adults. “Cooking is like a love language for me,” she says. “It’s one way I show my family how much I care about them. I feel a strong sense of connection with my Mom as I picture her packing my lunches all those years like I am doing now – one of a mom’s true labors of love.”

Shannon’s Banana Bread 2 sticks butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 4 bananas, peeled and mashed 1 cup flour 1 cup Bisquick 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Shannon’s Spiced Pretzels 1 12-ounce bag of Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Pieces 1 ⁄3 cup olive oil 1 packet ranch-dressing seasoning 1 teaspoon dill weed 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon lemon pepper Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Mix ingredients together and place on a cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes – take out and stir after 10 minutes. Cool before eating. Serves 6.

Shannon’s Fruit Roll Ups 10 ounces fresh strawberries 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 3 Tablespoons honey/agave Blend. Pour on parchment-lined cookie sheet and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at 170 degrees for 3 hours. Cool and slice. Serves 12.

Shannon’s Baked Oatmeal

Cream butter and sugar. Mix in eggs. Alternate mixing dry ingredients and the mashed bananas into the butter mixture. Pour into greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn over on to plate 1 hour after baking. Serves 12.

1 ⁄3 cup vegetable oil ½ cup sugar 1 egg 2 cups oatmeal 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon vanilla 1½ teaspoons cinnamon Raisins to taste (nuts optional)

Mix ingredients together and pour into a greased 8-by-8-inch glass (continued on page 16)

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(continued from page 15) baking dish. Will smooth

out when poured. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool. Serves 8.

Shannon’s Zucchini Bread 1 cup sugar ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oil 3 cups flour 2 cups shredded zucchini ½ cup nuts 3 teaspoons vanilla ½ cup coconut 1¼ teaspoons salt Mix all together and pour into three greased mini loaf pans and place all in oven. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 12. Freezes well.

Shannon’s Deviled Eggs 6 eggs 1 ⁄3 cup mayonnaise 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard Dash of red pepper Salt and pepper to taste Paprika Boil and peel eggs. Cut in half, remove yolks; place hollowed egg-white halves on a plate. Place yolks in a bowl and add mayonnaise, mustard, red pepper, salt and pepper. Cream together with a fork until mostly smooth. Spoon back into egg-white halves and sprinkle the tops with paprika. Keep refrigerated. Serves 6.

Allison’s No-Bake Energy Bites 1 cup oatmeal ½ cup peanut butter (or other nut butter) 1 ⁄3 cup honey 1 cup coconut flakes ½ cup ground flaxseed ½ cup mini chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Roll into balls. Makes one dozen.

Lindsey’s Chicken Salad 2 cooked chicken breasts (boiled or storebought rotisserie) 20 sliced red grapes 5 sticks chopped celery Fresh or dried dill, to your taste 1 freshly squeezed lemon 1½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard Mayonnaise or aioli to bind ingredients Finely ground sea salt Ground black pepper Optional: toasted walnuts Using your fingers, shred chicken breasts. Place in mixing bowl with sliced grapes, chopped celery, dill, lemon juice and dijon. Stir

FROM SOUP TO NUTS Parker Bell, 2, is all smiles when he opens his bento box at school. Mom Shannon stocks his lunches with proteins, veggies, fruits and nuts.

to combine. Add just enough mayo to bind the chicken and keep it moist. Add sea salt and black pepper to your liking. Spread on wholewheat sandwich bread. Optional: Add Bibb lettuce leaf. Makes 4 sandwiches. Alternatives: For tuna salad, follow same recipe, but use quality tuna instead of chicken. (Hint: I prefer tuna packed in olive oil and drained.) Non-bread option: Scoop into cucumber or celery boats.

Lindsey’s Hummus 2 cans chickpeas 3 large cloves garlic 1 large lemon, cut in half and juiced with a fork 1 ⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tablespoons liquid from the chickpeas 1½ teaspoons sea salt In a food processor, puree chickpeas and garlic. Add lemon juice and olive oil gradually; continue to puree. Add liquid from the chickpeas; continue to puree until very smooth. If still gritty, add more olive oil and liquid. Stir in sea salt. Taste and adjust. Might need more salt or lemon juice. Serve with cucumber wedges, carrot sticks, raw asparagus, celery, sliced bell peppers or fresh pita. Optional modifications: Add 1 Tablespoon tahini. Shake paprika over the top of the hummus. Garnish with toppings such as crispy toasted chickpeas, shaved purple onion or pomegranate seeds (or all three). Puree in some pesto to give it an herbal zing.

Lindsey’s Crowd-Pleaser Egg Salad 1 dozen eggs 1½ teaspoons finely ground sea salt (I always

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use Baleine) ¾ teaspoon finely ground black pepper 1 Tablespoon country style Dijon mustard 3 Tablespoons good-quality mayo or aioli 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Optional: ½ Tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint Place eggs in a deep pot. Add just enough warm water to cover the eggs. Bring to a boil. (Lid on will bring to boil faster). The minute the water comes to a rapid bowl, turn off the heat. Keep covered for exactly 11 minutes. Then remove eggs from pot and run under cold water to cool them off so you don’t burn your hands. To peel: Firmly tap the egg one time on your countertop. Then use a big spoon to pull peel away from the egg white. Place peeled eggs in a food processor. Pulse until very finely chopped. Place egg pieces in mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined. Taste and adjust according to your taste. Refrigerate. Spread on whole wheat bread. Makes 4 sandwiches. Options: Remove some of the yolks if you prefer more whites. Add a Tablespoon of finely chopped onion. Add black olives.

Lindsey’s Pizza Men 4 English muffins, cut in half (I choose the double protein enriched) Marinara sauce Shredded mozzarella cheese Pepperoni Black olives, sliced Green olives with pimentos, sliced Yellow bell peppers

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NOW YOU’RE COOKING At left: Lindsey Lee Hirsch’s Pizza Men cater to kids' appetites. At right: Jordan Maedgen makes Energy Balls for school and sends extra protein in the form of hard-boiled eggs, with messages like, “Be kind.”

Red bell peppers Finely chopped spinach Spread each English muffin half with a spoonful of marinara sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella on top of marinara. Cut pepperoni, olives, peppers and spinach into the shapes of eyes, noses, mouths, ears, mustaches and hair for decoration. Form faces with cut toppings. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and gooey, about 10 minutes. The toaster oven on the bake setting is fine, too. Makes 8 Pizza Men.

Jordan’s Yogurt-Covered Blueberries 1 pint fresh blueberries 1 pint plain or vanilla greek yogurt Toothpicks Spear and dip blueberries with yogurt and place on a cookie sheet. Place in freezer for over an hour. Will keep in freezer for up to three weeks. Take out and thaw for a few minutes prior to eating.

Jordan’s Homemade Smoothies Water Baby spinach or spinach/kale mix Frozen mixed vegetables Variety of fruit (pineapple, mango, strawberries, blueberries, orange, banana) Blend 1-2 cups of water with several handfuls of fresh baby spinach. Then add ½ -1 cup frozen vegetables and fruit you want. Blend until smooth. Can send smoothies to school in a metal Thermos with a straw. Makes 2 10-ounce smoothies.

Good combos: strawberry banana + almond butter; mango pineapple; blueberry banana + Greek yogurt; strawberry pineapple; orange mango; orange pineapple; orange + Greek yogurt.

minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Jordan’s Crunchy Lunch Wrap Jordan’s Multi-Grain HiddenVeggie Muffins 1 cup all purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup oat flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 eggs ½ cup vegetable oil ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup plain Greek yogurt ¾ cup white sugar ¾ cup local honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup shredded zucchini 1 cup shredded carrot Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts and/or raisins Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease 24 muffin cups. In a bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, yogurt, sugar, honey and vanilla. Mix the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Fold in zucchini, carrots, nuts and raisins. Scoop into prepared muffin cups. Bake 18-20

6 Tablespoons natural almond or peanut butter 6 whole wheat or corn tortillas 1 cup high protein, low-sugar dry cereal. (Special K or Cheerios, with protein) 6 bananas, peeled 6 teaspoons local honey Spread the almond or peanut butter over the tortilla. Sprinkle with dry cereal. Place banana in center of tortilla. Drizzle with honey. Fold both ends of the tortilla up and roll it to secure banana. Makes 6 wraps.

Jordan’s Grilled Pizza Wraps 6 flour tortillas 2 teaspoons butter ½ cup sugar-free pizza sauce 1 package cheddar or Colby jack cheese 4 ounces sliced pepperonis Heat large skillet over medium heat. Spread one side of tortilla with butter and place in skillet. Spread pizza sauce on tortilla. Sprinkle cheese and add a few pepperonis. Fold tortilla over the fillings and grill until golden brown. Makes 6. Option: Add veggies or meats based on preference.

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for more recipes and lunch ideas, including weekly menus.

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NEIGHBORS

Theron McLaren

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Little Free Libraries Swapping books with neighbors

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t’s a simple idea: Set up a weatherproof cabinet outside, decorate it if you’re feeling creative, stock it with books you’re giving away, and put a sign on it that it’s a free book exchange. Todd Bol did just that in 2009 in Wisconsin, kicking off the modern Little Free Library movement. These days, Little Free Libraries, whose motto is “Take a book, leave a book,” have a nonprofit organization with an interactive, online map of all the known Little Free Libraries in the world. As of January 2016, there were over 36,000 of them. Houston has more than 40. Rebecca Kroger, a senior at Memorial High School, built three her freshman year for her Girl Scout Gold Award Project: one at Bethany House, for the homeless, in Laredo, one at Spring Branch Middle School (1000 Piney Point Road) and one at The Branch, the Spanish-language ministry of Chapelwood United Methodist Church (3911 Campbell Road). Ken Caughron, 93, built one run by his retirement community, Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor, and St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church (8915 Timberside). Local “stewards,” who keep the libraries maintained and stocked, include professional writers. Chris Cander, novelist, screenwriter and children’s-book author, watches over the one at Colonial Park (on Byron) in West U, while Harriet Riley, whose library is in front of her house on Boheme Drive in Memorial, is a writer who teaches with Writers in the Schools and keeps a blog about books (wordsplusideas.blogspot.com). Olga McLaren taught kindergarten and first grade for 42 years at St. John’s School and keeps two in front of her house (on Lana Lane), one for children and one for adults. Kris Taylor, steward for the one at her church, Emerson Unitarian Universalist (1900 Bering), teaches public-relations writing at the University of Houston. Susan Cooley, a nurse-practitioner who brought a national literacy program, Reach Out and Read, to pediatric clinics in Texas, had the idea of installing a Little Free Library as part of the recent renovation of River Oaks Park (3600 Locke Lane). Memorial High School (935 Echo Lane) also has one, courtesy of its student book club. Sherri

Boyd, history teacher and club advisor, is its steward. “It’s pretty easy for me,” she says. The Little Free Library is less than 150 feet from her classroom. “And I have access to 200 kids. I just put a note on the board when we need books.” Students often stick their heads into her classroom to tell her when it’s running low, Boyd says. Adam Goldberg put one in front of his house (on FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS Retired school teacher Olga McLaren asked for a Little Free Library for her birthday two years ago. She has since added a second. One is Merlin Drive) when for adult books, the other for children's books. he moved in. “We University Elementary School. It’s the first in a wanted to get to know our neighbors,” he says. series of six, all to look like neighborhood landLittle Free Library people are, of course, book marks, that novelist Cander, in partnership with lovers. “Except for when I buy books for my two West U Parks and Recreation, has planned. book clubs, I never, ever buy a book now. I can (See westutx.gov/464/Little-Free-Libraries.) just grab one from my Little Free Library,” says The idea is that a Little Free Library will Nancy Schaaf, whose library is in front of her become self-sustaining, as neighbors begin to house (on Vassar). donate their own books. Taylor says she spends One charm is the serendipity: You never only about 30 minutes total a month, straightknow what you might find. A neighbor once ening up and switching out books. told McLaren she had “a bad book” in hers. It Some add amenities. Hans Ludwig, who stewwas 50 Shades of Grey, a best-selling erotic novel. ards the one outside his workplace (on What did McLaren do? “I read it,” she says, with Shadyvilla Lane), added a motion light and – a a mischievous smile. hint to dog walkers – a plastic-bag dispenser. Local stewards tend to remove only “slow sellOthers have installed benches. Some put noteers,” books that have been in their library for a books inside for comments. long time, or books they know no one will want. “The best,” says Cander, “was when I was (“Like that economics textbook from the 1970s walking by on the track at Colonial Park and a someone just wanted to get rid of,” says one.) sweetheart group of kids excitedly called to me, Having your own is not difficult. You don’t ‘Hey! Guess what? You can get free books here!’’’ even have to build it. You can buy pre-built ones, for $150-500, from littlefreelibrary.org. Most can hold about 40 books. See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for a link The Little Free Library at Colonial Pool was to a map of Little Free Libraries. professionally built and looks like West

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NEIGHBORS

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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Rumor Has It of Mellieha. From other ruins (the Acropolis in Athens) to luxury at the Kouros Boutique Hotel in Mykonos, they sampled a variety of blueberry vodka. Mad Hatters Ball. Yep, the best people are reserving tables like mad for The Children’s Museum of Houston’s upcoming annual gala Oct 15. Looking for the Queen of Hearts are the Maddest of Hatters, co-chairs WINE AND ROMANCE A colorful sunset appeared as Leanne Kaufmann and Joe Hermann married on Hermann Hill Vineyard's river bluff, with a view of the Missouri Elva and Truett River below. Akin and Monica ence he attended before the vote was given. and Greg Meeks and underwriting co-chairs They rented a car in Zagreb, Croatia, and after Katie and Christian Corts and Lyndsey and visiting Hungary, drove to the Ukraine, where Bret Zorich. Partiers will enjoy Skyrocket! The Jessica’s relatives from Kiev picked them up after Band at The Corinthian as Cheshire Cats and they walked across the border, since they were March Hares greet them. For tickets, contact not allowed to drive in. Jessica had been there Skye-Lynn Ferch at 713-535-7210 or 10 years before and saw differences during socialsferch@cmhouston.org. ism and the rebuilding from it. They arrived Transition. Dr. Brian and Marlene back on the 4th of July. Lord, after 20 years in Spring Valley, have Six bucks is all. The Children’s moved on to be inside-the-Loopers. While they Assessment Center has a goal to get 1 million await the high rise to be completed they are people to donate $6 to help end the sexual abuse renting one near it off of Allen Parkway. No of children. The GiveUr6 campaign was kicked more pool to take care of or game room with a off at The Dunlavy in June. Rhonda Graff, pool table. They left to meet their new grandStaci Henderson and Julie Stankus were at the daughter, Jolene Avery Lord, in California event showing off their donation wrist bands. after closing. To donate, go to GiveUr6.com. Historic. Bruce and Jessica Coane passed through the Istanbul airport just two days before the bombing tragedy occurred there. During See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for their visit in Vienna, Bruce heard Othmar additional photos. Have some good news to share? Karas, a Viennese member of the European Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Parliament, talk about Brexit at a law confer-

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Fricke Studio Photography - Hermann, Missouri

Cruising friends. Ruth and Trevor Rabie, Olivia and Arnold Ostrin, and Carol and Leonard Hershkowitz took a Baltic cruise that turned out to be a study in contrasts. At a memorable stop in St. Petersburg they noted all the poverty as they walked through the wealth of the surroundings. In Estonia, which suffered under the Soviets and Germans, there were changes going on. Ruth and Trevor took a guided bike tour that started in the old Tallinn and went to the outskirts. The cruise ended in Stockholm, where Ruth’s niece and nephew live. They gave them a tour of the canals. It was Midsummer, which is celebrated as a huge holiday and everything closes. When it is midnight, it is still light outside. The Ostrins went to Arnold’s cousin’s place in Copenhagen, and the Hershkowitzes went to Oslo. Everyone parted ways but met up in Houston. Over margaritas. Leanne Kaufmann and Joe Hermann met at Pueblo Solis, a Mexican restaurant in St. Louis, to have drinks with mutual friends Lauren and Garrett Ratner, who thought they were a perfect match. Sure enough, years later, Joe proposed at Hermann Hill Vineyard, a favorite get-away from St. Louis, where they both live. A colorful sunset appeared as they married May 29 on Hermann Hill’s river bluff, surrounded by vineyards and a view of the Missouri River below. A rehearsal dinner the night before was at Vintage Restaurant at the Stone Hill Winery and a sendoff breakfast the day after the wedding was at Hermann Hill Villages and Cottages overlooking the Missouri River. Mother of the bride Rosanne Salomon Kaufmann hosted a dinner on Friday night at the restaurant where the couple first met. Other parents of the couple are Donald Joseph Kaufmann of Baton Rouge and Cecilia and Robert Hermann of Illinois. Get ruined. Natalie Fox Maisel and Julianna Alexander spent two weeks that started with an Amsterdam canal cruise and a visit to an Amsterdam ice bar. On to sacred temples in Malta and a side trip to Popeye Village, where Popeye was filmed with Robin Williams in 1979. It is a group of rustic and ramshackle wooden buildings near the village

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KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

School gear for little ones

Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies from the perspective of a first-time mother. ummer flew in a flash, and at the end of this month, kids head to school. For older kids, this season usually means buying flash cards, notebooks and tough backpacks to hold heavy books. For little ones who attend a program like Mother’s Day Out or daycare, it means shopping for cute nap mats, adorable little backpacks and personalized name-label stickers for sippy cups. I heard from some Buzz parents over the summer about their favorite gear for their littlest students. Jill Bell, a mom of 3, said she is excited for her daughter and first girl Helen, now 1, to start school this year. She decided to go all-out with “girl colors” for her school bag and lunch box since her 6-year-old twin boys’ bags were all blue. Jill said when the boys started school 4 years ago, she bought everything coordinating, blue and white seersucker backpacks, lunchboxes and nap mats – all times two. “It was adorable, and I practically needed a wagon to bring it all into school each morning,” said Jill, laughing. “Now, with Helen, everything is pink, which is a fun change. I still love the Mint brand from the The Monogram Shop, but this nap mat is Stephen Joseph to change things up a little. I’m also a little wiser now, knowing that the school provides canvas totes, so no need for a matching backpack.” Jill said it’s also a good idea to have some items that are loved at home doubled up for school. “I also found a ‘school’ lovey [blanket] and stuffed it into the boys’ nap mats. It stayed in the nap mat every day, so I never had to worry about leaving it at home or school. I’ll definitely do the same for Helen. She is already using it at the gym childcare. It’s her special stuffed animal just for that occasion, so we will use the same for school.” Another important thing to remember when sending your little baby or tot off to school is to label everything. I learned the hard way that taking a Sharpie marker to a sippy cup is like using chalk on the sidewalk; it fades with one wash. Some parents, including Valerie Daugherty, turn to personalized label stickers. Valerie’s 6-year-old son Brock started school when he was a newborn. “We used

S

NameBubbles labels,” said Valerie. NameBubbles can be personalized and are dishwasher safe (a lot better than my Sharpie idea). Valerie also found a lunchbox she loves at her local grocery store. “Skip Hop worked well for backpack and lunchbox, although my favorite lunchbox was one I picked up at HEB from [the brand] PackIt. It was a foldable lunch bag that you put in the freezer. No extra ice packs needed once the bag is frozen. They aren’t cute, but nice since you don’t need extra packs,” said Valerie. THINK PINK Helen Bell, 1, is the third child and first girl of the family, so mom Mom-of-two and real- Jill went all out on pink for Mother’s Day Out school gear. tor Jenny Seckinger says I can pack it, close it, shake it like a crazy person, she used InchBug labels and got bags and nap and everything stays put.” They come with four mats locally in Houston instead of ordering them or six compartments and in various colors. online. “I wish I would have bought a thicker nap Parents of 6-month-old Lauren Foley, Kristi mat,” said Jenny. “I add a blanket in the nap mat and Jimmy, have been getting her ready for to make it more comfortable for the kids.” Mother’s Day Out. Kristi says she loves buying It’s also a good idea to stock up on bug spray and smocked outfits off of the Smocked Auctions sunblock for their bag. “I like the Aveeno sunblock website and from Doodles in the Rice Village. for babies and I use Skin So Soft from Avon for “Jimmy’s favorite gift item is her little pink monobug spray,” said Jenny. She also said the Mommy grammed Prodoh fishing shirt,” said Kristi. “The Hook Stroller Accessory helps her a lot. “I feel like material provides UPF 50+ sun protection.” it is a must. I wouldn’t be able to hold all of the No matter what type of gear you decide to kids stuff and push a stroller if I didn’t have it.” get your littlest student this month, just enjoy Mom-of-two Myra Bowyer said she is “all about picking it all out. Before too long, you’ll be simplifying” when it comes to school gear. She disloading up on “real” school supplies like pencils covered Yumbox lunch boxes from Amazon for and calculators. That doesn’t sound like nearly her sons Grant, 4, and Cole, 2. “I was so tired of as much fun. packing a big lunchbox and 3-4 additional containers to hold sandwiches, fruit, cheese, etc. I wanted something that only required me to open For more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com for one container but kept food separated.” writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, “Mommy Myra described it as compact, lightweight and Moments.” If you have stories to share, leave a comleak-proof. “My 2 year old can carry his without ment online or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com. issues,” said Myra. “My favorite thing about it is

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TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Great Texas road trips

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othing says “road trip” like summertime. And for residents of the Lone Star State, you can drive a thousand miles and never leave home. If you haven’t yet worked one in this summer, there’s still time to pack up the kids and the gear and hit the highway. The Wheelers and the Bibeaus shared a few thousand miles of Texas adventures with us to get those wheels turning. Margaret and Larry Wheeler consider themselves world travelers, having been to more than 50 countries, but decided on a closer destination for their most recent journey: an epic road trip to West Texas. Margaret, a mixedmedia artist and retired art therapist, had wanted to go to Marfa for years. So for her birthday, Larry built an itinerary around that one-stop Soho of the West, creating an eight-day string of destinations. The Bibeaus – Bonnie, Brian, and their three young daughters – decided on a less farflung but equally offbeat destination for their most recent road trip: Mineral Wells, for a surprisingly fascinating slice of Texana. And not a family to let moss grow under their wheels, they’ve also done recent road trips to South Padre Island and Rockport.

Westward bound “We’d never really been to West Texas – we were too busy going all over the world,” said Larry, a retired chemical engineer. “So I designed a road trip that would get us there on roads less traveled.” Big Bend National Park was high on the priority list, as well as Alpine, a less heralded West Texas cultural oasis and home to some friends they’d wanted to visit. “So I got on the internet and basically looked for places that I thought would be interesting along the way,” said Larry. He calculated distances and made reservations. “I’m not a guy who likes to leave things to chance.” They spent the first night in Laredo at the historic La Posada Hotel. “La Posada was a highlight,” said Margaret, who loved the history and the ambience of the border-town hotel. The Republic of the Rio

TRAILBLAZER Kyla Bibeau, 6, led the family on a hike through Penitentiary Hollow in Mineral Wells State Park.

Grande Museum next door was a little window into the town’s past. Another highlight was the little 19th century wooden courthouse in Langtry of Judge Roy Bean, the justice of the peace who handed out the law in lawless lands. “I always wondered why he was the law west of the Pecos River – and we discovered why,” he said. Over the millennia the river had carved a canyon so deep it was almost impossible to cross, making the other side a favored hideout of criminals and misfits until the first railroad was built.

Big Bend country From there, they headed north to Marathon, where friends had recommended they stay at the historic Gage Hotel. Margaret discovered the charming Eve’s Garden Organic Bed and Breakfast founded by West U native Kate Thayer, and they vowed to make another West Texas visit so they could try it out. The next day they did a 200-mile loop from Marathon, through the Big Bend and to Terlingua and back again. Big Bend was vast and beautiful; they drove from one end to the other, a drive of about two hours, and marveled

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at the complete silence. It’s one of the least visited of the nation’s national parks, so they only encountered a few roadrunners along the way. Dinner was in Terlingua, a nearly abandoned mining town that’s home to an annual chili cookoff and celebrated in song by Jerry Jeff Walker. Another town with a reputation bigger than its reality, Terlingua is home to a general store, a couple of hotels and a restaurant, and a theater where country and western entertainers fly in for a rare rural performance. The next day the destination was Alpine, where the niece of a close friend, Jennifer Trammell, had taken up residence as a freelance photographer while her husband coached football at Sul Ross State University. “It kind of blew us away because we had a totally different picture in our minds of what it was like,” said Margaret. “We felt so sorry for Jennifer; we figured it was a scrubby little town with sagebrush and sand. But it’s the prettiest little town in Texas.” Tucked in a valley between the Davis and Chisos mountains, it’s a patch of green amid arid surroundings. As it turned out, they found Alpine much

WESTWARD BOUND Margaret Wheeler, a mixed media artist, captured the essence of her West Texas journey in an art journal.

more to their liking than Marfa, where they paid the requisite visits to the Chinati Foundation and the Judd Foundation to see Donald Judd’s minimalist structural art and furniture. “To me they look like sewer lines or something,” remarked Larry – to which Margaret laughed, but did not disagree. “I didn’t really care for it either,” she confessed. “It’s kind of like he was a general contractor and he hired people to build his art. I like art that the artist makes.” They couldn’t get a hotel in Marfa so they ended up driving back to Alpine, where they had a last treat before heading back east: a view of the mysterious Marfa Lights bobbing over the prairie in the distance. Larry had planned the return route to go through historic San Angelo and the Permian Basin, with a final hurrah in Austin. “Being a guy who worked for an oil company, the Permian Basin is kind of legendary in Texas – a huge oil field that had kind of played out until they discovered fracking. It was booming when we went through there, around McCamey and Big Lake.” They drove more than 300 miles in that final push, with a total of 1,500 – and less than 100 were on the interstate. Once a big fan of cruise travel, Larry says the experience was so satisfying that these days he’s more interested in road trips, and is already planning their next one. “You’re in total control, as opposed to a conventional vacation,” he said. “You’re self-con-

tained, you’re not going to lose your luggage, and you don’t have to go through security –except for the immigration checkpoints.”

North, south and further south Bonnie and Brian Bibeau were looking for a fun Christmas gift for Brian’s dad, Wayne, who loves fossils – a love he has passed on to his family. Finally Bonnie hit on the idea of a trip to Mineral Wells, home to a big fossil park. So in May they took a three-day weekend and packed up the three little girls, the grandparents and the gear and headed north. The first day they spent at Lake Mineral Wells Lake State Park – hiking along the Penitentiary Hollow route, with its tunnels, caves and beautiful rock formations. Popular with climbers, there are places where they could climb up and look out over the entire park. “We spent the first whole day really enjoying the park; we just let the kids run amok and play,” said Brian. The next day was slated for their paleontological expedition at Mineral Wells Fossil Park. “We found everything from plant life to shark teeth to bones – it’s quite an array for our fossil collection,” said Bonnie. “Our kids came home with pockets full of trilobite pieces and things of that nature.” All three girls – Kyla, 6; Julia, 3; and Audrey, 4½ – had the time of their lives. “I liked playing in the mud,” chimed in little Kyla. “Oh, yes – it was fun for all,” agreed Brian. “There were frogs to be chased and spiders and mud – just the perfect place for a family to go

and get dirty and maybe even learn something new. It was just a ton of fun.” But next came an unexpected highlight: the town of Mineral Wells itself, with its massive Beaux-Arts Baker Hotel. Opened to great fanfare in 1929 to house the growing numbers of visitors coming to partake of the “Crazy Water,” which was said to have miraculous healing properties, the hulking, abandoned structure seems out of place towering over the sleepy town, a shell of its former bustling self and a testament to another era. “It was a fabulous trip,” said Brian. “It really was superb to get such a wide variety of experiences and it was really kind of off the beaten trail.” The trip itself was important for another reason: It gave them a chance to unplug. “The entire trip for our family was very much a rejection of modern day things,” said Brian. “We were out and about, outside digging in the dirt, out looking at things; we left the technology behind. It hearkened back to what my childhood memories in summer were.”

MORE ONLINE Originally from South Padre Island, Bonnie grabs every chance to go back and take the family – or, alternately, they make their way to another family connection in Rockport. For her recommendations, see the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com. What great Texas Road Trips has your family taken? Please share in the comments section online or on our Facebook page, or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 27

The Junior League of Houston

FOOD by Lauren Michelle Williams, contributing writer

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

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he beginning of another school year is upon us, which brings excitement and an opportunity for a fresh start, but also a bit of chaos. As the ease of summer fades and busy schedules begin, we seek quick fixes and simplicity. My mother, a wonderful cook, had a prerequisite for any meal she prepared – quick and easy. Mom prepared meals that required little time in the kitchen, which allowed for more time to be spent at the table in conversation. I have adopted my mother’s mantra of quick and easy. My favorite is the Grilled Lamb Burger Pitas with Tzatziki Sauce from Peace Meals. The tzatziki sauce and these little burgers are a breeze to make with six or fewer ingredients each. Instead of the traditional ground beef that is used in the traditional burger, these pitas are made with ground lamb, less heavy and more tender. Sliced, slightly grilled onions with tomatoes and the amazing tzatziki sauce are perfect toppers to these delicious bites. To pair, the Greek Quinoa Salad is a healthy side dish. This salad takes a little longer to prepare, but is an easy grab-and-go dish for lunch the next day. Quick and easy also means breakfast, lunch and even snacks. The sweet and salty Peanut Butter Granola from Peace Meals is a great breakfast dish to kick off your day and can be made in the morning or the night before. Mix it with your hands or, if you’re like me, a spatula or wooden spoon. Get dressed after – peanut butter on your outfit may not be your first choice of accessory. My other favorite quick meal is the Asian Chicken Wraps from Peace Meals, taking about 20 minutes from start to finish. Once the chicken is ready, you can warm your tortilla and add any combination of toppings, and you are ready to eat. With a quick slice and a toothpick, these wraps can also be served as a party snack.

Grilled Lamb Burger Pitas with Tzatziki Sauce Tzatziki Sauce: 1 cucumber, peeled and diced

7 ounces Greek yogurt 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice Burgers: 2 pounds ground lamb 2 Tablespoons SCHOOL-NIGHT GRILLING The Grilled Lamb Burger Pitas with Tzatziki Worcestershire sauce Sauce are lighter and more tender than typical hamburgers. 2 teaspoons Turkish or Greek seasoning clear, about 5 to 7 minutes. Squeeze the lime over 1 medium onion, cut into ¼-inch slices the cooked chicken and remove from heat. Olive oil Warm the tortillas one at a time in a skillet. Top 5 whole pitas, halved each tortilla with hoisin sauce, green onions, 3 tomatoes, thickly sliced and halved chicken, lettuce, cilantro and cucumber, and roll tightly. Secure the wraps with toothpicks and Pat the cucumbers dry and set aside. Combine slice on the diagonal to serve. Makes 8-10 wraps. the remaining sauce ingredients and mix well. Fold in the cucumbers and chill. Heat the grill Peanut Butter Granola to medium-high. Combine the lamb, 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats Worcestershire and seasoning in a medium 1 cup wheat germ or wheat bran bowl. Form into mini burgers about 1½ inches 1 cup oat bran in diameter, making about 20 burgers. Lightly ½ cup sunflower seed kernels brush both sides of the onion slices with olive ½ cup hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) oil. Grill the burgers and onion slices for 2 to 3 ½ cup unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut minutes on each side. Fill each pita half with 2 ½ cup slivered almonds mini lamb burgers, grilled onions, tomatoes and 2 teaspoons cinnamon Tzatziki sauce. Serves 5. 1 cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup honey Asian Chicken Wraps 1 cup chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil apples or raisins (optional) ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 large clove garlic, minced Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast paper. Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, halves, cut into ½-inch strips seeds, coconut, almonds and cinnamon in a 1 lime large bowl. Add the peanut butter and honey, 8-10 white or whole wheat flour tortillas and combine by hand until the mixture is well ½ cup prepared hoisin sauce coated. Spread the mixture evenly over the bak3 to 4 green onions, chopped ing sheets. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes, until ½ bunch of green leaf lettuce, chopped light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Allow 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro the granola to cool to room temperature. Stir in 1 cup peeled and grated cucumber the dried fruit if desired. Store in an airtight container. Makes 5 cups. Heat the oil, red pepper and garlic in a large skillet over medium. Add the ginger and chicken. Saute until cooked through and the juices run See thebuzzmagazines.com for more recipes.

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SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz A

fter advancing to the third round of the Class 6A playoffs last season, the Lamar Texans are again poised for another deep post-season run. With 16 returning starters, including nine Division 1 collegiate recruits, the perennial powerhouse should again rank among elite teams in the Greater Houston area. Leading the way for Lamar is senior quarterback Owen Holt. “He’s the leader of our team,” said Texans head coach Tom Nolen. “Owen is the guy that makes things happen for us on offense. He’s also already committed to Harvard University, so his academics are obviously outstanding.” The Texans offense also includes the return of junior running back Ta’zhawn Henry, who rushed for over 1,400 yards last season. Plus, highly recruited junior wide receiver Al’vonte Woodard returns, as does standout offensive linemen Giovanti Spain and Terrence Wilson. Defensively, junior defensive back Anthony Cook already has as many as 25 collegiate offers. Texans defensive MVP Jefferson Collins should be a major force on the defensive line, as will senior Devon Tibbs and Troy Porche. In addition, junior defensive lineman Josh Landry has several major collegiate offers. “We have a great group of experienced and talented players,” said Nolen. Among highly touted defensive linemen, it doesn’t get any better than Episcopal Knights sensation Marvin Wilson. The 6’5”, 320-pound senior is the nation’s No. 1 overall high school football recruit. “Besides great speed for a guy his size, Marvin has an amazing ability to get off the ball. He’s extremely quick with great hands,” said Episcopal head football coach Steve Leisz. If all that weren’t enough, the Knights also boast the nation’s 24th overall top prospect in 6’7”, 305-pound offensive lineman Walker Little. “Walker has incredible footwork for a guy his size,” said Leisz. “There’s only five so-called

five-star prospects in all of Texas, and we have two of them here at Episcopal with Marvin and Walker. It’s pretty FANTASTIC FALCON Senior wide receiver Ford Young is among a crop of talented incredible.” starters returning to the Kinkaid Falcons lineup this season. But the talent academic player getting looks by Ivy League level certainly isn’t restricted to the offensive schools while wide receiver Ford Young is being and defensive lines. Running back Jake Levrier, recruited by MIT. The big hole the Falcons will who rushed for 31 touchdowns last year, is have to fill is at quarterback, with the departure ranked among the top running backs in Greater of Michael Goldak. Senior Matthew Maggi, Houston. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Gavin junior Jack Nevil and sophomore Zach Daniel Geib, who played inside linebacker last year, are all battling for the starter’s role. brings tremendous athleticism to the Knights’ The Falcons’ defense could very well be its offense. “Not only is Gavin a great athlete, but strength with the return of several key starters, he’s also tremendously smart. Off the field, including junior linebacker Marquis Hubbard Gavin’s battling for the top spot in his senior and senior linebacker Pierce Johnson. “Marquis class. He’s already committed to play at Penn is also a great student,” said Larned. “The Ivy next year, which says a lot.” League schools will be swarming to get him.” In addition, junior receiver Jaylen Waddle Youth is well represented for the Falcons in already has multiple collegiate offers from the likes up-and-coming 6’2”, 300-pound sophomore of Ole Miss, Florida State, UH, Texas Tech and defensive tackle Ameer Mustafa and 6’2”, 225TCU. Back on defense, standout senior linebacker pound sophomore linebacker Kamal Nader. Camden Miller is a driving force for the Knights. Also back for the Falcons is junior kicker The team that upset Episcopal in the last Hayden Rome, who amazingly enough was sucseason’s SPC Championship game was the cessful on 12 of 21 of the Falcons’ onside kicks Kinkaid Falcons, and with a load of talented last year. “Ameer and Kamal are extremely talplayers returning, Kinkaid should again be in ented and athletic sophomores, while Hayden is the championship hunt. Kinkaid will be espereally tearing it up at the summer football cially strong at running back, with the return camps,” said Larned. of junior Johnathon Thomas. “Johnathon is one of those difference makers,” said Kinkaid Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardhead coach Nathan Larned. “After coming winning co-host and producer of the KUBE back from an injury last season, he averaged SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 over 200 all-purpose yards a game. We’re also p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school expecting good things from sophomore runsports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, ning back Josh Williams.” please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. On the offensive line, Ben Padon is a high-

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SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

City champs The Post Oak Little League (POLL) 9U All Stars (top photo) won the District 16 Championship, 10-0, against West University. This is the first POLL 9U City Champ title in more than a decade. The baseball tournament was a success, with the team winning all four games and allowing only one run. The champs are (top row, from left) coaches Todd Barnett, C.L. Baskin and Adam Peavy; (middle row, from left) Preston Sullivan, Jake Baskin, Christopher Carlson, Ryan Stinneford and Thomas Womble; (bottom row, from left) Gavin Beard, Ben Barnett, Caleb Pitts, Warren Dooley, Michael Peavy, Blake Dardis, Jack Kyle and Cannon Toon.

Green machine The Westchester Summer Basketball League’s (WSBL) fourth-grade boys Green team (middle photo) finished their first season in the summer league. The boys had fun playing together, and it was a great way to kick off the summer. WSBL is different from most leagues because coaches are not allowed; the kids coach themselves and develop their own strategies and playing rotations. The Green team players are (top row, from left) Max Mayer, Mason Riddle, Tommy Vandor, David Tobar, Austin Medlenka and Landon Lord; (bottom row, from left) Brooks Rexrode, Charlie Holub, Luke Weir and Adam Teske. Not pictured are Edward Gray and Hayden Halaska.

Field of dreams The 12U Texas Drillers (bottom photo) traveled to New York to play at Cooperstown Dreams Park. Many of the boys have played together for the last couple of years, and they worked hard with the goal of coming to Cooperstown to compete in the tournament. After the opening ceremonies, the Drillers joined more than 100 other teams and played two games each day. With some rain delays, the games were pushed back and the Drillers played into the early-morning hours on two different days. In their free time, the boys traded team pins, played late-night card games and enjoyed whiffle ball in the rain. The 12U Drillers are (top row, from left) Mike Hampton, Josh Witte, Evan Caulfield and Tab Tracy; (middle row, from left) Jacob McKenzie, Carson Waters, Diego Denson and Zach Witte; (bottom row, from left) coach Tony Metoyer, Logan Thomas, Lucas Todd, Jacob Cerda, Chris Wilkinson, Peter Smith and coach Mike Wood.

Proud sponsor of Tanglewood, River Oaks and neighboring sports TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 32

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

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The high price of a mental health misdiagnosis One in five Americans suffers from mental illness each year. Chances are you know someone struggling with a mental health issue that’s disrupting their personal or professional lives. Yet common conditions, including ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, are frequently misdiagnosed, especially when symptoms first appear. Impact For those who receive an incorrect diagnosis, the price can be high. “Misdiagnosis results in ineffective or delayed treatment, which worsens the outcome and risks, magnifying the impact of the illness on a person’s ability to function,” said Jonathan Stevens, MD, MPH, chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and medical director of Outpatient Services at The Menninger Clinic. “Initial misdiagnosis also increases the risk of recurrence and the duration of future episodes.” What contributes to a misdiagnosis? The main culprits are often an incomplete history and physical, and the presence of other psychiatric or even medical disorders. Getting it right So how do you avoid the risk of misdiagnosis? “It’s crucial to be assessed by an experienced and comprehensive diagnostic team,” said Dr. Stevens. Such a team should perform a careful examination of symptoms, which includes taking a comprehensive patient history and employing reliable screening questionnaires to help uncover the real diagnosis.

Information gathered from interviews with family, friends and significant others should also be included, and physical exams, brain imaging, sleep studies, lab work and genetic testing can help improve the chances of getting an accurate diagnosis. “While the information these tests produce is important, success depends on a careful diagnostic evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians,” added Dr. Stevens. “Without such a team, you’re more likely to get – and keep getting – an inaccurate diagnosis.” Sobering statistics Statistics from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance help show why it’s important to find the right team to give you the right diagnosis: • Only one in four individuals with bipolar disorder receives an accurate diagnosis in less than three years. • Depression costs U.S. businesses $70 billion in medical expenditures, lost productivity and other costs each year. • Up to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the U.S. may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder. To make an appointment for an adult or adolescent outpatient psychiatric assessment at Menninger, call 713-275-5000. The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, www.MenningerClinic.com

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 33

Michelle Watson

NEIGHBORS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town David Jones

Meant to be

The first eight years of Andria Levitt and Jeffrey Berman’s romance culminated in their

wedding in a music-filled evening at The Junior League of Houston. From their first date during September of their freshman year at The University of Texas, Andria and Jeffrey grew together to form a perfect match. Both lifelong Houstonians, Jeffrey is beginning his medical residency while Andria continues her finance career in investment banking. The wedding ceremony was held outside amid the Junior League gardens, led by Rabbi David Lyon and Cantor Vadim Tunitsky, while supported by 17 bridesmaids and house-party attendants, 16 groomsmen/ushers and a string quartet, despite the looming major rainstorm.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 34

Patio party Supporters of the Texas Lyme Disease Association, including Aubrey Supak and Kelly Hunsicker (pictured, from left), gathered at Tootsies for Party on the Patio. DJ Senega kept the crowd upbeat as they sipped cocktails, shopped and mingled. The event was hosted by Joanie Jacomini Herring, Beverly Jacomini, Libby Watts and Drunk Elephant Skin Care founding partner Tiffany Masterson. A portion

of sales were donated to the association. Speakers included Watts, who has suffered from the disease; Lafayette Herring; and lyme disease specialist Dr. George Allibone. Also on the patio were Cinda and Armando Palacios, Kara Smith, Katie and Stanton Scott, Amy Stephens, Meredith Grisebaum, Courtney Kobel, Kathy Masterson, Beth Black, William Heartsil, Dinah Lin and Rob Todd, Gretchen Hilyard, Douglas Glover, Mina Mann, Eric Watts and Amanda Fox.

PTO send-off

Briargrove Elementary 2014-16 PTO president Amanda Fisher was given a big surprise by PTO members after she presided over her last board meeting. Arriving back home after the meeting, she discovered that PTO members had decorated the outside of her house with banners, flags

and pompoms to send her off with a bang. Amanda is ending a two-year term as president and has championed a number of new initiatives at the school, including enhanced security, teacher appreciation and beautification. The group also took up a collection and gave her a generous gift certificate to Louis Vuitton. Helping pick out her gift were (pictured, from left) Sherrill Deering, Ashley Ball, 2016-17 PTO president Jennifer Dollinger, Amanda Fisher, 2017-18 PTO president Julie Economides and Vanessa Blank.

Sky’s the limit Camp Kids Unlimited is TIRR Memorial Hermann’s overnight summer camp for children with physical disabilities. It held two camps this summer. One was at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport. The camp offered typical summer camp activities like a ropes course, kayaking and canoeing, and adaptive sports. The second session took place at Sea Scout Base Galveston. The camp included adaptive sailing and other water-based activities, as well as handcycling. Scholarships were offered. TIRR Memorial Hermann volunteers included Ava Skrabanek, Joel Bazan, Alex Leonard, Kristy Rho, Jessica Straughn and Emily Pybus.

One door opens The non-profit Pink Door, through its Gayl’s Legacy Fund assistance program, awarded

$30,356 for the second quarter – and $70,000 so far this year – to women battling cancer. Pink Door pays for basic living expenses while women with cancer are undergoing treatment. The Gayl’s Legacy Fund allows women in the Houston area to concen- (continued on page 36)

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 35

recovery during what is a financially stressful time. Pictured are Pink Door supporters Daphne and Dr. Eric Bernicker.

Gators made a splash The Tanglewood Middle School (formerly Grady Middle School) Gators baseball team made a splash as they celebrated summer at a swim party at team member Charlie Dollinger's house in Briarcroft. They were joined by their

coach, Nicholas Safin, who led them in a great season. Joining in the fun were (pictured, from left) Coach Safin, Donovan Barrera, Jack Stone, Pete McConn, Anthony Herger, Bryant Hiskey, James Murnane, Charlie Dollinger and John Cypher.

Daniel Ortiz

(continued from page 35) trate on their health and

Bowling for a cause The Stuttering Association for the Young scored a home run at the George Springer All-Star Bowling Benefit held on June 2 at Lucky Strike

Houston. Dinah Lin and Rob Todd (pictured) mingled at the event. Springer, along with teammates and celebrities and over 200 fans (including his parents, two sisters and nephew), helped raise more than $100,000. Attending were Astros player Carlos Correa, KPRC radio host Michael Garfield, former Houston Oiler Haywood Jeffires, KPRC radio host Steve Johnson, KTRK's David Nuno, former Houston Texan Chester Pitts, former New York Yankees player Vernon Wells and KMBE radio

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 36

Celebrating 10 years

All for HBU HBU

cinators and tea cups. Pictured are (top row, from left) Carol Thornburg, Tom Koch, Joan Cohen and Michele Womack, (bottom row, from left) Susan Hesterberg, Elba Villarreal and Tricia Ratliff.

Melissa Taylor

host Lance Zierlein. Proceeds from the event will send children from families in need to Camp SAY, a summer camp for young people who stutter. Springer, who stutters, hosted the Bowling Benefit. See campsay.org.

mer presidential speechwriter Peggy Noonan will deliver the keynote address. The 2016 Spirit of Excellence Award, HBU’s highest tribute, will be given to Elizabeth and John W. Gibson Jr. and Sue and Robert Sloan for promoting HBU. Mary Ann Belin and Linda Higginbotham will receive the President’s Award for their decades of support. Dr. Stewart Morris Sr. will receive the inaugural Founders Medal. Pictured (from left) are Dr. Robert Sloan and Sue Sloan with Beth and Greg Looser at an HBU event.

Furry friends

Theatre Under The Stars’ Leading Ladies welcomed 130 guests to the Tea for the Tenth luncheon at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. ABC 13’s Tom Koch served as emcee for the event honoring Leading Ladies founders Amy Pierce and Marsha Taylor and celebrating the organization’s 10th anniversary. The group of women, committed to musical theater and arts education in Houston, support TUTS through volunteering and fundraising. They marked this milestone in style, with fas-

Houston Baptist University is planning to host its biannual Spirit of Excellence Gala Nov. 1 at the Royal Sonesta Houston. Chairs Beth and Greg Looser and underwriting chairs Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen invite gala attendees to support the gala’s mission to develop HBU’s Center for Law & Liberty. Columnist, author and for-

More than 250 animal lovers, including Shelby Kibodeaux, Bruce Padilla, Hershey Grace and Greg Miller sipped on cocktails and mingled at Citizens for Animal Protection's Under the Big Top party at Bayou City Event Center. Fourlegged friends, including some adorable dogs, a few cats and even an iguana, went on parade and made the crowd swoon. Guests dressed up for the pet/owner costume competition. In the crowd were Bonnie Goodrich and C.C. and Duke Ensell. To adopt a furry friend, see cap4pets.org. Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your upcoming-event listings on thebuzzmagazines.com.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 37

DOODLES TO DRAWING Isabel Gardner, a rising junior at The Kinkaid School, is passionate about drawing.

KIDS by Isabel Gardner, age 16

Buzz Kidz I

An eye for the aesthetic

participate in a lot of activities, many of which are important to me. However, the hobby that I can most clearly outline as a passion is drawing. Perhaps it is because it is so simple and barely requires any tools other than a pencil, eraser and paper, or maybe it is because it is natural to want to doodle. I like the freedom you have to discover and create your own style, as well as the fact that there usually is not much stress or pressure involved in art. Unlike most people interested in art, I didn’t draw much when I was younger. However, I did read quite a bit, and a good number of the books I read were comic books. From The Amazing Spider-Man to manga such as Fullmetal Alchemist, I could spend hours reading in the graphic-novel section of the library. I thought the stylized

worlds and characters were really awesome. In middle school, I hung out with a group that was quite into art, and many of them were amazingly talented for their age. Through a combination of curiosity, boredom and peer pressure, I eventually started to attempt actual drawing, instead of the mindless doodling that I had been doing in years past. Of course, most of the things I drew at this time turned out like a burned cookie – recognizable, but pretty bad. Developing an eye for the aesthetic but still technical world of the elaborate cartoon art-styles is something that I am still working on. However, I am pleased to say that I can now occasionally draw things that don’t make me want to cringe. I have learned a lot from my aforementioned artsy friends, as well as

online communities such as DeviantArt and Tumblr. It is not difficult to improve if you practice and try to learn from your seniors, which is why I would recommend drawing to anyone who wants to try, in hope that they might find a passion in it as well. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.

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Allergy and asthma tips for college-bound students Summer vacation is coming to an end for many youngsters, and if you’re the parent of a college-bound student, you’re probably making preparations so they have a smooth transition and don’t run out of underwear or resort to eating ramen cups for the next four months. However, with fall allergy season just right around the corner, what can parents do to better prepare their children with allergies or asthma? Here are a few tips to get them ready for a semester of learning without the sneezy, stuffy, runny and wheezy. Pack all the allergy medications your child may need for their semester in college. This usually includes antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Allegra, and nasal sprays such as Nasacort, Rhinocort or Flonase. If your child uses any steroid creams for skin conditions such as eczema, be sure not to forget those. Make sure your child packs EpiPens if he or she has severe allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect bites, or if they’re currently receiving allergy shots at school. Check the expiration date on the EpiPen and ask your allergist for a new prescription if it’s expired or will soon. If your college-bound child is currently receiving allergy shots, it is important for him or her to continue them in college. Most college campuses have student health service where students can continue receiving their allergy shots. Even if they don’t, many local allergists are happy to administer them. Talk to your child’s allergist so they can coordinate the logistics. If your child has a lot of pollen or dust allergies, a free-standing HEPA certified air purifier can greatly reduce airborne allergens in dorm or apartment rooms. Make sure the air purifier is appropriate for the size of your child’s room and that replacement filter will be available if needed.

If your child has dust mite allergies, buying a dust mite allergy cover for his or her mattress and pillows can reduce his or her dust mite exposure. You can find them at www.natlallergy.com, www.missionallergy.com, and at Bed Bath & Beyond. For students with asthma, it’s imperative for them to bring their rescue inhaler. In fact, pack two or three if you think they’ll lose one. If they’re also on a maintenance asthma inhaler, verify that they bring enough to last the entire semester or have access to refills. Make sure that your child’s vaccinations are up to date as suggested by their physicians. This is especially important if the student has asthma or immune system conditions because they can place your child at a greater risk of catching an infection. College is challenging enough without the additional burden of uncontrolled allergy and asthma. We are here to help! 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. Waiaka Wang, MSN, NP-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 and Asthma Clinic

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DINING GUIDE

by Russell Weil, contributing writer

Burger adventures

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

This Month in Dining

HOPDODDY Creative burgers are front and center at the recently opened Austin-transplant Hopdoddy Burger Bar in the River Oaks District.

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year has gone by since our last burger schmooze-fest, and the last 12 months have seen a variety of new hamburger establishments entering the Houston market. New upscale restaurants also are including gourmet burgers on their menu. Fortunately, this means I can order a hamburger almost everywhere. For me, a hamburger starts with the meat – the taste, temperature and seasoning, cooked to order. Many places I enjoy grind their meat daily on-premise to ensure freshness and quality, sometimes with rich mixtures like brisket and tenderloin blended with chuck. However, burgers do not have to be expensive to be enjoyable. In fact, most of my favorites are $8 and under. From classic to gourmet, burgers continue to be my ideal comfort food – so much that I even write a blog about local burgers, at eat-more-burgers.com. When someone asks about the best burger in Houston, I tend to name a classic local institution. My original favorite is Stanton’s City Bites, 1420 Edwards Street in the First Ward, and a newer favorite is Peña’s Donut Heaven & Grill, 11601 Shadow Creek Parkway in Pearland. But competition has arrived with favorites such as Austin-grown Hopdoddy, 4444 Westheimer in the River Oaks District, and the New York-based Shake Shack, scheduled to open late 2016 in The Galleria and late 2017 in Rice Village. Only time will tell if these expanding brands can compete with Houston’s home-grown burgers. I would love to hear about your favorite burger spots. Share your favorites in the Comments under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com, or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com, and I’ll begin my research for next year’s column. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ AUGUST 2016 40

Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Buzz dining contributor Russell Weil (R.W.) is a native Houstonian who loves the history of his hometown and all things burger. Author of the blog Eat More Burgers, Russell enjoys finding new dining spots with his monthly “Burger Buddy Adventure Group.” Regular Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh (D.H.) is a James Beard foodjournalism award winner and longtime Houstonbased restaurant writer. Their visits to restaurants in the Dining Guide were anonymous, and they paid for their meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too. Write to info@thebuzzmagazines with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Annie’s Hamburgers Hamburgers Neighborhood: Westbury Annie’s Hamburgers on South Post Oak Road has been serving up classic flame-broiled hamburgers since the 1970s in the same Westburyarea, mid-century strip center. Their menu is simple – single or double burgers, with or without bacon, fries and onion rings, with chicken sandwich, BLT and breakfast options. Annie’s is not fancy – and you don’t want it to be. They offer a made-to-order hamburger from friendly folks who have been doing this for years. A flame-broiled flavor is still the centerpiece of this hamburger, on a toasted bun, with cheese melting off the side of the patty, with iceberg lettuce, white onion and light mayo. The fries (of the frozen variety) are thin, crispy and tasty. Annie’s gets busy, so the place can look a little unkempt at times. But keep your focus on the food they serve, and you’ll return for years to come. 10:30

a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Tues., 10:30 a.m-7 p.m. Wed., 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. 10821 S. Post Oak Rd., 713-729-9861. annieshamburgers.com. $ – R.W.

Bubba’s Burger Shack Burgers, beer and food truck Neighborhood: Uptown/Bellaire area Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack is a longtime place that serves burgers in the oddest of locations – the shadow of the 59/Loop 610 exchange, under the bridge on Westpark at South Rice near the Sam’s Club and Micro Center. Prepared nicely at medium, its classic, no-frills burger patties glisten with a welcome charred crust. The burgers, including beef and buffalo options, are juicy to the bite with the right amount of seasoning, and a bright yellow coating of cheddar cheese melts evenly over the side. The burger is presented on a golden toasted bun with iceberg lettuce, chopped onion and light mayo. While they do not offer French fries, you must try a side of their specialty jalapeño potato salad. While their “under the bridge” location is popular, check their food truck schedule on their Facebook page to enjoy the same burger with a shorter wait time. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., 5230 Westpark Dr., 713-6611622. bubbastexasburgershack.com. $ – R.W.

Burger Joint Gourmet burgers Neighborhood: Montrose

This recent entry to the Houston burger scene offers a casual, landscaped, outdoor patio with lighting, bike spaces and a generous supply of large-screen televisions. I opted for the Classic Burger built my way – lettuce, onion and light mayo – along with bacon and cheddar cheese on their classic toasted bun. The Burger Joint serves a good burger at a good value, starting at around $7. The meat is automatically prepared to a medium temperature, for a subtle pink center. The charred crust of the Angus-beef patty from 44 Farms kept the juices trapped in the center, where they should stay. Hand-cut fries options include sweet potato fries, queso fries, chili queso fries, or bacon parm(esan) fries. The portions, while not large, are generous and filling. Not to be missed (I hear), though I did, are their adult milkshakes. I will indulge on my next visit. For the Burger Joint food-truck schedule, check out the website. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Sun.-Mon., brunch Sat. & Sun. 2808 Caroline St., 713-854-1970. Burgerjointhtx.com. $-$$ – R.W.

Canyon Creek Café Hill Country cuisine Neighborhood: Memorial Park The Creek family of restaurants, originating in Austin, have sprouted up around Houston Heights. They include Canyon Creek Cafe on the northeast end of Memorial Park on Westcott. Canyon Creek has a full menu of burgers. I ordered the Luckenburger. The 44 Farms Angus

beef was topped with a tangy blend of over-easy egg, Applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese and chipotle mayo. I added a side of creamy, spicy poblano slaw instead of the fries. Canyon Creek’s Hill Country setting is outfitted in bar signs and nostalgic memorabilia, in a popular part of town. Ample outdoor seating is available on their front patio. 11 a.m.-midnight Mon.Tues., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Wed., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thurs.-Fri., 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Sat., 7 a.m.-midnight Sun., 6603 Westcott St., 713-864-5885. canyoncreekcafe.com. $ – R.W.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar Craft burgers and beer Neighborhood: Galleria Austin transplant and recent Houston addition Hopdoddy Burger Bar lists 12 burgers on the menu, including Akaushi, Angus, bison, vegetarian, turkey, chicken, lamb and tuna options. I chose the Llano Poblano burger because of its blend of spicy ingredients – Angus beef topped with apple-smoked bacon, Tillamook pepper jack, seared poblano peppers, chipotle mayo, red leaf lettuce, white onion and a beefsteak tomato. While not large, the burger shined atop a toasted, fresh, baked-from-scratch bun. The meat was cooked to order at medium with a nice center of pink, complemented by a smoky charred crust and cheese melting over the sides. The hand-cut truffle fries were thin and crispy, with a generous shaving of parmesan (continued on page 43)

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Chef’s Corner: Ziggy Gruber

ZIGGY GRUBER Ziggy Gruber shows off Kenny & Ziggy's crowd-pleasing Zigalicious burger with pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing.

by Dai Huynh, staff writer Find out where the experts eat, with our Chef’s Corner column. Every month, chefs reveal their personal recommendations, where they go and what they order. In May, Ziggy Gruber had a baby. A month later, he had another – this one a pink-cheeked girl named Maxine, Max for short. Today he’s babysitting his May baby – the new 110-seat Kenny & Ziggy’s in the Kroger center on Buffalo Speedway. One minute, the Cordon Bleu graduate is rushing to the deli counter to slice corned beef for a walk-in customer. The next, he’s chatting with a grateful chestnut-haired diner. “Thank you for opening here,” said the West University resident. “I grew up eating at a deli like this in Florida, and this brings back memories.” The new location (5172-C Buffalo Speedway), is a mini-me of the

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7,800-square-foot original (2327 Post Oak Boulevard) in the Galleria, complete with red leather booths, caricature prints and autographed Broadway posters. “It’s more intimate, more like a typical New York City-size store,” noted Gruber. Along with reminiscing about New York, where he was born and raised, the third-generation deli maven and star of the Deli Man film documentary shared his tips for ordering pastrami and where to bite into the best in New York. Your deli is known for corned beef, matzo ball soup and pastrami. Who has the best pastrami in the Big Apple? The quality of delicatessens has diminished in New York; it breaks my heart. There aren’t too many left in Manhattan, and the ones that are get kudos only because they’re the last ones standing. But one of the best delis in New York isn’t in Manhattan. It’s in Rego Park, Queens. Ben’s Best Delicatessen (96-40 Queens Boulevard) puts a lot of attention into his pastrami. Now, if you’re flying into Newark Liberty (International Airport), you can drop into Hobby’s Delicatessen (32 Branford Place); they pickle their own corned beef. What’s your insider tip for ordering pastrami? I know there are people who like it lean, so we offer first-cut, which is the bottom part. But if you want a great deli experience, tell them you want the regular cut – it’ll have some fat, but it’s still lean. Now, if you want a fatty sandwich, just tell them you want a fatty sandwich. That’s the way I want it. Along with baby Max, you have Isabel, aka Izzy. Where do you and wife Mimi dine in Houston with kids in tow? My daughter, Izzy, likes to see her uncle Arturo at Arturo Boada Cuisine (6510 Del Monte Drive). She likes his pizza and marinara sauce. The food there is Colombian-Italian. It’s a great neighborhood place; it makes me feel like New York, small and intimate. The thing with Arturo is that he’s always behind the line, so everything has his personal touch. He’s cooking with the boys, and you feel like you’re going into someone’s living room. Arturo does a great saffron sea bass and dover sole with beurre blanc sauce. When he can, Arturo brings the dover sole in from Calais (a port in northern France). It’s out of this world and nobody does it. He makes a fabulous tapas, camarones henesy en hamaca, shrimp with this rich garlic sauce with plantains. You’ll want bread to sop up every bit of that sauce. Any other kid-friendly favorite? Niko Niko’s (four locations including the original at 2520 Montrose Boulevard). I love the moussaka there. Have you tried the pastries? They’re very good; he brought a pastry chef from Greece to make his desserts. Have you been to his new location (1040 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North)? It’s nice. You need to go. Where are you going to host the baby naming for Maxine in New York? Russ and Daughters Café (127 Orchard Street). It is just appetizers, caviar and smoked fishes. But it is fantastic. Another place we’ll end up visiting is Veselka (144 2nd Ave.), a Ukrainian restaurant. They make blitzes and Ukrainian meatballs. They also make wonderful stews, the stick-to-rib types. But the one thing I really miss living in Houston is old-timey Southern Italian food. I like to go to the real Little Italy on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. My favorite place is Roberto’s Restaurant (603 Crescent Avenue). It is a fabulous place. Try the veal chops or a fish dish. They make this snapper layered with potatoes, fresh tomatoes and capers. Their linguini with clam sauce is good, too. But the best one – hands down – is the one at Don Peppe’s (135-58 Lefferts Boulevard) in Queens.

(continued from page 41) cheese and spices, and a

just-right drizzle of truffle oil. Hopdoddy is at a reasonable price point, unlike some other new upscale burger establishments. While wait times have decreased some since grand-opening week, bar seating is on first-come basis if you don’t have time to spare. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.- Mon., 4444 Westheimer Rd. Suite H100, 713-2272337. hopdoddy.com. $ – R.W.

Karbach Brewing Co. German-style brewery Neighborhood: Spring Branch Area Burgers and craft beer make a great combination. Karbach Brewing Company in near northwest Houston has a chef-driven kitchen with inspired offerings in the on-site restaurant and patio. Overlooking the brewery is an industrial yet inviting setting with dining tables, bar tables and a long bar flanked by beers on tap. The Brewhouse Burger has 44 Farms grass-fed beef topped with leafy lettuce, white-cheddar cheese, beefsteak tomato and house-made pickles. The sweet Hawaiian bun is lightly toasted. A side of crispy thin fries comes with the burger. Other not-to-be-missed menu items include shrimp and grits, Brussels sprouts, and crispy Korean fried chicken. On a recent Saturday at 6:30 p.m., the place was packed and there was an hour wait. I suggest either making a reservation or enjoying the lunch menu, but even if you do wait, it’s a fun place to spend time sampling beers (Weekend Warrior pale ale), enjoying some appetizers (Blackbird pretzel served with house boudin), and people watching (too many varieties to list). 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. & Mon. 2002 Karbach St., 713-680-2739. karbachbrewing.com. $-$$ – R.W.

Killen’s Burgers Classic hamburgers Neighborhood: Pearland One of the most anticipated burger openings in the Houston area this year has been that of Killen’s Burgers in Pearland. From Killen’s Steakhouse and Killen’s Barbecue, Ronnie Killen took the next logical step with his classic burger offerings. In a retro ’50s diner setting of black, white, turquoise and red, patrons queue up to place their order at the counter, and then proceed to a table and wait for their name to be called. Everything is made from scratch, including the burgers of Angus beef. Cooked on chrome-plated grilling surfaces, the heat is kept in, which results in a crunchy-on-theoutside, moist-on-the-inside patty, served on a fluffy bakery bun that is toasted. Killen’s tasty special sauce is similar to Thousand Island dressing. Toppings include jalapeño, avocado and mushrooms. Other options include chicken and hot dogs. For the truly hungry, try the #99 (named for popular Houston Texans football player J.J. Watt), two 10-ounce patties, Nueske’s bacon and Wisconsin cheddar cheese. There are ample lines most days, so expect a 20- to 30-minute wait, but enjoy free local craft beer and water while you are in line. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tues-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 2804 S. Main, Pearland. 281-412-4922. $ – R.W.

La Grange Tex-Mex Neighborhood: Montrose Sometimes, the best hamburger is served at the most unlikely of places. This is true at La Grange, a Montrose-area, coastal-Mexican café and craft cocktail bar known for its lively patio. Located in a former horse hospital built in the ’30s that later became the bar EJ’s, La Grange’s casual setting is a hidden oasis among homes and duplexes. A departure from Mexican specialties, the El Gringo Burger offers a unique twist on the standard burger formula with a mixture of Angus and brisket atop a homemade torta bun served with a side of thin fries. For a spicy burger, try the La Grange burger with guacamole, pepper jack cheese and black beans, or, for the non-meat burger lover, the black bean veggie burger. There is a full bar with creative craft cocktails. La Grange is busy during happy hour and weekends, so expect a wait, especially for a table on the festive main patio or rooftop deck area. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tues-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 2100 Yale St. lagrangehouston.com. 713-861-3113. $ – R.W.

Peña’s Donut Heaven & Grill Doughnuts and burgers Neighborhood: Pearland Pena’s Donut Heaven & Grill in Pearland specializes in savory sugary delights. However, the extensive menu of 20 burgers is also impressive. Located in an end cap of a nondescript strip center, the restaurant draws lines of hungry folks who queue up for breakfast and lunch. The burgers sit atop a fluffy, grilled bakery bun with a hint of crunchy sweetness. My 10-ounce, Angus-beef patty was cooked to order at medium, with a charred-crust outside and juicy, peppery middle. A savory burger and hand-cut fries for less than $10 makes this a good value and a great meal. I enjoyed Peña’s so much that I went back the following week for a Rodeo Burger, Angus beef mixed with smoked brisket from Killen’s Barbecue. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. 11601 Shadow Creek Pkwy #103, Pearland., 713-3403231. penasdonutheaven.com. $-$$ – R.W.

Republic Smokehouse & Saloon Classic barbecue Neighborhood: Midtown The Republic Smokehouse & Saloon in Houston’s popular Midtown offers a homey setting, friendly service and an impressive burger menu. The Republic Burger is 8 ounces of brisket topped with a sweet and spicy blend of house-smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle on a sweet sourdough bun. When ordered medium, the patty has a perfectly pink center and savory smoky aroma. The evenly melted cheddar cheese is a tart companion to the ultimate topping of an over-medium fried

egg. House-made dill pickles, fresh red onion and field greens add a hint of healthy, despite the side of hand-cut fries. Other menu items include brisket nachos and St. Louis pork ribs with cheddar grits. The rustic interior has sofas in front of a fireplace. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.Thurs.; 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-midnight Sun. 1910 Bagby St. #100., 832-925-8871. republicsaloon.com. $-$$ – R.W.

Southern Goods Gastropub Neighborhood: Heights There is no shortage of eateries in the Heights. Almost every corner of this iconic Houston neighborhood is evidence of foodie growth. Southern Goods opened its doors in 2015 and has remained a popular destination for food, drink and music. The Southern Goods Burger features two Wagyu beef patties with cheddar cheese for those with a good appetite. The burger is accented with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and Comeback Sauce (SG’s version of the popular Thousand Island style), atop a bakery-style salt and pepper bun. A nice side of Southernstyle (mustard and new potatoes) potato salad accompanies the burger. Cool wood tones and ceramic accents create an inviting environment, with a large center bar at the foot of a generous spirits selection. A covered outdoor seating area offers a casual dining alternative on warm summer afternoons and evenings. Southern Goods also offers an increasingly popular Sunday brunch. 5 p.m.-midnight Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat., noon-10 p.m. Sun. 632 W. 19th St., 346-9808152. southerngoodshouston.com. $-$$ – R.W.

State of Grace Southern American Cooking Neighborhood: River Oaks State of Grace in River Oaks has a sleek Southern-inspired interior, attentive service and an excellent house burger. Chef Ford Fry’s Butter Burger is served carpetbagger-style – topped with a fried oyster. This double-patty masterpiece is made with house-ground beef with frozen butter blended in, with American cheese, caramelized onions and a slather of mayo, and is skewered by a fried oyster on a perfectly grilled bakery bun, with a slice of crispy, bistro-style, shoestring fries. Adding housesmoked bacon enhanced the flavors with just the right amount of spiciness and smokiness. This graceful dish is served only at lunch. To avoid a wait at lunch, sit at the bar and order your burger, and enjoy conversation with the friendly staff. Happy hour & dinner Mon.-Sat. 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832942-5080. stateofgracetx.com. $-$$ – R.W.

MORE ONLINE For Russell Weil’s burger recommendations from last year, type “Burger Finds” in the search window at thebuzzmagazines.com. Also online are all restaurants that have been reviewed by The Buzz. Use our restaurant finder to search by area, cuisine and price.

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Edgar Alamo, 10 months, Chinese Shar-Pei, Colquitt St. Hi! My name is Edgar Alamo. I am a traditional Chinese Shar-Pei (which means I have fewer wrinkles than other types of Shar-Peis). When you visit my home, you’ll want to hold onto your important papers because I love to take paper into my mouth. It starts a fun game of catch-me-if-you-can before I give them back (or eat them, if you don’t catch me in time). I love resting my head on your feet and giving lots of puppy kisses. My parents tell me that I’m named after the poet Edgar Allan Poe but with a Texas twist. They often say that my brave, independent (“stubborn,” they say) personality has earned me my “Alamo” name. If you spot me around the neighborhood, be sure to say hi! Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Featured pets receive two passes to Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Each pass can be redeemed for one day of lodging in a Bunk House Suite, 25 percent off your next grooming appointment or 25 percent off one obedience training class.

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A minute with Maisie

Dine at Altezza in Telluride

Many clients ask me, “What do you do when your co-parent refuses to follow the court order?” Texas courts issue orders every day with the expectation that parties will follow them and avoid the need for further litigation. However, family-law cases involve ex-spouses, blended families and children’s changing needs and activities. Therefore, when a co-parent refuses to follow a court order, the legal remedy is to file an enforcement action requesting the court to punish the person and request attorney’s fees. These are very technical pleadings and require significant detail, so it is best to try to work out your differences and rely on an enforcement action as a last resort. Always try to communicate with the other parent about these issues without involving the children. However, if you have tried to communicate, but the other parent refuses to cooperate with you, an enforcement action may be the correct course of action. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family-law firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., Maisie A. Barringer, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com

The newest addition to the Telluride dining scene offers a unique, Coloradoinspired twist on Italian cuisine. Altezza, located at the Peaks Resort & Spa, means “height” in Italian, and it’s the goal of new executive chef Jason Bayle to elevate diners’ experiences. Chef Bayle’s dishes are rooted in clean, honest ingredients that satisfy anyone’s palate. Having relocated to Telluride from Dallas, he has created a classic, savory menu for lunch and dinner that infuses traditional Italian dishes with Colorado flair. Dishes such as striped bass, elk carpaccio and Colorado beef cheek and porcini agnolotti pair perfectly with hummus made from cannellini beans, burrata or steamed mussels for an appetizer. When dining at Altezza, not only will you experience decadent cuisine, but also witness unforgettable views. With floor-to-ceiling windows, your unobstructed viewpoint will reveal the breathtaking Wilson range along with views of the Telluride Golf Club and the high-elevation Telluride airport. Whether coming to Telluride for the first time, or the 21st time, you’ll never forget it. From the miles of uncrowded slopes and diverse terrain to a variety of hotel options, restaurants and spas, there’s something for everyone in Telluride. And with daily direct flights from Houston, it’s easy to make Telluride your go-to mountain destination. This winter, gather, reconnect with family and friends, and awaken your soul in Telluride. Altezza at The Peaks, 136 Country Club Drive, Telluride, Colorado 81435, 970.728.2525, tellurideskiresort.com

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

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Early rising for late risers

ealtor Laura Mayer Cyprow has the morning get-to-school drill down. “They wake up at 7, they brush their teeth, they come downstairs for breakfast, they grab their backpacks, and we walk out the door at 7:22.” Back up. All this in 22 minutes? With no drama? What have I been doing wrong all these years? Laura’s answer: Pack lunches the night before. And put your kids to bed in the clothes they’ll wear to school the next day. “This all started because Lilly likes to sleep late,” Laura says. “She was going to kindergarten, and West U starts very early at 7:35. Jared [Laura’s husband] was in business school, so there was a lot going on. Lilly was very worried about having to wake up and get to school. She didn’t like to get up that early. “And I just said, ‘You know what? This is going to make our life a lot easier.’” And so it began that Lilly Cyprow has slept in her school clothes every day of her elementary school life. This fall, she starts fifth grade. Wearing school clothes to bed wasn’t Laura’s first option. “When Jared was in school, I couldn’t spend an hour getting kids to bed at night. They each had their own bedrooms, but I had Lilly start sleeping in Wyatt’s room. There was one bedtime, and it helped get everyone up in the morning. It was hard to start because it was almost like a slumber party at first, and I’d have to go in there. But then they got used to it and it worked. Also listening to their conversations was so cute!” When the children outgrew that arrangement was when Laura started planning outfits ahead of time. “But if you put the clothes at the end of the bed and say, ‘Get ready in the morning,’ they can change their mind,” she says. “So that didn’t work. “This way, we are not rushed at all. We are not panicked. It’s wonderful. Down to a science. And Lilly is happy because she would rather sleep.” Just to clarify: Wyatt, who enters seventh grade this fall, does not sleep in his clothes. “He’s a boy,” Laura says. “I don’t even know if he brushes his hair in the morning.” According to Randi Rubenstein, an author, parent coach and mom of three, not knowing the full routine is a good thing. “Kids should

behance.net/runamokstudios

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RISE AND SHINE It can be challenging getting kids up and out on early mornings. One tip: Put them to bed the night before in their school clothes.

own their own schedules,” she says. “What that means is you’ve communicated to them ahead of time that they set their alarms, wake up, get ready, make their beds. You are not the police.” Randi does allow that it’s fine for parents to “walk around to be sure everyone’s up.” Just remember they’re in charge. “Kids as young as kindergarten or younger are fully capable of doing this. The stress,” Randi says, “comes from mom taking it all on herself and thinking it’s her job to get everyone ready.” Where to begin? “The biggest thing is to just communicate your expectations ahead of time in a non-relevant moment,” Randi says. “You’re not going to spring on them at 8:30 the night before school starts, ‘Y’all need to go to bed now.’ You’ve talked about it and let them know the plan before you’re in the moment. Because when you handle anything in the moment, you’re going to get power struggles and resistance.” Randi walks her talk, communicating the plan to her children ahead of time. They know to expect an earlier bedtime two days before school actually starts, and they know she’ll be waking them up before 8. “Summer is basically

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over,” Randi says. “So the whole family has dinner earlier, and the kids start organizing, making sure they’ve got all their supplies and backpacks ready. We get stuff in order as if school had already started; then it’s not a mad scramble the night before.” Randi’s kids – 18, 15 and 10 – “own their stuff” with one exception: “I do make breakfast myself, because it’s important to me that everyone leaves the house having a decent breakfast,” she says. Randi and Laura both like smoothies in the morning. “I’m certainly not Holly Homemaker,” Randi says. “But these tips work; they’re not BS. I’m a naturally disorganized mess. But [following this plan], I can send my kids off to school not from a place of tension. They’re coming from a better place, they’re a better friend, a better student. It all counts. And it makes for a happier existence.”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for Laura’s smoothie recipe and other school-morning recipes. Leave a comment or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com if you have school-morning tips to share.