Lindsay Brink and Catherine Craft
Our Own Ninja Warriors Grandpa was a Polish War Hero
Where Are They Headed? by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld
Chef’s Corner: Ho Chee Boon Dining at the Airport Father-Son Journeys Dads and Daughters Surprise Parties Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD
What to Read This Summer
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Planning summer travel can be stressful, even more so with all the negative publicity about customer service that airlines have been receiving lately. But if you find yourself with extra time in an airport these days, there is a silver lining. Making delays more enjoyable is the trend of chef-driven airport dining across the country, including Houston’s IAH airport, as restaurant columnist Dai Huynh writes about in This Month in Dining. Or you could enjoy some quality time bonding on the open road. Chances are some of the Buzz-area high school graduates in this month’s annual Where Are They Headed? feature have summer adventures planned with family. Travel writer Tracy Barnett chronicles some memorable father-son trips in this month’s Travel Buzz. With a milestone birthday coming up this year, I’ve been contemplating a cross-country road trip with my two sons. The only problem is I have a two seater. The boys could draw straws. But I’m not sure if they would think the winner gets to go – or stay. michael@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter thebuzzmagazines.com Editor Publisher Associate Editors Design Manager Staff Writers
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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Lauren Michelle Williams Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Helen van Rensburg Dylan Aguilar
On our cover: New Buzz graduates include Duchesne’s Lindsay Brink (University of Georgia), and Saint Thomas’ Episcopal’s Catherine Craft (Texas Christian). 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 © 2017 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.
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MAILBAG
Your letters, thoughts, opinions Seven amazing souls Thank you so much for writing the beautiful cover story about the Berry family [Enough Lives: Berry family fights distracted driving, by Andria Frankfort, May 2017]. Their incredible journey is one that we all should be reminded about. Robin and Joshua Berry were some of my closest friends, and this portrayal of the work their family is doing would make them so happy to see! I appreciated the way that the author, Andria Frankfort, was able to describe how the family took one of the most challenging situations and try to make a change in our world with the program they have begun – OLIE. She was able to portray the family’s efforts in trying to prevent future tragedies, while also showing how incredibly well they are living their everyday lives! I hope everyone else who read the article saw these seven amazing souls for who they are – not just for what they have been through, but what they have done since that moment to make the world they live in better for it! Lisa Shapiro Strauss Editor’s note: If you missed it, see thebuzzmagazines.com to search and read stories online. See OLIE (One Life is Enough) at stopdistractions.org/olie to join the Berry family’s fight against distracted driving.
Won’t you be my neighbor I just read your May issue, with all of its rich and caring content, and just had to let you know how much I appreciate how you and your talented writers bring such a concrete concept of "neighbor" into our homes each month. There's always something in each Buzz that creates a comfortable and grounding touchpoint, and in such a familiar and welcoming way. Thank you, and congratulations once again on reaching your very impressive 15-year milestone! Dee Dee Dochen
Talking to writer was fun and easy Hi Cathy [Gordon]. I wanted to say thank you for writing such a great story about my family [Passion for a Park, A family’s love for Evelyn’s Park, by Cathy Gordon, April 2017]. I have received so many compliments and parents asking about the receptacles we use for allowance. I hope in some small way that this article promotes getting involved with a charity that your whole family can get into! I enjoyed meeting you and felt like I knew you for a long time. Thank you for making it so easy to talk with you. It was a lot of fun! Patricia King-Ritter, Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, Board President 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.
Mr. Marvin is a treasure It was such a pleasure to read your excellent story on Mr. Marvin [Meet Mr. Marvin: Y’s greeter has message that sticks, by Amber Blossom, May 2017]. The look on children's faces as they gather around Marvin is a wonderful thing to see. He reminds all of us – young and old – how much better each day can be with a little extra kindness and love. He is a community treasure. Thank you for giving him the recognition he deserves. Greg Hassell
May was a good one I always enjoy reading the Buzz but especially so with the May issue. Being a native Houstonian, the Menu Memories [Menu Memories: Favorite restaurant meals, by Russell Weil] brought up memories of the restaurants of years past. This month I loved the update on the Berry family and the article about Elisha Selzer and her mom, Annette Sondock [Poetic Tales: Mom passes down family stories, by Elisha Selzer]. I want to thank you, too for the plug about the ericsuhlfoundation.com golf tournament. Thank you for giving us wonderful stories! Sara Astrich TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 6
What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have a compelling neighbor to profile. • Have interesting hobbies or collections. • Have experienced a gap year before college. • Have a travel story to share. • Have a funny or memorable parenting story. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.
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NEIGHBORS by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Family Quest Grandpa was a Polish war hero
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t all started – as so many things do, these days – on Facebook. Leszek Kolawik was in his native Pulawy, Poland, in 2015, putting together his family tree. He reached out to second cousin George Arzymanow, whose family had been exiled to London after World War II and who now lives in Houston. The two had met in 1969, as teens, when George’s family had gone back to Poland to visit family. The years flew by; the two grew up, had families, had jobs, lost touch. The year 2015 was tough for George. He was going through treatment for pancreatic cancer. When his long-lost cousin Leszek found him on Facebook, the discovery was bittersweet; he soon learned that Leszek was battling stomach cancer. When George pulled through his treatment, he decided to celebrate. He reached out to his son Mark and invited him on a father-son trip to meet Leszek and his three adult children, Pawel, Bart, and Ewa, Mark’s third cousins. As it turned out, there was another reason to celebrate. George’s father, Wladyslaw Arzymanow, was being recognized as a war hero. In his hometown of Pulawy, there were two ceremonies scheduled for September 2016, to recognize the role he played in protecting his city and his country from the Axis forces. It was decided that the whole family would go – not just Mark and his parents but three cousins and an aunt in London, and they would visit the family in Poland that Mark had never met. The visit was filled with sightseeing, delicious food and conversation, which was managed with the help of Leszek and his two sons, Pawel and Bart, as tour guides and translators. The two ceremonies in Pulawy were moving experiences for the family. First was the opening of a World War II exhibition at the Oswiatowe Museum to honor Polish army heroes from the Pulawy region. And second was the honoring of Mark’s grandfather, George’s father, Wladyslaw Arzymanow, and the dedication of a plaque at a military church. The visit came none too soon, as Leszek lost his battle with stomach cancer in December, just three months after their epic journey to Poland.
COMING FULL CIRCLE Mark and his father George Arzymanow stand on the steps of a church on top of a hill in Pulawy, Poland, where Mark's grandfather defended the bridge leading into the town from German invasion. Fifty years ago, when George was 20 years old, he stood with his father, Wladyslaw, on these same steps and told him stories of World War II. This was a year before Wladyslaw passed away.
“I never actually knew my grandfather,” explained Mark, who contacted The Buzz to share his family’s story. “He died of a heart attack when my father was 21. We always thought it was because of the stressful World War II days.” Mark, who was born in London, was always interested in learning more about where his family came from. He has traveled widely in his work as an internal auditor and currently works for Occidental Petroleum. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel to a lot of cool places, but never to Poland.” He and his father started talking about the trip when George was still in treatment. George was close to his father, as he was the oldest son. His brother and sister are about 10 years younger and grew up in England, and George is the only one still surviving who really knew his father, so the ceremonies meant a tremendous amount to him. “When we were at the museum, they were
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presenting, and I saw him kind of crying,” said Mark. “It was the first time Poland had recognized him as a war hero.” Their first stop was the big city of Warsaw (pop. 3 million) – “crazy traffic,” Mark remarked. Pulawy (pop. 50,000) is a two-hour drive from Warsaw, and the family enjoyed the slower pace and the quiet of a smaller city. “We had a lot of great Polish food, and the exchange rate is great, so we ate like kings,” he recalled. He has the photos to prove it: pickled herring, his most selected appetizer; zurek, a traditional Polish vegetable soup; veal with dill potatoes; Polish pancakes and sausage; and a family classic that had been handed down through the generations: barszcz, which is a Polish beetroot soup. One memory stands out. Cousin Bart took Mark and his father to a church that stands on top of a hill, the highest point in Pulawy.
WALL OF FAME Wladyslaw Arzymanow (1913-68) was a Polish war hero. These pictures are displayed at Oswiatowe Museum in Pulawy, Poland. The center picture was taken towards the end of the war in Italy when he had already been promoted to major. The other two pictures were taken earlier when he was a lieutenant in North Africa.
Atop the hill is a large cross and a view that extends for miles. “From the top of this hill you can see the bridge where my grandfather tried to defend Pulawy from the Germans,” said Mark. “My dad stood on these steps with his dad a year before he died – and 50 years later we took a picture of ourselves, father and son.” The region was beautiful – hilly, woodsy and green. They went to the museum to check it out before the exhibit honoring the Pulawy war heroes opened. Mark, long fascinated by World War II movies, marveled at the helmets, guns, shovels, posters, all the artifacts of a global cataclysm brought home in a modest museum in small-town Poland. They went to the church where his grandfather served as an altar boy, with a portrait of John Paul II – the Polish pope. And they wandered the green hills where his grandfather used to go as a child. “My grandfather had a hard life, so he would go to these hills and cry,” said Mark. “He would call them the crying hills. We don’t know exactly why it was so hard, but his parents died at a young age.” The family tour included a visit to Zbedowice, an entire village that was wiped out as revenge by the Nazis during the war. Eighty-four people were killed, a third of them children. At the bed and breakfast where they stayed, the owner told him some of the history of the home. One story that the owner shared was about Jews who hid in the attic while German soldiers were staying in the basement. “Older people would come back to visit the
bed and breakfast and remembered these things,” said Mark. “This lady had come back and remembered looking out the front door and hearing the dogs of the soldiers searching for people in the distance.” On the brighter side, they visited a medieval castle dating to the founding of Pulawy in the 1500s. They spent time in the historic market square. They explored family roots in one of the town’s cemeteries, with their lineage well represented. One of the most powerful experiences was in Lublin, where the family visited the Majdanek concentration/death camp. The history of the place was nearly impossible to fathom, but there were clues to how it must have been – like the bullet holes in the wall, the enormous furnaces and the crematory, the massive mound of human ash, and the cages – the length and height of the long room – filled with the shoes of those who had been shipped here to die. Women’s shoes, men’s shoes, children’s shoes, by the thousands. The image haunts Mark still. Their tour guide was an English-speaking Polish woman. At the end of the tour, she said, “You might wonder why I’m doing this. My grandfather actually survived this concentration camp.” The connection came full circle when Mark was able to respond, “The reason I’m here is because my grandfather is being honored for his service in the war.” The ceremony to honor his grandfather was also moving, but in a different way. His dashing blue-eyed figure smiles down from the wall of the museum now, exuding kindness, confidence and
courage. Everyone wanted to serve under him, Mark said, because he had the fewest casualties. His grandfather Wladyslaw Arzymanow was one of the first European spies, and he held some key positions in the war. At the outbreak, he defended his hometown from the oncoming German armies. Then he acted as a courier between Hungary and Poland, helping the Polish Resistance. He joined the newly formed Polish armed forces in Syria and saw front-line action in North Africa, including Tobruk. Then he was assigned to the Italian campaign actively involved in the battles for Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna. By the end of the war, he was the youngest major in the Polish Army. He was twice awarded the Cross of Valour (equivalent to the U.S. Purple Heart). The flag ceremony at the military church was all in Polish, so Mark couldn’t understand much, but it was beautiful – and impressive, with national media coming to cover it, and the church packed to overflowing. “They definitely haven’t forgotten World War II. It’s in their culture. They’re survivors,” said Mark. “It’s very hard for us to understand.” Looking back, Mark says he would strongly recommend reaching out to family in the Old Country, wherever that might be. “I would just say meeting new family members and not letting language be a barrier was a neat experience,” he said. Above all, the visit to Majdanek was a powerful eye-opener. “Visiting that death camp and knowing what people went through so many years ago…. It’s very important not to forget.”
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NEIGHBORS by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
lawellphoto.com
Shhh... Don’t Tell Pulling off a surprise
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’m not easily surprised. Over the years I have been the guest of honor at a couple of surprise parties, and each time I knew about it in advance. Pulling it off takes planning and scheming and, perhaps most important, a guest list of people who can keep their mouths shut. On the day of one of my foiled surprise parties, people were acting strangely, and someone actually suggested I change clothes into something nicer before going out. Another time, my husband had no choice but to ruin the surprise because my girlfriends planned my birthday party for the same night I was planning to attend a work function. Both times I played along, and I guess my acting skills are above average because everyone seemed to fall for my shocked and bewildered face, and the parties were great. Not everyone wants to be surprised, though. One Buzz resident (who insisted she remain anonymous for fear of appearing ungrateful and annoying her friends) says that her surprise 40th birthday party was one of the worst days of her life. As a self-confessed control freak, she nearly panicked upon entering the party doors. “I know they meant well and spent a lot of time and effort, but I was miserable,” she said. “All I could think was how I would have done things differently if I planned the party. That’s awful of me, isn’t it?” she asked, laughing. “Surprise parties are for outgoing, spontaneous people, and I am neither.” After the initial shock wore off, she was really touched and honored that her friends cared enough to think of her. Her family and close friends were all there, and some had traveled from out of town to celebrate. It has been several years since the big party, and she finally let go of the fact she would have chosen different food and flowers, and she looks back on it almost fondly. But, she really hopes it never happens again. Control freaks aside, many people love a good surprise, and when it’s well planned, it will be a party to remember. Energy attorney Ron Oppenheimer was completely caught off guard 10 years ago when his wife, Liz, surprised him with a 50th birthday party. He was in New York City to speak at a professional event, and when it was over he headed to the airport to catch his flight back to Houston.
A SURPRISE TO REMEMBER After Ron Oppenheimer’s wife, Liz, surprised him with a 50th birthday party, he later surprised her for her birthday with a scrapbook of memories.
Ron boarded the plane and made his way back to his seat without paying attention to the other passengers. As he put his carry-on bag in the overhead compartment, someone asked, “Can I help you with that?” Ron looked up, and it was one of his dear friends. Then, another friend a couple of rows back simply said, “Hi, Ron.” He was confused, and while trying to figure out why these people were on his flight, several other friends stood up from their seats to greet him. “At that point they all said, ‘Happy birthday!’ and I figured it out,” Ron said. The flight attendant brought them champagne, and the party weekend began. Liz was in Houston and waited patiently to see if her planning had paid off. “He had no clue,” she said. The Oppenheimers had recently moved from New York to Houston, and Liz wanted to do something special for Ron, since he was one of the first in their group of friends to turn 50. “Everyone wanted to visit us in Houston, so I figured this was the perfect way to do it,” said Liz. A limousine took Ron and the New York guests from the airport to the Oppenheimers’ house for a catered dinner of Texas barbecue. The next day, the men went golfing, and the women took a cooking class and then went to a spa. On the second night, Ron and Liz treated everyone to dinner at Americas, which was
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Ron’s favorite restaurant at the time. The birthday weekend ended with Sunday brunch, and then the New Yorkers headed back east. The whole weekend was perfect, and Ron was completely shocked. “His friends mean an awful lot to him and to both of us. Ron has known some of them since he was 5 years old,” Liz said. “We are very fortunate to have a long, long list of friends.” When Liz turned 60, Ron took the opportunity to plan a surprise of his own. The Oppenheimers’ daughters, Jessica and Sara, came up with the idea to create a scrapbook for their mom. They bought scrapbook pages and mailed them with return envelopes to about 60 friends, asking each to create a page for Liz. The pages were filled with pictures, stories, poems and notes that Ron, Jessica and Sara assembled into a scrapbook to give the birthday girl. “The pages were beautiful, creative, hilarious, and some were very touching,” said Ron. “There were so many memories and so much love from all parts of her life.” When it comes to parties, if throwing a surprise one is on your mind, then plan well in advance and hope that people keep quiet. And if the honoree happens to find out in advance, ask her to practice her surprised face, and no one will ever know – until she writes about it in a magazine.
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NEIGHBORS by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Ninja Warriors Running down life’s obstacles
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s Charlotte Eccles stood on the high platform, she felt ready. Along with about 100 others, she was about to compete on American Ninja Warrior. She looked at the giant obstacle course ahead. She would have to jump, climb, hang, throw her tiny body at impossible tasks, reaching for every remaining shred of mental and physical strength. Her dentist-husband Scott and daughters Addison and Caroline were standing on the sidelines watching. She had been practicing for months for this moment. For an instant, she was overcome with déjà vu. Only two and a half years earlier, she had been asleep in surgery as doctors removed a rare tumor on a nerve in her brain. She awoke like a small child again. She couldn’t walk, talk, eat on her own or barely even spit out toothpaste. If you had visited Charlotte in her hospital room back then, and told her she’d be competing in a physical contest on television in front of millions of viewers, she wouldn’t have believed you. American Ninja Warrior has a loyal following and a tight-knit community of past and present warriors. In the hour-long show, athletes of all types tackle challenging, complicated obstacles in a timed course. The winners from each region advance to the next level. Charlotte – along with another Houston woman, mom-of-four Lisa Livingston Eicher – were among the lucky few whose applications and submission videos were chosen by the show’s producers. The pair trained together at “Ninja” gym Iron Sports in Willowbrook. The episode featuring them (or at least it’s supposed to – only around 25 competitors of the 100 will actually make the episode) airs this month, at 7 p.m. on NBC on June 19.
Charlotte Petite and fit, Charlotte embodies the look of physical health. That came crashing down in 2014 when she was diagnosed with the vestibu-
lar schwannoma, a rare tumor on the main nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain. She flew to California for the complicated 6-hour surgery to remove it. Possible outcomes included deafness, facial paralysis and balance deficits. She awoke with a swollen face and learned the doctors had had to completely sever her balance nerve. She spent the next month in intensive rehab before returning to Houston for three more months of physical therapy in Houston. Eccles said she NINJA FAMILIES Top: Charlotte Eccles, here with husband Scott and daughters stayed grounded in Caroline and Addison, competed on American Ninja Warrior after recovering from a her faith. “I want- brain tumor. Bottom: The Eicher family cheered on Ninja Lisa as she competed – from left: Archie, dad Joey, Radko, mom Lisa, Sevy and Ace. The episode with both women ed to use my hard- airs June 19. ship for God’s ing her, and little by little, she learned how to glory,” she said. Her family has a non-profit regain control of her body. Parr saw potential in organization in Africa called Chicks for her to be a “Ninja Warrior.” Children (chicksforchildren.org), which helps Charlotte took his suggestion. She walked feed children. Before her surgery, she had visited into Iron Sports and said she thought, “This is Africa to help. Her passion for helping others where I am going to take back everything the had to quickly shift to helping herself. tumor has stolen from me.” Luckily, she understood the rehab process She had to work extra hard to learn about her since she was a pediatric physical therapist herown body’s athleticism, too. “I have not done self. “I tried to go back to work. I realized I anything athletic in my whole life,” said wasn’t ready to do my job. I was struggling. I Charlotte. “Well, I did a mud run. I didn’t play thought, ‘How can I help other kids with their sports in high school.” balance if I can’t balance?’” Grip strength is an important aspect of the She started additional outpatient rehab at competition. Often, the competitors have to susSpero Rehab. There, she met her future Ninja pend in mid air and support their entire body Warrior trainer, Jonathan Parr. He started train-
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Kathleen Pieratt Photography
Buzz-area moms Charlotte Eccles and Lisa Eicher competed in San Antonio this March on the NBC TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” The episode is scheduled to run 7 p.m. June 19.
Dylan Aguilar
Dylan Aguilar Dylan Aguilar
NINJA TRAINING Top left: Lisa Eicher swings from a bar to work on grip strength. Top right: Lisa (left) and Charlotte Eccles trained together for up to three hours a day. Bottom left: Charlotte practices on a flying-disks obstacle.
weight by just the grip of their hand. Balance is also important, with difficult tasks like navigating rolling logs and rotating, jerky balance bridges. Even though the competition is over now (she’s not allowed to share details until the air date), Charlotte said she still trains every day to maintain what she worked so hard to earn. She wore a shirt during the competition that said, “What if you fly?” It was taken from her favorite poem, by Erin Hanson, that reads: “And you ask, What if I fall? Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” Charlotte said she wants to keep training and compete on the show again next year. “It’s been an incredible journey, but full of hope,” she said.
Lisa Lisa Eicher tried out for Ninja Warrior after her 9-year-old daughter, Ace, begged her to. They are big fans of the show, along with the rest of the family: Memorial High School sweetheart-husband Joey, 13-year-old Archie and Sevy, 3-year-old Radko and the family’s 3-legged dog, Pip. Archie and Sevy, who have Down Syndrome, were adopted at ages 7 and 12, respectively, from Bulgaria through a ministry
called Reece’s Rainbow. Lisa, with her big smile and boy-short haircut, has 11,000 Instagram followers (@eicherumba) who keep track of her posts. Through social media, she shares daily moments and life as a mom of four and of special-needs children. She said she wanted to use American Ninja Warrior as a platform to raise awareness for the Down Syndrome and the adoption communities. She was watching the show one night when Ace turned to her and said, “Mommy, you should compete on that.” “I was completely out of shape. I couldn’t hang from a bar or do a pullup,” she said. Ace persisted. “One night when I was going to sleep, I thought, how cool would that be if I could show my kids that if I work hard enough, that you can [accomplish] a wild and crazy dream.” Unlike Charlotte, Lisa had played many sports growing up, including softball in high school. She just needed to get back into shape and learn how to do the obstacles. Sounds easy, right? Not so much. Lisa and Charlotte trained for up to three hours a day at popular Ninja competitor Sam Sann’s gym, Iron Sports. The gym offers strength,
conditioning, cardio and obstacle training. “Your hands get completely torn up,” said Lisa. “That’s the tough part, working through the pain because so much is with your hands, but you have to keep going.” The women trained with Sann, as well as Houston trainer and Ninja competitor Brandi Monteverde. The preparation involved bodyweight training, rock climbing and pull ups, lots of them. They had muscle aches and exhaustion. In addition, they had to be lined up on time for carpool each day to pick up their kids in Memorial. Lisa said she used her kids as her inspiration: “the fact that every day, everything is an uphill battle” for Sevy and Archie. “Archie just learned after 5 years how to pump his legs on a swing. They inspired me that way.” She promotes her training slogan, “Ninjas Don’t Count Chromosomes,” on social media and T-shirts. She wore one during the competition, too. Lisa said the highlight of the whole journey was seeing her four kids jumping up and down with excitement during the competition. “I remember just standing there and taking it all in. I had made it.”
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KIDS by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer
Class of 2017 Where are they headed?
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Madison Heeg
hey’ve walked across the stage, flipped their tassels and tossed their caps. Now they’re ready – or ready enough – for new academic and life adventures. Once again, as part of our annual tradition, we asked our graduating neighbors to share their plans with us. What are they most looking forward to? What advice would they give their kindergarten selves if they could?
Lindsay Brink – River Oaks Elementary School, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Lindsay Brink will head to the University of Georgia to study Political Science. She hopes to become a lawyer one day. Lindsay is looking forward to meeting new people, becoming involved in many activities, learning about things she’s passionate about and continuing to play tennis. If she could, she’d tell her younger self: “Never let anyone stop you from doing what you’re passionate about in life.” Catherine Craft – St. John’s School, River Oaks Baptist School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Catherine Craft’s dream job is to work for an intergovernmental organization such as the United Nations or a non-governmental organization such as Amnesty International to “make a difference regarding human rights.” She will begin the next chapter of her life at Texas Christian University and will study Political Science – International Relations. If she could, she’d advise her kindergarten self to be kind to everyone and make friends with many people “because that is definitely the best way to navigate life,” she says.
Lindsay Brink
Tori Brooks – T.H. Rogers School, Alexander-Smith Academy Tori Brooks will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston this fall. She’s looking forward to being in a new kind of school environment. If she could, she’d tell her kindergarten self to continue working hard through life’s obstacles.
Kate Steelman will go to Texas A&M University where she plans to major in Allied Health. She’s most looking forward to the football games at Kyle Field as an Aggie. Her dream job would be to become a travel nurse, where she could serve people through medicine and travel all over the world. If she could, she’d urge her kindergarten self to take naps – “you won’t have time to sleep when you are older,” she’d say.
Greyson Crosswell is heading to the University of Mississippi and he’s most looking forward to making new friends, learning to live without his parents and, of course, no curfew. He feels lucky his friends have been best friends for so many years, and he said he had the most fun times playing golf with friends after school. If he could, he’d advise his kindergarten self to always be a kind person and cherish friendships.
Kate Steelman – Grace School, Second Baptist School
Greyson Crosswell – The Kinkaid School, Spring Branch Middle School, The Tenney School
Fernanda Nunes – Lincoln School (Argentina), Colegio (continued on page 16)
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Freeman Photography
Margaret Rotan Photography
Tori Brooks Margaret Rotan Photography
Marlo Wise Photography
Catherine Craft
Greyson Crosswell
Fernanda Nunes
Harris Cooley
Fred Keinz
Kate Steelman
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Nikki Guest Photography
Abbie Seay (continued from page 14) Teresiano (Brazil), The
Village School Fernanda Nunes will head to Cornell University, where she’ll study Nutritional Sciences. She’s looking forward to meeting other students who are also passionate about nutrition. Her dream job would be to work for the World Health Organization to implement required nutrition courses in high schools and medical schools. If she could, she’d tell her kindergarten self to continue to have as much fun as possible. Harris Cooley – Bunker Hill Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School Harris Cooley is excited to study Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University next year – the college he has wanted to go to his entire life. His dream job would be to become a famous musician. If he could, he’d tell his kindergarten self: “Have as much fun as a kid as you can.” Abbie Seay – The Briarwood School “Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to color inside the lines,” Abbie Seay would tell her kindergarten self. She’d also advise her younger self to appreciate watching cartoons during breakfast in the mornings. Next year, she’s heading to Texas Tech University where she’ll study Human Development and Family
Studies. Her dream job is to become a Child Life Specialist. Abigail Hepburn – Grace School, Houston Christian High School Abigail Hepburn will head off to the University of Arkansas, where she’ll study Psychology. She’s most looking forward to joining a sorority in college. “I can't think of a better way to belong in an extended family away from home,” she says. Her dream job would be to become a child psychologist one day. Alexa Spolane – Memorial Drive Elementary School, The Emery/Weiner School Alexa Spolane will head to the University of Missouri to study Psychology in the fall. Her dream is to work at a fashion magazine one day. She’s most excited to branch out in college and meet new, lifelong friends; her dad met his best friends in his college fraternity and she hopes to do the same in a future sorority. If she could advise her kindergarten self, she’d say: “Don’t ever stop being goofy.” Emily Pedrick – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. John’s School Emily Pedrick is heading to Columbia University in the fall to study Biology. Her dream job would be head of pediatrics at a hospital. She’s most looking forward to “learning as
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much as possible” in college and, if she could give her kindergarten self any advice, she’d say: “Never give up on your dreams.” Ella Morgan – West University Elementary School, The Kinkaid School Ella Morgan is heading to Boston University, where she’ll study Communications. Her dream job would be an editor of a fashion/music magazine one day. She’s most looking forward to being on her own in a new city with new people next year. “BU is a city school so I think I’ll learn a lot about myself and be able to grow a lot in four years,” she says. If she could chat with her kindergarten self, she’d tell her: “Blame your brother for everything.” Katherine Hasley – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. John’s School Katherine Hasley will attend Washington University in St. Louis this fall as part of the Olin Business School, studying Marketing and Finance. She’s most looking forward to taking interesting classes in college and being on Wash U’s track team. If she could, she’d tell her kindergarten self: “Enjoy the ride. It went by a lot faster than anticipated.” Will Erwin – Condit Elementary School, Trafton Academy, Lamar High School “Embrace your personal- (continued on page 18)
Emily Pedrick
Katherine Hasley Kristi Coffey
Cindy Crofford
Margaret Rotan Photography
Margaret Rotan Photography
Abigail Hepburn Alexa Spolane
Ella Morgan
Will Erwin
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Natural Expressions
Monique Montoya@JOIE
Hannah Woulfe
Alexanders' Fine Portrait Design
Ashlon Lusk Ben Guidry
Jacob Lawyer
Elizabeth Berquist (continued from page 16) ity,” Will Erwin would
encourage his kindergarten self. Next year, he’ll head to the University of Houston to study Kinesiology. He’s most looking forward to the independence that college will afford him. His dream job is to become a football player. Jacob Lawyer – River Oaks Baptist School, Episcopal High School Jacob Lawyer’s dream is to be president of the United States in 2040. But first, he’ll attend college at Southern Methodist University and plans to study Political Science and International Studies with a minor in both Chinese Language and Computer Science Analytics. Next year, he’s most looking forward to the freedom to choose his own path of study. If he could, he’d tell his kindergarten self: “Be a friend to everyone.” Ashlon Lusk – Briargrove Elementary School, T.H. Rogers School, Bellaire High School
Deborah Brown If she could, Ashlon Lusk would encourage her younger self to cherish all of her friendships. She says when she went from elementary to middle to high school, she stayed in touch with all of her friends even if they didn’t continue on to school with her. She hopes when she heads to college at Louisiana State University, she continues to keep in touch with friends from kindergarten through senior year. She’ll study Journalism and dreams of becoming a successful broadcast journalist. Elizabeth Berquist – West University Elementary School, Presbyterian School, St. Agnes Academy Elizabeth Berquist will study Neuroscience at Indiana University Bloomington and hopes to become a neurosurgeon one day. She’s most looking forward to meeting new people, taking new classes, independence and starting a new chapter in life. If she could, she’d tell her
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younger self to be proud of herself while also being supportive of those around her. “Make as many friends as possible,” she’d say. “And keep reading!” Deborah Brown – Robert M. Beren Academy Deborah Brown will head to University of Maryland, College Park, where she’ll major in Business Analytics. Her dream job is to become a proofreader or editor one day. If she could, she’d tell her kindergarten self: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help! And don’t let homework stress you out.”
MORE ONLINE To find out where more local 2017 grads are heading to college – and to learn more, about their inspirational teachers and funny memories – see thebuzzmagazines.com. Also, check out – and contribute to, if you haven’t yet – this year’s database of college-bound seniors, at thebuzzmagazines.com/high-school-graduates.
NEIGHBORS
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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Walk on down. It was a perfect spring evening for neighbors to walk to the party on their street. Jan Bartholomew and Dave Wood opened their home for the annual Tangle Lane Spring Party. The home had been under extensive remodeling, evolving from “traditional” to “soft contemporary.” The crown molding disappeared, along with arched partitions, as a new custom-designed, glass room divider and “cracked”-glass bar added awe. The partiers toured the home before partaking in frozen daiquiris and wine. The planning-committee members who provided appetizers were Sue Howe, Susan Wise, Liz Andrews, Michelle Hosko, Connie Reddy and Vicky Dyer-Smith. Sally Salners and future residents Jill King and Kelly and Nick Silvers were in the mix. Stylish. There are many sides to Amy Grenader when it comes to costume parties. She’s a whiz at putting costumes together when she goes to a themed party, but buying them on Amazon is easier these days. However, when she turned 65, it was in her own big style with 40 friends, hosted by hubby Aron Grenader, at Oporto Fooding House and Wine. A few cutouts of Amy in costumes were conversation pieces. Debby Stanton gave Amy five awards, kiddingly, from Amazon Prime, Facebook and a few more notables where Amy “hangs” out. Some of Amy’s childhood friends were there, including Susan Adams and Jane (McGee) Walla, who came in from Waller. Ole Miss and TCU grads. While Rebecca Bertrand was watching football (Ole Miss v. Texas A&M) in 2012 with the Houston Rebel Club at Jackson’s Watering Hole in Montrose, she met Bill Adler, there with his friends. They found they had racquetball in common, and that was the beginning of the “court”ship. In July 2016 in Aspen, Bill proposed during a hike at Maroon Bells, when Rebecca stopped to take a shot of the scenery. On 2-1717 they were married in an intimate Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church by Father Juan Torres, with a dinner hosted by Jim and Deborah Adler for 70 at the St. Regis. The next night, Byron and Ginger Bertrand threw a celebratory reception for 350 at The Junior League of Houston, and
Cracked Fox Photography
Rumor Has It
PARTY KEPT GOING Neal Reisman and Liebe Ostrow Miller (from left) celebrated at their wedding afterparty with host Barney Kogen.
Sybil Roos, grandmother of the bride, gave a farewell brunch. The couple honeymooned on Maui, where they had a whale of a time driving the coast spotting the large mammals. Two-hour brunch. Sky High Foundation hosted the second annual “Ladies Who Brunch” to raise $55,000 (net) for Texas Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A silent auction with upbeat DJ music and spring fashions entertained patrons at Hughes Manor before Stephanie Carroll, mother of a child with leukemia, inspired them with her family’s experience. Guest speaker Lara Trump, who recently announced her pregnancy, spoke of her friendship with Sky High founder Brittany Hebert and why she is so passionate about pediatric cancer research. Clean your plate. The Thread Alliance and founder Sheila Aron welcomed 50-plus to Taverna in the River Oaks District for the Blue Plate Special Kick Off Party. Guests were inspired to join the 5th Annual Blue Plate Special, a month-long citywide fundraising campaign to raise awareness of child abuse. On display was I'm Glad I'm Me: Weaving the Thread of Love from Generation to Generation, a book Sheila wrote. A drawing included gift cards from Uchi and El Tiempo. Supporters were Roy Murray, Vivian and Stanley Lipman, Joyce and
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Dr. Gary Nimetz, Sarna Sunshine, Carolyn Solar and Taverna manager Daniele Muratori. No reason. Jill Reichman, for the fun of it, hosted girlfriends for a brisket dinner and game of Sparked. Sandi Selzer-Bryant, Rhonda Glick, Frances Rubin and yours truly answered questions with shocking answers, much to everyone’s surprise. Jill’s recipe of Diet Cokesoaked brisket was shared with one person in New Orleans, and now the whole city is rumored to have it. She is cooking lamb chops for the next group. Cheers! Last year Neal Reisman proposed to Liebe Ostrow Miller while they were on an exotic trip to Asia. He could barely keep it a surprise as he was so excited to pop the question. They had an intimate family wedding Feb. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton on the beach in Naples, Florida. Since they wanted to share the joy with friends, a celebratory party was held at friend Barney and Lynn Kogen’s home for 80-plus people in April. Tunes played on the outdoor veranda while friends admired the rolling grounds and toasted Neal and Liebe during the beautiful night.
MORE ONLINE See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for additional photos. Have some good news to share? Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 21
KIDS
by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz Baby
Dads and daughters
Buzz Baby is a column about babies from the perspective of a mom of three, including twin toddlers and a newborn.
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Rachel Fuqua Photography
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n addition to our boy, Cash, we have two daughters now – Lila, Cash’s twin, who is almost 3, and Georgia, who was born in January. I love watching my husband, Tyler, brush Lila’s hair and pick out baby dolls with her. He rocks at being a “girl dad,” especially considering he has little experience, with two brothers and no sisters. He has even mastered putting bows in Lila’s hair. This month we celebrate Father’s Day, so I thought it would be fun to hear from other Buzzarea men about what it’s like to be a dad to a girl. Will Klinke, principal at Total Wealth Partners, became a first-time father a little earlier than he and his wife, Justine, had planned. Justine, who is vice president of real estate investments and development for Forestar Group Inc., was pregnant with identical-twin girls in 2015. The girls decided to come very early, at 24 weeks and 2 days, on Nov. 18, 2015. Collier weighed in at just 1 pound, 6 ounces, and Palmer weighed in at only 1 ounce more. They were called micro-preemies, and they lived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children’s Hospital for six months. It was a bumpy ride full of tears and surgeries, and Will said he remembers the day doctors delivered good news. “I can remember the day that we were told [the girls] would, in fact, be coming home to us. It was only a matter of when.” Many new fathers spend the early days on the couch at home, swaddling and changing diapers. Will’s experience was vastly different. “I can remember the countless days and nights in the NICU, staring at numbers flashing on a monitor,” said Will. “[There were] times when we weren’t sure if God had picked the right parents for them. It has been a trying experience, but it is also something so phenomenal that words can’t express.” The girls came home on the same day, on April 12, 2016. They have grown so much since then and are happy and healthy. “It is fascinating to watch them learn and to discover the world around them,” said Will, “particularly
when their first six months were spent in the hospital.” His favorite moment as a dad may seem insignificant to others. “Earlier this year, I had been out of town for one day. It was one of the longest times since the girls had been born that I was away from them. When I got home, they were crawling around in our den and Justine was on the floor playing with them. I shouted, “Girls!” They both stopped what SUGAR AND SPICE Will Klinke’s first days as dad to his identical-twin, prematurely they were doing, born daughters were spent in the hospital. Now he makes breakfast for his family and in an instant every morning. they were at my collection, read to them by Dad. feet.” Justine said that’s the fastest she has ever “It is the cutest thing to see my girls look forseen the girls crawl. ward to this every week,” said Tom’s wife, Will said he enjoys making breakfast of Jennifer, a calligrapher. “He also works from scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes home – we have a guest house, which has his and also making early-morning donut and coffee office – and every day after school, he comes runs. “Our girls are not the best sleepers, but seeinside for 20 minutes or so to talk to each girl ing them in the morning even after a rough about her day. He treats being a father like a night is a great start to the day. I’m starting to privilege, not a job.” earn my stripes as a short-order cook.” Tom said being a dad to girls has broadened Another dad, Tom McDonald, enjoys a simhis knowledge base. “My football knowledge has ple yet special tradition with his girls. McDonald, gone way down, but my My Little Pony knowlowner of M. Chemical Co., has three daughters, edge has gone way up.” twins Margo and Emily, 6, and Betsy, who is 8. Ever since Betsy was a small child, he has taken her on a “daddy-daughter” date night every How do you plan to celebrate Father’s Day this Friday night. He introduced the twins to the tramonth? What stands out about a father you know? dition when they were toddlers, too. Email info@thebuzzmagazines.com or comment Most Friday nights, Tom can be found with under this article at thebuzzmagazines.com. For his three girls eating dinner at Southwell’s more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com for Hamburger Grill. They stop for dessert at TCBY writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, and finally, at Barnes and Noble to pick up their “Mommy Moments.” favorite books, including the full Harry Potter
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TRAVEL
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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz
Father-son journeys
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dolescence is not an easy time to stay close as a family. Schedules are filled to bursting, and relationships can strain as young people seek to individuate. And for many teenage sons, it’s just cooler to hang out with friends than with Dad. For fathers keen to nurture those bonds and keep communication strong, there’s nothing better than hitting the road together.
Farming, fly-fishing and fellowship The Groppes began their father-son travels on the weekends when Henry, now a junior at Memorial High School, was a little boy. The family would travel to the farm that’s been in the family since 1874, founded by Hans’ greatgrandfather, a Texas pioneer who immigrated from Germany when he was 15. “My grandfather grew up on that farm and so did my father, so I have always had a sense that that’s just what you do when you have a son and you’re a father,” recalls Hans. “You spend time together, and it really doesn’t matter what you’re doing.” A shared love of nature led the family to Jackson Hole in 1977, and they’ve been going ever since. Their first father-son trip was when Henry was in eighth grade, when Hans taught Henry to fly fish. It became a shared passion. “The thing about fly fishing is that it’s a real challenge,” said Hans, an oil and gas producer and investment manager. “So that’s what I enjoyed, putting that challenge to him, and he was very eager about it.” The pair began exploring Wyoming, Montana and Idaho on fly-fishing trips every chance they got. “My personal belief is that there is no substitute for spending time with your son in order to share your values and love with him as your role as a father. And then when you combine that with doing something that’s mentally and physically challenging and surrounded by nature – that’s as good as it gets.” During Spring Break of Henry’s sophomore year, they were ready for something new. “After doing those freshwater fishing trips we wanted to pump it up a notch, so we went to the Yucatan,” Henry said. The two of them flew to the island of Cozumel in Mexico and learned to
TOGETHERNESS ON THE RIVER Hans and Henry Groppe enjoy their shared passion for fly fishing on the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
scuba dive. Henry passed with flying colors, according to Hans, and they dove in the caves and the Palancar Reef. Then they went to the mangrove flats, where Henry quickly caught his first bonefish on a fly rod. Henry had organized the trip himself, as his father proudly tells it. Hans says he feels fortunate to have a relationship with his son. “We’re thick as thieves,” he said with a laugh. “I admire him so much, and I tell him so.” More seriously, he added, “A 16 year old with his father and it’s just the two of you for a week at that age – I think it says a lot about our relationship.” Henry advises his friends to travel with their fathers. “I tell them, you should hang out with your dad because once you go off to college you’re going to be gone.”
On the Hemingway Trail Antonio Benavides started going to the remote north coast of his native Peru when he was 12 with his uncle, staying in Cabo Blanco, a fishing village that became famous in the 1950s. Houston oil magnate and sports fisherman Alfred Glassell, Jr. landed a 1,000-pound black marlin in 1952, and the place soon became a fisherman’s legend and a playground of Hollywood stars and millionaires. Ernest Hemingway filmed the movie adapta-
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tion of his last novel, The Old Man and the Sea, in this spot, and by some accounts he landed a 910-pounder during his time here. By the time young Antonio arrived on the scene, the massive marlins had been fished out. It was still a wild and beautiful coast with extraordinary sport fishing, however, and he and his uncle went up to the spot, 750 miles north of his family home in Lima, every chance they got. As luck would have it, his future wife, Alexia, had even deeper roots in the area, with a family mango farm nearby and a cousin with a resort in Máncora, to the north. So the new family began vacationing there, and Antonio’s son Aurelio was 6 weeks old during his first visit. Aurelio and his sister Arabella spent summers with their grandparents in Peru learning Spanish, and Aurelio visited for a few times as he was growing up. But he longed to go out on the open sea, to go after the big fish that he’d heard about. And last year he finally got to do it. In December, 17 years after that long-ago trip, Aurelio and Antonio joined with some guy friends for a father-son fishing trip in Máncora. For Aurelio, now 17 himself, it’s one he will long remember. These days the rich and famous have found other haunts, but Máncora has grown popular with surfers, backpackers and adventurers. A few nice boutique hotels and an array of top-notch international and seafood restaurants give the
A NIGHT WITH THE NATIONALS Howie and Sammy Gerber, from left, enjoy the first of an East-Coast series of ball games at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
town variety, and the world’s best ceviche, according to Antonio. And the fishing, while no longer the phenomenon of the Hemingway days, is still excellent, nourished by the cold waters of the Humboldt Current from the south mixing with the tropical El Niño current from the north. They fished for two days, floating alongside sea turtles and dolphins, seeing whales in the the distance. The first day they went about 20 miles out but only caught three yellowfin tuna,” Antonio said. The next day they headed out nearly 70 miles to an undersea plateau known as the Banco de Máncora. They saw the fins of the marlins in the distance, but didn’t catch any; in fact, coming up on 3 p.m., they hadn’t caught anything. “The captain was turning around; we were already 80 miles out – and then he saw a big school of tuna,” said Aurelio. “In the space of about 2 hours we caught 47 of them.” They ended up giving fish to the entire crew and hotel staff, and still had a whole cooler’s worth of filets to take back to Lima – enough to treat the extended family to a splendid tuna tartar on Christmas Day. Their travels alone – or with other guys – are important, they say, to do things the girls wouldn’t want to do. To Aurelio, escaping civilization is part of the charm. “Actually it’s a lot less stressful,” he said. The women tend to need a lot more time for organizing and packing, he noted. “With guys, you can just get up and go.” And for Antonio, the challenges are what
brings them together. In Peru there’s very little infrastructure, and without marinas, even getting into a boat can be challenging at times. “I enjoy exposing my kids to different things than what we are used to in the States, where everything is spelled out and safe and sanitized to the max… It’s more adventuresome, which means more risks in some ways. It’s not very tourist friendly, and so you bond more with each other.”
Take me out to the ball game Three years ago, Howie Gerber, a dermatologist, started a new tradition: father-son trips, beginning with his alma mater, Duke University, with Sammy, the eldest of his two boys. The occasion: a basketball game. “I am a big Duke basketball fan, and they’ve seen me be a bit of a fanatic around the house watching Duke basketball games,” said Howie. “So I decided to take Sammy with me.” Next came a trip to San Diego with Jason, now 13, when they went to Legoland, went offcoast fishing and took in a Padres game. This year, Sammy, 15, now a 10th grader at The Emery/Weiner School, had a weeklong Passover break and Jason did not, as he is in public school. “Teri put Sammy up to asking me to take him on a baseball trip,” Howie said. “He didn’t have to ask me twice.” They started with DC and a tour of the Georgetown area, where Sammy is thinking of studying. Their first game: the Washington
Nationals against the St. Louis Cardinals, at Nationals Park. “The atmosphere was really good, the fans were cool, and the park was really nice,” said Sammy. The Cardinals scored first but then the Nationals took over. Wednesday they drove to Philadelphia, where they tried some local flavor with a Philly cheese steak. Soon they made their way to Citizens Bank Park for a match between the Phillies and the New York Mets. “The fans there are not as good,” said Sammy. “Good fans don’t boo at their team when they’re doing bad.” Thursday they headed to New York, eventually ending up at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays in an exciting 3-2 match. Friday they took a day off from baseball, touring the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and Little Italy, ending with an off-Broadway show. Saturday they drove up to Boston, where they cheered on the Red Sox along with their famously loyal fans before catching a plane back to Houston. “It was really great to have almost a week dedicated to going to baseball games, and to be able to share that with my son was pretty fantastic,” said Howie. Sammy agreed. “Looking back on it, it was definitely a life-changing experience in a way. We’ll definitely put that trip in the scrapbooks.”
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FOOD by Lauren Michelle Williams, contributing writer
The Junior League of Houston
Cooking Buzz Summer block parties Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.
E
ach year, in celebration of the beginning of summer, my neighborhood hosted a huge block party. Families moved grills from the back to the front yard, and each house made favorite summer foods. Parents cooked while kids ran from house to house. Once dinner was ready, the parents walked to neighbors’ houses, trading snack-size portions and plans for the summer. Many families would cook hot dogs or hamburgers. My family, being the adventurous bunch they are, usually made something a little less traditional. Our family’s summer grill-outs almost always consisted of more than just an entrée. We had a festive drink, at least one appetizer and dessert. If I were preparing for the block party today, the Summertime Cooler and the Roasted Red Pepper Dip from Stop and Smell the Rosemary would be my choice to start to the meal. The Summertime Cooler is a refreshing citrus drink that reminds me of a slightly more complex and upscale lemonade. This drink can be prepared without alcohol as a fun drink for the kids, or it can be made with sparkling wine or vodka – also a fun drink for the adults. It is great for cooling down in the summer heat or lightly sipping throughout the evening. The Roasted Red Pepper Dip is light and airy – perfect for an evening outdoors. Depending on how much heat you would like to add to the Houston evening, you could add extra jalapeños to the recipe. The dip is best served with tortilla chips, or, my preference, assorted uncooked vegetables. The Grilled Pizzas from Peace Meals are another good choice. Although preparation work is required on a surface other than a grill, the dough and pizza itself are grilled. This recipe is great for large gatherings because it makes four to six pizzas. Guests could make the pizzas to their liking, or the host could feature a variety of favorites. Then it’s on to Cookies and Cream
Cheesecake from Stop and Smell the Rosemary for dessert. One of my favorite desserts is cheesecake, any kind of cheesecake. Oreo Cookies are not far behind, and this dessert pairs the two. The EVERYTHING CAN BE GRILLED The Grilled Pizzas from Peace Meals can be a fun choice for a summer block party. Guests can choose toppings, or you can pick cheesecake is cool your favorites – host’s prerogative. but creamy and sheet covered with cornmeal. Lightly oil the grill can easily be sliced into bite-size pieces for and heat to medium-high. Place the dough on serving a larger group. the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly puffed. Flip and cook until the crust is Grilled Pizzas crisp, about 5 minutes more. Top with desired From Peace Meals toppings (see below), return to grill and cook just 1½ cups warm water until warmed. Makes 4 to 6 individual pizzas. 2 .25-ounce envelopes active dry yeast, or 2 scant tablespoons Optional toppings: 1 Tablespoon sugar Margherita Pizza: 3 Tablespoons olive oil Garlic-infused olive oil 3½ cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus extra 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ½ cup whole wheat flour 2-3 fresh Roma tomatoes, sliced 1 Tablespoon coarse salt ½ cup fresh basil chiffonade Cornmeal Lightly oil a large bowl and set aside. Combine the water, yeast, sugar and olive oil in a large bowl; carefully whisk to combine. Let stand for several minutes until the yeast dissolves. Add both types of flour and the salt, and mix well. This can be done with a stand mixer or by hand. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes, sprinkling with additional flour as needed. When the dough is ready, place in the oiled bowl and turn to coat; cover with a towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place. Let rise until about double in size, about 30 minutes. Punch down and divide the dough into 4 to 6 equal parts, roll into balls and place on a baking sheet. Cover with a warm, damp towel, return to a warm place and allow the dough to rest for at least 15 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll and stretch each ball into an 8- to 10-inch circle and place on a baking
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Pear, Arugula and Truffle Oil: 2 cups fresh arugula Garlic-infused olive oil 3 ounces goat cheese, softened ½ pear, cored and sliced Truffle oil Rustic Chicken Pesto Pizza: ½ cup prepared basil pesto 1 cup cooked shredded chicken ½ cup roasted red bell peppers 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese To buy a Houston Junior League cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.
MORE ONLINE For other recipes mentioned in this story, see thebuzzmagazines.com.
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DINING
by Dai Huynh, staff writer
Chef’s Corner
Ho Chee Boon
Find out about your favorite chefs in our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews chef Ho Chee Boon.
W
hen your restaurant is awarded a Michelin Star, it is a sign that you've succeeded at the highest level as a chef. Yauatcha chef Ho Chee Boon doesn't believe in the stars, at least not the astrological kind. "You really believe that if you're born in the Year of the Ox then you'll be stubborn and hardworking?" the 44 year old asked. "No, I don't believe. It would mean that everyone born that year will have the same traits." Chef Ho, born in 1973, the Year of the Ox, is, without a doubt hardworking, a tad stubborn and a good leader. He oversees 47 chefs at the Galleria's Yauatcha (5045 Westheimer Road). And that's just the Houston location. The Michelin-starred toque with an easy smile and serious brown eyes is the international-development chef of more than a dozen restaurant concepts. They belong to the Hakkasan Group, which operates one of the most famous modern Chinese restaurants, Hakkasan, with locations in the Middle East, China, the United States, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, Yauatcha opened in Honolulu. But Houston is the first mainland location, with plans to open more around the country. Sitting down to chat, the boyish Chef Ho scans the kitchen. "I want to hire more chefs," he said. "We're doing about 400 covers a day." The Yauatcha in Soho, London received a star from the Michelin Guide, which described it as "high-quality cooking, worth a stop!" Houstonians are doing that. Yauatcha (pronounced yow-atcha) is booked through the summer but accepts walk-ins. Granted, it's hit or miss. The bar is a safer option, and you might squeeze in on a sluggish Tuesday night. The panoramic view of Yauatcha’s open kitchen feels mystical, with chefs in their pearly whites, engulfed in steam. Ho's team starts at 7 a.m. "I work 15-hour days," he said. Helen Chuong places a pale jade-colored teapot in front of Ho and pours golden Anxi Tie Kuan roasted ooglong. "It has a fragrant nose of honey
and lilac," noted the 23-year-old barista. "It's my favorite." Back in ancient times, travelers along the Silk Road would stop for a light repast of yum cha, or tea and dim sum, which means small bites that "touch the heart." What HO CHEE BOON Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon oversees an award-winning is dim sum like in menu at dim sum house Yauatcha at The Galleria. China these days? What should I order at Yauatcha? There are Tea is still a big part of dim sum. Here, at more than 66 menu items, not to mention the Yauatcha, we offer more than 24 kinds of teas. French desserts. In Houston, the restaurant is busiest at night, We use only fresh seafood here. The shrimp but in China, dim sum is enjoyed mainly in the is from the Gulf of Mexico. At other locations, morning. we use imported tiger prawn, but not here, so I Your parents are Chinese, but where were would try the shrimp har gau or the Phoenix tail you born? Do you have brothers and sisters? shrimp sui mai dumplings. I can also recommend I was born in a small town, Taiping, in the XO scallop dumpling and the pork dumpling Malaysia. I come from a large family: eight soup. The venison or roasted duck pumpkin puff brothers and one sister. I was No. 9. I started in are popular. the kitchen very young, washing dishes. I was 8. A Chinese friend of mine wants to order But I wanted to work. Nobody made me. The your famous Peking duck, the one that sells restaurant turned me away at first. The next day, for more than $200. Really? I just stood there. Finally, they said OK. Don't judge until you try it. It's very special. In 2012, you moved to the United States to It's a whole duck served in two courses. The first open Hakkasan New York. Eight months later course comes with Tsar Nicoulai Reserve caviar. it was awarded the Michelin star. Your mother The second one is stir-fried with XO or blackmust have been proud of her son with not just bean sauce. It's been a hit in Houston. In one, but two Michelin restaurants. London, we may get two orders a day. Here, we Mom asked, "What is this Michelin star?" It's get three or four. nice. But I never think, “Now you're a famous chef.” I just want to work and to visit my mother Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh for two months every year. She's the most is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and important person in my life. longtime Houston-based restaurant writer. What's with the tea house at Yauatcha? The ceiling is black with tiny, twinkling lights. Are they supposed to be stars? See thebuzzmagazines.com/restaurants for This restaurant is modeled exactly like the restaurant listings. Use the restaurant finder to one in London, which is in this very dark basesearch by area, cuisine and price. Leave a comment ment, so we needed to do something to make it online or write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with brighter. You see the blue lit wall over there. In your dining stories and suggestions. London, it's a fish tank.
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 28
MORE ONLINE
DINING
by Dai Huynh, staff writer
This Month in Dining C
hefs are dubbing it the farm-to-terminal trend. These days, travelers in an airport can sample creations from James Beard Award-winning chefs. Take Hugo Ortega, this year's winner of Best Chef Southwest, who opened Hugo’s Cocina in January in Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Meanwhile, at the new 265,000-foot Terminal C North, 2014 James Beard winner Chris Shepherd’s team is searing hand-cut steaks at Ember. Nearby, Coltivare chef-owner Ryan Pera is kneading dough for smoked pulled-pork and Margherita pizzas at Pala. Soon, he'll open Gavi in Terminal E, an osteria and market featuring pastas, antipasti and a wine bar. Chef-driven airport dining isn't unique to Houston. Chefs across the country are spreading their wings, partnering with airport restaurant-management firms, including HMSHost and OTG. If you’re lucky enough to have a long layover at North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you can fork into Todd English's barbecue shrimp and grits at 1897 Market. At Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera is scrambling eggs with chorizo sausage. It's now expected for a metropolitan airport to feature one or two restaurants tied to celebrity chefs, but in the past few years, companies have taken it up a notch, spotlighting local chefs and local flavors, including Mockingbird Distillery & Smokehouse, Hubcap Grill & Beer Yard, The Breakfast Klub Express, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, Landry's Seafood, Tony's Wine Cellar & Bistro, El Tiempo founder Roland Laurenzo's Vida Taqueria, Monica Pope's Olio, and Bam Bam, a Vietnamese-Cajun venue from Cajun Kitchen chef John Nguyen. For hickory-smoked briskets and fried seafood, there is Third Ward-staple Ray’s BBQ. All are located at various IAH terminals. Bryan Caswell was the first Houston celebrity chef to land at IAH three-plus years ago, successfully opening Gulf Coast-inspired 3rd Bar Oyster and Eating House with HMSHost in Terminal B. Most brick-and-mortar restaurant owners would be over the moon serving 500 people a day. The 3rd Bar's typical cover is 800.
Eating well, at the airport
But opening a restaurant inside an airport is "like opening a taco stand on the moon," Caswell said. "There are a lot of things that I don't have any point of reference for, like security clearance for all employees and the type of staff willing to work at an airport." He learned, too, that peak hours differ at an airport. "It changes and changes often," he MOCKINGBIRD, THEN FLY One of Austin's oldest distilleries, Mockingbird, prosaid. Tuesdays and duces Tito's handmade vodka. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal A at gate 15, Mockingbird Distillery & Smokehouse features smoke-kissed breakfast Thursdays are typ- plates, brisket, smoked chicken and Texas sausage. ically busiest at 3rd fort food with a twist. Bar. "Typically, Saturday is the busiest night for Terminal E a restaurant, but in the airport, Saturday is dead. • Q: Renowned barbecue pit master Greg It's very topsy-turvy. There is more math Gatlin plans to install a glass-enclosed smoke involved as to when you're busy. And holy room here. smokes! If there are rains or delays, you turn into • Gavi: Chef Ryan Pera will serve pizzas and a ballpark." pastas here, as well as offer a mini Revival Despite the challenges of running a madeMarket featuring a grab-and-go deli with charfrom-scratch restaurant next to a landing strip, cuterie and other staples, such as pickles and Caswell wasn't deterred last winter from openjams. ing Tex-Mex El Real at the bustling food court • Yume: Chris Kinjo and Tiger Den owner in Terminal B . Mike Tran will roll out sushi and ramen noodle There will be more chef-led concepts on soups. IAH's itinerary in the second half of 2017. • Tanglewood Grille: Pass & Provisions When OTG and United Airlines complete renchefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence ovations of Terminals C-South and E, travelers Gallivan will put their deft touches on hand-cut will find the following: steaks, build-your-own burgers and locally grown Terminal C-South greens. • Agave: A taqueria from Taco A Go Go and The IAH's dining guide is available at Fajitas A Go Go chef Sharon Haynes. www.fly2houston.com/iah/dine. William P. • H-Burger: New Orleans-transplant chef Hobby Airport has limited choices that include Antoine Ware's ranch-to-table, SouthernBarry's Pizza and a few Pappas concepts, includinspired eatery. ing Yia Yia Mary's and Pappadeaux Seafood • Magnolia Meatball Shop: Lucille's Kitchen – see www.fly2houston.com/hou/dine. Christopher Williams will feature classic com-
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When aging parents need a psychological assessment All of us with elderly parents worry about them, especially about changes in behavior or mood. Yet determining if these changes are normal can be difficult. That’s where a psychological assessment can make all the difference. When to get an assessment If you’re concerned about any of the following, consider an assessment: • Changes in cognitive functioning. This may mean a decline in memory or other thinking skills. Decision-making and planning can become difficult. They may start to get lost while driving, or their ability to drive safely is starting to become a concern. • Substance use. In addition to alcohol or illegal drugs, prescription drugs can affect behavior, mood and cognitive functioning. Also, older individuals are usually more sensitive to medications, including sleep aids and benzodiazepines, which help with anxiety but can affect cognition. • Depression or anxiety. While many older adults have these issues successfully treated by an internist, some may need the expertise of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. For example, depression can affect cognition, and what can look like the early stages of dementia can really be untreated depression. “There are many reasons why adult children want their aging parents to complete a psychological assessment, but it’s often because they are worried about dementia or Alzheimer’s,” said Harrell Woodson, PhD, administrative director of The Menninger Clinic’s Outpatient Services. “But what may look like a dementia is sometimes something else, and a
thorough assessment can help determine what’s really going on.” What’s included At Menninger, psychological assessments are typically done over 4.5 days with a team that includes a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker and other specialists as needed. The assessment includes interviews with the patient, the patient’s doctors and the family so that the team can get a 360-degree view of the patient. Testing may include neurocognitive, psychosocial and neuropsychiatric evaluations. A thorough review of all medications is included, as is an assessment of the patient’s physical status, a MRI and lab tests. The team leader helps the patient understand each step along the way. At the end of the week, the team leader and psychiatrist meet with the patient and family to review the findings and recommendations. Recommendations Recommendations can range from inpatient, partial or outpatient levels of care as well as assisted living or in-home assistance. Psychotherapeutic and medication recommendations may be offered and additional workups suggested. To make an appointment for an assessment, call 713-275-5000. The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, www.MenningerClinic.com
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SPORTS
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz B
ehind a sophomore-dominated lineup, the Memorial Mustangs captured the UIL Class 6A Region II Golf Championship. The Mustangs shot a team score of 617 to beat out second-place Coppell by a 10-stroke margin. “I was really thrilled to win the regional title,” said Mustangs golf coach John Noel. “It was a goal of ours from the start of the year.” The Mustangs’ top finisher at state was sophomore William Moll, who carded a 74 in both rounds for a 36-hole score of 148. Mustangs sophomore Colin Guinn was 10th overall with a two-round score of 152. Sophomore Jackson Taff, senior Grant Lincecum and junior David Tietz rounded out the Mustangs’ lineup. “It was extremely windy out there, and the greens were difficult,” said Noel. “I was proud of how our guys battled the conditions.” Individually, the meet was highlighted by a spectacular two rounds from Stratford Spartans sophomore Matthew Riedel. Riedel followed up his first-round score of 72 with a magnificent 4under 68 to win the individual title. “That was one of most impressive rounds of golf I’ve ever seen,” said Noel. For the fifth time in the last six years, the Kinkaid Falcons are the SPC Boys Golf Champions. The Falcons edged out The John Cooper School by six strokes to win the title. “We’ve been very fortunate to field some great golfers over the years, and this year is no exception,” said Falcons golf coach Bobby Eggleston. “It was a great championship.” The Falcons were led by their No. 1 golfer Mason Nome, who shot a 68 in both rounds to finish 8 under par for the tournament. “Mason didn’t get a really good start on either day, but he was a birdie machine on the back nine, even scoring some eagles,” said Eggleston. “Mason and John Cooper’s John Wong, who scored a 10-under-par to win individual honors, are good friends. It was fun to watch.” Earning All-SPC honors along with Nome was Kinkaid’s Will Jacobe, who scored 71 and 74 to finish 1-over-par for the tournament. Carter Guinn, Johnny Butler and JD Dyer all had solid rounds for the SPC Champion Falcons. Led by a sensational second-round score of 69
CHAMPS AGAIN For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the Kinkaid Falcons are the SPC Boys Golf Champions. From left: coach Bobby Eggleston, Johnny Butler, JD Dyer, Carter Guinn, Mason Nome and Will Jacobe.
from freshman Christine Wang, the St. John’s Mavericks captured the SPC Girls Golf Championship. “This is pretty special. Our girls have never won an SPC Golf Championship before,” said Mavericks golf coach Joseph Soliman. For the tournament, Wang shot a two-round score of 144 and won individual honors by an 8stroke margin over Margaret Runnels of Episcopal. “Christine is just a special talent,” said Soliman. “She comes off as pretty easy going, but on the course she hits a switch and becomes a fierce competitor. She’s tough as nails and just doesn’t get fazed on the course.” St. John’s No. 2 player, Denise Pan, shot the third best round of the tournament with a 7776 over the two rounds. Grace Wilson, May McCabe and Morgan Sholeen made up the rest of the field for the Mavericks as St. John’s posted a 17-stroke victory over second-place Episcopal. In baseball, the Episcopal Knights captured the SPC Baseball Championship with a thrilling 5-4 extra-inning victory over Kinkaid in the SPC Championship Final, marking the Knights’ fifth SPC Baseball title in the last eight years. “That championship game was extremely intense,” said Knights baseball coach Matt Fox.
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“I’d put it in the top five games of my career of hardest games to watch. It was a battle.” The final included a number of heroic efforts. On the mound, 6-6 freshman standout Tanner Witt went five strong innings, followed by two and one-third innings of shutdown relief from junior Justin Fox. Then, with the tying run on base in Kinkaid’s final at bat, Blake Nethery came in to strike out the final batter. Offensively, Peter Geib, Jack Grams, Bennett Inoff and Nethery all knocked in runs, but the biggest blow came off the bat of Trei Cruz, who drilled the go ahead and ultimately game-winning home run in the top of the eighth inning. The Knights, who finished 24-9 for the season, boasted a lineup of major college baseball prospects, with Cruz going to Rice University, catcher Turner Gauntt and Innoff signing to play at Texas and Geib also committing to Texas. Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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Diet and exercise myths busted You can find anything on the Internet these days, like pictures of cats or double rainbows, but when it comes to your health the last place you should be getting your info from is Facebook or Instagram. Unfortunately most of those posts are simply opinions formulated with anecdotal information or someone trying to sell you something. I will try and clear up some of a few common myths, backed by evidence-based research studies, from top professionals in the fields of science. So strap in, hold on, and let’s set some facts straight! 1) You should do fasted cardio to burn the most fat. Unfortunately this statement is not backed by anything other than misinformation about how you use energy. You do not burn more body fat by not eating; actually research has found a 20 percent increase in total energy expenditure throughout the day if you eat something prior to working out. So by all means, go ahead and grab a light snack before you hit the trails. 2) Don’t eat after 8 p.m., or 7 p.m., or is it 5 p.m.? Another popular trend that is totally made up. More important than when is what and how much you eat. Whether you eat your whole day’s food in one meal (which is not recommended) or over a few meals per day, it makes almost no difference to your body weight, as long as you are staying within an appropriate caloric balance. 3) Certain foods have negative calories, like cucumber and popcorn. While it does take calories for you to digest food, they do not cancel out calories. About 10 percent of the calories found in meals is used to help digestion. So for cucumber, about 2 calories are used to digest the 25 total
calories, leaving you with 23 calories in that one serving of cucumber. 4) Don’t eat fruit as it can make you fat because it is high in sugar. Have you ever met someone who said, “These bananas are making me fat?” Didn’t think so. While fruit does have sugar in it, fruits also provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that combat various health conditions. Making sure you are “eating your fruit vs. drinking it” is an important caveat, as the blood sugar and digestion rate is accelerated with juices. As long as you are getting your appropriate balance of fruits you won’t have to worry about those apples appearing on the love-handles. Hope that clears up some of the confusion. Pledge To Fitness is your local source for expertise in everything wellness. We offer a holistic approach to achieving your goals that includes fitness, nutrition and accountability. We’re only minutes away. Come get answers and find out why we’ve had a 94.7 percent client-retention rate since we opened our doors. David Boettcher, Team Member, Pledge To Fitness, 4665 Southwest Fwy., Suite 209, Houston, TX 77027, 713.401.2841, www.pledgetofitness.com
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SPORTS
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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
SportzBuzz, Jr. W
elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
Learning from a pro Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve conducted a private baseball clinic for a group of St. Anne Catholic School students (top photo). Second graders Isa Garcia, Adam Schoppa, John Dominguez and Dominic D’Ambra spent the afternoon learning from the best and practiced batting, base running and fielding. Altuve took time for autographs and photos. The lucky players participated in the baseball clinic as an auction item benefitting the St. Anne School Foundation. Dominic’s father was thrilled for his son. “A MVP-caliber player tossing to 8 year olds,” D’Ambra said. “Like a dream come true, isn’t it? How many guys in the Big Leagues do that? This is something these kids will never forget.”
Leading ladies of lacrosse The Memorial Girls Lacrosse Beagles (middle photo) won the city championship in both the 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade A divisions. Both Beagles teams were undefeated and dominated the weekend tournament. In the 5th/6th grade division’s championship game, the Beagles defeated The Woodlands 76 with a final goal in sudden-death overtime. The 7th/8th grade A team won their championship game over Stratford, 12-6. The winning Beagles are: (top row, from left) Coaches David Delemos, Beth Lester, Carl Carter, Drew Horn, Walter O’Donnell and Tim Davis; (second row, from left) Sofia Westerman, Naomi Delemos, Katherine St. Martin, Arianna Pramudji, Anna Frederickson, Peyton Ralston, Caroline Zaleski, Nicki Polocheck, Cate Biar, JJ Robertson, Caroline Holub, Lila Griggs, Skylar Swanson, Lindsey Price, Kathleen O’Donnell, Kallie Carlson, Patricia Lynn, Abby Pounds, Valerie Lucio, Keeley Moore and coach Hunter Shively; (third row, from left) Chloe Westerman, Kayleigh Horn, Morgan Pattillo, Lucy Knauth, Campbell Carter, Laurel Davis, Clara Hurley, Madeline Christ, Caroline Lobb, Charlotte Shively, Carolyn Blake, Kellen Kroger, Chandler Gartner, Lillie Morenz, Sara Swanson and coach Amy Markwart; (front row, from left) Gabby Fuller and Caroline Pressler. Not pictured: Madie Barrow, Zoe Zanovich, Brooke Onorato, Kyle Massey and Susannah Gilmartin.
Friends and heavy hitters Friends and Frostwood Elementary fourth graders Tommy Vandor and Austin Medlenka (bottom photo, from left) have waited patiently for the coveted first out-of-the-park home run. After years of playing baseball
Proud sponsor of Tanglewood, River Oaks and neighboring sports TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 34
together in the Medlenkas’ front yard, their dreams finally came true when they accomplished their goal on the same night. Tommy hit one over the fence for the SBMSA Hooks, and Austin did the same for the SBMSA Longhorns. Not only did their shining moments happen at the same time, but on baseball fields right next to each other. The coincidences didn’t stop there. Both boys hit their home runs during their second time up to bat, and both hit the ball out over left field for two-run homers. 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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Social Security retirement benefits Social Security is a significant source of income for older Americans. Retirement benefits are available at age 62, and disability benefits at any age. If you start retirement benefits at 62, the monthly benefit is up to 30 percent less than if you wait until full retirement age, which varies with your birth year, from 66 to 67. If you wait until age 70, the monthly benefit is up to 30 percent more. Most retirees claim their benefits too early, resulting in significantly decreased monthly and total lifetime payments. Unless you die prematurely, it pays to wait. As a rule, if you expect to live beyond 78, wait until full retirement age to start Social Security retirement benefits. If you (or your spouse) expect to live to 82½, wait until 70. If married, you can take either a spousal benefit based on the other spouse’s earnings (if that spouse is already receiving Social Security) or a retirement benefit based on your own work record, whichever is higher. Survivor benefits are available based on a deceased spouse’s earnings record. “File and suspend” was a strategy that allowed the lower-earning spouse to receive benefits based on his or her own earnings record while the higher-earning spouse’s account continued to grow. That loophole closed April 29, 2016. Disregard “helpful” explanations that suggest that ploy. It doesn’t work any more. “File and switch” still works, but only if both spouses are eligible for retirement benefits and at least one reached age 62 in 2015. In this strategy, an individual at full retirement age applies for spousal benefits based on the other spouse’s earnings record, allowing the applicant’s own retirement ben-
efit to continue to grow (up to age 70). Single or married, most people will receive more Social Security benefits if they do not claim them at 62, but instead wait until full retirement age (66 to 67) or, better yet, age 70, for the maximum retirement benefit. Regardless whether you defer Social Security retirement benefits, don’t wait on Medicare, the health insurance plan for people who are age 65 or older. Most Americans will want to contact Social Security about three months before their 65th birthday to apply for Medicare, even those still working. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov and www.ssa.gov/medicare/. Sally Burch Hurme, Get the Most Out of Retirement (2017), is another great resource. Chapter 9 discusses Social Security, and Chapter 10 explains Medicare. We write wills and go to probate court. We offer no-obligation initial interviews for estate planning and administration, so it costs nothing to hear specific recommendations that suit your needs. Foreign nationals and international families welcome. Russell W. Hall, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, www.rwhpc.com
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BLACKSMITH Sparks fly as Alex Haug, an incoming eighth grader at River Oaks Baptist School, uses an angle grinder to cut hardened steel.
KIDS by Alex Haug, age 13
Buzz Kidz S
From Popsicle sticks to steel
ince I was a small kid, I have always enjoyed building things. First it was wooden blocks, then massive forts utilizing most of our sheets, then Legos, then hot glue on Popsicle sticks, then robots. Last: turning scrap metal into 2,000-degree steel. Blacksmithing has been around since 1000 BC. You heat ferrous metal to high temperatures until soft, then pound it into a tool or other useful object. The fire makes this quite dangerous. There’s a saying among blacksmiths: “It’s not if you get burnt; it’s where and how bad.” I can assure you this is true. My interest in blacksmithing began during my Popsicle-stick stage. I watched lots of YouTube videos of people making things. One day, I found a video titled “Forging a knife from scratch” showing a red-hot chunk of metal being
struck with a hammer and made into something useful. I was hooked. My parents were not. The idea of your kid working around super-hot fire is something no parent wants. But I knew I had to do blacksmithing, so I learned as much as I could from the Internet. One day after school, I built a forge from an old rusted fire pit and some bricks with a bit of dirt. I used lump charcoal as fuel and my mom’s hair dryer as bellows. My anvil was a reinforced concrete stepping stone. Before my dad got home, I lit my forge and found a long piece of rebar as my steel. I wore jeans, a flannel shirt, and my scout hiking boots. I did have enough sense to try to keep myself alive, so I put on safety glasses and the smallest leather gloves I could find. Just in case, I put a
fire extinguisher nearby. Even so, when my dad found me forging, with massive sparks spewing behind me, he was not happy. That day I forged a fire poker, and it is still my favorite creation. Since then, I have made a knife for my dad, a coat hook for my mom, a cross for my grandma and more. I think kids should have more creative outlets to make wood and metal objects like kids in the past did. Despite the burns and cuts I’ve gotten, I have never enjoyed anything as much. 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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The itch that rashes meets its match Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a miserable condition. Itching brings on the scratch, which spreads the rash, and a vicious cycle ensues. Many rashes itch, but with eczema, the rash does not appear until after you scratch it. Thus, instead of being a “rash that itches,” it is known as the “itch that rashes.” In mild cases, using skin moisturizers and creams or ointments that contain steroids provide adequate control. In more severe cases, we have to use stronger doses of steroids that are taken by mouth and can cause terrible steroid side effects if used too long. Over the past 30-plus years, medical researchers have studied how white blood cells communicate with each other to regulate the immune system. One class of regulators is called interleukins (IL). IL-4, IL-13 and IL-31 play a role in eczema, so research has been done on how to block these signals to control the eczema. In March 2017, the FDA approved the biologic dupilumab (Dupixent), an injectable medication that inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13. In a pivotal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2014, Dupixent provided much better relief when compared against steroid creams and ointments placed on the skin. Much larger studies confirmed this benefit in a 2016 NEJM manuscript. We have now started a handful of patients on Dupixent and look forward to their relief. With eczema of any severity, rule No. 1 is moisturizing the skin. Dry skin is more likely to itch than is moisturized skin, and if we can control the itch, we control the scratch, and thus minimize the rash. Many allergic patients do not tolerate fragrances, so try a moisturizer that is “fragrance free.” It’s not good
Build a Reason to Live Outdoors
enough if it says “unscented” because many unscented products have irritating fragrances that are offset by other masking (also irritating) fragrances. Many patients tolerate Vanicream, Cetaphil and CeraVe. Moisturizing can also be achieved from the inside out – staying well hydrated helps, as does ruling out and correcting Vitamin D deficiency. Oftentimes, the rash will get infected with bacteria, which complicates the situation. We sometimes have a patient pour half a cup of bleach into a bathtub full of water to kill the bacteria. Many patients find this unpleasant, and using a bleach-containing cleanser, like Cln, is almost as effective. If you are suffering with uncontrolled eczema, please ask for help. Better control is now within reach for most patients. No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. Alnoor A. Malick, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic
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Reagan, age 3, Maltipoo, Potomac Dr. My name is Reagan, but my close friends call me Mr. President. I love my life in Westhaven Estates; my best friend and “cousin” Manolo (a Yorkie) lives with my mom’s sister around the corner so we visit and play often. I love going for walks in Briargrove and Tanglewood and up and down Potomac Drive saying hello to other dogs in the neighborhood. When I’m home alone while mom is playing golf, I love sitting in the upstairs window barking at dogs walking by. My favorite time is riding in the car and visiting my granddad, who lives at The Village of Tanglewood. I love all the attention I get from the residents and putting a smile on their faces when I walk in the lobby. I am friendly and patient dog. My mom loves to dress me up for holidays. I pose patiently, knowing there are treats waiting. 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.
From her first steps through graduation. A portrait remembers. Mention The Buzz and receive a $75.00 studio session and other back-to-school specials. Call for details. Offer valid through June 30, 2017
Reserve your session now A portrait remembers 713.523.4916 nikky@lawellphoto.com www.lawellphoto.com
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When paychecks stop coming Pay attention, because in all likelihood this problem will happen to you one day. And most people don’t give it a thought until it does. One of my client-couples, who were nearing retirement, paid me a visit recently. Their finances were in excellent order. So why, I wondered, did the looks on their faces betray so much concern? The truth is that retirement can bring new kinds of worries, and this one is typically the first. The husband had been working since he was 22 years old. In addition to having built up substantial personal wealth, the couple had social security as well as a small pension from when the wife worked as a nurse. But those social security and pension checks, while nice to have, would not be enough to cover their living expenses. That’s where the accumulated wealth comes in. No problem, right? Problem. The couple had spent a lifetime accumulating, and had done it very well. There was enough wealth to fund a long retirement and still leave a legacy behind for heirs. But the couple didn’t know how to go from accumulating to distributing. In other words, they had all these accounts (IRAs, brokerage, savings, etc.) that they had maintained and built up over the years. How exactly do we take those and turn them into the monthly income the couple would need to live on in retirement, after the paychecks have stopped coming in? The first thing I told them was that since their retirement was well provided for, it was good problem to have! And it was also easy to solve. There are various approaches.
Some retirees try living just on interest and dividend checks. I don’t recommend that. Hopefully your retirement will last a long time, and your income could vary considerably as dividends and interest rates go through their usual cycles. I also don’t favor approaches that order assets for sale based on liquidity. That’s too arbitrary. You need to keep your asset allocation aligned with your risk tolerance in retirement just as you do before you get there. I have a different approach I recommend, called the “Paycheck System.” Periodically, in a market-wise, tax-wise fashion, we identify enough of your assets to liquidate to cover living expenses for the next six months. Then we have the broker send you regular checks, either monthly or every two weeks, just like when you were working. While this is happening, your dividends and interest payments keep getting reinvested at the appropriate risk tolerance, just like when you were working. When the next six-month period approaches, we do the same thing again. It makes for a very seamless transition to retirement. That’s very important, because then you can start enjoying it right away. James Waters, CFP®, PARTNERSINWEALTH, 3400 Bissonnet, Suite 145, Houston, Texas 77005, 713.964.4028, jrw@partnersinwealth.com, www.partnersinwealth.com
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TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 39
Jenny Antill
NEIGHBORS
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz About Town Roadrunner spirit
Briargrove Elementary celebrated its 60th birthday this year. PTO president Jennifer Dollinger (pictured, with son Andrew) worked on the school’s birthday events, including the fall carnival and family auction. The spaghetti supper and the fun run were also big hits with families. Andrew just finished second grade at Briargrove.
Texans in the water The Lamar High School Texans girls water polo team had a great season. After winning the
Darren Eastman Memorial Tournament in Barbados over spring break, the team qualified to compete at the state tournament in Flower Mound. The Junior Varsity team competed in JV Champs at Clear Creek High School, losing by one goal in the championship game against St. Agnes. JV team members included (pictured, from left) Savannah Skeele, Annika Long, Alina Mooradian, Elise Mapula, Charlotte Rumsey, goalie Elizabeth Fisher, Susana Flores and Madeleine Baird, plus varsity player Lilly Knipe, who came out to support her teammates.
More for mental health Around 650 mental-health advocates gathered at the Westin Galleria for The Menninger Clinic’s annual luncheon. Co-chairs Dorothy and Ronny Cuenod and (pictured, from left) Paula and Jeff Paine orchestrated the luncheon, which raised $575,000. Proceeds will benefit mental-health treatment, research, training and charity efforts at The Menninger Clinic. Among those attending were Dr. C. Edward Coffey, president and CEO; Rob C. Wilson III, Menninger Clinic
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 40
board chair; and Maureen Hackett, Menninger Clinic Foundation board chair.
Staying safe in Houston The Buzz Magazines and Crime Stoppers of Houston teamed up to host the inaugural women’s Lunch and Learn forum, Courageous Conversations, at Post Oak Grill. Around 40 women heard personal sto- (continued on page 42)
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A minute with Maisie
Are you aging gracefully?
Many clients ask me, “Can someone be married without a formal ceremony?” The Texas Family Code provides that an informal marriage, or “common law marriage,” is possible if the parties live together as husband and wife, hold themselves out as husband and wife and agree to be married. Each of these elements must be proven in court in order for the court to make the finding that an informal marriage exists. If one party denies the existence of the informal marriage, the parties must litigate these facts and are entitled to a jury on this issue. These cases are very fact intensive and can create costly litigation. One’s property rights may be adversely affected by the finding of an informal marriage as it creates a community property estate. While there can be an informal marriage, there is no mechanism for an informal divorce. Therefore, if you think you may have entered into an informal marriage, seek the advice of counsel, as it does require a formal divorce in order to dissolve the marriage. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a fullservice, 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
I don't know about you, but I check a lot of boxes to give myself the best chance. Moisturizers, check; eye cream, check; eating healthy, check; sunscreen, of course; plenty of water, check; cardio, check. What about strength and flexibility? What if I told you that you can do a workout that gives you flexibility and strength while at the same time setting you up to be more active as you age? Whether your main concern is to preserve bone density, boost your golf game or simply tone up, pilates will work for you. Have you tried or ever wanted to? All it takes is one decision to take a class. There are many options with how to care for our bodies, but there is no “quick fix.” It is important to give yourself the time and attention to be stronger. It isn’t about perfection but about the growth progression of your body, mind and heart. Our hope is people feel at home here and know anyone can come just as they are no matter their age or stage of life. Let us help you stand a little taller as you tone your entire body from the inside out using these safe, energetic, low impact and fun workout systems. We do require grip socks for all classes, your personal mat for barre classes and just yourself for reformer. Fill up your water bottle, and let's get moving! PosturFIT Pilates & Barre, 3451 Kirby Drive, 77098, ashley@posturfit.com, www.posturfit.com, 713.554.0200
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Dylan Aguilar
women, including (pictured, from left) Gail Stalarow, Maureen Wittels and Cabrina Owsley. Stalarow talked about her experience of being robbed at gunpoint in daylight. Her own legwork – plus an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers – helped in the arrest of the suspect. (See thebuzzmagazines.com and search “Safe Shopping” for safety tips). Recently, she testified at the Texas Capitol with Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston, on legislation intended to prevent robberies and help other people in situations like hers. Owsley – who became known as the “River Oaks jogger” – shared her story of being abducted while jogging in her River Oaks neighborhood. She put up a fight, including kicking out the tail lights of her abductors’ car and jumping out of the trunk. Wittels shared the story of the loss of her son, Harris, to heroin addiction. Harris was an actor and executive producer of the hit TV show Parks and Recreation. The panelists and experts Makarious, Patricia Daza, senior staff psychologist at The Menninger Clinic, and Sgt. Rubin with Crime Stoppers spoke about ways women can make themselves a “smaller target,” including always being aware of their surroundings. Search “Courageous Conversations” at thebuzzmagazines.com for more details and a photo slideshow.
Tanglewood Middle art Students from Tanglewood Middle School displayed their artwork at the annual Gator Crawl benefiting the fine arts department. It was a community-wide event and featured a studentartwork sale, theater and band performances and
a live demonstration by Houston artist Taft McWhorter. His completed piece was raffled off at the event. Supporting sixth grader Nikhil Shah were (pictured, from left) grandmother
A walk in the park Maja Latham
(continued from page 40) ries from a panel of
Goodman, ROE school counselor and Pennies for Patients coordinator. Everyone was pumped up that their efforts earned ROE the titles of Top Raising School for the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter and Top Raising Texas Elementary School in History.
Judy Rogers, photographer Dalton DeHart (holding Nikhil's artwork) and Nikhil’s mother, Roseann Rogers.
River Oaks Elementary helps out Students from River Oaks Elementary School raised more than $37,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the Pennies for Patients campaign. They rallied around young leukemia survivor Corinne Miller (pictured). Corinne’s mom, Jennifer Manby, is close friends with Liz
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 42
It was a big day for the fight to end bladder cancer. Around 150 supporters, including (pictured, from left) Tracy Herrin, Pam Harris and event chair Maja Latham, lined up at Terry Hershey Park for the AmpUp Houston Walk to End Bladder Cancer. Balloons welcomed everyone to keep the spirits lifted. The event was sponsored by BCAN, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. A total of $67,000 was raised. Participants who spoke were Dr. Seth Lerner from Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. Arlene Siefke from M.D. Anderson. The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation was the national sponsor of this inaugural walk, and local sponsors included Baylor (continued on page 44)
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Anderson and the Herrin and Harris families. See bcan.org for more information about the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.
A magical event Nearly 600, including the Kafka family (parents Kristie and Kyle with kids Michael, Karoline, Katherine and Kollins, from left), walked into an “enchanted forest” at the eighth annual Family Fun Day, hosted by Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital. The event was held at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and chaired by Missy and Wayne Herndon, with their children Steele, Will and Magnus, and Nicole and Will Murphy, with their children Madelyn and Billy. Guests were greeted by stilt-walking fairies, a medieval king and queen,
a magician and a mystical dragon. There were crafts, games, a petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall and pony rides. Attendees donated Legos, crayons, Hot Wheels cars, markers and PlayDoh to Texas Children’s Child Life Department, which provides developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions for children undergoing medical treatment. Attending were Scott and Brooke Hutson (with children Parker and Caroline); Staci and John Donovan (with children Grace, Evelyn and John William); Kathleen and James Jennings (with children Wade, James and Evie); Tracey and Andrew Hull (with children Margaret and Caroline); Jennifer Roberts (with children Blakely and Kipling); and Rachael and Jason Volz (with children Oliver and George).
St. Mark’s D.C. field trip Eighth-grade students from St. Mark’s Episcopal School visited Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania this spring. They explored American history, learned about the U.S. government, and discovered how media outlets find authentic sources to avoid fake news. Students Ryan Roylance, Colby Covington, Canivan Anton and Jonathan Saucier stopped to have their caricatures drawn from a visitor center in Pennsylvania.
Space City science Michelle Watson- CatchLight Group
(continued from page 42) College of Medicine, MD
Chinh Phan
Co-chairs Dan and Kim Tutcher, actor Gary Sinise and co-chairs Alice and Keith Mosing (pictured, from left) gathered at the HiltonAmericas for Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Gala. The gala raised $850,000 for the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation. The foundation has been around for 25 years and provides hands-on science learning for underserved students. Honorary co-chairs were astronaut Scott Kelly and Amiko Kauderer, along with astronaut Mark Kelly and former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona.
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 44
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 JUNE 2017 45
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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Back Porch S
behance.net/runamokstudios
NEIGHBORS
The next great book
ummer has finally begun (!) and a lot of us will be looking for books to read, whether we’re traveling or just enjoying a slowed-down schedule. For me, figuring out what to read is often a shot in the dark. Friends will recommend books, or I’ll read something somewhere about a book that sounds interesting. I’ll jot these ideas down on a running list in “Notes” on my iPhone. Weeks or months later, when I visit the list to find something to read, I’m usually a little baffled – I’ll have a book’s title, maybe the author’s name, but nothing else. Only that at one time, the book intrigued me. There’s a better way. Stephanie Ostrosky, mom of three young kids, married to Luis, an infectious-diseases specialist, is a more organized reader. “Last year I read 52 books,” she says. 52? “I keep track on Goodreads (goodreads.com). You can put on books that you’ve read, books you want to read and books that you’re currently reading. When you finish the book, you can rate it one to five and review it.” Stephanie connected with Goodreads via Facebook. “Anybody I’m friends with on Facebook who is on Goodreads is automatically connected to me. I can see what my friends are reading, and I can read their reviews. “Every once in awhile, it will send an email letting me know a friend put an update on Goodreads. So I can see what people who I know like similar books are reading.” Beyond Goodreads, Stephanie says she and her husband Luis used to read together. “We’d actually buy two books – like the Divergent series and Harry Potter – and we’d read them at the same time. Now he doesn’t have the time to read. But he listens to NPR, which I don’t, and he’ll hear about books he think I’ll like and come home and tell me. While I’m reading, he’ll ask, ‘What’s happening now?’ I’ll tell him what’s happening along the way.” Stephanie also spends four hours a week volunteering at the Kinkaid Lower School library. She’s gotten some recommendations there, too. That’s how she found Everything Everything, by Nicola Yoon. “The librarian told me about Yoon. [Everything Everything] was short enough
to get through in a day, an easy read. About a [teenaged] girl who has a medical issue, one of those ‘boy in a bubble’ kind of things. She can’t leave the house, and she starts a relationship with a boy next door through her window. How can she manage a relationship when she can’t leave the house? Before she didn’t know any different, and now there’s this apple she needs to have. There’s a good twist, and I will tell you I figured it out before it happened. Every time that happens I tell my husband. He’s not reading the book, but I just have to get it out there!” Also connected to READ ALONG Get your reading list ready to go, and you'll be ready for those her library duties, slow summer days. Stephanie touts local tsunamis and hurricanes come, all the stuff that author Katherine Center. “I loved The Lost the moon affects that I didn’t know about. The Husband. It made me want to move to a farm book is about one girl and her family and how and raise a goat!” The novel, which People calls they’re affected.” “a sweet tale about creating the family you Carpool line is another spot where Stephanie need,” chronicles a young widow’s somewhat finds inspiration. She says moms will jump out drastic move with her two small children to a of cars and ask, ‘What are you reading now?’ Hill Country goat farm. Katherine was recently Because she reads everything on her iPhone the speaker at a volunteer-appreciation lunchthrough iBooks, her library is portable. “It’s eon for Kinkaid library volunteers. small, but I have it everywhere I am,” she says. On the other end of the literary spectrum, “I get samples of books and keep them there Stephanie loves post-apocalyptic novels. “Not until I’m ready to read them.” Which makes the zombie type, but the kind where a big flu hits Stephanie perpetually ready to hear about the and everybody dies off except a couple of peonext great book. ple,” she says. “They’re fun to read, but then I think about them all the time. What would happen? Should we have guns? How would we find See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com to share food? Now everyone in my family has a bicycle your summer reading suggestions. And for more on just in case!” books, see thebuzzmagazines.com/book-buzz, a blog Life as We Know It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer, is created by librarians from the Houston Public Library, Stephanie’s suggestion for the genre. “The moon Harris County Public Library and Bellaire Library. gets off track after an asteroid hits it, and then
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JUNE 2017 46
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