Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz - November 2014

Brookwood Community

Frank Tucker

Where there’s opportunity for all by Cheryl Ursin

Houston Restaurant Memories Thanksgiving Travels Avoiding Christmas Crooks Cooking Buzz Thanksgiving Favorites Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Holiday Fun

EDITOR’S NOTE Buzz photo shoots are always special, as we get to meet neighbors in their homes or somewhere meaningful to them. But for this month’s shoot, we drove to Brookwood Community, which provides educational and vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities. The experience was unforgettable. Cheryl Ursin’s article and Mike Hart’s images beautifully capture this special place. I encourage readers to have lunch there and experience it personally. This month we also had a photo shoot with Buzz-neighborhood police chiefs Byron Holloway, Ken Walker and J.D. Sanders. Chief Sanders told me after the shoot that I was a prime target of criminals, being a “small-build woman” who is easily distracted. He proceeded to give me tons of great tips. But I am embarrassed to admit I did not hear a word. I was just so elated and kept repeating to myself, “He thinks I’m small build!” So thank goodness we have Andria Frankfort’s safety article to share tips with readers. Wishing all of you a safe start to the holidays. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS www.FrenchCuffCo.com 6401 Woodway, 77057 • 713.334.4900 4048 Bellaire Blvd., 77025 • 713.665.3336

Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 tanglewoodbuzz.com • riveroaksbuzz.com• facebook.com/twrobuzz Editor Publisher Associate Editors Vice President, Sales Staff Writers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Annie Blaylock McQueen Jay Janecek Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Jan Nelson Carroll Scott Kennedy Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Darsey Swaim Helen Hamilton Michele Luke

On our cover: Frank Tucker enjoys his job as a server at The Café at Brookwood. Cover photo by Michael Hart Photography, www.hartphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2014 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 4

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Happy to celebrate Saints-style I was so happy to see the black and gold Saints [photo] when I picked up your magazine [Football, Cajun Style: Saints and Tigers fans live among us, by Dave Schafer, October 2014]. We have a similar celebration every Sunday, albeit smaller. We wear our black and gold, yell loudly, turn up the music and dance to NOLA music when the Saints score. There are so many Saints fans in this area who I’m sure have similar NOLA-style parties every time our beloved Saints are on. Chandel’s gumbo recipe was right on! Made me hungry just to read it. Thanks again for the story and pictures. WHO DAT! Arlene Schneider Editors’ note: If you missed Chandel Hancock’s gumbo recipe, you can find it online, along with all our current and past stories, at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com.

Thank you for Alex’s story I want to thank Michelle Casas Groogan for the article she wrote on bipolar disorder and the publisher for including it in The Buzz [Bipolar Disorder: How we lost Alex, October 2014]. I am a member of NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness], which is an organization that works to educate the public about mental illness and the stigma associated with it. Mental illness is a leading cause of disability and touches the lives of almost everyone in some way. Articles such as the one by Michelle raise awareness. Hopefully, someday cures and/or improved treatment will be found, as have happened to many other maladies when funding and attention are dedicated to them. Think AIDS and breast cancer. With gratitude, Carol Loggins

to see their article in a publication, such as yours, is a great source of pride and accomplishment for the student as well as the teacher. It helps to build their portfolios, and helps forward information to our community. I have seen the “School Buzz” section for student correspondents. Please consider adding correspondents from Pershing. Rachel S. Burgan, Magnet Coordinator, Pershing Middle School Editor’s note: Thank you for your interest in our new School Buzz program for high school students. At some point, we do hope to expand School Buzz to middle schools. Meanwhile, students of all ages who live in our circulation areas are invited to submit a 350-word, first-person essay about an experience, passion or hobby for our monthly Buzz Kidz column. Look under Kids at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Correction In an October 2014 story [Drafting Divas: Gal pals find fun in fantasy football], we incorrectly identified Andrew Luck’s team. The correct team is Indianapolis Colts. The online version of the story has been corrected. Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.

What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who:

Story reminds her of friend I lost a dear friend to bipolar disease about 10 years ago. When she took her medicine, she was a normal mom and friend. Without the medicine, she was another story. I still get so angry when I think how her death devastated her adult sons, but I know she was helpless to control her moods without the medicine. Linda Plavidal

Student writers in Buzz I would like to inquire about the possibility of submitting articles, written by our journalism students, to be published in The Buzz. The opportunity TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 6

• Know an interesting neighbor to profile. • Have helpful stories and advice for new parents. • Have an adorable nursery to share with Buzz readers. • Went on a “babymoon” before the baby arrived. • Have a unique proposal 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 Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Brookwood Community Where there’s opportunity for all

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encephalitis and meningitis as a toddler, has lived at Brookwood since the beginning. Meanwhile, Streit’s other daughter, Vivian Streit Shudde, now Brookwood’s executive director, also has an adult child living at Brookwood, her son Wilson. Today, the non-profit Brookwood is home to 111 adults whose mental or physical disabilities prevent them from livARTIST AND ATHLETE Brian Smith, seen here at Brookwood's stone-cast shop, ing on their own. An is also an avid bicyclist and enjoys performing in Brookwood's annual holiday show. additional 88 adults parInn, a college dorm-like space. Brookwood cititicipate in Brookwood’s day program. The resizens, as they are called, have a wide range of disdents live in eight group homes, large houses on abilities, from paralysis and blindness to autism a sweeping cul-de-sac street that wouldn’t look and intellectual and developmental disabilities. out of place in any Houston subdivision, or at the What sets Brookwood apart from other facilities that care for the disabled is that it pays as much attention to its participants’ need to live satisfying lives as it does to their physical care. Missy Bynon, 56, has been at Brookwood since December. Before that, apart from a short stint at another facility, she had always lived with her family, first in Alabama and then in Houston, when her brother, Steve Bynon, a liver-transplant surgeon, and his wife Nancy moved to West University. But it became clear to Missy’s family that she wasn’t comfortable in her life. “She spent 18 hours a day in bed,” said Nancy. “She would sleep all day and then get up at night to read magazines, I think because, then, she wouldn’t have to deal with people.” At Brookwood, Missy, like every other Brookwood citizen, has a full-time job and receives a paycheck every two weeks. “I never dreamed Missy would get up in the morning and go to work,” said Nancy. “She’s lost 20 pounds; her diabetes is better. This is the best I’ve ever seen her.” The Brookwood Community runs several WORKING HANDS Missy Bynon, right, and Brookwood teacher Sharesa Henderson take a break in one enterprises. Citizens make (continued on page 10) of Brookwood's workshops. Sterling Blodgett

any famous thinkers have pondered what it takes to live a satisfying life. Tolstoy once wrote, “One can live magnificently in this world if one knows how to work and how to love.” And Freud said, “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.” No one has to tell that to Michele Jardine, a citizen of Brookwood, a community for adults with functional disabilities, in Brookshire, 40 miles west of Houston. Before coming to Brookwood, Michele had trouble finding and keeping a job. “They are not supposed to judge you if you have a disability, but they do,” she said. Michele, originally from Louisiana, also lived alone. “I didn’t like to go home because there was no one to go home to,” she said. Michele moved to the Brookwood Community four years ago. “I found that God does have a place for me – and a purpose,” she said. Brookwood was founded in 1983 by Yvonne Tuttle Streit. Streit’s daughter, Vicki, who was left severely brain-damaged after contracting

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LOCAL ARTIST Diane Phillips shows off her hand-poured and hand-painted Texas-wildflower comfort bowl in Brookwood's store.

ornaments, garden statuary, stone castings, ceramics, greeting cards and candles that are sold in its shops, one at Brookwood (1752 FM 1489 Road in Brookshire), which recently added a fine-arts gallery, one in Spring (318 Gentry St.), an online store, brookwoodstore.com, and a new store, slated to open in late fall, in space donated by Gallery Furniture in its store at the Market at Long Meadow Farms (7301 Grand Parkway, Richmond). Also, from now through the holiday season, Brookwood is running a store in Town & Country (600 W. Sam Houston Parkway North). Brookwood is also looking for a location in the Conroe/Woodlands area. The citizens also work as servers in the gourmet café at Brookwood and work in its 47 greenhouses, raising about 500,000 flowers and plants, including 45,000 poinsettias for Christmas,

every year. Brookwood also caters in homes for private events and holds over 30 weddings each year in Brookwood’s worship center and café, which transforms into a garden ballroom. All proceeds from these enterprises support the community, funding over 42 percent of Brookwood’s operating budget. The rest comes from tuition and donations. Tuition fees are $1,000 per month for day citizens and $4,450 per month for residents. About 40 percent of the citizens receive some sort of financial aid, totaling over $1 million a year. Brookwood’s last biennial charity luncheon raised over $1 million. Brookwood accepts no government funding. “Brookwood is wonderfully driven to make sure that its citizens are living,” said Lee Rosenthal, whose oldest daughter, 28-year-old Rebecca, has lived at Brookwood for seven years. “They understand that we all have a deep Allison Rathan

(continued from page 8) Christmas

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READING TOGETHER Harold Hyman and his granddaughter, Rebecca Rosenthal, enjoy a book together.

need to work and be productive – and they are enormously creative at shaping work to fit the needs of each citizen.” Rebecca, for instance, loves to sort; her favorite job at Brookwood is to unscrew molds in the ceramic workshop and return the screws to their correct containers. But it’s not all work at Brookwood. Activities include swimming in the indoor pool, designed with help from Schlitterbahn, making music in the bell choir, riding custom bikes around the 485-acre campus and participating in book groups, held by Rebecca Rosenthal’s grandfather, Dr. Harold Hyman, a World War II Marine who was a historian at Rice University before retiring. Dr. Hyman, now 90, and his wife Ferne were the first to build a retirement home at Brookwood, in a program called “Retirement with a Purpose.” So far, two retired couples have built or are building homes at Brookwood and are volunteers in the Brookwood Program. Diane Phillips, who has lived at Brookwood for 22 years, frequently visits and travels with her family. “But often, she tells us she wants to get back. She doesn’t want to miss anything, which is exactly where you want them to be,” said Kay House, Diane’s sister. Kay remembers when Diane first arrived at Brookwood. “Diane pushed someone’s wheelchair for them. And that was the first time that Diane, who had always been the one who was being helped, got to help someone else,” she said. “That was our ‘aha moment.’ If Diane had remained with us at home, she would never have been able to contribute like that and feel that sense of self-worth.” “I am so grateful to Brookwood,” said Lottie Smith, whose son, Brian, age 50, has lived at Brookwood for 28 years. “They have taken Brian in and loved him and given him space to be himself.” Jamie McCulloch, 31, has lived at Brookwood for three years. He moved from

FAMILY AND FLOWERS Siblings Mary, Jamie and Dan McCulloch (from left, photo at left) like to visit when Jamie doesn't have plans at Brookwood. Photo at right: Jamie McCulloch works in the horticulture department. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 10

Courtesy of the Tucker Family

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‘When will it be my turn?’” Frank Tucker, 25, has been a day citizen at Brookwood for the last three years, traveling daily by Brookwood’s bus from Tanglewood. “Frank had been at the Tuttle School, from age 6 to age 21,” said his mother, Stephanie. Like all families who have a child with a functional disability, Frank’s loved ones worried about what kind of life he could have as an adult. Frank works at three jobs: as a café server, bringing plants to customers’ cars and painting ceramics. “He doesn’t want to miss a day of work,” said his mother. “He’s got a purpose in life, he is a productive citizen, he has lots of friends at Brookwood. Frank is the happiest guy in the world.” According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 38.3 million Americans have a severe disability, either mental or physical. “And a tsunami is coming,” said Joe Mazzu, Brookwood’s director of advancement. “People are surviving disabilities, and living longer with them, than ever before – and there is also the coming wave of people, now children, suffering from autism and other developmental disabilities.” When Erin Kiltz attended her daughter WORK AND PLAY Top: Frank Tucker, at right, works with teacher Jonathan Gracie’s last high school Campuzano to provide top-notch service at The Café at Brookwood. Bottom: (Admission, The Tucker family, from left, Ben, Brookwood day citizen Frank, mom Stephanie, ARD dad Brad and Sam, enjoy golfing together and participate, as the Frank Tucker Review and Dismissal) Golf Team, in Brookwood's annual golf benefit every year. meeting, which public schools use to determine Arkansas after his family looked all over the a student’s need for special-education services, country for a place for him. Mary McCulloch, she remembered, “I asked, ‘So, what’s next?’ Jamie’s sister-in-law, said, “He often tells us, ‘I And the answer is: nothing. We as a nation can’t see you tonight; I have plans,’ which makes spend millions on early intervention, but there us really happy. Jamie is the youngest of five is nothing for these individuals when they boys, and he watched his brothers go off to colbecome adults. The No. 1 fear of parents of chillege, get jobs, move out. I know he wondered, dren with disabilities is what will happen to

Holidays at Brookwood There’s always a holiday spirit at Brookwood, what with the 45,000 poinsettias growing in the greenhouses and the extensive selection of holiday-themed decorations, cards and dishware being made in the workshops. But that spirit will kick into even higher gear during the month of December. On Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m., Brookwood will host a Ladies Night Out, with Christmas vendors, food tastings, door prizes and wine, champagne and cocktails available for purchase. No reservations necessary. Brookwood’s big holiday open house will be Dec. 5-6, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The festivities include self-guided tours, opportunities to shop and eat at the café, and a play put on by Brookwood citizens (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). On the mornings of Dec. 13-14, the public is invited to eat breakfast at Brookwood with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Reservations required, 281-375-2100. Breakfast is $8.95 for children, $15.95 for adults.) them when I am gone?” Kiltz, who lives in Georgetown, outside of Austin, toured Brookwood. “That first visit, I felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz when she opens the door and the world changes from black and white to color,” she said. Kiltz returned again for Brookwood’s Network Day Conferences, for those interested in learning how to do what Brookwood does. These conferences attract people from all over the world. Kiltz started her own day program in Georgetown, with eight adults with disabilities, in her backyard. Two and a half years later, the program, now running in donated space at the Georgetown Church of Christ, has 25 citizens, runs five of its own “enterprises,” and has officially become the first affiliate of Brookwood, called Brookwood in Georgetown, or BIG. Kiltz’s long-term plan: to have a full-residential community, with its own store and café, just like Brookwood. From the beginning, Kiltz has been deluged with phone calls, including from one family who moved from Illinois to Georgetown to enroll their child. Back at Brookwood in Brookshire, Yvonne Streit is finishing up a book about Brookwood, while executive director Shudde said she hopes to increase the number of people who take Brookwood’s public tours, from the current 75,000 per year to 200,000, as well as to host more conferences for those seeking to start their own programs. “We believe there is a national problem, a national need,” she said, “and we may not have all the answers, but we do have an answer.”

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NEIGHBORS by Russell Weil, contributing writer

Restaurant Memories A look back at Houston’s dining past

Courtesy of the Weil Family

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s a native Houstonian, I fondly remember many great local restaurants that were favorites of our family. While it might seem hard to believe, South Main Street in the Reliant Stadium area was once home to some of Houston’s most popular dining establishments. From Angelo’s Fisherman’s Wharf (south) to Ye Olde College Inn (north), South Main was where fine dining once prevailed. Nothing brings people together like food and conversation, so as I stroll down this culinary memory lane, I invite you to join me in the nostalgia by remembering some Houston restaurants of yesterday. With the opening of the Astrodome in 1965, the South Main corridor was a hub for many legendary dining spots, including Angelo’s Fisherman’s Wharf. This iconic seafood buffet was located on South Main Street just south of 610 South Loop. With a trailer park next door, you might not have suspected the feast being served on the inside. Opened in 1969 by Charlie Angelo, and closing in 1991, Angelo’s was one of the premier family-style Gulf-Coast seafood restaurants in town. The food seemed to go on for miles. Just north of 610 South was Look’s Sirloin Inn, owned by Sonny Look. Noted for the knight in armor perched upon a horse, greeting patrons in the parking lot, Look’s Sirloin Inn sported a British Castle feel. I fondly remember many meals at Look’s consisting of a chopped steak with baked potato, or fried chicken. As a child, my culinary palate was limited. An added treat was having our family photo taken by the restaurant photographer after we had finished our meal. And, if we had cleaned our plate, we got an official-looking certificate to celebrate. Sonny Look himself was known to have loaned customers his own sport coat to meet the restaurant dress code. (His other location, Look’s Sirloin House, was located on Westheimer where The Palm Restaurant stands today.) At 9200 South Main Street was Gaido’s Seafood, the same establishment that continues to grace Galveston Island. Adorned with a large crab on the front canopy, Gaido’s was true Southern white-linen service – waiters in white

SPECIAL OCCASION Writer Russell Weil’s family celebrate Mother’s Day 1967 at Look’s Sirloin Inn. From left are Cecil Weil, Maxine Weil, Stuart Weil, Bessie Schwarz, Russell and Israel Schwarz.

dinner jackets and white gloves, with napkins draped over their wrists. I remember the servers bringing the condiment stand to our table, scooping out sour cream, chives, butter and cheese on our baked potatoes. Kaphan’s, at 7900 S. Main, was known as “the aristocrat of seafood and steaks.” Established in 1927, and reportedly one of the first Houston restaurants to fully integrate staff and customers, according to the Houston Architecture Information Forum website, Kaphan’s was owned and managed by the Tomac brothers from the 1950s until 1997, when the restaurant closed its doors. Arnold John Tomac was chef, and older brother Pete Tomac ran the dining room and was often seen passing around broiled “Oysters a la Kaphan’s” to all the tables. Originally opening on Galveston Island in 1917, Christie’s Seafood Restaurant opened its first Houston location at 6703 South Main Street, near the Medical Center, in 1934. With red, blue and green color-themed rooms, Christie’s was known for its remoulade sauce on French-fried shrimp. At one time, it sold 10,000

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of its famous fish sandwiches a week. Christie’s has flourished for decades and calls itself the oldest family-run restaurant in Houston, still owned and operated by the Christie family at 6029 Westheimer. There were many other South Main Street/Medical Center area favorites, particularly Ye Olde College Inn across from what was then known as Rice Institute. Longtime Houston Chronicle food editor Ann Criswell says, “Ye Olde College Inn was the first restaurant in the United States to serve baked potatoes with all the toppings. That was really something big.” Other restaurants in this area included Lee’s Den, The Stables Steakhouse (with the lobster tank greeting you inside the front entrance), Red Lion, Pier 21, Valian’s (for pizza), Trader Vic’s in the Shamrock Hilton, Bill Williams (where my Great-Uncle Israel enjoyed breakfast every morning on his way to work at his Greater Third Ward Grocery Store), and Cathay House – the renowned Chinese restaurant in an art deco strip center on Main Street across from the Medical Towers. Not only did the Cathay House serve the

www.bellairebook.com www.bellairebook.com www.bellairebook.com

best Chinese pork ribs in town, but it also had an awesome Astrodome rendering displayed on the wall, complete with twinkling lights. The Astrodome was an inspiration for many of these restaurants; in later years, the restaurant landscape of this area would change dramatically. Eventually, the suburbs evolved into a popular destination for dining experiences, with the city’s development to the west. My uncle, Leon Levinthal Jr., had several favorite places for steaks, including the original Brenner’s Steakhouse on Katy Road and Bud Bigelow’s “way out west” location on Westheimer. I can recall celebrating many birthdays at Bud Bigelow’s as a teenager, feasting on a rib eye steak with a baked potato and the famed fudge brownie pie with vanilla ice cream. Further to the south in Westbury, Rumpleheimer’s Ice Cream Parlor brought joy to all. Located in a quaint shopping plaza, Westbury Square, Rumpleheimer’s was fantasy brought to life. I can remember walking up to the counter with my father as he introduced me to his favorite flavor of ice cream, pistachio. Candy canes adorned the counter, and wroughtiron tables held many birthday parties. As a young student at Little Red Schoolhouse (adjacent to Westbury Square), I enjoyed many field trips to Rumpleheimer’s. While researching this story, I spoke with many long-timers who shared their favorite dining memories, including Buzz-neighborhood residents Nancy Levinthal, a local volunteer and philanthropist, and Leisa Holland Nelson, local author and business owner. Levinthal recalls The Green Parrot. “This was Dad’s favorite place for fried chicken.” Owned and run by Vira Fredericks and her sister, this establishment was located in an old house a few blocks east of Almeda in the MacGregor/Riverside area. It was famous for congealed pear salad with French dressing and other southern specialties. Nelson’s favorite dining memory is from Elliott’s Steakhouse in the Medical Center. “Daddy and Mother took us there for every celebration, birthdays and all occasions. I would order either a filet mignon or fried shrimp. The sizes were just perfect.” Another resident, Julie Scheinthal, fondly remembers Antonio’s Flying Pizza on Hillcroft. “Their pizzas were perfect, and I remember our favorite waitress, Kay. It is still around. We should go back.” Local physician Stuart Weil says, “My favorite place for fried chicken was Youngblood’s on Main Street near Bill Williams. I thought they had the best fried chicken and fried shrimp in town. That’s why I still love fried chicken.” Food editor Criswell concurred on both of these fried chicken legends. “Youngblood’s was a big hit. And Green Parrot was a charming restaurant in a big colonial house on MacGregor, and they had the finest Southern dishes in town. Nothing fancy, but some of the best recipes from Mrs. J.B. Dowd, who owned the original Green Parrot (continued on page 14)

RETRO RESTAURANTS Top photo: Henry’s Steaks near the Bellaire Triangle was a local favorite. Middle photo: Valian’s Restaurant, where Houston pizza was born, was in the Medical Center. Bottom photo: One of Prince’s Drive-In Restaurant locations was in the 5200 block of Bellaire Blvd. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 13

Houston: Then and Now – William Dylan Powell www.bellairebook.com Houston 175: A Pictorial Celebration of Houston’s 175-Year History,” – The Houston Chronicle

LEGENDARY EATS Top photo: Trader Vic’s was located in the Shamrock Hotel. Middle photo: Who doesn't remember the sweet treats at Rumpelheimer's in Westbury Square? Bottom photo: The James Coney Island downtown location was a popular lunch spot. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 14

(continued from page 13) in Kansas City. This was a go-to restaurant for Sunday lunch after church and for special occasions.” Another of Criswell’s favorites was Hebert’s Ritz in what is now known as Midtown. “I remember their sign with a bear, and the words ABear to indicate pronunciation. They were famous for their incomparable remoulade sauce and Trout Marguery, which was absolutely delicious.” No Houston restaurant memory would be complete without mentioning the history of local delicatessens. I am proud to say my family helped start one of Houston’s early delis, which evolved into Schwartzberg’s. Founded in 1925 by my grandfather, Robert Leon, and his brother Joe as Leon’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, the name of this Kosher deli was changed in the early 1940s as another of the Leon brothers married a Schwartzberg. One early employee there, Alfred Julius Kahn, was a young immigrant from Germany. After learning every aspect of the business, Alfred Kahn later opened his first location of Alfred’s Delicatessen in 1948 at 2408 Rice Boulevard in Rice Village. Later, the main location moved to the Stella Link Center, which was located next door to Carlsam’s Jewelers, owned by my uncle. Who doesn’t remember Alfred’s – both the delicatessen and the man? The Stella Link location was a gourmet food store in the front, with a counter and full-service restaurant in the back. With the stocky and loveable Alfred at the helm behind the front counter, one could buy authentic Kosher deli meats, fish and cheese, or order huge sandwiches too large to get your mouth around. My favorite was a hard salami sandwich with Swiss cheese on rye, with a salami beef stick on the side along with the best half-sour pickles. You could not even move around Alfred’s during Passover, as the lines were out the door due to everyone stocking up for their Seder needs. Long gone is Alfred’s, since closing in the late 1990s, but never forgotten. While I’ve only just started reminiscing on Houston restaurants past and present (I haven’t even touched on my favorite subject – hamburgers), our journey must end for now. Do you remember any of these places? Or others I don’t mention? We’d love to share your dining memories. Go to the Comments section under the online version of this story at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com or send a letter to Mailbag at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. I look forward to hearing your tales. Until then, enjoy making your own dining memories.

Editor’s note: Russell Weil reviews hamburgers at his foodie blog, eat-more-burgers.com. Many of these historical restaurant photographs are courtesy of Mike McCorkle from his book Life and Times Around Bellaire, Texas 1909 – 2013. Additional photographs and information about the book can be found at www.bellairebook.com. Copies are also available at the Bellaire Coffee Shop and McHugh Tea Room on Bissonnet.

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NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Avoiding Christmas Crooks Holiday safety tips from our police chiefs

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’m the worst about forgetting to fill the car with gas. I’ve actually run out, car totally dead, more than a couple of times. So last April, as I rushed from a meeting to carpool, I made a quick stop that I really didn’t have time for, trying to be on top of things. I drove into the station talking on my phone, grabbed a credit card from my wallet, and slung my purse into the front passenger’s seat. I got the gas pumping, then sat in my car with the doors locked until it finished. When it did, I got out of the car, locked the doors, and put the gas cap back on. Ten seconds, maybe. Getting back in the car, it took a few seconds to process that my passenger’s window was now in pieces in the front seat, where my purse used to be. This all happened while I was standing there, on the other side of the car. I never saw anyone. Never heard anything. It’s pretty scary to think that people would be so brazen – I was standing right there. And then there was the cost of it all. Just the purse and wallet alone were worth something. Add to that the credit-card charges that happened within the 30 minutes it took to call the banks, the new locks on my home doors (they had my address, house keys and security-system remote), the new car window and all the other myriad valuable junk crammed in my purse, and I think the bad guys probably made about $8,000 in 30 minutes. Not to mention the headache of changing every account, every auto-pay. That afternoon, after a dear friend picked up my carpools at two schools, I called my friend Alan Rosen, Harris County constable for Precinct One. His advice: First, call the neighborhood police and ask them to put an alert on my house; second, call one of the credit companies – Equifax, Experian or TransUnion – to put a fraud alert on my credit, so that if anyone tried to open accounts in my name, the banks would have to call me first for approval. I wanted to understand where I had gone wrong. I locked the doors, sat in the car. Wasn’t that what I was supposed to do? Apparently, I made three fatal mistakes. One, I put my purse on the front seat, after digging through it so anyone could see. I should have put it behind my

seat, or better yet, I shouldn’t have had a big purse at all. Two, I got selfserve gas on the side of the freeway. Stick to the neighborhood pumps – especially ones that have surveillance cameras. Three, I was rushed and distracted, and the bad guys picked up on that. Statistically, the holidays are even worse for this kind SAFEKEEPING Bellaire police chief Byron Holloway, who visited with The Buzz and of crime. So as we other police chiefs at Island Grill, wants residents to remember personal safety as they enter the season, commence the holiday rush. still feeling a little have your mind on Christmas gifts and carskittish, I thought I’d check with the experts pool. Have your keys ready before you leave a about how to be safe. store, so you don’t have to fumble for them “Develop some steps for safety, and stick to when you’re at your car. Keep the alarm button them,” says J.D. Sanders, police chief for in your hand and walk past your car to make Memorial Villages. “It takes just a minute to put sure there’s nobody sitting in the vehicle next a seatbelt on, and we got used to that. If you’ll to you.” practice some safety things it’ll take a while to Other safety experts advise taking a 360get used to it in the beginning, but after a while degree survey of what’s going on in front of, it’s second nature.” behind and on each side of you as you walk to What are those steps? “No. 1, when shopping or from the car, walking in the big aisles, rather alone, pick places at parking lots that are wellthan between cars. Valuables like portable GPS lit and not crowded,” Sanders says. Not crowded devices, cell phones, laptops, iPods and even seems contrary to what a lot of us think. Isn’t charging cables should be stashed in a console there safety in numbers? “We all want to get as or glove compartment. (Remember to clean succlose to the entrance of a store as possible. My tion marks off the windshield where GPS or wife will burn half a tank of gas to save 10 steps. radar detectors were attached.) Also, don’t leave But you’re better off parking farther away in a packages in sight inside your car as you go from less crowded area,” says Sanders. “Bad guys can store to store. Make sure to lock them in the conceal themselves a lot easier when there’s trunk or make a trip home to unload. And big another car next to yours.” purses? “They’re a giant neon sign saying, ‘Come Likewise, he advises to not “park next to big get me.’ Don’t give them that big of a target,” vehicles that would block sight of your car. They Sanders says. hide their victim’s vehicle with their own car so “If you’re driving a nice vehicle, those things they can do whatever they want, and nobody signify you’ve got a little money and most likely will see.” jewelry. The bad guys will literally stalk a place “A whole lot of it is just being aware. Don’t

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SAFE TIDINGS Memorial Villages police chief J.D. Sanders and West University police chief Ken Walker (from left) share holiday safety concerns for their residents.

for hours and sometimes days looking for just the right victim in a parking lot. You’ve got to be aware of your surroundings.” Ken Walker, chief of police for West University, echoes Sanders’ advice. “Be aware of everything around you, especially when returning from a grocery store or bank. Check your rear-view mirror, make a few turns, make sure nobody is following you.” If they are, he says, drive to the police station or call them. “Whatever you do,” Sanders says, “don’t pull into your driveway. Then you’re trapped.” Walker and Bellaire police chief Byron Holloway both warn against having packages delivered to your home. “Every year, online shopping increases,” Holloway says. “And we have a real problem with all these packages on people’s porches. We’ll stop [thieves] and they’ll have 10 to 15 packages from all over the city in their car.” Holloway says it’s difficult to determine the extent of doorstep-package theft because usually the recipient will call the vendor, thinking the package was lost during shipping. Walker’s and Holloway’s recommendation: If you’re not home during the day, and there’s nobody at your house, have packages delivered to an office or to a neighbor who will be home all day. And after the packages are opened, “break

down the boxes and bag ’em,” says Holloway. “Any crook can drive around on recycling day and see everyone in the neighborhood who has just bought a new computer or iPad or TV.” Holloway also advises residents to counsel their housekeepers and other household employees to call the police about anything suspicious. “Some of their immigration statuses are questionable, and they’re concerned that if they call the police when something goes wrong that they’ll be in trouble. Maybe the employers even tell them not to call the police because they’re worried about getting in trouble themselves. “We want to be clear that we don’t care about that. We just want to get the call, so that we can do our job and make sure everyone and their property is safe.” During the holidays, we expect more visitors dropping by. Sanders says, “Be careful about opening a door when you don’t know who’s there. People tend to be less on guard during the holidays, but still be careful about knowing who’s there, and have lots of lights. Bad guys hate locks and security systems, but the things they hate most are lights. They won’t go where they can be easily seen.” In addition to lights, think about posting “Beware of Dog” signs and warnings that alarm systems are in use. And

then, use the alarm systems. Make sure, also, that shrubs are manicured; overgrowth is an easy place for thieves to hide. The real problem, Holloway says, is that, “Our lives are so hectic. We’re all trying to do too much in too little time. There’s a lot of cash in circulation during the holidays. We’re distracted, not thinking about what we need to do to keep ourselves and our property safe. Crooks know this, and it brings them out.” Holloway, like the other police chiefs, says the best thing to do is to keep your guard up. “Everyone in the holiday mode is happy and feeling goodwill. They’re very trusting and loving, focusing on their faith and traditions. Unfortunately, a lot of people will take advantage of that. Criminals see that and think, ‘How can I turn this to my advantage?’ “When you get into that rush mode, just stop, catch your breath, and say to yourself, ‘Am I doing everything I can to protect myself, my property and my family?’”

MORE ONLINE For links to Neighborhood Watch and House Watch safety programs in your community, see the online version of this story at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com

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NEIGHBORS by Angie Frederickson, contributing writer

Holiday Fun Get into spirit at seasonal events

L

© Houston Zoo; Stephanie Adams

ooking for a jump start on your holiday mood? Here are some things to do, whether you stay home or take a road trip.

Old Town Spring’s Home for the Holidays When: Nov. 8-Dec. 24 Highlights: Hometown holiday festival features lights, entertainment, family-friendly activities and photos with Santa each weekend. Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s elves hand out balloons and candy canes. Holiday shopping. Location: Old Town Spring, Spring. (25 miles north of downtown Houston) Price: Free admission Details: oldtownspring.com

The Polar Express Train Ride When: Fri-.Sun Nov. 14-Dec. 30; 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. Highlights: Take a one-hour, round-trip train ride to “The North Pole.” Passengers are invited to wear their pajamas, just like in the Polar Express movie. On your way, enjoy music and a reading from the Polar Express book. Upon arrival, Santa leads passengers in Christmas carols. Location: Texas State Railroad, Palestine Station, Park Road 70, Palestine. (150 miles north of downtown Houston) Price: $20-109 Details: texasstaterr.com

13th Annual Moody Gardens Festival of Lights When: Nov. 15-Jan. 3 Highlights: Walk through more than 1 million lights and sound-enhanced animated displays. Live entertainment, outdoor skating rink, Arctic slide and photos with Santa. Location: Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., Galveston Price: $9 admission Details: moodygardens.com

26th Annual Ice Spectacular at The Galleria When: Nov. 15; 12 p.m. family activities, entertainment; 6 p.m. tree-lighting show

BRIGHT NIGHTS Stroll through a colorful winter wonderland during Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo.

Highlights: Lighting of the 55-foot Christmas tree, featuring 450,000 twinkling lights and 5,000 ornaments. Ice and musical performances, fireworks. Location: The Galleria – Ice at The Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Price: Free

Zoo Lights When: Nov. 21-Jan. 4 Highlights: Explore the zoo in the evenings with millions of colorful lights and festive holiday music. Enjoy hot chocolate, funnel cakes and s’mores. Beer and wine also available. Location: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr. Price: To be announced. See website. Details: houstonzoo.org

5th Annual Barton Holiday Lights and Ice

Creek

When: Nov. 26-Dec. 31 (subject to change) Highlights: Holiday lights, indoor ice skating, s’mores, games. Benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation Location: Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin

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Price: $25 adults, $15 children Details: bartoncreek.com/holidaylightsandice

HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade When: Nov. 27, 9 a.m. Highlights: Annual city parade with floats and live music. Location: Downtown Houston. Price: Free Details: houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade

TXU Energy Houston Turkey Trot When: Nov. 27, 7 a.m. Highlights: Thanksgiving morning run. 5K, 10K and kids run, benefitting Sheltering Arms. Location: Outside Dillard’s by The Galleria Price: Race registration: $10 and up. Register in advance, online, or at the race on race day. Details: turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org

Dewberry Christmas Tree Farm When: Nov. 28-Dec. 14; various dates and times Highlights: Take a hayride and search for your own tree. Kids’ activities and shopping. Location: Dewberry Farm, FM 362 and Morrison Rd., Brookshire. (40 miles west of

Mandy Guidry Meaux / Texas State Railroad

downtown Houston) Price: Free admission; trees priced individually. Details: dewberrychristmastrees.com Note: There are many Christmas-tree farms in Texas, and most have holiday activities. See texaschristmastrees.com for a map.

Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker When: Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Highlights: Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker has entertained children and their grownups for more than 25 years. Journey with Clara as she dances with the Nutcracker Prince. Location: Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas at Smith Price: Tickets start at $19 Details: houstonballet.org

Teddy Bear Tea When: Weekends Nov. 29-Dec. 21, 2-4 p.m. Highlights: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas marionette show; cookie decorating, face painting, balloon artist, story hour and Teddy Bear photo. Guests may bring a new teddy bear that will be donated to the Houston Area Women’s Center. Location: St. Regis Hotel, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane Price: $58 + service charge, per person Details: stregishoustonhotel.com

26th Annual West University Christmas Tree Lighting When: Dec. 1; Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. Lighting at 6 p.m. Highlights: Ceremonial lighting of the tree and photos with Santa. Location: Community Building, 6104 Auden Price: Free admission Details: westutx.gov

Holiday in the Park When: Dec. 4, 6-8:30p.m. Highlights: Bellaire’s official welcoming of the holiday season. Visit Santa, enjoy local entertainers, and play in the always-anticipated snow. Location: Bellaire Town Square Event Lawn and Pavilion and Loftin Park, 7008 S. Rice Ave. Price: Free admission Details: ci.bellaire.tx.us

Holly Jolly Jingle When: Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; gates open 5:30 p.m. Highlights: Frolic in a Winter Wonderland, with snow, performances and carols. Visit Santa and Frosty. Location: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands Price: Free admission Details: woodlandscenter.org

ALL ABOARD Take a road trip to Palestine, Texas and ride on the Polar Express train to visit Santa.

Location: 2300 Strand, Galveston Price: $12 for adults and $6 for children in advance. $14 at gate. Guests in Victorian costume are half-price. Details: galvestonhistory.org

Radio City Christmas Spectacular When: Dec. 5-28, various times Highlights: The Rockettes return to Houston’s Hobby Center after eight years with an all-new show showcasing their signature eye-high kicks. Location: Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St. Price: starting at $26 Details: thehobbycenter.org

4th Annual Rudolph Fun Run When: Dec. 6, 8 a.m. Highlights: 10K, 5K and 1K races, benefitting Firefighters Helping Firefighters, photos with Santa, and costume contest. Location: CityCentre, I-10 west at Beltway 8 Price: Race registration starting at $20. Register online through Dec. 5. Details: itrievents.net

Breakfast with Santa When: Dec. 13, 14, 20-24, 8 a.m. Highlights: Breakfast buffet at Downtown Aquarium restaurant. Santa will swim with the fish and pose for photos. Location: Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby Price: $18 adults, $12 children Details: downtownaquarium.com

41st Annual Dickens on the Strand When: Dec. 5-7 Highlights: The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers and jugglers. Costumed vendors, Victorian-inspired crafts.

The Night Before Christmas When: Dec. 13, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Highlights: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas story is set to music performed by the Houston Symphony and narrated by Mirron Willis of Houston’s Ensemble Theater.

Location: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. Price: $32 Details: houstonsymphony.org

Santa’s Holiday Market When: Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Highlights: Outdoor shopping from artists and vendors, photos with Santa. Location: CityCentre, I-10 west at Beltway 8 Price: Free admission Details: citycentrehouston.com

Emanu El Chanukah Supper and Service When: Dec. 19, 6 p.m. supper; 7 p.m. service Highlights: Annual Chanukah supper featuring brisket and potato latkes. Location: Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd. Price: Service is free; supper price to be announced. Details: EmanuElHouston.org

Emanu El Chanukah Celebration When: Dec. 21, time to be announced Highlights: A Chanukah celebration featuring Emanu El cantor Mark Perman. Location: Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd. Price: Free, open to the community Details: EmanuElHouston.org

Winter Break Bash When: Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Highlights: Magic performance with Benjamin Corey. Crafts and games. Location: Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, 5601 S. Braeswood Price: $8 member, $10 public Details: erjcchouston.org

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NEIGHBORS

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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Schmooze with society. The kickoff for the Art of Conversation honored jeweler Mariquita Masterson at the home of Larry and Deana Blackburn. As the guests gathered on the grounds among fountains, women showed Mariquita jewels that they wore to honor her. Chairs Beth Wolff and Bill Stubbs introduced conversationalists who will be at the Nov. 10 lunch chatting for charity. Call 713-681-1331 to get your invitation to sit with Hell’s Kitchen winner Ja’Nel Witt, Center for Houston’s Future president Catherine Mosbacher, former U.S. Ambassador Chase Untermeyer, socialite Joanne King Herring, restaurateur Donna Vallone, gardener Evelyn Leightman, antiques expert David Lackey or lifestyle expert Majorie Maxfield, among the 32 VIPs. Blushing bride. The bridesmaids walked down the aisle in blush-pink chiffon, and April Jessica Elliott carried blush garden roses at her glamourous wedding with Lee Haspel. After the vows at The Houstonian, guests were treated to a buffet of seafood appetizers, crab-avocado shooters, campechana and sushi, all displayed in icesculptured bowls or trays. A seated dinner of steak and fish followed while the band played and a video of the wedding was on a screen by the bar. Breakfast tacos were served before the couple departed. Since the honeymoon resort in Cabo was in chaos with a hurricane, the couple went to Cancun. April is the daughter of Pamela Royal and the late Jeffrey Royal of Houston, and Lee is the son of Anne Music and David Haspel. Wives leave town. Two former neighbors, Marilyn Waldman and Dava McWhorter, always wanted to go on a safari. Their husbands, Jerry Waldman and Mac McWhorter, who like to travel, couldn’t have cared less to be a voyeur to beasts. So off the women went on a 12-day tour of South Africa that started in Cape Town. Zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and leopards gave them a thrill. They fed giant elephants and petted a tame cheetah, all under control. At Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held, they got the scoop from their guide, who said he had been imprisoned with him. With safaris at Kruger National Park and Sabi Sabi and the beautiful Victoria Falls, their mission was accomplished.

kimcoffmanphoto.com

Rumor Has It

CUP OF TEA The Salvation Army women brew up some fun to welcome new members at the Fall Tea. From left are Vicki West, Mary Maxey, Betty Hrncir and Lucy Lewis, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary president.

Keep imagination alive. Rini Ziegler has been busy signing her book Danielle & The Strawberry Fairies: How Strawberries Become Red, about fairy magic. The author and illustrator encourages everyone to make their own magic. Neiman Marcus hosted a soiree for Van Cleef & Arpels in Rini’s own conservatory, Pixie Parlor, which features a fairy garden and stained-glass characters from her book. Beautiful people. Seven hundred applauded at the David Peck Fashion Show to benefit Dress for Success at the new J.W. Marriott downtown. Handsome men walked around collecting $10 for each raffle ticket. They were just as appealing as the stunning models all sporting extra-long hair. Greens and blues were colors most oft seen on the winding walkway that gave most people a front-row seat. Stylishly dressed couple Elizabeth Webster and Cullen Kappler were in the scene that included other fashionistas, Carrie Ann Sanders, Alexandra Carreno, Jane Eifler, Caryn and Graham Tebbe, and Julie and Larry Phillips. David’s wife, Michelle Phillips, was clapping the loudest of course. Pass the tea. The music of the Harbor Light Choir played as guests entered Bobbie

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Nau’s home for The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fall Membership Tea. Co-chairs Betty Tutor and Carolyn Mann, SAWA president Lucy Lewis and Auxiliary founder Lily Andress welcomed the 180 women. Other volunteers, Gina Saour, Gayle Eury, Carol Sharpe, Linda McReynolds, Kristy Lietdke, Justine Klinke, Vicki West, Mary Maxey, Betty Hrncir, Susan Hansen and Billie Sue Parris, were delighted that over $500,000 in grant monies was awarded to Houston-area corps and Boys & Girls Clubs. Come visit us! Andi and Sam Collins bought a home in Asheville, North Carolina, seven years ago to escape Houston as often as possible during the heat. Since they live off the Blue Ridge Parkway they enjoy spectacular mountain vistas and the Smoky Mountains. A steady flow of Houston visitors arrive at their doorstep between April and October. Paulette and Mel Levine came in September and Laurie and Jeff Bricker in October for fall foliage. Everyone likes to visit the Biltmore Estate, and 70 miles away is the Linville Falls with three-tiered waterfalls. Have some good news to share? We want to know. Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Breaking with tradition: Thanksgiving travels

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amily tradition takes many forms for many people, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Last year’s holiday was an opportunity to bring the Cummings family back to its origins. Eldest son Matthew was off at college at Louisiana State University, and couldn’t come back for Thanksgiving as he served in the marching band and would need to perform the next day at the homecoming game. So instead of cooking dinner for the extended family, which has been their tradition for as long as they can remember, they decided to pack up Mom and the two dogs, the turkey and trimmings and go to him. It was a celebration loaded with memories; in fact, it was at this very same campus that Kelly and David first met and fell in love, marching lock step in the band on these same grounds. Years later, it was a nostalgic thrill to watch their son following in their footsteps – literally. Thanksgiving dinner went off without a hitch; they rented an extended-stay hotel suite and prepared the food in the tiny kitchen. “The turkey filled the oven wall-to-wall,” recalls Kelly with a laugh, and mother and daughter worked elbow-to-elbow in the tiny hotel kitchen to produce a meal that met all the seasonal requisites. The next day they headed out for the game and enjoyed it together. “It was exciting and something new to do,” said Kelly. “My husband was a little stressed out, packing everything up – but it actually turned out to be very relaxing, with very little to clean up, and then we got to go shopping. It was nice.” This year, Matthew will be marching on Thanksgiving Day, but the game will be at College Station; so instead of going for the whole weekend, the family is making a day trip of the holiday and planning a tailgate-party Thanksgiving. They’ll borrow an oil fryer from an uncle and deep-fry the turkey right there in the parking lot. For the Fazal-Merchants and the Bloomers, it was more about starting a new tradition – and what’s more traditional than Disney? Both families decided to take advantage of the weeklong break from school to plan a trip into the world of make-believe.

AHOY, MATEY Captain Hook, Dawn Bloomer, William Fowler, Kevin Bloomer and Mr. Smee (from left) enjoy Pirate Night aboard the Disney Wonder.

For Fermeen Fazal and husband Rizwan Merchant, the trip to Disneyland in California was a family first. Her big extended family hails from Pakistan, and every year they get together for the traditional feast – a multicultural celebration: one roasted turkey rubbed with tandoori spices, and another fried Cajun-style. They serve both turkeys with cranberries, mashed potatoes, squash casserole, and chutney. Six years ago, tiny 8½-pound Saira was born three weeks before Thanksgiving, and Fermeen propped her up next to the 20-pound turkey for a photo – and a new annual tradition was born. Last year, however, they decided to take a break from the festivities and make a break for the coast. They flew to John Wayne Airport right next to Disneyland the Saturday before Thanksgiving, long before most holiday travelers were crowding the airlines, and the parks weren’t crowded because most people come over the Thanksgiving weekend. “It was our first time to any Disney park, and we had a great time!” Fermeen said. Saira, then 5, got a princess makeover; Shahrick, 10, attended Jedi training camp, and the whole fam-

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ily got to watch the fireworks each night. On Thanksgiving Day, they lined up for a 10 a.m. opening-day screening of Frozen. “It was a super cool experience to watch it in downtown Disney because they gave the audience a Frozen pin,” said Fermeen. The family celebrated a turkey-buffet lunch at their hotel and flew home to Houston after lunch. “No one wants to fly on Thanksgiving Day, and so flights were cheaper and the airport was dead. We got back home to Houston to enjoy Friday and the weekend here. It was awesome!” Her sister, who travels every year from her home in New York to be with the family, was a little bit disappointed at their absence – but since the family had the rest of the weekend together, there was plenty of time to make up for it. “We arrived at 6:30 and we missed the turkey but we were in time for the pies,” reported Fermeen. “And we took a picture of my daughter with the turkey carcass.” Dawn Bloomer has always been a self-described “significant Disney fan,” and when she heard that the Disney Cruise was leaving from Galveston, she booked cruises for her and husband Kevin, and

TIGER BEAT Two generations of LSU marching band members celebrate Thanksgiving together at the game. From left are Kelly, David, Matthew and Kirby Cummings.

son William Fowler, right away. There were two choices – summer or fall. Thanksgiving week cost more but worked better for their schedule, “so we decided to limit our exposure to miss school and plunked down the cash.” The Bloomer/Fowler family’s Mimosa Drive neighbors, the William and Linda Wu family, joined them as well. Hardcore fan that she is, Dawn reported “a very positive experience even though the weather was outrageously horrible.” Storms pounded the Gulf of Mexico and followed them into the Caribbean, and the seas were so rough that passengers were seasick for up to three days. When the winds finally subsided, it was still rainy and cold. When they finally made it to Castaway Cay, the rain stopped long enough for them to disembark, get some lawn chairs and sit on the beach and dig around in the sand a bit. “The food was really good, and you could still go into the shops,” recalled the ever-optimistic Dawn. “The crew comes off the ship and cooks in the restaurant on the island, and the food is amazing.” The good thing, Dawn said, was that the storm happened early in the 7-day cruise so there was time to recover and still make some good memories. And there was enough going on there on the ship that there was plenty to do without the shore excursions. “I would say the highlights were on the ship itself – how much exposure you could have with the characters if you chose to.” Dawn packed a suitcase full of pirate attire so that the family could join in the fun during Pirate Night.

All meals on four of the ship’s seven very different restaurants were included in the cruise price. One unforgettable dinner was in the Animator’s Palate, with its mind-bending architecture and Pacific Rim cuisine. “The whole restaurant changes colors, and the waitstaff uniforms change colors as well; it’s a really unique experience,” Dawn said. William got to go have his own kind of fun at the Oceaneer Club, and Dawn and Kevin were able to get away and enjoy some fine dining. “One of the highlights on Thanksgiving Day was that it was so stress free – you weren’t cooking or cleaning, you didn’t have to do dishes, and there were all these games,” said Dawn. “I remember talking about how nice it was to be there for Thanksgiving and not even do work. We were just able to enjoy the family. “There was so much going on on the ship as far as entertainment and amenities, you were never bored.” Frozen featured as a high point for the Bloomers, as well. The movie had its premiere while they were out at sea, and like the FazalMerchants, they were among the first to see it. A big ice sculpture outside the movie theater added some serious atmosphere. As far as missing the traditional annual family feast, it turned out that the rest of the family had plans as well – including Mom and Dad, who went to Vegas. “We have had many a Thanksgiving dinner together,” Dawn said, “but if we don’t, nobody’s feeling disappointed by that.” Under Disney Cruises’ “rotational dining” sys-

tem, the family migrates to a different one of the ship’s restaurants each night. On Thanksgiving Day, the Bloomers lucked out with one of the more formal restaurants and found themselves with a tough choice: traditional turkey dinner, lobster or prime rib. But as it turned out, one price covered all you could eat, and Kevin ended up with quite a lot to be thankful for: a serving of each. “We sat with our friends, ordered what we wanted off the menu, then they had entertainment – which increased in elaborateness with each day,” Dawn recalled. “They just one-upped each other, and each show was more touching and heartwarming and theatrical and elaborate than the last.” On the cruise, as with elsewhere in the U.S. culture, Thanksgiving kicked off the holiday season; all the holiday decorations went up, and a big gingerbread house was built before their eyes. The whole experience was such a hit that when Dawn learned that a Disney Cruise would be back in Galveston in 2015, she booked a repeat right away – this time, hopefully, without the storm. “It wasn’t like there was something wistful about not being home; it’s another adventure,” she said. “Me and my husband and son, we all travel a lot – so we spend a lot of time on the move. My philosophy is: To each his own. If it’s your holiday, it’s your family, and it’s your way to create memories – so make it something you want to do that gives you joy and satisfaction. There’s no one way to celebrate Thanksgiving; it’s to each his own.”

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FOOD

by Jan Nelson Carroll, contributing writer

Thanksgiving favorites

Cooking Buzz is a new column produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and educational organization founded in 1925.

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hanksgiving is, hands down, my favorite holiday. There is something about the simplicity of Thanksgiving that warms my heart. Thanksgiving calls us to pause and remember everything in our lives that is blessed. My earliest Thanksgiving memories are of my dad getting up at the crack of dawn to cook the turkey in a big brown grocery bag. According to him, the bag kept the turkey from drying out. This seemed to be the case for many years until disaster struck and the bag caught on fire. Given my family’s checkered past with turkey it might surprise you to know that I do make a turkey for our family’s feast. My mother-in-law, Connie Dyess, makes one, and I make another. I use the recipe for Favorite Turkey from The Junior League of Houston’s cookbook Peace Meals. No fire extinguisher required. My father was also famous for his dressing. I now make it every year, and the smell of the onions and celery cooking in butter always reminds me of sitting on a squeaky stool watching my sweet daddy cook. I lost my dad more than 30 years ago, so I cherish those memories. Looking for a dressing recipe? Try Sage and Pecan Dressing from Peace Meals. My best friend, Monica Abugattas, is from Peru. Her family does not really celebrate Thanksgiving, so she has always spent the day with us. Without traditions, it is said, we have no memories. I have so many fond memories of us cooking together, and now my 6-year-old daughter, Georgia, is cooking with us, too. My mother-in-law always makes the showstopping Pumpkin Roll from the Junior League cookbook Stop and Smell the Rosemary. We have to keep an eye on my husband, Chris, as he likes to dig into the roll before we eat. If you are not a whiz in the kitchen, I think it is perfectly acceptable to cater the meal or pick up a prepared dish. The Junior League Pantry has a complete Thanksgiving dinner that serves 10 to 12 people for $225, or you can order a side

or turkey à la carte. (Call 713-622-5965 to order.) Orders must be placed by Nov. 20 at 3 p.m., and pick up is Wednesday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Junior League Ballroom, west of River Oaks on 1811 Briar Oaks Lane. In our family it is important to not forget the drinks. A shiny silver punch bowl filled with something refreshing is a great centerpiece. The Champagne Pomegranate Punch from Peace Meals is stunning and delicious. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with great food and family. Create THE TURKEY For a lot of families, Thanksgiving wouldn't feel right without a traditions, and wonder- perfectly roasted turkey. ful memories will follow. Coat the turkey with the mixture on both the If the turkey catches fire, all the better. inside and outside of the bird. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Favorite Turkey Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place onion, celPeace Meals (2008) ery and parsley inside the cavity of the turkey. 10- to 12-pound fresh turkey Lay the bacon slices across the breast. Place 3 teaspoons dry mustard pieces of butter in the crevices between the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 drumstick and the breast, and behind the ⁄3 cup olive oil, plus additional wings. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar add the broth. Soak the linen towel in olive Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper oil and lay it over the entire turkey. Roast the 1 large white onion, peeled and cut into wedges turkey for 3 to 3½ hours or until a meat ther3 stalks celery, strings removed and cut into mometer registers 180-185°F in the thigh and 1- to 2-inch pieces 170-175°F in the thickest part of the breast. ½ cup chopped fresh parsley Baste turkey and turn the roasting pan several 2 slices bacon times during cooking. Remove from the oven ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into pieces and allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes 2 cups chicken broth before carving. 1 thin linen towel (to be discarded after cooking) This recipe requires advance preparation. Remove and discard the giblets and neck from For more recipes, see this story at inside the turkey; rinse the turkey and pat dry. tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com. To buy a Combine the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cookbook, see www.jlh.org or call 713-871-6608. olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in small bowl.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 28

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KIDS

Shari Durrett

School Buzz From our student correspondents

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he Buzz has launched a new online blog, School Buzz, which highlights what’s going on in local high schools from the perspectives of students. See below for some excerpts from our student editors and reporters. To read complete posts and news from other schools, check out School Buzz at westubuzz.com.

All aboard to Avonlea Rachel Blakes of Second Baptist School wrote about the production of Anne of Green Gables. “Second Baptist School students, under the direction of Mrs. Cindy Blades and Mrs. Claire Westmoreland, are fervently preparing to transport themselves and three audiences to Avonlea. Upper School students began rehearsing as early as July for Anne of Green Gables and have been rigorously preparing to deliver a realistic presentation of the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan girl whose life is forever changed by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, her new friends and her new home, Green Gables. When asked how playing the lead role in this show has impacted her senior year, Morgan LePori said, ‘Getting to develop the innocent, endearing and vulnerable character of Anne has been a great start to my senior year, along with forming better relationships with everyone in the cast, especially the seniors.’”

Departure of beloved coach Sam Clark of Strake Jesuit wrote about the announcement that Mike Block, the head lacrosse coach, is leaving. “Coach Block is leaving the game of lacrosse, a sport he has been a part of for over 20 years, to spend more time with his family. Coach Block will leave a lasting legacy on the Strake Jesuit lacrosse team as well as the school as a whole. He taught American History aside from coaching. Coach Block is known to many as the proud owner of a voice loud enough to be heard echoing all over campus. During the offseason, Block coached countless teams, including the Houston Hurricanes and Houston Lacrosse Academy. Strake has continually been a legitimate contender for the state title year after year. Coach Block coached purely for the love of the game. This became especially apparent last season, when Coach

CENTER STAGE The cast of Anne of Green Gables at Second Baptist School includes (from left, top row) Elizabeth Ramsey, Ross Kimmel, Laura Laughead, William Wilkerson, Morgan LePori, Victoria Hartman, Brandon Jessurun, Rachel Blakes, (bottom row) Laney Elders, Gabriella Addickes and Caleb Pederson.

Block turned down the Coach of the Year award because he felt many of his players were overlooked in the composition of the All-District teams. Last year, Strake Jesuit finished second in district, and Coach Block was unsatisfied with just one all-state player and two all-district players. Coach Block continues to coach the Crusader lacrosse team in offseason training as Strake Jesuit searches for a new coach for the upcoming season. Adjusting to a new coach will be a minor setback for the Strake Jesuit lacrosse team, but with team leaders such as senior Kevin Murphy, junior Andrew Eichelberger (a verbal commit to Lehigh University), and junior Ben Medrano (a verbal commit to Furman), this will by no means be a rebuilding year. I personally would like to thank Coach Block for all that he has done. The Crusader lacrosse team looks forward to the season this spring.”

Visiting colleges helps Jacob Padden of Lamar High School wrote about his college-visit experiences. “One of the most common questions for any high schooler, especially a junior or senior, is, ‘What college do you want to go to?’ This question always seems to come up. While the questioning can become

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 30

annoying, the road to college should not be taken lightly, for it is likely the most important decision in a young adult’s life. I have never been the type of person to thoroughly plan my future. As a kid I did not have an idea as to what I wanted to do. I did not even think about college until my second semester of junior year, when my parents forced me to select some colleges to visit. Between then and now, I have visited eight schools and formulated a solid idea as to what colleges I want to apply to. It isn’t necessary for students to visit schools before they apply, especially all of them, but it is a good idea. My visits allowed me to figure out the types of schools I like, something I had no idea about in January. If it’s a mid-size to large urban school that has Division 1 sports and a small percentage of instate students (unless it’s a Texas school), I’m going to apply. I didn’t come to this conclusion quickly. Each visit allowed me to piece it together along the way. Learn from my experience that campus visits strongly shape your interests and help guide you in the right direction.” Editor's note: School Buzz is written by students. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher or editor.

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SPORTS

.

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz I

t may not have determined the conference champion, but there was plenty at stake in the Episcopal Knights’ 48-21 regular-season victory over rival Kinkaid Falcons. The victory secured a top seeding for the Knights in this month’s SPC playoffs – and also avenged last season’s loss to Kinkaid. “It’s a tremendous rivalry that runs deep,” said Knights head coach Steve Leisz. “The two schools have combined to win the last five SPC Championships, so it’s always a big deal when we play each other. The parents and grandparents know each other, and there’s a lot of pride and even ego when our teams face off. We had close

to 4,000 fans at the game, which is probably the largest crowd we’ve ever had for an on-campus game here at Episcopal. It’s especially impressive considering it was a Thursday-night game.” As for the game itself, Episcopal defensive lineman Marvin Wilson put forth a spectacular effort with five sacks on highly touted Kinkaid quarterback J.T. Granato. “Marvin had a great game, as did our entire defense,” said Leisz. “Linebacker Trey Horne was his typical dominant force, and we gave up only 22 yards in the second half to a high-powered offense.” Offensively, Episcopal generated over 500 yards worth of offense behind a magnificent

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 32

game from quarterback Preston Heard, who accounted for four touchdowns on the evening. Fifteen-year-old sophomore receiver Jhamon Ausbon had several big plays, including a 79yard touchdown reception. In addition, wide receiver Jimmy McCartney hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions, while Kobi Owen scored two touchdowns in the victory. “It was a total team win,” said Leisz. In volleyball, the Bellaire Cardinals were well on their way to winning their 15th district championship in the last 16 years, going unbeaten through its first eight district matches of the season. “Last year was actually the first time in

offense as well some good height.” Leading the offense is senior setter Amy Houser, who leads the Houston area in assists and was listed in the Greater Houston Fab 50 as one of the city’s top players. Senior outside hitter Carson Pyle is also having a big season, according to Gammill. Pyle will play collegiately at Hawaii Pacific University, having been scouted and recruited while the Mustangs were playing in a tournament in Honolulu this August. Another Mustang who’ll be playing collegiate volleyball is Kaylee Taff. The senior outside hitter has committed to Austin Peay State University. Meanwhile, 6-foot, 2-inch junior Maddie Phillips leads the team in kills, while outside hitter Anna ARMED AND DANGEROUS Episcopal Knights quarterback Needham is among the Mustangs’ Preston Heard accounted for over 500 yards worth of offense and five touchdowns in the Knights’ 48-21 regular-season victory over the heavy hitters. rival Kinkaid Falcons. “We’re just working really hard Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardand hoping to make a deep run in the post-seawinning co-host and producer of the KUBE son playoffs,” said Gammill. “We played an SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 extremely tough pre-season schedule, which p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school hopefully will pay off as the playoffs approach. sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, We more than held our own against some of the please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. area’s top teams.” David Shutts Photography

15 years we didn’t win district, so the kids are extremely motivated to capture another title this season,” said Cardinals head coach Ap Clarke. “Our team has a lot of heart, and physically we’re a very strong team.” Among those strong players is senior outside hitter Claire Smith. “She’s just a hammer out there with great power,” said Clarke. In addition, Clarke had high praise for several other players. “Sundara Chinn is one of our go-to players. She’s a junior lefty who always seems to put the ball away. Maya Evans and her twin sister Megan are also having great seasons. Maya is real explosive off the floor with a nice quick arm, and Megan, who’s our setter, is feeding hitters a lot more consistently.” Also, Clarke calls libero (defensive specialist) Katie Fairbanks the backbone of the team. “Katie is passing really well, and she pretty much starts our offense for us.” At Memorial, the Mustangs volleyball team is putting forth another powerful season, boasting an overall 22-5 record late into the regular season. Memorial finished third in the Spring Branch Tournament, which featured an elite 32team field of many of the city’s best volleyball teams. The Mustangs were also well on pace to winning a district championship. “We have a really well-rounded team,” said Mustangs head coach Beth Gammill. “Our girls are really good hitters, and we just have a ton of

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 33

Scott Kennedy

SPORTS

by Scott Kennedy, contributing writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Making a break for it Harris Ranger (top photo) tries to elude tacklers as he runs for a big gain against the Aggies. Ranger, a fifth grader at Wilchester Elementary, is a running back and linebacker for the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association junior varsity Rebels. His teammates are Charles Mackey, Cooper Sands, Drew Gilbert, Nathaniel Pizano, Jack Stevenson, Collin McKnight, Jack Hachtman, Everett Bates, Anthony Cuhel, Demitre Dailey, Eric Martinez, Creagon Sands, Marek Good, Austeen Bossio, Branham Banks, Alex Harwood and William Latiolais. They are coached by Philip Ranger, Anthony Cuhel, Mike Good, Anthony Mackey and Jon Bates. Kimberly Kennedy

Kicking it clear Goalie Madeleine Dukes (middle photo) kicks the ball clear during practice. Dukes plays for the 11-13 year old SBMSA Razorbacks. The girls come from various schools, including Spring Branch and Memorial middle schools. For many, this is their last season playing SBMSA soccer. Dukes and teammate Alexandra Pappas have played sports together since kindergarten. Their teammates are Devyn Finklestein, Jordan Finkelstein, Lizzie Gissel, Abbey Hall, Sydney Horn, Dylan McNair, Abigail Moore, Audrey Moore, Macey Mulvey, Lauren Nguyen, Niki Papakyriacou and Caroline Turner. They are coached by Greg Pappas and Richard Dukes.

Volleyball for all Emily Hawes (#9) from River Oaks Baptist School (bottom photo) serves an ace at the 14th Annual Bellaire Volleyball Middle School Tournament. Thirty-two school teams met at Spike Sport’s Volleyball Complex to compete for a championship. In the Open Division, St. Anthony of Padua won the Gold Bracket. In the Open Division’s Silver Bracket, River Oaks Baptist School’s White team won. In the Premier Division, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School earned the Gold Bracket championship, while the Silver Bracket went to Second Baptist.

Tom Brown

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

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by Jordan Magaziner, staff writer

Buzz About Town Blessing of the stuffed animals

to school. These furry friends received a blessing from the priest. In a ceremony a few days later, the school’s fourth-grade students brought live animals for a similar blessing, outside in the courtyard. Pictured (from left) are Primary I student Mary-Claire Eidman and The Rev. Robert D. Wismer, senior chaplain.

Blessing of the animals In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis Episcopal Day School’s Primary School students recently brought their best stuffed pals

St. Catherine’s Montessori held its annual Blessing of the Animals in the Primary Courtyard. Many families brought their beloved pet or a photograph of their pet as the Lower Elementary students blessed them with holy

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water. Pictured are Madeleine Genzer and her dad Corby Genzer.

Wanna be on TV Super Bowl commercials are often just as popular as the game itself. Recently, Randy Lerner decided to enter the “Doritos Crash the Super Bowl” commercial contest, in which contest entrants submit a 30-second video for a chance to win $1 million. Randy went to the residents at Brookdale Plaza Galleria, formerly known as

The Hampton, for help, as he was seeking a talented individual to play a “grandma” in his commercial. The competition was fierce. Talented thespians included (from left) Toni Edwards, Blanche Abramson, Gladys Kahn, Johannah Wilkenfeld, Naomi Friedman, Stan Fuss (dressed as a grandma), Loretta Roman, Yetta Gilbert, Flo Selber, Abbey Taylor, Patricia Brammer and (in front) commercial director Randal Lerner. “I appreciated all the great support from the folks at Brookdale Plaza Galleria,” said Randy. Good luck to all who auditioned and make sure to look out for this hopeful entry at Super Bowl 2015.

Two steppin’ The TIRR Foundation hosted a concert, Two Steppin’ with TIRR, which raised record-breaking funds for Mission Connect, a neurotraumaresearch program. Performer Clay Walker and special guest Jerry Jeff Walker got all of the guests clapping and two-stepping to the tunes. A buffet of barbecue from Demeris set the scene, and an auction included prizes such as a week’s

David Smith (D. Smith Photography)

stay at Jerry Jeff Walker’s Casa Gonzo in Belize. Guests included Pauline Borally, Shelley Iglesias, Nikki Simpson, Stacey Hamilton,

Keely Krhovjak, Martha Rutledge, Kristine Fote, Kristin Abello, April Abello, Teresa Ferruzzo, Heather Gunn, Leslie Shofner, Angie Clinton, Kristi Hyzak and Lindsay Laudadio. Pictured is Clay Walker with party goers.

Leading the trail The Lanier Middle School varsity Girls Cross Country team has been busy burning up the trails this season. Among the standouts on this strong team are Tess Stefan and Audrey Foster. The girls placed first and second overall at the Lobo Invitational held along the scenic bayou at

Chavez High School. At press time, Lanier eighth-grade girls were undefeated heading into the final two meets of the season. Seventh- and eighth-grade girls are coached by Linda Suttles. Eighth-grade boys, coached by Katie Keenan, have also excelled with two (continued on page 38)

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 37

(continued from page 37) first-place place wins and

one second-place showing. Pictured are (from left) Tess Stefan, who placed first overall, followed closely by Audrey Foster.

Backpack buddies

Tom Burke, CEO of The Rowan Companies, and George Ball, CEO of Sanders Morris Harris. Rob Schanen, EVP of Alliant Insurance Services, was also chair. The event raised close to $300,000.

Art inspirations

Robotics revolution

More than 200 people participated in the Backpack Blast sporting-clays tournament, live auction and dinner benefiting Houston Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy Program at the Greater Houston Gun Club. The Backpack Buddy Program works to help children who rely on free or reduced-price lunches during the school week and have meager or no meals at home on the weekends. On Fridays, children take home child-friendly, nutritious meals given discreetly in backpacks. Pictured are (from left) chairs

Michelle Watson

Roswitha Vogler

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Art Project teamed up with The Galleria to put on its largest event of the year to recognize the creative achievements of young cancer patients. Each patient who created

The Galleria, Neiman Marcus, Simon Lookbook Live and Cadillac. Guests also listened to a speech on childhood cancer by MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Dr. Steven Waguespack. Pictured are (from left) Susan French, Sarah Newson, Craig Henderson and Karen Jenkins. All proceeds benefitted the art project.

artwork for the collection received an award on stage. Then, the children and more than 275 guests enjoyed lunch, catered by A Fare Extraordinaire, and a fashion show, courtesy of

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 38

River Oaks Baptist School is experiencing a robot revolution. Robotics is part of the fifth and sixth grade computer curriculum, and seventh and eighth graders can choose to participate in a twice-weekly robotics elective. After assembling their robots, children learn to program their machines to maneuver a course and perform other tasks. Pictured are (from left) sixth graders Dylan Woo and Alex Williams working with science teacher Henry Barrios (in center).

Coming up roses

and John Evatz. Honorees were Diane Caplan and Alex Martinez. Dr. Franklin and Cindi Rose, with daughter Erica Rose and son Ben Rose, with fiancée Laura Max Nelson, were thrilled that nearly $100,000 was raised for cancer survivors. Pictured are (from left) Shelly Kibbodeaux, Cindi Rose and Bruce Padilla.

Herb Hochman

Recycling at Briargrove

Mayor Annise Parker signed a proclamation naming “Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation Day” when 200 supporters, mostly clad in shades of rose and red, dined at Fleming’s Rivers Oaks. The five-course dinner included a surprise guitar birthday cake for Charlie Padgett, the son of Kim Padgett, co-chair with Jessica Rossman

Briargrove Elementary School recently participated in the second Annual Green Apple Day of Service, hosting two days focusing on service. The first day gave students and teachers the opportunity to clean up the school, conserving energy, reducing waste and recycling. The second day of service took place on a Saturday, so parents were invited to join their kids to help out. More than 150 families, teachers, staff and members of the community joined to improve the school’s butterfly and edible gardens, orchards, outdoor classrooms and outdoor playand sports-areas. An Eco-Fair also took place at the school, showcasing the community’s work in building a sustainable city. On this same day, Houston ISD kicked off its Recycling Education Initiative. The city’s recycling mascot ReUse It and Keep Houston Beautiful’s Lucky the Lady Bug, plus one of Houston’s new, festive recycling trucks, added to the atmosphere. Briargrove students showcased artwork selected by HISD to be part of the district-wide recycling education ini-

tiative. Pictured are (from left) students Naima Rodriguez and Leya Obid showing off their newly pulled carrots while other Briargrove Elementary School families work on the school’s edible gardens. Editor’s note: The Buzz is happy to report that Annie and Tyler McQueen’s twin babies are doing well. Annie Blaylock McQueen, associate editor and Buzz About Town columnist, is currently out on maternity leave, spending time with her babies, Cash and Lila. In the meantime, Jordan Magaziner is handling this section. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to The Buzz at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 39

GIVING BACK Molly McGreevy, an eighth grader at St. Michael Catholic School, worked with friends to create Thanksgiving baskets for families at DePelchin Children’s Center.

KIDS by Molly McGreevy, age 13

Buzz Kidz I

Spreading the Thanksgiving spirit

n fall 2013, my mom and I decided it would be fun to do something for the community. As we looked through the many ways we could help, I read about these Thanksgiving baskets that people make for children in foster care and their families. I love Thanksgiving! The yummy food, being with my family and the idea of bringing that into someone else’s home really appealed to me. I spoke with two of my friends, Olivia Ison and Caroline Kunetka, and they both wanted to help. We broke the project into three parts. I worked with Debbie Gregg, the volunteer services coordinator at DePelchin Children’s Center, to determine what needed to go in the baskets and what grocery store was best for us to get gift cards from, as well as when to deliver the baskets. My friend Olivia built a sample basket so we could get an

idea of what each one would cost. We found out that each basket cost $50 and would contain a $25 gift card for a turkey plus a box of stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, brownie mix, paper towels, napkins and foil. My friend Caroline built the website we used to fundraise. We sent the link to our friends and family in hopes of raising $500 to build 10 baskets. We couldn’t believe how generous everyone was. We ended up raising $1,200 and were able to make 24 baskets. The day we delivered the baskets, we also helped organize the volunteer services’ warehouse for the holiday season. One of the social workers came in asking if there were any spare baskets. A foster family’s home had burned

down, and they needed food and supplies. We helped her gather clothing, toys and baskets and loaded them in her car. I learned so much through this project about how to work in a team, how to set a budget, and how to grocery shop, and, most importantly, I learned about giving back to my community. We can’t wait to see how this year goes. Editor’s note: Molly and her friends will be raising money to build baskets again this Thanksgiving. To donate, see http://tilt.tc/j4C17. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401.

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DINING GUIDE by Dai Huynh, staff writer

This Month in Dining Where to take out-of-town guests Julie Soefer Photography

Restaurant Listings

Julie Soefer Photography

$ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person

UNDERBELLY Chef-owner Chris Shepherd loves to surprise guests with Asian touches, such as this braised goat with dumplings, inspired by Korean street food.

W

hen the holidays roll around, I can always count on one thing: A friend or neighbor will ask for recommendations on where to take out-of-town guests. Sure, I could suggest trendy spots like Oxheart (1302 Nance) or Uchi (904 Westheimer) for mind-bending, experimental cooking. But I rarely do. Instead, I like to introduce visitors to restaurants and chefs long on local history. The first one that always comes to mind is Robert Del Grande, who practices his alchemy at RDG + Bar Annie (1800 Post Oak Blvd.). Houston boasts many star chefs. Notable is gregarious Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd, who garnered the 2014 James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest. Del Grande was the sole holder of that title for more than a decade for his role in launching the Southwestern Cuisine movement in the mid-’80s, and his creativity has attracted such culinary luminaries as Diana Kennedy and Wolfgang Puck. I asked Del Grande where he takes his out-of-town guests. He replied, “If you’re not from here, what is this town known for? Well, to start, barbecue.” He recalled his first visit to the original Goode Company Barbeque (5109 Kirby). “It’s still fun,” he says. A fajita favorite remains El Tiempo Cantina (multiple locations). Here you can pay homage to Ninfa Laurenzo, who put tacos al carbon and Tex-Mex on the map. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (2704 Navigation Blvd.) encapsulates old Houston, and the tacos al carbon remain delicious even though the Laurenzos have moved on. Son Roland and grandson Domenic honored their beloved matriarch by opening an El Tiempo at 2814 Navigation. It’s a gorgeous, 8,400-square-foot tribute adorned with hand-painted portraits of the Laurenzo clan. Other places to take visitors? Hugo’s (1600 Westheimer) successfully introduced Houstonians to fried grasshoppers and interior Mexican cooking. In the late ’80s, Michael Cordua helped kick off a national craze for South American, grilled, chimichurri-marinated steak, fried plantains and tres leches at his Churrascos (five locations). And chef-owner Anita Jaisinghani redefined modern Indian at Indika (516 Westheimer) and Pondicheri (2800 Kirby, suite B132). TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 42

Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime restaurant writer. Her visits to restaurants in our Buzz Dining Guide were anonymous, and she paid for her meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too. Write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com.

Common Bond Café & Bakery Pastries and sandwiches Neighborhood: Montrose area The long search for moist, buttery kugelhopf ends here. Speckled with brandy-soaked raisins, the sultan’s turban-shaped cake-bread is a soulsatisfying breakfast with a steaming café au lait. The moistly crisped walnut chocolate chip cookies, even at $3-plus apiece, are worth it. The only version that surpasses these, you can’t get since it comes out of my brother’s oven. Not every pastry is perfect at Common Bond. Its frequently touted plain croissant falls short on texture. While beautiful to look upon – glisteningly golden-brown – the overly crisped shell tastes dry and interior mealy. Scones, too, were tough. But the pastries that are nearly perfect here, like the kouign amann (a flaky, buttery, caramelized, sugar-topped pastry), surpass their counterparts around town. Common Bond bustles at breakfast, and for good reason. Offerings include a stellar sourdough sandwich stacked with pork sausage, cheddar, frisee and fried egg. Be kind; share it with a good friend. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Tues.-Sun. (Kitchen closes 3 p.m. daily, but the dining room remains open for coffee and dessert until 7 p.m.). 1706 Westheimer Road, 713-529-3535. wearecommonbond.com. $$

Funky Chicken Gourmet fried chicken Neighborhood: The Heights It seems simple enough – fried, moist chicken with skin so brown and enduringly crisp. Yet many chefs don’t get it right, and even fewer are able to take it to the next level. The exception is two-time James Beard winner Bradley Ogden. The Las Vegas superstar chef and son Bryan recently opened the Funky Chicken – the first of many, they hope. We couldn’t be happier that they’re testing their recipes on Houstonians. The Ogdens have perfected the art of fried chicken with a savory coating reminiscent of the paperthin, amber-glass crust on a crème brûlée. The barely-there breading allows you to taste crispy skin along with the expertly marinated organic chicken. Funky Chicken also serves roasted chicken and gourmet sides like quinoa salad and roasted brussels sprouts. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Sat.-Sun. 181 Heights Blvd., 832-924-4655. realfunkychicken.com. $

Leibman’s Gourmet deli Neighborhood: Memorial Party hosts around the Energy Corridor take savvy shortcuts when they buy pre-made dips, salads and other prepared noshes from Leibman’s Wine and Fine Foods. Longtime customers know that Etienne Leibman has one of the keenest palates in Houston, and her recipes – from the curried chicken salad Afrique and garlic artichoke dip to chopped chicken liver – are skillfully seasoned. Leibman recently started offering full lunch and weekend brunch menus with a changing roster of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees. Lunch, Mon.-Sun., 14529 Memorial Drive, 281-493-3663. leibmans.com. $$

Local Foods Chef-driven gourmet deli Neighborhood: Rice Village Hand-crafted sandwiches and salads from chef Dylan Murray draw a diverse crowd. Savor duck confit smothered with melted brie, aioli and cranberry preserves on wheat bread. Shrimp-and-crab on ciabatta with green goddess dressing is another must-try. Sandwiches come with two sides that include Tuscan kale with golden raisins and potato chips speckled with Old Bay seasonings. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 2424 Dunstan, 713-521-7900. houstonlocalfoods.com. $$

McHugh Tea Teahouse and more Neighborhood: Bellaire This shabby chic corner charms with its English ambiance illuminated by tea-cup chandeliers, refurbished tea sets and ornately framed photos of famous tea sippers, including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Michael Jackson. Fragrant organic teas – hibiscus blossom oolong, masala chai and cabernet assam –

RDG + BAR ANNIE The signature nachos come with red chile beef, black beans, avocado, queso fresca and creme fraiche.

gently brew in glass orbs while regulars fork into lemon and chocolate pies topped with solidly crisp, snow-white meringue. The Southwestern pulled-pork quiche with shortbread-like crust is the envy of other chefs. Lunch & dinner, Tues.-Sat., 5305 Bissonnet, Bellaire. 713-218-6300. mchughtea.com. $

Pico’s Mex-Mex Regional Mexican Neighborhood: Upper Kirby Many remain nostalgic about the old Pico's location on Bellaire. But upon entering the new locale, it's hard to fault owner Arnaldo Richards for moving into this graciously appointed, hacienda-inspired space made warm and inviting with coral tablecloths, ceiling beams and dark furniture. His food, too, has been tweaked, often with winning results. The tomato salsa sings. The ranchera salsa smolders with charred tomatoes. The chicken consommé soup is still a cure for the blues, swimming with pulled chicken, onion, cilantro, Mexican rice and avocado. A dash of Serrano pepper provides a mild, welcome kick. And his signature huachinango a la Veracruzana (red snapper) is elegantly draped with an exquisitely light tomato sauce flavored with green olives, capers and chiles güeros. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 3601 Kirby, 832-8319940. picos.net. $$

Post Oak Grill Gulf Coast classics Neighborhood: Tanglewood Happiness exists in a bread basket at this popular outpost for business lunches. The basket usually cradles oven-fresh biscuits fragrant with green onions, bacon and cheddar cheese. One really isn’t enough; nor is two or three. Slow down, though, or you’ll fill up before the perfectly grilled rainbow trout arrives, glistening lightly with butter-caper sauce. Polo Becerra is a classically trained chef with a timeless approach of keeping ingredients simple and

clean, with just a sheath of sauce to elevate the flavors of beef and seafood. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sat., 1415 S. Post Oak Lane, 713-9939966. postoakgrill.com. $$$

Thai Gourmet Traditional Thai Neighborhood: Galleria Area Here, the lemongrass, coriander and galangal sing with clearly identifiable voices. Thai Gourmet’s flavors are bold. Sweet, sour and salty combine harmoniously, particularly in the fisherman’s soup brimming with mussels, scallops and shrimp. The execution of pad thai and beef satay are very fine, while the fiery beef curry with potatoes and chicken green curry rarely disappoint. Lunch & dinner Mon.Sat. 6324 Richmond Ave., 713-780-7955. thaigourmethouston.com. $$

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

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

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Modern allergy testing There are three ways to treat allergies: 1) avoiding what you’re allergic to; 2) medications; and 3) immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops). Before we can make recommendations for avoidance and immunotherapy, we need to know what you are allergic to. In the past, allergy testing involved a multiday process of getting dozens of needles, or boards, placed on your back and arms. The most accurate and modern skin test devices are now made of plastic. When the tests are applied, it feels like a plastic hairbrush rolling across your back or arms. The Multi-Test® we use tests for eight different allergens on each device, making application of the tests very quick. If you are allergic, your skin tests will itch. Then, the tests will turn red and swollen, sort of like mosquito bites. After 15 minutes, we measure how big these reactions are. After we read the allergy tests, we put special creams on your back and/or arms to give you immediate relief of the itching. Results from allergy skin tests are given to you that same day. Different allergy tests are done depending what we are looking for. Usually, we test for pollen, dust mites, cats, dogs and molds. But sometimes we just test for honeybees, wasps and hornets; sometimes fire ants. Allergy testing to foods is not as accurate as tests to those other things, so often we do the food testing with fresh fruit, vegetables or shellfish. (Yes, you’d go up to the fresh seafood counter at Randall’s and ask, “I’d like to buy one shrimp.”) Allergy tests can tell us the exact cause of hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives, insect, drug and food allergy. When you get allergy tests done, there are certain medications that you should not take for several days prior to the testing; most of these are anti-

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histamines, but some other drugs will interfere with test results, so let our office know everything you are on. Please don’t stop any regular medications for your heart, diabetes or thyroid without approval of the doctor who prescribed it for you. Allergy blood tests have also improved over the years, but the blood tests (specific IgE testing, formerly known as RAST) are much more expensive and take several days to get the results. We only use the blood tests on patients who just can’t stop their antihistamines, or patients with widespread eczema where we have no room to do the skin tests. Allergy and asthma medications can make you feel better, but only if you keep taking them indefinitely. Only allergy shots are designed to keep you feeling better for years after you finish taking them. No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. Alnoor A. Malick, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy & Asthma Clinic

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Boarding your cat (Part II)

Thetas host renowned speakers

In September’s issue, we offered recommendations on how to identify a good boarding facility for your cat. Keep in mind that the best pet-care facilities get booked quickly, so call well in advance to make a reservation for holidays and summer trips. Here are a few more tips to make sure your cat has a great little vacation: Don’t wait until the last minute to update your pet’s vaccinations. Contact your boarding facility before seeing your vet because each boarding facility may have slightly different requirements. Remember to ask the boarding facility what you are allowed to bring with your cat. In particular, bring your cat’s own food rather than using the facility’s “house food” since some cats are quite selective, and dietary changes can upset them. Also, try to bring a couple of your pet’s favorite toys or something that has your home’s scent like a towel or shirt. Request playtimes so your fun-loving feline can can enjoy lots of human interaction, especially for playful and active cats. Finally, be aware that cats can exhibit some unusual behaviors initially (like hissing or growling) when they are introduced to a new environment where other cats are boarded. This behavior usually subsides within a short period of time as your tiny tiger resumes its affectionate, playful, kitty-like manners. Rover Oaks Pet Resort, 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.662.2119, www.roveroaks.com

Shopping enthusiasts and aficionados will have the chance to experience the 62nd Annual Theta Charity Antiques Show, one of the top antiques show in the country, this November 20-23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Thursday begins the 2014 lecture series and book signing with William Seale, American historian and author of The Imperial Season: America’s Capital in the Time of the First Ambassadors, 18931918. Following Seale on Thursday is former FBI agent Robert Wittman, author of Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures. Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, daughters of former U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, will speak during the Friday Luncheon Lecture Series. The last presenter of the series on Saturday is Cornelia Guest, animal activist, philanthropist and author who will also sign copies of her book, Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking & Easy Entertaining, as well as offer her signature handbags for purchase. From Victorian pottery for Majolica lovers to rare mid-19th century furniture for the savvy interior designer, guests will find that special, eyecatching “got to have it” item. Novice antiques shoppers will find affordable prices at the new collector’s booth that offers a wide range of antiques. General admission tickets for all four days are $10. For more information regarding the Show, Luncheon Lecture Series, or how to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.ThetaCharityAntiquesShow.com.

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TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ NOVEMBER 2014 47

sponsored by

PETS

Neighborhood Tails

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Handling debts in divorce 713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Marcel, age 2, Standard Poodle, Briar Rose Dr. My name is Marcel. My family says I follow them around like a puppy dog because I am a puppy dog. I know I am very helpful. When the cat needs to be chased, I chase it. If someone walks by our house, I make sure everyone within miles knows. When anyone drops food, I’m there to clean it up. Once, when my dad was fixing something on the roof, I knew he would require my assistance. So I jumped out the window to see, but no one told me the roof was slanted. This is what happened: My momentum is carrying me toward the edge of the roof... There’s no time to hit the brakes... Oh, nooo! I’m flying... This is great! Yikes! Time to land... Umph! Is this Heaven? Oh, wait a second. This is our backyard. Whew! I hope our security cameras captured me flying because I don’t want to try that again. Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Featured pets receive two passes to Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Each pass can be redeemed for one day of lodging in a Bunk House Suite, 25 percent off your next grooming appointment or 25 percent off one obedience training class.

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It seems to be common that one of the parties to divorce does not have a complete understanding of the parties’ finances. Often, this means he or she does not know the debts the parties have incurred during marriage that may be considered a community-property obligation. If you allow your spouse to control the finances during your marriage and during the divorce you find out the debts are higher than you knew or higher than you would have given them permission to spend, then you will still most likely be responsible for a percentage of the debt if the debts incurred were reasonable or necessary for living expenses. For instance, if the spouse has taken out loans or incurred credit-card debt to pay for community expenses, you will both be responsible for this debt. If a spouse has racked up credit-card debt while the other spouse turns a blind eye to shopping bags and Amazon packages, both parties will likely be responsible for the debt. Be aware of the debts your spouse is incurring and periodically check in regarding finances. You may also want to run credit reports to determine balances on cards and other loans. K. Nicole Voyles, Board Certified in Family Law, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com. Named a Texas Rising Star for 2008, 2011-2014 and Texas Super Lawyer for 2014 by Texas Super Lawyer, a Thomas Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine.

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Ask Reneé, the Realtor

TMJ

MLS or non-MLS? In today’s market homeowners are thinking, hummmmm…. I can put my home on Facebook or email the neighborhood Mommy network to sell our home and save all those commissions! A word of advice: You are seriously limiting the buyer market for your property by not listing it with an experienced realtor and putting your property in the Multiple Listing Service via HAR.com. There are many qualified buyers right now who will not know who you are, some being transferred from out of the country and from out of state. Why limit the possibilities? It’s a fact that 99.9 percent of the time a knowledgeable Realtor will bring you the highest sales price than what could be achieved by selling on your own. Let’s also include the possible legal ramifications. The Houston Association of Realtors has worked hard for a No. 1 state-of-the-art listing service for sellers, and our MLS service brings strong value to our sellers. Sellers net more at the closing table by hiring a professional. Feel free to email me your questions or comments. I love hearing from all of those who contact me in the community. Strong market knowledge, incredible marketing tools and proven sales records, along with a team of proven agents, Reneé and her team are consistently recognized and reccommended as the ones to go to for real-estate needs. Reneé Davy Oakum Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Anderson Properties, 12900 Queensbury, Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77079 and 3600 Kirby, Suite T, Houston, Texas 77019, 713.647.8278, renee@davyoakumbhhs.com, www.andersonprops.com

“Why is my jaw clicking or popping?” “What does this mean if it does?” “Is it bad if it does not hurt?” These are some of the questions I am asked very frequently. Clicking and/or popping are just a couple of the more common symptoms, which number in the hundreds, associated with TMJ problems. TMJ’s more accurate term is TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder. TMD refers to a broad array of symptoms that can arise from an issue in how the lower jaw functions and rests. Hidden underneath the many symptoms of TMD are generally negative impacts on blood flow to the brain, a diminished airway, and nighttime sleep problems. TMD results when the upper and lower teeth do not contact and mesh correctly. This is analogous to a house being on a level foundation. An uneven foundation puts excess stress on a house, causing cracks. In the same way, an uneven bite may cause teeth to crack or a jaw to click and pop. Clicking and popping often result from this unstable bite position. Whether it hurts or not, clicking and popping are warning signs the position of the teeth are causing significant problems that could result in future, more costly issues and pain. As an LVI Fellow, I specialize my training in advanced aesthetics and neuromuscular science, as well as TMJ disorders. Dentistry by John Barras, DDS, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300, Houston, TX 77056, 713.993.9814, www.johnbarrasdds.com

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NEIGHBORS

.

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch S

Fry, turkey, fry

omewhere between touch football and the good china, Thanksgiving’s gone the way of lawn chairs in the driveway. That’s because lawn chairs in the driveway are what it takes to put on a good turkey-frying shindig, and that’s what Thanksgiving has turned into for a growing number of families. Pink flamingos not required. Realtor Reneé Davy Oakum has been frying turkeys with her husband, Todd, who owns Declaration Title, for the past five years. Their tradition started when they spent Thanksgiving with friends in Costa Rica. “The guys were talking about frying turkeys, and Todd was like, ‘Absolutely, I can do this,’” Reneé says. Once he started, “word got out that someone was deepfrying turkeys, and because our friends who owned the house knew everyone, Todd ended up frying about 15 turkeys that day.” Turkeys traveled to friends’ houses and boats, and a few even flew with friends to Panama. Reneé and Todd took their new tradition home, and Thanksgiving now sees them pulling up chairs for friends and family around a fryer in their driveway. “Ten or 12 friends come over, and we sit around and socialize and watch the turkey fry,” Reneé says. “Todd’s got it down to a science.” Todd’s secret, she says, is a mix of herbs and garlic that he injects into the turkey Thanksgiving morning, before frying it. (The frying itself takes about 12-15 minutes. Generally, fried turkeys are no more than 12 pounds; any bigger, and the oil will overflow in a standard-sized fryer.) “We do both types [of turkey], deep-fried and traditional,” Reneé says. “But the deep-fried goes first, hands-down. It’s so moist and flavorful. It tastes kind of like a really yummy roasted chicken.” Ruth Meric, a caterer at Jackson and Company, says her sister in Louisiana takes turkey frying to the next level. Every Thanksgiving, she hosts a bring-your-ownturkey frying party made extra festive with Bloody Marys, milk punches and cheese straws. Ruth’s sister doles out time slots and then tags every turkey that comes to the house with special metal tags that she etches with family names – nobody goes home with Butterball when they

brought Mary’s Free-Range Heritage. “She buys about 20 packs of all flavors of injections,” Ruth says of her sister. “People can pick their flavor when they get to her house, inject their turkey, and let it sit for a while, while they sit around and visit. It’s a fun way to see a lot of people Thanksgiving morning.” In Houston, Karin and Gregg NEW TRADITION Lian “Liam” Zhenying, an exchange student from China who studied at the University of Houston, learns about turkeys – and frying them – at a party Donovan, a substi- given by his host Gregg Donovan. tute teacher and Karin says. “At the party they were looking at us IT portfolio manager, respectively, started an like we were crazy people sticking [what looked unexpected turkey-frying party tradition. like] gigantic chickens into giant vats of oil.” Through their church, the couple signed up to At the party’s end, Karin’s husband Gregg be a host family for foreign-exchange students thought to use the hot, leftover oil to fry Oreos, through the University of Houston’s Twix and Snickers bars. Dredging the sweets International Friendship Program. They started through funnel cake batter and into and out of in 2010 with three Chinese students. the oil proved tricky. “The Chinese students were “We were going to invite them over for looking at him not saying a word, and then finally Christmas dinner and thought it would be fun they said, ‘Chopsticks would really come in handy to have a turkey fry on Christmas Eve,” Karin here.’” Karin pulled some out of the kitchen, and says. “We invited friends and asked them all to the students “went to town with it. From then on bring a traditional American side dish so that we’ve always done it with chopsticks.” the Chinese exchange students would go home Every year since, the Donovans have hosted with a turkey and some traditional holiday sides. a Christmas Eve turkey-frying party including “We emailed invitations and included instrucnew Chinese exchange students each year. The tions on frying a turkey – what you’ll need, ingrestudents have become part of the Donovans’ dients, injection-sauce instructions.” What ensued extended family (the family recently visited was two fryers set up in the Donovans’ back yard, their exchange students in China), and an about 15 families, each of whom brought their unexpected tradition continues. own turkeys to fry, and sides – green beans, pecan pies – for the exchange students to take home for their own Christmas Day celebration. See tanglewoodbuzz.com or riveroaksbuzz.com “When we invited [the exchange students and for Todd Oakum’s fried turkey recipe and some their families] to come to a turkey fry, they had turkey-frying safety tips. absolutely no idea what we were talking about,”

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