The West University Buzz - November 2016

The Life of a LIFE Photographer When Generations Live Together Chef’s Corner: Chris Shepherd

Band of Brothers by Jennifer Oakley

Making Thanksgiving Leftovers New All Aboard: Travel by Train

The Frazier family

This Month in Dining: Jay’s Wine Club Houston, TX

Buzz Baby: Adoption

Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Cooking Buzz: Friendsgiving Menu

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE At The Buzz, one person’s story often leads to another. You could say it’s our residents’ way of paying it forward. One such person is Claire Frazier, whose story of breast-cancer survival was shared by Jennifer Oakley in her story, Facing Cancer. During the photo shoot, Claire said, “If you really want a good story you should meet my husband Joe and his five brothers.” So this month, Jennifer spotlights this delightful “Band of Brothers” who perform at family weddings. The photo shoot was a blast and turned into a jam session. Another resident who paid it forward is Susan Farb Morris, who introduced us to LIFE photographer Bob Gomel. If a photo is worth a thousand words, Bob’s photos could fill an encyclopedia. And finally, when Karen Edelman contacted Buzz editor Joni Hoffman to say that her friend Alisa Hoffman had mistakenly been given Joni’s credit card at Walgreens, the conversation led to our story featuring adult siblings who live on the same block, Alisa’s husband, Larry, and his sisters, Lori Wilkins and Lisa Riddle. If you want to pay it forward too, we’re ready. michael@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Ann Agnew Woods Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Helen van Rensburg Kelly Engler

On our cover: The Fraziers perform at family weddings. From left, standing: Bob, Greg, David, Joe and Paul. From left, kneeling: Travis and Stephen. Cover photo by Michael Hart, 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. Copyright © 2016 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Story was a miracle in the making In the October [2016] issue of The Buzz, staff writer Andria Frankfort wrote an article entitled Back Porch: Family Politics. Andria interviewed Abe and me over the phone for almost an hour gathering information about our diverse backgrounds. Abe and I went off topic half of the time, corrected each other the other half and inserted personal anecdotes whenever possible. All the while, Andria was very professional, courteous and gracious. Shortly after Andria hung up, Abe called me to get my input on how I thought the interview went. After a short discussion, we were both in agreement that it would be a miracle if Andria would succeed in actually compiling and writing a decent article based on the rambling information that we had provided her. Yesterday, I met Abe for lunch and he handed me a copy of The Buzz. We want to give Andria the accolades that she so richly earned and deserves and to thank her for taking all of the fragmented information that we provided and producing a sweet, accurate and charming article. Dollie and Abe Goren Editor’s note: We enjoyed the dialogue Andria captured between two quite different – and obviously well-matched – spouses. Thanks for letting us have a glimpse into a family that connects and respects despite political divides.

heart and love of food. In New York City, I favor Katz’s Deli and, for dinner, Aureole. Art Squires Editor’s note: Dai’s new Chef’s Corner column has hit a sweet spot with foodies. Each month, she will continue spotlighting local chefs and giving us the insider scoop on where – when they’re not at their own restaurants – they like to eat.

College-parents’ clubs keep her connected Jennifer Oakley’s article about parents’ clubs [And They’re Off: Parent groups for the college years, October 2016] throughout Houston is great! Being a member of UGA Mama Dawgs and Ole Miss Hotty Toddy Mamas has connected me with so many new friends and, by sharing information and helping other parents, it forges a bond with the universities our children attend that will last long after their graduations. With Lisa Ganucheau at the helm of Hotty Toddy Mamas next year, I know the club will thrive! We’re blessed that our kids have had such wonderful collegiate experiences and that through parents’ clubs, we’ve gotten to share those! Joni Hruska Fichter, Mama Dawg of Evan, ’15 and ’16, Hotty Toddy Mama of Kylie, ’17 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.

Loved the books article Jennifer [Oakley], we just got back from Boston and found your wonderful article [One For the Books: Stories that changed their lives, September 2016] in the mailbox. I couldn’t be more pleased, or more appreciative. Thank you for writing a beautiful piece that brings together many different threads. I’m struck by how all of the stories by everyone who was interviewed come back to books as a way that family members communicate with one another. Bill Boyce Editor’s note: This is one of our favorite articles. It went beyond book recommendations – although we took note of many – and touched on the powerful ways reading (and in your case, writing) can impact our lives. Thanks for sharing your story.

What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have a “meant-to-be” love story. • Have competed in triathlons. • Have an interesting passion or hobby. • Know an interesting neighbor to profile. • Have a travel story to share.

Yay for Ziggy and Chef’s Corner I was so delighted to see my good friend Ziggy Gruber featured in the The Buzz [Chef’s Corner: Ziggy Gruber, by Dai Huynh, August 2016]. I am so proud of Ziggy’s success. Congrats to Dai Huynh for capturing his big WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 6

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

When Neighbors are Family Generations who live together – or next door

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o say that siblings Larry Hoffman, Lori Wilkins and Lisa Riddle get along well would be an understatement. When they first struck off on their own, as young adults, and needed to find roommates for apartment shares, they turned to each other and not outside friends. Lori and Larry office together. They own a farm together. All three go on trips together. And all three live within 500 feet of each other on the same street in Bellaire. The siblings and their spouses eat dinner together, pot-luck-style, at one of their homes four or five times a week. They are able to do what Larry’s wife, Alisa, calls “home shopping.” Run out of chili powder or toilet paper? Go over to a sib’s house and grab some. Going to be late? Someone will be around and can let your dog out. In fact, the three families refer to their dogs, who spend a lot of time together, as “the canine cousins.” Not to mention that Larry and Alisa’s youngest, 16-year-old son Brennan, perhaps to his chagrin sometimes, has three sets of parents watching over him on the street. Does the thought of doing this with your own family sound exotic? (And maybe alarming?) It may not be. As Karen Fingerman, professor of human development and family sciences at The University of Texas at Austin, pointed out in a recent article in The Psychologist, the idea that family generations would not live close to or with each other is the aberration. Moving out and away only became the expectation in the United States after World War II. Before that, families sticking together was the norm globally for “several centuries”– and still is in many cultures. When Roseanne Sicola was growing up in Montrose, both her grandmothers lived within walking distance of her family. When the grandmothers got older, Sicola says, “We took care of one, and my aunt took care of the other.” Three and a half years ago, Sicola’s mother, Antoinette Bono, moved in with her and her husband. Sicola says she “didn’t think twice” about it. Overall, the idea of a “multi-generational household,” defined as two or more adult generations of a family living together, is making something of a comeback in the United States. According to the latest analysis of census data

by the Pew Research Center, 19 percent of all Americans, 60.6 million people, lived in multigenerational households in 2014, up from a low of 12 percent recorded in 1980. The most striking finding is that, for the first time in 130 years, more young American adults, aged 18 to 34, live with their parents than live with a spouse or romantic partner. NO PLACE LIKE HOME By moving in with Nora’s parents, Pete and Nora Thirty-five percent of all McMordie were able to have their children grow up in the same neighborhood they had. Top, from left: Pete with sons Bennett and Reid. Bottom, from left: Nora, men in this age group daughter Kate and mother Inga Vickers. live with their parents. assumed. About three years ago, Kaitlyn Sharp’s While economic conditions are a factor, they are daughter Gillian Knobelsdorf moved home five not, according to Pew, the only, or even the years after graduating from college. (Kaitlyn’s largest, one at work. According to Pew, “This turn other child, Michael, lives in Los Angeles.) of events is fueled primarily by the dramatic drop “Gillian has a degree in education and wanted in the share of young Americans who are choosing to teach and get a few years of good experience,” to settle down romantically before age 35.” says Sharp, who owns her own business, Custom Another factor: UT’s Fingerman pointed out Plumbing & Hardware. For Gillian, living with that, whether they live together or not, the relaher parents made financial sense. tionship between American parents and their But Kaitlyn thinks of her own life experience older children has changed dramatically in the – by the time she was 17, she was working, putlast 20 years, making it easier for them to conting herself through college and living on her template living together. Most young adults, for own in New York City – and wonders if her famexample, are in touch with their parents at least ily is doing the right thing. “I don’t want to hold daily, she says. In a 2012 Op/Ed piece in The her back by having her live here,” says Kaitlyn, New York Times entitled “You Can Go Home “but I also don’t want to push her out if this is a Again,” she wrote that “many parents and chilgood thing.” dren want this close contact” and that young Gillian jokes, “I live a lot better here than I adults who receive more support from their pardo when on my own.” While Gillian has hired ents report “clearer life goals and more satisfaca maid service to help out, living with her partion” that young adults who receive less. “In ents means, she says, “I can watch HBO, I can fact, we could be celebrating the strong bonds have wifi without having to deal with roombetween today’s young people and their parents, mates. I like being here and I’m glad they like rather than lamenting the foibles of the next me being here.” generation,” Fingerman wrote. “Forty years ago, And Kaitlyn and her husband John the news media were filled with reports of a genKnobelsdorf, an attorney, do like it. “It’s nice eration gap. Let’s be grateful that we’ve finally having her around,” says Kaitlyn. “Gillian and solved that problem.” John talk for hours.” Still, it can be difficult to feel sure of yourself When Nora and Pete (continued on page 10) when you are going against what you’ve always

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Watch Their Smiles Grow

Oral healthcare for the growing & developing child Joel J. Vela, D.D.S. Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry, P.A. 6750 West Loop South, Suite 795 713.661.1100 • www.bellairesmiles.com

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lawellphoto.com

SIBLINGS AND SPOUSES Dale and Lori Wilkins, Lisa and (not shown) Mike Riddle, and Alisa and Larry Hoffman enjoy spending time together. (continued from page 8) McMordie, she a travel

agent, he a builder, moved in with Nora’s parents 12 years ago, they already had three kids and the plan was for the move to be permanent. Nora calls it “the best thing we ever did.” When the McMordies moved back to Houston from Southern California, they realized they couldn’t afford to live in a neighborhood as nice, and with as good schools, as Hunters Creek in Memorial, where Nora’s parents lived. Nora’s dad, Robert Lee Vickers, suggested using their money to add on to Nora’s childhood home. Because Nora and her father, who passed away eight years ago, were both avid cooks, they decided to have one large open kitchen and living area with the two sets of bedrooms at different ends of the house. The situation continues to be positive. Nora and her mother, Inga, now 84, have coffee together every morning, and the family eats dinner together several nights a week. Nora’s mother’s expenses are less, she gets to stay in the house she loves, and she’s not lonely. Even Nora’s siblings feel reassured to know their mom is with their sister. Roseanne Sicola points out that having your parent live with you is, in some ways, easier. “We used to live 9-10 miles apart,” she says.

“Getting over there, to deliver a meal, could get tough when traffic was bad.” One woman, who prefers not to be identified, lives next door, in an apartment building, to her in-laws. “They are literally four feet away,” she says. The in-laws, retired, took it upon themselves to make dinner for the family every night. When her children were learning to drive, their grandparents, though they had given up driving themselves, could still be the licensed driver in the front seat while the kids practiced. And even when the kids were teens and technically no longer in need of babysitters, it was, their mother says, nice to have the grandparents close enough to check on them. The kids, now in nearby colleges and graduate schools, still often eat dinner with their parents and grandparents, sometimes bringing along friends. “It’s good to actually see everyone, to know what’s going on, to have the opportunity to give advice, whether it’s wanted or not,” their mom says. “And it all just happens naturally.” Still, as one person who is in a strained multigenerational living situation says, it doesn’t always end up being “a butterflies and birds type of story.” It can be hard to live with others. Tempers flare. Patience wears thin. People

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refuse to compromise. What advice do people who have done it successfully have for people who might be thinking of it? “Accept everyone for who they are,” says Larry Hoffman. “We don’t let resentment or grudges build up, ever,” says sister Lori Wilkins. “We’re family; the love is unconditional.” All stressed the importance of being willing to discuss everything, openly and straightforwardly. Everyone being willing to compromise, to adapt and change and to cede control is also important. The adult child coming home is not a child, but an adult. Likewise, the elderly parent moving in is not going to be the head of the household. House design can be crucial. Many of the families profiled renovated their homes, adding features such as seating areas to master bedrooms and separate entrances, to give everyone their own space. Larry, Lori and Lisa are hoping to convince their parents to move to their street. They talk, half-jokingly, about building a commune. Rather than three separate houses, with separate pools, yards, media rooms, “we could share common areas and then go home to our own space,” says Lori. “We enjoy what we have that much.”

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NEIGHBORS by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer

The Wedding Singers Band of Brothers keeps it in the family hartphoto.com

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argaret Frazier gave birth to a band – a band of brothers. The longtime Briargrove resident, along with her late husband L.E., raised their six sons with a focus on love, faith, family and music – a lot of music. Turns out the Frazier brothers – Mike, Greg, Bob, David, Paul and Joe, from oldest to youngest – took those lessons to heart. All six sons live a stone’s throw from 95-year-old Margaret. Four of the six work together in a collaborative family oil businesses. And five perform together in the aptly named Band of Brothers, a classic-rock cover band. “Music was always important at our house,” says Paul Frazier, who contributes blues harp and vocals. “Our parents played such a big role in instilling a very strong sense of how important family relationships are. The Band of Brothers, which we stole from the Spielberg war miniseries, puts this bond on display for a lot of people to see at the weddings. I think that people who know us well already know how close we all are, but those who don’t seem to be inspired by the bond that we have.” And what a bond it is among the extended Frazier family. By the numbers, the reach is staggering: a total of 43 – Margaret and L.E.’s six sons and their six wives, 17 grandchildren (eight of whom have spouses) and six great-grandchildren. The Band of Brothers performs solely at the weddings of their children. With their 17 sons and daughters there are a lot wedding dates on the calendar. So far, they have played at eight of their combined children’s receptions, with more on the books. “We’re all a bunch of hams,” percussionist Greg Frazier says with a laugh. “Never met a microphone we didn’t like!” The brothers credit their parents as well as oldest brother Mike for their musical inspiration. “Both L.E. and I made sure that all the boys sang in the children’s choirs at our church [River Oaks Baptist],” says mom Margaret, who graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in music. “They were not happy about it, but we felt like it was important.” The brothers now acknowledge that their mother was right about the Sunday singing. “We

JAM SESSION Mike, Stephen, Paul, Joe, Greg, David, Bob and Travis Frazier (from left) get ready to practice their Band of Brothers set list.

were ‘all’ – somehow Mike escaped that sentence – in our youth choir at church, so we actually learned some aspects of how to sing on key,” says Greg. Drum sets and guitars were welcome in the house. “It was just something that they wanted to do,” says Margaret. “The guitar came into popularity because of the music they were listening to,” the “British Invasion” in the mid-1960s. “Mike got so interested in playing the guitar because of his friendship with Billy Gibbons.” Yes – that Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame — whom he was in class with at T. H. Rogers Middle School. Before there was ever ZZ Top, Mike Frazier and Billy Gibbons played in two bluesy rock and roll bands together called The Coachmen and The Moving Sidewalks, the latter of which had a hit song called 99th Floor – it was No. 1 on the KILT-AM chart for six weeks in 1967. “Mike happened to start the band with Billy Gibbons when I was 8, and here came rock ’n roll into our house like a freight train!” says Bob Frazier, who lives in Briargrove with wife Michelle and who plays electric guitar. “We were all in awe of Mike being in a band, and he started playing Elvis, The Beatles, The Stones and Beach Boys records, and we were all hooked!” “We had a neat upbringing,” remembers Mike, who lives in Tanglewood with wife

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Beverly and used to sing in Band of Brothers. “Music has been a big part of my life. I am so proud of these guys, and now I look back here and see the nephews are very instrumental in making it happen.” At some point along the way, Mike got busy (he is the retired CEO of Simmons & Co. International) and stepped out of the band, and two nephews, Travis Frazier and Stephen Frazier, stepped in. But that is getting ahead of the story – the story about how the Band of Brothers came to be in the first place. No surprise, it all started with a wedding. It was 1989, and brother Paul was getting married to Pam. Their reception at The Inn on The Park was in full swing and in an impromptu moment, the sea of brothers jumped up on stage. “The party band we hired was a little surprised when we got up to play Twist and Shout, especially when David hijacked the drum kit and started playing,” says Paul, a Memorial resident who is the executive vice president of Brookfield Property Partners. “The rest of just sang, while our parents danced. It was a night to remember and a little foreshadowing of things to come.” “The five of us gathered around a couple of microphones while David killed it on the drums,” says Greg, president of Frazier Oil Properties. “Our parents (continued on page 14)

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MOM'S A FAN Margaret Frazier made sure her sons learned and loved music. From left: Joe (seated), Paul, David, Bob, Mike and Greg Frazier (seated).

Gary Donihoo, f8 Studio

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC The Band of Brothers plays at the June 2016 wedding of Brittany and Stephen Frazier. Onstage, from left: Paul (harmonica), Bob (guitar) Stephen (with glowing headband), Claire Frazier (tambourine), Greg (clapping) and Travis (guitar). Dancing in the crowd: Brittany and her mom, Christy Mesec. (continued from page 12) were down in front and

loving it. In fact, one of my favorite pictures is of our parents dancing to the strains of their six sons screaming into the mics. That was one of the last pictures taken of our dad.” L.E. died unexpectedly of respiratory failure less than one year later. Fast forward to 2007, when for Greg, the bittersweet memories of their father dancing away to them singing The Beatles lyrics melded with with the joy of yet another wedding – this time, his son Matthew’s. “It had been 18 years since our ‘debut’ at Paul’s wedding,” says Greg, who lives in Briargrove with his wife, Jeannie. “Four of the six brothers played the guitar, and David had also taken drum lessons as a kid – it was not much fun to listen to his practice sessions in our house – but he was good, and with Paul having inexplicably taken a few harmonica lessons a few years earlier, we had the makings of a band. So, I asked everyone if they’d consider trying it out for Matthew’s wedding, and everyone was all in.” And, just like that, the Band of Brothers was solidified. “We kept it a secret from Matthew and all of the rest of our kids so it would be a surprise,” says Greg. “It was an epic – in my unbiased opinion – performance. Three songs during the real band’s break. Matthew and Mary and everyone else loved it. I know we did!” The grand slam onstage has turned into a command performance, with each successive son or daughter requesting that the Band of Brothers play at each of their weddings. The brothers knew they needed some parameters for each wedding gig. So, they decided the brother whose child is getting married gets to pick the

song list, which they play when the hired band takes a break. And, in a nod to their original performance, each set always contains one Beatles song. Additionally, David’s wife Melanie suggested they dress the part too – and so the white jackets and skinny black ties were added to give them their throwback rock star look. In the nine years since Matthew’s wedding, the Band of Brothers all say they have upped their game, partly because they practice more and partly because Stephen and Travis joined the band. They all point to Stephen, who fronted the Manderly Street Band while he was an undergraduate student at Texas Christian University, as being the “big toe” of Band of Brothers these days. “It’s a line from the movie Stripes,” explains Stephen, who graduated from TCU with a bachelor of science degree in geology. “A foot cannot stand without its big toe. I don’t think they give themselves enough credit though. They played a song without me at my wedding in June, and it was one of the best they’ve ever played.” The Manderly Street Band had a cult following on campus at TCU, and they played gigs all over the state. It was during those years of getting paid as a musician that Stephen was able to further hone his craft as a lead singer as well as on bass and guitar. After college graduation, the Manderly Street Band members moved on to work and graduate school and they had to disband. However, Stephen says the most memorable song to date was singing The Beatles’ In My Life to wife Brittany at their wedding reception, with The Band of Brothers all around him. “To be able to play one more time in front of so many friends who hadn’t seen me play in years was something amazing,” notes Stephen, who is a geologist with

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Frazier Exploration Partners. “And to do it all with my dad and uncles right next to me was one of the greatest experiences of my life.” Backed with Stephen’s musical knowledge, The Band of Brothers now spend considerably more time practicing and playing. “For our most recent wedding, we prepared seven songs with 13 rehearsals over a 149-day period,” says Joe Frazier, who hosts all of the band’s practice sessions at his and wife Claire’s Southgate home. “We have ramped it up over the years. I think the main driver for this is that our rehearsals are a blast.” David’s son Travis, who recently joined the band, agrees. The Band of Brothers had played at his own wedding in 2011 when he married wife Sarah. And going from watching on the dance floor to moving up to performing has been gratifying. “It was obviously exhilarating to play on stage,” says Travis, who lives in Briargrove. “But I am pretty sure everyone would agree that the best part of the event were all the practice sessions leading up to it. The crazy thing about our family is we don’t need a reunion as an excuse to hang out together. Some of my best friends are my brothers and cousins, and obviously my dad’s best friends are his brothers. We hang out with each other on the weekends and are in each other’s weddings. At the center of all of this is Nana.” Margaret – Nana – is delighted to be known as the heartbeat of this band of brothers. “They have so much fun, and it is so wonderful for me to see them having such fun!” she says. In January, Joe’s son Robert will be getting married to his fiancee, Katherine Hine. The wedding reception will be at the Houston Country Club. And true to form, the Band of Brothers will be up on stage, keeping it in the family.

NEIGHBORS by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Behind the Lens The life of a LIFE photographer

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t was a crisp fall day in New York City, 1967, when LIFE Magazine photographer Bob Gomel hit the streets with Dustin Hoffman. The little-known actor was fresh from filming The Graduate, playing mentally adrift, nebbish misfit Benjamin Braddock who was uncertain about his future. The movie became a breakout hit, landing Hoffman stardom and an Oscar nomination. “But at the time, he didn’t know if it would be a success. The movie hadn’t been released yet,” explains Bob, 83. So on that day some 50 years ago, with intrepid photographer Bob in tow, Hoffman went about his daily business. He signed up for unemployment insurance. “The funniest thing is we went there in a studio limousine,” Bob says of Hoffman, whom he snapped leaning against a counter, sharing lighthearted banter with the clerk. “I thought that was hysterical.” If a picture is worth a thousand words, Bob’s body of work is one heck of a read. From 1959 to 1969, he was part of an elite cadre of LIFE photographers with access to some of the most powerful world leaders, bigger-thanlife athletes and mesmerizing movie stars and celebrities of the day. There’s a reason The University of Texas Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, tasked with documenting historical treasures, offered to archive his entire photography collection. “The biggest thing that’s ever happened to me,” Bob says. The Memorial home he shares with wife, Sandy, a former MD Anderson Cancer Center executive, holds a treasure-trove of iconic images – pictures of The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, the Kennedys, Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali), Warren Beatty and Richard Nixon, to name a few. Rich stories come with each photo, some light-hearted and funny, others summoning the most somber of times. His image of President John F. Kennedy’s casket, light streaming upon it in the Capitol Rotunda, defined a nation’s grief in the fall of 1963. In his quest to record the day’s emotion,

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S LIFE Iconic photographs lining the hallway of Bob Gomel’s Memorial home reflect a prolific life behind the camera. At right: Bob captured this 1969 photograph of President Dwight D. Eisenhower lying in state in the Capitol rotunda via a floor switch, rigged by zip-line to his camera 200 feet high in its dome.

the inventive photographer found the perfect vantage point for the shot, two stories up. “I started walking around and saw this door open, and I went up this stairwell and ended up on this balcony looking down at the scene. Then this beam of light comes straight down and I took the picture. I credit it to divine intervention. It wasn’t 20 or 30 seconds later that the light was gone,” says Bob, who knew Kennedy personally from covering his run for the presidency. He recalls the president-elect inviting him and another photographer inside to watch the Army-Navy game. They’d been stationed outside his Georgetown home, hoping to capture shots of newly appointed cabinet members. Running on little sleep, Bob dozed off. “The other photographer shook me awake and said ‘Bob, Navy won. Kennedy has gone to bed. I think we should go outside now.’” He took some good-natured ribbing over it from Kennedy when their paths crossed over the years. “He’d point at me and smile, and I’d turn beet red.” Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Clay) was another favorite subject. But don’t confuse the person with the persona, Bob says. “I got to know him well. His carrying on was a clever way to build up attendance or interest in the fights, especially early on. He was not at all like the public persona that we were all exposed to.” One of Bob’s favorite and most lucrative shots is of civil rights activist Malcolm X taking a picture of Cassius Clay the night he knocked out Sonny Liston to become heavyweight boxing champion. Its current market value is $3,000 for a print. But it’s another Ali picture that really tugs at his heart, one of Bob’s oldest son Corey as a tod-

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dler, sitting on the champ’s lap. Years later, Corey, now a Houston attorney, took the print to an autograph signing at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Ali, infirm from Parkinson’s Disease, got up from the table and walked up and down the line of autograph-seekers, showing off the print. Then he stared sternly at the picture, back up at Corey, down at the picture again and said, “You still ugly,” Bob recalls, laughing. He then graciously posed as Corey took a photo of daughter Madeleine on his lap. “That was Ali. Very funny. A considerate guy.” Stories behind the pictures amaze. Bob’s 1969 LIFE cover shot of Dwight D. Eisenhower lying in state was taken by foot-switch at ground level, zip-cord linked to his Nikon, suspended nearly 200 feet high in the Capitol rotunda dome. But it’s a simple black and white picture taken by his science teacher in the Bronx that tells the tale of how he first fell in love with the craft. “I was in grade school. There was this picture on the wall. I can see it as clearly today as if it were right in front of me, a picture of a cobblestone street, the center of which had a manhole cover with a pigeon on it. I looked at that all term long and thought, ‘That’s what I want to do.’” So he attended the teacher’s weekly photo club. A job delivering groceries by bicycle paid for his first camera with controls, a Ciro-flex. His optometrist dad and teacher mom allowed him to convert a closet in their Bronx home into a darkroom. “I spent the next four years in high school in the closet,” Bob quips. He learned photography by trial and error and read Popular Photography cover to cover. (continued on page 18)

Bob Gomel

THE FAB FOUR AND MORE The Beatles pose for Bob Gomel in Miami, relaxing during the height of Beatlemania. On next page: A young Dustin Hoffman, unaware of imminent stardom, files for unemployment benefits after completing the movie The Graduate. Bob’s son, Corey, has fun on champ Muhammad Ali’s lap. President John F. Kennedy is captured in stride at Cape Canaveral in 1962 where he spoke to NASA personnel before giving his famous speech at Rice University about going to the moon.

As a NYU journalism major, he joined the newspaper, covering school games at Madison Square Garden. The press corp in New York covered the games too. He befriended many of the photographers, tagging along on their night-shift assignments, soaking up tricks of the trade. By 1955 his photography was largely on hold for a stint as a Navy pilot. But he still managed to snap pictures from time to time, winning an All-Service award for a photo of Japanese fishermen. He also had work published in Popular Photography. By 1958, his Navy stint up, his dream of becoming a professional photographer took on new vitality. “It’s the first time I actually thought I could possibly make it a career.” His last station with the Navy was in Port Isabel, Texas, 25 miles from the Mexico border. Bob traded in his Ford convertible for an economical 80-octane, junk-gas Morris Minor and headed for Mexico to hone his craft. He shot pictures continuously for a year till money ran out then returned to New York City, ready to hit up the big magazines. Ironically, it was a riveting series of photos chronicling his family’s own reaction to tragedy that got him a foothold at LIFE. His younger brother was in a car accident, the passenger killed. Bob was behind the lens, profiling his family through the worst, even taking

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pictures in the operating room when surgeons removed one of his brother’s lungs. The spread ran as a Fourth of July cautionary tale about accidents and driving, he recalls. Through the years, images of raw emotion have been his favorites. He points to a neatly framed photograph in his hallway, circa 1961, that of a little girl, tears welling as she anxiously awaits her father who has been away on the USS Triton, the first atomic submarine to circumnavigate the globe under water. He refers to another, a gleeful pile-on scene of boys playing Little League ice hockey. “I needed a picture that made a statement about how much they loved the game, so I lined up the two teams opposite on the ice and put a $5 bill under a puck. I got up on a ladder and blew a whistle. They came charging.” Especially memorable is a photo session of a relaxed John, Paul, George and Ringo at a private pool, away from swarming fans during the height of Beatlemania. The joy on their faces is palpable as they frolic in the pool and relax in lawn chairs. The photos weren’t published in the magazine, the editors picking different ones, but the images are displayed at Monroe Gallery in Santa Fe, where his work is represented. “They were the whitest white boys I’ve ever seen when they took their shirts off,” Bob says of the Fab Four. “And nice and friendly. Their

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stardom hadn’t affected them.” As time wore on, the nation eventually looked to television over magazines for coverage. Bob moved on too, pursuing advertising work, helping to introduce Merrill Lynch’s Bullish on America campaign and photographing for Bulova, GTE, Audi and Renault. Commercial photography led him to Houston in 1977. Campaigns for Shell, Houston Power and Light, Compaq and Exxon, among others, benefitted from his sharp eye. In recent years, he and wife Sandy, boasting eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, have focused on traveling. Of course, always a camera in hand. They chart a course, hire a driver and “look for the places not yet invaded by McDonald’s or Coca-Cola,” he says. They hope to set off for a second trip to China and Mongolia early next year. “The thing I love about Bob is he may be 83, but he’s open to new adventures always,” says his wife. “And Sandy, by osmosis, has picked up a lot of the things I preach in photography,” responds Bob. “She took the picture of me on my Wikipedia page. It’s a really wonderful picture. I know a good picture when I see it.”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for more of Bob Gomel’s photos.

Bob Gomel Bob Gomel

Bob Gomel

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lawellphoto.com

FOOD by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Always a Party Making leftovers new

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t’s time to start prepping for the best leftovers of the year. And by that, we mean leftovers that, for some, trump what’s arguably the mostanticipated sit-down of the year: Thanksgiving. But if those leftovers are so yummy, and if we’ve worked so hard to plan for and make and serve the original versions to our families and friends, what do we do with the containers full of turkey and dressing and cranberries – that no one really wants to look at after Friday’s stuffyourself-just-one-more-time leftover lunch? Have a party, of course. That’s what Melanie Herz Promecene and Chris Promecene would say. The pair – she director of interiors with Morris Architects and he owner of Promecene Design, a design and marketing company – are consummate entertainers, always welcoming a throng to their party-perfect Meyerland home (and bar). “When we have a lot of family and friends in town and want to get everyone together, the party just spontaneously happens,” Melanie says. “We want to continue the fun and entertaining!” The Thanksgiving weekend is pretty packed for the Promecenes: “We usually do both families Wednesday night for Mexican, then Thursday we do half a day, with the first Thanksgiving with [my family] and the second with Chris’ family. Friday we do dinner at my mom’s.” On the last day of debauchery, Melanie and Chris host “anyone who’s around and wants to get rid of stuff.” It’s all very informal, with no planned guest list. “We’ll text people, or if we’re together we’ll tell them,” Melanie says. “It’s super casual. I’m pretty sure it started because our crazy family was in town and they wanted to make sure they could see all their friends, so I just said, ‘Have everyone come over and bring their leftovers.’ “There’s so much planning during the week that Saturday comes and we don’t want plans. Well, we still end up having plans, but at least it’s on home turf. No stress. It’s not a party; it’s, ‘Come on over!’” While there’s not much planning to be done, Melanie and Chris divide what needs to happen. “I am more ‘let’s get the house orderly,’ and Chris enables the food scene,” Melanie says. “We’ll have the oven on so you can reheat

PARTY ON Chris, Melanie and Noah Promecene keep Thanksgiving going all weekend with a leftovers party on Saturday night.

something if you need to,” Chris says. “And we’ll have plates and silverware, all disposable, and some interesting bread on hand if someone wants to make an upgraded turkey sandwich. We’ll also put out a lot of different condiments: mayonnaise, sauces, typical Thanksgiving stuff. If you’ve got leftover ham you can put out chow chow [a tangier cousin of pickle relish made from a mix of pickled veggies; Melanie and Chris favor Crosse & Blackwell Chow Chow Relish], and that’s really good.” “We always have big chunks of cheese,” Melanie says. “That’s our staple if we ever have people over.” “Yeah,” Chris says, “we’ll have stuff to graze on and just supplement whatever people bring. You don’t want to put too much new food out.” “Because you want to get rid of your old stuff,” Melanie says. “We do have lots to drink,” Chris says. “Oh yes,” Melanie agrees. “Heavy on the drinks.” Chris says, “We’ll have people bring over leftover bottles of wine,” but, Melanie says, “Our bar is always full.” “We’ll have some kind of cranberry fizz,” Chris says. “Because my philosophy is bubbly from Thanksgiving through New Year,” Melanie says.

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When friends arrive, they’ll be offered a holiday-themed cocktail and will walk into a brightly lit house filled with music. “We like Sinatra. Maybe some old-school mixed with something new,” Melanie says. “But also, after Thanksgiving it’s holiday music in our house.” “Mel is the music person,” Chris says. “I do ambiance; Chris does food,” Melanie says. They also suggest asking one of the kids to create a Thanksgiving playlist. “We encourage people to bring their desserts, and maybe you make some Thanksgiving desserts,” Chris says. “Everyone has all the pies,” Melanie says. “So it’s nice to do something a little different,” Chris says. “Like fruit,” Melanie says. “No,” Chris says, “No one likes fruit for dessert.” “Okay, chocolate,” Melanie says. With all the debate and the back-and-forth, the food, the drinks and the music are secondary to Melanie and Chris. “The holidays can be a stressful time for people,” Melanie says. “This is about trying to savor the happy moments and not go too fast. Life is fleeting. You’ve gotta enjoy what you have while everyone’s together.”

lawellphoto.com lawellphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

LEFTOVERS, ELEVATED At left: For a new take on the old, add fruit and cookies to traditional Thanksgiving dessert leftovers. At right: Stay in theme by offering one or two cocktails made with ingredients evoking fall. At bottom: There's nothing mundane about leftovers when you add a few things to graze on, along with creative condiments for turkey sandwiches.

Melanie and Chris’ Favorite Weekend-After Recipes “Leftover turkey or ham sandwiches are about two things – the bread and the spread,” Chris says. “Find some great, fresh bread options at Central Market. For spreads we put out Crosse & Blackwell Chow Chow for a killer ham sandwich, spicy chipotle-cranberry mayo and, for purists, straight-up Duke’s Mayonnaise.”

Apple Champagne Sangria 2 freshly sliced pears 2 apples (sliced and cored) 20 whole cloves 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 oz. Damiana liqueur (herbal liqueur with citrus and vanilla flavors) 1 bottle chilled dry white wine 1 bottle chilled champagne (modestly good champagne will do) In a large pitcher, add the pears, apples, cloves and nutmeg. Add the Damiana liqueur and stir. Add the wine and stir gently. Refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, pour in champagne. Serve in an ice-filled wineglass.

Spicy Cranberry-Chipotle Aioli 1 cup mayonnaise (make your own or Duke’s) 2 Tablespoons finely chopped chives 2 minced garlic cloves 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 2 minced large chipotles in adobo sauce (canned) Salt and pepper 1 ⁄3 cup prepared cranberry sauce Whisk mayonnaise with chives, garlic, lime juice and chipotles. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in cranberry sauce. Chill until ready to serve.

Cranberry Shortbread from Bon Appetit magazine 1 cup flour ¾ cup sugar, divided ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes 1 10-oz. bag fresh cranberries ¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice 1 teaspoon grated grapefruit zest Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8x8x2-inch pan

with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. Whisk flour, ¼ cup sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Using your fingertips, rub butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer to prepared pan; press evenly onto bottom of pan (using the bottom of a flat measuring cup works well). Prick dough all over with a fork. Bake shortbread until cooked through and pale golden, 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely in pan. (Shortbread can be made three days ahead. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.) Bring remaining ½ cup sugar, 1½ cups cranberries and grapefruit juice to a simmer in a small saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture is syrupy, about 8 minutes. Stir in remaining cranberries and cook until skins begin to split, about 3 minutes. Let cool. (Cranberry topping can be made three days ahead. Cover and chill.) Spread cooled cranberry topping over shortbread. Scatter grapefruit zest over. Using paper overhang, lift shortbread from pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut shortbread into squares or rectangles.

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Holly Everett

KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Adoption

Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies from the perspective of a first-time mother.

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s Katherine Garcia walked into the acupuncture clinic, she checked her watch. She was on her lunch break from her title-company job and needed to make this session a quick one. Katherine and her husband, Mike, were trying to have a child. Acupuncture was just one of many methods people had recommended. “We did IVF,” said Katherine. “We did it with the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) where you pay $2,000 more [which helps the chances]. I did no gluten, no dairy for a year, no sugar. We did herbs. We did everything. Nothing worked.” As time ticked by and the pregnancy tests kept coming up negative, Katherine began to consider adoption. She had only one problem. Her husband. “[Mike’s] mindset was that if a pregnancy was meant to happen, it would,” said Katherine. One night, Mike, a customer-relationship manager, stayed up late and watched a television show about an adopted boy. The next morning, he told Katherine that he had had a change of heart. “My prayers had been answered,” said Katherine. After looking into about 10 local agencies, they attended an orientation at DePelchin Children’s Center. “I drove by the building every morning on my way to work,” said Katherine. “I always wondered about it.” At DePelchin, all of the adoptions are domestic adoptions, and every child available for adoption is in CPS (Child Protective Services) custody, says spokeswoman Analisa Warren. In the classroom, the instructor discussed adoption and also becoming a foster parent. The Garcias leaned into listen. They knew nothing about fostering. They took notes on their legal pads. After a home study and training, the Garcias welcomed a baby boy of six months to their home. He had lived with another foster mother from the day he was born. The Garcias fostered him with the hopes of formally adopting him once the court’s lengthy legal process concluded. They named him Gunner. “Gunner came ‘legally free’ to our home,” said Katherine, “meaning his [birth] parents’ rights

were already terminated.” After about six months, when Gunner was 1, Mike and Katherine were finally able to formally adopt him. Now, he is 7 years old. Their second foster child, Jag (now 2) arrived under different circumstances. “Jag did not come legally free,” said HAPPILY EVER AFTER Renee and Ryan Clary adopted their now-1-year-son Charlie Katherine. “He when he was born. was legal risk. hospital to hold their newborn son. “I remember They told us right away, ‘He might go back.’ his big cheeks,” said Renee. They took pictures The father was fighting for Jag.” and made phone calls to loved ones, but after The judge required Jag’s birth father to follow meeting him, they had to wait. “The most difficourt orders such as successfully passing a home cult part was waiting 48 hours after his birth for study, drug testing and counseling. The Garcias TPR (termination of parental rights),” said could do nothing but wait and love on the newborn. Renee. “We had fallen in love with him, but “We had him for [almost a year and a half]”, knew the birth parents had 48 hours to change said Katherine. “We were praying we would be their minds and parent him. He was still their able to adopt him. Then, on my actual birthday baby, but we had fallen in love.” [Dec. 4], I got a call that the dad had relinThe couple had a hard time processing what quished his rights.” Jag became Jag Garcia and Charlie’s biological parents’ were going through. was formally adopted on July 27 this year. “We had a feeling of sadness for his birth parAnother Buzz couple, Renee and Ryan Clary, ents,” said Renee. “A couple that were strangers also struggled with infertility and say they felt to us had just trusted the life of their precious called by God to adopt. After multiple failed child to us. Their greatest pain and sacrifice was attempts at in vitro fertilization (IVF), the couour greatest joy. It is hard to wrap your head ple decided to get on a waiting list for a baby. around that when you are on the receiving end.” They contacted an agency, AIM (Alternatives The birth parents did not change their minds in Motion), to start the process. and, several days later, Charlie came home with After an application process and paperwork, the Clarys. A few months later, his formal adopthey were approved for a home study. The tion took place. agency conducted the study. Months later, on a mundane Monday evening, while Renee sat at home, her agency’s phone number popped on For more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com for the screen. On the other end of the line, the writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, “Mommy words she heard were, “Your son was born an Moments.” If you have stories to share, leave a comhour ago, and he is waiting to meet you.” ment online or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Renee and Ryan rushed to the north Houston

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TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz All aboard: travel by train

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ood morning, America, how are you?/Say, don’t you know me? I’m your native son/I’m the train they call the City Of New Orleans/I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done. – Steve Goodman, City of New Orleans There are few subjects that provoke more nostalgia in the American psyche than trains. From the opening of the B&O Railroad in 1830, to the luxury cars of the Pullman Palace Car Company in the 1860s, to the opening of the West and all it entailed, our railroad history is peopled with heroes like the legendary steel driver John Henry who broke his heart racing the steam drill, and “Casey” Jones, the courageous engineer who gave his life to save his passengers. Train travel is still an excellent option for those looking for different landscapes and different ways of moving through them. Three readers shared some splendid railway adventures with us recently and confirmed that, while the golden era of trains in the Unites States may have come and gone, that doesn’t mean we don’t still love them. The Bloomer family decided on a deep immersion, taking the California Zephyr from its starting point in Chicago to its terminus in San Francisco. The Vines and Lu families spent an unforgettable half-day on a train through the Alaska wilderness. And Rodney Kapp found his way home from Tucson, where he dropped off his daughter and her car at the start of the school year, via an Amtrak route.

Westward Ho! Normally Dawn plans the travel in the Bloomer family. This time, it was husband Kevin. He read an article about the best American train trips and the idea began to grow. “This was the one trip where he said, ‘This is what I want to do,’” said Dawn. “This was not him along for the ride.” After some research, they settled on the toprated California Zephyr – a dramatic three-day, 2,348-mile journey that traverses the route many settlers took west. They would be looking down on the Mile-High City, plowing through the Rockies along the Colorado River, crossing the Sierra Nevada through Donner Pass, riding

EXCURSION EXPRESS One should always take time on a train trip for a three-minute romp in fresh-fallen snow in Winter Park. From left: Dawn Bloomer, Martha Pope and William Fowler.

alongside grazing antelope and flying eagles, passing through grand canyons that displayed the many-colored layers of geologic history, all from the comfort of their own private suite. Dawn contacted a family friend, Martha Pope, who flew in from Washington, D.C. to join them, and so, with their 12-year-old son William, they were four. They booked two connecting rooms, with sofas that fold out into beds and wall-sized windows, for one week in March. They flew into Chicago the night before for the 2 p.m. departure. By the time they got settled, it was time to head to the dining car. Meals were an experience in themselves, dining on first-rate cuisine alongside the wide panoramas unfolding around them. “You get to see parts of the country at ground level you couldn’t see any other way… as pristine as they were hundreds of years ago,” said Dawn. “The scenery is truly spectacular; the pictures don’t do it justice.” One of the highlights was fresh snow in Winter Park that had just fallen as they rolled into the station. They had just enough time to step out and grab a few handfuls of the clean

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white powder and snap a photo and then they were off, watching the white-blanketed trees and mountains roll by. “They would stop literally for 5 minutes; it was enough to get some fresh air, but you would never leave the area of the train,” said Dawn. “There’s two horn blasts and you have about 30 seconds to get on board.” They brought their iPads and pre-loaded them with movies and reading material, since the train does not have wifi – actually an advantage, Dawn said, since it gave them some time to unplug. “We brought books, we brought games – but all you really want to do is look out the window and watch the world go by.” The view from their suite was excellent, but the observation room upstairs was even better, with a domed glass roof and a 360-degree view of the stunning landscapes that were unfolding before them. “It’s transfixing being in that car and looking out the window,” said Dawn. Sleeping was the only part that was less than excellent, Dawn reported. The temperature

control didn’t work and the top bunk was uncomfortably warm, prompting her to climb down and join her husband in his tiny bunk – but there really wasn’t room. “It was miserable night’s sleep,” she confessed. “These are not enjoyable quarters…. But you’re not there for a luxurious sleep, you’re there for the adventure and the scenery, and those things were all very, very good. Even though we didn’t get a good night’s sleep, we would do it again, for sure.”

Alaska by rail A half-day train ride was one of the highlights in a two-week trip to Alaska for Bee Vines, husband John and their three sons, Logan, Atticus and Paden. The Vines teamed up with their friends, Lily Chen and Shi-tze Lu, and their two children, Meghan and Cameron. “If you read all the reviews, the train ride is a must do – it’s so beautiful, the view is just amazing,” said Bee. A friend had been talking to them about the melting of the glaciers due to global warming – “When you go, they say, ‘This is where the gla-

Train-travel rates Rates for train travel vary, but here are some examples, based on the trips we wrote about here: Amtrak’s Sunset Limited Route (New Orleans-San Antonio-Los Angeles) – Rodney took the Tucson to Houston trip: $127 for a seat in coach, $309 for a two-bed Superliner Roomette, $491 for a four-bed Family Bedroom, $747 for a two-bed Superliner Bedroom that includes a private toilet and shower, a sofa and chair. All meals are included with the sleeper room options. Coach seats are reclining, and food can be purchased separately. Amtrak’s California Zephyr Route (Chicago-San Francisco): Coach seats start at $134. Superliner roomettes, $587; Family Bedroom, $1,488; Superliner Bedroom, $1796. You can also get a Superliner Bedroom Suite, which is what the Bloomers did: two Superliner Bedrooms that connect. By leaving in the middle of the week, they were able to get the second room practically free; various discounts and deals are available on the Amtrak site. See www.amtrak.com for routes and rates, special deals, planning maps, and even a virtual tour of the train. Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic (Anchorage-Girdwood-Seward) route starts at $151 for “Adventure Class” tickets. The Vines and Lu families chose the Gold Star Service for $315. www.alaskarailroad.com

LUXURY ON THE RAILS This train trip included a delicious lunch with excellent company and views of the Alaskan wilderness. From left: Bee Vines, John Vines, Lily Chen and Shi-Tze Lu.

cier was 100 years ago, and now it’s here.’ It just keeps getting shorter and shorter – and we wanted to get there before it’s too late.” They flew to Anchorage, where they rented a car and spent a few days in Denali National Park, then caught the Coastal Classic Railroad to Seward. They had to be at the train station before 6 a.m. to check in for the 6:45 departure. “It’s like an airplane; they check in your luggage first, and then you wait for them to call you,” said Bee. “Then they say, ‘All aboard!’ and you see the captain and the conductor with his uniform. Everyone is excited – it was just like in a movie.” Upon leaving Anchorage, the train winds along Turnagain Arm, where the soaring Chugach Mountains meet the sea. The train stops in the town of Girdwood before turning off into the wilderness, far from roads and civilization. The double-decker train with its cushy seats, glass walls and glass dome made for a splendid ride. Glaciers, mountains, rivers and lakes, wildlife – they all rolled by within easy camera range. They saw bald eagles and a family of mountain goats, a mother and her babies. And for even better photos, one could wander out to the caboose, with its open-air access to all that surrounded them. “When the captain saw something he would slow down and tell you, ‘Look to your left,’ or ‘Look to your right,’ and they’d tell you what glacier is on your right, what lake was on your left.” A bartender was there to prepare mixed drinks, wine, beer, or soft drinks for the kids. And at lunchtime all were invited to come downstairs to the dining car — Bee chose the salmon, and pronounced it excellent. “It’s a great experience. Because in Alaska there are a lot of places you have to take a train to enjoy the view. It’s almost like there is no other option.”

Homeward bound Rodney Kapp’s daughter Holly was off to col-

lege in Tucson, Ariz., and they’d gotten her a car in Houston. Rodney didn’t want her to drive the distance alone, so he accompanied her. “It was hard to get a feel for when I could fly back home, and once we figured it out the airfares were astronomical,” said Rodney. Holly would have had to drive him to the airport in Phoenix and it would have cost more than $500. Meanwhile, there was a lovely train station in Tucson right nearby. “It was something I kind of wanted to do,” he said. He’d never been on a train before. He got a sleeper car for the 25-hour ride. “I was by myself so there were some lonely times, but I actually enjoyed it,” he said. “You go through a lot of small towns, and it’s pretty clear that those towns at one point were probably more vibrant than they are now. And I’m thinking it’s because people don’t travel by train anymore. It’s kind of sad to see how some of the cities look like they’re almost ghost towns.” The food was “pretty good,” he said. “I was pleased.” The thing that was memorable about dinner was the assigned seating. “The first meal I ate was lunch. He said, ‘OK, take a seat right there.’ I said (to myself), ‘There are two people sitting there — who are they?’” “Not a word was said between the four of us. At dinner it was much different. They sat me with two other guys, and the three of us just talked the whole time.” Rodney’s experience with the sleeping car, unlike that of the Bloomers, was comfortable; his only complaint was the whistle, which sounded every time they approached a town. “It’s a really pretty drive when you get to West Texas and on to Arizona; there’s a lot of neat places, a lot of beautiful scenery.”

MORE ONLINE To get you started dreaming, see this story online for links to Top 10 North American Train Trips from National Geographic Travel. Or, why limit yourself? World’s 15 Most Scenic Train Rides, from Fodor’s.

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by Ann Agnew Woods, contributing writer

The Junior League of Houston

FOOD

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

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raditionally, Thanksgiving is that special day of the year when you and your family members gather around the table to catch up, reminisce about past holidays and somehow end up eating too much. Then Friendsgiving came along. The premise of Friendsgiving is basically the same as Thanksgiving, except it is spent with your friends instead of family. Friendsgiving is a wonderful tradition that you can start with old or new friends. I’ve been to numerous Friendsgivings and always bring the same item, Balsamic Glazed Carrots from Peace Meals. I love mixing up the meal with something a little lighter like a simple vegetable. Now don’t get me wrong, I still look forward to the dressing, mashed potatoes and those delicious dinner rolls, but it’s a good change of pace to eat something relatively healthy. They’re also super easy to make. My husband and I like our vegetables cooked thoroughly, so I wait a few more minutes before reducing the heat at the end of the instructions in the recipe. As the host, the turkey and gravy are your responsibility. Proper delegation of what everyone else should bring is essential too. You don’t want three different green bean casseroles at your Friendsgiving. I also think it’s fun to have table tents by each dish, asking each cook to write the name and a quick description of the recipe. If you’re in charge of one of the classic sides like sweet potatoes, you should try Smoked Gouda Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Peace Meals to add a twist on a traditional item. This new way to enjoy sweet potatoes can be a colorful alternative to regular mashed potatoes. I do like to add a little extra cayenne pepper in the recipe to make for a spicier flavor. Luckily my friends like spicy foods! To round out the evening, Friendsgiving should close with a delectable dessert. A go-to of mine is the Soft Ginger Cookies from Peace Meals. They’ve always been a crowd pleaser with

friends since they bring the flavor of gingersnaps in a soft, chewy cookie. The recipe makes enough (30 cookies) that people can easily grab more than just one. I like to send my friends home with a cookie or two wrapped in a simple craft bag with a note that I’m thankful for friends like them. I’m THANKFUL FOR VEGGIES Balsamic Glazed Carrots offer a little lighter alteroften too stuffed to eat native than the traditional Thanksgiving – or Friendsgiving – fare. dessert immediately melts. Mix thoroughly to mash potatoes. Top after Friendsgiving, but the cookies make a perwith bacon and onions just before serving. fect midnight snack or even breakfast the next Serves 6. morning. If cooking is not your (or your friends’) Balsamic Glazed Carrots expertise, The Pantry at the Junior League of From Peace Meals Houston offers a holiday meal with everything 2 Tablespoons olive oil included. It comes with a turkey, all the neces2 Tablespoons unsalted butter sary sides and two pies (one pumpkin, one 1 pound fresh baby carrots, peeled pecan), or order any item à la carte. 2 large shallots, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup) Smoked Gouda Mashed Sweet 3 Tablespoons Balsamic vinegar Potatoes 1½ Tablespoons light brown sugar From Peace Meals ½ teaspoon coarse salt 4 Tablespoons butter ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream, divided 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley ½ teaspoon coarse salt Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet 1 teaspoon sugar 1 over medium-high. Sauté the carrots, shallots, ⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper and bell pepper until the carrots are tender and 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into slightly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in ¼-inch slices the vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese liquid is reduced and the vegetables begin to 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled glaze. Remove from heat, garnish with the pars2 green onions, chopped ley and serve immediately. Serves 4-6. Heat the butter, 2 tablespoons of the cream, the salt, sugar, cayenne and sweet potatoes in a To buy a Houston Junior League cookbook or for large sauté pan over medium-low. Once the butmore information on Thanksgiving orders, see ter has melted, stir to coat the potatoes. Reduce jlh.org or call 713-871-6608. the heat to low, cover and cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add For the Soft Ginger Cookies recipe from Peace the cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Meals, see thebuzzmagazines.com. cream; cover for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese

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Open House for Prospective Students November 6, 2016 • 2:30 - 4 p.m. in the MJPFC Application deadline is January 13, 2017 Online applications available at www.saintvincentschool.org. For further information please contact Renee McCurry, Director of Admissions - 713-663-3541

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School • 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX

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DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

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rinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures. – Michael Broadbent.

In the kitchen, chef Andrew Steiner is poaching burgers with herbed butter after searing them. It’s his little secret for moist burgers. The bison sliders will be paired with a storied Napa Valley estate cabernet sauvignon. Back in 2010, Wine Spectator awarded 97 points to Revana’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. It was No. 4 out of the magazine’s top 100 wines. The bold red typically is paired with elegant fare. “But Mr. Williams wanted burgers,” Andrew said, referring to Jay Williams, who is hosting the dinner for members of his wine club. “There are no rules anymore,” the chef noted. “With wines these days, you have to go with your gut feeling.” The group of nine guys doesn’t have an official name. Members fondly refer to it as Jay’s Wine Club. Jay conceived the idea three years ago. “I asked one of the smartest guys I know how he got to be so knowledgeable about wines,” recalled the real-estate developer and mayor of the City of Bunker Hill Village. “He said that he and about four or five friends would get together every month to taste wines, and that was how they learned about wines. I thought, ‘What a good way to do this,’ so I started calling my friends.” Members, along with their guests, meet every other month to learn about wines. The venue varies widely, from a kitchen table to a fancy restaurant. Sometimes, they sample wines with just hors d’oeuvres, and on more than one occasion, pizzas. Tonight is different. Chef Andrew has prepared a five-course dinner. Even so, dress remains casual. Jeans are encouraged along with lighthearted bantering. Vintner Madaiah Revana will be there to discuss his wines, along with Revana Wines president John Gabelhausen. To start, light appetizers of smoked trout and beef carpaccio will be paired with a crisp Riesling from Alexana, an Oregon vineyard Revana purchased nearly a decade after he planted grapes on a 10-acre virgin plot in the Napa Valley. His California

Jay’s Wine Club

estate on the edge of the idyllic town of St. Helena remains the crown jewel of his three vineyards, which now includes the 20-acre Corazon Del Sol in Argentina. Revana’s story echoes the American Dream: a humble farm boy from a tiny Indian village near Bangalore who immigrated to New York to train in internal medicine in the mid-’70s. He never raised a wine glass until age 27. It was in Dallas, and it was love at first sip. Decades later, after establishing himself as one of Houston’s premier cardiologists, the father of two returned to his farming roots and planted grapes. “Three vineyards. That is impressive. Have you turned a profit yet, Dr. Revana?” a wine club member asked. “No, not yet,” replied Revana with a chuckle. “But I love the vineyards and the settings. The whole process of grapes to wines resonates with me. I do this because wine is my passion. Not only does it bring people together, but as a cardiologist, I consider, too, the health benefits of drinking a glass or two a day. “ The wines started to pour. Revana makes about 26 different wines, and Chef Andrew has kicked off the meal with honey-roasted duck salad. The tart cherries in the vinaigrette echo the berries in the three Alexana Winery pinot noirs. Next, he pairs braised wine-marinated pork belly with the Argentinean wines. At his Kat’s Barbecue joint 45 minutes southeast of Houston in Santa Fe, pork is the star of his menu. “I have a question for everyone tonight,” Jay announced. “What is the last glass of wine you would go out with?” “Kosta Browne Sonoma Pinot Noir 2012,” said attorney Ned Barnett without missing a beat. “Can I have two instead of just one?” asked Revana’s president John Gabelhausen. “The 1990 Coche-Dury Meursault Les Genevrières and the 1947 Château Haut-Brion. It’s spectacular, and did you know it was Thomas Jefferson’s favorite wine? There is just this purity and innocence to the wine. So balanced and gracious.” “The 1990 Château Lynch-Bages,” said David Peterman. “I bought a case of that. I’ve been drinking the same case ever since. Some years, it’s not so good. And right now, it is so

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lawellphoto.com

This Month in Dining

WINE'S UP Jay Williams started a club where members meet regularly to learn about – and sample – wines.

spectacular. Funny how that works.” “My choice? The Biondi-Santi, a Brunello. No doubt I would go out with that,” Jay says. “My wife and I spent our first anniversary in Italy, and we visited the winery, so there is good memory there.... You know with wine, it’s not necessary the best wine you choose to go out with. It could be just because of a great memory.” Along with the bison burgers, the evening ended with Matt Shaffer, who, fellow members said, has the keenest palate. “I can’t remember the names of wine,” the attorney said. “So the best bottle I have had is the last bottle I had.”

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BRING FORTH THE STEMWARE Friends in “Jay’s Wine Club” are (from left) Matt Shaffer, Eddie Patterson, David Peterman, Ben Veazey, Jay Williams, guest Dr. Madaiah Revana, Tadd Tellepsen, Walter O’Donnell, Brady Crosswell, Revana Wines president John Gabelhausen and Ned Barnett.

Julie Soefer Photography

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Chris Shepherd

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ind out where the experts eat, with our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews chef Chris Shepherd.

On a September evening, James Beard Award winner Chris Shepherd was surrounded by celebrities – many of whom he didn’t recognize – at Jimmy Kimmel’s Emmy after-party. “I don’t watch TV,” the 44-year-old Underbelly chef said sheepishly. “I did recognize Matt Damon. He sat at my table.” Along with Christian Slater, Jimmy Fallon and others devoured his Korean braised goat dumplings paired with Bulleit Bourbon. Shepherd may not have stars in his mischievous eyes, but those baby blues twinkle when it comes to talking about travel and food. Since opening Underbelly in 2012, he has amassed a following with his fresh Gulf seafood and wholeanimal butchery. Now, he’s scripting a new, ambitious project: One Fifth. Every year, for the next five years, One Fifth will transform itself into a different dining concept. One Fifth Steak will be the first to debut, in January at the historic Westheimer location that formerly housed Mark’s American Cuisine and, even further back to the late 1920s, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. One Fifth Romance Languages and, then, One Fifth Fish will follow. One Fifth Romance Languages will be Shepherd’s homage to the foods and wines of France, Spain and Italy. Plans for concept No. 4 and 5 are still being finalized and will be announced later. Along for the ride are partners in crime Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus and Anvil Bar & Refuge and Hay Merchant alumni Kevin Floyd and Steve Flippo. Meanwhile, Shepherd will keep a sharp eye on his open kitchen at Underbelly and do some globetrotting. Last year, you traveled to Vietnam. You came back with a bagful of ingredients and recipes, including Hanoi’s Cha Ca grouper, a certified vermicelli noodle hit with Houstonians. Where are you heading to next? I want to go to Spain. I’ve been once, but now, I want to explore the countryside and Barcelona.

I hope you bring back an amazing seafood paella recipe. Have you come across a version you like? I actually made paella at home a month ago. Traditional paella pans are great. But you know what I found out? I like making paella in a cast iron pan. It’s something I learned from Ryan Pera (of Coltivare). It turned out just perfect. I got the best crust. That crispy bottom, the CHRIS SHEPHERD Next year, James Beard winner Chris Shepherd plans to open One Fifth in the Montrose space formerly occupied by Mark’s American socarrat, is everything Cuisine. One Fifth will feature a different restaurant concept each year over the you want in a paella. course of five years. Have you eaten at for Cantonese seafood. They make the best any interesting, unique places recently? Either shrimp with scrambled eggs. I also get the in Houston or elsewhere around the country? tamarind crab and the clams with jalapeños. The Saltie Girl Seafood Bar in Boston. That As for Indian, London Sizzler (6690 was really interesting. It serves tinned foods from Southwest Freeway). I usually order a few items Spain – cans of anchovies, squid in spiced and then the kitchen brings out the rest, whatragout, baby eels, octopus, tuna, mackerel in ever the chef decides. Have you tried their goat olive oil. It has only 28 seats. It was $19-35 a biryani? Man, it’s awesome. pop. Those tin cans were not cheap. It was the What about places near Underbelly? three of us, and lunch was $300. It was fun. Mala Sichuan Bistro (1201 Westheimer You’re a big fan of Chinatown and Little Road) across the street. It’s easy. As for the best India on Hillcroft. Do you still go exploring Vietnamese sandwiches, Cali Sandwiches (3030 when you find the time? Travis). She does a great job. Her rice and nooNo, not so much. But when we go, it’s to the dle dishes are good, too. same places over and over. I have people come Any new places worth trying these days? through Houston, and when they ask for I like Southern Goods (632 W 19th Street) Vietnamese, I take them to Saigon Pagolac in the Heights a lot. I’ve been to State of Grace (9600 Bellaire) in Dynasty Plaza. (3258 Westheimer Road) a couple of times. It I order the same things every time, starting was good. Coltivare (3320 White Oak Drive) with the salted plum drink. It’s like Gatorade isn’t new. But man, it’s still good. If I want someripped off from the Vietnamese. Friends always thing really fancy, I do dinner at The Pass (807 say the same thing when they try it for the first Taft). But you know where else is great? Cafe time, “Hey, this is like Gatorade!” Then we dive Annie (1800 Post Oak Boulevard). I had never into the banh xeo, crispy Vietnamese crepe been before, and it was so fantastic. stuffed with bean sprouts, shrimp and pork. We What’s next for you? also get the bo luc lac beef and the whole catfish I’m writing a book. It’ll take about two – roasted with this amazing crispy skin. years. Meanwhile, I’ll be getting ready for the When I want Chinese, I go to Harbor Super Bowl. Seafood Restaurant Hai Cang (11768 Bellaire)

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SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz W

ith a young and deeply talented lineup, the St. Pius X Panthers could be flashing back to the glory days of St. Pius football. “They’ve bought into each other, our coaching staff, and really our school and its legacy,” said Panthers athletic director Jason Kimble. “We have 12 state championships in our rich history, and the core of this group may have a shot at bringing us our first title since 2007.” The Panthers are led by 6-5 sophomore quarterback sensation Grant Gunnel, who guided the offense to an average of 53 points a game through a 6-0 start. “From his leadership to his physical abilities, Grant has all the attributes you’d want in a quarterback,” said Kimble. “Dating back to Gary Kubiak, to two-time state champion Billy Noonan and more recently Kohl Stewart, Grant has continued the legacy of great quarterbacks at our school.” Adding to the Panthers’ firepower is the receiving duo of juniors Jacob Jefferson and Bryce Jackson. “That’s a dynamic one-two punch,” said Kimble. Senior guard R.J. Clayborn heads up a powerful offensive line while sophomore running back Justin Hull has emerged into an offensive weapon. The Panthers’ defensive front is led by senior Bracy Webb, who’ll play collegiately at the Air Force Academy. In addition, defensive backs Joshua Murray and Perry Carter Jr. have committed to Stephen F. Austin and Louisiana Monroe, respectively. Middle linebacker McKamri Bowie, defensive end Jacob Craig and defensive tackle Tyler Vrabel are among the other big defensive contributors, said Kimble. After advancing to the state finals last season, the Saint Thomas’ Episcopal volleyball team is on track for another successful season. “I definitely think we can make another deep playoff

run even though we’ve moved up from TAPPS 3A to TAPPS 4A this season,” said STE head coach Kayle PIUS ON THE FIELD St. Pius X defensive tackle Tyler Vrabel (#75) also sees time on Ray. The move up the offensive front, blocking here for sophomore standout quarterback Grant Gunnell. certainly hadn’t hockey team has established itself as a statewide fazed the Saints well into the district season, powerhouse. This season, the Mavericks opened with STE winning its first 10 district games of with 10 consecutive victories, and looked the season. primed and ready to bring home another SPC “We played in some of the region’s best pubchampionship. “We’re an extremely athletic lic-school tournaments, including Pearland and team,” said St. John’s girls field hockey head Spring Branch ISD, which has prepared us for coach Craig Chambers. “It’s a talented lineup, district and beyond,” said Ray. “We also beat with many of the girls set to play field hockey some big public schools such as Mayde Creek, and even other sports at the collegiate level.” Texas City and Fort Bend Elkins. I’m a firm In fact, seniors Reese Vogel, Emily Pedric believer in a tough pre-season schedule.” and Sarah Grace Ritter will play college field STE is well prepared, thanks in big part to the hockey, while fellow seniors and twins Kate and return of four key starters from last season’s state Carson Copeland will play lacrosse at the next finalists, including 6-1 middle blocker Gia level, and another senior, Grace Wilson, is Petties. Petties was the district’s top player the being recruited for golf. last two seasons and has committed to play colIn addition, junior Audry Ledbetter has verlegiately at West Texas A&M. “I’m really proud bally committed to play field hockey, while felof Gia,” said Ray. “She’s just an awesome kid all low junior Isabel Windham is already being the way round.” recruited a number of colleges. “From top to botIn addition, Ray credited the outstanding play tom, we just have a really deep and balanced rosof sophomore setter Kathleen Johnson, senior ter,” said Chambers. “Of the 20 players on our setter Rachel Nolte and senior outside hitter team, 14 of them play club field hockey. We’re Jordan Allen. “Kathleen is an incredible athlete fortunate to have a tremendous amount of and tremendous club player, while Jordan prodepth, with an extremely fast and skilled group vides the consistency for our lineup, and Rachel of players.” is a really smart player with a load of positive energy. We’re ranked seventh in the state in Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy AwardTAPPS 4A even though we only have six playwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE ers total on the team. Most of the girls have had SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 to learn new positions, and they’ve really p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school stepped up their game.” sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, With three SPC championships in the last please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. five seasons, the St. John’s School girls’ field

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 32

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SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Football standout The Emery/Weiner School seventh grader Elliott Ellis (top photo) was recently named middle school boys’ athlete of the month. Ellis, the team’s only seventh-grade captain, started the football season off strong for the Jaguars. The team has been undefeated so far this season, with victories over Westbury Christian School, Crosby Sacred Heart, Alvin Living Stones and Huntsville Alpha Omega Academy. In the Jaguars’ home opener versus Westbury Christian, Ellis had a passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns. In the game versus Alvin Living Stones, he had three more rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning score. Ellis also had more than 100 yards rushing and forced a fumble on defense. His offensive talent continued in the homecoming game versus Alpha Omega Academy with four rushing touchdowns.

Around the track Horn Elementary School students Anjana Ranganathan, Samantha Rosen, Lucy Vestal and Avery McClure (middle photo, from left) joined their classmates and completed 30-plus laps around a track in the school’s Boosterthon Fun Run. A fundraiser for the school, the Boosterthon program lasts nine days and students participate in a pep rally, team huddles and finish with the Fun Run. For the kids, the best part is being active and having fun. Students ran or walked, and some even danced, around the track while enjoying music with a DJ and plenty of encouragement from teachers and parents who cheered them around the track.

Devoted to baseball Fifth-grade Astros fan and avid baseball player Chase Gray (bottom photo) enjoyed a home game at Minute Maid Park. Watching the Astros play is one of Chase’s favorite activities, especially when he goes with his fellow Hurricanes teammates. Chase plays centerfield, shortstop and pitcher for the Hurricanes, a select baseball team. In addition to playing year-round with the Hurricanes, he also plays with Bellaire Little League (BLL) during the spring season. He loves playing with his friends and meeting new players each season, but the best part of the game might be the post-game concessions and dinner out with what seems like the entire city of Bellaire. Chase’s love of baseball started in his first season with BLL at age 5, but his parents suspected it much earlier when his first word was “ball.”

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

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IT TAKES GUTS Rachael Totz, a senior at The Awty International School, has had a challenging journey trying to treat her Crohn’s Disease.

KIDS by Rachael Totz, age 17

Buzz Kidz

Food as medicine

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ncurable” was a word I never wanted to hear. I was only 14 when a doctor labeled my depleting health with a perfunctory diagnosis: Crohn’s Disease. I was told that my life would have to change. I was presented with a narrow path to recovery. Every treatment that silenced symptoms of Crohn’s Disease amplified a new malady. The treatments were just as damaging as the disease. My mom and I spent countless hours on the Internet, reading journals and personal accounts, searching for success stories. Our research pointed us to a dietician, Ali Miller. Armed with probiotics, supplements and an anti-inflammatory food regimen, she promised the inconceivable: unmedicated remission. Optimistic about my future for the first time in months, I approached my gastroenterologist.

Anticipating the same enthusiasm about my potential panacea, I left the office with only an ultimatum: If I deviated from the wisdom of allopathic medicine, he would no longer see me. They may be unicellular and microscopic, but bacteria rule the world. This summer, I witnessed the tyrannical reign of pathogenic bacteria over the gut. Conducting original research about the proliferation and death of gut bacteria, I came to a surprising conclusion: We can feed and starve sources of disease in our bodies by managing what we eat. Contrary to popular belief, we are not what we eat, but food is medicine. My petri dishes were a window into the impact our activities have on our health. I chose this research to show that my success with alternative medicine and Crohn’s Disease was not a

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medical anomaly; others may attain similar outcomes. After contacting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to share my story with autoimmune patients, I realized there was a vacuum in the community. To fill this void, I formed a nonprofit, Food As Medicine Awareness, to raise awareness of the potential for dietary choices to regenerate our health. I aspire to make a difference by taking my personal experience public, giving people the tools and courage to uproot their disease and find the silver lining, just like I did. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.

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Penicillin allergy “You’re allergic to penicillin? What happened, and when did it occur?” the doctor asks. The patient replies, “I don’t remember. It was over 25 years ago, but the doctor told my mom never to give me penicillin again.” So the doctor gives the patient a different antibiotic, probably broader in spectrum (“stronger”) and more expensive. This is one reason we have more drug-resistant bacteria. The second reason is that patients demand (and doctors prescribe) antibiotics for common colds. As Dr. Sheldon Kaplan, head of the pediatric infectious diseases section of Baylor College of Medicine, pointed out in the April 7, 2011, Houston Chronicle, “Inappropriate and indiscriminate use of antibiotics is a major factor contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance.” Per the New England Journal of Medicine (Sept. 8, 2016), antibiotics aren’t necessary at least until discolored mucus has been present for 7-10 days. For the third reason, look at Economics 101: Drug companies make little money from antibiotics. Someone gets sick, they take the antibiotic for a week or two, and then they’re done. Big Pharma would rather invest in the next Lipitor or Prozac. Those medications tend to be taken every day for many years. Thus Dr. Kaplan’s worry that “infections and medical procedures considered innocuous today will become as dangerous as they were before (antibiotics).” What can be done? Good luck with patients not demanding antibiotics, and I don’t see drug companies going out of their way to invent new antibiotics. Maybe the allergist can help. That patient above has a 90 percent chance

of no longer being allergic to penicillin. Ten percent of penicillin-allergic patients lose that sensitivity every year, so after 10 years, only a small fraction remain allergic. That doesn’t mean all patients once labeled allergic to penicillin can safely use it, but allergists certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology can perform penicillin skin testing and, if negative, an oral challenge to confirm if someone is or is not still allergic. For the majority (>90 percent) who test negative, they are at no increased risk to take penicillin than anyone else in the general population. At that point, we write a letter for the patient to give to all other healthcare providers and pharmacists so that “Allergic to Penicillin” can safely be removed from the medical record. Maybe that will slow down antibiotic-resistant bugs. No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic

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College-prep checklist

Laser therapy for nail fungus

If you’re a senior and applying to colleges early, chances are you have some Nov. 1, Nov. 15 and Nov. 30 deadlines. Do not wait until the last minute to submit these applications – online servers tend to overload in the final minutes of deadlines, and you may end up being left out. November is also a peak month for midterms, SAT and ACT prep and official testing. This month by far is the most productive month in an academic career – make sure to stay healthy by sleeping enough, eating well and exercising while ensuring balance across academics, testing and extracurriculars. Here’s your November checklist: • Make sure you have started the FAFSA financial aid package. • Have at least 8-12 colleges on your list. • Keep refining your college essays and resume. • Ensure your transcripts and letters of recommendations reach colleges applied to. • Take the Dec. 3 SAT (deadlines Nov. 3, Nov. 22) OR take the Dec. 10 ACT (deadlines Nov. 4, Nov. 18) • Schedule a FREE 2nd SATurday practice test on Nov. 12. For more customized help with college preparation, please contact us. Our professionals develop and execute a customized plan for each student that aligns school academics, standardized testing and college counseling with college and career goals. Firat Educational Solutions, LLC, Ibrahim Firat, MBA, Independent Educational Consultants Association Professional Member, 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 390, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.871.1048, www.firateducation.com

The cooler weather has arrived. But before you know it, spring will be here, and we will be looking to wear our favorite open shoes. Many people suffer from fungus toenails and are embarrassed to wear open shoes. Toenail fungus is a common condition, causing nails to become thickened or discolored. As the infection advances, the nail can become thick and brittle and separate from the nail bed. It can also cause pain when wearing shoes or walking. Current treatment options for nail infection include oral medications, topical treatments and laser therapy. Laser treatments are effective in eliminating nail infections and restoring clear nails. During treatment most patients experience nothing more than a warm feeling in their toes. The genesisplus laser is the newest state-of-the-art laser therapy FDA approved to treat fungus nails, warts and scar revision. Bellaire Podiatry/Nail Laser Center of Houston is the first practice in Houston to have this new technology. After about 3-6 months, healthy new nail growth can be seen. Now is the time for treatment, so you will have clearer nails in the spring. Schedule your treatment today to be ready to bare your toes in your favorite open-toed shoes! We are here to treat your painful foot problems. Bellaire Podiatry/Nail Laser Center of Houston, Dr. Barry P. Weinstein, 4909 Bissonnet, Suite 120, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.721.5500, www.BarryWeinsteinDPM.com

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When it’s time to get an autism evaluation Autism can be difficult to diagnose, especially with children or teens who are high functioning, yet a diagnosis can make all the difference in a child’s life. Key characteristics Parents can’t be expected to diagnose autism, of course, but if you see these signs in your child, talk with your pediatrician about scheduling an autism evaluation with a psychologist or developmental specialist: • Difficulty making or keeping friends • Difficulty joining conversations • Becoming upset with changes or transitions of any sort • Reacting negatively to sensory inputs (e.g., loud noises) • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand flapping) • Loss of language early on in life Most children who are very affected by autism will probably be formally diagnosed at a relatively early age. But for those who are high functioning – meaning they typically do well in school and have an easier time navigating relationships and communication – a diagnosis might come as late as middle school. This is especially true for girls. “What research has found is that during elementary school, girls with autism spectrum disorder who are higher functioning are often protected and even mothered by their female peers,” said Michelle Patriquin, PhD, director of Adolescent Research and a staff psychologist at The Menninger Clinic’s Outpatient Services. “Being sheltered in this way may mask their symptoms. But such help usually disappears around the time kids enter mid-

dle school, so symptoms can become more obvious then.” What to expect from an evaluation According to Dr. Patriquin, every evaluation should include developmental and social screening measures, an intensive screening interview with parents, cognitive testing and a structured observation with the child. Once the evaluation is complete, the psychologist can tell you if a child has autism or possibly some other developmental issue. “The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder the better,” said Dr. Patriquin. “Early intervention means the child will be able to reap the benefits of a variety of therapies, all of which will help him or her address the symptoms creating obstacles to social growth and communication.” An autism spectrum disorder diagnosis also means a child can receive special accommodations in school. These services can include occupational therapy and speech/language therapy, as well as accommodations that can make the school experience a positive one. To schedule an autism evaluation with Dr. Patriquin, call 713-275-5178. The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, 713.275.5000, www.MenningerClinic.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 39

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A minute with Maisie

Love with a leash

Many clients ask me, “What rights do grandparents have to see their grandchildren in Texas?” The Texas Family Code provides that a grandparent may file a lawsuit seeking custody of grandchildren if the order is necessary because the child’s present circumstances significantly impair the child’s physical health or emotional development. However, seeking custody of grandchildren and simply wanting to spend time with them are very different. If a grandparent wants to see their grandchildren without filing for custody, then the grandparent may intervene in an ongoing divorce action but is prohibited in most cases from filing an original suit. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that being a parent is a fundamental right, and infringing on those rights requires a high burden. However, given the right circumstances, it is possible for a grandparent to see their grandchildren through a court order. For more information, please consult an attorney board certified in family law. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family-law firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., Maisie A. Barringer, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com

Stroll your neighborhood after work and you can see lots of happy pet owners taking their canine companions for a walk or jog – usually on a leash. However, many pet owners don’t feel it’s necessary to use a leash when they are just letting their pet out of the car to enter the dog park, coming home from the vet, or just playing in the front yard. If you happen to be one of those, let’s “paws” to answer a few questions. First, do you survey the surrounding area before allowing your pet off-leash to be certain there are no distractions (e.g., squirrels, cats, children, other dogs)? Second, do you allow your pet off-leash in a parking lot or near a street where a passing car can unexpectedly become a serious threat? Most important, do you really think that you are in complete control of your dog’s every movement? If so, perhaps you should reconsider. Experts agree we cannot predict the behavior of even the best-trained dog with 100 percent certainty. At Rover Oaks, we have witnessed several pets suddenly abandoning their owner’s direction and dashing across the street when those clients were bringing their dogs offleash from their cars to our facilities. Each client’s response has been, “He’s never done that before!” So, if you are truly concerned about your best friend’s safety, always show your love by using a leash. Rover Oaks Pet Resort, 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.662.2119, www.roveroaks.com

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Is equity crowdfunding for you? That buzzing you hear might be excited chatter about the latest hot investment topic. Equity crowdfunding has arrived. You probably know about crowdfunding – where many people pool their money, usually via the Internet, to finance some project like the tour of a fledgling band or the writing of a novel. It didn’t take long for entrepreneurs to get in on the act by using crowdfunding to finance their business ventures. The catch was, until May of 2016, regulations prevented the issuance of equity through crowdfunding, except for investors who met strict wealth criteria. Now that has changed, and sites such as Wefunder.com have appeared to help investors find ventures and vice versa. It’s a little like playing Shark Tank, with you as the shark. Statistics from Wefunder show that in the roughly four months since regulations changed, $5.9 million has been invested in 24 projects that reached minimum-funding requirements on their website. Similar sites, such as NextSeed and StartEngine, have also appeared. Collectively they offer a whole new world for your equity holdings. In a way it’s the democratization of the venture capital market – a very American idea. It is also, potentially, a very lucrative one. Many successful businesses were once start-ups backed only by good timing, quality people and seed money. Both Apple and Google famously began in family garages. Facebook got its start in a dorm room. The early-stage returns of such companies can leave those on the outside fantasizing about what life would have been like had they been one of the “ground floor” investors. Now, through crowdfunding, early-stage investment opportunities are as close as your mouse. While it may not be for everyone, familiarizing yourself

with this brave new world is worthwhile. In addition to the possibility of outsized earlystage returns, a reward of crowdfunding is that you can invest in projects that align with your interests and passions. You may feel more “a part of” such a venture than is the case with a stock or mutual fund. But you should tread carefully. In venture capital markets, many projects fail, even those with strong backing. This is likely to be even more common in crowdfunded markets, where barriers to entry are lower. Anyone considering investing should therefore be willing to accept the risk of losing the entire investment. Lack of liquidity must also be considered. And while SEC disclosure requirements make it harder for entrepreneurs to (intentionally or not) mislead investors, they are no guarantee. But disclosure requirements do provide a way to evaluate alternative projects. Anyone considering investing should perform as much investigation and due diligence as possible, but also realize that there is no guarantee against loss. Due to the risks, I recommend that no more than 10 percent of your portfolio be placed in crowdfunded projects. For those who are interested, a good way to start might be as a “donor” in the non-equity crowdfund market. Also be sure and talk to a trusted advisor. James Waters, CFP®, PARTNERSINWEALTH, 3400 Bissonnet, Suite 145, Houston, Texas 77005, 713.964.4028, jrw@partnersinwealth.com, www.partnersinwealth.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 41

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Second-guessing the agent If you are lucky, family or friends will use your power of attorney to help you shuffle off this mortal coil with the care and dignity you deserve. That means spending money. Your agent should expect criticism. Texas’ Durable Power of Attorney Act requires the agent to keep records of each action taken or decision made, and to act in good faith, respect their limits, and be loyal to you. Agents are liable for violations of the Act, and can be criminally prosecuted. If all an agent does is sign for skilled nursing while you rehabilitate after hip replacement, not much is needed. A copy of the hospital’s discharge instructions and a rehab admission agreement probably suffice. If you recover and resume management of your own business, no one will ask for that much. If you never quite recover, and your agent manages everything, the agent may need to keep all contracts, property and insurance records, tax returns, statements, and cancelled checks that accumulate on his or her watch. Good records aren’t enough. Consider the last-minute estate plan. You know you needed a will, but you wait until you are referred to hospice. You make a will, but you can’t get out and you’re tired, so you ask your agent to update your life insurance and IRA beneficiaries. That’s a lot, often too much, to ask. The paperwork is hard enough, but the risk is practically unmanageable. All transactions between an agent and his or her principal are presumed fraudulent, and the burden is on the agent to prove each is fair and reasonable. Full disclosure, adequate consideration, and independent advice are important factors. Does full disclosure mean your agent tells you which beneficiaries are

being replaced? You may not care, but they will. Can you remember the original beneficiaries? If you are wrong, is that the agent’s problem? Does the agent need the original designation paperwork? If the agent is a new beneficiary, that sounds like a gift, which means no consideration. Independent advice may mean having an attorney or CPA explain the changes (who knew income taxes went up with the wrong beneficiary?). Perfect records aren’t always enough, either. An agent cannot add themselves to a retirement plan if they weren’t named a beneficiary before the power of attorney was signed. Help your agent by completing some tasks now, such as estate planning, which will attract particular scrutiny if done later by the agent. We write wills and go to probate court. We offer no-obligation initial interviews for estate planning and administration, so it costs nothing to hear specific recommendations that suit your needs. Foreign nationals and international families welcome. Russell W. Hall, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, www.rwhpc.com

It’s time to update your family portraits Schedule your studio or location session during the month of November and receive a $50 print credit. Limited sessions available. Reserve yours now. Ask about our specials on holiday cards and wall portraits. A portrait remembers 713.523.4916 nikky@lawellphoto.com www.lawellphoto.com

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NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Challenger season underway

Community effort A fair to remember

Houston Challenger Football kicked off its 11th season at Strake Jesuit under blue skies with lots of fun and festivities. Pictured is Luke Junkunc, Strake class of 2018, assisting a young Challenger player. The Challenger program is a program for children with special needs or developmental and intellectual disabilities where everyone participates and everyone is a winner. National Charity League supplied spirit bags filled with goodies, and the Strake Jesuit Booster Club treated everyone to a pizza lunch afterwards. In baseball, the West University Little League Challenger Program will have a baseball classic this month. The Shriners Hospital for Children and the Astros Foundation will host the event at Minute Maid Park on Nov. 12 at 10:15 a.m. Team leaders are Debbie Hennings, Joe and Fredia Bassham, Chad and Kelly Wiginton, Brandon and Angela Alexander. Players are Nicholas Hennings, Heather Jo Thomas, Emily Wiginton, Lauren Wiginton, Dyllan Alexander, Noah Alexander, John Connell, Carter Berg, Max Gutierrez, Danny Gutierrez, Jose Escobar, Landon Woolsey, Kamden Thompson, Simon Guevara and Zachary Smith.

It was a colorful day for the Pin Oak Middle School Charger community on Oct. 11. The school held its inaugural “Charge into the Color” fun run. The event was the official kickoff to fundraising efforts toward building a new, a half-mile, $80,000 fitness track. Students, faculty and volunteers had a blast throwing color powder, running and cheering on students. The celebration continued with a post-race party featuring music, Kona Ice snacks and more colorthrowing fun. Pictured (from left) Nicole Hampton, Erin Lang and Natalie Hampton. See pinoakpto.org/fitnesstrack.

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Eve Lapin and Lisa Sheinbaum (pictured, above, from left) are co-chairing the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book and Arts Fair, running until Nov. 13. The fair will celebrate 44 years of tradition of authors, music, theater and films. It is free and open to the public. The opening event will be a literary and culinary feast with Michael Wex (Rhapsody in Schmaltz: Yiddish Food and Why We Can’t Stop Eating It) and Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz (The Gefilte Manifesto). It will be moderated by Ziggy Gruber, owner of Kenny and Ziggy’s.

WUES to Zaza The West University Elementary School community and PTO have planned an elegant evening for the annual fundraiser auction and gala themed Celebrate the Night in Black and White with a Pop of Pink. The event will be held on Nov. 11 at Hotel Zaza at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $150. All proceeds will be given to WUES. Pictured (from left) are co-chairs Karen Yeager, Mandy Robbins, (continued on page 46)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 45

(continued from page 44)

Aly Berlin and Elizabeth Filek. See westupto.org/auction.

Want to build a snowman?

Mark your calendars for Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine, for the 5th Annual Southside Place Winter Wonderland Carnival. The event will be filled with food, fun, snow and a chance to connect with neighbors and raise money. All proceeds go toward improving Fire Truck Park. Everyone is welcome on the Southside Clubhouse grounds to play carnival games, climb on inflatables, ride a mechanical bull and scale the huge rock climbing wall. John Daugherty Realtors will be on the scene again this year taking photos with Santa. Bring gloves for the pile of fake snow. There will also be a silent auction and a shopping bazaar featuring local small businesses. Carnival wristbands and food tickets will be sold at the door. To find out more, contact Melissa Byers 917-375-0001 or Alyson Haas at 512-423-8328. Pictured are Matthew Byers and Donna Frontain.

Fun on the fields Families poured onto the fields surrounding West University Elementary School on Oct. 1 to pitch

tents for a day and night of fun at the annual Fathers & Flashlights campout. Pictured (from left) are this year’s co-chairs Kara Schaefer, Kelly Butler and Kristine Martinez. This year marked the 10th anniversary along with a record-high attendance of 529 children and 259 dads. Daryl and Aaron Hoover and Jennifer Gatto, the inaugural Fathers & Flashlights Chairs and visionaries of the event, served as honorary chairs. Children’s Memorial Hermann supported the event as Camp Boss, the $10,000 lead sponsor. The event raised a total of $116,000 for the Friends of West University Place Parks Fund, Inc. Friends is a volunteerbased organization dedicated to raising funds for the renovation, development and improvement of parks and green spaces in the parks of the City of West U. Planning for Fathers & Flashlights 2017 has already begun. The Moorhead, Woody and Williams families will co-chair.

Family fun day Mark your calendars for the third annual Pin Oak Middle School ChargerFest on Nov. 5, noon-4 p.m. The Fine Arts Department, International Festival and School Carnival combine in a fun family day for Pin Oak Middle School students and their families. The event will be held on the school campus at 4601 Glenmont. Funds raised will benefit Pin Oak Middle School. To become a sponsor, contact Jenny Hanks at j_hanks@att.net or Monica Weber at m_weber_designs@yahoo.com. Pictured (back row, from left) are Colton Denning, Hank Harris, Kate Manning, Abby Vollrath, (front row, from left) Monica Weber (co-chair), Jenny Hanks (co-chair) and student Joshua Weber. See pinoakpto.org.

Golf for a good cause

The Immunization Partnership will host the event Golf, Glamour and Games of Chance on Nov. 12, 7-11 p.m., at Top Golf (1030 Memorial Brook Blvd). Guests will play golf games, blackjack and a surprise game of fortune. Local artist Taft McWhorter will create a work of art, live, that will be auctioned off. Proceeds will help The Immunization Partnership on its mission of eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases through education and advocacy. Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital will be (continued on page 48)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 46

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fewer than 1 percent of each state's high school seniors. Anna qualifies to continue in the competition for National Merit scholarships, which will be awarded in the spring of 2017. Two Incarnate Word Academy seniors, Jennifer Martin (at left) and Marina Pirzada (right), have been designated as commended students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Their selection scores placed them among the top 50,000 of over 1.6 million students who took the 2015 PSAT.

Backing the blue

Safe zone October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In support, nearly 300 gathered at The Astorian for the annual Home Safe Home Around the World gala to benefit AVDA, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse. The event was co-chaired by Stacy and John Andell, Meg and Preston Kamin, and Brooke and Jeff Wise (pictured, from left). A highlight of the evening was the Houston Texans’ DeAndre Hopkins #TDCHALLENGE, in which he announced he

would donate $1,000 to AVDA for every touchdown he scored in October. The gala, which included a live auction with competitive bidding – particularly on the autographed Hopkins jersey – raised $432,577 to benefit AVDA. Attorney Richard Mithoff was honored at the event with the Joseph D. Jamail Award for Justice for his commitment to advocating for others. Trini Mendenhall was honored with the Heart of Houston Award for her dedication to service and philanthropy. KPRC Local 2’s Khambrel Marshall served as emcee, and the Hon. Eric Andell was auctioneer. Karen Freedman served as gala chair, Lynn Kamin as underwriting chair, and Helen Bernard as auction chair. See avda-tx.org.

This is ’80s night Michael Martinez

honored with the John R. Boettiger, Jr. Award for Community Partnership for its support of TIP's programs and mission. Chairs are April and Wells McGee and Tricia and Jim Zucker. Pictured (previous page, from left) are Lindy McGee, M.D.; Joyce Haufrect, Eric Haufrect, M.D.; Anna Dragsbaek (president and CEO of The Immunization Partnership) and Tom McGee. Individual tickets start at $150. Contact Julie Comiskey at 281-769-3086.

(continued from page 46)

About 200 members of the Southside Place community, including some lucky children, got to meet a fully suited volunteer firefighter as part of Blues Night,which honored the community's first responders in the police, fire and dispatch departments. The evening was filled with live music, dinner, ice cream sundaes and dancing. Kris Holt of Greenwood King Properties organized the meet-and-greet event on the community clubhouse patio.

National Merit semifinalist Incarnate Word Academy senior Anna Winter (pictured, center) has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition. The 16,000 semifinalists are the highestscoring entrants in each state and represent

Whitney Walsh and Maidie Ryan (pictured, from left) mixed and mingled at The Junior League of Houston’s annual Opening Style Show. The evening was a stylish flashback to the ’80s. The theme, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, celebrated all that was the ’80s and commemorated the building’s 30th anniversary, along with the “Greatest Hits” of League accomplishments of that era. Tootsies showcased some great fall fashion in the runway show. Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your upcoming-event listings on thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 48

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Vocal cord paralysis weakens voice performance We often tend to take our voices for granted. While our voice is a delicate instrument that we rely on daily, we sometimes think that it will always be there for us, representing our thoughts, emotions and ideas in a way that is uniquely us. However, if our voices are not functioning properly, it becomes challenging to communicate in our workplace, socialize with friends and family, or share ideas with larger groups such as a church or business audience. Every person needs to be able to project his or her voice for normal communication and to modulate the voice for expression of meaning. Having a small bout with laryngitis or hoarseness – a roughness or weakness of the speaking or singing voice – reminds us how valuable our voice is. Vocal cord weakness feels like you are struggling to project your voice, have to take extra breaths while speaking, or have an extremely tired voice and throat at the end of the day. The vocal cords normally work by creating a vibration in the air that flows through them from the lungs, similar to a guitar string when it is plucked. Vocal cord weakness causes a disruption of the normal vibration of the vocal cords due to a failure of full closure of the vocal cords during speaking. Many other things besides vocal cord weakness can cause that acoustic signal to become irregular, such as swelling of the cover of the vocal cord from reflux or infection, growths on the edge of the vocal cord, weakness of the muscle that supports the vocal cord, or stiffness from a scar following neck or chest surgery. Even a simple upper respiratory infection can cause debilitating changes to our voice that rob us of our ability to share

ourselves in an effective way. Dr. Mary Es Beaver has 16 years of experience investigating causes of hoarseness and developing simple techniques for restoring effective voices to her patients. Her patients include ministers, teachers, sports announcers, singers, musicians, college professors and service professionals who depend on their voices to make a living. When she identifies vocal cord paralysis in her patients, she will explore options, and in certain cases she performs a surgery that restores normal closure to the vocal cords. She has performed this surgery more than 500 times, and the success rate for achieving normal voice functioning is 98 percent. Dr. Beaver says, “Voice restoration by repair of vocal cords through surgery can be a great improvement to quality of life. Many patients who have experienced loss of voice due to neck or chest surgery are not aware that their voices can be restored.” For more information and to learn more about Dr. Beaver, please visit www.texas-voice.com and let your voice be heard! Dr. Mary Es Beaver, Texas Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists and Kirby Surgical Center, 7900 Fannin, Suite 1800, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.791.9363, www.texas-voice.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ NOVEMBER 2016 49

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

An entertaining holiday

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et’s be honest. Football, turkey, and visiting with family – not necessarily in that order – is close to what many of us visualize when we think “holidays.” But here’s the let’sbe-honest part: After a couple of days of togetherness, as wonderful as it (hopefully) is, everyone starts getting a little itchy. And then what? You can resign to watching happy family time devolve, or you can have some ideas on hand to keep everyone engaged. In a good way. Here’s our go-to list of engagement.

Play a game Chris Powers, a graphic designer and fundraiser at The Jung Center, comes from a game-playing family. Every holiday and every get-together culminate in some kind of competition. This is a family who knows their games. “Our favorite is [the dice game] Farkle,” Chris says. “Anybody can win. We love it.” Bonus: It’s supremely portable. They also like Left Center Right [LCR]. “Everyone puts in $3, and you roll the dice. The money then goes either to your left, in the center to the pot, or to your right. It gets very boisterous, maybe because money’s involved.” If playing for money sounds too serious, try using M&Ms. “Also Spades,” Chris says. “Oh my gosh, it’s crazy! It can be never-ending, and everyone gets into it.” Other family games to keep on the radar: Onze, a card game similar to gin, made more challenging with two decks of cards powering 11 hands instead of one; jigsaw puzzles, great because they can be picked up and left alone at whim – keep two running while family is in town to spur a competition; Taboo – the board game that gets loud as team members guess words on a card that can only be described without using the word itself or five other “taboo” words.

Host a movie night (or afternoon) Galilea Escobedo, a junior at Lamar High School, says, “I love holiday movies!” Galilea’s family usually visits from Spain during the holidays – they’re no strangers to entertaining a crowd. “I watch Frozen with my mom even outside of the holidays, because it just makes you feel good,” Galilea says. “And I love The Grinch –

the one with the actors, not the cartoon – because it gets you in the holiday mood. The colors, the songs, everyone’s cheerful.” Another favorite: The Holiday. “The one where they switch houses and they fall in love. It’s like the best movie ever. I wish that would happen to me!” Galilea also suggests The Night Before as a movie to entertain older families (meaning GAME ON Looking for a family activity this Thanksgiving weekend? Host a game night. it’s not appropriate for little kids). “The one with Seth Rogen,” she Flee the nest says. “It’s so funny.” If you just have to get out (which we all will More ideas: Home Alone, Love Actually, at some point), Kathryn Rabinow has some outNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Miracle of-the-ordinary suggestions. on 34th Street (either the original 1947 version “Do weird and wonderful things when all the or the adorable 1994 remake). major places [museums, Discovery Green skating rink, movie theaters] are crowded,” the phoTune in tographer and psychologist says. “Walk through Admittedly, this one is girly. But Gilmore the tunnels that connect [the downtown] office Girls: A Year In the Life has gotten so much play buildings, then buy some sweet Greek treats at that it’s worth mentioning. the Phoenicia. Start a walk or bike ride on “Netflix is dropping four, 90-minute episodes Buffalo Bayou at Shepherd and see how far you with all the original cast the day after can go. It’s miles and miles into parts of Houston Thanksgiving,” says pediatrician Lindy McGee. probably no one has ever been. Explore the “It’ll be one big Gilmore Girls-watching campuses of local universities – St. Thomas, marathon with my 13-year-old daughter! HBU, UH, Rice – and go into their art galleries. Normally we decorate for Christmas that day, Visit the smaller museums – Houston Center for but I think we’ll put it off one day this year.” Contemporary Craft, The Printing Museum, the Gilmore Girls aired from 2000 until 2007 and Bryan Museum [of Southwestern and Native eventually became available to a cultish fan base on American art and artifacts] in Galveston.” Netflix. “Watching together has been a great way And if all else fails, Kathryn suggests letting to talk about difficult topics with Elizabeth. go of the turkey: “Check out the myriad of pizza Sometimes they have values that aren’t consistent and/or hamburger places here. Bring home with our family values, and they show consequences. samples from five or six different places and do But most of the time we’re just laughing together.” taste tests.”

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