The Trainiac
Michael and Mary Beth DeStefano
by Tracy L. Barnett
Private School Directory Reconnecting with Italian Roots Game-Day Snacks Wedding Buzz A Mosaic of Memories
Houston, TX Permit No. 2047
Back-to-School Giddiness
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BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 3
EDITOR’S NOTE “I don’t care about the ring. I promise. Let’s get married.” That was my not-at-alldesperate message to Michael after we’d been dating about eight months. He wanted to wait until he could afford the perfect ring. He probably just wanted to make sure I was the perfect wife. (Smart man.) Hard to believe, but we’ll be married 38 years this month! In this issue, check out Wedding Buzz, featuring two newly married couples and their beautiful wedding weekends. Also in this issue, find a story about a Houston family who traveled to Tuscany to reunite with extended family and reconnect with heritage; a story about a self-proclaimed “Trainiac” and his train adventures across the US; and Russell Weil’s poignant story about his European journey in search of family history with his brother and sister-in-law. Plus, find plenty of fall fun including college football game-day snacks. To the newlyweds in this issue: We wish you a lifetime of joy. The best chapters of your life are still ahead. And for anyone wondering, I eventually got that ring. Not that I cared. At all. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X thebuzzmagazines.com Editor-in-Chief Publisher Editor Editorial Assistant Design Manager
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On our cover: Michael DeStefano is a self-proclaimed “trainiac.” Wife Mary Beth and their daughters are supportive of his passion for train travel. Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2026 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 Heart of the matter Thank you for sharing HeartGift’s origin story and shedding a light on our life-saving mission [Getting Our Hearts Right: Change one child’s world – change the world, Aug. 2026]. I have had the honor of serving on the board since 2012. Having the opportunity to witness the transformation of these little children is priceless! Thank you, Cindy Gabriel, for shining a light on such a beautiful cause! Janna Altmann, HeartGift Foundation board member
From the heart Thank you for the wonderful article Cindy Gabriel wrote featuring HeartGift and our upcoming Songs for the Heart fundraiser [Getting Our Hearts Right, Aug. 2026]. Cindy did a beautiful job capturing the heart of our mission and the impact HeartGift has on children and their families, and the communities that help make it happen. We’ve received a great response to the article, and it has already helped generate some ticket sales. We’re so grateful that The Buzz Magazines gave Cindy the opportunity and space to share our story. Thank you for your support and for helping us reach your readers. We truly appreciate it! Deborah Perry, Senior Marketing, HeartGift Foundation
A gift What a touching, inspiring article [Getting Our Hearts Right, Aug. 2026]. This is what’s needed in our world. More of this please. Debbie Adams
love for you to write the next chapter of where his love for pool takes him. Shannon Petrick
Appreciating allergy awareness article I recently read your article, Are There Nuts in That?: A family’s mission to raise awareness about food allergies by Halliday Mafrige [published July 22, 2026 at thebuzzmagazines.com], and felt appreciated. I have a severe nut allergy and I found out when I was extremely little. I wanted to comment on your article because I feel like I never see people talk about their severe allergies and how it affects their day to day lives. Personally, I always have to double check all the meals I eat out of fear that it might have nuts in it. My brother gets really bad allergies when he interacts with cats so we have to keep his door shut at all times so our cat doesn't wander into his space. Overall, I am just happy a local magazine covered what many people have to deal with and was able to spread that story. Arjan Griffin Email us at mailbag@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters or emails addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use for publication. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 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.
Special soccer story Thank you to Cathy and The Buzz Magazines for sharing our story and love for soccer [Home Pitch: Where soccer is a family affair by Cathy Gordon, Aug. 2026]! Soccer balls continued to fly throughout the summer as we watched the remaining matches of the World Cup. Thank you for highlighting the beauty of how a sport can bring fans, families, and friends together, unifying people from different backgrounds for their love of the sport. Now onto the wait for the World Cup in 2030! Thanks again! Hanna Zaghloul and Zeyad Metwalli
What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who:
Pool story was on cue I just finished reading your beautifully written article about Shane [Top Spin: For the love of pool by Cheryl Ursin, Aug. 2026], and I am genuinely blown away. You captured his journey with pool so well. The spark that started it all and the fun along the way. It’s impressive and truly reflects who he is. I’m excited to share this with people across the pool community and with those who don’t know much about the sport. Your writing makes his story inspiring and memorable. Thank you again for taking the time to tell his story with such care. I hope there will be many more great memories for Shane and one day, I’d BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 6
• Have unique fall or holiday traditions. • Have a compelling travel tale. • Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature. • Have a milestone life event to share. • Have a unique passion or hobby. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 102.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
42
Inside This Issue September 2026 4 Editor’s Note 6 Mailbag: Letters from Readers 10 The Magic of Memories: Ben’s trip back to his teenage self
Travel Buzz: The Trainiac: Journey Around America by Rail
by Ben Portnoy
by Tracy L. Barnett
High school yearbooks stir up memories for writer Ben Portnoy.
Michael DeStefano, a self-proclaimed “trainiac,” has crossed the US via train over the last few decades.
12 When the NFL Winks Your Way: But life has other plans by Cindy Gabriel
Cindy Gabriel tells the fascinating story of her brother-in-law’s football career.
14 From Our Archives: Drafting Divas: Gal pals find fun in fantasy football by Cathy Gordon
This article, originally published in Oct. 2014, features a group of girlfriends who enjoyed the excitement and bonding time during fantasy football season.
16 Countdown to Game Day: Snacks that stand up to the hype by Andria Dilling
College football season is finally here. Which means it’s time for all the game-day snacks.
18 Four Generations Under the Tuscan Sun: Reconnecting with Italian roots – and each other by Tracy L. Barnett The Savarino family gathered in Tuscany to reunite with extended family, celebrate milestones, and reconnect with heritage.
22 A Mosaic of Memories: Piecing family history together by Russell Weil
Russell Weil, along with his brother and sister-in-law, embarked on an emotional journey through France and Germany in search of family history, the heart of which was seeing their great-aunt’s handmade mosaic.
26 Wedding Buzz: The Clarks and the Robinsons by Angie Frederickson
Read about the weddings of Ellie Tamplain and Dwight Clark and Jennie Levy and Sam Robinson.
30 Rumor Has It
by Sharon Albert Brier
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 8
32 Buzz Reads
by Cindy Burnett Book reviewer Cindy Burnett recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.
School Directory: Special Advertising Section 34 Private The Buzz Magazines' Private School Directory provides readers with key information about private schools that have chosen to participate and has been a valuable resource to our readers since 2016.
46 SportzBuzz
by Todd Freed
48 SportzBuzz Jr.
by Annie Blaylock McQueen
50 Event Roundup
by Mackenzie Malveaux Find Buzzworthy events to add to your calendar this month.
52 Buzz Kidz: Checkmate by Ronak Hiwale
54 Neighborhood Tails by Gambit
56 Buzz About Town
by Angie Frederickson
62 Back Porch: Back-to-School Giddiness by Andria Dilling
The beginning of a new school year can bring with it mixed emotions – for kids and parents alike – ranging from nervousness to giddiness.
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 9
NEIGHBORS by Ben Portnoy, staff writer
The Magic of Memories Ben’s trip back to his teenage self
I
n Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, there is an episode where Harry is waiting in the office of his magic school’s headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Harry is left there alone, and notices a glowing, silvery-white light coming from a cabinet. His curiosity leads him to open the cabinet, where he finds a bowl with a silvery substance in it. As he stares into it, he soon finds he is witnessing events from the past. But not his past. When Professor Dumbledore returns to the office, he says that this bowl is called a Pensieve. Dumbledore explains: “I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind. … At these times, I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one’s mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at one’s leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form.” I was recalling that story when I looked at my bookshelf and saw six yearbooks from Walnut Hills, my Cincinnati junior and senior high school. These yearbooks are close to being a Pensieve. They went by the name “Remembrancer.” I think J.K. Rowling could have used the word remembrancer instead of Pensieve with the same effect. I took the Remembrancers from the 7th to the 12th grades off the shelf to inspect them. The front and back pages are filled with end-of-theyear handwritten notes from fellow students. The girls generally wrote sweet messages stating how they enjoyed knowing me. Some boys drew weird pictures with cynical captions, but most boys simply wrote things like, “See you next year,” or “Good luck.” I’d like to comment here that these notes are written in long hand. It is notable that all are not only legible but also demonstrate a generally acceptable penmanship. One note in the 9th-grade Remembrancer really pulled memories from my Pensieve. Bill was a classmate I admired. I remember imitating how he rolled up the sleeves of his short-sleeve shirts. I thought he was – in 1959 words – the neatest. Bill wrote, “Dearest Benj, I hope you and BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 10
Barby wake up to the fact that God created 2 different sexes for a definite purpose.” I don’t think she and I ever woke up to that, but maybe I missed something. Barbara, the Barby referred to, lived very close to my house in Cincinnati. It was actually less than a minute walk through the woods to her backyard. We had gone to the same elementary school, and along with Frank and John, twins who lived next door to Barbara, REMEMBRANCING High school yearbooks stir up memories for writer Ben Portnoy. we spent years Houston. On those occasions when I returned to walking the two blocks to that school together. Cincinnati, I always spent time with Barbara and In junior and senior high, Barbara and I saw occasionally stayed at her house. We talked on plenty of each other. Barbara’s house was a the phone from time to time. When my wife and haven for me and sometimes for Frank and John. I had our first child, a daughter, I called Barbara Not only was Barbara fun, but her parents were to find her not at home. She had delivered her just expert at how to relate to young teens. That first child, also a daughter, the same day. So was it. Barbara was my good friend, and I liked many memories swirl around in the Pensieve. her parents a lot. Was that all? Over the years, Barbara developed many In the same Remembrancer as Bill’s note, there health problems. During her last year, she was a note from Barbara. It is actually the became mildly demented. The last time I talked longest one that year. In it she writes, “You’re a with her, it was painful. A few months ago, terrific guy and you’re smart, too. All my friends Barbara died. The Remembrancer stirred up the are crazy about you. I guess I’m lucky to be able memories. Barbara and I were friends. Now I to see so much of you.” She goes on to say she’ll wonder what my early teen self really felt. I have miss me at her summer camp, and she records that yearbook, but I wish I had a Pensieve to the camp address and asks me to write to her. relive those early memories. She ends her note with, “I’ll stop now because One more thing. I found a particularly nice you know how much I like you (and you’re connote written in a Remembrancer. It read, “Ben, ceited enough already). Love, Barbie.” you’re the greatest guy I know. Boy, you’re so Barbara and I remained friends, but we never smart, strong, and modest. Good luck always, actually dated. Barbara married and remained in but you won’t need it.” It was signed by me. Cincinnati while I married and wandered off to
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 11
SPORTS by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer
When the NFL Winks Your Way But life has other plans
T
his summer, Stan and I spent a few pleasant days at the home of my younger sister, Linda, and her husband, Barry Tomasetti, in Landenberg, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia. Our visit happened to coincide with surprisingly comfortable temperatures and the debut of their newly expanded back deck overlooking a wooded backyard and, believe it not, evening fireflies! Remember those? Like fireflies, I saw a lot more of Linda as a kid. But as adults, living over a thousand miles apart, raising kids, and working, sad to say, I can count on one hand the number of times our families have been together. During this visit, it felt like we had all the time in the world to talk. At the end of the first day, Stan’s last words before we nodded off was Barry has a good heart. I was also thinking that Barry has a good story that started before any of us met him. The CliffsNotes version is that Barry, a 6’4” athletic guy, played football for The University of Iowa on a full-ride scholarship, NFL teams showed early interest in him in college, and a hamstring injury threatened his chances his senior year. Despite the injury, the Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the 10th round. Then, on the first day of 1978 training camp, Barry reinjured his hamstring and was released. His father, Geno, a first-generation, workingclass Italian American, shared his disappointment, but, alas, Barry’s prospects weren’t over. The day after flying back home, I received a call from Joe Thomas, general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, informing me that I was picked up on waivers. I remember exuberantly running downstairs and informing my dad of the call and giving him a big hug. Little did Barry know it would be the last time he would see his father. Training with the 49ers was a heady experience. O.J. Simpson, then enjoying newfound TV fame hurdling through the airport in Hertz car rental commercials, lived across the hall from Barry for training camp. Decades before his infamous trial, O.J. enjoyed a nice guy reputation, which Barry experienced. I was a nobody, but he often drove me to practice in his Lincoln Continental on loan from Hertz. Perhaps he saw Barry’s potential. In a pre-season scrimmage with the New BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 12
England Patriots, Barry started as right tackle, which went well. Then, a note in Head Coach Pete McCulley’s hand changed everything. It read, “Father died, very close.” Barry’s 62-year-old father collapsed at work from a brain THE MIGHTY TOMASETTIS Watching sports together is a family affair for Barry hemorrhage. The and his three sons, dubbed The Mighty Tomasettis, who all played college-level football. Pictured, from left, are Kerry Tomasetti, Barry Tomasetti Jr., Barry Tomasetti Sr., and Cory 49ers arranged for Tomasetti. Here, they're in front of Citizens Bank Park, cheering on the Phillies. Barry’s flight home. distinction as the poorest county in the United States. O.J., who happened to be sitting across from Barry After a four-day drive, pulling a U-Haul in a very at the team lunch table, got up and followed him used Pinto, with a mattress strapped to the top, to his room. He sat there in silence watching me pack, Barry found himself wondering if he had somethen offered his condolences. how crossed the border. He spent one night there While at home, grieving, Barry said coaches before calling Coach Villegas to refuse the offer. continued to call him, making it clear he was I said, Rio is just too different. Where I come from, wanted back at training camp. I made the mistake we have green grass and paved streets. of not returning to the 49ers camp. I was just emoBut then, on his way out, pulling his U-Haul, tionally drained and could not muster the desire to Barry had to suddenly slam on his brakes, causget back to the football grind. ing his trailer to jackknife. A wreck was avoided Barry stayed home and completed the few but he caught the eye of someone who waved hours left to earn his education degree. In the him over. It was Coach Villegas, who saw the meantime, he was receiving calls from the Pennsylvania license plate and knew it was Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Barry. He convinced me to stay for one practice, Vikings to attend their upcoming 1979 training meet the players, and if I still wanted to go home, I camp. Barry’s weight had dropped from 255 to could. He stayed. That year, Barry and Coach 215 pounds, too light by NFL standards. Barry Villegas led the team to the District managed to get up to 240 pounds before acceptChampionship. After the championship game, the ing the Vikings’ offer. Camp went well. exuberant players gang tackled me and carried me Assistant coaches fought for him. But in the to the shower, fully dressed. end, Head Coach Bud Grant told Barry that 240 In short, Barry stayed in Texas long enough pounds was just not enough weight for an offento meet Linda, our family athlete, playing picksive tackle in the NFL. up basketball at a Houston church gym. Their With the pros in the rearview mirror, this three strapping boys, dubbed The Mighty Pennsylvania boy’s fork in the road took him to Tomasettis, all played college-level football and, Texas. By telephone, Barry was offered an assislike Barry and his father, are very close to their tant coaching job with Rio Grande High School dad. In 2020, Barry retired as superintendent of from Head Coach Ramiro Villegas. It was about the Kennett Consolidated School District. as close to the border as you can get. I accepted; Now, with grandkids arriving, would Barry trade after all, I had been to Dallas (with the Cowboys), this for the NFL? Not on your life. so I thought I knew Texas. I later learned it had the
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 13
FROM OUR ARCHIVES by Cathy Gordon, contributing writer
www.scottkohn.com
Drafting Divas Gal pals find fun in fantasy football This article was originally published in Oct. 2014. Editor's note: Over the last 25 years, we have printed thousands of stories spotlighting inspirational neighbors and interesting topics. Now, in our From Our Archives column, we are highlighting some of our stand-out articles from over the years. For some, these stories may be new to you. For others, a familiar story may resonate in a different way now. Find all Buzz articles online at thebuzzmagazines.com.
D
rafting virtual football players can be exhausting. “The clock is ticking, and you’ve got 30 seconds to decide your pick. And that Monday Night Football theme comes on. A little overwhelming at first,” says Maria Ainbinder, recalling slight jitters at choosing her virtual roster on ESPN’s fantasy football website. “My sons were actually standing over my shoulder, arguing about who I should pick. Yeah, that adds to the excitement.” Ainbinder, putting trust in Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers as quarterback (“Wasn’t my first pick,” she confides), is one of ten Buzz-area women competing for a $500 jackpot at season’s end through the ESPN-sponsored River Oaks-West University fantasy football league, “Mav Moms.” But winning is beside the point, say these fast friends, who bonded while watching their sons play for the Mavericks at St. John’s School. “Some of us are empty nesters now. We spent years watching our boys on the field; then all of a sudden you’re not doing that,” says football enthusiast and league manager Julie Griffin, who nabbed quarterbacks Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks for her mock team. “This is just a way to stay in touch when you don’t see each other every Friday night anymore. And it’s fun. Texts will be flying during this fall’s games.” Griffin’s group is helping to level the playing field. Of 4.5 million fantasy football participants in the United States and Canada, only 20 percent are women, but that number is growing, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 14
LADY LINEUP ESPN-sponsored fantasy football league members, “Mav Moms,” compete for a $500 prize at season’s end. Pictured (from left) are Barbie Horowitz, Jan Bres, manager Julie Griffin, Jeannette Baker, Kate Gibson, Kelly Labanowski, Carol Smith, Daphne Bernicker, Maria Ainbinder and Wendy Askew.
Participants manage their patchwork teams online and garner points based on the NFL players’ weekly real-life performances. They can call in backups for injured players and make substitutions for those not playing due to a bye week. “You definitely need to fiddle with your roster for the best outcome,” says Griffin, who set up the league via ESPN’s free website that allows private invitations to be sent to friends. Each invitee must then register and agree on a date for their draft before the season begins. League members become team “owners,” competing against one another throughout the season. Dozens of Internet sports sites offer signup for free. A maximum eight to 12 players is suggested to prevent the talent pool from becoming diluted, especially at quarterback position. An agreed-upon entry fee determines the cash prize. The “Mav Moms” happily pooled $50 each. “Hey, with $500 at stake, I’m following the games,” Griffin says. “It’s kind of a laid-back way to put my foot in the water,” says Carol Smith, who isn’t intimately familiar with NFL football. “I did research the night before the draft. But I drafted Johnny Manziel as my backup quarterback because my husband thinks he was a fantastic college player,” Smith says of the first-ever freshman Heisman Trophy winner who impressed at Texas A&M University and now plays for the Cleveland Browns. She chose Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears as first string.
Self-confessed football fanatic Barbie Horowitz was eager to pick her roster, but inadvertently locked herself out of the draft. In the event a registered league member can’t attend the draft, ESPN chooses for her. “In the long run, they probably picked a better team for me,” admits Horowitz, a happy camper with Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers and Baylor University’s Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins as quarterback and backup. “I love football. This is gonna be fun.” Farm and ranch realtor Kate Gibson isn’t a rabid NFL viewer. “More of a selective one,” she says. “But I work with a lot of guys. Doing this, I can talk a little football with them. Hold my own out on the ranch.” She opted for Golden Tate, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. “Went to Notre Dame, my husband’s alma mater. A little influence there,” Gibson says. Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears was her son’s suggestion for running back. Gibson snapped up Andrew Luck of the Denver Broncos as quarterback. “He’s from Houston, and my husband knows his dad,” she says. “So I’ll be watching Denver for sure.” Some league members buy jerseys promoting their picks. Luck jerseys were a bit pricey, says Gibson, who opted to buy a used one for $25. “Not bad.” She’s torn as to whether or not she’ll actually don it for games though. “Hmm,” she quips. “Depends on how I look in it.”
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 15
FOOD by Andria Dilling, staff writer
Countdown to Game Day Andria Dilling
Snacks that stand up to the hype
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or the past couple of months, there has been one question making its way from the dinner table to the Starbucks line to the golf course: How many more days until college football season? Thankfully for fans, the whole thing just kicked off Aug. 29 (sorry for the pun) and most of us will see our teams debut for the season starting Sept. 5. With that comes another question: Snacks? And with that, I have pulled together a few ideas that feel a little bit different than last year’s (and the year before, and the year before that). Here’s hoping they will supply some stamina for all the cheering to come.
Candied Bacon Smokie Crackers In the not-pretty but oh-so-yummy category, these Candied Bacon Smokie Crackers are your bacon fanatic’s wish come true. 1 pound bacon (do not use thick cut) 25 saltine crackers 1 12-ounce package Little Smokies ½ cup brown sugar Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut the bacon slices in half. Place 1 cracker on a work surface and top with 1 Little Smokie. Wrap the cracker and sausage with 1 half slice of bacon. Set the cracker on the prepared baking sheet with the bacon seam down. Repeat with all the crackers. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the baconwrapped crackers. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
Sliders with Ham, Pepper Jack, and Apricot Jam Everyone loves the ham and cheese sliders made with sweet rolls, Dijon mustard, and butter. These get punched up a little with jalapeño cheese and just enough apricot jam. 12-ounce package sweet Hawaiian rolls 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted 1 teaspoon Worcestershire 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 small clove garlic, grated BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 16
GAME-DAY TREATS Candied bacon smokie crackers take salty and sweet right into football-watching territory.
¾ pound ham, thinly sliced ½ pound pepper jack cheese, thinly sliced ¼ cup apricot jam 1 teaspoon poppy seeds Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Without breaking apart the individual rolls, slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, use a fork to whisk together the butter, Worcestershire, mustard, and garlic until smooth. Brush half of the butter-mustard mixture onto the cut-sides of the bottom half of the rolls. Layer half of the cheese over the rolls, then the ham, and finish with the remaining cheese. Spread the apricot jam onto the cutsides of the top half of the rolls, then place them, cut-side down, on top of the sandwiches. Brush the tops with the remaining butter-mustard mixture. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 4 to 6 minutes, until the tops of the rolls begin to brown. Serve the sandwiches warm.
Crispy Baked Potato Slices Like a baked potato version of nachos, these fully-dressed potato slices will go fast. 2 baking potatoes, skin on (look for long, thin potatoes) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup sour cream 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled 2 green onions, chopped Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the potatoes into 1/3-inch rounds. Place the potato rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Use your hands to toss the potatoes until they are coated evenly with the oil and seasoning. Spread them into a single layer, and bake for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until the
Andria Dilling
Andria Dilling
Andria Dilling Andria Dilling
SNACK AWAY Pictured, clockwise: Ham and cheese sliders get an upgrade with jalapeño jack and apricot jam; this Texas queso ups the ante on everyone's favorite dip; cowboy cookies get toasty with browned butter; crispy baked potato slices are a snack-sized version of stuffed potatoes.
slices begin to brown. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the potatoes and return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts. Use a spatula to transfer the potatoes and cheese to a serving platter. Top each potato slice with sour cream, bacon, and green onions.
Texas Queso A little more work than the typical Velveeta and Rotel variety of queso, and totally worth the extra 10 minutes. 1 cup whole milk ½ cup water 1 tablespoon cornstarch 8 ounces shredded cheddar 8 ounces shredded Monterey jack 1 tablespoon cilantro ¼ cup store-bought or homemade pico de gallo 1 cup store-bought or homemade guacamole Tortilla chips In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, water, and cornstarch. Simmer on medium and whisk until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4 minutes. Turn the heat off, and add the cheeses. Whisk until the cheese has melted and is smooth. Stir in the cilantro and pico de gallo. Place the guacamole in the center of a shallow serving bowl. Pour the queso around the
guac and garnish with a little more pico if you like. Serve warm with tortilla chips. You can store leftover queso in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rewarm the queso on low heat in a saucepan before serving again.
Browned Butter Cowboy Cookies The coconutty, chocolate oat cookie made toastier with browned butter. Go full-on Game Day by using M&Ms with your team’s colors. 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut ¾ cup chopped pecans 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ½ cups rolled oats 2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup M&M candies Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the coconut and pecans on a large baking sheet and toast for about 6 minutes, until everything begins to brown. Stir and toast for another 3 minutes or so, until most of the mixture is toasty. Set aside and keep the oven on. Place ½ cup of the butter in a medium
saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt, then let it bubble for another 5 to 6 minutes, until little browned bits start to float to the top. Remove the butter from the heat, pour it into a heatproof bowl, and set it aside to cool. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Place the remaining ½ cup of butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the sugars and browned butter, and mix on medium for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing before adding the next, then the vanilla. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 3 additions, mixing on low speed after each addition until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl again, then add the oats, pecans, and coconut. Mix just until combined, and add the chocolate chips and M&Ms. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop golf ball-sized mounds of cookie dough onto the baking sheets, leaving about 1 ½ inches between each. Bake for 12 minutes. Editor’s note: See Back Porch Table by Andria Dilling at thebuzzmagazines.com every Friday for more recipe inspiration. And search thousands of recipes at thebuzzmagazines.com/recipes. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 17
TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Four Generations Under the Tuscan Sun Andrea Sampoli
Reconnecting with Italian roots – and each other
FAMILY, TUSCAN STYLE Four generations of the Savarino family gather at Villa Serravalle, their hilltop home base in the Chianti countryside, for a week of shared meals, day trips, and time together.
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ore than a century after Dominic Savarino's grandfather left a small Sicilian town for America, 21 of his descendants – four generations, from 88-yearold matriarch Carroll down to a couple of oneyear-olds – gathered in a hilltop villa in Tuscany. On the itinerary: celebrate a 60th birthday, reconnect with their Italian roots, and discover what decades of tradition look like in the country where their lineage began. The occasion was the 60th birthday of Dominic's sister, Shelley – though the timing also quietly marked two graduations, son Tuscan's from law school and daughter Bella's from The University of Texas, as well as a third birthday celebration for great-grandson Spencer. Shelley’s husband, Jim, arranged the villa and helped everyone shuffle work, school, and camp schedules to make it happen. From that hilltop home base – Villa Serravalle, a historic country estate in the heart of Chianti – the Houston family settled into an unhurried rhythm of long breakfasts, afternoons by the pool and children playing on the lawn, and venturing out for day trips to Castellina in Chianti and other charming Tuscan hill towns. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 18
Afterward, Dominic, his wife Shawn, and their daughters continued south to the Amalfi Coast for a second, very different week – making memories in the lemon groves of Sorrento, the dramatic cliffs of Positano, the lively street life of Naples, and the marvels of ancient Pompeii.
The roots of the journey For Dominic, a native Houstonian who grew up inside the Loop, being Italian was woven into family life, even though Italy itself felt distant. The heritage lived in Monday-night family dinners, Christmas lasagna, and the knowledge that their family had come from Sicily – but the country itself remained largely imagined. His grandfather had left the town of San Biagio Platani in the early 1900s; the relatives who knew that world firsthand were long gone, and what stayed behind in Houston was a name and a recipe. The recipe became the secret sauce that brought the family together, time and time again. On many occasions they have gathered to turn out 20 or 30 pans of lasagna in a single marathon day, all from his Aunt Rosalie’s formula – “she was the curator of the recipe,”
Dominic says, handed down from her own parents. That tradition, he says, was “really our connection to Italy.” The connection stayed close to home in those early years. “Vacations when I was young were Galveston and driving in a station wagon to St. Louis to visit relatives,” he recalls. It was only as an adult – living in Prague for two years in the 1990s, returning to Italy a halfdozen times, eventually bringing his own children – that the heritage became something he could appreciate beyond “just saying you’re Italian or having an Italian last name.” He and Shawn raised three children with Italian names – Tuscan, Bella, and Carina – and have made the country a recurring thread in their lives rather than a line on their family tree. This summer raised that to a new level. For the first time, the whole extended family would experience the homeland together.
Settling in at Villa Serravalle The transition is abrupt: You land in Florence, all bustle and history, and “maybe 15, 20 minutes in the car and all of a sudden you're in a different world,” Shawn says – rolling hills,
hartphoto.com ITALY – HOME AND HERITAGE Clockwise, from left: Carina, Dominic, Bella, and Shawn explore the streets of Naples; back home in Houston, they serve up Aunt Rosalie’s beloved lasagna; the extended family gathers around the results of one of its marathon lasagna-making days.
vineyards in every direction, the last stretch on dirt roads to the villa on its hilltop. What the villa offered, above all, was ease. A cook made breakfast each morning; babies napped while older cousins swam; no one had to herd anyone. The evenings are what Shawn keeps returning to – the group gathered on an old stone patio, children playing on a strip of lawn beside the vineyard, the sky going gold. “You could watch the sunset, and the colors were majestic,” she says. Mornings began with birdsong drifting across the vineyards. Lavender bordered the stone walkways, and the scent of rosemary lingered in the warm evening air. By dusk the surrounding hills turned every shade of gold and olive.
A daughter leads the way Day trips were another highlight. One day, all 21 caravaned to Siena together – and for once, the youngest generation led. Bella had studied in Siena for five weeks the summer before, and slipping back felt like no time had passed. “It felt like I was there the week before,” she recalled. She guided them all past the apartment she'd lived in, the café she'd frequented, and the gelato shop “right across the street from my apartment, which was dangerous while I was living there,” she added wryly. The spot she chose for lunch looked utterly
unremarkable from the street – until you stepped through to a back patio with all of Siena spread below. The restaurant was Vivace Ristorante, where the family found lively waitstaff, espresso
Italians, Dominic noticed, guard time for what matters; one guide told him he goes home for pasta with his family nearly every day. “There’s more to life than just the grind of work and school,” Dominic says. martinis, and an unforgettably scenic outdoor dining area. For Bella, the day was a chance to bring her family “into that part of my life.”
A table set for 60 The week’s most carefully planned event was
Shelley’s birthday dinner. A local cook arrived around nine in the morning and spent the entire day in the villa kitchen; by evening, everyone had dressed up and gathered for a feast. There were meatballs in red wine sauce and delicate zucchini rolled around ricotta and baked, and a braised pork loin, and then the lasagna – “to die for,” Shawn says. A high bar for a family with a multigenerational lasagna tradition. Jim raised a glass to Shelley, and to what it had taken for all of them to be in one place. That, more than the milestone, was the point. Four generations sat together that night, from the newest great-grandchild to Carroll at the head of it all. “Who knows how many more years we’re going to have to be able to do that with her,” Dominic reflected.
South to the coast When the week ended, the extended family scattered – back to work, to Houston, and for Tuscan, to a bar exam. Dominic, Shawn, Bella, and Carina pressed on. Bella, fresh from living in Italy the summer before and about to start medical school, had pushed for it, knowing her free time was about to vanish. A high-speed train carried them from Florence to Naples in a few hours, then a driver delivered them to Sorrento, (continued on page 20) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 19
LEMONS, LIGHT, AND SEA Clockwise, from left: Bella and Carina show off one of the enormous lemons grown at a historic lemon farm in Sorrento; a breathtaking sunset view from Vagliagli in the Tuscany region; and the family takes to the water off Capri, with the Faraglioni rocks in the background. (continued from page 19) the first of three stops
along the coast. Hiring a driver, they say, was worth the expense on the Amalfi Coast, where the roads are narrow, crowded and often nerveracking; leaving the driving to someone familiar with the terrain removed a major source of stress. It made an easy home for their first days – and for the cooking classes that became a trip highlight: pizza, limoncello and a visit to a working lemon grove, where the fruit grows big enough to cradle in two hands. “These lemons grow to be literally the size of a softball,” Dominic says, “and a big one would be the size of a volleyball.”
Best seen from the water If Dominic has one piece of advice for firsttime visitors to the Amalfi Coast, it’s this: Get on a boat. They chartered one and cruised the coast, swimming in quiet coves and stopping for lunch at a restaurant reachable only by water. From the sea, the famous towns finally come into focus – the pastel houses of Positano cling to the cliffs, impossible to take in from the traffic-choked road above. Positano climbs straight up the cliffs, which means stairs – a lot of them. It also means cobBELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 20
blestones and steep climbs, making comfortable shoes far more useful than anything dressy. After sunset drinks on the Grand Terrace at Il San Pietro di Positano and dinner below at its seaside restaurant, Carlino, the troop faced the route back up. There’s an elevator drilled through the rock, but Shawn, who is claustrophobic, wasn't getting in it. She took the stairs instead – more than 500 of them – and talked Dominic and her daughters into the climb too. “I am sure the staff is still talking about these crazy Americans who walked up the stairs,” she says with a laugh. The water also sharpened their impressions of the islands. Capri, for all its fame, was wall-towall crowds – “don't ever need to go back,” Dominic says. Ischia, sleepier and less discovered, was the surprise of the trip: an 82-year-old ferried them around in a three-wheeled open-air taxi, and they soaked in hillside hot springs terraced down toward the sea.
Bringing it home Now back in Houston, what lingers isn’t any single monument or meal but a tempo. Italians, Dominic noticed, guard time for what matters; one guide told him he goes home for pasta with
his family nearly every day. “There’s more to life than just the grind of work and school,” Dominic says. For Shawn, the trip’s gift was watching it unfold through her grown children’s eyes – “contributors to the trip,” she says, “versus just being along for the ride.” And they came back with a new appetite: having learned to make limoncello among Sorrento’s lemons, they now plan to try it themselves – one more recipe, like Aunt Rosalie’s lasagna, to gather around.
Rosalie’s Lasagna Aunt Rosalie’s lasagna is less a recipe than a family ritual, the Savarinos explain. She always made it in big batches from memory, and the one attempt to write it down produced quantities that never quite held up in practice: extra noodles are kept on hand, more cheese is often needed, and a last-minute grocery run is simply part of the process. The Savarinos have embraced that trial and error as part of the fun – and as another reason to gather in the kitchen together – and they would have liked to share the recipe, but they would rather not send readers home with instructions that may not produce the same happy result.
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 21
ARTS & CULTURE
A Mosaic of Memories Piecing family history together
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ome journeys begin with a plane ticket. Others begin with memory. Mine began with eBay. Several years ago, I found myself chasing echoes of family history. I was searching the internet for any mention of my great-aunts, Balbine and Hulda Schwarz, my maternal grandmother’s younger sisters, women whose stories had a significant impact on my life. Brilliant, cultured, and endlessly curious, they made museums feel sacred and history feel alive. Yet much of their own story arrived in fragments, offered over the years like carefully rationed memories. Balbine and Hulda were never distant historical figures to me. Because neither aunt had children or grandchildren, my brother Stuart and I became, in many ways, theirs. From childhood through adulthood, they remained constant and deeply important figures in our lives. They delighted in finding the perfect birthday and Hanukkah gifts, but their influence extended far beyond presents. They were trusted confidants, wise sounding boards, and steadfast champions of whatever paths we pursued. Visits to their apartment were never formal occasions. They wanted to know everything about our lives – our interests, our friends, and our dreams – and before long, many of those friends loved them just as deeply as we did. Perhaps that closeness helps explain why the journey my brother, sister-in-law, and I took in April was meaningful. Looking back, what happened next feels less like coincidence and more like invitation. It was during that internet search that an old black-and-white photograph unexpectedly appeared on my computer screen. Listed on eBay for $7.95 was a 1960 press photograph from The Houston Post. In it stood my great-aunts beside a mosaic of the Ten Commandments. At the time, I had no idea what the photograph represented. Something about it felt important, one of those inexplicable moments when intuition taps you on the shoulder. I sent the listing to Stuart. “We should buy it,” he said. No hesitation. When the photograph arrived, weathered and ordinary in appearance, it brought with it more BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 22
Weil family private collection
by Russell Weil, contributing writer
questions than answers. Stuart, who is two years older than I am, slowly began recalling pieces of family stories he had heard long ago. The mosaic, it turned out, was not simply a piece of art. It had purpose. And without realizing it, we FOUND FAMILY HISTORY Writer Russell Weil’s aunts, Balbine Schwarz (left) had stumbled onto a story and Hulda Schwarz (right), flanking Balbine’s handmade mosaic artwork, “Moses’ Tablet.” Russell discovered this 1960 Houston Post photo on eBay, which set off a that had waited decades series of events that led to an emotional journey through France and Germany. for us to discover. But survival alone was never enough for Balbine. I first introduced part of this story in a 2019 After reading about the construction of 14 article for The Buzz Magazines about Houston American military cemeteries throughout Europe Holocaust survivors. At the time, I knew the to honor the fallen and act as symbols of freedom broad outlines of Balbine’s extraordinary act of and democracy during the Cold War, something gratitude: a mosaic of the Ten Commandments stirred within her. Germany had been her birthshe created that still hangs in the chapel of the place and home, but America had become her Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint-Avold, sanctuary. She felt a profound sense of indebtedness France. What I did not yet understand was how to the soldiers who fought against the regime and much deeper that story would become. ultimately made lives like hers possible. In the years since that article was published, Using her skills as a mosaic artist, Balbine forgotten correspondence, archival discoveries, painstakingly created a tablet of the Ten and unexpected moments transformed family Commandments and, in December 1956, subhistory into something more personal and immemitted it for approval as a gift to one of the diate, eventually sending my brother, his wife American military cemeteries being constructed Jane, and me across France and Germany in puroverseas. Balbine spent months navigating suit of something much larger than memory. approvals, correspondence, and expense to ensure the mosaic reached Europe. o appreciate the significance of the photoFor Balbine, the Ten Commandments likely graph, one must first know the story of carried layered meaning. A Jewish refugee who Balbine Schwarz. In the early years of Nazism’s had watched moral order collapse in Germany, rise in Germany, Balbine, Hulda, their older she chose not a patriotic monument or military brother Israel, and their mother, Minna, fled image, but something timeless – a symbol of their homeland. They eventually found refuge ethics, humanity, and shared responsibility. in Houston with my grandparents, who had Mosaic work itself requires patience, precision, come to America earlier, after first traveling and faith; thousands of broken pieces assembled through Matamoros, Mexico, the quickest pathinto coherence. It is easy to see parallels to the way into the United States available to them. life she rebuilt after fleeing Germany. Israel was the first to come to the U.S., finding In March 1957, word arrived: the architects of work at his cousin’s family department store in the Lorraine American Cemetery in SaintDallas, A. Harris, later known as Sanger-Harris. Avold, France, had approved the piece for perLike many immigrants rebuilding their lives, manent display in their memorial chapel. Balbine Balbine and Hulda adapted. They attended night dreamed of seeing it one day. She never did. school, became accountants for the Southern Finally, my brother, sister-in-law, and I comPacific Railroad for 35 years, and carved out mitted to making the journey Balbine had meaningful lives in Houston and San Francisco.
T
PAST AND PRESENT On left: A 1957 note from Congressman Albert Thomas offering Balbine Schwarz early congratulations on the planned installation of Balbine Schwarz's Ten Commandments mosaic at Lorraine American Cemetery. On right: Brothers Stuart Weil and Russell Weil stand beside their great-aunt Balbine’s “Moses' Tablet,” fulfilling a journey years in the making.
hoped to take. We planned for April 2026, also a way of belatedly marking my 65th birthday. As the trip approached, the story deepened. Nick Zizinia, registrar at Holocaust Museum Houston, contacted me to say Balbine had left behind documents that had never formally become part of the museum’s permanent collection. When I opened the envelope, I found a treasure trove: letters to Congressman Albert Thomas, communications with the American Battle Monuments Commission, newspaper clippings, and photographs documenting her remarkable act of generosity. Suddenly, pieces of the puzzle began fitting together. Those documents now live in the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives at Rice University, but they helped give our journey shape and urgency. Before departing, I contacted Lorraine American Cemetery to let them know we were coming and shared scans of the correspondence and photos. While the staff knew the mosaic existed, much of its origin story had faded with time. They welcomed the opportunity to reconnect the art to the artist behind it. Even then, I tried to temper expectations. Yet as our car entered the gates of Lorraine American Cemetery, I felt chills. The grounds stretched before us with impossible precision. Rows of white marble crosses and Stars of David stood perfectly aligned against the rolling French countryside. The morning air carried an almost startling stillness, interrupted only by birdsong and the crunch of gravel beneath our feet. It was breathtakingly quiet, the kind of silence that does not feel empty, but sacred. And then, I felt something I still struggle to explain. It was as though Balbine had joined us. Not dramatically. Simply a feeling. Familiar, deeply comforting, as though she had somehow traveled alongside us to witness the moment she
had imagined nearly 70 years earlier. I looked at Stuart. Neither of us said much at first. Jane, always thoughtful and observant, seemed to sense it too. “It feels like we’re supposed to be here,” she said softly. She was right. Somehow the path had led us here, three family members standing in the very place Balbine had long hoped to visit but never could. Waiting for us was Kelly Cahalan, assistant deputy director of the cemetery, who graciously welcomed us and guided us toward the memori-
Balbine understood something deeply human when she created that mosaic. Gratitude is memory in action. She had found a way to say thank you. Standing there, so did we. al. The chapel emerged ahead of us – solemn, angular, monumental, its mid-century architecture feeling at once stark and deeply reverent. I noticed myself slowing down as we approached. I felt unexpectedly nervous. What if it somehow felt smaller than we imagined? Less meaningful after all these years of family mythology? Instead, the moment exceeded any expectations. We stepped inside the chapel, approached the altar together and there, mounted against the wall, stood Balbine’s mosaic, “Moses’ Tablet.” For a moment, none of us spoke.
After years of searching, decades of family stories, and after Balbine shipped it across the Atlantic, we had arrived. Our first surprise came instantly: The artwork was full of color. The photographs we had seen of the mosaic were black and white, leaving us to imagine muted earth tones like Balbine’s other work. Instead, the mosaic shimmered with sprinkles of marble pieces in vivid hues of red, blue, and green, unexpectedly alive against the solemnity of the chapel. Small in scale compared to the grandeur of the space, it somehow felt immense. I found myself studying details Balbine’s hands had placed decades earlier. Tiny pieces of marble assembled with patience and purpose by a woman who had escaped the rise of Nazism and still found room for hope. “I wonder what she would think of the three of us being here,” Jane said aloud. “I was thinking the exact same thing,” I replied. What would Balbine think, knowing her two great-nephews and beloved niece had crossed an ocean to honor her? What would she think, knowing that a deeply personal tribute she completed in Houston had endured in France for generations? We lingered longer than expected. None of us were ready to leave. Outside, thousands of Americans rested beneath immaculate rows of white stone. Balbine understood something deeply human when she created that mosaic. Gratitude is memory in action. She had found a way to say thank you. Standing there, so did we. France may have been the emotional centerpiece of our journey, allowing us to stand before Balbine's extraordinary legacy. Berlin, however, helped us understand what she had left behind – a family history interrupted, yet somehow enduring.
I
n Berlin, we sought out our family’s former apartment building in Wilmersdorf, once home to a thriving Jewish (continued on page 24) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 23
MEANINGFUL MOMENTS On left: Stuart Weil, Russell Weil, and Jane Weil (pictured, from left) atop Berlin's Reichstag, hours before the remarkable discovery of Jakob Steinhardt's “The Prophet” at the Neue Synagogue. On right: Nestled in the rolling countryside of northeastern France, Lorraine American Cemetery became the emotional centerpiece of the Weil family's journey. (continued from page 23) upper-middle-class com-
munity of professionals, artists, and intellectuals. Armed with an old family postcard sent to a relative still living in the apartment by a friend describing conditions in a work camp just weeks before World War II began, we stood outside the building where our family once lived ordinary lives before history interrupted them. The modestly modernized Berlin apartment building, originally constructed in the early 1900s and likely refaced after the war, still stood – unremarkable to passersby. Yet to me, it felt holy. Standing there, I found myself imagining everyday moments. Family members carrying groceries through the doorway, exchanging greetings with neighbors, navigating growing uncertainty as Germany transformed around them. History suddenly contracted. The Holocaust was no longer measured in six million lives lost or chapters in a textbook. It became heartbreakingly intimate – one family, one building, one stolen future. The following morning, we visited Berlin’s historic Mitte district and the Neue Synagogue, its gilded dome rising above the street, gleaming against the skyline like an act of quiet defiance. Damaged during Kristallnacht (the “Night of the Broken Glass” in which Nazi forces smashed synagogues and Jewish-owned stores and buildings), later bombed during World War II and partially rebuilt decades later, the synagogue today stands as both memorial and symbol of resilience, a visible reminder of a Jewish community nearly erased. For our family, the visit carried an additional layer of meaning. Balbine’s cousin was Jakob Steinhardt, a renowned German Israeli expressionist artist whose emotionally charged work explored Jewish life, exile, and spirituality. To the art world, he was an important Jewish artist. To Balbine, he was simply family. The two remained close through the years, exchanging letters even after Jakob emigrated to BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 24
Israel. Many of those letters remain in our family collection. One exchange from 1955 feels especially personal. Balbine admired Jakob’s work and wrote that she hoped someday to own one of his pieces. Israel was still a young country facing scarcity, Jakob gently explained. He would gladly give her one of his pieces, and if she could send food, he would be appreciative. She did. He sent one. Today, Jakob Steinhardt’s original woodcut from 1938, “Lane in the Outskirts of Jerusalem,” which he sent to Balbine, hangs in my home not simply as art, but as evidence of family connection surviving oceans, upheaval, and time. As we wandered through the exhibits in the Neue Synagogue, Stuart paused and said, "I've wondered for years whatever became of Jakob Steinhardt's The Prophet." One of Jakob's most important paintings, it disappeared after Nazi confiscation and was believed lost for decades. Stuart had searched for it for years. And then, improbably, there it was. Hanging before us. Recovered, returned, waiting – having been later found in a small Bavarian town in the 1960s and was reacquired by the Jewish community of West Berlin. To discover “The Prophet” inside the Neue Synagogue just two days after standing before Balbine’s mosaic in France, and only one day after visiting our family apartment building, felt almost too extraordinary to explain. Three discoveries, each revealing another piece of our family story, unfolding one after another as though someone had quietly arranged them for us. I looked over at Stuart. “I can’t believe we found this,” he said. Throughout the trip, there were moments of heaviness, but also laughter, teasing between siblings, wrong turns, and ordinary conversations over meals. Love and humor somehow
insist on traveling beside grief. By the time we boarded our flight home, I realized this journey had given us something I never expected. Not closure exactly. More like a feeling of homecoming. While Balbine passed away in 1998 and Hulda in 1994, when I was in my mid-30s, they remain among the greatest influences in my life. Everything I know about art, history, and culture traces back to them. When Balbine and Hulda were invited to the 1985 groundbreaking ceremony for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, they began sharing their stories more openly, which left a lasting impression on me. The courage, intellect, and generosity they embodied eventually inspired my nearly three decades as a docent at Holocaust Museum Houston, where I often felt their presence beside me as I told stories of remembrance. As our journey came to an end, I realized that Jane, Stuart, and I had crossed continents in search of family history, only to discover that the distance between past and present is sometimes smaller than we imagine. This trip did not finish the story. It deepened it. Family history never truly ends. It waits patiently in old letters, forgotten photographs, half-remembered stories, and impossible discoveries. Sometimes, if we are lucky, the people we love leave behind breadcrumbs. Piece by piece, we follow them until the fragments come together, revealing a mosaic of memory that reminds us not only where we came from, but also the people whose grace and resilience continue to shape who we are. And perhaps that is the greatest inheritance of all. Not simply the stories themselves, but the chance to keep walking beside the people who continue to inspire us, even long after they are gone. Editor’s note: Read Houston’s Holocaust Survivors: And the museum that shares their stories by Russell Weil, Jan. 2019, at thebuzzmagazines.com.
BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 25
NEIGHBORS
by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
The Clarks and the Robinsons
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rom the first date to the honeymoon, and everything in between, these newlyweds have buzzy stories to tell. We wish them the best as they begin their exciting new chapters.
New Orleans nuptials Ellie Tamplain and Dwight Clark’s festive New Orleans wedding was a celebration to remember. A native of the Crescent City, Ellie attended Academy of the Sacred Heart before moving to Houston and attending Memorial High School. The couple chose to marry in Ellie’s original hometown, sharing her love of New Orleans with the wedding guests. Dwight and Ellie met in Houston at The Anvil Bar and Refuge, and after a few years of dating they returned to the same spot, where Dwight proposed. It turned into an instant engagement party with family and friends waiting for Ellie to say “yes” so they could surprise the bride-to-be and toast the happy couple. New Orleans was the perfect backdrop for the wedding, and guests were treated to French Quarter-inspired food, drinks, and festivities. The weekend started with a family dinner at the Southern Yacht Club overlooking Lake Pontchartrain, followed by a bridal luncheon at Arnaud’s Restaurant and a groom’s outing at The Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds Race Course. The welcome party was held at the century-old Napoleon House in the French Quarter and guests were greeted with the restaurant’s signature Pimm’s Cups and live music before enjoying classic New Orleans cuisine with roaming oyster shuckers and a Bananas Foster presentation. The wedding ceremony and reception took place at Latrobe’s on Royal. Ellie and Dwight exchanged vows with their siblings Anna Grace Tamplain and Hank Clark serving as maid of honor and best man. After the ceremony, a DJ, percussionist, and saxophonist kicked off the reception, where guests donned colorful feathered masks on the dance floor. The bride and groom surprised their guests with a fireworks display outside Latrobe’s before leading everyone in a traditional New Orleans second line through the French Quarter, complete with a brass band and stilt walker. (continued on page 28) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 26
Matthew Foster Photography
Wedding Buzz
Matthew Foster Photography
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FAMILY AND FIREWORKS Top photo: The bride and groom exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family members. Pictured, from left: Hank and Kathryn Clark, Hunter and Deborah Clark, Dwight and Ellie Tamplain Clark, Angie Tamplain, Kenny Tamplain, Anna Grace Tamplain, and Adam and Allie Tamplain. Bottom photo: Dwight and Ellie Tamplain Clark left the reception in style, with a surprise fireworks display before parading through the French Quarter with their guests.
Matthew Foster Photography Matthew Foster Photography
Matthew Foster Photography
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER The newlyweds treated guests to a classic New Orleans affair. Top left photo: Ellie and Dwight Clark entered the reception alongside a New Orleans saxophonist. Top right photo: Bride and groom said “I do” before joining family and friends at the lively reception. Bottom photo: The wedding party and guests cut a rug on the packed dance floor. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 27
Morgan Lynn Razi of Morgan Lynn Photography TINY WEDDING CREW Top photo: It was truly a family affair with Sam Robinson and Jennie Levy Robinson’s eight nieces and nephews serving as flower girls and ring bearers. Top row, from left: Daniel Asmus, Taylor Asmus, Sam Robinson, Parker Magaziner, and Jennie Levy Robinson; bottom row, from left: Addie Friedlander, Maya Winsor, Hannah Darlow, Lane Winsor, and Annabelle Friedlander. (continued from page 26)
Ellie is the daughter of Angie and Kenneth Tamplain. She attended Louisiana State University and is now a legal recruiting manager. Dwight is the son of Deborah and Hunter Clark of Denver, Colo. He attended Emory University and is now a private equity senior associate. After the wedding, the couple enjoyed a two-week honeymoon in Italy.
Here’s to the Robinsons When Jennie Levy and Sam Robinson met as middle schoolers, they never dreamed they would get married one day. It all began when Jennie was in sixth grade and Sam was in seventh grade at The Emery/Weiner School and they ended up on the same vacation with mutual family friends. What followed was a series of family connections, and being in the same place at the same time, that eventually led to the couple falling in love. Jennie and Sam remained friendly during their school days and spent time together as high schoolers at Emery/Weiner. Sam was on the soccer team, and Jennie was the team’s manager. They both attended The University of Texas BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 28
and, not long after they each graduated, ran into each other at a friend’s wedding in 2023, where they finally became a couple. In June 2025, Sam proposed after he and Jennie spent the day together at the Hotel ZaZa pool and spa. When they met family and friends that evening to celebrate at Caracol, everyone knew the engagement was “beshert,” which is the Yiddish word for “meant to be.” Sam is the son of Polly and Ralph Robinson, and Jennie is the daughter of Syma and Darryl Levy. Syma had the privilege of performing two functions for her daughter’s special day: mother of the bride and wedding planner. The parents of the bride and groom have known each other for years, meeting when Ralph and Darryl were in the same Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) pledge class at The University of Texas and Polly and Syma were Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi) pledge sisters. The weekend began with a welcome dinner at Armadillo Palace where guests arrived dressed in boots and blazers and enjoyed a Mexican food buffet and live music from musician Buck Yeager. Jennie and Sam were married the next day at
The Revaire in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends, including matron of honor Rachel Magaziner and best man Christopher Rohrbach, and eight nieces and nephews who served as flower girls and ring bearers. After Jennie and Sam said, “I do,” they joined everyone on the dance floor with music by the Intensity Band. In a nod to the bride’s new married name, guests donned hats at the reception that read “Here’s to you” while Jennie’s hat read “Mrs. Robinson.” Mr. and Mrs. Robinson relaxed after the wedding during a mini-moon in Costa Rica and later took their official honeymoon in Spain and Italy. They are back home in Houston, where Jennie works as a pediatric speech-language pathologist and Sam runs the family scrap yard/metal recycling business that was started by his great-grandfather in 1928. After years in the making, Jennie and Sam’s marriage is truly meant to be. Editor’s note: If you were recently married and would like to submit your wedding for consideration in Wedding Buzz, email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
Morgan Lynn Razi of Morgan Lynn Photography Morgan Lynn Razi of Morgan Lynn Photography Morgan Lynn Razi of Morgan Lynn Photography
Morgan Lynn Razi of Morgan Lynn Photography
SURROUNDED BY LOVE Top photo: Sam and Jennie Levy Robinson (pictured, center) shared their big day with dear friends who served as groomsmen, ushers, and ketubah signer. Back row, from left: David Hoffman, Cody Cavalier, Greg Wasserstrom, Josh Friedlander, Christopher Rohrbach, Sam Robinson, Matt Darlow, Arthur Levy, Lawrence Winsor, Ben Schoen and Garrett Lepow; front row, from left: Charlie Midlo, Andrew Goldfarb, Will Blumrosen, Brandon Levinson, Brett Levinson, Ryan Magaziner, Jonathan Schaffer, Jacob Silver, Alex Lampert, and Josh Gordon. Middle photo: Parents of the bride and groom were thrilled to wish the new couple well. From left: Ralph Robinson, Polly Robinson, Sam Robinson, Jennie Levy Robinson, Syma Levy, and Darryl Levy. Bottom left photo: After saying, “I do,” the newlyweds recessed down the aisle and headed to the reception. Bottom right photo: Special ladies serving as bridesmaids and ketubah signer made the day complete for the bride and groom. From left: Julie Stein, Samantha Enslein, Kayla Raizner Markowitz, Taylor Asmus, Sarah Darlow, Erica Winsor, Sam Robinson, Jennie Levy Robinson, Rachel Magaziner, Emily Friedlander, Shelby Weinstein, Jackie Mosier, Alison Elberger, and Haley Forrest. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 29
NEIGHBORS
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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Rumor Has It Wild time. Mom-daughter duo Rachel and Olivia Kades ditched reality for a seven-day Alaskan National Geographic cruise with just 100 other brave souls. They kayaked, hiked, and dodged aggressive banana slugs. Olivia, 11, used flawless logic to peer pressure her mom into the 45-degree polar plunge with her: “When else can you get hypothermia on purpose?!” Rachel jumped, froze time, and broke the world record for exiting an ocean. They returned in August with memories of grizzly bears, mountain goats, humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, and puffins. Alaska: Come for the whales, stay because your limbs are frozen. Musical birthday. Jane Howze threw a 75th birthday bash that legally registers as a music festival. One hundred and twenty VIPs swarmed Park City, Utah, descending upon the Promontory amphitheater like groupies. Guests trekked from all over the U.S. and Clifford Pugh flew in from Greece. The venue was transformed into a backstage Coachella wonderland. Rockstars sipped September cocktails at tables named Coldplay and Taylor Swift. Dan Pickering channeled the Blues Brothers and John Gilbert aced it as Sergeant Pepper. John Lamar went full Jerry Garcia in tie-dye, while Jane’s husband John Mann was Elton John and their son John and Jane Ann Mann crushed it as Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton. Cindy Clifford was a ’50s sock hop girl. Jane was channeling Adele. The real shocker? Jane’s son failed to recognize her after two hours of intensive wig wizardry. Giant slumber party in Puerto Vallarta. Ashley Fillip Scott’s legendary husband, Mike Scott, funded a 22-woman takeover masked as an epic four-day 50th birthday at Villa Montecito. Mastermind Ashley CogginsCrowe engineered the fun, sorting attendees by Ashley’s life chapters. The Dallas “OGs” brought ancient history, the “Aces” had tennis aggression, the “Saints” had shared parenting trauma, and the “Palm Royale” crew brought fresh Florida gossip. Houston connections Elizabeth “Libby” Robertson Power and Kristi Prince Merrill added to their squad’s themed day. Laughter emanated from a coordinated photoshoot where everyone resembled a chic pop group in their black swimsuits and gifted BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 30
matching sarongs. Survival was fueled by “Ash Smashes,” “Botox in a Bottle,” dinner on the beach, and heavy spa sedation. Groovy gathering. Hosts Susan and Charles Elder recently took everyone back to 1993, when Lauri Wasmuth first launched this legendary 77055 Bunko crew. For 33 years, through divorces, grandbabies, and major ALASKAN ADVENTURE Rachel and Olivia Kades went on a seven-day Alaskan National Geographic cruise together. Here, the mom and daughter are pictured at health scares, these Cosmos Cove on the eastern side of the Baranof Island in Alaska. ladies have kept rolling. is just a number and nobody’s counting! Other The latest bash was pure ’70s flower power. guests at this cozy red, white, and blue fiesta Surrounded by lava lamps, a Groovy Bus, and were Emma Carruth, Pat Jones, Mary Eleanor cheese balls, the gang rocked fringy vests and Holloway, Barbara Higgins, Libby Power, and chowed down on sloppy joes, fondue, and quesPatsy Flowers. Mouthwatering King Ranch tionable candy cigs. Keeping the groovy vibes chicken was served before an epic twist on alive were Melody Tarrillion, Maria Troegel, birthday cake: warm peach cobbler with ice Renee Allcorn, Diane Yarborough, Melanie cream. One particular gift was a trendy antiWhatley, Catherine Robinson, Jamie Strong, aging spa card. Blingy Fourth of July shakers Debra Kahn, and Cindy Featherston. were timely party favors. Seven days, three hotels. John and Love and spies. Local West U author, Jim Barbara McKee embraced adventure on an Bevill, wrote Spies in Saigon because his father-inunforgettable Puerto Rico hotel hop. They kicked law, Paul Springer, was the CIA’s very first Chief it off with vibrant nightlife at the Fairmont in San of Station in French Indochina. After a legal fistfight Juan, paired with excellent historic downtown with the CIA under the Freedom of Information exploring. Next, they embraced the more subtle Act to declassify Springer’s files, Bevill combined resort atmosphere at the Hyatt, relaxing just 30 those secret records with family love letters. The miles outside the bustling city. Finally, the book reveals the chaotic human side of espionage: charming, colonial-style El Convento welcomed recruiting double agents by day, changing diapers in them with a stunning rooftop perfect for overa war zone by night, and discovering that Truman looking the city skyline. With an agenda packed kicked off the whole mess. Bonus shocker: North full of shopping, sunning, and sipping, they got Vietnamese double agents totally infiltrated the the island getaway. A big surprise came later back South. Spy work – it is just like corporate life, but in town when John presented Barbara a pair of with more treason. The author will be signing books red sparkly shoes as a hint for her birthday presat Barnes & Noble on Weslayan on Oct. 17, 2 p.m. ent: Seeing The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. Other husbands reading this: Pay attention. Barbara’s birthday. Ready to rock See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for 80+? Barbara Perrigan sure did! Hosts Jody additional photos. Have some good news to share? Henderson and Ginger Jackson turned up the Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. heat on July 1st for a birthday bash where age
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Cindy Burnett
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by Cindy Burnett, staff writer
Buzz Reads
Five picks for September
Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles. The Birthing Tree by Amanda Peters (fiction) – Aliet Paul’s mother died bringing Aliet into the world, so she was raised in Nova Scotia by her grandmother Kiju, who taught her the Mi’kmaq midwifery methods. Over time, new medical innovations replaced more traditional medicine, and Kiju was forbidden from practicing midwifery. When Kiju dies years later, Aliet returns home to a crumbling house, a community scattered, and secrets that were left behind by Kiju. As Aliet works to repair the dilapidated house, she also strives to better understand her own heritage and secretive past, while others want her to leave the past undisturbed. Peters explores the importance of maintaining a connection to one’s heritage, the effects of secrets and trauma that ripple down through future generations, and the impacts of grief. This one is a great fit for fans of literary fiction and stories with a strong sense of place. Fallen for France by Elizabeth Letts (historical fiction) – Set during the early years of World War I, Fallen for France opens in a small Moroccan village in the High Atlas Mountains, where a young shepherd boy named Beddou lives under the harsh care of his abusive uncle. His closest companion is a magnificent Arabian mare, and when this horse is stolen and taken to France as a warhorse, the horse’s long journey and Beddou’s quest to find her introduce the reader to various characters as well as the terrible suffering endured by animals during wartime. Letts effectively balances the horrors of war with moments of compassion as well as portraying the special bond that humans often share with horses. She delicately handles the tough scenes involving the mistreatment of the horses, but those scenes can be hard to read for those who love animals. The novel also addresses the important role of colonial soldiers, particularly those from Morocco, during World War I, something I have not encountered much in historical fiction. Readers who love a strong sense of place and learning about lesser-known events in hisBELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 32
tory will love Fallen for France. The Silent Appeal by Janice Hallett (mystery/thriller) – In The Silent Appeal, a group of amateur actors, the Fairway Players of Lower Lockwood, are staging Agatha Christie’s murder mystery The Hollow. WHAT TO READ This month's selections include historical fiction set in Morocco and France, a mind-bending tale set in Antarctica and beyond, a beautiful love On opening night, story, a fun multi-media mystery, and a story steeped in tradition. someone is found dead, portray an accurate sense of the story. Ignore the and two lawyers are tasked with finding out what cover and pick this one up – it is well worth the happened and why. Hallett brings the reader read. Sunlight Finds You will appeal to fans of along on this quest, slowly revealing details of character-driven stories, outstanding historical the crime, including who died, as the lawyers fiction, and elevated writing. parse through various documents, from the first Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (speculacasting call to opening night. Hallett’s use of tive fiction) – Laurel Salter, a brilliant biologist, mixed media to relay the story is clever and is hiding from her past in the most remote place entertaining; she weaves in emails, texts, she can conjure, McMurdo Station, an isolated WhatsApp messages, lawyer memos, and newsresearch station on Antarctica. When a strange, paper articles. She skillfully captures the drama beautiful arc suddenly appears near the station, of this insular community of amateur actors – the a group of physicists arrive, including her former egos, the jockeying for larger parts, the bickering husband Eli, to investigate the surreal glow. and insecurities, the jealousies, and all of the gosBenjamin explores grief, science, guilt, memory, sip. While this is technically a sequel, it can very the natural world, time, and much more, and easily be read as a standalone. Fans of engaging this epic saga wrestles with important modernand humorous mysteries as well as the mixed day questions: the impact of human hubris, the media format will enjoy this one. vulnerability of the natural world, and conSunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (ficsciousness and connectivity. The Antarctica tion) – Opening in 1949 St. Petersburg, Florida, setting feels like a character in the novel, and the story follows teens Nora and Leonard as they Benjamin vividly and effectively portrays the experience first love. They soon spend all of their isolation, the eerie silence, and the endless ice. time together, and while Leonard's sophisticated Under Story is best read with as little advance mother welcomes Nora into their lives, his father knowledge as possible about the book and is is wary of her motives. Certain events occur and unlike anything I have read before. It will choices are made which push the pair apart and appeal to fans of inventive premises, timely stoset the couple on wildly different paths. Years ries, and a strong sense of place. later, Nora is relaying their story to the reader with the benefit of hindsight and to help herself Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett come to terms with everything that happened. also writes our weekly Page Turners column at She addresses the societal expectations placed on thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-winwomen, her refusal to accept those expectations ning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page and restrictions, and what it was like for her as a Podcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the result. I listened to this one, and the audio proInstagram account @thoughtsfromapage, and regduction is fabulous. A small caveat: the cover art ularly speaks to groups about books. for Sunlight Finds You is baffling, and it does not
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inding the right fit for your child’s education is vital to their academic, social, and personal growth. Buzz-area residents are fortunate in that Houston is home to many of the nation’s top private schools, most of which are located right here in our neighborhoods. The Buzz Magazines’ Private School Directory features key information about the private schools that have chosen to participate. Our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each of these schools, as a starting point in the research process. The directory spans early learning through high school and has been a valuable resource to our readers since 2016. Find and share the online version of this directory at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory. Also, check out buzzworthy stories about local schools and students on our Kids & Schools section at thebuzzmagazines.com/kids-schools and read stories written by local high school students on our School Buzz blog at thebuzzmagazines.com/columns/school-buzz.
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The Awty International School Early Learning / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Co-ed • Est. 1956 7455 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055 713-580-0579 • admissions@awty.org • www.awty.org Erika Benavente, Director of Enrollment Admission Events: Info Session Dates: Early Learning, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 28, 12 p.m.; Lower School, Oct. 23, 12 p.m.; French Program (All Grades), Oct. 27, 12 p.m.; Open House: Middle/Upper School, Nov. 8, 2 p.m. The Awty International School, Houston’s premier international school, educates over 1,800 students from PK3 through 12th grade to become responsible world citizens. The leader in international education, Awty is a diverse community of students and teachers hailing from over 50 nations. In the culminating grades, our students pursue either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate.
Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Academy 6 weeks old through Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1985 5601 South Braeswood, Houston, Texas 77096 713-551-7200 • jarndt@erjcchouston.org • www.berthaalyceacademy.org Jacqui Arndt, Head of School Admission Events: Tours available upon request. An accredited Texas Rising Star school, Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Academy provides high-quality early childhood education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. Located at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in Southwest Houston, Bertha Alyce Academy offers exemplary dynamic, enriched programming within a secure, caring, and inclusive environment, ensuring young children can thrive and grow from tummy time to baby steps to big leaps.
British International School of Houston Pre-K3 through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 2000 2203 North Westgreen Blvd., Katy, Texas 77449 713-290-9025• info@houston.nae.school • www.nordangliaeducation.com/bis-houston Jane Chastant, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Call to schedule a tour. The British International School of Houston offers an outstanding private education with state-of-the-art facilities on a sprawling 32-acre campus unlike anywhere else. We recruit exceptional teachers from around the world who inspire confidence, resilience, and creativity in students within an internationally minded learning environment. Our Class of 2026 earned more than $7.5 million in scholarships and received acceptances to some of the world's top universities. Serving children from PreK3 to 12th grade, learning and achievement are supported by collaborations with The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), UNICEF, and IMG Academy. Offering globally recognized academics and one-of-a-kind experiences, our students are shaping our world into a better place. Inquire today to discover the future of education. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 34
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Cathedral High School High School Co-ed • Est.2022 7726 Westview Dr., Houston, Texas 77055 832-603-4080 • d.estacio@cathedral-hs.org • cathedralhouston.org Mr. Dunn Estacio, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Open House: Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m. Visit www.cathedral-hs.org/admissions for more information on admissions Cathedral High School is rebuilding Catholic culture through a classical education in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. The school’s vision is to form students to be conformed to Christ, pursue truth, and create beauty in a virtuous life. This vision unfolds according to the time-tested discipline of the classical curriculum and method and benefiting from the holistic philosophy and spirituality of Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman, whose motto guides this educational endeavor: Cor ad cor loquitur.
A Children’s Village Preschool 2 months through Pre-K 4 Co-ed • Est. 1998 6218 Auden St., Houston, TX 77005 713-667-5180 • Carolina.ramirez@cityrise.org • www.cityrise.org/acv Carolina Ramirez, Preschool Administrative Coordinator Admission Events: Schedule your tour at cityrise.org/acv-preschool ACV’s mission is to provide care and valuable experiences for the spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, and social development of each child. We foster a safe, creative environment rooted in Christian values and encourage curiosity, kindness, and confidence. In our close-knit community, we partner closely with families to support each child’s individual needs. Through exploration and play, we build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer Academy Middle School (Grades 5-8) Co-ed • Est. 2022 4600 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-364-8224 • admissions@dbahouston.org • www.dbahouston.org Eric Lerch, Head of School Admission Events: Parent Tours – Sept. 15, Sept. 30, Oct. 14, Oct. 27; Open House – Nov. 10. Please visit dbahouston.org or email admissions@dbahouston.org for information on how to register. With small classes where every student is known by name, challenged personally, and encouraged daily, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Academy offers a demanding middle school education in an intentionally low-tech environment that prioritizes discussion, critical thinking, hands-on learning, and strong written work. Our teachers know students well enough to cultivate their individual strengths while building the confidence, organization, and resilience needed to thrive. Inspired by the courage and integrity of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, DBA prepares students for success in rigorous college preparatory high schools and as thoughtful leaders of character.
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Pre-K3 / Pre-K4 / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Girls • Est. 1960 10202 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-8211 • admissions@duchesne.org • www.duchesne.org Ginger Montalbano, Head of Enrollment Management Admission Events: Please check Duchesne’s website for dates and times at www.duchesne.org/events. Houston’s only all-girls Catholic Pre-K3 through Grade 12 school, Duchesne Academy provides an empowering education in the context of the values of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Guided by the Goals and Criteria, students encounter a challenging curriculum and embrace a vibrant sisterhood in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Our graduates leave Duchesne prepared to transform the world as empathetic adults, astute thinkers, and women of courage and confidence. (continued on page 36) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 35
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The Emery/Weiner School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1978 9825 Stella Link Rd., Houston, Texas 77025 832-204-5900 • jolitzki@emeryweiner.org • www.emeryweiner.org Justin Olitzki, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Middle School Open House – Nov. 8, Upper School Open House – Nov. 15 (Contact the Admissions Office for times and details) Offering an exceptional education in a supportive, hands-on, experiential environment, The Emery/Weiner School is a private, college-preparatory middle and high school framed by and infused with pluralistic Judaism. Our unique, inclusive culture values diversity and encourages students to pursue a wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic interests while developing a strong sense of self and community. Our vibrant Experiential Education program sparks collaboration, resilience, and camaraderie among students and faculty. Our small class sizes allow our dedicated teachers to focus on helping students grow in confidence and competence, and our outstanding college admission record reflects Emery's status among Houston's top academic institutions. Emery students graduate empowered to advocate for themselves and others, with a profound sense of moral self-reliance and a confidence that will guide them throughout their lives.
Episcopal High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1983 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-512-3400 • tbove@ehshouston.org • www.ehshouston.org Tom Bove, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Admission Event: Oct. 21, 2026, 7-9 p.m. From day one, Episcopal High School was designed to be different. A place where students fearlessly test out new waters. Take intellectual risks. Make great leaps of faith. Our curriculum, the Four Pillars, stretches students in bold new directions – academically, artistically, athletically, and spiritually. At EHS, students uncover their Godgiven gifts and discover their purpose along the way. Because we believe that when you know who you are and what you’re capable of, you can do extraordinary things.
Houston Christian High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1997 2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy. N, Houston, Texas 77043 713-580-6020 • admissions@houstonchristian.org • www.houstonchristian.org Heather Rosandich, Admissions Admission Events: Oct. 5 and Nov. 2, 2026, 7 p.m. Houston Christian is an exemplary, college preparatory high school providing outstanding academic and leadership programs aimed at preparing each student for collegiate study and beyond. HC offers a distinctive curriculum and a spiritual focus, all while giving students the opportunity to compete and perform in award-winning sports and fine arts programs. Located in the heart of Houston’s growing west side, HC is housed on a 45-acre collegiate-styled campus.
Incarnate Word Academy High School Girls • Est. 1873 609 Crawford St., Houston, Texas 77002 713-227-3637 • admissions@incarnateword.org • www.incarnateword.org Johnny Misleh, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Open House: Sun., Nov. 8 At Incarnate Word Academy, young women build the confidence, independence, and opportunities that prepare them for whatever comes next. An IWA girl doesn’t wait to discover what she’s capable of – she practices it every day. When students are encouraged to lead, explore, and challenge themselves, confidence grows naturally. Every experience at IWA builds the confidence to say, “I can do this!” Students learn to speak up in the classroom, take initiative in leadership roles, and support one another as they grow. By graduation, IWA students are ready for life in and out of the classroom. At IWA, girls can do anything through rigorous college-preparatory courses that challenge students to think critically and lead confidently, with endless leadership opportunities, competitive athletics, creative outlets through our fine arts programs, and meaningful service experiences. Schedule a visit today and discover the place where girls learn, lead, and thrive: www.incarnateword.org/admissions/i-can-do.
Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun Infants through 5th grade Co-ed • 1948 4525 Beechnut St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • admissions@segalacademy.org • www.segalacademy.org Ariel Rozen, Director of Admissions and Hebrew Admission Events: Schedule your individualized tour with admissions@segalacademy.org The mission of Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun is to foster confidence, leadership, a love of learning, and a sense of responsibility in students by honoring individual strengths in an environment dedicated to academic excellence, Jewish teachings, and the continuity of Jewish values. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 36
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The Joy School Kindergarten through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1997 1 Chelsea Blvd., Houston, TX 77006 713-523-0660 • admissions@thejoyschool.org • www.thejoyschool.org Shara Bumgarner, Head of School Admission Events: See website for bi-weekly tours. The Joy School prepares students with learning differences to return to traditional classroom settings by enabling them to reach their academic and social potential in a safe, supportive environment.
The Parish School Ages 2-12 Co-ed • Est. 1983 11001 Hammerly Blvd., Houston, TX 77043 713-467-4696 • info@parishschool.org • parishschool.org Sarah Martin, M.Ed., LPC, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Campus tours are available year-round. Since 1983, The Parish School has empowered children ages 2-12 who have communication delays and learning differences to thrive through whole-child education, innovative therapy, and access to nature. This nationally recognized, special needs school provides an education for the entire family within the environment of a nurturing and safe 17-acre campus with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic, The Carruth Center.
The Post Oak School 14 months through High School Co-ed • Est. 1963 4600 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 1010 Autrey St., Houston, Texas 77006 713-661-6688 • admissions@postoakschool.org • www.postoakschool.org Resa O’Malley, Admissions Director Bissonnet Campus | Tiffney Trimble, Admissions Director Museum District Campus Admission Events: 14 months-Grade 6, Oct. 24, Dec. 3; Grades 7-8, Nov. 17; Grades 9-12, Oct. 27, Dec. 8 Post Oak empowers students to forge their own path. Whether toddlers or high schoolers, our Montessori education nurtures independent thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and confident leaders who know how to learn, adapt, and thrive. Across two engaging campuses, students benefit from a transformative educational experience culminating in the IB Diploma Programme and year-round internships with partner organizations throughout Houston.
The Regis School of the Sacred Heart Early Childhood / Lower School / Middle School Boys • Est. 1991 7330 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055 713-682-8383 • admissions@theregisschool.org • www.theregisschool.org Jen Lahad, Director of Enrollment Management Admission Events: (Open House for All Divisions) Nov. 8, 2026; Fall Welcome Wednesday Parent Tours: Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Dec. 2. Visit www.theregisschool.org/inquire for information on how to register. The Regis School of the Sacred Heart is Houston’s only all-boys Pre-K3 through eighth-grade school, educating scholars and gentlemen in the Sacred Heart tradition since 1991. Through a unique mix of challenging academics and the values of the Sacred Heart, Regis empowers students of all faiths to become lifelong scholars and authentic, compassionate leaders.
The Saint Constantine School Pre-K3 through High School Co-ed • Est. 2015 7177 Regency Square Blvd., Houston, Texas 77036 832-975-7075 • admissions@saintconstantine.org • www.saintconstantine.org Rebecca Rautio, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Private tours available by appointment. We are accepting applications for 2027-2028 school year. With a commitment to small classes and an emphasis on outdoor learning and play, we practice education as a pursuit for the whole person. Our teachers provide students with excellent classroom instruction balanced with time to play, wonder, and explore. Students in our Lower School spend up to 3 hours outside in our natural playground and garden each day, and are not burdened with take-home busywork afterwards. Older students receive rigorous instruction in discussion-based, dual-credit courses, giving them a head start in college and preparing them for life as independent adults. (continued on page 38) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 37
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Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Preschool / Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1955 4900 Jackwood St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-3111 • admissions@stes.org • www.stes.org Danny Kahalley, Director of Admissions and Marketing Admission Events: For open houses and visit information, go to www.stes.org/visit. Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating seven decades as a Preschool through 12th-grade Christian college preparatory school offering a classical education. STE’s strong academic reputation and supportive community distinguish it among Houston-area schools. Annually, students win championships in state athletic, scholastic, and fine arts competitions. We also offer a world-renowned Scottish Arts program that includes bagpiping, drumming, and Highland dance. Graduates attend universities throughout the nation, with recent acceptances from Cornell, Yale, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Rice, Vanderbilt, and universities throughout Texas. We invite you to visit our beautiful campus!
School of the Woods Preschool / Pre-K / Kindergarten / Elementary School / Woods Middle School / Woods High School Co-ed • Est. 1962 1321 Wirt Rd., Houston, Texas 77055 713-686-8811 • www.schoolofthewoods.org Sara Sornson, Admissions/Registrar Admission Events: See our website for information about upcoming Open House Dates. Call the school to schedule an appointment for a tour. School of the Woods is Houston’s oldest continuously operating Montessori school and is non-profit, independent, and non-sectarian. It is accredited by Cognia and the Texas Education Agency and is an American Montessori Society Verified School. The school provides students with a college preparatory Montessori curriculum from ages 2 1/2 through high school in an interactive learning environment, through individualized curriculum personalized for each student by credentialed Montessori teachers. Educational programs encompass: Early Childhood-Kindergarten, Elementary, Upper Elementary, Woods Middle School, and Woods High School. Auxiliary programs include After School Care, Choir, Dance, Sports, and Summer Theater Camps. All children are eligible for enrollment regardless of race, color, creed, or national or ethnic origin.
The Shlenker School 6 weeks old through Fifth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1982 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 713-270-6127 • tgassett@shlenker.org • www.theshlenkerschool.org Tara Gassett, Director of Admissions and Development Admission Events: To schedule a tour, please contact the director of admissions and development. Families choose The Shlenker School because of the school’s commitment to an outstanding secular education with integrated Jewish studies. Our curriculum fosters the whole child in a developmentally appropriate learning environment that is both nurturing and challenging. When you visit our campus, you will feel the warmth of our community and see why students and families strongly believe in the foundation that The Shlenker School provides. Shlenker students graduate with confidence, knowing that they are prepared for the next stage of their academic life and beyond.
St. Anne Catholic School Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1930 2120 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77098 713-526-3279 • admissions@stannecs.org • www.stannecs.org Dr. Nicholas Morgan, Principal Admission Events: Visit www.stannecs.org for information on tours. Since 1930, St. Anne Catholic School has been committed to teaching the Basilian philosophy of “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge,” in a nurturing environment. The St. Anne philosophy embraces the uniqueness of the whole child and celebrates the diversity of the student body. In collaboration with the family as a partner, St. Anne endeavors to provide an opportunity for the optimal growth of each child, while celebrating our Catholic heritage. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 38
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St. Catherine’s Montessori 14 months through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 1966 9821 Timberside, Houston, Texas 77025 713-665-2195 • admissions@stcathmont.org • www.stcathmont.org Lina Delgado, Head of School Admission Events: Open House: Oct. 8, 9-10:30 a.m.; Nov. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. Or schedule a tour at admissions@stcathmont.org. Rooted in the Montessori tradition and Catholic faith, our approach fosters independence, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to others and to the natural world. We serve students from toddler through high school, guiding them in discovering who they are, how they learn, and how they can make an impact in the world as compassionate, engaged global citizens. Grounded in the values of joy, respect, and peace, students explore meaningful work in thoughtfully prepared indoor and outdoor environments – from hands-on materials in Primary to original research, capstone projects, and international travel in High School. Our AMI-accredited program nurtures confident learners and ethical leaders, prepared for the challenges of college, work, and service to the wider world. Located near the Medical Center, our 10-acre campus offers space to grow, question, and thrive –beginning with your child’s first steps into the classroom.
St. Cecilia Catholic School PK3 through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1958 11740 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-9515 • admissions@saintcecilia.org • www.saintceciliacatholicschool.org Jeff Matthews, Principal Admission Events: Nov. 12, 2026. Group and individual tours available by appointment. Our mission at St. Cecilia Catholic School is the ongoing Catholic formation and education of the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit, in preparation for an adult life of commitment and service.
St. Francis Episcopal School Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1952 Piney Point Campus (Lower and Middle School): 335 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77024 Couper Campus (Primary and Upper School): 2300 S. Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77063 713-458-6101 • jglover@stfrancishouston.org • www.stfrancishouston.org Jennifer Glover, Head of Admissions and Enrollment Management Admission Events: Open House: Nov. 6 (Upper School) and Nov. 7 (Primary, Lower, and Middle School). Primary School Tour Dates: Sept. 11 and Oct. 23; Lower School Tour Dates: Sept. 22 and Oct. 27; Middle School Tour Dates: Sept. 15 and Oct. 20; Upper School Tour Dates: Sept. 16 and Oct. 22. As a parent, you want a community that knows and values your children as individuals, encourages them to discover their unique gifts, and prepares them to make a meaningful impact on the world. For nearly 75 years, St. Francis has helped families find exactly that. Here, students engage in rigorous academics, thoughtful religious education, competitive athletics, exceptional fine arts, advanced technological instruction, and meaningful service opportunities. Along the way, they are encouraged to ask bold questions, embrace new challenges, think deeply, lead courageously, and discover who they are meant to become.
St. Pius X High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1956 811 W. Donovan St., Houston, Texas 77091 713-692-3581 • admissions@stpiusx.org • www.stpiusx.org Kristina Raymond, Director of Admissions Admissions Event: Open House, Sun., Nov. 8, 2026, 1-3 p.m. St. Pius X High School is a premier co-ed Catholic institution known for its academic excellence, robust athletics, award-winning fine arts and vibrant student life. Founded in 1956 and rooted in the Four Pillars of Dominican education – Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching – SPX fosters a holistic learning approach that nurtures intellectual, spiritual and personal growth. Home of the Panthers, St. Pius X embraces diversity and encourages creativity, (continued on page 40) offering a supportive environment that prepares students for success in college and beyond. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 39
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St. Thomas High School College Preparatory Boys • Est. 1900 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007 713-864-6348 • admissions@sths.org • www.sths.org Dr. Maxwell Holmes, VP of Admissions and Communications Admission Events: Open House, Dec. 6, 2026, 1 p.m. St. Thomas High School is a Catholic college preparatory institution for young men in grades 9-12. With more than 125 years of teaching tradition, the Basilian Fathers’ sacred mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge inspires faith-filled, lifelong learners who think critically, communicate effectively, and prepare thoroughly to excel personally and professionally. A man of St. Thomas actively serves his community and integrates Christian teachings into all aspects of his life.
St. Thomas More Parish School Pre-K through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1965 5927 Wigton Dr., Houston, TX 77096 713-729-3434 • jgentempo@stmorenews.com • www.stthomasmore-school.org Judy Gentempo, Admissions Director Admission Events: Open House Dates: Evenings of Nov. 11, 2026 and Jan. 13, 2027. Tours every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Please contact us to schedule a tour. St. Thomas More Parish School equips students with a dynamic education while embracing our strong Catholic identity. We are STREAM-certified, a two-time National Blue Ribbon recipient school, a National Beta Club School of Distinction, and boast teachers who hold advanced certifications and degrees in their respective fields. Our curriculum is intentionally curated to offer students an opportunity to excel. We strive to draw families closer to Christ through Catholic education. Visit our 11-acre campus and see why so many families are choosing St. Thomas More Parish School.
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1943 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77025 713-666-2345 • aberry@svdp-edu.org • www.saintvincentschool.org Ashley Berry, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Visit our website for Open House and tour information. SVdP Catholic School provides a rigorous academic curriculum enriched by Catholic teachings that challenges students while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning. We were named a National Blue-Ribbon school in 2016 and 2022. SVdP was the first Catholic school in the nation to become STEM-certified by NISE (National Institute for STEM Education). Discover the countless opportunities our school offers, from advanced academics, engaging extracurricular activities, excellent Fine Arts, a strong athletic program, and meaningful service projects. Our school community is united by shared values, and we cherish the partnership between our dedicated faculty, parents, and students.
Trafton Academy Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1973 4711 McDermed Dr., Houston, Texas 77035 713-723-5888 • admissions@trafton.org • www.trafton.org Libbie Hill, Admissions Director Admission Events: Prospective Parent Coffee Dates: Pre-K3-Grade 2, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.; Grades 3-8, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. Trafton Academy fosters the maturation of each child into a well-adjusted adult, equipped to succeed in the world in which we live. Education is studentcentered; each child is recognized as an individual with unique interests, needs, and abilities. Our staff is dedicated to cultivating life-long learners while helping them to develop organizational skills and a strong work ethic. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 40
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Veritas Christian Academy of Houston Preschool / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 2002 7000 Ferris St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-773-9605 • admissions@veritasca.org • www.veritasca.org Angela Rimington, Head of School; Allison Finch, Director of Admissions Admission Events: Veritas Family Preview Dates: Oct. 21, 12 p.m.; Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 2, 12 p.m Veritas Christian Academy offers a Christ-centered, classical education that nurtures the heart, soul, and mind. Students are formed in truth, goodness, and beauty in rich, joy-filled classrooms.
The Village School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1966 13051 Whittington Dr., Houston, Texas 77077 281-496-7900, ext. 1 • admissions@thevillageschool.com • www.thevillageschool.com Dr. Ryan Kelly, Head of School Admission Events: Nov. 12, 2026 The Village School, located in Houston’s Energy Corridor, is an academically rigorous American school with an International community. Our world-class teachers provide highly personalized and hands-on, innovative learning experiences to generations of creative and resilient global citizens. Village offers four specialty diplomas, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Pre-Medical Science, Entrepreneurship and Computer Science. In addition, it offers a standard High School diploma, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. With its diverse student body representing six continents and over 90 countries, The Village School serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Known for its commitment to excellence in math and science, The Village School's STEAM curriculum includes enhanced learning experiences through unique collaborations with MIT, Space Center Houston, Juilliard and UNICEF. The Village School is a proud member of Nord Anglia Education’s network of schools.
Westbury Christian School Pre-K3 through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 1975 10420 Hillcroft St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-551-8100 • admissions@westburychristian.org • www.westburychristian.org Nathan Wagner, Head of School Admission Events: Coffee Talks and Tours – 1st Wednesday (K3-4th grade) and 2nd Wednesday (5th-12th grade), September through May. Preview Days – Oct. 22 and Jan. 24 For more than 50 years, Westbury Christian School has served students from age 3 through 12th grade as a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school in Southwest Houston. A vibrant community of learners, Westbury Christian reflects the Kingdom – Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Here, every student is personally known by teachers and peers – and knowing each student is how we challenge them. Our rigorous academic program prepares graduates for admission to competitive colleges and universities, while our thriving early childhood and lower school programs give families a strong foundation from the very first years. Combined with rich opportunities in athletics, fine arts, clubs, leadership, and spiritual development, a Westbury Christian education prepares students “for here and eternity” – equipping lifelong learners, compassionate leaders, and devoted servants of Christ.
Yorkshire Academy Early Childhood through Fifth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1984 14120 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77079 281-531-6088 • admissions@yorkshireacademy.com • www.yorkshireacademy.com Roslyn Powers, Head of School Admission Events: Open House: Nov. 11, 2026, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Nov. 13, 2026, 9-11 a.m. Now accepting applications. To schedule a tour, please email admissions@yorkshireacademy.com. Yorkshire Academy, located in Houston’s Memorial/Energy Corridor, provides a nurturing, engaging learning environment for children from 18 months through Fifth Grade. With small classes and experienced teachers, students are known, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Enrichment is woven into every school day through STEM, visual and performing arts, music, Spanish, physical education, social-emotional learning, and more. An extensive after-school enrichment program gives students even more opportunities to discover new interests, develop their talents, and build confidence. Discover the Yorkshire difference. Schedule a personal campus tour today. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 41
lawellphoto.com
TRAVEL
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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz
The Trainiac: Journey around America by Rail
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very so often, Michael DeStefano has the same dream. He’s standing in front of a circle of strangers, introducing himself the way someone might at a 12-step meeting. “Hi, my name is Michael,” he says. “And I’m a Trainiac.” His fascination with trains began almost before he could remember, with an O-gauge train set that arrived under the Christmas tree one year when he was a little boy growing up in Bellaire. Just down the street ran the railroad tracks, where he spent countless hours watching freight trains rumble by, waving to the men in the caboose and imagining himself aboard one day. “I used to collect railroad spikes,” he recalled with a laugh. “I filled a whole box with them. It got so heavy I couldn’t even pick it up.” His mother, he admits, was less enthusiastic about that particular hobby. What no one – not even Michael – could have known was that the toy train would quietly shape the course of his life.
Europe: the first real journey Years later, after earning an MBA and landing what should have been the beginning of a successful corporate career, Michael did something completely unexpected. He quit. Armed with nothing more than a Pan Am ticket, a Eurail pass, a backpack, and three wellthumbed guidebooks, he set off alone for six weeks across Europe. It was in the mid-1980s, before smartphones, GPS, or online reservations. “I had kind of sketched out where I wanted to go,” he said. “But I stayed flexible.” England. France. Switzerland. Italy. Greece. Austria. Germany. The Netherlands. Monaco. Vatican City. The trains became both transportation and temporary home. To save money, he often chose overnight trains instead of hotels. “I’d just sleep on the train because I was broke,” he said. “I’d just quit my job.” What captivated him wasn’t simply the efficiency of Europe’s rail network, but the rhythm of traveling through landscapes instead of flying BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 42
over them. In Italy, passengers boarded carrying baskets of vegetables. Strangers shared food. Travelers who spoke little English patiently worked through conversations with phrase books and hand gestures. “It was really a culture shock,” Michael ALL ABOARD Michael DeStefano’s love affair with trains began in childhood, said. “People were when his parents gave him this O-gauge train set for Christmas. Decades later, the same set remains a treasured reminder of the passion that would eventually take friendly. You could see him around the United States by rail. the countryside rolling Somebody was burning incense. Once you’re on past your window. I was hooked.” there, you’re on there.” When the train finally rolled back into An unexpected beginning Houston after the return trip, it passed right by Back in Houston, life moved on. He married their own neighborhood. Mary Beth, built a career as an IT consultant, “I remember looking out the window thinkand the couple welcomed two daughters. ing, ‘Oh my God... just let me out here!’” In 1999, Michael and Mary Beth decided to For Michael, though, something else had haptake their daughters, Danielle, 6, and Juliana, pened. nearly 4, to Disneyland. That family vacation had quietly become the There was just one complication: Mary Beth first leg of a much larger journey. was terrified of flying. Driving 1,400 miles to Southern California with two small children Twenty-three years on the rails didn’t sound much more appealing. So Michael Michael didn’t set out to complete the suggested another option: the train. perimeter of the United States all at once. Soon, the family was aboard Amtrak’s Sunset Instead, the dream unfolded gradually over the Limited, beginning what they thought would next 23 years. His consulting career often sent simply be a memorable vacation. Neither realized him to cities around the country. Rather than they were also launching a 23-year adventure. simply fly home, he’d look at the Amtrak map. “It was affordable,” he said. “I thought, ‘We Could this become another segment? can do this.’” Working in Seattle? Ride the Coast Starlight The Sunset Limited would carry the family to Los Angeles. from Houston to Los Angeles. The journey Consulting in Vermont? Take the Vermonter would take 33 hours – in coach. to Washington, D.C. “It was challenging,” Michael admitted with Meeting family on the East Coast? Find a way a smile. to arrive by rail. Mary Beth, a professional home stager and One by one, the routes accumulated. The organizer, uses a different word. Sunset Limited. The Texas Eagle. The Crescent. “Oh my gosh,” she laughed. “The girls were The California Zephyr. The Empire Builder. four and six. There were delays after delays. The Coast Starlight. The Pacific Surfliner. The There was a guy playing guitar at two o’clock in Vermonter. The Capitol Limited. the morning while I was trying to get the kids to By the time he finished, he had crossed more sleep. Another passenger was making bracelets than 36 states and completed the long-held dream and trying to sell them to my daughters.
Courtesy of the DeStefano Family lawellphoto.com
Courtesy of the DeStefano Family Courtesy of Amtrak
ON THE RIGHT TRACK Clockwise, from upper left: Michael DeStefano with daughter Juliana, who now lives in Los Angeles, on a recent train trip to San Diego; Michael and wife Mary Beth with daughters Danielle and Juliana during the family’s 1999 trip to Disneyland, the journey that launched his 23-year quest to travel the perimeter of the United States by rail; Michael and Mary Beth today; and an Amtrak train rolling through the countryside.
just months before his 65th birthday. Remarkably, every long-distance journey was in coach. Sleeping cars, he says, simply weren’t in the budget.
America at ground level Ask Michael about the scenery, and the conversation becomes almost poetic. From the Pacific shoreline aboard the Coast Starlight to the broad plains of North Dakota, every route offered its own personality. The California Zephyr, crossing the Rockies, remains among his favorites. Unlike flying, trains reveal the gradual unfolding of a landscape. Cities give way to sub-
urbs. Suburbs become farmland. Mountains rise slowly on the horizon. Rivers appear unexpectedly around a bend. “You actually experience the country,” he said. That slower pace also changes the people you meet. Unlike air travelers, train passengers linger. Meals become conversations. Observation cars become living rooms. Strangers become temporary neighbors.
Growing up with Train Man If Michael is a Trainiac, his family has learned to embrace the title. Or at least tease him about it.
“We call him Train Man,” Mary Beth laughed. Sometimes, she says, she calls him “Rain Man.” “The family joke is always, ‘Where’s Dad?’” “Probably riding a train,” comes the inevitable answer. Juliana says she never questioned the obsession. “It always felt normal to me.” As an adult living in Los Angeles, she discovered just how unusual her father’s perspective really was. Before buying her a car, Michael insisted she first learn to navigate the city entirely by public transit. He found her (continued on page 44) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 43
ing distance of a rail station. He rode buses and trains with her until she knew the system. Only then did he surprise her with a used car. Looking back, she sees the lesson wasn’t really about transportation. “It taught me you don’t need a lot of money to travel,” she said. “You don’t have to rent a car. You don’t have to take Ubers everywhere. You can figure it out.” Today, father and daughter still meet in California for train adventures, riding from Los Angeles to San Diego or spending weekends exploring San Francisco entirely by rail and on foot. “My dad is my favorite person to travel with,” Juliana said. “He’s weirdly adventurous.” Danielle agrees. “He’s always been great to travel with,” she said. “He’s a great conversationalist, an investigator, a navigator. He always knows something about wherever you’re going.”
The greatest destination Perhaps the most surprising discovery wasn’t along the tracks at all. It was watching how Michael’s passion quietly became part of his family’s identity. His daughters grew into enthusiastic travelers. Mary Beth, who once refused to fly, eventually overcame her fear, and now travels regularly herself. Looking back on that exhausting 33-hour train ride to Disneyland, she wouldn’t change it. “Every second of it was worth it,” she said. “We got more time together. We were forced to sit down and eat together, to read together, to
Courtesy of Amtrak
(continued from page 43) an apartment within walk-
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH Amtrak winds past Winter Park Resort in Colorado along the spectacular Rocky Mountain corridor traveled by the California Zephyr. The route between Denver and the West Coast was among Michael DeStefano’s favorites.
look out at the scenery together. I don’t know many people who took a train to Disneyland.” Then she paused. For nearly four decades, she has watched the little boy who waved at passing cabooses grow into the man who finally completed his dream. “I don’t think it’s an obsession,” she said thoughtfully. “It’s just who he is. Trains make him happy.” Maybe that’s why the dream keeps returning. Somewhere, Michael is still standing before
that imaginary circle. Still introducing himself. Still smiling. “Hi,” he says. “My name is Michael. “And I’m a Trainiac.” As for Mary Beth, when asked what she thinks when she hears a train whistle now, she doesn’t hesitate. “I smile and think, oh, when’s my next train trip coming up?” she said. “And I hope it’s with him.”
Tips from the Train Man By Michael DeStefano Worth the splurge: Yes, definitely! (Editor’s note: Amtrak coach fares vary widely depending on route, demand, and how far in advance you book. Short regional trips can start at around $20–30, while long-distance coach fares typically range from about $100 to $300 one way, with some cross-country routes costing more during peak travel periods. Private roomettes and bedrooms generally start in the several hundreds of dollars and can exceed $1,000 on the longest routes.) Don’t bother: I wouldn’t change a thing about any of the trips. Favorite route: Coast Starlight is a must-see. Going through the Cascades and hitting all the different towns on the West Coast was truly amazing! Most beautiful scenery: Definitely California Zephyr. The views of the Rockies and the Utah landscapes were truly incredible. Favorite station: Because of its beauty and amenities, and because I have spent so much time there, definitely Chicago’s Union Station. DC Union Station also gets an honorable mention because of its beauty and frenetic activity. Favorite city: Seattle. That was both an endpoint (Empire Builder) and starting point (Coast Starlight) for me. Navigating around the city was a breeze! Favorite small town: Mineola, Texas Favorite meal: Amtrak Signature Flatiron Steak Favorite fellow passenger: In terms of strangers, the guy I had dinner with while on the Coast Starlight. He was a movie director and was really interesting. In terms of family, Juliana. We are both pretty low maintenance. Best season to travel: Winter. Seeing snow-capped mountains is something I really enjoy. Window or aisle?: Depends. Amtrak seats are similar to those in first-class on an airliner. Very wide, flatter recline angle, soft and comfortable. If I am next to a stranger, I would pick a window to see the scenery and be close to the electrical outlets to plug in my gear. With my family, I like the aisle, because I like to roam the train. My wife likes to sleep. It is relaxing for her. Typically, I have both seats on most of the rides, so I get the best of both worlds. Eastbound or westbound?: Hard choice. Heading west on the Empire builder shows really how massive the U.S. is and seeing some of these states at night really indicates the wide open spaces and low population of our Western States. One thing you always pack?: Reading material. Smartphone with hotspot. One thing you wouldn’t pack: I would cut back on the snacks. The Amtrak Snack Bar has everything you would need. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 44
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
Marc Martinez
SPORTS
SportzBuzz I
t has all the makings of another outstanding season for a Lamar Texans football team that’s captured 16 of its last 17 district championships. “We’re returning a lot of talent including senior quarterback and District 18-6A Offensive MVP Jayden Robins,” said Texans head coach Mike Lindsey. Joining Robins in the offensive backfield is standout senior running back Kaze Bryant, who averaged a lofty 10 yards per carry last season. “Kaze is a great player,” said Lindsey. “His nickname is the Red Bullet. He’s a red-headed kid who is fast and strong.” Other key returners include receiver Ja’Carsten Landor and tight end Aras OkekeZiburkus. “Ja’Carsten has had a great career with over 1,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while Aras is also a huge threat for us. Aras is being recruited by the Ivy League schools,” added Lindsey. On defense, the Texans are led by University of Colorado commit Prince Washington, who Lindsey says is one of the top defensive backs in Greater Houston. In addition, senior linebacker Jaxon Richmond has several major collegiate offers. “Our general outlook is we have six strong leaders who also happen to be our best players,” added Lindsey. As Lamar embarks on defending its district championship it does so in a new district alignment that brings in Memorial and Stratford from the Spring Branch ISD as well as Elsik, Hastings, and Alief Taylor from the Alief ISD. “It’s a deeper district in terms of competition,” said Lindsey. “Memorial and Stratford will be tough opponents in the later part of our district schedule.”
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or the Stratford Spartans, youth will be served well entering the football season. “We’ll be young at a lot of positions with the return of only three offensive starters and another three returnees on defense,” said Spartans head coach Todd Rankin. “But I also say that in an extremely excited way. We have an excellent wave of talent rolling through here over the next couple of years,” added Rankin. “We’ll certainly have to
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SUPER SENIOR STANDOUT Quarterback Pierce Jacobson is one of 14 starters returning for the St. Thomas Eagles team, which captured an undefeated district championship last season.
go through some growing pains, but we have all the makings of having a really good crop of high school players.” The Spartans figure to be good and especially big on the offensive line behind standout 6-foot5, 325-pound sophomore offensive tackle Marvin Alexander, who was even a starter for the Spartans in the later part of his freshman season. Another imposing force for the Spartans is 6foot-4, 300-pound senior Ty Greene. “Ty actually started for us on defense last year, but he was being recruited as an offensive lineman, so we made the decision to move him to the other side of the ball,” said Rankin. Defensively, Rankin expects a big season from senior defensive end Callan Kirk, who was among the state’s leaders in sacks midway through last season, while back on offense Rankin says Jackson Seel leads a talented group of junior wide receivers.
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ith the return of 14 starters from an undefeated district championship team in TAPPS Division 1 football, the St. Thomas Eagles enter the season with high expectations under second-year head coach Raymond Davis. “I think in our first season last year we gained a lot of leadership in this group,” said Davis. “It’s a heavy senior class that should build on the momentum of last season’s success. Our expectation is to return to the state championship game as was the case in 2023.” To meet those expectations, the Eagles will be led by senior quarterback Pierce Jacobson, who accounted for 2,000 yards worth of offense
last season. “Pierce is also one of the top academic students in our entire senior class and has a chance to play collegiately at a high academic institution,” said Davis. At running back, the Eagles are well set with the return of senior Myles Stewart. Stewart led the district in rushing even while splitting duties last season. Meantime, Davis says he also expects major contributions from senior RJ Wilson at both the fullback and tight end position. In addition, the return of 6-foot-5, 285pound senior offensive tackle Connor Edmondson bolsters a powerful offensive line for the Eagles. Defensively, the Eagles feature a trio of standout defensive backs including senior cornerback Logan Debose, a returning all-state player who’s committed to play collegiately at the University of Houston. Also, fellow defensive backs Pryce Cravens and Kohen Alexander were all-district selections last season. Up front, defensive lineman Khairan McQueen is a returning all-district and all-state selection while Rylan Kimpson is an all-district and second team all-state player. “We feel really good about our defense,” said Davis, “Six of our seven returning starters already have offers to play college football.” Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. on CW39 and throughout the week on Space City Home Network. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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SPORTS
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
SportzBuzz Jr. W
elcome to SportzBuzz Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
WUSA visits UH West University Softball Association player Zeena Resheidat (pictured) had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during WUSA Day at the University of Houston's Cougar Softball Stadium. WUSA players and their families spent the day cheering on the Cougars as they hosted Arizona State in an NCAA Division I softball matchup. Following the game, players had the opportunity to run the bases and take photos on the field, creating fun memories for players of all ages. The league is gearing up for its fall softball season. See wusa.org/programs.
WULL’s historic season The West University Little League 12U Majors team finished as the runnerup in the East Texas State Championship in Pearland in July. WULL reached state after an impressive playoff run, sweeping Post Oak Little League and Bellaire Little League to capture the District 16 championship before defeating Pearland Little League and Baytown League to claim the Section 3 title. At the state championships, they then defeated the two-time defending state champions, Bridge City Little League, before falling to Lamar Little League in the final. "I'm told by other WULL alums that this is only the fourth team to make it to state at this age, with the others coming in 1990, 1987, and 1983," said Coach Chris Rhee. "So, it's been 30 years since this was last accomplished, and only the 1990 team won state and advanced to the regional tournament. So incredibly proud of these boys. It was a run we’ll never forget.” Team members included (pictured, from left) Grady Miles, Hayes Rhee, Graham Werner, Jack Bormaster, Camden Erlichman, Diego Vergara, Jack Lyons, Owen Musick, Zane Mir, Max Fink, Blaise Brinkley, and Andrew Koush; coaches are (back row, from left) Brian Bormaster, Matt Musick, Chris Rhee, Matt Werner, and Greg Koush.
First-place finish The 12U West University Softball Association Breakers Tournament Team capped off a successful summer season with a first-place finish at the Humble All Stars Tournament. Over an exciting 37-game season, the Breakers grew as athletes and teammates on and off the field. Pictured (back row, from left) are Coaches Michael Shih, Mac McDaniel, Patrick Cresap, and players (middle row, from left) Mae McDaniel, Charlotte Austin, Louise Raspino, Elizabeth Brasher, Demi Xie (guest player); (front row, from left) Hannah Wiley, Danica Stone, Annabelle Echols, Charlotte Shih, Rosalie Cresap, and (not pictured) Sidney Carr, Bradleigh Meeks, Margaret Monsour, and Cyrene Nariman. 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. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 48
Get Your Morning Buzz Every weekday morning, enjoy your coffee + the buzz in your inbox. Our e-newsletter, Morning Buzz, features buzzworthy stories about neighbors every day, Monday-Friday. Sign up to find out what we’re buzzing about at thebuzzmagazines.com/morning-buzz.
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Geoffrey Lyon
ENTERTAINMENT
by Mackenzie Malveaux, staff writer
Event Roundup S
ummer may be winding down, but September is still bringing the heat with a packed lineup of events across Houston. Soak up the final days of summer and welcome the first hints of fall. Here’s a sampling of some Buzzworthy events this month: Houston Restaurant Weeks Through Sept. 7 Participating restaurants across Houston $25+ Savor the final days of Houston Restaurant Weeks. Participating restaurants across the city offer a prix fixe menu featuring brunch ($25), lunch ($25), or dinner ($39 or $55). A portion of the proceeds go towards the Houston Food Bank. For participating restaurants and menus, see https://houstonrestaurantweeks.com. Labor Day Fun at the Lone Star Flight Museum Mon., Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lone Star Flight Museum $10 admission Spend your Labor Day at the Lone Star Flight Museum for a specially priced admission to spend with friends and family. Explore out-ofthis-world exhibits, amazing aircraft, and phenomenal flight simulators, complete with free hot dogs and chips (while supplies last). Sunset Bingo at Levy Park Fri., Sept. 11, 7 p.m. Levy Park $10/bingo packet (eight games); $1/dauber (or bring your own dauber) (cash only) Levy Park's Sunset Bingo, offered every second Friday of the month, invites visitors to enjoy an evening of bingo, music, and community. Play eight rounds for the chance to win prizes while DJ Del Sur plays soulful tunes, then grab dinner, cocktails, or ice cream from within the park. Sales begin at 6 p.m. and the first game starts at 7 p.m. Japan Festival Houston 2026 Sat., Sept. 12 and Sun., Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hermann Park Free admission; select activities require a fee BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 50
Hermann Park hosts SANDY SKILLS The American Institute of Architects and La Izquierda Fest partner Japan Festival Houston, to enrich the annual AIA Sandcastle Competition with two sand-filled days of coman annual two-day cele- petitive castle building for the Galveston Sandcastle Festival, in which teams will put bration of Japanese cul- their creativity and skills to the test, sculpting eye-catching figures using only sand and water. Watch the teams bring their sandy creations to life while enjoying art ture that showcases vendors, live music, lessons from professional sandcastle builders, and more. Japan’s rich heritage Opera through traditional music, dance, and martial arts Tues., Sept. 22, Weds., Sept. 23, and Thurs., performances that can be viewed at the Miller Sept. 24, 11 a.m. each day Outdoor Theatre stage. Attendees can also enjoy Miller Outdoor Theatre Japanese-inspired cuisine, as well as demonstraFree tions and displays featuring ikebana (flower The Houston Grand Opera invites students arranging), tea ceremony, origami, bonsai, and to step into the world of opera as active particimore. A variety of vendors will be on site. pants through live performances, storytelling, and interactive games. Hosted at Miller, the Houston's Chicken Wing Festival program aims to give young audiences a handsSun., Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on connection to the art form through showcasThe Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park ing how singers use music and voice to express General entry: $14.19 (excludes wing tasting; emotion and bring characters to life. may purchase food, drinks, and merchandise directly from vendors); adult wing tasting pass: $45; kid Karbachtoberfest wing tasting pass: free; VIP starts at $99 Sept. 18-20; Sept. 25-27; Oct. 2-4, times will Experience Houston’s best wing spots as they vary each day go head-to-head in a lively cook-off competition Karbach Brewing Co. at this inaugural festival. Enjoy wings from comFree petitors, a complimentary tasting experience Embrace fall at the annual Karbachtoberfest, from Saint Arnold Brewing Company (for 21+), happening over three weekends at the brewery. live contests and giveaways, local vendors, live Dress in your best dirndl or lederhosen for the music, food, drinks, a kid's zone, and more. fun fall festival, which includes beer, brats, Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for music, stein-hoisting contests, wiener dog races, the People's Choice favorite, where the winner and all-out Bavarian fun. will be crowned on stage. A portion of the profits will be donated to Kids’ Meals Inc. River Oaks Garden Club Pink Elephant Sale Fri., Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 19, 9 El Grito At Miller Featuring Mariachi a.m.-1 p.m. Herencia de México Bayou City Event Center Tues., Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. Free Miller Outdoor Theatre The River Oaks Garden Club hosts their Free annual Pink Elephant Sale, the garden club’s priMiller Outdoor Theatre celebrates mary fundraiser, and Houston’s oldest rummage Mexican Independence Day with the Grito sale. Items include priceless treasures, designer ceremony followed by a live performance clothing, furniture, antiques & collectibles, honoring the impactful heritage and culture plants from Bayou Bend Gardens, and more. of Mexico. The Grammy-nominated group, Mariachi Herencia de México, has issued Houston Jazz Festival Produced by The chart-topping albums and performed across Houston Jazz Collective North America and will honor Mexican Fri., Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel. Miller Outdoor Theatre Music-Stories-OPERA! by Houston Grand
Houston Audubon’s Houston Bird Week Sat., Sept. 19-Sat., Sept. 26 Houston Audubon and locations across Houston Mostly free; depends on event Houston Audubon brings light to the 500 bird species that travel a 600+ mile journey over the Gulf, landing in the Upper Texas Coast for habitat and shelter with their annual celebration of birds. Events include a kickoff party at Frost Town Brewing (Sat., Sept. 19), Bike & Bird events (Sun., Sept. 20 and Mon., Sept. 21), Young Professionals Flock Social (Tues., Sept. 22), Movie Night at Axelrad (Wed., Sept. 23), Birdy Trivia Night (Thurs., Sept. 24), bird surveys at various locations, and a family-friendly community party to conclude the end of the celebration (Sat., Sept. 26). See the full schedule at houstonaudubon.org. Galveston Sandcastle Festival Competition Day: Sat., Sept. 19, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Bonus Viewing Day: Sun., Sept. 20 Galveston $25 for general admission single-day tickets; $10 for children 12 and under; $40 for general admission weekend passes; $15/kids weekend pass; $100 for VIP tickets; Children 5 and under are free More than 25 teams will gather in Galveston to compete in a sandcastle-building competition for a two-day beach festival, featuring talented sculptors transforming sand and water into towering works of art. Alongside the competition, attendees can enjoy live music, local food trucks, art vendors, a kid zone, and hands-on lessons with professional sandcastle builders. Guests will have the chance to view the remaining sculptures the next day, as well as additional sandcastle lessons at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sprinkler Day at Nature Discovery Center Sat., Sept. 19, 1-3 p.m. Nature Discovery Center Free Bring your children to cool off in the summer heat as the Nature Discovery Center sets up sprinklers and kiddie pools for a refreshing, waterfilled day. Children can bring water toys of their own. Adult supervision is required at all times. Tequila and Tacos Festival at Kemah Boardwalk Sat., Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m. Kemah Boardwalk $75 per person in advance; $85 day of event
Johnny Than
Free Grab your friends and family for a free concert under the stars and a night of authentic New Orleans jazz paired with visual art. Performing at Miller Outdoor Theatre, NOLA Resistance Quintet brings the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz to Houston alongside world-renowned artist John Alexander.
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE México en el Corazón brings more than 70 performers to Discovery Green for an evening of traditional Mexican dance, ballet folklórico, regional costuming, indigenous traditions, and more.
Sample tequilas and mezcals, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and savor gourmet tacos at Kemah Boardwalk's Tequila & Tacos Festival. Admission includes 20 drink samples, three taco tickets, and passed appetizers, as well as a live DJ and music, a mariachi band, vendor prizes, and more. This event is 21+. Flea by Night at Discovery Green Sat., Sept. 19 & 26, 6-10 p.m. Discovery Green Free Shop from makers, artists, plant vendors and small businesses as they bring their one-of-akind local goods to Discovery Green. Screen on the Green at Discovery Green Sat., Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. Discovery Green Free Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a family movie night. Arrive early for games and activities. This month's feature is Selena (1997, PG, 2h 7m, CC, Spanish), the inspiring true story of the Texas-born Tejana singer's rise to stardom. Costumes and PJs are encouraged, and while outside alcohol and glass containers aren't allowed, food, beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase. 2026 Chefs For Farmers Houston Food & Wine Festival Sat.-Sun., Sept. 26-27, 2-5 p.m. Autry Park $125 General admission; $175 VIP; $199 GA Weekend pass; $279 VIP Weekend Pass Head over to Autry Park to explore dishes from local farmers and Texas chefs, featuring tastings, curated wine and cocktails, live entertainment, and more.
Mexico en el Corazón at Discovery Green Sat., Sept. 26, 7-10 p.m. Discovery Green Free México en el Corazón takes the stage at Discovery Green, celebrating the beauty of Mexican culture with more than 70 performers and an evening full of spectacular performances of traditional Mexican dance, ballet folklórico, regional costuming, indigenous traditions and more. In addition, attendees can also enjoy Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy, and stop by the fall exhibit hosted at Discovery Green (opening Sept. 15), Fantastic Animals: Nahuales and Alebrijes from Mexico, seven 20-foot-tall sculptures depicting fantastic creatures from the realm of the spirits as imagined through Mexican magical realism. ROCO In Concert: Eyes on the Horizon Opening Weekend Fri., Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre; Sat., Sept. 26, 5 p.m. at The Church of St. John the Divine Sept. 25: Free; Sept. 26: Pay what you wish (suggested donation: $55) ROCO kicks off its 22nd season with Eyes on the Horizon, a two-day celebration of live orchestral music led by Artistic Partner Delyana Lazarova. The show will feature two world-premiere commissions, both at Miller Outdoor Theatre on Friday (Sept. 25), followed by the full concert experience at The Church of St. John the Divine on Saturday (Sept. 26). For tickets and more information, visit roco.org/performances. Editor’s note: Events are subject to change. Find more events on our calendar and see our Weekend Roundup every Friday. BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 51
SUPPORTING STEM SKILLS Ronak (left) and Riona Hiwale (right), a senior and an eighth grader at St. John's School, turned their love of chess into StemToSuccess, a nonprofit that provides free chess classes and STEM opportunities for students.
KIDS by Ronak Hiwale, age 17
Buzz Kidz
Checkmate
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hen I was younger, chess was just something I enjoyed doing after school. I loved the challenge of it. After every tournament, I would come home and replay my games, trying to figure out where I had gone wrong. Sometimes I won. Plenty of times I lost. Either way, I always felt like there was something new to learn. As I spent more time in the chess community, I realized how much the game had given me. It introduced me to mentors, friends, and opportunities I never would have found otherwise. At tournaments, I started meeting younger players who were just getting started. Many were nervous to compete or had never had someone teach them the game before. That was when my sister, Riona, and I
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started asking ourselves a simple question: How could we help more students experience those same opportunities? We didn't set out to create a nonprofit. We simply started by teaching chess. We volunteered at libraries, coached beginners, and eventually created the Friday Checkmate Challenge, a local tournament where students of all experience levels could play, learn, and have fun together. This initiative eventually turned into StemToSuccess, a nonprofit that brings free chess and STEM education to students in Houston and around the world. During one of our tournaments, I watched a student lose every game. Instead of leaving upset, they stayed afterward, analyzing their games and playing with the friends they had
made that day. They came back the next tournament, and the one after that, eventually improving. Watching their confidence grow reminded me that success isn't always measured by trophies. Today, our organization offers free chess and STEM programs to students in Houston and beyond. Every lesson, tournament, and workshop reminds me how much one opportunity can change a student’s confidence. I know it changed mine, and that's why I hope to create those same opportunities for others. See www.stemtosuccess.org. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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Neighborhood Tails Gambit, age 10, Mixed Breed, Kingfisher Dr. Woof! My name is Gambit, like the X-Men character, though my superpowers are quite different: They include sniffing smells on walks, chasing squirrels, and patrolling around the house. I recently turned 10 and had an enjoyable evening with a doggie cake, a movie, and a cool party hat! I came to live with my forever family in 2017 after meeting my dad at the pound – we quickly became inseparable pals. On regular days, we spend time in the park, walking around and being friendly with the other dogs (and ducks!). I’m a big fan of ducks because of their own superpowers: They sleep with one eye open and can see UV light! My favorite human food is French fries, but I’m not a big fan of Brussels sprouts. If you see me around the neighborhood, give me a pat! Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
One of the biggest challenges families face isn’t finding someone to care for a loved one – it’s staying connected to that care after they leave. You naturally want to know how Mom’s day is going. Did Dad eat lunch? Has anything changed that should concern you? The more informed families are, the greater their peace of mind. That’s why we’ve introduced SmartCare, a secure electronic medical records system that gives authorized family members greater visibility into the care their loved ones receive. They can access caregiver notes, care plans and schedules, and – with permission – even view photos of meaningful activities and special moments. Secure messaging also makes it easier to stay connected. The greatest benefit, however, isn’t convenience; it’s communication. When a caregiver notices a change in a client’s health or behavior, that information can be shared more quickly with the people who need to know. Families and healthcare providers can respond sooner, before a small concern becomes a larger one. Technology will never replace the personal relationships that define exceptional in-home healthcare. It should strengthen them. When families have a clearer view of their loved one’s care, everyone is better equipped to work together to provide attentive, personalized care every client deserves. S. Gerber & Associates, 3730 Kirby Dr., Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77098, 713.857.3227, sid@personalcaregiving.com
Celebrating 60 years
OCTOBER 1.2.3 2026 Thursday. Friday. Saturday
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Guardianship and duties of report and support On death, families pursue estate administration in probate court to recover assets. In life, on a ward's mental or physical incapacity, the same court may limit or terminate the ward's civil rights and appoint a guardian of the estate (for money) or the person (for care) or both. Powers of attorney and medical directives, basic estate planning documents, are obvious alternatives, but aren’t enough when named agents fail or cease to serve, act in bad faith, or the principal objects. A guardianship begins with an application to the probate court. Many are prompted by the probate court investigator or filed by a state agency on receipt of report of abuse or neglect. It is at least a misdemeanor to learn of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor, the elderly, or a disabled adult, without reporting it. You have a duty to snitch out Grandma if she can’t care for herself and no one else can or will. Probate courts accept reports, which may also be made to the Texas Abuse/Neglect Hotline (1-800-252-5400). It is also a felony once you assume someone's care if your omission injures them, e.g., you quit and they starve. The good Samaritan that wears out should report the situation before stopping altogether. In other words, you are not your brother's keeper unless you act like one, and then you are stuck until you report their inability to fend for themselves. Texas has no duty of filial support: You are not required to honor your father and mother. You do have a duty to support a spouse or your minor children. Given a pre-existing condition, a court may order parental support of a disabled child, even after the child becomes an adult.
Both court-appointed guardians and family with duties of support have the same problem: a legal duty of care may provide decision-making authority, but it doesn’t fund it. Guardians and other caregivers outside the family, e.g., agents under powers of attorneys, may not silently quit without reporting the ward who cannot protect and care for themselves, but after that, they are not required to use their own funds to care for another. When funds are inadequate, a guardianship will not create them, but it can enable someone to make application for needs-based benefits, and over the ward’s objections. At least one Texas Medicaid program, STAR+PLUS, funds in-home personal care, nursing, adult day programs, and respite for the caregiver. A robust estate plan is the first line of defense against a guardianship. Regardless, it does not solve the problem of funding long-term care. We write wills and go to probate court. Foreign nationals and international families welcome. Russell W. Hall, Bellaire Probate, Attorneys at Law, 6750 West Loop S. Ste. 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, bellaireprobate.com
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Jessica Pledger Photography
NEIGHBORS
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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
Buzz About Town Highland dance pioneer
Episcopal, the beloved instructor has played an integral role in developing the school’s Scottish Arts program, inspiring students through her passion, expertise, and commitment to Highland dance.
Calling all BHS ’71 grads
Diane MacPhee Krugh (pictured), Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School’s Highland dance teacher, was named president of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). She recently received the position in Glasgow, Scotland and is the first American-born dance teacher to serve as president in the organization’s 134-year history. Diane has been a member of BATD for 50 years and has championed the teaching and preservation of Highland dance throughout her career. At Saint Thomas’
The Bellaire High School (BHS) Class of 1971 will have its 55th class reunion Oct. 16-18. A weekend of festive events is planned, including a Meet and Greet at Dish Society in West University, a tour of BHS, dinner at the Cadillac Bar, and breakfast at Jax Grill in the Heights. For more information, a schedule of events, and tickets, please visit bellaire71.com. Reunion committee members (pictured, from left) are Genny Stevens, Bill McGee, Diane Miner, Mary Kasper, Judy Elkins, and Barbara Beard; not pictured: Jim Weston and Mary Dougherty.
The ultimate surprise When Melissa Darlow arrived at Brenner’s on the Bayou for what she thought was a birthday lunch for her older brother, Matthew, she was shocked to find her boyfriend, Michael Fogel, waiting outside. Melissa thought Michael was out of town, but he was there and ready to surprise her with a marriage proposal. She said yes! The groom-to-be had been secretly planning the
engagement for months, including bringing together both families for a celebratory lunch. The festivities continued that evening with an engagement party hosted by Melissa's parents, Debbie and Mike Darlow, in Melissa’s childhood home in Bellaire. Melissa and Michael met in New York City in October 2023, and they currently live in New York's West Village where Melissa works as a registered dietitian and Michael is a senior analyst at Luxor Capital Group. The couple is planning a 2027 wedding in Houston.
A jazzy celebration
Nancy Martin, Liz Kierum Regenscheid, Betty Tutor, and Karma Burford (pictured, from left) are planning an evening of jazz music and casino games with the Symphonic Social Connections benefiting the Houston Symphony League. The third annual High Stakes and Golden Notes will take place on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at The Ballroom at Tanglewood. Guests will enjoy blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, and slot machines, along with a buffet, wine, bubbly, and a cocktail cash bar. Tianna James and the Houston Jazz Band will perform a jazz concert, (continued on page 58) BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 56
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(continued from page 56) and supporters are invited
to hit the dance floor. For tickets or more information, contact Phillip Smith at phillip.smith@houstonsymphony.org.
CJ Martin
Every step counts
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, will welcome thousands of supporters at the annual Breakthrough T1D Walk on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Houston Sports Park. Southern Texas Territory Executive Director Rick Byrd (pictured, left, at last year’s walk with Bethany Smith) will join Chapter Senior Director Deandrea Dillard, Walk Chair Nelly White, and Honorary Grand Marshal Will Shappley to host a family-friendly day to raise funds for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In addition to the 1.5-mile walk, supporters will enjoy visits from the Houston Texans cheerleaders and Texans mascot, Toro, along with entertainment from the Attucks Middle School marching band, a DJ, carnival games, inflatable obstacle course, photo booth, and more. To register for the free event, visit www2.breakthrought1d.org.
Melodies in medicine
Matthew Rood
The fourth annual Doctors in Recital brought a sold-out crowd to River Oaks Theatre for an evening of musical performances by physicians
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from across the Houston medical community. This year’s program highlighted the artistic talents of Houston physicians with a repertoire of classical and contemporary works performed on a Steinway Spirio concert grand piano provided by Steinway Piano Gallery of Houston. Supporters at the event raised funds for Camp PHEver, a UTHealth Houston medical genetics division program that provides a barrier-free camp experience for children living with phenylketonuria (PKU) and their families. In addition to the piano performances, guests heard from Dr. Michael Yafi, co-chair of Doctors in Recital, and Dr. Hope Northrup, professor and director of the UTHealth Houston medical genetics division. Pictured are physician-musicians (from left) Khash Hematpour, Michael Yafi, Akira Nishikawa, Maria Matuszczak, Tony Tran, Neale Clark, Timothy George, and Ryan Dickey.
Working hand in hand The Hand in Hand chapter (pictured) of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) recently completed its first two years. As the newest NCL chapter in Houston, the founding board established the local group that pairs mothers and daughters to provide community service by volunteering with a range of local nonprofits. The
founding board just rolled off, and the group of more than 250 members has already provided great works for the community. Mother-daughter teams work together to serve organizations including Gardens of Bellaire, Kids’ Meals Houston, Ronald McDonald House, and many others. During this year’s City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade and Festival, the Hand in Hand chapter honored the memory of the girls from Camp Mystic by handing out Heavens 27 pins and green ribbons, in addition to distributing Fourth of July necklaces and American flags.
Building a better community The Junior League of Houston, Inc.’s (JLH) new executive committee members (pictured) are off to a great start. This year, JLH plans to contribute more than $3 million in volunteer time and direct financial support. The organization recently earned the Circle of Distinction award from the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), selected as one of the four recipients among nearly 300 leagues worldwide. Pictured are JLH’s new executive committee members (from left) Yemi Brown, financial vice president, Emily Walter, development vice president, Cathy Sia, membership vice president, Dionella Martinez, president, Marie Newton, (continued on page 60)
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The Junior League of Houston (continued from page 58) president-elect,
Terria Hutchinson, community vice president, and Alex Willis, recording secretary.
listed. It was an unforgettable journey and a perfect way to celebrate a birthday.
Around the world in Texas
The school year is off to a great start at Lamar High School, with the help of the new parentteacher organization (PTO) board members and Principal Rita Graves (pictured). Before this semester began, the parent volunteers got together with Principal Graves to start planning for a successful 2026-2027 year to help the school navigate the HISD intervention transition and provide meaningful opportunities and experi-
Maria Alvarez, John Kiker, Elena Santoy, and Tonie Santoy Maheshwari (pictured, from left) got together at Tonie and Vijay Maheshwari’s home as part of Elena’s 70th birthday traveling celebration. The travelers, Maria, John, and Elena, took a trip “around the world” to cities all around Texas that share names with popular locations: Edinburgh, Egypt, Nederland, China, Moscow, Palestine, Italy, Athens, Paris, Turkey, Sudan, Dublin, Ireland, Florence, and London. After serving in the Navy, all three travelers have visited many cities abroad, but they wanted to see what their home state has to offer. They wore native attire appropriate for each city they visited, including the pictured Egyptian garb after traveling from Egypt, Texas to Houston to stay with Elena’s sister Tonie and brother-in-law Vijay. Tonie enjoyed receiving a T-shirt that John had made for the vacation with each city BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 60
Lamar PTO powers up
ences for all students. Pictured are (top row, from left) Jessica Evans, Katherine Wright, Margaret Lee, Past President Zobeida Sanchez, Amanda Duguid, Amabelle Cowan, Susana Boker, and Victor Veldekens; (bottom row, from left) Jessica Vasan, Rachelle Skov, Brenda Swisher, Principal Rita Graves, President Lisa Lim, Michelle Mallinson, and Tina Zulu. 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.
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NEIGHBORS
by Andria Dilling, staff writer
Back Porch
Back-to-School Giddiness ‘In kindergarten, I want to do homework’
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xcited or not for a new school year, many Houston students were back in the saddle as early as the second week of August. ABC13 news anchor Samica Knight’s family was in the “excited” camp. While driving her two elementary school-aged boys to their first day, she posted an Instagram video of herself holding a megaphone yelling, Are you ready to go back to schooool? Audibly, the boys are cheering in the background, until their mom asks if she’s embarrassing them. The response: total silence. Probably indicating the affirmative. Now that my own people have gone and graduated college, hearing about the back-toschool scramble makes me wistful. I mean, I don’t think I have heard cheering for our first days of school since maybe my girls were starting a new high school. Actually, no, not even then, because those days were more like quiet dread, the discomfort of the unknown making us all queasy. So I guess I have to think all the way back to my girls’ elementary school days to remember the giddiness of new teachers, perfectly-sharpened pencils, and brand-new bottles of Elmer’s Glue. The Buzz’s Accounting and Contract Administrator Meena Dost was just about as tickled as her 5-year-old daughter Rumi as she recounted Rumi’s first day of kindergarten. “She was very excited, but she didn’t know what to say to people,” Meena laughed. “So she would run up to anyone who would look at her at school and say Look, my lunchbox matches my backpack!” Both are pink with hearts and butterflies. In preparation for the big day at Mark Twain Elementary School, Meena says they made an outing of buying uniforms and the lunchbox and backpack. “It’s all new,” she says. “Packing a lunch, wearing a uniform, the school.” Also new: an alarm clock to help Rumi wake up. “In Pre-K, school started at 9:00 or 9:30, so having the bell ring at 7:20 is a big change for us as a family,” Meena says. Making things more difficult, the family arrived home from a vacation to Hawaii a week before the first day of school. “So we were not only starting school two hours early, we also were coming off a five-hour time change. We had to reset.” Meena said they BELLAIRE BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2026 62
started putting Rumi to bed earlier and waking her up earlier in the week leading up to kindergarten. Then, two days before, Meena ordered the alarm clock. “She didn’t even know what an alarm clock was,” Meena says of Rumi. “Everyone uses their phone to wake up now, so this generation has no idea.” But Meena says she would occasionally miss her phone’s wake-up alarm and didn’t want to chance it with school starting. RISE & SHINE It’s easy to pop out of bed when you’ve got a backpack that matches “[Rumi] said, your lunchbox and you can’t wait to get to kindergarten. Mom, what is an which came unplugged for Day 2 of kinderalarm clock? And we told her it was going to garten and didn’t go off. “Did we hit the wrong make a noise to wake her up in the morning. We am/pm button? Hopefully it goes off tomorrow,” put the alarm on her bedside table and set it up. Meena says. “Well, she was so excited, she woke up before Hearing all of this sweetness, I checked my the alarm clock. But she couldn’t get ready, Facebook feed for all the first-day pictures because she was waiting for the clock to go off, friends used to post. There weren’t many. But I saying When is it gonna beep? When is it gonna did keep a couple of pink backpacks with the beep? Of course I’m waiting, too, wondering Did girls’ monograms, and every once in a while, I I set it up right? What time did I set it for? It finally still use an insulated, monogrammed lunchbag went off at 6:25, and I was like Yes!” with hot pink polka dots, embroidered with a The new pink lunchbox was packed the night matching pink name. before with a peanut butter sandwich, fruit, and Best of all, short of actually going with my CheeZ-Its. “I’ve never packed a lunch before,” mom and girls for our annual school supply trip Meena says. “So I went online for some ideas of to Office Depot, I have a framed piece of my oldwhat to do. Now I’ve ordered some cute forkest daughter’s Pre-K art leaning up on a shelf in spoon sets, cute toothpicks for her fruit, a sandmy kitchen. It’s a smiling self-portrait captioned wich holder we can use instead of foil. We’re In kindergarten, I am excited for homework. learning, too.” Those were the days. And they’re still figuring out the alarm clock, behance.net/runamokstudios
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