APRIL 2016
SpringSpirit Baseball: A Home Run for Underserved Youth
SUMMER Travel Tips Shop With
HEART
Memorial
Realtors Medical FOCUS
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Come on over. We’re right here in West Houston and ready to partner with you in the health care of your child. With a dedicated pediatric emergency room, pediatric intensive care unit and more than 20 pediatric subspecialties conveniently located on site, we offer top care for kids, close to home. From renal to hand and microvascular surgery to sports medicine, our specialty clinics are staffed by experts in their fields using the most advanced technology, in facilities designed specifically for children. Texas Children’s is ranked #4 in the nation by U.S.News & World Report and is the highest ranked children’s hospital in the southwest. The next time your child needs medical care, come to us. We’re all about kids. For maps and information, visit westcampus.texaschildrens.org. Texas Children’s Urgent Care is now in your area.Visit urgentcare.texaschildrens.org to find hours, location and conditions we treat.
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus 18200 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77094 832-227-1000
© 2016 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. Texas Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in Texas on U.S.News & World Report’s 2015-2016 Honor Roll. WC586_022616
F E AT U R E S
COVER STORY APRIL 2016
16 TREAT YOURSELF WHILE HELPING OTHERS WITH THE SHOP WITH HEART CARD
The spring discount card fundraiser benefits the American Heart Association.
24 TEXAS ROAD TRIPS
The Lone Star State has plenty of destinations suitable for the whole family. Fun is just a short road trip away!
26 SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS
The countdown to summer is on! Start planning with these resources.
30 STRATFORD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE TAKES THE RUNWAY Model Katie Moore has taken the fashion world by storm.
33 KEY REALTORS Meet the Finest in Memorial
36 SEVEN TIPS FOR A FAST, EASY MOVE
Take the stress out of move-in day with this list of best practices.
41 MEDICAL FOCUS Health Care News You Can Use
COLUMNS
Lance Berkman and Guillermo Gonzalez. Photo by Michael Martinez Photography.
10 SPRINGSPIRIT BASEBALL IS A HOME RUN FOR SPRING BRANCH YOUTH Beginning with nine kids six years ago, SpringSpirit Baseball has grown to serving, mentoring and nurturing more than 800 kids every week. SpringSpirit Baseball is a welcome addition to a neighborhood where 57 percent of families of the Spring Branch School District’s 35,000 students are at or below the poverty level. The organization provides a “bridge to success” for participants through four pillars: education, faith, mentoring and sports.
12 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS 14 JAN GLENN’S PAWSITEVLY PURRFECT Dogue: When Dogs Dress as Humans and Humans Dress as Dogs
29 FAMILY LAW
“Gray” Divorces
32 KIDS’ CORNER
Children’s Online Safety: Social Identity, Privacy and Geotagging
40 ASK ALEX:
Monogramming
59 SPRING BRANCH SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
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APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
CONTRIBUTORS
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APRIL 2016
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VOLUME 12
NEWSWORTHY 22 RESIDENT OF THE BUCKINGHAM Publishes His Life’s Work at Age 92
30 CELEBRITY SERVE GALA Announces a “Major” Celebrity Guest
37 EAGLE SCOUT
Earns All 138 Badges
52 WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARDS LUNCHEON Set for April 10th
55 THE MEMORIAL MARKETTES Present 2016 Spring Show
56 KINCAID AND MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Choirs Combine for a Concert for Peace
ATHLETIC ACTIVISM
And Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association
|
NUMBER 4
BRAIN TEASER
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28 CROSSWORD CRUISIN’
NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD 28 NIKO NIKO’S
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Opens in Memorial City
absolutely! H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
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58 absolutely! Q & A
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About Allergy/Immunology
absolutely! DELICIOUS
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60 absolutely! DELICIOUS With Tony Vallone
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62 VINESLEUTH
Champagne and Sparkling Wine
63 absolutely! DELICIOUS LISTING
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IN EVERY ISSUE 53
8 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 18 SEEN ON THE SCENE 59
38 MEMORIAL MENTIONS 53 COMMUNITY EVENTS ON THE COVER: Lance Berkman, Kenny Baldwin and Guillermo Gonzalez. Photo by Michael Martinez Photography.
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54 OUT AND ABOUT IN THE HEART OF MEMORIAL 64 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
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Kelly Kimberly Kimberly Public Affairs Page 10
Debbie Clemens absolutely! Fabulous Finds Page 12
Jan Glenn Journalist Page 14
Myles Mellor Contributor Page 28
Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney Page 29
Maddie McKenzie Contributor Page 30
Patrick Biron Birons Youth Sports Center Page 32
Suzanne Stiles Memorial Mentions Page 38
Alex Belt Silly Silly Girls Page 40
Stephanie Valtasaros Contributor Page 53
Tammy Hampton Contributor Page 59
Tony Vallone Vallone’s Page 60
Amy Gross wine4.me Page 62
THE NEW CENTER FOR
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS. Four Floors of Unmatched Orthopedic Expertise. Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center proudly introduces the new Center for Advanced Orthopedics. The surgical home to our IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute and one of eight Memorial Hermann Joint Centers, this new facility responds to the growing demand for high-quality orthopedic care. The result is a superior patient experience in an environment designed exclusively around the needs of orthopedic patients.
Learn what sets us apart: memorialhermann.org/orthopedics
EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP Vol. 12 No. 4 April 2016
Associate Publisher, LARA BELL The countdown is now on for prom, summer vacations and camps. It is also the time for not only America’s favorite pastime but mine as well – baseball. I was lucky enough to be introduced to SpringSpirit Baseball a couple of years ago, and when I found out what these community leaders are doing to help and mentor Spring Branch kids, it sincerely makes me want to play ball with them. Also in this issue, you’ll meet a Stratford High School graduate and model who is making her dreams come true in the Big Apple. Congratulations Katie! There are plenty of great events to keep you and your family out and about this month. Turn to page 53 for some ideas. If you haven’t yet signed up for Spring Branch Education Foundation’s Running for the Arts, it is April 30th at Memorial City Lara Bell. Mall. I have participated for the last several years, and it is so fun to see the community come together. For more information, visit www.runningforthearts.com. Speaking of the arts, the award-winning Stratford Playhouse proudly presents their spring production of A Chorus Line, a musical centered on 17 Broadway dancers all vying for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. Directed by Marcie Baker, the show features music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Marcie is excited to bring this award-winning musical to the Memorial community, as well as showcase these talented young actors. Performances begin April 28th. For ticket information, visit www.shsplayhouse.org. Finally, please e-mail your high-resolution prom photos to me at lara@absolutelyfocusmedia.com for a chance to be included in an upcoming issue! Absolutely! yours,
Lara Dylan Milan and Sydney Shelton at the 2015 Running for the Arts.
Lara Bell-Milam lara@absolutelyfocusmedia.com @larabell
4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700 STAFFORD , TX 77477 281-690-4242
WWW.ABSOLUTELYMEMORIAL.COM
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Lara Bell M A NA G I N G E D I T O R Sarah Bearden SENIOR AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kij AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S Jennifer Elliott Molly Ellis Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marinela Taylor WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Martinez Photography CONTRIBUTORS Alex Belt Patrick Biron Debbie Clemens Jan Glenn Amy Gross Tammy Hampton Kelly Kimberly Maddie McKenzie Myles Mellor Nancy L. Rommelmann Suzanne Stiles Tony Vallone Stephanie Valtasaros O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R AT O R Alexa Goldstein INQUIRIES 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Lara@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
READER FEEDBACK Always looking forward to getting my absolutely! Memorial Magazine in the mail! Just read about a farmers market I didn’t know about. Have to check it out tomorrow. Jamie Gilmore
Lara, I loved the March cover and learning about Spring Branch ISD FFA. I’m going to let my kids know about this option when they get to high school! Connie Edwards
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APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
Published by
Subscription requests are free to all Memorial and Galleria addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside the Memorial/Galleria area. absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2016 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
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COVER STORY By Kelly Kimberly
Guillermo Gonzalez, Kenny Baldwin and Lance Berkman. Photo by Michael Martinez Photography.
SpringSpirit Baseball Is a Home Run for Spring Branch Y uth
F
rom SpringSpirit Baseball’s modest beginnings six years ago, the organization that started with nine kids has grown to serving, mentoring and nurturing more than 800 kids every single week. Located in the heart of Spring Branch, the program is a welcome addition to a neighborhood where 57 percent of families of the Spring Branch School District’s 35,000 students are at or below the poverty level.
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Data from nearby elementary schools further illustrates the need. Ninety-five percent are minority, 89 percent are on the free or reduced lunch program, 71 percent come from a home with limited English language proficiency, and 81 percent are categorized by Spring Branch ISD as “at risk” of not graduating from high school. President and Founder of SpringSpirit Baseball Kenny Baldwin and a group of tenacious volunteers conceived of the organization to serve this group of students. The founders understood that, given the right support, kids labeled “at risk” could be better students and better caregivers to each other. As a former Rice University baseball player who played professionally before enjoying a successful career with Accenture, Baldwin himself has attributed much of his success to his own childhood involvement in a mentoring program in his challenged south San Antonio neighborhood that helped produce championship baseball teams. Baldwin, his wife and the small group of volunteers started with a desire to support a challenged community by partnering with community stakeholders to focus on helping youth in the community realize their full potential. Participants interact with positive role models and mentors, attend summer camps and visit workplaces and college campuses, seeing more of life outside their neighborhood. Baldwin attributes the organization’s success to an extraordinary board, a generous donor base, collaborative community partners, caring volunteers and dedicated staff, all of which are complemented by a growing core of community members who take pride in the success of the mission. “We have been very blessed with a ton of volunteers and building great relationships with the community, building relationships with the kids and showing them that we really love them,” Baldwin said. “If we are really going to steward 800 plus kids in a sustainable way, we have to find ways to do more with less. We will have to rely on volunteers and rely on the community to take ownership.” The volunteers, staff and community stand united in supporting the organization’s mission “to provide safe pathways for youth to realize life opportunities through sports, education and mentoring programs that are based on Christian principles.” SpringSpirit accomplishes this by creating positive mentoring relationships between caring staff and volunteers, the education systems and youth and their families through baseball, softball, soccer, educational and community programs. SpringSpirit Baseball has also attracted the support and participation of many current and former major league athletes. Among them is board member and retired Major League Baseball player Lance Berkman. “People are drawn to a place where they can experience community, and it gives kids a place where they can come
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
and know that they are going to be loved and they are going to be supported. And the staff here at SpringSpirit does a great job of that,” Berkman said. “I think we all have a platform that the Lord gives us, depending on our talents and abilities. I think we have the responsibility to try and leverage that talent, His kingdom and kingdom work. I think that whenever you can combine that passion with doing the Lord’s work, that is something special.”
One student who has participated in SpringSpirit activities for four years is Guillermo Gonzales. He said, “I love SpringSpirit because they teach me baseball, and I have lots of good friends here who are like my family.”
Growth Plans
A Bridge to Success SpringSpirit Baseball’s initial focus is a 1.5 mile radius around the SpringSpirit Youth Sports and Education Complex located on Pitner Road in north Spring Branch. SpringSpirit has a high school-size artificial turf baseball and multi-purpose field, a Little League-size grass baseball field, a multipurpose circle, a playground, batting cages and a Community Center. While baseball is the foundation of SpringSpirit Baseball’s existence, the organization has grown into much more. The organization provides a “bridge to success” that takes participants to pathways that seemed beyond their reach. The four pillars are education, faith, mentoring and sports. The educational programs improve outcomes through three components. First, after-school programs help students with homework, problem solving, reading proficiency and English. Next, through educational field trips, students visit workplaces through
Jesse Juarez warming up before practice.
Rosa Loredo gave Sofia Ruiz a high-five as she crossed the base in one of her first baseball games.
the Take A Student To your Employment (TASTE) and visit colleges with the College for a Day. Finally, through the Academic Academy, motivated students receive extra academic help and visit an out-of-town college. Faith programs include large-scale Friday Night Live (FNL) each week, featuring fun engagement around Christian values and character building, as well as more intimate Huddle Groups, which provide deeper connections with discussions about practical solutions to life issues, including choosing between right and wrong. Hundreds of students also participate in Christian summer camps at SpringSpirit, at a local church or out of town. Through mentoring, participants receive positive connections with coaches on the field. These mentors are committed to creating and building a oneon-one connection. They help with educational support and further develop the life lessons and expanded life experiences. SpringSpirit participants develop their fitness level and athletic skills through practices and health-building activities, league team play and highlevel personal instruction and training. With positive and experienced coaching, the participants’ athletic skills, leadership and teamwork improve to open opportunities for broader life pathways. Through skill development, the opportunity for college scholarships and entrance will increase in the community.
SpringSpirit’s work is far from over. There are 10 other Spring Branch elementary schools north of I-10 with statistics similar to those cited earlier. SpringSpirit is making plans for even more students and families to be able to participate in its trajectory-improving programs. As participants tell their friends about the difference that SpringSpirit is making in the community, others are being drawn to participate. SpringSpirit’s goals are to continue providing high-quality programs that make a profound difference and to expand to reach at-risk youth throughout Spring Branch.
Valentine Espinoza, Alex Zuniga and Valeria Zapata showing off the completed robot they built in a robotics class.
“We have great opportunities in front of us because we’ve got a great team, a great board and great stakeholders to support us,” Baldwin said. “For the 800 kids who are coming here on a regular basis now, we have a responsibility to really make a difference in their lives, and that’s what we’re going to do.” For more information, visit www. SpringSpiritBaseball.org.
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s u o l u Fab inds F BY DE B B I E C L E M E N S @debbieclemens
You may know me as a Memorial mom of four fabulous boys and wife to Roger Clemens, but what you may not know is that I love finding cool and unique products because, let’s face it, in a house full of boys, a girl needs her girl stuff! So, here are some things I absolutely love... and hope you will too!
Simply Fit Board I am so excited about this workout board. It really works! Hold two weights in each hand, balance, then twist away! This is awesome for core strength and balance. Burn that fat and tone those legs – all with no impact. The best part is it can be taken anywhere! www.simplyfitboard.com
Spongellé Shimmer Collection I have always been a fan of the Spongellé line, and it still impresses me. The buff glow infuses a buffer with exotic extracts, one-of-a-kind fragrances and a bit of sparkle. Exfoliate in the bath or shower for golden, glowing skin! www.spongelle.com
Outdoor Voices Active Wear Hyde Me Handmade Crossbody Bag Take a walk on the beach or just around the house with phone in tow and free hands! These bags are lightweight and handmade out of genuine leather and mixed stones with metallic tassels. Choose from neutral colors or many color combinations you are sure to love! www.debbieclemens.com
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A friend of mine told me about this wonderful new line in Austin called Outdoor Voices Active Wear. I fell in love with both their products and fabrics! The line features the softest, comfiest sweats and great active workout clothing from yoga to outdoor hiking for both men and women. www.outdoorvoices.com
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
Angry Mama Cleaner I have seen it all! I love the idea of steam cleaning the microwave. Just add vinegar, water and a bit of fresh lemon to Angry Mama, then watch her work! Heat her up for seven minutes on high, then sponge off the steam. I do this once each week. www.angrymama.com
MAKING SPACE FOR LIVING “I have heard horror stories about construction projects going over budget and taking longer than expected. How can I avoid this on my own project?” The most frustrating and uncomfortable conversations that occur between a builder and an owner typically involve change orders, which can lead to time delays and unexpected costs but can also be avoided with planning and communication. Do the work in advance. Change orders often occur when owners fail to provide the builder with precise, detailed architectural plans and specifications. The drafting process can be costly and time consuming, but don’t allow yourself to be rushed. Including the builder in design meetings with the architect can also help ensure that the entire team is on the same page. Make your selections early. By selecting items in your allowance categories prior to construction you will eliminate many budgetary unknowns. You can also avoid time delays if you know in advance that some of your selections may be back ordered or unavailable. Keep an open dialogue with your builder. When it comes to your project, there are no dumb questions! What are the options? Are there alternatives? Are there any extra costs associated with the decisions you are making? Be proactive and keep the lines of communication open. 832.527.6968 www.stetzerbuilders.com
Erin Stetzer
President, Stetzer Builders, Inc. www.absolutelymemorial.com l APRIL 2016
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Jan Glenn’s Pawsitively Purrfect
Dogue:
When Dogs Dress as Humans and Humans Dress as Dogs
S
pring is the season for all things “dogue.” It is the time for galas, mutt struts, K-9 fun runs, the Derby Dog Dash, animal golf tournaments and parties on the plaza. Animalthemed events are a way to raise money for a person’s favorite animal charity and have a howl of a good time. Humans and animals get into the act and look fabulous doing it. In the animal crowd, there might be a Yankee Doodle Dandy, Canine Klein or a Rin Tin Tiffany.
Surfer giving kisses at the kissing booth.
For decades, I participated in the Houston Humane Society K-9 Fun Run, and it was a joy. This particular fun run has existed for over 30 years. To this day, there are lots of wagging tails and money raised at the event. Costumes are optional, but it is more fun to dress up. They say that clothes make the dog, and costumes do make a fun run or a mutt strut more glamorous. Because so many people watch the animals, it is time to “put on the dog.”
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Chessi dressed to go shopping.
Every year, I dressed my precious Lhasa Apso, slipped on my comfy sneakers, leashed the pooch and went to the fun run. We never won anything, but we looked cute in our matching outfits. A mutt strut or fun run is an easy going walk or run with your dog followed by a doggie-themed festival, which includes photos, pet massages, best-dressed contests and goodies. It is a great time for the entire family – except the cat. It’s best to leave the kitty cat at home for this one! This year’s Doggy Party on the Plaza is set for April 2nd from noon to 5 pm at CITYCENTRE, and it helps promote rescue awareness. There are vendors, contests, clowns, kissing booths and a “Rescue Me” Parade. The parade spotlights area rescue groups as they battle to win $10,000 in valuable prizes for their creativity. Anyone who thinks their pet looks cute or whimsical in a costume can dress up along with their dog and try for the winning prize in the costume contest. Celebrity judges, along with the cheers and jeers from the crowd, decide on the winners. In my household, getting a costume to stay on Crazy Gracie for five minutes makes us a winner. Gracie won’t be competing. There is also an Owner and Pet Look-a-Like Contest. In the vendor crowd are face painters, bake sales, a doggie snack bar, groomers and pet trainers. Shelters such as Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) and Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC), as well as rescue groups such as the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston and Basset Buddies of Houston will be there. It’s a pooch pawty! At the end of the day, relax in your “bark-o-lounger” and relive the sights and sounds of the doggie festival – the contests, new friendships and of course the “puppa-razzi.” It is a time when humans dress as dogs and dogs dress as humans. The day really goes to the dogs – and that is a good thing.
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
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Treat Yourself While Helping Others with the
A
year ago, Melissa Sands found herself in a dilemma. “Several young people in my life were graduating from either high school or college,” confided Sands. “I knew I wanted to get them each something truly special, but to be honest, I didn’t want to spend a fortune.” A longtime supporter of the American Heart Association (AHA), Sands planned her grad gift shopping around the Shop With Heart Card event, a spring discount card fundraiser benefiting the AHA. With her card, Sands saved a bundle on gifts like The University of Texas cufflinks, Jon Hart luggage and bags, monogrammed mementos and college apparel from Houston standbys like Kuhl-Linscomb, Robert’s China Crystal and Gifts and Mark’s Clothiers. “My son is graduating this year, so you can bet I plan to use this year’s Shop With Heart Card to save on gifts for him and his closest friends,” said Sands happily. Sands is one of many shoppers looking forward to this fun springtime shopping and dining event. The Shop With Heart Card works like most discount card fundraisers. People purchase the Shop With Heart Card for a minimum donation – in this case, a budget-friendly $50. Then, from April
22nd through May 1st, cardholders can use their card to save 20 percent off regularly priced merchandise at participating retailers and enjoy a complimentary dessert or appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at participating restaurants. This year, over 500 retailers and restaurants from across Houston and surrounding areas, including Sugar Land, Katy, the Bay Area and The Woodlands have signed up to participate to support this great cause. A full listing of participating retailers and restaurants is available on the Shop With Heart Card website and in their annual Merchant Card Directory. Heart Guild of Houston President and ABC-13 reporter Jessica Willey noted that many people forget that the spring shopping season can be nearly as eventful as the holiday shopping season. “Most of us have a lot going on during the spring months,” said Wil-
Shop With Heart Card Memorial Area Participants: • 2 Lucy’s • Houston Jewelry • AerobiFit • Initials Gifts • Back Row Home and Monogramming • Bags & More • It’s All About You! • Blue Willow Bookshop • J. Dall Hair Salon • Body Mind & Soul • Josephine’s Day Spa • Bowlmor Houston • Kaleidoscope - Studio • Bradley’s Art & Frame of Interior Design • Brush and Blush • Leibman’s Wine • Busy Body Home Fitness & Fine Foods • Carter’s Pet Depot #2 • Leighton Hale Antiques • Chocolate Pizazz • MAI - Memorial Antiques • Designs By Grace & Interiors • Faded Rose Antiques • Mark’s Clothiers • Mirta Tummino Studio at MAI • Get Personal Too • My Workshop Picture • Hanson’s Art & Frame Framing
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• Paisley House • Paisley House Linens + Luxuries • Robert’s China, Crystal, Silver & Gifts • The Shade & Drape Co. • The Shade Tree & Accessories • Sun & Ski • Sweet Bambini • Trudy’s Hallmark #5 and #7 • Vallone’s • Village Antiques • Weidner Hasou & Co. • Wild Birds Unlimited
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
ley. “Between cleaning out the closets and updating the décor, buying gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and weddings and getting your wardrobe ready for summer vacations, prom and the new spring and summer fashions, that’s some serious shopping! Why not save some serious cash while helping to save lives?” The Heart Guild of Houston, a fundraising branch of the AHA, coordinates the annual Shop With Heart Card event. Thanks to the generous support of volunteers, underwriters and sponsors, the Heart Guild is able to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from card sales directly to the AHA. The AHA is one of the most recognizable and trustworthy non-profit organizations in the United States with a full 80 cents of every donated dollar going to fulfill the organization’s mission of “building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers of both men and women. The AHA accomplishes this mission by funding research, education and community outreach across the nation and here in Houston. “Heart disease and stroke have touched many of our lives,” said Shop With Heart Card Chair Julie Haralson. “This is a small way to give back to our community, honor our loved ones and have a great time shopping, dining out and saving money. It’s mutually beneficial for everyone involved.” The 2016 Shop With Heart Card is available at participating retailers for a minimum donation of $50. Visit www.ShopWithHeart.org for more information.
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Seen on the Scene 17th Annual Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show Benefiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ January 29, 2016 • Hilton Americas
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Michelle Wasaff with Mary Lou & Bob Devine Lois Rogers & Kristine Elkins Chita Johnson & Susan McEldoon Tricia Koch, Marilyn DeMontrond, Jonnie Steffek, Kathleen Williams & Carol Sawyer Meredith Johnson & Jennifer Summerour 5
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Kristina Somerville, Sandra Burkhalter, Kelly Hornberger & Susan Spalding Peggy & Wayne Hollis Gretchen Gilliam & Gregg Gilliam Crystal Northcutt, Lynn Kiesewetter, Debby Young & Arlene Hinsley Patt Mann Phillips, Paula Robinson & Sharleen Walkoviak Curtis Clerkley Christina Stith, Bobby Dees & Sylvia Forsythe
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Seen on the Scene Breakfast for Champions Benefiting SpringSpirit Baseball
Photos by Alison Carlino Photography.
February 2, 2016 • River Oaks Country Club
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Drew Taggart with Sheri & Steve Scott Allan & Hilda Ramirez Laura Davis, Sarah Michel & Katherine Sorrell Ronnie Vinson & Vicki Velarde Brenda Rivera & Rick Esser Robert Gauntt, Pete Johnston & Todd Reid Keith Maxwell & Kenny Baldwin Karen Comiskey with Ellen & J.B. Mallay Aimee Snoots & Dallas Keuchel
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Seen on the Scene
NEWSWORTHY
Green Gala Benefiting the Memorial Park Conservancy February 4, 2016 • Memorial Park Running Trails Center
Resident of The Buckingham Publishes His Life’s Work at Age 92
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A 92 year-old resident of The Buckingham put his life’s work and experiences down on paper, publishing his book As.It. Was…But Not Now: A Memoir. Dr. Joseph Merrill has worked as a professor emeritus at the Baylor College of Medicine since 1967, and his career shows no Dr. Joseph Merrill. signs of slowing down. In his recently published memoir, Merrill gives readers an inside look at the life of a doctor, as well as the ebb and flow of medical knowledge and techniques over the course of his career. He exemplifies the Masterpiece Living® philosophy that serves as the community’s foundation. The philosophy embraces a wellness-minded attitude and encourages learning throughout the aging process, focusing on an individual’s key development areas – physical, mental, social and spiritual. Merrill’s dedication to staying physically and mentally active enabled him to write and publish his book over the course of just one year. Despite all of his career accomplishments over the last 60 years, Merrill remains humble, crediting his friends and neighbors for their continued support and inspiration. “My book recounts the changes I’ve seen in the medical field over the course of my career,” said Merrill. “My hope is for people to have better insight into the problems currently affecting the American medical system and for them to understand the importance of education. “Considering the present state of the American medical system, I knew this was the right time to publish my experiences. People are concerned, and my goal is to capture the attention of the public, policy makers, students and doctors. Whether or not my words make a difference for the future of health care is up to society; I have already found fulfillment knowing that I completed the task of composing my personal journey and shared it with the world.” When asked if he has plans to write a second book, Merrill said he often thinks of his late wife of 54 years, Gudrun, when that question arises. “I married a Swedish girl after a 15 month trans-Atlantic courtship, and our correspondence might be of interest to others engaged in international dialogue. My wife’s words of wisdom, ‘You have to make an effort,’ stuck with me all these years.” By sharing his life story and essays, Merrill hopes readers will enjoy his highly-seasoned account of life in the medical field. In addition, he says that others around him continue to inspire him to do more.
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Amanda Edwards & Jay Jones Kate Stouffer & Caroline Brown Jim Porter & Kay Kamas Sharon Owens & Ellen Cohen Adam Newar & Amy Rozzell with John & Jennifer Briscoe Lorraine & Ed Wulfe Lindsey & Bradley Beard Cindy Garza Roberts with Martha & Steve Gonzalez 8
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Dean & Theresa Corgey with Debbie & Steve Costello Annie & Campbell Eifler Farrell Lawo & Holly Kuhn David Leebron & Y. Ping Sun Myron Blalock with Louise & Robert Bland Jackson, Anita & Gerald Smith Tammy & Steve Jenkins Ben & Margaret Morris with Lindsay & Alex Mousoudakis Melanie Lawson & Anne Vance
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Texas T
he Lone Star State is home to a plethora of thrilling activities suitable for the whole family. Here are just a few stretching from Galveston to San Antonio. Now, round up your friends and family, and hop in the car. Fun is just a short road trip away!
Upcoming Events at Six Flags Fiesta Texas With more than 60 amazing rides, slides, shows and attractions including nine exhilarating coasters, Fiesta Texas is the perfect day-cation getaway that is always close to home. This Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th, Six Flags Fiesta Texas invites moms and everyone who loves them to enjoy a day filled with laughs, good times and incredible family memories. Whether your mom is a daredevil or prefers to just relax, she will find non-stop fun on jaw-dropping, giant mega-coasters like Iron Rattler and classic family rides like Crow’s Nest. Mom’s little rug rats will love the kooky kids’ rides and all of the zany characters from their favorite cartoons. The park will celebrate Memorial Day from Thursday, May 26th through Monday, May 30th. Look high in the sky at aweinspiring roller coasters like the Superman Krypton Coaster to see what good, old-fashioned American ingenuity can achieve. Then, climb aboard as Fiesta Texas’ legendary collection of roller coasters deliver non-stop modern thrills. There is fun for the whole family on fan-favorite spinner classics like the Hustler. And, the littlest speed demons will be dazzled by the wildly creative rides made just for tykes, the majority of which are located in the Kidzopolis area.
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The San Jacinto Museum of History From rich displays of armaments and uniforms to an exciting retelling of the road to Texas freedom and beyond, the San Jacinto Museum of History in La Porte brings history to life in a way the whole family can enjoy. The museum’s collection spans more than four centuries of early Texas history, from the beginnings of European activity in the New World through Texas as a state in the United States. The Battle of San Jacinto was fought at this site on April 21, 1836, and each year, an exciting reenactment takes place on the grounds surrounding the San Jacinto Monument as the centerpiece of the admission-free San Jacinto Day Festival. This year’s San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment is set for Saturday, April 23rd. Presented by the San Jacinto Volunteers and other living history organizations from across the state, the reenactment dramatizes the decisive battle where General Sam Houston led his Texian soldiers to victory over the Mexican Army, eventually leading to almost 1,000,000 square miles of Mexican territory becoming a part of the United States. Booming cannons, cracking musket fire, thundering hooves and desperate battle cries resound across the San Jacinto Battleground as hundreds of history reenactors dramatically interpret the Runaway Scrape, the cannon duel and the final battle between the two forces. Best of all, the reenactors are all very accessible and knowledgeable, happy to share their knowledge of the Texas War of Independence and frontier life. The festival is a full day of music, entertainment, food, games, craft demonstrations and fun set amidst living history.
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New at SeaWorld San Antonio The world’s largest marine park, SeaWorld San Antonio will treat guests this spring and summer to the return of their popular dolphins in an expansive new naturalistic habitat, a new way to experience Aquatica and a variety of special events. “The 2016 season is going to be exhilarating and full of new adventures that every member of the family will enjoy,” said SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio Park President Dan Decker. “We’re especially excited about the debut this spring of Discovery Point, one of the largest capital investments in the park’s 27 year history.” Discovery Point, the most highly anticipated of the 2016 additions, features a new realm within SeaWorld showcasing bottlenose dolphins. Standing on the habitat’s sandy shores, guests can observe dolphins cruising the surface, or from an underwater viewing area, they can see the energetic animals playing beneath the waves. In addition, guests who wish
Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™, is a whimsical waterpark with up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and sandy beaches. Image from www.seaworldparks.com.
to come nose-to-nose with these amazing marine mammals will have the opportunity to reserve an unforgettable opportunity to swim with dolphins for a separate fee. Entry into SeaWorld’s highly acclaimed waterpark Aquatica previously required the purchase of a two-park ticket. But new this season, guests can purchase a separate ticket just for this park. Providing even more reasons to visit,
SeaWorld is enriching its strong lineup of special events – all of which are included with SeaWorld park admission. The “Seven Seas Food Festival” sets sail weekends in April and May. Guests can sample and sip their way around the park, enjoying craft beers, wonderful wines and global fusion food. “Summer Nights” offers special evening entertainment and later closing times.
MASSIV: The Tallest Water Coaster in the World First it was the longest river ride, then the longest torrent rivride to Galveston Island,” said Ron Sutula, general manager for er ride, then the tallest waterslide. Now, Schlitterbahn is buildSchlitterbahn Galveston Island. “It’s a massive anniversary presing the world’s tallest water coaster and putting it in the awardent to all of our guests and is going to be a blast to ride!” winning Schlitterbahn Waterpark on Galveston Island. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Island has been named Called MASSIV, the German word for massive, the water the world’s best indoor waterpark for eight years from theme coaster will be in place in time for the waterpark’s 10th Anniverand waterpark enthusiasts worldwide. MASSIV will be twice as sary celebration this summer. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island is long as any waterslide in the park and the tallest slide. home to more thrill rides than any other Schlitterbahn Waterpark, making it the perfect home for this record-breaking ride. Not only will MASSIV be the tallest water coaster in the world, but it will also have a number of other innovations, including a translucent section that will make riders visible from the river below, four uphill sections with six blaster jets and a triple-drop ending into a landing pool – a never-done-before thrilling finale to the ride. The exact height of the water coaster will be announced later this spring. MASSIV utilizes Master Blaster technology, which was invented 22 years ago by Schlitterbahn’s Wizard of Water Jeff Henry. This technology was licensed to WhiteWater West, which is the company constructing MASSIV. An artist’s aerial rendering of MASSIV. “We are thrilled to be bringing this iconic Image from www.schlitterbahnnews.com. www.absolutelymemorial.com l APRIL 2016
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Summer Travel Tips
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Before You Hit the Road, Is Your Car “Road Ready?” A family road trip can mean hours of fun, or if there is car trouble, hours stranded by the side of the road. The car care specialists – and disaster prevention experts – at Memorial Drive Tire & Auto suggest a quick “pre-trip checkup” called a “PMI,” which stands for preventive maintenance inspection. They will check a car’s brakes, suspension and car battery, which are essential for a smooth, safe drive. They will also check the tire integrity and air pressure, along with fluid levels, including anti-freeze in the radiator, regardless of the time of year. And if there are plans to be on the road for an extended period, an oil change would be a respectful nod to Murphy’s Law that might pay big dividends. As veterans of countless family road trips, owners Linda Elliott and Nancy Lerner offer a few suggestions based on their own experiences. First, ice down a small cooler with a closeable, spill-proof lid with your family’s favorite beverages in plastic containers. Snacks like packaged baby carrots and yogurt with spoons help keep the little ones – and the big ones – from getting “hangry” between stops. Try instituting periodic electronic device “blackouts” every other hour to promote conversation. Include a trash bag for disposable items, a pen and legal pad for taking notes on ideas and conversation starters, and remember, a simple deck of playing cards is an inexpensive form of multi-generational family recreation. For more information, call Memorial Drive Tire & Auto at 281-497-0830 or visit www.memorialdrivetireauto. com.
Summer Travel Tips
Something Cool from South Jetty South Jetty Products, LLC is a Memorial based company focused on delivering products of quality and value to outdoor warriors, sports enthusiasts and active families. Formed by two Houston natives who fancy themselves outdoorsmen, the South Jetty owners saw a market for those who prefer versatility and value over high prices and national marketing campaigns. South Jetty Coolers are roto-molded and built for the harshest environments, with all of the features expected from a high-end, quality cooler. Offered in five sizes and two colors – white or khaki – they will hold ice for days. “I used to only consider these types of coolers for long excursions offshore or weekend campouts, but the truth is they are just as useful chilling wine on the patio or holding ice cream at a child’s birthday party,” said South Jetty Co-Owner Sam Pennington. “Cool in any situation is how we like to think of it at South Jetty. People just love them.” South Jetty Coolers offers a fiveyear warranty, 90 day, no-hassle return policy and currently free shipping, all at a price that is far less than the competition. absolutely! Memorial readers can take 10 percent off by entering the discount code Absolutely. From boat to beach to birthday party, there is one cooler for every occasion – South Jetty! For more information, visit www. SouthJettyCoolers.com.
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Niko Niko’s Opens in Memorial City
By Myles Mellor
BRAIN TEASER
Crossword Cruisin’
Across 1 Chevy ____ Z06 5 One of the most popular convertibles of the 90s 10 Medical TV show 11 Lamborghini ____ 12 Top driver 14 Trials 16 Car dealer’s offering 17 One of the least favored car colors in the US 20 Over 8 hours work in a day, abbr. 21 They get changed 23 Bad rating 25 What @ means 26 Owned before 28 Mark IV Toyota ____ 30 Street, for short 34 Lures in 39 Catch-all name for wood on steel vehicles 42 Common soccer score 43 1920 Belgian auto 44 Former Ford SUV 45 Mini, for one 47 A defect in this caused a multi million vehicle recall for GM 49 Alfa Romeo 2600 ____ 50 Genetic code 51 Studebaker ___ Deluxe 52 Vintage designation Down 1 Chevy ____ Carrier
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VW passenger vans A shutout lowers it Blue-green hue 90s Acura Musk’s model Expressive creation Describing a car that has been damaged by hard use (2 words) Executive, for short Methodologies Word on all US coins Nissan has one ____ 4: Toyota SUV Lexus __ The Giants’ Manning Kia model Hyundai’s luxury model; the new version almost “drives itself ” Comes together Promotional offering Give a thumbs-down to What all cars need (care and attention, abbr.) 1990 Lotus ____ Leave the track at the Indy 500 perhaps (2 words) Gull____ door Spend too much on Approximate arrival time, for short Nation that made the Chery JD Power and associates function Scand. land Tin symbol A famous Pepper?
See answers on page 37.
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Niko Niko’s owner Dimitri Fetokakis recalls driving around town with his parents as a kid, imagining future locations for their family restaurant. It was then that he first fell in love with Memorial City. In 2009, he finally nestled into a home in the area. For decades, Niko Niko’s has been a legendary staple in Montrose. It is a regular stop for locals and a pilgrimage for many out-of-towners. Over the past few years, the restaurant has expanded to include two smaller locations in Market Square and Pearland. Now, Fetokakis has opened a Niko Niko’s close to home. The newest location at the corner of Katy Freeway and the Sam Houston Tollway is an 8,000 square-foot, standalone restaurant. A larger kitchen and dedicated bakery allow for an expanded menu. An outdoor area for customers to enjoy on sunny days includes green space for kids and a comfortable patio where parents can supervise while savoring gyros, loukoumades – delicious golden honey balls – and fresh coffee. Fetokakis aims to make the I-10 location as integral to the area as the Montrose restaurant. He envisions whole families becoming regulars, students coming in after classes and members of the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association stopping by after games. Ever true to their Greek heritage, the new Niko Niko’s location is a warm, welcoming place for family and friends to gather and fill up on their renowned Greek dishes. To learn more about Niko Niko’s, visit nikonikos.com.
“Gray” Divorces By Nancy L. Rommelmann, Family Law Attorney Some statistics show that since 1990, the divorce rate for Americans over 50 years old has doubled and more than doubled for those over 65 years old. More than 50 percent of all “gray” divorces are between couples who are in their first marriage and who had been married for over 20 years.
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
The cause for dissolution in many of those marriages is due to the fact that the couple has grown apart, not due to grounds of adultery or cruel treatment. However, sometimes after the couple’s remaining child has married or is out of college, people see their “job” as done and no longer want to live with an abusive spouse or a spouse who has addictions and is unwilling to acknowledge or seek treatment for the addiction. Times have changed, and with longer life expectancies and better overall health for individuals over 50, an opportunity for an emotionally healthy lifestyle can be attractive. Issues arise in a “gray” divorce that are somewhat unique to this age category, such as a close review and assessment of retirement and pension plans, annuities and other investments, social security benefits, life insurance, trusts and estate planning and gifting of property and how these issues affect your future if divorced. It is important to consider if there will be enough income to support yourself and options for health care coverage at a reasonable cost. Couples considering divorce during this time in their lives should pursue marital counseling to work to reconcile, renew and rebuild their marriage. Parties should explore what changes can be made in their lives to provide for a more fulfilling and rewarding relationship, rescue their marriage and reclaim the vibrant love they once shared. It is never too late. If you have been with your spouse a long time and have raised children together, you need to consider the future you no doubt will share with your spouse or ex-spouse due to graduations, weddings and baptisms. It is prudent to contact a family law attorney to access or protect your assets and be knowledgeable about the divorce process. “Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past.” – Tryon Edwards
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By Maddie McKenzie
Stratford High School Graduate
Takes the Runway
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tratford High School 2015 graduate Katie Moore has done what most girls only dream of doing – starting small and making it in the big world, big time. Katie always had an interest in theatre, acting and modeling, which came naturally with her 5’11” frame. While in high school, she signed with Page Parkes Modeling and participated in the Stratford Playhouse, where during her senior year, she took the lead role as Rosie Alvarez in the production of Bye Bye Birdie. Right before graduation, she was offered two modeling contracts, one with Trump Models of New York and the other with Major Paris Models. The Moore family took a leap of faith and let Katie take a gap year from college to follow her dreams. “Katie had to think about all of the things she would be missing, like going to college with her friends, the freshman dorm room experience and a year of education. On the other hand, Katie is getting an experience that not many people get to have,” her mother, Tricia Moore, said. Just three short weeks after her high school graduation, Katie was off to walk the runway in Paris. “I was supportive. I said, ‘Doing something like this where you can travel the world is an opportunity you can only have now,’ ” Tricia said. Katie flew to Par-
High school sweethearts Jack Goss and Katie Moore at their high school graduation in June 2015.
is, where she walked in five shows for Haute Couture Paris and also received editorials in Marie Claire France and L’Officiel Spain. Last fall, Katie spent her time in New York, where she became one of nine reps for Milk Makeup. In February of this year, Katie’s world got a whole lot bigger. “Her agent called me with big news. Alexander Wang wanted Katie to open the show,” Tricia said. Wang took a special interest in Katie, especially when she traded her soft, long blonde hair for a more edgy
Celebrity Serve Gala Announces a “Major” Celebrity Guest NEWSWORTHY
Legendary actor, television and film icon Lee Majors will headline this year’s 35th Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit. Hard Hats and Heels benefiting the prevention of child abuse and neglect will take place on Sunday, April 10th at Tony’s Restaurant. With a career spanning over 54 years, Majors has starred in television roles such as The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy. In 2015, he appeared and starred in Do You Believe and Almosting It and recently wrapped up filming Season 2 of Ash vs Evil Dead for the Starz Channel, which will premier in October.
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look by stylist Guido Palau. Palau gave Katie a “Crimson Glow” bob, pairing well with Alexander Wang’s Fall 2016 show, an aesthetic punk look, which he presented at New York Fashion Week. The day Katie was scheduled to make the “game-changing career move” to restyle her hair, Katie’s agent called Tricia and said, “We need to go for it. Katie has got Alexander Wang who can launch her career if we do this.” Katie’s new bob stood out as she walked the runway wearing dog collars, chains and an iconic 90s skirt and blazer. “I think her theatrical mind comes into play when she’s on the runway. Her ability to become more than the girl wearing the clothes gives her the edge, confidence and ability to do what she does,” Tricia said. “I remember the first time I met Katie. She walked in and had this great, tall, beautiful presence. She was cast in her first Playhouse production as a showgirl in Will Roger’s Follies, and her psyche pulled it off well. I think she learned a lot from Stratford Theatre, and she applies her skills well,” said Cece Prudhomme, who has been the lead director of the Stratford High School Playhouse for 24 years and watched Katie grow up. “Readiness and confidence has been something Katie has always possessed. When I heard that she was getting signings in Paris and New York, I knew she had big things coming her way. I was excited to see her grow and develop on her own.” In just nine short months, Katie has taken the fashion world by storm. And for Katie, dreams really do come true.
The star and his wife and business partner, Faith Majors, have spent the last two decades working together on a path of philanthropy. “We are thrilled to have such a humble and generous man to help heighten our cause of preventing child abuse,” said Lidya Osadchey, executive director of ESCAPE Family Lee Majors. Resource Center. The center’s child abuse prevention and parenting programs provide services in at-risk communities – to the families that need them the most – and involve the entire family in the learning process. For more information, contact Sandi Mercado at 713-9429500, extension 14 or smercado@learntoparent.org.
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
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K
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C Bir ’ rick t s a id By P
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Children’s Online Safety: Social Identity, Privacy and Geotagging
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thousands of years in the future someone digs up an iPhone and gets it working, they won’t have much trouble figuring out what we do each day. Indeed, with the meteoric rise of Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and the “selfie,” most people bookmark their lives on a nearly moment-tomoment basis. For young children, especially teens, this plays directly into the identity-based insecurities and transient feelings of puberty. In under 15 seconds, children can use their phone to post a status and almost instantaneously get comments, likes or a response from hundreds of people. While this might make them feel “known,” it is important to make sure kids realize what constitutes a real friend from someone who simply friends them online. And while a real-life “like” from their parents is sometimes the last thing on earth they want, especially in front of their friends, parents should support their children in activities that provide them with real, face-to-face role models and friends. It’s one of the reasons that I believe sports, arts, camps and coaches are so vital. The innocence and naivety of teens also puts them at risk on social media, where predators, bullies or other undesirables can mislead, groom or stalk them. Educating kids on the dangers is a must, but some children do not respond well to a parent “telling” them what to do. If your child has reached that stage of development and you feel they are ready, it might be more beneficial to simply show them the facts, the risks and the benefits and let them come to the safe conclusions themselves. What are those risks? Well, first off, create a fake person
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with your child online to show them how easy it is and the dangers of online relationships. Show them how easy it is to lie and misrepresent who you are on social media. Many kids take a Facebook post almost as seriously as a sworn testimony before the Supreme Court, and it is important for them to realize that their friends, celebrities and everyone in between usually only post the best side of themselves. They should always take what they see online with a big grain of salt. Speaking of selfies, you may want to talk to your kids about privacy settings. Do they have their accounts set up so anyone can find them by simply searching their name? Would they feel uncomfortable if someone creepy was able to see their photos? It also should be noted that most smart phones embed a “geotag” in an image, a digital fingerprint that tells the date and location the photo was taken. There are ways to disable this, but kids – and parents – might not even know about it. So that “secret” hideout that a child visits to relax might not be secret if the geotag is enabled and they take a selfie there and post it online. There are both benefits and risks to this technology, but as an informed parent, you will be able to make the best decision for your kids, and that’s something that’s truly likable. E-mail Patrick Biron at patrick@absolutelyfocusmedia.com if you have a topic or question you’d like covered or simply want more information.
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
PROFILES
Meet the Finest in Memorial
J. Carter Breed J. Carter Breed Properties
Patty Jackson Heritage Texas Properties
Wendy Cline Wendy Cline Properties – Keller Williams Memorial
Jana Bruce Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Lil Newman Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Maya Blanton Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Inga Laughlin Smith Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Martha White Heritage Texas Properties
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PROFILES J. Carter Breed Properties
B
J. Carter Breed
J. Carter Breed Properties 11211 Katy Freeway Suite 415 Houston, TX 77079 713-482-2222 www.jcarterbreed.com
orn and raised in the Memorial area, J. Carter Breed was exposed to real estate early, as his mother was a successful Realtor. Prior to his real estate career, Breed worked in the oil and gas industry. He became a licensed realtor in 1993 and has ranked in the Top 25 Realtors out of 27,000 licensed agents in Houston since 1999. His expertise and devotion to exceptional service places him in the top one percent of all Realtors in the United States. Breed has achieved much recognition ranking in the Top 10 in Texas, as well as being owner of J. Carter Breed Properties. Known for his superior negotiating skills and the ease of explaining real estate situations to his clients, Breed is a marketing specialist with extensive knowledge of area schools, expertise in renovating distressed properties and over 20 years as both a listing agent and buyer’s agent of Houston’s luxury homes. Team members are Administrative Assistants Candy Caulton and Kristi Kauffman and Buyer Representatives Ross Gilbert, Owen Anglum and Christopher Mundy. Last year, the J. Carter Breed Team sold just under $35 million in transactions. Part of their joy and success is in meeting new people and establishing lasting relationships. Married with three daughters, Breed is active in his church and community and on the board of directors of the Spring Branch Education Foundation. He is currently running for Spring Branch ISD School Board Position 5.
Patty Jackson
Heritage Texas Properties Blessed with a great sense of humor and a level-headed personality that puts clients immediately at ease, Patty Jackson is a natural when it comes to handling the stresses and uncertainties connected with buying or selling a home. A difficult move to Houston in 1984 as the result of a transfer inspired Jackson to become a Realtor® to help people cope with those transitions, while her background as a pre-school teacher ingrained in her the importance of focusing on the basics. A resident of Ashford Forest/Nottingham Forest, Jackson markets all of the Memorial and Westside neighborhood. Her energetic and positive approach to helping clients achieve their dreams is what has made her a repeatedly recognized “Star Achiever” and one of the company’s top producing agents.
14340 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079 281-582-3960 • pjackson@heritagetexas.com www.heritagetexas.com
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Wendy Cline
Wendy Cline Properties – Keller Williams Memorial Wendy Cline and Wendy Cline Properties – Keller Williams Memorial, ranked in the top one percent among Houston Realtors by the Houston Business Journal for four consecutive years, proudly serves the Memorial Villages, West Memorial and City Centre areas. With a focus on client service, research and creative marketing, Wendy Cline Properties puts 100 percent of their attention on attaining the best results in every transaction for every client. Cline represents buyers and sellers at all price points including luxury residential, new construction, re-sales, the senior market and equestrian. With certifications in senior, probate, buyer representation and luxury real estate as well as a commitment to giving back to the community, Cline is the perfect choice for all of your real estate needs.
950 Corbindale, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024 281-858-3451 properties@wendyclineproperties.com www.WendyClineProperties.com
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
PROFILES Jana Bruce
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Lil Newman
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Jana Bruce is quickly becoming one of the Bayou City’s most sought-after luxury real estate professionals. A highly regarded Realtor who represents discriminating buyers and sellers in neighborhoods throughout Houston, Bruce is a trusted advisor to her clients. The ever-changing nature of Houston and its residential real estate scene are a perfect fit for this fourth-generation Texan and native Houstonian. Bruce nurtures a deep appreciation for her traditional Southern roots and the Bayou City’s history, culture, diversity and architecture. Bruce’s reputation as a successful real estate professional is built on character and integrity, and she makes time to volunteer for many local organizations, schools and charities. She believes in an equal balance of work and fun.
Lil Newman has always had a passion for her profession. Licensed and consistently practicing real estate since 2000, she has a rare dedication and commitment to detail that makes her a valuable asset to her clients. Newman specializes in the Memorial area. As a third generation Houstonian, she has a detailed knowledge of the city! Her family originated in the Heights area before moving to the northside of Houston. Newman married and moved to Memorial in 1986 where she raised four children. A member of the Houston Bar Auxiliary, Newman is also an active volunteer in Spring Branch ISD and volunteered for 25 years for the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association.
12506 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024 713-444-0180 jbruce@marthaturner.com web.har.com/janaburnsbruce
50 Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 700W Houston, TX 77027 713-252-6653 • Lnewman@marthaturner.com www.marthaturner.com
Maya Blanton
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty Native Houstonian and Realtor Associate Maya Blanton specializes in assisting residential buyers and sellers across Memorial and West Houston neighborhoods. Through expertise in research analysis, marketing strategies, building customer relationships and hard work, Blanton has achieved excellent results. She has earned a 5 star client experience rating on HAR.com and has been presented with Martha Turner’s Circle of Excellence Award. Blanton is dedicated to creating a positive real estate experience for buyers and sellers across Houston. Knowledge plus strategy equals success!
50 Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 700W Houston, TX 77027 713-444-5888 • mblanton@marthaturner.com www.mayablanton.com
Inga Laughlin Smith Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
Inga Laughlin Smith, Broker Associate, brings an impressive background in international business to her real estate practice. Smith is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has been a resident of Houston since 1989. Smith began her real estate career with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty in 2008. Prior to that, she worked in international banking for 10 years with “Fortune 100” oil and gas clientele. This experience provided numerous transferable skills, including strong negotiation, marketing and contract skills. A member of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty’s Circle of Excellence and Hall of Fame, Smith attributes her success to being positive, outgoing and a “hands-on” Realtor. The majority of Smith’s business is in the Greater Memorial market.
12506 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024 713-254-5947 • ismith@marthaturner.com www.har.com/IngaLSmith www.absolutelymemorial.com l APRIL 2016
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PROFILES
7
Tips for a Fast, Easy Move
Take the stress out of move-in day with this list of best practices from Bill Powers.
1
Protect delicate plants from damage by making funnel-shaped cardboard protectors. If you’re moving in cold weather, be sure to seal the plants in plastic as well.
2
Make sure all of the rooms are clean before placing furniture into them. Dust the baseboards and vacuum and wash the kitchen and bathroom floors. Clean storage spaces before filling them as well. Paint them if you have the time.
3
Before moving furniture into a room, decide how you want it arranged. The best way is to make newspaper cutouts of the furniture. To do this, measure the dimensions of the item and tape together newspaper pages to match the “footprint” of the furniture. This allows you to easily try out several floor plans before hauling in all the furniture.
4
To prevent items from being misplaced, draw up a floor plan of the house and label each of the rooms on the plan. Put the name of each room on its door. Label each moving box with the name of the room it goes in. Place the floor plan near the entrance so that people helping with the move will be able to find the rooms quickly and easily.
5
To keep helpers from tracking in dirt during their many trips into the home, lay down packing blankets or drop cloths over carpeting or floors. It’s unrealistic to ask them to remove their shoes each time they come in and out of the house, and this method will prevent unnecessary cleaning later.
6
When moving a large or heavy piece of furniture upstairs, lay it on its back on the stairs. Have two people underneath push it and one person above to steady it. If the piece could potentially be damaged, wrap a packing blanket around it before you move it.
7
Air rooms out by opening all of the windows. If it’s cold outside, keep them open just long enough to freshen the air, then close them and turn on the heat. This will be a good opportunity to make sure the furnace is in good working order. Source: www.hgtv.com
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Martha White
Heritage Texas Properties Martha White’s cheerful approach to life and work combined with her professional “can do” attitude has ensured her career success in real estate. All of White’s clients warrant 100 percent of her attention. White’s greatest satisfaction is helping clients fulfill the American dream of home ownership. A Heritage Texas Properties Star Achiever and consistent Memorial Office Top Producer, White was recognized as one of Heritage’s Company-Wide Top Producers for 2011 and 2013, 2014 and 2015, a significant achievement given that the company is home to more than 300 sales associates. A second generation Houstonian, White is well-informed about markets in Memorial Villages, Spring Valley, Galleria, Tanglewood, West University, Wilchester/ Wilchester West, Nottingham, Yorkshire, Katy, Cinco Ranch, Copperfield, Sugar Land, Pearland and Midtown.
14340 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079 281-582-3956 • mwhite@heritagetexas.com www.marthawwhite.com
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
NEWSWORTHY
Eagle Scout Earns All 138 Badges
Marcos A/C AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
Family Owned and Operated - Serving Houston Since 1985 John Stoetzer Gray, Jr. recently attended his last Court of Honor as a Boy Scout where he was awarded 18 merit badges and his fifth and final Eagle Palm. He also joined an extremely small group of Scouts – those few who have earned all of the merit badges offered by scouting at the time they turn 18. For Gray, that is 138 merit John Stoetzer Gray, Jr. badges. Less than four percent of boys who join scouting reach the rank of Eagle, which requires earning 21 merit badges, along with learning a variety of skills, demonstrating leadership over the years and directing a significant leadership project. But, earning all of the merit badges offered while a youth is a Scout is so rare that Boy Scouts of America does not even track it. As the number of merit badges has grown and fluctuated over the years, peaking at 142 several years ago, only 28 Scouts have earned 138 or more merit badges. Gray has been a member of Troop 599, sponsored by Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, since 2008. Gray credits the adult leadership in Troop 599 for providing the framework to accomplish his lofty goal. “I could not have done it without Adam White, the Troop’s Scoutmaster, Walter Brookhart, the Troop’s Committee Chairman, and the countless volunteer hours of James Harris, Michael Klein and Lorraine Peterson who helped with the record keeping,” Gray said. “Merit badges are like anything else. What you put into it correlates to what you get out of it. Truck Transportation, Astronomy, Kayaking, Scuba Diving and Nuclear Science were some of my favorites.” While Gray shares the Eagle rank with his older brother, David, a few classmates at Houston Christian High School and more than 300 Scouts from Troop 599 who have earned Eagle since 1972, he noted, “My success in earning every available merit badge distinguishes me as a Scout with an extremely rare and special scouting achievement.” Gray continues to share his passion for merit badges with other members of his Troop any chance he gets. Toward this end, he donated each and every merit badge book to the Troop 599 library. A senior at Houston Christian High School, Gray hopes to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.
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Crossword Cruisin’
Answers to the puzzle on page 28. www.absolutelymemorial.com l APRIL 2016
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Mentions Photo by Sherer Bliss Photography.
Memorial
BY SUZANNE STILES suzanne@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
The 4th annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation headshaving event was held Feb 23rd at Bunker Hill Elementary. This year, 46 heads were shaved and over $25,000 was raised to help fight childhood cancer. Asa and Atticus Rigo held signs with the names of cancer patients for whom they shaved.
Troop 642 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church honored four new Eagle Scouts in February: Alec Norman and Zachary Harkins, juniors at Stratford High School, and Tucker Reinhardt and William Von Gonten III, juniors at Memorial High School.
Neal R. Pellis, Ph.D., director of Division Space Life Sciences at Universities Space Research Association, spoke to the eighth-grade students at St. Francis Episcopal Day School. Visiting after the presentation were Debbie Harris, Pellis and Blair Barineau.
Memorial Middle School and Memorial Dance Center students Helena Stewart, Katelyn Krivan, Lauren Biar and Olivia Brown performed at eMOTIONs Dance Company Community Show, an annual event at Bellaire High School.
The Bayou Villages chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) hosted their senior presentation honoring the senior class of 2016 on January 31st at The Junior League of Houston. Congratulations to honorees Sara Beth Shelton, Morgan Brown, Abby Simpson, Mary Labanowski, Elizabeth Knapp, Maddie Prator, Emily Stone, Jordan Hammond, Amy Drews, Kate Berry, Berkeley Fatjo, Kristen Blakley, Nina Rotan, Vaughn Solcher, Olivia Jones, Paige Reed, Morgan Vicknair, Lane Deaver, Nicole Blakley, Lauren Panus, Jen Margolis, Delaney Graf, Lauren Perillo, Emma Cate Graham, Aldon Hinson and Carol Ann Iler.
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APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
At their first cross-country meet of the season, Memorial Middle School (MMS) eighth graders Sarah Adams and Paulina Carles ran the two-mile race with Paulina placing second and Sarah third. MMS eighth grader Sloan Rigamonti ran the one-mile race and placed third. Congratulations! St. Francis Episcopal Day School Assistant Head of Primary School Darla McNay, Head of Primary School Michelle Symonds and Head of School Dr. Susan Lair shared a moment with The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle and St. Francis Rector Rev. Stuart Bates. The Bishop joined them to bless the opening of the new primary school.
In 2015, Elite MMA focused on fighting against child abuse and wrapped up the year raising a total of $22,000 for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Attending the check presentation were Eric Williams, Lidya Osadchey and Frost and Kate Murphy.
The Memorial Middle School Girls 7th Grade A Team won the district with a final district record of 6-0 and a season record of 8-1. Congratulations to Reese Leif, Emily Morse, Ana Sofia Meyer, Lizzie Gissel, Erin Jackson, Claire Justice, Bri Ellis, Lyla Traylor, Sarah Stinson, Vanessa Nunley, Lauren Chaffin, Elizabeth Bounds and Monkey Parnell!
Frostwood kindergarteners Avery Nix, Emmie Muras, Natalie Money, Susannah Moore, Anne Marrs, Elise Hardig, Emily Magilton and Charlotte Young danced with the Memorial High School Markettes at the Spring Jr. Drill Clinic.
The Kinkaid Upper School First Tech Challenge Robotics Team, under the direction of Vinnie Vrotny, won the Southeast Texas and Louisiana Regional Championship. Celebrating were team members Julian Meyers, Joseph Wagnon, Daniel King, Nikita Munsif and Christos Papandreou. Congratulations!
Rummel Creek Elementary Principal Nancy Harn, along with Ava and Jeni De La Mora, celebrated during a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new campus, which opened its doors in January.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l APRIL 2016
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Ask Alex: Monogramming A
lex Belt is a mom, business owner and all around in the know kind of gal. Friends call on her relentlessly for advice on how to plan a party and what trend is “in.” With so many options for monogramming, we’re doing what everyone else does – asking Alex!
Q A
What is the proper etiquette for monograms?
Selecting the best monogram can be tricky. Here are a few general guidelines to make it easier. For a married couple, the monogram will contain the bride’s first initial, the first letter of the couple’s surname and the groom’s first initial, in that order. For instance, Rebecca and Andrew White would be “RWA.” The monogram style should be chosen to complement the couple’s taste and the item being monogrammed – traditional, modern, whimsical and so on. A monogrammed gift for a woman should include her first, middle and last initial or if she is married, her first, maiden name and married name initials. Traditionally, a woman’s monogram is presented in first, last, middle initial order. So, a monogram for Jessica Cites Parker could be “JPC.” Tradition dictates that a woman’s maiden initials are always appropriate to use even after she is married. However, it is more common to use a woman’s first, maiden and married surname initials once she is wed. For instance, if Jessica married Anthony Dalton, her new monogram would be “JDP.” For men’s gifts, it is very important to consider the shape of the item to
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be monogrammed when choosing the order of the initials. When monogramming something for a man, many people prefer to use the initials in the first, middle and last order. This letter format is often found on personal items such as briefcases, luggage, shirt pockets and cuffs. For these kind of items, Benjamin William Rogers would be “BWR.”
Q A
Is it safe to monogram an item for a child to wear?
When giving a child a personalized item, it is important to consider where and how they will be using it. You may not want to put too much information on something a child will have in public when they are not in the company of a parent. For example, people will often choose to use a monogram versus a name on something like a backpack or a shirt.
Q A
What is the history of the monogram?
Early Greek and Roman rulers used their monograms on coins and other currency to identify the ruler of the region from which it came. As time passed, it became common to mark the valuable property of nobility with a monogram. Eventually, it became common to see an aristocrat’s monogram emblazoned on a variety of items from weaponry and armor to household items, royal banners and coats of arms. In the Middle Ages, it became common for artisans to use their own monograms to sign their work. Members of the Victorian era aristocracy often used the monogram as an em-
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
blem of their high rank in society. Early monograms also consisted of only two initials. The three-initial monogram, which is more common today, did not gain popularity until the 18th century. More recently, the monogram has become more of a trendy identifier on a person’s belongings than a sign of wealth or status. Monogramming is a great way to add personalization to gifts and has become very common in wedding gifts. These days, it is very simple and inexpensive to add a monogram to a variety of items. Monogrammed gifts are widely favored by newlyweds as a sign of their new marriage status. A monogrammed gift says to the receiver that you made an effort with their gift choice.
Q A
Why do you love monograms?
Growing up in Nacogdoches, I wore Ralph Lauren, big hair bows, Cole-Haan and of course monograms. I feel that monograms are as Southern as sweet tea. Wearing a monogram makes me feel classy and elegant – from the back pocket of my blue jeans to Converse shoes to a monogram necklace.
Q A
Can you have too many things monogrammed?
My answer is always no! This quote by Reese Witherspoon is one of my favorite quotes ever, and I truly believe in this: “My sheets are monogrammed. So is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it’s not moving, monogram it.”
Medical Focus H e a l t h Care News You Can Use
F E AT U R I N G Lemke Orthodontics SKIN 101 Medical Spa Medi-Weightloss速 Sugar Land Plastic Surgery Bryan Ritchey, DDS, PA General and Cosmetic Dentistry SkinScriptions By Melissa Gibbens Piney Point OMS Treemont Health Care Center Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston GB Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Allison Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, P.C. Town & Country Orthodontics Hotze Health & Wellness Center Smiles For Kids Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa
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Medical Focus
Advertorial
Lemke Orthodontics: Creating Healthy, Beautiful Smiles A great, beautiful smile is the best way to make a good first impression, and it’s never too late to get the smile of your dreams! Dr. Katia Lemke said, “My passion for aesthetic dental solutions led to me to earn my specialty degree in orthodontics with research in ceramic braces. I am therefore one of the few providers of Incognito braces in Houston and its vicinity. “Nothing improves your appearance, attitude and confidence like a great smile, and I want to make it easier for you to get a beautiful transformation. We treat patients with patience, kindness and understanding. Children love the welcoming atmosphere and the friendly and gentle touch of this orthodontist and her staff. We offer flexible hours for school kids and working adults. I also offer a range of aesthetic solutions like clear braces, Invisalign and Incognito. “Age seven is the best time to evaluate a child. A thorough examination will show existing or potential problems, such as cross bites, crowding and other problems. It’s always good to know in advance. I love getting to know my patients and designing the best path to straightening teeth, closing spaces and achieving their great smile. As a specialist, we’ve got a range of solutions for straighter, healthier smiles – and happier kids.” Greet your future with a beautiful smile. Dr. Lemke stated, “I know adults who prefer nearly invisible ceramic braces and kids who like brackets shaped like stars or footballs. Your smile should express your personality!” For more information on Lemke Orthodontics, visit www. lemkeortho.com.
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Acne 101
Acne, or acne vulgaris, is the most common skin condition affecting people in the United States. About 85 percent of teenagers will suffer from acne, and it may continue throughout adulthood. Acne occurs when glands in the skin produce and secrete too much of the skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Sebum then clogs the pores, and the result is a pimple. The sebum contains bacteria, which is responsible for the inflammatory response or redness. There are several effective treatments available for acne. One treatment targets killing the surface bacteria on the skin. This can be done with topical creams, cleansers and oral antibiotics. For those who are unable to tolerate antibiotics or who are noncompliant, treatment with laser therapy or Blue Light therapy is an effective option. These treatments are quick, relatively painless and produce great results. In addition to these treatments, creams or ointments that contain retinoids, which are a derivative of vitamin A, can be used. They work by increasing cell turn over, which causes new skin growth and thus exfoliates skin, stopping the pores from ever being blocked with sebum. Chemical peels work in the same manner. Another innovative way to treat acne is by damaging the sebaceous glands that cause breakouts using laser technology. The laser damages the sebaceous glands and induces new collagen formation, resulting in smoother, clearer skin. With all different therapies available, acne is more treatable than ever. Try laser therapy, a chemical peel or medical grade products. It just may make the difference. For more information, call SKIN 101 Medical Spa at 832649-7939 or visit Skin101Houston.com. See ad on page 18.
Dr. Katia Lemke, DMD Braces for Children&Adults Flexible after school hours Orthodontic Specialist New Low-dose DIGITAL X-ray Free Orthodontic Exam & Consultation Advanced Orthodontic Treatment Insurance & Flexible Financing Available & Lingual Braces with •
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Houston, TX 77063
713.782.4566
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
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Medical Focus Proven Weight Loss Program Now Available at New Memorial Location Memorial residents now have convenient access to a powerful, proven system to help them lose weight while improving their overall health. MediWeightloss®, a fast-growing company with more than 80 locations nationwide, is now open at 14637 Memorial Drive, Suite C. Whether it’s losing 10 pounds to get in shape for a wedding or losing 100 pounds to save your life, weight loss isn’t easy. Medi-Weightloss offers a physician-supervised, individually tailored weight loss program known as “The One That Works!®” for its comprehensive approach to weight management and established record of success. Medi-Weightloss patients have lost over 3 million pounds nationwide and experience one-on-one education and individualized coaching on nutrition, behavior modifications and exercise to help them lose weight and keep it off. “At Medi-Weightloss, it’s not just about losing weight but embracing a healthy lifestyle, improving self-esteem and preventing chronic diseases. The nutrition plan is real food from the grocery store, and we even provide advice on what to order when dining out or attending a business luncheon. We coach and teach our patients how to control their weight, so they can feel and be at their best,” said Kristina Seiler, Memorial resident and Medi-Weightloss Memorial owner. In addition to clinically proven weight loss programs, Medi-Weightloss offers specialized weight loss programs for adolescents and diabetics, as well as free Worksite Wellness Workshops for companies in the area. Visit www.MediWeightloss.com or call 281-872-6689 or for more information or to make an appointment at the Memorial location.
Advertorial
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Medical Focus
Advertorial
When Diet and Exercise Is Not Enough Staying healthy and looking good is a common goal for most women. Sometimes, a hectic lifestyle and stressful jobs make it nearly impossible to maintain an ideal body. Also, many women often gain or maintain resistant fat in undesirable areas regardless of what they do. Over time, this unwanted fat can be very discouraging and severely impact a woman’s body image. There are many options available to help address unwanted fat. By far, the most effective and reliable is liposuction. The procedure is safe, affordable and can target the difficult, stubborn areas that no amount of diet and exercise can. The Sugar Land Plastic Surgery team has seen first-hand time and time again how liposuction can make such a remarkable and immediate difference in the appearance of the body, especially in the stubborn areas. This extra help motivates patients and gives them confidence to achieve further fitness and live healthier lifestyles. Consultations with Dr. John T. Nguyen at Sugar Land Plastic Surgery are always complimentary. With your commitment and their help and support, you can achieve the results you have been working so hard for. Visit www.MyBodySurgeon.com for more information. See ad on page 5.
A FIRST-CLASS DENTAL E X P E R I E N C E Dental Services Offered:
Bryan Ritchey, DDS, PA
• Implants • Bonding • Sealants • Bridges • Fillings • Veneers • Sedation • Dentures • 3-D Imaging
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Call for an appointment: 713-461-5770 8803 Gaylord Drive, Houston, TX 77024 www.bryanritcheydds.com
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APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
Bryan Ritchey, DDS, PA General and Cosmetic Dentistry When Dr. Bryan Ritchey and his wife moved from a small town to make a home and raise a family in the nation’s fourth largest city, it was overwhelming. They were looking for a neighborhood similar to what they had known growing up – a place where families would gather for social events and familiar faces would be seen around town. Dr. Ritchey planted his roots in Memorial in 2001, acquiring a practice with active patients dating back to the 1950s. He sees generations of original patients, including great-grandparents and their great-grandchildren and everyone in between. Most of Dr. Ritchey’s patients are from surrounding neighborhoods, but some travel from overseas to see him regularly. Dr. Ritchey’s focus is General and Cosmetic Dentistry, and his passion is full-mouth reconstruction. Highly committed to mastering the latest dental techniques, Dr. Ritchey uses Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC®) computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), which allows restorations, veneers and crowns all in one visit. The Omnicam Technology records a full-color, three-dimensional (3D) image of the teeth and tissue. The Galileos 3D Cone Beam is the latest in computed tomography (CT) technology, allowing Dr. Ritchey to see an entire 3D reconstruction of a patient’s teeth. The integration of CEREC and the Galileos cone beam CT imaging system allows Dr. Ritchey to plan implant placement for dental surgeons and to perform implant dentistry with increased precision. Therefore, restorative results are predictable for patients with the highest standards. Genuine care, not just providing a service, distinguishes Dr. Ritchey. Visit www.bryanritcheydds.com or call 713-461-5770 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Medical Focus
Advertorial
Ageless, Balanced, Beautiful When patients come in to SkinScriptions By Melissa Gibbens, it is important to educate them on their overall appearance and how to achieve a younger, softer look. It looks awkward when a person has soft lifted face but a wrinkled sagging neck. There are three areas that are often overlooked when looking at the art of aging gracefully. The most overlooked areas that give away a person’s age are the temples, the neck and the back of the hands. As people age, they lose fat in their faces and temples. Lost volume in the temples can cause a sunken look and is often the missing link to a lifted, youthful and geometrically balanced face. The temples should be the widest part of the face. This volume loss can be restored with a variety of dermal fillers. The second area that most often shows a women’s age is her neck. Women tend to focus so much on their faces that their necks get left out of the aesthetic plan. The answer can be as simple as Botox or Dysport for treating those unsightly bands in the neck and Ultherapy for lifting and tightening sagging tissue. Last but not least, the hands also lose volume as people age. Radiesse Dermal filler is the FDA approved solution for softening hands’ veiny appearance and tendon show. Most of these procedures have minimal downtime and are safe and effective in achieving the desired look – ageless, balanced and beautiful. Visit www.skinscriptionsbymelissa gibbens.com or call 713-458-0224 for more information.
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Medical Focus
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APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
Piney Point OMS Specializes in Patients with Dental Implant Complications At Piney Point OMS, the surgeons specialize in the management of various complications related to dental implant treatments. Such complications can have a significant negative impact on patients’ lives by causing them a multitude of bad experiences, including less confidence, less money and less bone. These patients’ traumatic, frustrating, painful and difficult experiences often leave them less trusting for the next doctor. Complications noted among these patients include failed implants, infection, poor cosmetic results, uncomfortable bites, food impaction and other functional problems that lead to more issues like TMJ issues, as well as pain issues. While unforeseen events can happen during any dental treatment, the majority of dental implant complications are completely preventable with proper diagnostics, planning, a deep understanding of biology, a team approach, properly trained doctors and an appropriate execution of the treatment. Most complications may be linked to specific known causes. The most common is a lack of experience of the doctor or dentist. According to a recent study, at least 10 percent or higher number of implants failed when clinicians had less than five years of experience in the field. Implants were also twice as likely to fail if the surgeon had performed less than 50 implants in his career. These results highlight the importance of experience when it comes to successful outcomes for dental implants. Piney Point OMS is located at 2450 Fondren Road, Suite 320. For more information, call 832-293-4912 or visit www.pineypointoms.com.
Medical Focus Caring Staff Distinguishes Treemont Health Care Center Treemont staff is distinguished by nurses and caregivers who are committed to long-term care and understand the needs of the elderly. For them it is a “calling” to nurture seniors and provide the care to keep them as independent as long as possible. Health care can be a positive experience, and Treemont Health Care Center provides care needs from long-term assisted living to skilled nursing care to intensive, rehabilitative therapy. Residents often come to Treemont with hip and femur fractures, without the capability to bear weight or stand on their own. The primarily goal of the nursing therapy team, which includes physical, occupational and speech therapists, is to strengthen the resident so they can return to walking on their own and even return home. “The only way our residents will get better is if we make therapy fun and encourage residents to complete their daily regimen,” said Jobert Macas, head of Treemont’s therapy group. “Often, our residents don’t realize what they’re doing is actually therapy. We use our creativity to make sure they complete their exercises so they can get better.” For those with longer-term needs, such as increased forgetfulness and needs for daily assistance, Treemont’s Licensed Assisted Living is an excellent option. Treemont provides an individualized resident treatment plan in a quiet, intimate environment that includes medication management, assistance with activities of daily living and a restaurantlike dining room environment. Treemont’s beautiful, wooded, nine-acre campus at 2501 Westerland at Westheimer provides a continuum of care. For more information, call 713-7834100 or visit www.Treemont.com.
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281-493-1083 Girish Bharwani, DDS
14441 Memorial Dr., Ste. 18 Houston, TX 77079 www.gbdentistry.com
Houston’s Retirement Tradition ons of Houstonians! Serving multiple generati
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Medical Focus
Paul S. Metz, DDS, MD • Shelley Seidel, DDS, MD John G. Orfanos, DDS, MD
Schedule your
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL this Summer
Bone Grafts • Sleep Apnea Correction Dental Implants • IV Sedation • Facial / Dental Trauma Orthognathic / Reconstructive Surgery Oral Pathology • Teeth-in-a-Day
713.464.2833 www.OMSH.us
8800 Katy Freeway, Ste. 210 • Houston, Texas 77024
Cancer Prevention at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston Just as they say the eyes are the window to the soul, the mouth is a window to the rest of the body. Just by looking into a patient’s mouth, an oral surgeon can tell if the patient is drinking enough water, has significant reflux or has a history of bulimia. A few years ago, one of the surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston (OMSH) saw a woman for a painful mouth ulcer and noticed that her tongue had a blue stripe down the middle. She was referred to an endocrinologist, who diagnosed her with Addison’s disease, which not only explained the ulcers but many of her other health issues. While most things that are painful or just don’t look right in a person’s mouth are as simple as a trauma from biting the cheek, there are lumps, bumps and color changes that can represent more serious disease processes. One good rule of thumb is that if any red, white, black or ulcerated area persists more than two to three weeks, it should be evaluated by a dental professional. Oral cancer is most successfully treated if caught in the early stages. Oral and pharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in 48,250 Americans this year. There are several historical risk factors including male gender, smoking and alcohol abuse. However, there has been more attention recently on its association with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Routine screenings by a trained dental professional are an important tool in the prevention of oral cancer. For more information, call OMSH at 713-464-2833 or visit www.OMSH.us.
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APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
GB Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry From cleanings and preventive care to teeth whitening, orthodontics and restorative dentistry, nothing is too complicated for the GB Dental team. At their Houston dental office, the team strives to relieve the stresses of a lifetime of uncomfortable dental visits with three important factors: a kind and professional staff, minimal wait time and the best dental products available. Dr. Girish Bharwani and his team have years of experience treating dental patients and are committed to efficient, accurate, high-quality dental care in a positive, comfortable and nurturing environment. With respect to patients’ time, GB Dental will never have patients waiting more than a few minutes in the waiting area. Using advanced technology and proven procedures, GB Dental strives to make patients’ visits easy, safe and as pain-free as possible. The team is committed to dental education and stays abreast of the newest dental trends, technology and advances in dentistry while always providing a clean, sterile and safe environment. Some of GB Dental’s services include periodontal disease, dental extractions, root canal therapy, sports medicine and cosmetic dentistry. GB Dental may not be able to erase a lifetime of stress at the dental office in one visit, but the team prides itself in making sure patients leave feeling better than when they arrived. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bharwani, visit www.gbdentistry.com or call 281-4931083. See ad on page 47.
Medical Focus
Your Ears Are the Window to Your Heart Have you ever thought about your hearing being the window to your heart? Most people don’t realize that many of their bodily systems are tied directly to their overall cardiovascular health, and those systems can only function as well as their hearts allow. Auditory systems are no different. The hearing and balance system is quite complex and requires a constant, oxygen-rich blood supply to perform adequately. A recent review of over 80 scientific studies, performed by Raymond Hull, Ph.D., consistently concluded that when the oxygen supply to the inner ear is interrupted or restricted, a person’s hearing can suffer lasting effects. For those who already have hearing loss due to other causes, poor cardiovascular health can compound the hearing loss even greater. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 27.6 million people suffer from heart disease. With these staggering numbers, heart disease and its ties to hearing loss may hit closer to home than one first thought. Having a baseline hearing exam and monitoring hearing sensitivity yearly is just as important as an annual eye exam or physical. Even a small change in hearing may reveal more about a person’s overall health. For those who have not had their hearing tested in the last 12 months, it’s time to schedule a hearing check. Remember, ears can be a window to the heart. Allison Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, P.C. is located at 12900 Queensbury Lane, Suite 100. For concerns regarding hearing health care needs, contact 832-539-3310.
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BECAUSE LIFE DOESN’T HAVE A REPLAY BUTTON. Hear better, live better.
Call for a complimentary hearing screening before April 30, 2016.
832-539-3310 “Everyone and everything in my world is now available to me again.” —Wayne Gillespie, Houston, Texas
allisonaudiology.com 12900 Queensbury Lane #100 Houston, Texas, 77079
Got Tickets? Join us on Facebook to WIN! “Like” Us Today!
Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.
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Medical Focus Spring into a New You with a New Smile!
Spring into a new you with a new smile!
People are drawn to a bright, happy smile! A smile attracts another person’s attention. A smile is contagious and brings joy to those around. A smile relieves stress, allowing a person to conquer almost any situation. Smiling people seem to be more successful, because a bright smile exudes confidence. A positive attitude is the result of smiling. Can one really have a negative thought and keep a smile on his face? It’s impossible! Smiling radiates positive energy that impacts everyone around. A confident, happy smile opens possibilities that could change a person’s life! A smile can be a person’s greatest asset. The team at Town & Country Orthodontics (T.A.C.O.) has the privilege of creating smiles. Their office is committed to providing all of their patients with the compassionate and individualized care they have come to expect and deserve. It is Team T.A.C.O’s goal to provide the highest quality treatment in a fun and relaxing environment while educating patients on the importance of a smile. Dr. Carin Domann and Dr. Angela Orfanos work together with their T.A.C.O. team to help their patients achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. Give yourself a priceless gift of a wonderful smile! Town & Country Orthodontics is located at 788 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Suite 201. For more information, visit www.townandcountryortho.com or call 713-4653400.
Health-Life Balance
Dr. Carin Domann • Dr. Angela Orfanos
www.townandcountryortho.com
713-465-3400
788 West Sam Houston Pkwy. North Ste. 201 • Houston, TX 77024
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Almost everyone talks about achieving work-life balance, but what about healthlife balance? When a person’s health is off kilter, nothing else seems to work either. Symptoms like fatigue, migraines, brain fog or excessive stress make it difficult to get through the day, let alone thrive. Optimal health is critical to one’s quality of live and has several benefits beyond just feeling good. By improving one’s health, a person has the potential to actually transform his life. Being healthy can lead to an increased sense of wellbeing, happiness, focus and productivity at work, a closer connection with family and friends and a sound mind and spirit. Conversely, poor health bleeds into all areas of life, including decision-making, quality of relationships and faith. By deciding to make health a priority and bringing it into balance, it is possible to achieve one’s dreams and goals. Taking time to exercise regularly, de-stress with yoga or meditation and eat a diet full of whole foods can provide more energy and even improve mental clarity and focus. If these don’t do the trick, it might be time to look within. In addition to contributing to unexplained weight gain and moodiness, hormone imbalances and deficiencies can lead to numerous problems one might never suspect, including anxiety, depression and feeling tired all of the time. It is no wonder that relationships are taxed. The good news is that you can get your life back naturally. Take the first step by calling 888-844-0053 to request a complimentary consultation today. For more information about Hotze Health & Wellness Center, visit hotzehwc.com. See ad on page 2.
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Q&A
Medical Focus
Advertorial
With Dr. Kasia Lindhorst Family and Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dr. Kasia Lindhorst
Why would my child’s baby tooth need a crown? Sometimes cavities in baby teeth are so large that they involve the nerve of a tooth and loss of tooth structure. This might not allow for a typical filling to be retained. Since some of those teeth must stay in the mouth until 12 years of age, we might recommend a premade pediatric dental crown to cover the tooth and protect it until it needs to exfoliate (or come out and shed).
What do they look like? We have two choices for premade crowns: tried and true surgical grade stainless steel silver crowns and ceramic white crowns. Since the ceramic material is less flexible and more fragile, it does not always fit every tooth. It also requires more of the tooth preparation, and due to many factors, it is more expensive. But it certainly looks beautiful!
8800 Katy Fwy., Ste. 220 Houston, Texas 77024 713.461.1509 www.smiles-for-kids.com
• Child and Adult Orthodontics • Implant Surgery, Crowns, Dentures • CAD/CAM Dentistry • Same-Day Crowns, Veneers, Inlays, Onlays • LASER Dentistry • Sedation Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Oral Cancer Screening
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Fast, easy and 902 Frostwood Drive, Suite 166, Houston, TX 77024 affordable www.memorialcitysmiles.com orthodontic treatment completed in only 4 to 12 months!
(713) 461-6161
Dentistry and Kids With Sensory Disorders Every child comes with a set of challenges. Perhaps the closest to the hearts of Dr. Kasia Lindhorst, Dr. Urvi Jadav and the rest of the Smiles For Kids team are the ones with sensory difficulties such as autism spectrum disorders. Through years of experience, the Smiles For Kids team has designed a unique approach to these amazing kids for their dental appointments since unfamiliar smells, sounds, lights and people can be initially tough for them. A preliminary appointment involves a detailed interview with parents about habits, likes, dislikes, behaviors, triggers and previous dental and medical experiences. The Smiles For Kids team encourages kids to play with anything they would like to touch or experience to make them comfortable with the office. On subsequent visits, they accomplish dental goals such as cleaning, exam and X-rays, but it may take many appointments. With pictures of every tool and procedure, Smiles For Kids’ social story book helps tremendously. Sometimes, all that is achieved in an appointment is sitting in the dental chair, but eventually everything is accomplished. Smiles for Kids’ success in treating kids with sensory disorders has been incredible since implementing their approach of letting the kids’ comfort lead them. The team consults parents on goals and cues to pick up on for each appointment. Usually, once the kids have been through one checkup this way, they gain confidence, and Smiles For Kids earns their trust. From then on, the Smiles For Kids experts can accomplish all goals in one appointment. For more information, call 713-461-1509.
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Medical Focus
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NEWSWORTHY
Vanquish Your Fat!
Even though it is now officially spring, it is not too late to get beach ready for summer. Everyone wants a quick fix for those trouble areas. Muffin tops, love handles, saddle bags or whatever you call them can be gone without starving or resorting to surgery. There is a new procedure that can shrink the waistline, hips, thighs and even arms in just four short treatments. What is this amazing new technology? It’s called Vanquish ME! Vanquish ME is FDA-cleared for circumferential reduction of the waist and permanently destroys resistant fat cells to achieve a beautifully contoured abdomen and trim waistline. A painless, non-invasive treatment that precisely targets heat into the fat layer, Vanquish ME creates a high-frequency energy field and employs a panel array to treat the entire core in one application. Fat cells will go through apoptosis – natural cell death – if kept above certain temperature thresholds for extended periods of time. Vanquish ME heats fat cells to 43 to 45 degrees Celsius, which is the required temperature to initiate apoptosis. The overlying skin and muscles below the subcutaneous fat remain unharmed. Additionally, Vanquish ME provides subtle skin tightening due to the heating of the tissue, and the series of four treatments are spaced a week apart. Recipients can expect to drop one to four pants sizes, and the fat cells in the treated area are gone permanently! For more information, call Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa at 281-313-7435 or visit www.drshel.com. Free consultations are available upon request. See ad on page 9.
At t e n
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Coming June 2016
BlushingBrides Submit your info today and have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine.
Hadassah’s Women of Courage Awards Luncheon Set for April 10th Longtime Memorial resident Sharon Brier will welcome the original Sweet Potato Queen to Houston. Brier will cochair Women Who Do, Hadassah’s Women of Courage Awards Luncheon, on April 10th at the Westin Galleria Hotel. New York Times best-selling author Jill Conner Browne of the Sweet Potato Queens book series and the inspiration behind Theatre Under The Stars’ (TUTS) spring musical with the same name will be the keynote speaker. The luncheon will honor Jill Conner Houston’s own multi-level HaBrowne. dassah leader Linda Freedman Block. A natural tie with Hadassah’s position of connecting and empowering women, Browne’s books’ concepts involve a belief in a sisterhood that promotes self-esteem and positive thinking. In its 11th year, the Women of Courage Award is an extraordinary distinction that recognizes women who have focused on important issues in the community and gone the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of others. The beneficiary of the luncheon’s fundraising efforts, Hadassah Medical Organization, recently made headlines for its clinical trials of stem cell treatment that significantly slowed the progression of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Hadassah Medical Organization also serves as a bridge to peace, forging links between patients of all nationalities, races and religions who come to its doors for healing. For more information about the luncheon, call 713661-1022.
Contact: sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com or visit www.absolutelymemorial.com 52
APRIL 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com
Submit newsworthy items Lara@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
EVENTS By Stephanie Valtasaros
April 5th – 17th Oliver! Theatre Under the Stars presents the musical Oliver! based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Discover the story of a runaway orphan who finds himself in the grimly fascinating underbelly of 18th century London. Befriended by the Artful Dodger and his fellow gang of youthful pickpockets, the pure-hearted Oliver is introduced to a witty, gritty world of new friends, formidable foes and an abundance of merry mischief. Performances take place at the Hobby Center, located at 800 Bagby Street. For show times and tickets, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.tuts.com.
April 8th, 6:30 pm The Magic of Motown Presenting Sponsor The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation and Entertainment Sponsor Commissioner Joe Ellis and Robin Young-Ellis created this unique tribute to the
beloved Motown sound that influenced America and generations of music to come. The evening offers lights, sounds and dancing for non-stop pleasure with iconic voices accompanied by the award-winning Kashmere Stage Reunion Band. Held at Revention Music Center, located at 520 Texas Avenue, the event benefits The Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine. For ticket information, call 713-798-5460 or email partnership@bcm.edu.
April 9th, 7 pm Dine with Wine The Assistance League Houston will host its 2016 Spring Gala, a dinner with wine pairings, at The Briar Club, located at 2603 Timmons Lane. The event will help support the Assistance League’s efforts to clothe more than 4,000 disadvantaged children in free school uniforms, award $113,000 in scholarships and give gift cards and toys to patients and families at Texas Children’s Hospital during the holidays. For more information, visit www.assistanceleaguehou.org.
April 17th, 24th and 30th Harriet the Spy
The Magic of Motown co-chairs Robin Young-Ellis and Carol Sawyer.
Main Street Theater presents the musical based on the popular book about Harriet M. Welsh the spy. In her trusty notebook, Harriet writes down everything she sees, thinks and feels. When her notebook is lost, she must use her super-spy techniques to get it back before someone reads it. This heartfelt musical is
recommended for first grade and up and takes place at 3400 Main Street. For show times and tickets, call 713-5246706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com.
April 23rd – 24th, 10:30 am – 6:30 pm Houston Children’s Festival One of Houston’s signature events, The Houston Children’s Festival celebrates its 28th year this year and has developed into one of the primary fundraisers for Child Advocates. Held at Tranquility Park Downtown at 400 Rusk Street, the festival provides high-quality educational and fun entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere, divided into themed Family Adventure Zones that deliver over 300 exciting activities. This year, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will make an appearance! Visit www.houstonchildrensfestival.com for tickets and more information.
April 27th – 30th Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes and dazzling production numbers including Be Our Guest and the beloved title song. Performances take place at the Hobby Center, located at 800 Bagby Street. For show times and tickets, visit www. thehobbycenter.org or call 713-315-2400.
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OUT &
The Rocketbombs third grade Kingdom Basketball League team played smart and finished the 2016 season undefeated.
ABOUT IN THE HEART
MEMORIAL Congratulations to Trey Comiskey, Harald ten Wolde, Joe Blasi, Luke Fuqua, Jack Klebuc, Jared Norton, Keel ten Wolde, Jingzhi Chen, Luke Jackson, Gabriel Vasquez, Corbin Comiskey, Brooks Edwards and Brando Blasi!
International business aircraft broker and Memorial area resident Janine Iannarelli stepped out on the red carpet in Beverly Hills with longtime friend Deana Blackburn at the 13th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Dinner. Iannarelli is considered a pioneer among women in the business aviation industry with more than 30 years of business aviation experience.
Knights of Momus Parade duchesses Abigail Roberts and Belle Brennan have been close friends since they met at St. Francis Episcopal Day School as kindergarteners! Abigail is the president of the chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at Texas A&M University, and Belle is the president of her chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Auburn University.
Caid Pickle, Abigail Roberts, Belle Brennan and Conyers Coupland.
Photo by Janine Iannarelli and Par Avion Ltd.
Memorial High School Theatre recently wrapped up a successful production of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate, a musical comedy based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
Janine Iannarelli, Melissa Pemberton and Deana Blackburn on the red carpet.
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Noah Kenner as Fred Graham/Petruchio with Lois Lane’s suitors Brian Carles, Clayton Wells and Daniel Fonseka.
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A volunteer branch of the American Cancer Society, VICTORY is preparing for the 2016 Cattle Baron’s Ball Hope on the Range benefiting the American Cancer Society set for Saturday, April 30th. Over the past 27 years, the women of VICTORY have raised more than $45 million for the American Cancer Society.
Co-Chairs Allison Flikerski and Lauren Maloy. K9s4COPs recently held their popular Clay Shooting Tournament. Founded in 2010, the K9s4COPs foundation addresses the needs for funding the purchase of K9s for law enforcement agencies.
NEWSWORTHY
The Memorial Markettes Present 2016 Spring Show The award-winning Memorial Markettes will perform hip-hop, jazz, pom, contemporary, kick, lyrical and tap dance routines to the popular music from Madonna, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Kesha, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Kidman, Fergie and many more familiar artists at their 2016 Spring Show, Bling Bling, It’s a Markette Thing! Show dates are April 29th and 30th at 7 pm at the Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, located at 935 Echo Lane. Visit www.memorialmarkettes.com to purchase tickets in advance at or at the door on the night of the performance for $15 each.
Honorary Chair Tony Buzbee and K9s4COPs Founder Kristi Schiller. The Briargrove Elementary 1968-69 football team – known then as the Briargrove Bears – reunited at a dinner party at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The team went undefeated these two years as fifth and sixth graders. Mark Peterson and Greg DeGeorge hosted the event and provided championship trophies and Briargrove football t-shirts to all team members.
Memorial Markettes Laura Huo, Cassidy Irish, Avry Francis, Alexis Stovall, Alexandra Miller, Amanda Wright, Stephanie Walker, Ashley Keeling, Ginny Lo, Claire Bingamon, Reagan Gertner, Namjoo Ko, Suzahn Peralta, Erin Bruchmiller, Logan Morris, Sydney Flynt, Carson De La Rosa, Victoria Guerra, McKenna Trammell, Annie Papin, Katie Ferris, Becca Owens, Alli Hessel, Tina Khosrowshahi, Katarina Diklich, Kelly Aparicio, Julie Doub, Paige Taylor, Margaret Phipps, Alexandra Diklich, Kailyn Franklin, Penny Pena, Madison Dahmer, Grace Cooksey, Madison Killion, Elizabeth Knapp, Chiara Scopice, Meredith Searight, Hannah Pike, Mira Sharma, Tara Molavi, Rachel Read, Lexie Jarvis, Esther Lee and Alexis Lyle.
The former running backs on the undefeated Briargrove Bears: Greg DeGeorge, Michael Bates, Scott Hays and Mark Peterson.
Submit newsworthy items Lara@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
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NEWSWORTHY
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) and Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) are two revolutionary composers who wrote music that pushed the limits of accepted norms. Two of their greatest masterworks, the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Bernstein’s MASS, will be paired in a concert featuring the combined choirs of Kinkaid Upper School and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church (MDPC) on May 1st at 6 pm at MDPC, located at 11612 Memorial Drive. The free concert will be led by MDPC Choir Director Dr. Charles Hausmann, who had the privilege of working with Leonard Bernstein as a student, MDPC Concert Series Director and Accompanist Kathryn White and Kinkaid Choral Director Dr. Cindy Harrison. When the Ninth Symphony was first performed, Beethoven, completely deaf at the time, assembled his largest orchestra. Most significant is the use of voices in a symphony, which had never been done before, and includes the familiar theme Ode to Joy. Bernstein’s MASS combines classical, jazz, blues, Broadway and rock styles with texts from the Catholic Mass, Hebrew words from the Kaddish and original lyrics that express a crisis of faith. Composed during the Vietnam War, Bernstein’s MASS was an attempt to bring resolution to this societal conflict. “It is a rare event when our students
Kinkaid and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Choirs Combine for a Concert for Peace
The Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir in concert.
The Kincaid Upper School Choir: Cindy Harrison, Chelsea Collmer, Spencer Hickman, Emily Grove, Hamilton Gray, Evan Rosen, Barrett Neath, Colby Gottschalk, Caroline Whitley, Annaliese Fowler, Ameer Mustafa, William Miner, Jordan Kassab, Anna Thomas, Jeel Mehta, Leah Jacobs, Caroline Keller, Sara Burpeau, Eloise Detmering, Isabel Stallings, Jiya Ghei, Morgan Vicknair, Kate Hickman, Shreya Muchimilli and Jaelyn Thomas.
are able to perform choral masterworks,” said Harrison. “This collaborative event will be an experience that the Kinkaid students will never forget.”
For more information about the performance at MDPC, visit www.mdpc. org/worship-and-music/music/concertseries.
Athletic Activism and Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) Baseball has partnered with the Houston-based Go Gold Fund for the 2016 season. The Go Gold Fund was founded to raise awareness for various forms of pediatric cancer by Wilchester community members Mike and Angela Dina after their son Charlie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
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The partnership idea with Go Gold was hatched last October when SBMSA Jr. Baseball Director David Paris was watching Major League Baseball (MLB) post-season games. MLB is a partner with Stand Up To Cancer, and at a certain break in each post-season game, fans stand up in unison and write on a card the name of a loved one who is fighting
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the disease. “It is that same fighting spirit in which we sought to partner with the Go Gold team to bring positive attention to children’s cancer,” Paris stated. After Paris approached Angela and Mike Dina about supporting the fund, they were more than appreciative. “Go Gold Fund is proud to partner with SBMSA this year to spread awareness
Meet Kathleen Grissom, author of THE KITCHEN HOUSE. for childhood cancer,” said Angela. “We believe athletes of all ages are given a platform through their sport to use their voice for good. This athletic activism concept is one that cannot be taught too early. Our sincere hope is that through elevating the need for funding of research for childhood cancer, we will see a day where the kids fighting this terrible disease are back out on the playing field of life.” Paris said, “We are a competitive youth baseball organization, but we are and will always be about serving our community. The Go Gold Fund partnership allows us to support this noble and just cause in ultimately winning against childhood cancer.” The Go Gold Fund logo appears on this season’s SBMSA baseball t-shirts thanks to Jr. Baseball Board Volunteer Coordinator Caroline Bennett, who wanted to make sure the logo was visible to all SBMSA communities. Through volunteer efforts and marketing, it is the hope of all involved that many more people will be aware of the organization and it will eventually be, as Angela stated, “recognized nationally.” For more information about the Go Gold Fund, visit www.gogold.org.
Wednesday, April 6th at 7 pm 281-497-8675 14532 Memorial Dr. @ Dairy Ashford www.bluewillowbookshop.com
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absolutely!
& QA
Allergy/Immunology EXPERT: Dr. Maria Buheis, pediatric allergy and immunology physician at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, answers some of the most common questions about childhood allergies.
Q:
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF ALLERGIES THAT AFFECT CHILDREN?
Q:
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A FOOD OR ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGY?
The two broadest categories of childhood allergies are environmental and food allergies. Environmental allergies can include pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander. Food allergies, which typically appear in young children, often include milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts and fish or shellfish. The allergies that children develop heavily depend on what they are frequently exposed to in their natural surroundings.
A good allergy evaluation starts by taking a detailed history of your child’s symptoms and performing a physical examination. Then, your allergist will discuss with you if allergy testing is recommended. For seasonal allergies, I typically encourage parents to wait until their child is at least three years old before testing, as it will be more accurate if the child has been exposed to a variety of potential allergens through the different pollen seasons. Testing for food allergies and potential indoor allergens can be done at a much younger age, as exposure begins much earlier in life. The allergy test is fairly simple. We introduce a small amount of allergens to the child by slightly “pricking” the surface of their
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skin. For babies and toddlers, the test is typically performed on their back, where there is more surface. For older children, it is often done on their forearm, because they tend to like to see what is going on and have fun guessing which allergen they will react to. After about 15 minutes, we begin to see swelling around the specific allergens that are causing the problems.
Q:
WHY SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO A PEDIATRIC ALLERGIST AS OPPOSED TO A GENERAL ALLERGY CLINIC? It’s best to take your children to a pediatric-specific allergy and immunology clinic like at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. In a pediatric setting, everything from the equipment and facility is designed specifically for children. For instance, at our clinic we only see children, so we are very familiar with what type of reactions to expect from the child, as well as the common allergy test indicators. For younger children, distractions are sometimes needed to get their attention away from the slight pinch of the prick. For these patients, child life specialists are available who can provide toys and interact with the child to help them through what can be a scary time. Since older children like to know what to expect during the allergy test, the child life specialists can help explain the entire process and can play guessing games with them to predict the allergens that will appear.
Q:
WILL MY CHILD GROW OUT OF HIS ALLERGIES?
The short answer is sometimes. For some food allergies such as milk, eggs and soy, about 60 to 80 percent of children outgrow them by school age. But, only about 15 percent of children outgrow peanut allergy. It also, however, works in reverse. Your child can develop an allergy later on in life as a teenager or an adult. Contact the Allergy and Immunology Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus at 832-227-2280 with any questions.
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SprinG Branch
Sports Spotlight By Tammy Hampton tammy@absoulutelyfocusmedia.com
It takes guts, hard work, dedication and energy to play sports!
6U Stingers Mike Hoskovec, Jason Warren, Michael Giesecke, Camille Warren, Kylie Whitefield, Sophia Giesecke, Braeden Herne, Laurel Hoskovec, Sara Benton, Lily Tyler, Shelby Thibodeaux and Hannah Kubala.
salutes the kids and parents who hit the fields week after week.
Congratulations to these outstanding Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) team players!
Flag Football Friends Louis Baay and Hunter Gilbert.
The Frogs’ Parker Sloan.
The Sluggers’ Coleman Moss.
8U Tigers from Valley Oaks Elementary Katerina Lowy, Olivia Wilkinson, Samantha Rampersaud, Gigi Hirvonen, Mia Hutchison, Mayson Delarosa, Blake Montgomery, Reese Pancioli, Leah Otillar, Kenley Kieschnick, Corinne Adams, Holley Russell, Riley Canizaro and Sarai San Lucas. www.absolutelymemorial.com l APRIL 2016
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absolutely! Delicious with
absolutely! DELICIOUS By Tony Vallone
Tony Vallone
Spoil mom with a meal that tells a story this year for Mother’s Day.
T
his year, don’t just pamper mom. Spoil her! And when I say, “spoil her,” I don’t mean just taking her out to dinner and a movie. No, that sounds like a first date! Take her out for a brunch, lunch or dinner that she’ll never forget – a “date” where the meal isn’t just “something to eat” but rather a gastronomic event unto itself. If you’re reading this, you are probably old enough to remember another era of challenged culinary awareness in this country. It wasn’t so long ago, in fact, that freshly harvested springtime asparagus weren’t flown in daily from Napa Valley, California. They were served pre-cooked from a can in their “juice.”
Vallone’s line-caught salmon is flown in daily from Tasmania. It’s a story unto itself!
It wasn’t so long ago when Uncle Ben’s rice was the only the grain that could be found on the shelves of a supermarket. No one had even heard of Arborio risotto, let alone Acquerello heirloom risotto, the best that money can buy. It wasn’t so long ago that steaks came pre-cut, frozen in a cellophane wrapper and a Styrofoam tray. The beef’s provenance was never even mentioned! Today, we serve 55 day aged, house-butchered cuts of prime beef that come from the best organically farmed ranches in the United States. And pasta! Let’s not forget about the store-bought brands served limp and insipid because no one thought to salt the cooking water. It wasn’t so long ago that anyone could have even dreamed of homemade pasta made with “double zero” flour imported from Italy. Today, not only is fine dining higher in quality, it’s also much more wholesome and much richer in meaning. Meaning, you ask? What does that have to do with eating? In fact, it has everything to do with a great meal. A great and memorable meal should tell a story of the places where the food was raised and grown, the people who raised and grew them and the restaurateur’s interpretation of the ingredients. Whether it is freshly picked springtime produce, heirloom risotto, in-house aged steaks from America’s best ranches or my signature homemade pasta, Mother’s Day celebrations in all of my restaurants will tell a culinary story that Mom will never forget. Otherwise, it would just be “dinner and movie,” and is that what Mother wants on her special day? Whatever you do on that special Sunday next month, I wish you all a happy and healthy Mother’s Day celebration this year. Email Tony@VallonesHouston.com to submit a food-related question to Tony.
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THE MODERN AMERICAN GRILLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS
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Champagne and
By Amy Gross
We
made it to April, when Houston has the most glorious weather of the year. I think it is time to enjoy a glass of Champagne to celebrate, don’t you? And while we are enjoying our bubbly, let’s talk a bit about all that glorious fizzy stuff. First things first. Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine that is grown and made in Champagne, France. To be called Champagne, the wine must be from that region and be made using a particular method. Regional laws also dictate the grapes used. For decades, people called many sparkling wines Champagne, but the French didn’t like that, so they mounted a campaign to protect the name. There are a few wineries in California who used the name “California Champagne,” but that ended with any labels approved after 2006. Yes, other sparkling wines are made by the same method, and yes, other sparkling wines may use the same grapes, but those are not officially called Champagne, because Champagne is a place in France, and only wines made in Champagne can be called Champagne. You might be wondering how Champagne and sparkling wines get those bubbles in the bottle. There are several ways sparkling wines can be made. We’ll cover the Champagne method. In Champagne, the winemakers use Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Those grow beautifully there, as it is one of France’s coolest grape-growing regions, and so it makes sense they would use those to make
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Sparkling Wine their wine. These grapes yield highacid, moderate alcohol and non-tannic wine, which is regarded to be a perfect combination in sparkling wine.
The Process First, the grapes are picked and pressed to make the base wine. In making the base wine, the winery handles the grapes very delicately, and the grapes go through several pressings, with each round of juice kept separate so they can be used in different quantities in the final blend. This base wine settles for a bit and then goes through its first round of fermentation as any other white wine would. After fermentation, the wine is blended with other base wines. These other base wines could be different pressings from the same fruit, juice from other grapes, juice from another vineyard or even base wine from a different vintage. This is where the winemaker really tunes the wine to get the intended flavor. Next, the magic that is Champagne happens. The wine is bottled, and a mixture of yeast and sugar called liqueur de tirage is added to each to initiate the second fermentation and birth those glorious bubbles. The bottle is sealed with a crown cap and left to sit and ferment as the yeast works its wonders. When this happens, the bubbles cannot be seen, but they are there. The alcohol level increases and the carbon dioxide builds a crazy amount of pressure in the bottle – about six atmospheres of pressure! As this happens, the yeast leaves a sediment in the bottle that gives its toasty, yeasty flavor. Before you see the wine, though, that sediment has to be removed through a process called riddling and then disgorging. Disgorging is especially tricky, because the
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bottle is opened and the sediment is removed, and remember, there are six atmospheres of pressure in there that have to be preserved! When this happens, some volume escapes, so the winery adds a bit of wine to the bottle to top off what escaped during disgorgement. It also adds a bit of sweetness, typically in the form of cane sugar. This is where sparkling wine becomes brut, extra dry, dry, demi-sec or doux, depending on the amount of sugar added. Next, the wine is capped with a cork and a wire cage for safety, then bottle aged for a bit before releasing. This method, like I mentioned, is used to make other sparkling wines, too, not just Champagne. You can tell a wine is made the way Champagne is made if the bottle says “Method Traditionelle,” “Classic Method,” or “Fermented in This Bottle.” French cremant, Spanish Cava and Italian Franciacorta and Talento, as well as most United States’ premium sparkling wines, are made this way too. We’ll talk about other ways to get bubbles into wine another day. For now, let’s just celebrate Champagne. So, while toasting this gorgeous weather, toast yourself for knowing the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine. And enjoy those glorious bubbles! Cheers, friends!
A B S O L U T E LY ! D E L I C I O U S L I S T I N G
Southwell ’s
Hamburger Grill CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CUISINE
Buy one hamburger, fries and drink, get another hamburger for F R E E !
ITALIAN & AMERICAN CUISINE
MASRAFF’S 1753 Post Oak Blvd. 77056 713-355-1975 www.masraffs.com
THE DEVINE AFFAIR RESTAURANT & WINE BAR 14021 Memorial Dr. 77079 281-759-6300 www.thedevineaffair.com
Hands on proprietors, Russell and Tony Masraff, recognized premier Houston restaurateurs, offer affordable elegance, attentive yet unobtrusive service and exquisitely fresh American cuisine prepared with the best ingredients from around the world. Located in the heart of the Galleria, Masraff’s features the perfect ambience for business and social gatherings. Whether dining in one of the elegant dining rooms, stunning bar area with the elevated fireplace or The Patio on the Boulevard by the waterfall, Masraff’s impeccable service offers a dining experience to remember.
This casual, fine dining neighborhood restaurant is located in the heart of the Memorial/Energy Corridor. Established in 2010, the restaurant is proudly owned by native Houstonian and Texas Aggie Lindsey Jeffery. Recognized by Open Table and Trip Advisor as one of Houston’s “Top Best Italian Restaurants” and “Neighborhood Gem,” Devine Affair offers a variety of dishes including seafood, steaks, pastas, homemade desserts and daily specials. Devine Affair offers exceptional food, wine, service and ambiance in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere at an affordable price.
Limit 1 coupon per customer. Expires May 1, 2016 Limit 1 coupon per customer. Memorial Expires February 1, 2015Galleria
713-464-5268 9410 Gaylord TX 77024
713-789-4972 5860 San Felipe TX 77057
JAPANESE CUISINE KUU RESTAURANT 947 Gessner, Ste. A180 77024 713-461-1688 www.kuurestaurant.com Situated in the new Memorial Gateway complex, Kuu Restaurant has now opened to bring upscale Japanese dining to West Houston. Executive chef Adison Lee, formerly of Nobu, has brought his talent and passion for Japanese fusion cuisine to the Memorial area. Focusing on artistry and complementary flavors, Kuu has a constantly changing menu featuring locally raised ingredients. With an extensive wine list and private dining area, Kuu is well equipped to handle any event.
absolutely! Delicious DISTINGUISH YOUR
RESTAURANT
From Others in Our Premier Dining Guide Call 281.690.4242 www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Est. 2000
www.islandgrillhouston.com
• Breakfast
• Pitas
• Burgers
• Beer & Wine
Pancakes French Toast Breakfast Tacos Omelets Angus Buffalo Turkey
• Kabob Platter • Salmon 979 Bunker Hill Rd. Houston, TX 77024 832.831.7071 Please visit our Tanglewood and West U locations
Beef Chicken Fish Vegetable Santa Margherita La Crema Kim Crawford Stella
Free Hummus with Purchase of 2 Entrées
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A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY By The Heritage Society
Court House, Houston, Texas, March 1852 by Thomas Flintoff.
Image courtesy of the Houston Public Library, HMRC.
Artistic Impressions of Early Houston
H
istorians do not know much about what the new town of Houston looked like in the decades immediately after its founding in August 1836. One early visitor to Houston was a woman named Mary Austin Holley, who was a cousin of Stephen F. Austin. On her third trip to Texas in 1837, she landed in Galveston and traveled up to Houston. Holley’s diary from this trip contained pencil sketches of the Houston area showing the capitol building, homes and business establishments, thereby providing a glimpse of living conditions and political and social activities in the early Republic of Texas. Another early visitor to Houston was an itinerant portrait painter named Thomas Flintoff, who moved to the United States from England in 1850. He arrived in Galveston in the spring of 1851 and painted portraits of prominent residents in both Galveston and Austin. In the spring of 1852, Flintoff visited Houston, Corpus Christi, Indianola and Matagorda, capturing his impressions of these early Texas towns in a series of watercolor sketches. His landscapes not only reflected the rich vegetation of the countryside but also included municipal buildings and churches, thereby providing the only known images of particular early buildings that of course have long disappeared. Flintoff apparently left Texas and eventually ended up in Melbourne, Australia, where he died in 1891. The story continues into the next century, when in 1984, an Australian woman contacted the mayor and councilors of the City of Houston. She possessed a series of five watercolors of Houston painted in March 1852. She offered to donate two of the paintings to the city and presented them in person to Mayor Kathy Whitmire when she toured the United States. The two paintings became part of the archival collection of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, a component of the Houston Public Library’s Special Collections Division.
Capitol in Houston, December 1837 by Mary Austin Holley.
The first painting in the series is dated March 20, 1852 and shows a long, one-story frame building containing market stalls. Records indicate that a City contract to build this building facing Travis Street was awarded in 1840 to Thomas Stansbury & Sons. City council then voted to build a City Hall next to this building. Today, Houstonians know the block bounded by Preston and Congress avenues and Travis and Milam streets as Market Square. The two buildings shown in the Flintoff painting were torn down before the construction of the second City Hall began on that site in 1871. The second painting, dated March 24, 1852, shows the newly dedicated brick courthouse that was constructed on Courthouse Square, the block bounded by Congress and Preston avenues and San Jacinto and Fannin streets. This public building with a substantial dome was designed by F.J. Rothaas and built at a cost of $15,000. Mud tracks where wagons passed appear in the left foreground. The painting also contains a grand Greek Revival house, which is likely the Nichols home, later to become the home of William Marsh Rice. The other three sketches in the series depict some of the early churches in Houston. One sketch shows three churches: the small brick Methodist church erected on Texas Avenue in 1844, the Baptist church erected at Texas Avenue and Travis streets in 1847 and the small Presbyterian church erected on Main Street and Capitol Avenue in 1842. Another sketch shows the Catholic church erected in 1841 at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Caroline Street, nestled on the far side of a heavily wooded ravine with a wooden bridge. The last sketch shows Christ Episcopal Church erected in 1845 on Fannin Street, surrounded by a white picket fence to keep animals outside the churchyard. This painting was donated by the Australian owner to Christ Church Cathedral on Texas Avenue, where it is currently displayed. These two travelers to Houston were separated by a period of only 15 years, yet the images they recorded show vastly different scenes. Mary Austin Holley’s pencil drawings were the work of an amateur, but they accurately depict the rough and tumble nature of the new town of Houston. Thomas Flintoff’s more accomplished watercolors reflect the growth of a prosperous new town in mid-19th century Texas, a town with public infrastructure and the brick and mortar manifestations of fledgling religious congregations.
Image courtesy of the Eugene Barker Texas History Collection, The University of Texas.
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