The Memorial Buzz - February 2014

The Plank family

Lost and Found Love

Texans in Telluride

by Tracy L. Barnett

Investigating Private Eyes Adventure Couples Growing Abroad Breaking Up With Your Hairdresser Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

This Month in Dining: Noise Levels

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

M

aybe you’re familiar with the party game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, where you can link any Hollywood figure to Kevin Bacon in six or fewer connected film roles. At The Buzz, we often can do the same with people in our own community, linking any two residents in a few steps. Not a day goes by without a coincidental meeting or connection between residents, whether in person or through one of our stories. Take this month’s cover story on Telluride, by our wandering Travel Buzz writer, Tracy Barnett, in which my family found ourselves in the middle of our very own game of six degrees. We were a thousand miles from Houston and a world away in terms of beautiful scenery, and at every turn we ran into warm and welcoming residents from our Buzz coverage areas. We met new neighbors and made lasting new friends. And, yes, we all cut a little Footloose. michael@thebuzzmagazines.com

THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 memorialbuzz.com • facebook.com/memorialbuzz Editor Publisher Associate Editors Vice President, Sales Staff Writers

Contributing Writer Manager, Interactive Media Designer Manager, Business Administration Account Managers

Sales Associates

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Annie Blaylock McQueen Jay Janecek Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Michelle Maresh Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Leslie Little Andrea Blitzer Darsey Swaim Erin Thompson Laura Callan Helen Hamilton Michele Luke

On our cover: The Plank family (from left, Kendall, Mike, Susan and Jared, along with dog Oakley) visit Telluride this year.

Cover photo by Melissa Plantz The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2014 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 4

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Details matter Thank you for this very insightful article (Affording College, by Cheryl Laird, January 2014). I really appreciated the details and specific action items listed. Most articles regarding preparing for college are vague and high level and don’t provide any insight into a very daunting process. They simply tell the reader to do research. This article went above and beyond and actually listed very specific action items and examples.

Thank you for a great article.

Cecilia Heilmann Everybody read it The response to the trading article (Digital Garage Sale, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, January 2014) has been tremendous! Literally, I have received at least 75-100+ requests per day to be a member of the [Facebook West University Trading] site. Thank you, Annie, for a great article and an interest in our community.

Jackie Sharbrough

Breastmilk sharing risky Your recent article on digital garage sales implied that sharing breastmilk with friends and neighbors is a good thing: “The group has come in handy for locating nearly impossible-to-find items, like breast milk. There was a mom who was looking for breast milk for a premature baby. At the time I had a three-month supply in our freezer. She was looking to buy it. I just gave it to her.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

Breastmilk sharing is risky because breastmilk is a body fluid and may contain the same infectious agents that blood products can contain – hepatitis, HIV, CMV and others – and it is important to understand that unless you have donors who are screened with bloodwork, and the milk is pasteurized, you put your baby at risk by using the milk from your generous neighbor, and the neighbor puts herself at risk of being blamed for illness in the recipient baby. Most individuals who are CMV carriers do not know it, even if they are regular blood donors. I am sure that the recipient of the breastmilk in question did not ask the generous donor to get bloodwork before she accepted the offer of free milk.

You owe it to the many young mothers who would do anything to promote the health of their infants to correct this misperception in your next issue and in your online edition. There are many online sources of breastmilk, and this is an area of increasing concern, as families are now freely sharing breastmilk with others and promoting its benefits. A recent study presented at the Academy of Breastfeeding medicine showed that most if MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 6

not all of these online sources of breastmilk shipped the milk improperly and that received milk not only had high levels of bacterial contamination, but often was received at room temperature and/or in leaking containers.

Encourage women with extra breastmilk to donate to the Milk Bank in Austin [milkbank.org] or join the Mother’s Milk Cooperative (www.mothersmilk.coop), where donors are screened and milk is processed to remove the risk of infection instead. In addition, these organizations make sure that donor milk is available to the most vulnerable of infants, the very low birthweight infants whose own mothers are unable to produce sufficient milk to nourish them, the infants who are most likely to die from formula-related illness, such as necrotizing enterocolitis.

Melanie Mouzoon, M.D.

Correction In January’s Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz About Town column, Ed Wolff was misidentified as Beth Wolff’s husband. Beth and her son, Ed Wolff, were co-chairs of the Houston A+ Challenge Power of Network Dinner.

The Buzz regrets the error.

Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have easy gluten-free recipes to share.

• Are planning a wedding or recently got married.

• Have a personal photo with a meaningful story behind it.

• Have stories from a girls- or guys-only trip.

• Buried or celebrated the passing of a loved one in an unusual way.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 7

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Love Lost and Found

G

eorge Simons had an announcement to make at Thanksgiving 2012. With all three of his children and their families in attendance, including eight grandchildren ages 15 to 27, as well as Sammie Simons, his former wife and the mother of his children with whom he remained friendly, he had secretly planned to make the announcement after the Texans game.

But as the game progressed into double-overtime, George grew fidgety and asked for the TV remote. He paused the game and stood to speak.

With tears in his eyes, he told his family that after 20 years of being single he was getting married. To his first and only wife, their mother and grandmother. Again.

“You hear stories like this,” says George and Sammie’s daughter Laurie, an accountant, “so it’s something I thought could happen. But I wasn’t going to count on it.”

George and Sammie divorced after 31 years of marriage. “We hated to do it, but we had just grown apart,” Sammie, a homemaker, says. “It was amicable. Nobody was bitter.”

George, a retired banker, says, “I made sure she was fine financially and never lacked for anything.”

During their 20 years apart, the couple still got together at family events and holidays, and they even traveled to Europe together a year after they divorced. George and Sammie both dated. “For me, there was nothing serious,” Sammie says. “But George went with a lady for eight years. I was friendly with her because I still wanted to be a family. I even had her and George over for dinner.”

A year or so after George and his friend broke up, he and Sammie started going to dinner more often. Daughter Laurie noticed that they were meeting friends every Saturday at the Bellaire Coffee Shop. “They just seemed to be really good friends,” she says.

One day George called Sammie to tell her he wasn’t feeling well and ask if she would walk his dog. “I went to see him and I took Max for a walk,” Sammie says. “And then I asked, ‘When do you want me to go home?’”

George’s response: “I never want you to go home.” Sammie likes to say that Max the dog MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 8

TAKE ONE, AND TWO Sammie and George Simons marry for the first time in 1956. Inset photo: They later divorced and, this December, got married again.

brought them back together.

On December 23, 2012, 56 years to the day after their original wedding and 20 years after their divorce, George and Sammie married in front of their Christmas tree. With only George’s sister and her husband, a retired Methodist minister, in attendance, the Simons “just did it again,” as George says. That afternoon, the entire family gathered at their home to celebrate.

Jana Harker, another Simons daughter and a teacher, says the family is “thrilled. There’s so much history, and there are grandkids. It’s such a nice ending to have two people you love together.”

George and Sammie say they feel like newlyweds. Only smarter. “We’re more open and honest.

And we’re wiser. We talk about what bothers us.”

Lucy Richardson and John Moffitt are just starting out, but their relationship has gone through a similar on-off cycle. The two started dating their freshman year at Bellaire High School. “I saw her getting her freshman ID outside the library at Cardinal Camp and some-

thing hit me like a lightning bolt,” John says. For the next four years, the two were the perfect high school couple. As seniors, the school newspaper profiled them as sweethearts. Months later, Lucy and John broke up.

“We were going to college and just wanted to have the whole experience and develop our own identities,” Lucy says. “If things were meant to be, we knew we’d find our way back to each other.”

They kept in touch for a couple of years while Lucy was at TCU and John at LSU, then they stopped, going a year and a half without talking.

“We both got back to Houston in 2010, and we went to dinner, and the rest is history,” Lucy says.

Lucy, who works in the development office at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and John, a commercial lender at Amegy Bank, are engaged to be married this March. In a nod to their meeting spot at the Bellaire High School library, they’ll wed at the Julia Ideson Library. And a quartet of Bellaire students will play during the cocktail hour.

“I’m grateful that we did it the way we did,” John says. “It was the right thing. The toughest part was being apart, but now we know ourselves better.”

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

SWEETHEARTS After time apart during college, John Moffitt and Lucy Richardson are engaged to be married this March.

www.hartphoto.com

TRAVEL

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Adventure Couples

W

ould you consider it romantic to schlep gear, without a shower or much sleep for days on end, up a 19,000-foot volcano? How about camping in Africa while lions circle your campsite? Or, closer to home, training for and running a full marathon together?

For some Buzz-neighborhood couples, this is romance.

Adventure junkies Ces Guerra, a realtor, and his photographer wife, Laura, got engaged in 2005 on a hike in the Smoky Mountains. They have tackled Mount Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu and don’t plan to stop climbing any time soon.

“Going to see museums in Paris is a great way to travel but this kind of hiking, when it’s an adventure, is so much more rewarding because you have such a high,” said Laura. “There’s nothing like it.”

Framed photos of their trips are sprinkled around their home. As music plays softly in their den and a fire rumbles, Ces leans back in his wingback chair to reminisce. “I always talk about climbing up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in the middle of the darkness, through the wind, the cold and the sleepiness, when I looked back at Laura and asked, ‘Laura, are you ok?’”

Laura interrupts, laughing, “I know what you are going to say, Ces, and it’s so cheesy.”

He smiles, and continues. “She said, ‘I am just thinking of the day we got married and our friends and family.’”

Ces says he nearly gave up and quit because of pure exhaustion the day before they reached the summit. “I wanted Laura to keep going if I stopped.” Nonetheless, they made it to the top and snapped a photo of them holding a flag of Ces’ alma mater, Louisiana State University.

In the end, they both agreed the happy thoughts of their lives at home helped power them up the final difficult push.

Ces and Laura have made friends along the way, like local retiree and active volunteer Joan Hessidence and her husband, geophysicist Rick Wall, whom they met in the United Airlines lounge at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Joan and Rick have lived in Norway and MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 10

London and traveled over the course of their 30 years together.

“When we were dating in 1984, we did a 21-day bicycle trip in China,” said Joan.

“For us, [traveling] is an affirmation of some of the things, the common values, that brought us together to begin with,” said Joan. “We met each other at a YMCA in New Orleans, so an active lifestyle is something is very important to us.”

Oil and gas professionals Iliana and Greg Romero say exploring is “in their blood.” They have lived in and traveled to New York, TRAVEL TREASURES Ces and Laura Guerra decorated their backyard with Europe, Latin America Nepalese prayer flags. Here, they wear trekking vests they received from their and Dubai, among other Mount Kilimanjaro guide, Dean Cardinale. places. husband Josh, a private equity investor, met in high “We did a safari camping in the bush in school in Oklahoma City and married in 2000.

Botswana, Zambia and Namibia. It was a pitchSince then, they have lived in San Francisco and your-own-tent, shower-every-couple-days type New York and now call Houston home. They have of safari,” said Iliana. “But it was one of the most traveled to France, Italy, Ireland, Thailand, magical experiences.”

Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, the Bahamas Iliana says the rustic safari helped her appreand the British Virgin Islands. ciate basic amenities. “The bathroom was a hole While traveling, they always find time to in the ground 50 yards away from our campsite. enjoy one of their passions: running. “You can Walking to it was frightening, especially when see so much more on foot and such a different you have a pride of lions walking through perspective,” said Danielle. camp,” she said, laughing.

“We ran the Houston Marathon in 2013 While some couples prefer sipping mai tais on together. It was such a different kind of advena sunny beach, the Romeros chose to bike ture,” said Danielle. “We would joke the training around France for six days on their 16th wedwas like these long dates. You don’t have cell ding-anniversary trip. “We biked through phones or television,” said Danielle. “There are Dordogne and Bourdeaux, and [biked] a high of adventures away but there are also wonderful 55 miles a day,” said Iliana. things you can do in your own backyard.”

When traveling together, said Greg, “we’re creating memories together, and when you create memories and experiences together, that always For more photos of these travels, see this story creates a great foundation for a relationship.” online at memorialbuzz.com.

Danielle Batchelor, a business owner, and her

MORE ONLINE

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

SOUVENIRS Greg and Iliana Romero collect art on their travels. Above their mantel is a Patagonian Indian craft they bought in El Calafate, Argentina.

NEIGHBORS

by Michelle Casas Groogan, staff writer

Growing Abroad

A

n “expat” is a brave soul, someone who has left behind home and culture for adventure and work in another country.

Since Houston is a huge player in global trade, chances are good you know an expatriate.

Jenny and Wes Vestal sold their Meyerland home in 2012 and moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates for Wes’ new position as director of human resources with Baker Hughes.

It was cultural exposure the couple wanted for their three young girls, Molly, Lucy and Caroline, who attended Horn Academy.

“It’s been exciting to learn what makes us different, seeing men and women in their traditional Muslim Arabic clothing,” said Jenny.

Jenny writes a funny blog for friends and family about Middle Eastern life and her family’s adjustments. She posts about her encounters with driving and high-rise living. But some of her funniest stories are about shopping.

“As an expat, you sometimes take to hoarding. When you find American luxury food items, like Wheat Thins, or vanilla Oreos in a store, you will never see it there again, literally, because here American brands are unpredictable imports. So, when you find those items, you buy them all. Like today, I found Wheat Thins, and bought all eight boxes,” she said.

Another expat couple, Hina and Rajiv Pandya, have a senior and sophomore at Bellaire High School, and even though they call Houston home, their teenage daughters, Shivani and Janvi, have spent most of their lives living in other countries.

When the girls were just 4 and 2, the family moved to Thailand for Rajiv’s job with Dow Chemical. It was a welcome break for Hina, who was a physician with Kelsey-Seybold at the time.

“We had very busy and very stressful lives,” said Hina. “Managing our schedules and daycare… I was overwhelmed with these two little kids. We couldn’t even get our laundry done, and when he said how about going to Thailand, I didn’t even think twice about it.”

They fell in love with Thailand, even though they spent the first two years living in a community with other expats.

“We didn’t only get to know the culture of MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 12

Thailand, but we got to know people from all over the world. We celebrated everyone’s holidays,” said Hina.

They spent the last two years of their Thailand assignment living in a high-rise building in downtown Bangkok, getting a real cultural experience.

They returned to Houston in 2004 for a short time before jumping at the chance to take another expat assignment in Shanghai, China, where they lived five years.

This time Hina was able to obtain her own work visa and practiced medicine.

Each time the couple TIME ABROAD Sherri and Simon Dullingham, with their daughter Victoria, are moved they took every- from Houston and currently live in Cyprus. thing with them, leavnotice, this has been difficult for me.” ing nothing behind. They wanted total immerBut Shelli says the perks outweigh the inconvension in the culture. Now, their Bellaire home is iences. The small island has beautiful beaches and like a museum filled with personal, handpicked easy travel opportunities. Education hasn’t been a treasures from countries all over the world. concern either; Victoria is thriving in the small and “The people that enjoyed being an expat the personal American International School. most were the ones that treated their time there The expat journey extends both ways. as an adventure, and they were very tolerant Houston is the new home for Australians about the culture,” said Rajiv. “They didn’t try Richelle and Craig Dennis and their two young to force their home-country norms – they were daughters. Settling into Bunker Hill, the family really flexible with the understanding that we’re wanted to be part of the local community, but it guests in this country.” hasn’t come without adjustments.

Shelli and Simon Dullingham call West “The biggest culture shock for us is realizing University home. But their expat life took them just how casual Australians are in all forms, parto Singapore in 2008 and now to the ticularly with the girls at school and with friends.

Mediterranean Sea. The couple, along with Here everyone is ‘Mrs.,’ whereas at home everytheir 9-year-old daughter, Victoria, have estabone is on a first-name basis,” said Richelle. lished a household on the small island of Cyprus.

Cultural quirks have caused them a few “The main challenge for me here is organizing embarrassing moments too – for example, when my day; most stores and businesses close every she talks about her or her daughter’s thongs. In afternoon from 1 to 4,” said Shelli. “For an Australia, that is the word for flip-flops.

American, able to buy anything on a moment’s

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 13

NEIGHBORS

by Dave Schafer, staff writer

Investigating Private Eyes

G

ot him. The cat-and-mouse chase had encompassed six years and four countries, but private investigator John Moritz finally tracked down the con man he was chasing.

After being charged with swindling victims out of millions and pleading guilty in 2004 to money laundering, Harris Dempsey “Butch” Ballow had jumped bail. He fled to Mexico, where he continued his scams, according to clients who hired Moritz.

Finally, in 2010, the Houston-based licensed private investigator was able to use computer surveillance to locate Ballow at a country club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Moritz posed as a potential investor and went inside to make sure.

Then he called authorities and waited as they took Ballow away in handcuffs.

Eventually, Ballow was extradited to the United States, sentenced to 10 years in prison for the previous conviction and charged with other crimes.

“It was gratifying that we were finally able to put an end to the chase, and he wouldn’t be able to screw anybody else,” said Moritz, a 20-year veteran whose firm has six full-time workers and 12 part-time investigators.

A private investigator’s job isn’t always so jetsetting glamorous. Despite what Raymond Chandler would have you think, there are few dead bodies, cracks upside unsuspecting heads or shoot outs.

Instead, the job is about online-database research, running background and pre-employment checks, covert surveillance and locating people and disappeared assets. P.I.s may not even carry a gun – although Moritz, a Harris County officer, does when he’s in the United States.

They work civil and criminal cases, building a file for a client and then sometimes handing the file over to police. They often testify at trial, so a good relationship with law enforcement is important.

“The police just don’t have the resources to stay on a case for multiple days, unless they have a really hot lead. So we fill the gaps,” Moritz said.

To get a private-security license from the Texas Department of Public Safety, a P.I. must MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 14

have a four-year degree in criminal justice or three years’ experience as an investigator with a privateinvestigation company or as a police officer, and must pass a written TDPS exam.

Even a secretary who does an online search for a client needs to be licensed, Moritz says. But he said his team constantly runs across unlicensed investigators. If caught, they face penalties and ON THE CASE Houston's private eyes usually track down missing people or property possibly criminal online first before hitting the streets. charges. cases, investigating spouses, tracking down missInvestigators are paid by the hour. Forensic ing people and runaways and running backwork generally costs the most, while surveillance ground checks on fiancés and lovers, about 10 costs less. years ago because he wanted to work with every“We have resources that the public doesn’t day people. “It keeps it real,” he said. McMahon have, and we know how and where to look and has been a licensed investigator for 30 years, how to follow a trail,” said John McMahon, often working legal and corporate support and owner of John McMahon & Associates. personal-injury defense.

In 85 to 90 percent of cases, McMahon says, He’s careful not to invade privacy, he said. “I he’s able to find someone within four hours of have no interest in doing something that is in a being hired, by using online databases, some of gray area or, even legal, that will drag me in into which are restricted to people in law enforcea lawsuit.” He won’t take pictures through winment, security and licensed investigation. dows, for instance – others might – and won’t Licensed private investigator Dave Pazda spebug a phone or plant GPS on someone’s vehicializes in corporate electronic-espionage councle. termeasures – a Bondian term for searching He will videotape an “injured” worker trimmeeting rooms for listening devices. ming a tree or photograph a man spending the In one case, Pazda swept more than 30 rooms night in the same house as his new wife’s chilafter a client found a device in a board room – dren – even though the man has a conviction it turned out to be an electronic fart generator, for child abuse. more a modern-day Three Stooges than a Moritz also does surveillance and used to have Professor Moriarty. a customized van, but now he uses U-Haul Pazda avoids domestic investigations because trucks. “Nobody gets suspicious,” he said, “if they “they tend to be messy.” see a U-Haul parked on the side of the road.”

But McMahon says he began taking on those

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 15

NEIGHBORS

.

by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Rumor Has It Numbered. Taylor Clare Martin and Bobby Shekarabi will never forget their wedding date, 11-12-13. Their romance blossomed when they worked the Italian Expo in 2011.

Then one evening as they relaxed on the roof deck of his townhouse, admiring the downtown skyline, Astros fireworks graced the air. It was the perfect moment for Bobby to pop the marriage question. They were married at 5226 Elm outside by the lily pond in an intimate ceremony with their parents, Mark and Allison Andrews and Seyed and Parvin Shekarabi, and immediate family. The party inside included their besties and 100 friends. Yvonne Washington and the Mix played while Persian food was served. Taylor made a shadow box with hearts for the guests to sign in lieu of a guestbook. It’s now hanging in their home.

Starry night. Guests walked under a lighted arch and warmed themselves by a firepit before they reached Charlene Moore’s front door, where the official greeter, a Sheltie named Buddy Moore, was in his tux wagging his tail.

The annual holi-daze bash includes Charlene’s adult son Adam’s friends as well as hers. The back yard twinkled with lights on their bridge and in the gazebo, alongside three roaring fire pits. Dr. Sandy and Helaine Lubetkin, Kathy and Kurt Adkins, Connie Bono, Jan Rhodes, Kathy and Steve Covey, Heidi and Roger Pierce, Cristi and Wink Harvey, Robert Fadem, Turner Hoff, Ann Butler and Juan Ibarra enjoyed the magical mood.

Alarming but charming. While Sydney Ealand shopped with her family, her boyfriend Robert Eifler was “golfing.” His alarm company called her cell phone to tell her the alarm was blaring, which is common when the dog pushes the door open. When Robert confirmed he was still playing golf and could not check on the door, Sydney’s shopping trip was ruined. She opened the door to see ripped-up flowers that she thought Ellie the dog had destroyed, but then she saw Robert in a tuxedo on one knee and heard their song by The Supremes playing in the background. Not only had Robert been cooking up the engagementproposal scheme, but he also had been preparing MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 16

WEDDING BELLS The newly married Taylor and Bobby Shekarabi enjoy a peaceful moment in a lily garden before the party starts.

beef bourguignon all day for their parents, Peggy and Rick Ealand and Jane and Gus Eifler, siblings and friends to feast on to celebrate. A spring wedding in Galveston is planned.

Tamales and more. An open house on Christmas Eve afternoon was hosted by Jenna Jackson and Brendan Gilbert in the home they purchased and updated last year. ‘Twas a reason to celebrate doubly. Tamales served five different ways were enjoyed by Tiffany and Randall Wong, Steve and Jennifer Bass, Julie and Ray Gambino, Jodi and Dr. Gene Lou, and Joy and Don McCormack, who were among the 30 guests at the open house.

Showered and new. Patti and Danny Miller moved from the Spring Valley area to Tanglewood just in time to host a baby shower for Raymond and Echo Kong’s first baby, which was due Dec 31. While guests were admiring the newconstruction home and fountains, the first-time parents mingled with Barbara Sheldon, Kathryn Stewart, Julie Atlas Taylor, Kitty Vann, Lorraine Abercrombie, Val Lankford and Sherry Barker, who were among the group of 40. Alexander Kong arrived Dec. 29, in time to burp in 2014.

Cocktails and conversation. Michael Mithoff and his fashionable wife, Melissa Mithoff,

recently moved from Memorial into a custom-built contemporary home in River Oaks, in time to host a party for The Children’s Museum. Museum executive director Tammie Kahn welcomed the 40 guests and corporate leaders.

On a more serious note. Paulette Levine looked out her window and saw neighbor Mary Reed’s house on fire in the front “computer” room. Mary, who teaches geography and sponsors a World Cultures club, was at work at Memorial High while 10 fire trucks and 45 firefighters came to her home. She got home just in time to see her whole house go down in flames the day before her notorious pajama party for 50 friends and nine days before Christmas. Her friends didn’t want her to miss the P.J. party when they could offer a stocking full of useful goods and a warm hug. The party was carried out at Denise Eckhardt’s nearby home. Memorial High School and Houston Junior Forum are taking donations to help Mary get back on her feet, beyond where insurance will leave off. Checks to Mary Reed can be mailed to Houston Junior Forum at P.O. Box 7941, Houston, Texas, 77270.

Have some good news to share? We want to know. Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Texans in Telluride

B

uzz editor Joni and publisher Michael Hoffman often find that work follows them everywhere they go. Even so, what happened in Telluride over the holidays took them by surprise.

They’d booked a room at the Fairmont Heritage Place’s Franz Klammer Lodge and were looking forward to a winter escape. They also were on a mission: They hoped to meet another family from the Buzz readership area to interview for this story. They needn’t have worried.

They hadn’t been on the shuttle from the airport more than five minutes when it began.

Michael and Joni struck up a conversation with

the woman who shared their shuttle. Abbe Ulrich was her name, and it turned out she hailed from West University in Houston; she was there to meet up with other members of her far-flung family. Her parents had fallen in love with Telluride eight years ago and invested in a condo at the Fairmont so they could make that the family’s point of reunion.

They exchanged information, and Abbe said she would be happy to have her photo taken during her stay.

Mission accomplished, the Hoffmans set about installing themselves in the Fairmont. They thought the lodge offered just the right blend of

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 18

rustic and luxury, and Telluride was quaint and beautiful. But it wasn’t long before they discovered their networking was far from over.

The next morning they got up to go skiing and a young man approached their son Matt. “Did you go to Bellaire High School?” he asked. It turned out they had taken a class together. That was Aman Narayan, who was there with his parents, Rakesh and Swati, and his two brothers, Deven and Milan, and family friend Arjun Ramsunder. Even their dogs had made a connection, as they later discovered; the Narayans’ yellow lab, Shehalia, was being boarded at Rover Oaks Pet Resort along with the Hoffmans’ two

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golden retrievers, Duke and Bailey.

Joni invited the whole family to be included in the following day’s photo shoot.

Then, as Michael made his way up the mountain on the chairlift, he met Julie and David Brown. “Oh my God, we’re in The Buzz this month!” exclaimed Julie when she learned who Michael was. The Browns are from Tanglewood and have owned a home in Telluride since this past spring, when they fell in love with the town during a fly-fishing expedition. Julie and family were invited to join the photo shoot, as well.

By the time they made it to the morning photo shoot, the group numbered 11. But that wasn’t all.

The Hoffmans’ friends, Myrna and David Engler from Bellaire, had come to join them, along with their daughters Kelly and Amy. They were all dining together at Allred’s, Telluride’s flagship restaurant at the top of the gondola. It was the very last reservation of the night on the last night of the Hoffmans’ trip, and the place was nearly empty except for them and the piano player. Kelly, who is in the musical theater program at Northwestern University, began to sing along.

“So we’re listening to Kelly and the piano player, and all of a sudden a couple sitting at the fireplace came around the corner; they were enjoying hearing Kelly singing,” Joni recalled.

They struck up a conversation; it turned out the man was Chuck Horning, owner of the Telluride

BAYOU CITY CONVERGENCE Some Houstonians met on a recent trip in Telluride. From left, standing: Abbe Ulrich, David Brown, Julie Brown, Ashley Brown, Rakesh Narayan, Aman Narayan, Arjun Ramsunder and Deven Narayan. Kneeling: Christopher and Caroline Brown. Seated: Madeline Brown.

Ski and Golf Resort.

“Oh, yes, we love Houstonians,” Horning told them with a laugh. He had just had dinner with Susan and Mike Plank, who live in Memorial.

The couple had bought a second home in

Telluride seven years ago and had been celebrating the holidays here for more than a decade.

“It was amazing,” Joni said later. “The thing is, in order for us to be able to include people in the magazine, they can’t (continued on page 20)

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 19

they have to be residents in the Buzz readership areas – West U, Bellaire, Tanglewood, River Oaks and Memorial.” Susan and Mike completed the quartet.

“What we like about it is that it’s very laid back,” Susan said. “You don’t have to get dressed up to go out; it’s not a frou-frou resort.” Added Mike, “And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it just happens to be the most gorgeous mountain setting in North America.”

Susan says there’s no room for pretentiousness, even given the town’s status as a hangout for the stars.

Dennis Quaid had been on the mountain skiing two days earlier; on other occasions they’ve run into Tom Cruise or George Strait. Equally unusual is the complete lack of paparazzi.

Parents say they like the sense of safety and connectedness; they can relax while their kids explore the towns of Telluride and the neighboring Mountain Village, which are linked by a 13minute ride on a free gondola system.

“The kids can take the gondola and go into town, get ice cream and come back by themselves,” Susan said.

The Planks have raised their children as much in Telluride as in Houston. “We came here 15 years ago when some friends invited us up for a summer visit; they said, ‘You’ve got to see this place,’” said Susan. “So we came up here, fell in love with it, and that was it.”

At first they leased, and then they found the home that would hold their dreams – a beautiful log home right on the mountain with a 270degree vista. Their eldest, Kendall, now a senior at Episcopal High School in Bellaire, was only three when they began coming here. Jared, now 13, was born a couple of years later.

They began celebrating every Christmas here, and in summer it was the logical place to beat the Houston heat with fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking and golf – and some serious motorcycling for Mike and the kids. Every summer Wednesday there’s a free concert in the town square.

The ski school is another draw. Kendall learned to ski at 4, their second year in Telluride, and Jared learned at just 2½.

For Julie and David Brown, it took longer to find Telluride, but once they did, it was no time at all before they found their second home. They have taken their family skiing all over – the names roll off Julie’s tongue like a Top 10 listing from Ski Magazine: Lake Louise, Park City, Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Whistler. Two of their three daughters have skied in France.

“We always thought we’d get a place in the Canadian Rockies, but we absolutely fell in love with Telluride,” said Julie. All it took was a flyfishing trip this spring to get them house hunting.

That same trip they found the perfect log house right on a ski run, and they bought it on the spot.

Having a place where the whole family can feel engaged was key. They have three daughMEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 20

Melissa Plantz

(continued from page 19) just be from Houston, but

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SMILES The Plank family enjoys their second home in Telluride. From left: Kendall, Jared, Susan and Mike.

ters: Ashley, 21; Madeline, 19; and Caroline, 18; and a son, Christopher, 25, and they can go out at night and ride the gondola home with no worries. The town has a tempting offering of fine restaurants and a lively nightlife, which the kids love. Julie often prefers to cook at home. On the way in from the airport in Montrose, they usually stop at City Market and the big box stores to stock up on groceries and supplies; she also frequents Telluride’s vibrant Village Market for fresh meat and produce.

That doesn’t mean she’s hibernating, of course. “There’s tons of stuff to do here – you can ice skate, you can snowboard, you can crosscountry ski. Yesterday my parents were visiting from Texas and we took them snowshoeing with our border collies and there were all these ice fishermen out on Trout Lake.”

The kids were busy being kids again when not snowboarding – building a highly engineered snow fort in the front yard with an ice axe and hammers, based on directions they downloaded from the Internet.

The family usually takes a one- to two-week winter getaway, but for some of them, this year

it will be more. Madeline is taking the Dartmouth winter quarter off working for the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program, a part of a national network of sports and education programs for people with disabilities. Caroline is spending the Kinkaid interim term of January volunteering at TASP, so the sisters and mom will be enjoying Telluride’s famous winter powder. One of the highlights will be a month without needing a car – thanks to the gondolas.

Halfway into their first winter in Telluride, they are sure they made the right decision.

“We wanted something that would be like a kid magnet,” Julie said with a laugh, “that people would want to come back here and get together.”

This constellation of Houstonians came as no surprise to Chuck Horning. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said in a telephone interview. “There’s kind of a love relationship between Telluride and Houston, and I don’t fully understand it, but I love it. They create fabulous energy and they add a lot to this place. They aren’t just visitors; they’re fully engaged. They’re high-energy people. It’s really a wonderful relationship.”

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Allergy… and immunology Allergies make you more susceptible to getting sinus infections because when nasal tissue is inflamed and swollen, it’s easier for a tiny infection to wall itself off in a space that can’t easily drain. Therefore, the virus that gave you a cold allows one random bacteria to become 2, then 4, then 8, then 16, then millions. That is why allergy treatment often reduces the frequency and severity of sinus infections. Reducing that inflammation lets the infection drain so your body can heal itself. But some patients may also have an immune system that can’t fight off viral or bacterial infections optimally.

In this group, running some blood tests looking for specific antibodies against the most likely bugs to cause sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia can give clues as to how to improve the function of the immune system.

You’ve probably heard of Pneumovax, the pneumonia vaccine that is recommended for those age 65 and older. Pneumovax is good, but not awesome. It immunizes against 23 serotypes (a serotype is basically a “cousin”) of Streptococcus pneumonia (Strep pneumo), but it uses 1970s technology. In 2011, the FDA approved the pediatric pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar-13, for use in adults. Prevnar-13 only has 13 serotypes, but utilizes three different components of your immune system to optimize your ability to fight this important bacteria. Strep pneumo is the No. 1 bacterial cause of sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were also a vaccine for the No. 2 bacterial cause of those three infections? Well, there is! It’s called ActiHIB, and it strengthens the immunity to Haemophilus influenzae Type B. Did some-

body just say influenza? Is this a “flu shot” or influenza vaccine? No, and no. Influenza is a virus that gives you “the flu.” Haemophilus influenzae is a bacteria that some idiot named the flu just to confuse us all. Just kidding. Haemophilus was isolated in the 1890s, and was thought to be the cause of the flu until the influenza virus was discovered in the 1930s.

Would you benefit from any of these vaccines? The best way to find out is through consultation with a board-certified allergist, who can assess if you have an immune deficiency and if your immune system can be taught how to fight bugs more effectively.

Real allergists are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. That last part, “…and Immunology,” is one other distinction that separates us from bootleg allergists.

No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs.

David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy & Asthma Clinic

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 21

HOME

by Michelle Maresh, contributing writer

Buzz Home: Master Bed and Bath

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elcome to Buzz Home, a column spotlighting readers’ homes.

This month we’re taking a look inside the master bedroom and bathroom of George and Paige Hagle’s 1939 house. Let’s take a look inside to see what they did.

Editor’s note: Michelle Maresh is the publisher of Houston Design Resources.

To submit homes for consideration, email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

OLD AND NEW Bottom left: All of the cabinetry was provided by George’s company, Leedo Cabinetry, in an espresso finish. Top right: The designer created a soft contemporary style, mingled with luxury and functionality, to complement the 1930s architectural-design details of the home. Middle right: With more than 3,500 square feet of living space, the Hagles’ home on Wickersham Lane has lots of room for the family of four. Their two children, Emma, 14, and George IV (aka G4), 10, attend St. John’s School, where their parents attended as well. Bottom right: The Hagles commissioned interior designer Punita Valambhia to transform their bathroom and bedroom into a serene retreat in their 2010 remodel.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 22

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 23

SPORTS

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz A

fter leading St. Thomas High School to its first undefeated regular football season in 70 years, as well as a second straight district championship, Eagles head coach Tim Fitzpatrick was honored as the Coach of the Year at the Touchdown Club of Houston Private High School Football Awards dinner.

“Coach Fitzpatrick has created a real energy and personality for our program,” said St. Thomas athletic director Mike Netzel. “We’ve won 21 of 24 games since he took over the program. The kids expect to go out there and win football games.”

Another big award winner from St. Thomas was senior Joseph Lowery, who was named Lineman of the Year after securing 64 tackles and nine sacks this season. Meanwhile, St. Pius X receiver Brian Newman capped off a brilliant career for the Panthers by winning the Offensive Player of the Year award.

On the other side of the ball, Kinkaid Falcon John David Johnson won the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Houston Christian’s John Clarke, who was both a standout receiver and defensive back, took home the Ironman of the Year Award.

In basketball, the St. John’s Mavericks captured the 74th annual HISD basketball tournament for the second straight year, beating out a 32-team field to win the championship. St. John’s won six games over a tough three-game stretch, including victories over HISD powers Bellaire and then Wheatley in the championship final. St. John’s is only the second private school ever to be a two-time champion of the HISD tournament.

“It’s really a huge deal for our school to win that tournament once again,” said Mavericks head coach Harold Baber. “Not a lot of people know about St. John’s basketball, but with a high-profile player such as Justice Winslow and then beating some of the city’s top programs, we’re bringing some great exposure to the school. Justice kind of took over in the last two games, but he had great support from a lot of our guys.”

As for Winslow, the Duke University signee was spectacular in the championship game vicMEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 24

Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com

.

tory over Wheatley with 27 points, 22 rebounds and five blocked shots.

“It was extremely special to win that tournament,” said Winslow.

“A victory like that gives us great momentum leading into conference.”

“It’s really awesome to win it again,” added Mavericks senior Risher Randle. “We don’t get a chance to play schools such as Bellaire and Wheatley once we get into conference play. It’s a pretty neat private vs. public school type of rivalry, and it gives us some good bragging rights.”

In girls basketball, it’s a new era at Bellaire High School under first- PLAYER OF THE YEAR With tackles such as this on St. John’s running back Risher Randall, Kinkaid Falcons senior John David Johnson capped off a sensayear head coach Lamar tional season by being named the Houston Private School Player of the Year.

Simon, who succeeded a big leader on this team, while Armani and longtime Cardinals head coach Michael Emani are a huge presence down low at the post Kramer. Kramer led the Cardinals to four position. Emani was injured early in the season, regional Final Fours over his 18 seasons at but once she’s gets back, that’ll be huge for our Bellaire. “I was an assistant to Coach Kramer the team. She’s a big girl who’s light on her feet. She last four seasons, and it’s been a joy to follow in does all the dirty work for us.” his footsteps. He’s still a mentor to me,” said In addition, Simon had high praise for standSimon. out freshman Ireneshia Johnson. “She’s tall and Admittedly, it’s been a season of transition for very athletic. I expect her to be a major force for the Cardinals, who graduated four standout the next four seasons. As a whole, I strongly players, three of whom are playing major college believe the winning tradition will continue for basketball. “It’s definitely been a season of the Bellaire girls basketball program. I’m excited change, but we’re coming along fairly well,” said about our future.”

Simon. “We’re 15-8 and 5-0 in district, which isn’t bad at all.”

Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy AwardThe Cardinals feature plenty of talent, winning co-host and producer of the KUBE including a trio of seniors Simon expects to play SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 college ball next season. “Angel Williams, p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school Armani Asberry and Emani Hamilton are sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, extremely talented basketball players,” said please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Simon. “Angel is a two-year starting guard and

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Estate planning for 2014

Ask Reneé, the Realtor

The year 2014 has brought changes to wills and estate planning. One change is higher limits for federal tax-free transfers to one’s family. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, there was an increase by $90,000 that an individual can leave at their death or gift during their lifetime without being subject to federal estate tax.

In 2013, each person had a federal estate-tax exemption of $5.25 million. This exemption has been increased to $5.34 million for 2014. With proper estate planning, a married couple can combine their tax credits and transfer free of federal estate tax up to $10.68 million in assets at their death or gift during their life.

One federal tax exclusion that remains the same is the gift tax annual exclusion amount, which is $14,000 per donee. This exclusion is separate from the $5.34 million exclusion amount above. With a technique called “gift splitting,” a couple can combine their exclusions and make a tax-free gift of $28,000 to each donee.

Such complicated techniques should be discussed with an estate planning attorney. Although most individuals do not have a federal estate tax issue, there are other reasons to discuss proper estate planning.

Nancy L. Hamilton and Mitzi D. Rivero are attorneys practicing in the West Houston area. Nancy L. Hamilton, Board Certified-Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation for your estate planning needs.

Sloan & Moyer LLP, 11767 Katy Fwy Suite 1130, Houston, Texas 77079, 832.327.1180, www.sloan-moyer.com

This month’s real-estate question comes from A. Jamison: “Reneé, we are thinking of moving to the Memorial Villages; however it seems impossible to find a home. By the time we pick a home to see, it is under contract.

What do you suggest?”

Answer: Time is of the essence. Buyers who are serious and not just touring for decorating ideas need to have game on and have a Realtor who is two steps ahead of them for their benefit.

Sometimes we cannot wait until the spouse returns from a business trip or even until the weekend when Saturday might be more convienent. If you are in the market to move, have your pre-approval letter ready from your preferred lender, have your tennis shoes on, and get ready to rumble! Many times we know about properties well before they go on the market, so it is imperative in this hotter-than-hot market to be prepared. The first of the year phones started ringing with sellers, but inventory is still down!

If you are considering selling, whether moving out of town, upsizing or downsizing, give me a call – I can guide you through this rat race of a market!

Davy Oakum Properties is a full-service boutique firm specializing in the luxury market. Reneé Davy Oakum focuses on the clients’ goals first and foremost. Reneé and her firm are consistently recognized and recommended as the ones to go to for real-estate needs. Email your questions to: Reneé Davy Oakum Properties, 12900 Queensbury, Suite 101, Houston, TX 77079, 713.647.8278, renee@davyoakumproperties.com, www.davyoakumproperties.com

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 25

NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Hashtag fashion

A new phone app created by Kathy Harrison, called WhatWeWearWhere, recently made its debut at a shopping party benefitting Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, a nonprofit organization

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 26

that helps young women be more self-sufficient and responsible. It’s a free interactive app and wardrobe guide that enables users to view and share real outfits worn by real people. Seen at the party were (pictured, from left) Anna Parkey, Carrie Cowan, Hilary Mundinger and Hannah Lockwood. Others there were Julie Bortnick, Monica Abney, Sarah Gruber, Katy Atlas, Bethany Buchanan, Donna Baughman, Margaret Schuster, Jacky Meacham, Lesley Arbuckle, Robin Harrison, Peppi Lausen, Natasha Helm, Luke Fertitta, Betty Gerecht, Jenny Dean, Jonas Fertitta, Trevor Thompson, Mandy Rogers and Kimberly Bayley.

Holiday fun The Children’s Assessment Center Friends Guild Board hosted its sixth annual holiday coffee get together on Dec. 12. Hostess and board member Ericka Bagwell (pictured, center, with Gina Gaston and Carolyn Farb), opened up her home for the festive occasion to gather supporters of the CAC. Other board members in atten-

dance included Anne Carl, Tena Faust, Nancy Golden, Ursaline Hamilton, Amy M. Lee, Stephen C. Lewis, Lucinda Loya, Kim Moody, Bruce Padilla, Stephanie Perkins, Alicia Smith and Merele Yarborough. The mission of the CAC is to provide treatment to sexually abused children and their families and to serve as an advocate for children in the community.

Jets and Sharks Stratford High School Playhouse thespians,

including (pictured, from left) Caitlin Ehlinger, Stephen Swank, Eliza Masewicz, Collins Rush, Alli Klasing and McGregor Dalton, have been busy. Get ready to rumble with their revival of the classic musical West Side Story, the story of star-crossed lovers from the rival gangs of Jets and Sharks. Tickets are $16 in advance.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8. Tickets are available to purchase online, or at the box office. See shsplayhouse.org or call 713-251-3449.

Bash near the bayou

Hunters Creek Elementary successfully hosted its annual school auction, themed “Bayou Bash.”

It was a “camo as you are” kind of evening for the camouflage-clad parents at the Houston Racquet Club. HCE dad Mo Parvizian called the live auction, and DJ Senega kept the entire place on their feet. Auction chairs (pictured, from left) Tanna Myers, Jill Oliver, Kim Conrad and Michelle Kelley had a ball creating the evening of bidding and boogieing. All funds will be used to improve the educational programs and enhance the campus and facilities.

Outstanding citizens The City of Bunker Hill Village recently honored longtime resident Agnes Smith (pictured, with Bunker Hill Mayor Jay (continued on page 28)

Expertise • Service • Satisfaction Susan Aggarwal

Mary BurrellHutchins

Jean Risha

Karen Parker

Wendy Bellow and Pat Nimtz

Tracie Pierce

Connie Wong

Judy LaFico

Lynette Lew

Bet Jennings

12850 Memorial Drive, Suite 1155 • Houston TX 77024 • www.garygreene.com • 713.461.6800 ©2012 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 27

(continued from page 27) Williams and director of

public works Steve Smith) as the City’s “Resident of the Year.” Mrs. Agnes has lived in

Bunker Hill Village since 1957, and she celebrated her 99th birthday in January. The city also recognized two public works employees, including team leader Gama Escamilla as the “Public Servant of the Year.” Escamilla has been with the city for 22 years. Oziel Reyna, public works operator and animal control officer, was recognized for his 15 years of service. The City Council holds its holiday dinner annually to thank the city’s volunteers.

King Cobras The Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association Cobras wrapped up a great season. They won the 9-10 Boys Gold Championship. Pictured (front row, from left) are Reed Howell, Jonquil Chase, William Elliott, Cole Daniels, Kyle Brown,

Kevin Yi, Conrad Smith, (back row, from left) Mason Jones, Jackson Piercy, Sam Cohen, Matthew Goff and (not pictured) William Knight and Yousif Hamdi.

Moms supporting moms A mini-conference called Journey of the Heart, which was designed for mothers who have experienced the loss of a child, was recently held at the Hope and Healing Center. More than 40 moms came, and the event was considered so successful that it will be repeated sometime in 2014. Pictured (from left) are Beth Woodman, program director of the Hope and Healing Center, Heather Humphrey, office manager,

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Daisy Catchings-Shader, founder and chair of Umbrella Ministries, a non-profit organization that reaches out to women who have experienced the loss of a child, and Kelly Ogansoy, a

member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

See hopeandhealingcenter.org.

Tim Polasek

Soccer stars

Kimberly Polasek (pictured, at left) and her teammate Emily Donnan (right) play soccer for the Trinity University Tigers. They reached the Division III Final Four that was played in San Antonio Dec. 6-7. Trinity won the semi-final match against Middlebury, but fell to William Smith in the national-championship match.

Kimberly, a sophomore at Trinity and a 2012 graduate of St. Agnes Academy, was cheered on at the games by her parents, Ted and Melissa, and her sisters, Brittanie and Rebecca, and brother Jonathan.

Off the court These women proved they are as fabulous in the kitchen as they are on the tennis courts. Laura Tingleaf’s Memorial League tennis team gathered at Amy Weaver’s Tanglewood home, elegantly decorated for the holidays. They feasted on tortilla soup, tamales, challah bread and

desserts and enjoyed fine weather on Amy’s veranda. It was a day of good food, good friends and good weather. Pictured (back row, from left) are Yoosun Sharma, Colleen Morris, Elizabeth Curry, Margie Cooper, Alison Creed, Liz Jordan, (front row, from left) Becky Andress, Weaver, Laura Tingleaf, Cookie Hanrahan and Jane Leverett.

Turkey-fry tradition The Donovan family has always hosted an open house turkey fry on Christmas Eve. A few years ago, they saw an ad in their church bulletin for an opportunity to be a host family for the holi-

days for foreign-exchange students at the University of Houston, through the International Friendship Program. They jumped on the opportunity and invited three Chinese exchange students over for their first turkey fry.

The day was a success, and they have hosted many more students, and even taken them on road trips through the Texas Hill County. This summer they are planning a trip to China to visit their new friends. Pictured with a fried turkey (from left) are Jing Sun, Liam Zhenying and Gregg Donovan.

Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Items are published on a space-available basis.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 29

A MATHICAL TIME Vanessa Nunley, a fifth grader at Bunker Hill Elementary, is glad she picked the math contest over the soccer game. She won.

KIDS

by Vanessa Nunley, age 11

Buzz Kidz

Numbers make sense to me

E

ver since the third grade, I’ve had a passion for math. All the numbers, patterns and letters make sense to me. I’ve also always loved learning and new challenges.

Many of my math teachers have understood the pace I learn at and have helped me further advance in mathematics.

One day I came home from Mathnasium and told my mom that there was an upcoming event for a trimathlon on my birthday. Mathnasium is a place where kids can go to get help or ahead in math. A trimathlon is like a triathlon, but for math. My mom told me I also had a soccer game and that I had to choose between the two. I ended up choosing the trimathlon because it sounded fun and was a new challenge.

When I first arrived, I was a little nervous, but

I overcame my fear. There were three tests. The first test was counting by numbers and fractions.

The second test was about making equations true with some numbers that were on the page.

The third test was all mental math. I think I did really well on the skip counting because I was able to finish the worksheet. The second test was probably the hardest for me because I couldn’t find numbers to fit the equations.

When all of the tests were done being graded, we started the awards. “In fourth place….” Not me. “In third place….” Also not me. “In second place….” Still not me. “And in first place we have Vanessa Nunley.” I was so happy. This was surprising and exciting. I got a gift card, medal and Rubik’s cube. I guess it’s true what they say, “mathical” (magical) things do happen on your birthday.

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A Custom Builder Specializing in Remodeling

Plan now for Outdoor Living

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www.craftsmanshipbyjohn.com • 713.984.8834 MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 30

As far as life after the contest and Mathnasium goes, I am still planning to get ahead in math. Also at Mathnasium, they teach at your pace and are kind even if you don’t get it on your first couple of tries. A few years ago I would have said no to going, but now math is one of my favorite subjects. I’m looking forward to the many opportunities that can come from a strong math foundation.

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401.

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“Per diem” travel allowances

Next-dimension filler

The “per diem” allowance method can be used to cover the cost of meals, lodging and incidental expenses for business trips. When using “per diem,” the employee does not have to give the company proof of actual expenses, if the allowance is equal or less than the Federal Travel Rate. You do have to account for the date, place, and business purpose of each trip. If you are selfemployed or 10 percent or more owner of the company, these per diem rules cannot be used for you. They can be used for your employees.

The per diem rate for 2014 for many places is $170 per day. This goes up to $251 per day for some high-cost-cities. These rates do not include hotel and local taxes.

These rates includes about $46 to $71 for meals and $5 for incidental expenses.

The official “per diem” federal rates are revised every October in IRS Publication 1542 (available online at www.gsa.gov or at www.irs.gov/pub1542). There is a mobile application at the Apple Store or Android Market for rates at each city.

Call us at 281-890-1111 for our most popular free publication, “57 Top Tax Tips for Your Business.” It includes tax-saving ideas for your S corporation, PC, PLLC, LLC, LLP, partnership or professional practice.

Our CPA firm has prepared more than 40,000 tax returns for businesses and individuals over the past 28 years. “More knowledge. Less Taxes” is our motto.

Lawrence Rohal, CPA Services LLC, 2909 Hillcroft, Suite F (near Westheimer),77057, 281.890.1111, Amazing02@msn.com, www.AmazingTax.com

One of the early signs of aging is volume loss in the mid-face and cheek area, which can lead to sagging skin and hollowing that increases over time.

Now, people who want to improve their appearance have access to a new facial filler, Juvederm Voluma.

Voluma is the first and only hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that is FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area, resulting in a subtle lift that helps highlight and restore cheek contour.

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating substance found naturally in youthful skin. As people age, many lose HA, which can lead to facial-volume loss as well as wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. Prior to the approval of Voluma, the only option was to fill in the wrinkles; however, adding volume to the cheek area can be an additionally effective way to create a more youthful appearance.

As always, natural results are desired, and physicians with the knowledge of facial structure are best with placement and volume of correction for restoration of cheek contour. Like all HA fillers, Voluma is reversible, able to be dissolved if you do not like the results. An in-office consultation is the best way to see if you are a candidate.

Voluma is already approved in 72 countries and has been shown to last for up to two years. In addition, the procedure is convenient. It is done in the office, produces immediate results, causes minimal discomfort, and requires minimal down time.

Dr. Bonnie Baldwin, 7700 San Felipe, Suite 275, Houston, Texas 77063, 713.791.1975, www.bonniebaldwinmd.com

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 31

DINING GUIDE

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

This Month in Dining: Noise Levels Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime restaurant writer. Her visits to restaurants in our Buzz Dining Guide were anonymous, and she paid for her meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too.

Write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at memorialbuzz.com.

Bite Macarons RISTORANTE CAVOUR Ristorante Cavour at Hotel Granduca charms with its quiet, Old European setting.

I

n restaurants, noise has become part of the show. These days, restaurateurs don’t think of it as noise, but rather excitement. Diners are looking for energy, a good vibe, says Shepard Ross, who owns the Glass Wall and the Brooklyn Athletic Club. A lively bar scene conveys popularity.

Conversations, music and clinking glasses infuse energy. Without noise, a place might feel “dead.”

It is tough finding a quiet restaurant, says Memorial physician Cathi Walsh. The best you can hope for is a background “buzz” that allows you to converse without yelling, “What?”

The Buzz decided to take on the challenge of finding places where the decibels didn’t inch toward 80, just under the level audiologists consider damaging to hearing after continual, long-term exposure of eight hours or more. It wasn’t easy. Many restaurants we visited hovered around the high 70s to low 80s, which researchers compare to being in a room with a vacuum cleaner 10 feet away or a noisy urban area.

Only one-third full, Nino’s (2701 W. Dallas) was at 76 decibels, while next door at Vincent’s, the decibel level climbed to 87, even though the stone-floored dining room was half empty on a recent evening. Étoile (1101 Uptown), Mark’s (1658 Westheimer), Mockingbird Bistro (1985 Welch), Bistro Provence (13616 Memorial Drive) and Costa Brava Bistro (5115 Bellaire) inched toward the high 70s on busy nights.

Provisions bustles at 81. Meanwhile, its fine-dining counterpart, The Pass, occupying the other half of 807 Taft, percolated at 73 – typical of many high-end restaurants. Normal speech is at about 70. So often, even at the most expensive haunts, you have to raise your voice just a tad.

Not so typical is Ristorante Cavour (1080 Uptown), which is where Walsh goes for quiet conversations, and lovers toast to future possibilities. This sliver in Hotel Granduca evokes elegant Old Europe, with gorgeous rose bouquets and upholstered furnishings. Here, the sound level rarely pushes past 57. At its quietest, our meter flashed 43 decibels (comparable to a quiet suburban neighborhood at night). Another quiet gem is Olivette (111 N. Post Oak) at The Houstonian. Here, upholstered booths absorb sound waves, and the noise level jumped only to 62.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 32

French pastries Neighborhood: West University Making macarons is a dare, especially in Houston’s soggy climate. These delicate orbs in a multitude of colors and flavors are finicky.

Their golden, smooth crust turns into dud-like chews at the hint of humidity. Macarons also demand surgical precision in the sifting of superfine sugar and ground almonds, combined with the beating of egg whites. A misstep and the result is a gritty fistful of chalk. And so, it was a treat (and surprise) to bite into the puffedup salted caramel and pistachio renditions from Bite (recently opened in the Kroger shopping center). At last, the search for macarons “almost” like those from the venerable Ladurée in Paris is over. Granted, the weather was perfect that day – hardly a hint of humidity, nor a disappointed face at this charming white-gloss dessert-coffee house. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 5172-B Buffalo Speedway, 713-664-2483. $

Bombay Sweets Indian vegetarian Neighborhood: Sharpstown The buffet steams with aromatic basmati, vegetable curries and sautés. Patrons also come

carafe of build-your-own Bloody Marys with Tito’s Vodka and a plate of fixings that includes pickled green beans, olives and lime wedges. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 2800 Kirby Drive, Suite A-132, 832-623-6168. delfriscogrille.com. $$$

for chaats, such as samosas, idly rice cakes, lentil doughnuts and pani puri, a crispy hollow pastry filled with chili-spiked potatoes. A salty, sweet and tart explosion detonates when you pour the accompanied spice-fueled tamarind water into the shell. The chaser? Soothing masala chai.

Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 5827 Hillcroft St., Houston, 713-780-4453. $

Étoile Authentic French Neighborhood: Galleria area When several talented French chefs urge you to try the food at Étoile, it’s hard to dispute their keen taste for the food of their homeland. Just as they said, the flavors here are true, and ownerchef Philippe Verpiand and wife Monica Bui have created an alluringly warm showcase for a hearty coq au vin and tender sole meunière with lemon caper sauce, fingerling potatoes and roasted cauliflower – both brunch items. Briny mussels flavored with tomatoes and onions are served with homemade pomme frites and garlic aioli. The beauty of this place is almost everything is made from scratch, including the crusty baguettes. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., 832-668-5808. etoilecuisine.com. $$

Canopy Creative Gulf-Coast cuisine Neighborhood: Montrose When the weekend arrives, Houston’s motor shifts into idle, and Canopy greets its favorite meal – brunch. The austere space with blond furniture bubbles with conversations as Claire Smith’s reliable kitchen sends out baby-spinach salads with pulled chicken that is peppy with a dessert-wine vinaigrette, apples and roasted red grapes. Try, too, eggs benedict on sweet potato English muffins and an earthy four-mushroom pot pie. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 3939 Montrose, 713-528-6848. canopyhouston.com. $$

Del Frisco’s Grille Casual American classics Neighborhood: Upper Kirby This casual offshoot of the high-end steakhouse features sandwiches and salads, along with a patio for al fresco dining or energetic tykes. At brunch, over chicken-fried steak and eggs, sip a

Huynh Restaurant Contemporary Vietnamese Neighborhood: East Downtown Pho Huynh closed on Milam Street, then reopened as Huynh Restaurant in old

Chinatown. The food, still under the guidance of Mama Van Bui, shines on contemporary white plates. She specializes in dishes from Hue, the culinary core of Vietnam. Delicate steamedrice crepes glisten with well-seasoned pork and black mushrooms. Her boluc lac explodes with flavors of pan-seared tender beef threaded with smoky jalapeño and caramelized garlic. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat. 912 Saint Emanuel, 713-2248964. huynhrestauranthouston.com. $$

Island Grill & Juice Bar Smoothies and burgers Neighborhood: West University/Tanglewood Granted, the smoothies with natural juices at Island Grill are pretty lush. The Island Oasis is ripe with sweet pineapples, strawberries, coconut juice and vanilla yogurt. The juices – from wheatgrass to coolers made with veggies and fruits – are refreshing.

But surprisingly, this neighborhood joint is noted for breakfast bagel sandwiches, pita sandwiches and muscular 8-ounce Angus burgers on soft buns.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. (closes 4:30 p.m. Sun.), 4024 Bellaire Blvd., 713-665-5388. 5709 Woodway, 713-334-4036. islandgrillhouston.com. $$

Jonathan’s The Rub American classics Neighborhood: Memorial It isn’t unusual to find a chef or restaurateur at this BYOB eatery, (continued on page 34)

Lobster Tacos 1st place Peoples' Choice Award 2012 Rodeo Uncorked.

Celebrate your love with us all month long From your first date to your 50th anniversary, our hidden gem in Memorial Village makes the ideal location for a comfortable and delicious night out.

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The Rub 713-465-8200 JonathansTheRub.com

9061 Gaylord, 77024

Catering 713-467-9000 JonathansCatering@att.net

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 33

McHugh Tea Teahouse and more Neighborhood: Bellaire This shabby chic corner charms with its English ambiance illuminated by tea-cup chandeliers, refurbished tea sets and ornately framed photos of famous tea sippers, including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Michael Jackson. Fragrant organic teas – hibiscus blossom oolong, masala chai and cabernet assam – gently brew in glass orbs while regulars fork into lemon and chocolate pies topped with solidly crisp, snow-white meringue. The Southwestern pulled-pork quiche with shortbread-like crust is the envy of other chefs. Lunch & dinner, Tues.-Sat., 5305 Bissonnet, Bellaire. 713-218-6300. mchughtea.com. $

Osteria Mazzantini

CANOPY Canopy serves bacon-wrapped Texas quail with a fig-goat cheese tart, arugula-fennel salad and onion marmalade. (continued from page 33) chomping down on one of

the juiciest grinders in town. It’s that good.

Burger aficionados around Hedwig Village pay homage to the 9-ounce chargrilled ground chuck seasoned with chef-owner Jonathan Levine’s secret rub seasonings. Available at lunchtime only, you can build your own, or opt for the original Rub with the usual fixings on sweet sourdough bun. There’s also the Blue with chunky blue cheese, the AVO with grilled avocado and the Latino Nuevo with chipotle mayonnaise and Mexican cheese. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat., 9061 Gaylord, 713465-8200. jonathanstherub.com. $$

Kasra Persian Grill Classic Mediterranean Neighborhood: Tanglewood/Memorial Tables brim with savory mezzes, such as creamy hummus, eggplant dips and toasted rice topped with kidney beans and beef.

Complimentary feta cheese, fresh mint, parsley and radishes with yeasty, golden flatbreads are served upon arrival. Mint tea, grilled beef on dill-scented rice and moist Cornish hens on fluffy barberries-laced rice scent the air. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 9741 Westheimer Road, 713975-1810. kasrahouston.com. $$

with enough food to share with your best friend.

Huge servings are the standard here. Even so, the Texas-size bowls of homemade matzo ball soup empty quickly. These tender orbs have won competitions all over town. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 2327 Post Oak Blvd., 713-8718883. kennyandziggys.com. $$

La Casa Del Caballo Mexican steakhouse Neighborhood: Montrose Gregarious Latin voices ring through this Mexican steakhouse that buys its premium beef from the storied Allen Brothers in Chicago. Owner-chef Carlos Abedrop butchers a whole rib rack himself to ensure the right cut. The steak here isn’t the buttery, tender sort American diners have come to expect.

Here, it has the kind of chew that bursts with forceful flavors from beef grilled over mesquite fire. The lamb, too, while tender, is resilient with its characteristic gamey nuances. Meats are good by themselves even with the standard sides of smoke-kissed beans, skin-on fried potatoes and three-alarm salsas. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sun., 322 Westheimer, 832-623-6467. lacasadelcaballo.com. $$$

New York deli Neighborhood: Galleria area Kenny & Ziggy’s is a wood-panelled delicatessen plastered with movie posters, memorabilia and anything else that might invoke Broadway. Homesick New Yorkers line up for pickled herring, bagels, lox, potato pancakes, and pastrami and corned-beef sandwiches, which owner Ziggy Gruber stacks with hand-sliced, triple-smoked beef. While packed for lunch, breakfast draws a much smaller crowd. But hearty morning fare is Kenny & Ziggy’s best-kept secret.

The two eggs any style are a bargain at $7.95 and MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 34

Pass & Provisions Inventive modern fare Neighborhood: Fourth Ward A duo eatery in one space – white-tablecloth Pass and bustling Provisions. Pass is a caviar affair, while Provision serves casual edibles, including smartly donned sandwiches and billowy pizzas with such toppings as kale with pork sausage and duck confit with potato and pickled currants. There are some crossovers of dishes and kitchen playfulness between the two menus.

Provisions, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat; Pass, dinner only. 808 Taft, 713-628-9020.

Passandprovisions.com. $$-$$$$

Post Oak Grill Lucille’s

Kenny & Ziggy’s

Upscale rustic Italian Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown Whipped lardo butter arrives with pillowy potato bread. If diners don't succumb to chefowner John Sheely's opening act, then they'll likely fall for his house-made ravioli, stuffed with earthy sweetbreads and kale, then lightly tossed in seared browned butter dotted with aged balsamic vinegar. The flavors are appealing – caramelized saltiness shot through with sweet and sour notes. Desserts are creative but grounded in Old World flavors, such as a mousse made with limoncello and an orange-olive oil cake with olive oil ice gelato and zabaglione. Lunch and dinner, Mon.-Sun., 2200 Post Oak Blvd. No. 140, 713-993-9898. osteriamazzantini.com. $$$$

Creative Southern Neighborhood: Museum District The fried green tomatoes – lightly crisped and anointed with a rich, bright-orange remoulade sauce – know few peers around town. This and a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, in this refurbished brick building, would do just fine for lunch. That and a side order of chef-owner Chris Williams’ hot rolls. Look around. You’ll see many breaking bread while waiting for shrimp and grits and the pan-roasted white fish on a pile of pancakes, surrounded by candied-sweet cherry tomatoes. Lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sun., 5512 La Branch, 713-568-2505. lucilleshouston.com. $$$

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

Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sat., 1415 S. Post Oak Lane, 713-993-9966. postoakgrill.com. $$$

Quattro Contemporary Italian Neighborhood: Downtown Talented chef Maurizio Ferrarese brings the flavors of his native Italy to Quattro at the Four Seasons Hotel. The dining room is an elegant affair. Quality is high, and almost everything is made in-house. Just as engaging is the adjoining Vinoteca Quattro bar where an eclectic group of downtown workers unwind over Italian beers, wines and Italian small plates during happy hour. From 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, guests can purchase a wine or cocktail and all-you-can-eat antipasti for $18. Breakfast, lunch & dining Mon.-Sun. 1300 Lamar, 713-6501300. quattrorestauranthouston.com. $$-$$$$

Sparrow Bar + Cookshop Modern American Neighborhood: Midtown Monica Pope is forever reinventing herself and her restaurant concept. Her latest incarnation, the Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, applies beautiful, subtle flavors to farm-fresh local ingredients. Bronzed Texas quail nestles on warm yellow-corn grits hinting of orange zest. Caramel miso and blossom butter enhance hanger steak. Creativity carries over to a dynamic cocktail menu. Pope grasped the value of using fresh fruits and herbs in drinks long before it became a trend. Her hand-crafted cocktails push boundaries to offer new, exciting flavors, such as a vodka creation with roasted red bell pepper puree, shiitake mushroom vermouth and jalapeño syrup. Lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sat., 3701 Travis, 713-524-6922. sparrowhouston.com. $$$

Texas de Brazil Brazilian steakhouse Neighborhood: Memorial Two things are required to appreciate this Dallas churrascaria chain: a big appetite and friends to cheer you on while forking endless skewered meats that are paraded around the cheery room. The waiters are charming, even after your third visit to an extraordinary salad bar, featuring every vegetable imaginable. The Brazilian steakhouse also offers a light menu for about half price. Dinner Mon.-Sun. 822 Town & Country Blvd., 713-730-3013. texasdebrazil.com. $$$

The Lemongrass Café Asian fusion Neighborhood: Bellaire Polite service and a thoughtfully conceived menu endear Lemongrass Café to Houstonians. Chef-owner Fah Vorarittinapa marries the flavors of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, French and American cooking. Her signature dish remains the juicy tiger shrimp, stuffed with bacon and swaddled in crisp kataifi noodle, anointed by a sweet, spicy tamarind sauce. Pad thai is given a twist with a Japanese egg crepe. Her trio soup sampler is a composition of the soup of the day, French mushroom consommé and Thai tom yum chicken. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sun., 5109 Bellaire, 713664-6698. lemongrass-cafe.com. $$

Teotihuacan Tex-Mex originals Neighborhood: Northeast Houston Diners pack in day after day for grilled steaks, chiles rellenos and flautas in a room decorated with festive streamers. Co-owner Silvia Galvan applies soy sauce and black pepper to make fajitas and juicy sirloins with grilled onions. A must try: grilled shrimp, bathed in garlic butter, particularly satisfying wrapped in homemade corn tortillas and a dollop of lush guacamole. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 4624 Irvington, 713-6958757. teomexicancafe.com. $

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For more restaurants and to comment, see this story online at memorialbuzz.com.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 35

sponsored by

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River, age 2, Border Collie/Labrador, Mooremeadow Lane A wise dog once said, “Wuff, wuff plus tail wag equals treat. Those are the basics of being a dog, son. With this knowledge you can face the humans.” Well, that got me halfway there, the other part being “cute,” as humans call it, with “puppy-dog eyes,” which is very insulting because I am a full-grown dog. “River, where is my little puppy!” Not that I complain (because the smaller and cuter you are, the more human food you get), but around other dogs, it might get a tad embarrassing. I have the crème de le crème when it comes to masters because when other dogs ask me what I do all day, I say, “Sleep on the couch, go to the park, do my business, and chase around little red bugs they call lasers.” All I know is: I love them. They love me. I look cute. They give me treats.

Yeah, be jealous because I am living the life!

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 36

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A minute with Maisie

Love your smile?

Many clients ask me, “What is an amicus attorney, and do I need one?” Your favorite lawyer answer is, “It depends.” An amicus attorney is a lawyer who represents the best interest of your children in a divorce or custody modification lawsuit. An amicus attorney can be agreed upon between the parties or appointed by the Court. The “best interest of the child” is a term of art and can encompass a variety of issues, including the child’s desires and parental involvement, just to name a few. Whenever I am appointed as an amicus attorney, I always talk to the parents and anyone whom the parent identifies as an important person in the child’s life, including the child. This work becomes invaluable for me whenever I represent parents because I can focus the parent on issues important to the amicus attorney, and thus the child.

Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service boutique family law firm specializing in divorce, child custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., Maisie A. Barringer, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law, Two Greenway Plaza, Ste. 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinsandkamin.com

Consider this. If smiling is a reflection of your inner well-being and overall health, what does your smile say about you?

Did you know your smile is one of your single most valuable assets and gifts to others? It’s true! Smiling radiates warmth and can make a difference in your life and others every day.

For this reason, Dr. Barras and his team devote hundreds of hours yearly toward the art of dentistry and study the benefits and latest technologies in neuromuscular dentistry. Intraoral digital pictures and iCat 3-D imaging are used to capture the health of your smile, allowing our patients to experience the view from Dr. Barras and his team’s perspective.

Whether you have crooked teeth, an uneven bite, jaw pain or TMJ, or simply need an overdue teeth cleaning, Dr. Barras and his team are available to answer your questions and educate you so that you have all the information you need to improve your smile and overall oral health.

Before you invest in your smile elsewhere, we encourage you to visit us for a complimentary smile analysis. Dr. Barras and his team wish you a lifetime of happiness with a beautiful and healthy smile in 2014!

Dr. John Barras, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77056, 713.993.9814, www.johnbarrasdds.com

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 37

NEIGHBORS

.

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

Breaking up with your hairdresser

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2014 38

James Arturo, behance.net/runamokstudios

F

or three years, Donna had great hair, the kind of hair that always looked like she had just emerged from a salon. The kind of hair that, 30 years later, still has her friends talking.

That’s because for three years, 30 years ago, Donna dated her hairdresser.

“He was French, and he was hot,” she says, clarifying that not only was he the hot hairdresser in town, but also that he himself was hot. “From the first time I sat in his chair, he started flirting with me. We went out once, and that was it.

“It was a girl’s dream, the best thing in the world. We’d go out, and he’d fluff my hair. If my hair looked bad, he’d say, ‘Let me fix it for you.’”

But according to Donna (not her real name), her hairdresser-boyfriend “was a player” and eventually found other interests. They broke up, and, she says, her hair “went downhill very quickly.”

“Before I told anyone we had broken up, people knew. Because of the hair situation.”

She’s quick to point out that all was amicable and they remained friends. But it wasn’t comfortable enough for her to keep him on as a hairdresser. “I’ve never found anyone else like him,” she says.

Eric Lindsey, owner of Kharisma Hair Studio here and Salon Myo in Aspen, says picking a hairdresser “is like dating. Some clients are monogamous; some jump from chair to chair.

You have to date around and find the hairdresser that works for you.”

While most of us won’t ever experience a hairdresser breakup as personally as Donna did, we’ve probably had to break up, one way or another.

Jane, a mom of three, says she broke up, then got back together, with her current hairdresser.

“She was a little moody,” says Jane (not her real name). “The cuts were getting inconsistent, and I couldn’t talk to her about it.” When the hairdresser took a medical leave of absence, Jane says she was desperate for a cut and went elsewhere.

“She never contacted me, so I just stayed with the new person.”

Eventually, Jane wound up seeing a colorist at the same salon where her old hairdresser was working. “I saw her and remembered the good times. Now we’re back, and she’s cutting my daughter’s hair, too.

STAY OR GO Choosing a hairdresser “is like dating,” says one hair studio owner. “Some clients are monogamous; some jump from chair to chair.”

“At first I felt like I had to make up for leaving. But everything was left unspoken, and now we’re fine.”

Bringing a family into the mix, as Jane did, can complicate matters. Teacher Pam’s daughter Anna (not their real names) has been going to the same hairdresser since she was 13. Now that she’s engaged to be married this summer, Anna wants to use someone new for her wedding hairstyle.

The problem, according to Pam, is that the hairdresser is excited to be a part of Anna’s milestone and “probably thinks he’s invited to the wedding.” Compounding matters, the hairdresser recently posted pictures on Facebook of another bride, sharing how proud he was to have styled the bride’s hair throughout her life to her big day.

“He was so happy to be part of the wedding,” Pam says. “I showed Anna the pictures and post because I feel so badly that she doesn’t want to use him, and all Anna could say was, ‘I hate the hair.’”

Darcy Eaves, co-owner and stylist at Studio 3, advises, “You don’t owe your hairdresser an

explanation. If you’ve been with them for a long time, it’s nice to call or send a note. But we don’t own our clients.”

Eric, who likens picking a hairdresser to dating, agrees, and adds, joking, “I’m not for everyone. If you want your hair fried and broken off, go see someone else.”

Julie (not her real name), a newscaster, was honest with her hairdresser, and it paid off. “I went to someone for six years and we were close,” she says.

“One day my friend told me my hair was yellow. I hadn’t realized, because you don’t really see yourself. But sure enough it was yellow. So I told my guy, who tried to fix it but couldn’t.

Then I went to his salon while he wasn’t there and asked them not to tell him, and they couldn’t fix it. I really wanted to stay with him, but I just couldn’t make it work. So I wrote him a nice letter and mailed it. He texted me and thanked me for being a good friend.”

To this day, the two remain friends. But Julie’s got a new hairdresser. And hair that’s not yellow.