The Memorial Buzz - February 2015

Michael and Allyson Patronella

Perfectly Mismatched

by Andria Frankfort

Blind Date Backyard Railway Human Trafficking Mardi Gras Sisters Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Valentine’s Day Bashes for Kids

EDITOR’S NOTE This is a bittersweet time for me as I write this editor’s note. I buried my sweet dad three days ago. He died peacefully 16 days before my parents’ 62nd wedding anniversary. Like the happy couples in this month’s story by Andria Frankfort, my parents were the epitome of “opposites attract.” My mom is hilarious. Being with her is an endless I Love Lucy episode, and my dad was the perfect straight man with impeccable timing. Growing up I never once heard my quiet dad raise his voice.

My good friend reminded me that I am a combination of both of them.

But it was my dad who summed it up best when he told Michael at our wedding, “Michael, just remember the apple does not fall far from the tree.”

I was so lucky to have them as role models for a happy marriage. I want to thank the entire Buzz team for stepping up during this difficult time. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

Contributing Writers

Vice President, Sales Account Managers

Sales Associates

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Cathy Gordon, Millie Naylor Hast, Russell Weil, Mary Lee Hackedorn Wilkens Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Darsey Swaim Helen Hamilton, Michele Luke

On our cover: Michael Patronella, here with his wife Allyson, says that love can only carry a marriage so far, but “family and faith and graciousness and respect last a lifetime.”

Cover photo by Todd Parker, www.stpimages.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2015 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 2015 4

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions New mom likes new baby column I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed this January issue of The Buzz. My son Walker was born in June. As a first-time mom, the baby column is great [Buzz Baby, by Annie Blaylock McQueen]! I think it is important to hear about other people’s experiences. I have read a few books, but most of my advice and guidance has been through friends who already have children or my mother. There is so much information, and it can be overwhelming. I think that a specific column that identifies hot topics that moms are talking about in their playgroups or with babies around the same age is very helpful.

On other note, I look forward to working with you and your team, as I am the director of development for Crime Stoppers. Thank you for featuring our gala in the January issue [Buzz About Town: Record-breaking evening,

by Annie Blaylock McQueen].

Cabell Wood

Postpartum-depression story helpful Thank you so much for including an article on postpartum depression in your January issue focusing on pregnancy and babies [Postpartum Depression: When joy turned to anxiety, she found help, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, January 2015]. I am so glad that Beth Rogers was willing to tell her story, and that it included a message of hope and healing for those who deal with this common complication of childbirth.

Postpartum depression is a very treatable condition, and no mother should have to suffer through it alone.

Sherry Duson, director, Center for Postpartum Family Health

others. May I please add Bombay at Richmond and West Loop – in the 1960s our favorite posh steakhouse. Divine. With the elephant statue outside.

Cannot recall the name (Tiki something?), but a Polynesian place at Sage and Westheimer offering Celestial Chicken, which I make at home to this day, fabulous. Spent tons of time at Bill Williams, reveled in Red Lion, hung out at Prince’s on S. Main, and once in a while made it across the street to Stuart’s Drive-In for exceptional gumbo. Valian’s has not been equaled to this day. I nearly cried [when] the Shamrock Hotel came down. Not only the eating spots inside, but so much of youth spent there at pool, Emerald Room, etc. How fortunate to have grown up here and experienced it all.

Sandra Rieser P.S. Thank you, Jane H. Russell – someone else still remembers Paul Berlin! And there’s Antoine’s on Main.

How about the Antoine’s train car?

Great article. I remember Antoine’s on Main St. in the train car. It was such an adventure to go there to get sandwiches because my family had three generations that worked for the railroad.

Carolyn Von Tersch 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.

Young writer on the move I loved spending time writing my article for Buzz Kidz [Exploring the world through words, by Rohan Gupta, age 9, The Bellaire Buzz, January 2015].

This is the first time my words have been printed in a magazine. When I saw my article there, I was suddenly filled with joy and pride. Everywhere I went in Bellaire people complimented me on it. Ms. Missy and Ms. Sally at the Bellaire Public Library even asked for my autograph! Thank you for giving kids such a great opportunity to share their thoughts.

Rohan Gupta Editor’s note: Thank you for your excellent story, Rohan. If you want to share a link to the online version, see thebuzzmagazines.com. Also, if your friends like the idea of being in the magazine too, tell them to send us an email at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Remember these restaurants too?

What a joy. Thank you for the article [Restaurant Memories: A look back at Houston’s dining past, by Russell Weil, November 2014]. I was born in West U in 1941, and this touches on the story of my whole life. In fact to this day I mourn the loss of Alfred’s in the Village, pure heaven. And so many of the MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 6

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Know an interesting neighbor to profile.

• Have gone on an adventurous hiking trip.

• Have interesting stories about revealing the baby’s gender ahead of time.

• Have lost their passports while traveling internationally.

• Have unique Easter or Passover traditions.

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 2015 7

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Perfectly Mismatched A

sk any long-time married couple, and it’s safe to bet you’ll hear a consensus: A good marriage takes work.

So how is it that, with as much effort as any marriage takes, some couples can be as opposite as the politically polarized, married political consultants Mary Matalin and James Carville and still have a great time together? Not only do Matalin’s and Carville’s political views run counter to each other, but, according to their book Love & War, Matalin has multiple beloved cats roaming around their New Orleans home, while Carville knows not their given names, choosing to refer to them as “the devil incarnate.”

On a less public stratum, countless couples face the daily challenges that come with learning to communicate about what’s important, while holding back and letting go of how to squeeze the toothpaste tube and whether the TV stays on at bedtime.

Buzz residents Allyson and Michael Patronella, she a physician and he an attorney, have lots of practice merging different personalities.

Allyson grew up in a small family in Hereford, population 15,000, daughter of a farmer/rancher.

Alternatively, Michael hails from Houston and is one of four brothers in a big Italian family.

“They’re loud and they fight and make up the next minute,” Allyson says of her husband’s family. “In my family if we fight we won’t talk for two weeks.” Consistent with their upbringings, Allyson is the quieter of the two and describes Michael as “very boisterous and loud.” Michael adds, “I love to hear myself talk.”

“If we have a disagreement, he wants to make up immediately, and I have to let it sit for a while,” Allyson says. “But we just make it work.”

Michael credits fate – and a step out of Allyson’s character – with their meeting 28 years ago. “I was going to UT Austin, and he was at Southwestern in Georgetown, and we met at a place in Round Rock where a lot of UT and Southwestern students would go on Thursday nights,” Allyson says. Michael chimes in and says, “She was very shy but those 75-cent pitchers probably helped. [My friends and I] had been looking at her all night. She was wearing these jeans and red boots. I’ll never forget. She looked so pretty. And she came up to me at almost the MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 8

last song and asked me to dance, thank God. It was so out of character for her. It was fate.”

Since then, “he’s brought me out of my shell over time,” Allyson says. “I’ve become more social and I speak my mind.”

Michael says that’s out of necessity: “In my family it’s kill or be killed,” he says. “If you don’t speak up someone will say something about you.”

Likewise, Allyson has tamed Michael: “She’s taught me to think before you react,” he says. “I’ve learned to hold back.” Throughout their conversations with others, including this one, Michael tells story after story, while CONFIDENCE IN EACH OTHER Julie Scheinthal, Allyson continu- here with her husband ously urges him to Steve, says to have a good stop talking, cut marriage you have to have back on the details confidence in yourself, in each other and in your relaand finish up. tionship. Inset photo: Julie Politically their and Steve at their wedding views differ as well, in January, 1983. but “over time, I’ve learned to appreciate his views, and I think he’s learned to appreciate mine too,” Allyson says.

Michael quips, “People say we’re like James Carville and Mary Matalin, but first of all I am a lot better looking and Allyson’s a lot prettier.”

And, Allyson says, “If he starts in on his political

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Together ‘cause opposites attract

opinions, I just say stop.” Michael also thanks Allyson for encouraging him to try “green things” and wine. “She has really expanded my horizons.”

“People say all you need is love,” Michael says.

“But love can only carry you so far. My love for Allyson is matched by my (continued on page 10)

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SPEAKING UP Michael Patronella helped teach his wife Allyson, who is quieter by nature, to speak her mind.

Inset photo: Allyson and Michael at their wedding in 1995.

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LITTLE THINGS Rita and Jim Sowers work to keep little things little, like when Rita turns the thermostat down and Jim turns it right back up. Inset photo: Rita and Jim at their wedding in December, 1974.

(continued from page 8) respect for her. She was a

single mom going through college when we met, and then med school. The respect I have for her and what she’s accomplished through perseverance and hard work is unparalleled.”

In addition to respect, Michael says there’s a bottom line to why their partnership works: “Our value systems are parallel. We believe in God, family, hard work and humility. I’m boisterous, but I’m grateful. Family and faith and graciousness and respect last a lifetime.”

Rita Sowers and her management-consultant husband Jim just celebrated 40 years of marriage and concur with Michael. “We agree on what’s important,” Jim says. “Like what kind of family we wanted, how to talk through big financial MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 10

decisions and that we wouldn’t make little things big issues.”

Little things being the position of the thermostats: “Rita walks around the house and lowers them. I walk behind her and raise them.”

And social predilections: “Rita engages people very quickly,” Jim says. Rita counters: “I would be ready for a party in two seconds, but Jim would shower, take his vitamins and read the paper first.” And on and on: “I’m more frugal; Jim wants the best of everything. I’m a tosser; he’s a saver – he still has college books! But he’s got his own office, and his stuff is in his own room, so we just laugh about it.”

The couple, like so many others, also battled over the ages-old toilet-seat issue – whether or not to reposition the seat one way or another after using it. “We finally solved that,” Jim says.

“I found a battery-powered sensor that makes the seat go down after five or 10 seconds. It was in Brookstone or an airline catalog, and the box said it would save my marriage.”

If ever anything did become a problem, Rita and Jim would be sure to head it off. “At the end of the day, Jim could lower the thermostat if it was a big issue,” Rita says. “We know our differ-

ences, and we laugh about them. You have to be able to laugh at yourself and at the other person and not get mad.”

Julie Scheinthal, married 29 years to Steve, executive vice president at Landry’s Restaurants, says, “I know that opposites attract. I tell Steve that if I’d known him growing up we wouldn’t have gone out. I think he was kind of wild as a kid, and I was a nerd.” But the two met accidentally outside a singles party, where Julie was dropping a friend, not intending to stay.

“I used to play racquetball at the JCC and had seen her there,” Steve says. “Then I think a day or two later, I was at a Hebe Hop [the aforementioned singles party], and I figured I’d go say hello. That was it.”

Julie remembers, “From the day we met, we went out every night. Three days later he cooked me dinner and said to me, ‘Julie, please don’t ever go out with anyone else.’ In three months we were engaged. There was just something I really liked about him. I loved talking to him and being with him, and I still love it.”

On being opposites, Steve says, “Some of the things that are important to me aren’t necessarily important to her, and vice versa. I want my way on certain things, and I let her have her way on certain things. The temple we belonged to wasn’t that important to me, but it was to her.

Where my kids went to school was more important to her, so I let her dictate that. But it was important to me that I dictate the finances.

“I think there are more similarities. Our core values of family and friends are similar, even though there might be differences in terms of things I like or things she likes.”

Those values carry their relationship. “Steve is so wonderful to me,” Julie says. “Today [during the photo shoot for this story], we’re talking in the kitchen, and he just started making me an omelet right in the middle of everything because I had just taken my medicine and he knows I need to have food with them. He just made it, didn’t say one word about it. He thinks of me.”

Julie and Steve have faced more than their share of hard times together. They had a child die of SIDS after they had been married seven years; several months later, Julie was diagnosed with MS; and when he was 40, Steve suffered a heart attack. Through it all, the couple has remained positive.

“People always want to tell you the negative,” Julie says. “They said [challenges were] going to tear us apart, but we said no, we were not going to let that happen.” Steve says that, while they both grieved the loss of their baby, their different personalities caused them to grieve in different ways. “I had work and three other kids. For Julie it was different because she carried the baby. We handle things differently. But it’s understanding that you do what’s good for you and giving the other space to feel what they do.”

Julie adds, “You have to be happy with yourself. You know how you feel about your husband and how he feels about you. We have confidence in each other. Nothing gets in the way of that.”

NEIGHBORS

by Russell Weil, contributing writer

Blind Date Memorable matchmaking tales

W

hen I was a 32-year-old single professional living in Dallas, my New Year’s Eve date called to say she had decided to go out with another guy to ring in 1993. I felt alone, down that all my friends were either dating or married. After relaying this misfortune to my boss, she set out on a mission to remedy the situation. She called me into her office the next morning and proudly proclaimed that she had found me a wife.

Handing me a copy of the Dallas Observer, my boss/matchmaker pointed to a headline in the personal classifieds: “Single Sexy Jewish Female.” I was further instructed to use her super-sized cellular telephone to call the number listed. As cell reception was poor then in downtown high-rises, I proceeded to follow her instructions and made the call from atop our parking garage.

Later that night, I received a return call from the “Single Sexy Jewish Female.” Not one to have ever been a fan of talking on the telephone, I was responding to her comments every few seconds with an “uh-huh,” not quite listening to what she was saying. Finally, something caught my ear. “It’s really good that you’re okay with that,” she said. I started to wonder what I was okay with. “My job,” she continued. “What was it you said you did, again?” I asked. Her answer was loud and clear. “I’m a stripper.”

Now that I knew she was single, sexy, Jewish and a stripper, I wasted no time in setting up a lunch date. We met, and I quickly realized that I would not pay money to see her perform her office duties. As we started talking about friends we, surprisingly, had in common, I had to admit that this matchmaking idea was not one I could embrace.

It took 20 years before I’d consent to another blind date, and while I remain open to matchmaking, I still do not like talking on the telephone.

Not all set ups are as unsuccessful as my stripper date.

Buzz residents Neal and Kerry Goren were fixed up by Kerry’s sister-in-law. After agreeing to go out together, Neal picked Kerry up in his shiny red Camry station wagon. Neal flew remote-controlled airplanes as a hobby, so this type of vehicle was most convenient for his MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 12

needs. While Kerry was surprised to find that her date, a single man with no children, drove a station wagon, they went out and agreed on a second date to the Renaissance Festival.

Thinking that nothing could be more surprising than his station wagon, Kerry was amazed, yet again, with Neal’s choice of attire for their second date. She opened her door to find him in bright white short-shorts too tight for his build, a red tie-dyed tank top, and tennis FIXED UP After being set up, and despite a couple of wardrobe malfunctions, Kerry and Neal Goren found that they were meant to be together. They are pictured at their shoes with socks 1995 wedding. up past his calves. up with a 6-foot-5-inch date. She stands all of 5 Kerry says she tried to remain calm, but she feet, 2 inches. was curt and unhappy, and Neal never seemed When she opened her door to find her blind to catch on. date looking down at her, she became quite flusEven though this was Neal’s second strike, tered and had to compose herself to even say Kerry figured he had worn his most comfortable hello. She invited him in, where they sat down attire for the festival and decided to go on a third in order to have more direct eye contact. date. However, when Neal once again arrived Following a few moments of awkward conversawearing the same shorts and tank top, she made tion, they proceeded to go out to dinner. no point of hiding her frustration. She politely And in the end, she married Steve told him that if he didn’t know why she was mad Scheinthal, someone she would not need to use at him on their second date, he’d find out quicka step ladder in order to kiss goodnight. (To read ly if they did not stop by his place to change his about their life together, see this story starting clothes before going out. So, off they went to on page 8.)

Neal’s place, and Kerry has been hand-picking his clothes ever since.

Editor’s note: Do you have any memorableNow, almost 20 years later, they are still matchmaking stories to share? Comment below this together, as husband and wife. story at thebuzzmagazines.com or email info@theAnother Buzz resident, Julie Lewis buzzmagazines.com.

Scheinthal, says she will never forget being fixed

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 13

NEIGHBORS

by Millie Naylor Hast, contributing writer

Making Tracks Couple recreate Colorado railroad in backyard

T

o see Greg and Brenda Cauthen’s lovely, Tuscan-style home on its leafy neighborhood street, you’d never guess what lies beyond.

We’re not referring to the comfortable, stylish furnishings, or the aquarium, or even the movie theater with its vintage posters and prop replicas of the Starship Enterprise and Millennium Falcon.

The small model railroad and village on top of the piano might offer a clue. You’ll discover another hint in the game room, where a train circles the ceiling.

But to appreciate their home fully, you have to visit the back yard and look past the pool, where the Cauthens have created, as far as they know, the only outdoor model railroad in Bellaire.

Dubbed the Animas River Railway, the 29by-27-foot layout encompasses 277 feet of garden railway-size (G gauge) track with two loops, four tunnels, six bridges, 36 feet of trestles, eight rechargeable-battery-powered locomotives, and enough passenger and freight rolling stock for multiple trains to ride the rails.

Growing up in Florida, Greg loved model railroading. The sandy-haired six-footer moved to Houston in 1980 and married Brenda, a chic brunette, in 2004. They built their current home in 2010. When Greg’s model-train passion rekindled a few years ago, he built the 70foot, game room-ceiling train. In 2013, the CPA and former oil and gas CFO retired early and began the garden railway. He collected standard-gauge trains at first, but switched to narrow gauge to accommodate tighter turns. He still runs standard-gauge equipment at train shows.

In July 2013, the Cauthens discovered their theme when they rode the historic Durango-toSilverton railroad in Colorado. Constructed in 1881 to carry gold and silver ore, as well as passengers, the Denver and Rio Grande Western’s vintage 1923-25 locomotives steam 45.4 miles through the San Juan Mountains along the Animas River (River of Lost Souls).

“We loved how scenic it was, with the narrow-gauge railway following the Animas River gorge, the changes in elevation, the landscape, MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 14

and two very different towns – Durango, which is more modern, and Silverton, which is more of a cowboy town,” says Greg.

“It was very, very beautiful,” adds Brenda.

The Cauthens envisioned a late1940s version of the D&RGW, along with a Silverton-area landscape and buildings.

After clearing grass and plants in their backyard, NO SMALL HOBBY Brenda and Greg Cauthen built this model railway. they installed gravtain landscape by planting spruce, pine and el, fill and topsoil, crisply edged with flagstone cedar, all carefully miniaturized, and ground covand moss rock. Greg used software to design the ers like thyme, sedums, miniature daisies and complex track layout. He installed a made-tomondo grass. order PVC roadbed covered with gravel, and the Greg and Brenda can’t count the thousands tunnels, trestles and bridges. of hours they’ve poured into their hobby. But Greg manages the 1:20.3 scale trains, the it’s all worth it when they entertain. When vistrack, and the hardscape, such as the mountains itors see the trains, jaws drop. People tell them, and the river. Some items are customized, some “I can’t believe those are all real plants,” and off-the-shelf. He likes to tinker. His favorite “Look at all the details. You have thought of part? The place where two trains cross, one on a everything.” bridge above and one emerging from a tunnel What’s next for the Cauthens? Next door below. they plan a vegetable garden, an orchard and – Brenda, an Austin native, who also is a CPA what else? – a garden railway expansion that will and retired financial executive, caught the wind Greg’s existing standard-gauge trains model-railroading bug from Greg and designed through the trees, plus a second, more elaborate the town of Silverton and its environs. narrow-gauge layout and a full-size workshop The Silverton train station, town hall, post with an indoor switch and storage yard for their office and a church are scale re-creations. rolling stock. For the Cauthens, this multi-year Brenda installed purchased homes, businesses project will extend their vision of home as a and tiny people, some of which she customretreat for relaxation and play. painted. She clear-coated all the figures with UV-resistant spray.

Outside town are a mountaintop resort hotel, See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for more tram, hot-air balloon and even a hobo camp, but photos and links to the Houston Area G Gaugers Brenda’s favorite is the farm, with its rabbit Model Railroad Club website and Facebook page. hutch and chicken coop. She evoked a moun-

MORE ONLINE

CHOO-CHOO The Cauthens modeled their backyard train after the historic Durango-to-Silverton railroad in Colorado. The 29-by-27-foot layout encompasses 277 feet of track with two loops, four tunnels, six bridges, 36 feet of trestles and eight locomotives. The Silverton train station, town hall, post office and a church are scale recreations.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 15

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NEIGHBORS

by Cathy Gordon, contributing writer

Mardi Gras Sisters Good times roll for Krewe of Max queens

D

ebbie Robinson bolts upright from sleep, her husband alerting her to an emergency in the next room. “I’m not wearing my contacts, so I throw on glasses and a robe and round the corner to find six men with champagne and roses who want to kidnap me and take me out for drinks,” she recalls.

“It’s a Saturday Night Live skit, for sure.”

Welcome to the wonderfully wacky world of the Krewe of Maximilian (Max, as it’s commonly called), a membership-only, non-profit Galveston social club steeped in the mischievous fun and lore of Mardi Gras. The carnivallike festival combines activities open to the public with events organized by these private clubs known as krewes.

For the Krewe of Max, the gaiety starts long before the February Mardi Gras Galveston season when a group of former kings from its royal council shows up unannounced at the home of the woman they’ve chosen as the krewe’s next queen.

“It’s their way of saying, ‘Hey, we’ve picked you,’” says Debbie, a Buzz resident who has shared this honor with sisters Nancy Keely and Cathy Bell, this year’s outgoing queen.

“I’ll never forgive Frank,” Debbie jokes of her husband. “He knew the kings were coming that night. He could have at least told me to look a little more presentable.”

Debbie was crowned queen of the Krewe of Max’s royal council in 2010, Nancy in 2011 and Cathy in 2014. This Valentine’s Day, Cathy will pass crown and scepter to the incoming queen, Sidney Short, during the group’s ball at the Galveston Railroad Musuem.

While they are sister queens, don’t look for royal rivalry.

“My husband laughs that the three of us are dysfunctional in that we all like each other and love to do stuff together,” says Nancy. “We’re hopeless. It’s true.”

Indeed. The siblings used to schedule Monday classes at The University of Texas for afternoon so they could stay over at parents Jim and Betty Davis’s Houston home for Sunday “family night.” They’ve enjoyed that tradition since. Their father died three years ago, but sisMEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 16

ters, spouses, offspring and, occasionally a dog or two, still hang out with their mother every Sunday they can.

Sisterly bonds carry into volunteer work. Debbie, Cathy and their TRIPLE CROWN Mask-waving Krewe of Max sister queens (from left) Nancy Keely, daughters have Cathy Bell, this year’s outgoing queen, and Debbie Robinson don queen broaches and worked together in badges from their Mardi Gras reign. the philanthropic metallic dust,” chimes in Nancy, a professional mother-daughter National Charity League. artist who paints pet portraits for a living, an Nancy, Debbie and their mother loan their altogether less messy job. green thumbs to the Garden Club of Houston.

They have a grand time throwing them, “When Cathy retires, we’ll get her into that though. Krewe members and friends gather on too,” deadpans Debbie. the second floor of the Strand’s historic venue, When Debbie joined the Krewe of Max, it Roof Garden, tossing the souvenirs to partygoers was inevitable that her sisters would get below on the Friday night of the final Mardi involved. Who could resist when the royal Gras weekend. decree is to have fun? Depending on the theme, The following night is the club’s private ball kings have dressed up as pirates or boat captains where debutante duchesses are presented, folor in psychedelic fare for their grand ball. lowed by the king and queen. “By the time Queens have donned saris, flamenco dresses and you’re crowned, you’ve put in all your hard fancy kaftans. work,” says Cathy. “The presentation is only “I first joined because it was like a big party, about 30 seconds, but it reflects all the many and things just grew from there,” explains jobs you did leading up to it.”

Debbie. “I knew my sisters would like it. It was This black-tie affair, swaddled in the bizarre like, ‘You guys have to do this with me!’” pageantry, music and masks of Mardi Gras, “We did tend to inherit the volunteer gene brings fond memories for the sisters. And it looks from our parents,” says Cathy, a financial modas though offspring could carry on the fun and eler for a bank who, like her sisters, has done just mayhem. Cathy’s daughter, Carson, 19, was a about every Krewe of Max council job there is, volunteer at last year’s ball. Debbie’s daughter, designing invitations, compiling mailing lists Elliott, 22, helps with junior Krewe of Max and organizing events, including parties and the memberships and was a past duchess in Mardi club’s main Saturday Mardi Gras theme ball.

Gras festivities.

Being “bead babe” is, perhaps, the least glamBut Debbie’s daughter Tyler, 14, seems a bit orous job, they agree. unfazed by her queen mom and aunts. Does her “Imagine a big 18-wheeler navigating these mom receive royal treatment at home? Perhaps tiny, residential Memorial streets to lay a palette breakfast in bed? of beads at your house,” says Cathy. “You have Sideways glance to mom. “Uh, no,” she to mix and match all the different colors into quips. “More like, ‘Hey Mom, get up and make bags and somehow get 500 to 700 bags of beads me breakfast.” to Galveston to hand out to all the krewe memMardi Gras Galveston is Feb. 6-17. For bers at our bead party.” details, see mardigrasgalveston.com.

“Yeah, and your hands get all black from the

NEIGHBORS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Human Trafficking It happens in Houston

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 18

istockphoto.com/chameleonseye

H

ouston has the biggest human-trafficking problem in the country,” said Kristin Rehler, an FBI supervisory special agent stationed here.

Rehler said the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline receives more calls from Houston than from any other U.S. city – even though many of us don’t really know what human trafficking is.

Edwin Chapuseaux, an investigator for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, thinks “human trafficking” is a confusing term. “It’s modern slavery, and that’s what they should have called it, period,” he said.

Chapuseaux and Rehler are both members of the Houston Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, a coalition of government agencies and social-service organizations.

Human trafficking isn’t illegal immigration.

And it isn’t the service “coyotes” provide to illegal immigrants, getting them across the border.

That’s human smuggling.

Human trafficking is making people do some kind of labor against their will, using force, fraud or coercion. There are two types: sex trafficking, when victims are forced to perform commercial sex acts, and labor trafficking, when victims are forced to do other kinds of work.

“No movement is necessary for it to be trafficking,” said Rehler.

Victims don’t have to be from another country. In fact, most sex-trafficked victims in the U.S. are American citizens, according to the Houston-based organization Children at Risk.

And most are children. According to Children at Risk, the average age at which a victim is first sex-trafficked is 12 to 13.

There are a lot of reasons why Houston is a hub. It is a large city near the border. It’s also on the I-10 corridor, which, according the Department of Justice, is the No. 1 route for human trafficking in the U.S. One estimate is that one out of every five trafficking victims in the country has at some point been transported on I-10 through Texas. Not only are international victims brought in using I-10, but many victims, domestic and international, end up being moved often by traffickers looking to avoid detection.

MODERN-DAY SLAVERY While you aren't likely to see tied hands on human-trafficking victims you encounter in modern Houston, that doesn't mean they aren't being enslaved. In this story, you can learn how to identify and help them.

Houston is also, according to the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, the most diverse and fastest-growing U.S. city, a place where traffickers and their victims won’t stand out. And its lack of zoning means businesses that use trafficked victims can be anywhere. “We usually do geo-spatial mapping,”

said the FBI’s Rehler, “but we can’t do that in Houston for human trafficking. The entire city is one big red dot. It’s all over: River Oaks, Conroe, Galveston. It’s everywhere.”

When it comes to American sex-trafficking victims, “a lot of people believe these girls are your daughter or my daughter, snatched off the

street,” said Robert Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, “but that’s rare. By and large, most are American kids who run away from foster care or abusive homes.” One commonly cited statistic: One-third of all American runaways are approached by a trafficker within 48 hours of leaving home. “Traffickers know where to find them, at places like bus stations,” said Sanborn.

While sex-trafficking victims usually are U.S.-born, 95 percent of labor-trafficking victims are foreigners, according to Crime Stoppers of Houston. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, while almost 40 percent of all international victims brought to the U.S. come from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, 13 percent come from the Philippines, and 12 percent come from Thailand. Sometimes they are physically locked up and beaten, but they are also controlled by threats to their families back home, by having their documents taken, by being told they will be arrested and abused by law enforcement if they try to leave.

Labor trafficking, according to Chapuseaux of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, is harder for law enforcement to detect than sex trafficking.

“It could be in any restaurant, any construction company, any factory,” he said. “It could be any type of labor in any type of business.”

According to NHTRC statistics, one common venue for labor trafficking is domestic servitude, often taking the form of live-in nannies and housekeepers. “I can think of three cases inside The Loop,” said Olivia Mathias, a

lawyer five months into a fellowship working with human-trafficking victims at the Catholic Charities’ St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigration Legal Assistance. Also, according to the NHTRC, those kids in the crews selling magazines door to door could be being trafficked, as could a dishwasher in a local restaurant or a manicurist at a local salon. Sometimes even panhandlers are forced to turn over the money they collect.

It’s not easy to tell if someone is being trafficked, according to Darrell Johnson, director of development for United Against Human Trafficking, another Houston-based nonprofit organization. Many will deny being victimized, out of fear or psychological trauma. Possible signs: being unwilling to speak, always being accompanied by someone, not holding onto their own IDs, and having no money and few possessions. “At a location, are there bars on the windows and excessive locks? Are those keeping people out or in?” said the FBI’s Rehler. “Are there rooms in the back where people might be living?”

Victims of trafficking often don’t know where they are or what’s around them. “Do they, for instance, know where the nearest fast-food restaurant is?” said Rehler.

If you suspect trafficking, talking to the possible victim could yield information to pass onto law enforcement. However, extreme care should be taken. “If the pimp or trafficker finds out that the victim talked to you, that could mean a beating for them,” said Chapuseaux. He remembers one trafficked girl who was cooperating with authorities. Against their instructions, she

revealed to her trafficker where she was staying.

She disappeared.

Because victims are considered assets by their “owners,” they are often brought to doctors and hospitals for medical care, according to Doctors for Change, a Houston group that holds onehour education sessions for healthcare professionals on recognizing human trafficking. One sign, attendees learn, is that victims might be tattooed with their trafficker’s name. So far, five Houston doctors who have attended the sessions have identified victims.

“Mother Nature gave us a sixth sense,” said J.D. Sanders, chief of police for Memorial Villages. “If something doesn’t seem right, if the hair on the back of your neck rises, don’t be afraid to let someone know.”

If you suspect trafficking, you can report your suspicions, anonymously if you prefer, to the NHTRC hotline by phone (888-373-7888) or by texting HELP or INFO to BEFREE (233733) or with the center’s online form at http://livenhtrc.radcampaign.com/report-trafficking.

Anonymous tips can also be reported to Crime Stoppers of Houston by phone (713-222-TIPS) or by texting TIP610, plus your tip, to CRIMES (274637) or by using the Crime Stoppers phone app, available from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Blackberry App World.

MORE ONLINE For information on how you can volunteer with or donate to organizations that help victims of human trafficking, see the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Human-trafficking facts

By Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston The city of Houston leads the nation in humantrafficking cases, and Texas ranks second in the nation, with 20 percent of cases occurring in our state. Crime Stoppers of Houston has partnered with The Buzz to provide statistics and education on this problem and how, we, as Houstonians, can bring an end to this modern-day slavery.

Victims come from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, lured by false promises of lucrative jobs, stability, education or a relationship.

• Half of all trafficked victims in the United States are children. Of these cases, 74 percent involve sex trafficking.

• Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world and the fastest growing.

• While sex trafficking receives most of the media attention, there are actually more cases of labor trafficking worldwide.

• All child prostitution, even when there is no force, fraud or coercion, is human trafficking. Minors cannot give consent.

• Traffickers are increasingly active on social media; children are extremely vulnerable due to their increased time online.

• Through the Crime Stoppers Safe School Program, Crime Stoppers is educating students and parents how to stay safe online and in the real world.

Everyone has the potential to discover a human-trafficking situation. Indicators of trafficking include: • Living with their employer.

• Poor living conditions.

• Inability to speak to individuals alone.

• Employer holding identity documents.

• Unpaid or paid very little.

• Submissive or fearful.

• Avoids eye contact.

Questions to ask if you have the opportunity: • Can you leave your job if you want to?

• Have you or your family been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?

• Do you live with your employer?

• Where do you sleep and eat?

• Are you in debt to your employer?

• Do you have your passport/identification? If not, who has it?

If you are suspicious of human trafficking or witness a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Editor's note: The Buzz is partnering with Crime Stoppers of Houston.

See our City Corner blog for more safety tips from Rania, plus news from your corner of the city, at thebuzzmagazines.com/section/citycorner. If you are suspicious of human trafficking or witness a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 19

NEIGHBORS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby When the little one arrives

B

aby Buzz is a column about life with babies, from the perspective of a first-time mother. If you have baby stories to share, leave a comment under this article at thebuzzmagazines.com or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

As the UPS truck pulled away from her home, Megan Tipton, 36 weeks pregnant and a mom of two, stood up to collect the delivered package. Suddenly, her water broke.

How could this happen, she thought? She wasn’t due for another month. Temporary panic set in, and, as bad luck would have it, her husband Taylor, who works in oil and gas, was in Austin for the night.

“I was calling everyone in my family to give me a ride to the hospital. I was so worried Taylor wouldn’t be back in time for the birth. I was scared.

She wasn’t supposed to be here yet,” said Megan, her voice shaking. “Sorry, I get emotional.”

Dad made it back in time, and everything was fine. The couple and older brothers, Nate, now 6, and Austin, 4, welcomed Kirby that fall day in 2012; she weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and was healthy.

Megan urges other moms to be prepared for anything and to trust the hospital staff.

When birth happens before the anticipated due date, it is usually a surprise for mom and dad, but Megan says to remember it’s not the first for the medical professionals. “The hospital and the doctors know what they’re doing, but you might not get that comfort that you’re looking from the nurses and everyone,” said the Buzz-area resident. “They see [babies born early] all the time.”

First-time moms who plan to have their babies in a hospital often wonder what exactly to pack.

I asked a couple of Buzz moms for their top tips.

Anne McAllister, a director of development for Dress for Success, and husband J.B. welcomed daughter Hays in spring 2013 at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. Some items on her list you’d take on any typical trip away from home: travel-size toiletries, cosmetics and face lotion. But then there are the items you may not think of, like nursing tops, a Boppy pillow, comfortable undergarments and loose-fitting clothes to wear home in case you have an unexpected C-section. Also, Anne says, don’t forget your MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 20

HELLO, BABY Megan Tipton (pictured) and her husband Taylor welcomed daughter Kirby in the fall of 2012. Her tip to other moms is to trust their doctor and the hospital staff.

baby book to record memorable moments and for inking baby footprints.

“Be sure to take your most comfortable pillow in a non-white pillow case if possible, so it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital ones,” said Anne.

If music is your thing, ask the staff if you can play your own tunes on their speakers. “I am going to create a special playlist for next time.

They let me pick a Pandora station, but it wasn’t as good,” said Anne.

Don’t forget the electronics. “A good camera if you have one, other than your cell phone. I wish we had taken videos, even though I looked and felt awful,” she said. “Don’t forget a goinghome outfit for baby. Have extra clothes on hand in case they spit up or have a blowout.”

Cabell Wood, director of development for Crime Stoppers of Houston, and her husband David welcomed son Walker this past summer at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women in the Medical Center.

The couple did their homework ahead of time. “We took a tour of the hospital. We also

took a CPR class at the hospital,” said Cabell.

Cabell says she had her bags packed by May 1 even though she wasn’t due until May 30. “I am not a light packer, and it looked like we were moving in. David had to take two carts down to the car when we left.”

She suggests that new parents consider extra services the hospital may offer. “There is a photography service that came to see if we wanted pictures taken in the days after Walker was born.

It’s called Bella Baby Photography,” said Cabell.

“We were exhausted and not sure we wanted to.

We ended up doing them, and they are now my favorite pictures.”

Finally, don’t forget about Dad. “Bring a sleeping bag and warm clothes,” urges my husband, Tyler. He slept in his extra-warm duck-hunting clothes due to the freezing temperature I kept our hospital room after I had our twins. The hormone surge made me hot.

“Just remember we [Dads] are not the patients,” said Tyler. “You’re there to fend for yourself. It’s survival of the fittest.”

NEIGHBORS

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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Rumor Has It Twinkles. White LED lights adorned the gazebo and bridges that enhance Charlene Moore’s property. A few fiery pits and three fireplaces added to the glow of her annual Christmas party, when her son Adam Moore visited with his friends, also in town from their jobs. The family dog, Buddy, greeted the 100 guests and four marines. Christie and Wink Harvey, Juliana and Ron Lind, Monte and Jackie Eubanks, Connie Bono, Beth Benson, Victoria Caldwell, Kurt Adkins, Mike and Meghan Rao, Dick and Penny Cone, Sandy and Helaine Lubetkin, Robert Fadem, Jamie Cone, Andrew Cooper, Dick Beeman, Cat Crowe and Catrina Jones congratulated Adam on his recent MBA degree.

Red-and-gold festive. When Kathy Washburn and her daughters Laura Jane and Elizabeth moved into a new home a few years ago, there weren’t many opportunities to meet all of the neighbors in their small gated community. This holiday season gave Kathy the perfect excuse to get better acquainted. She invited everyone over for holiday happy hour in the ’hood. Light bites, wine and Christmas ale were served to 16 guests. Smokey, the miniature poodle, was happy to meet all the nearby dog owners. Some of the partiers were Meredith and Eoin Collins, Stephanie and Don Warmington, Pamela St. Martin, Drudy Sullivan, Bob Hay, Sri Yalamanchili and Tom Ewing.

Party king and queen. A house-warming party set the scene for Dr. Quang and Staci Henderson to meet their new neighbors and welcome their friends from all the various neighborhoods they had lived in before. Staci’ s towering sparkly rhinestone shoes glowed almost as much as this cute couple did when they welcomed 50 guests to their home. A last-minute New Year’s party seemed like it was planned a year in advance, with a photo booth and props and a karaoke machine in place. Petite roses frozen in ice cubes enhanced the wine bottles in an ice display.

Party on. It was more than a Naughty or Nice Gift Exchange – it was Mary Reed’s birthday and a time to be grateful for her friends who supported her through the fire that burned her MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 22

WHICH ARE THEY? Vicki Friedman, Mary Reed and Kathy Dannemiller (from left) have mischievous smiles at Mary's Naughty or Nice party.

home. The annual party started in 1979 with church and schoolteacher friends and evolved to include neighbors and Houston Junior Forum friends. Giggles from the gift exchange were heard from Mary Beth Lytal, Kim Mueller, Ernie Palmer, Susan Starling, Victoria Rushing, Paulette Levine, Denise Eckhardt and Joanne Lammons. A few things that were traded more than once were a teapot, towels and a velvet scarf.

A particularly naughty gift exchange was lingerie that would make Santa blush.

Neighborly. When Jeannine and Robert Mrlik moved from Memorial and remodeled their recent home they decided to celebrate with neighbors present and past. An Armandos truck in their driveway was a clue to the Holiday Fiesta theme. Memorialites included Felicia and Bert Baker, Jennifer and Paul Gregory, Georgia and Jeff Pennington, and Sherry and Ken Levy. Daughter Devin Mrlik, 24, and son Adam Mrlik, 21, invited many of their friends.

It was truly a party for all ages.

Chocolate and Champagne. The dining table exchanged places with the couch in “Everland.” Jenna Jackson and Brendan Gilbert hosted their second annual Christmas party at their ever-changing home in Spring Valley.

Although the magician was late, the hot tamales were on time. Their twin sons, Parker and Rees, learned a few tricks but mostly entertained their own friends with ball games in the front yard.

Tiffany and Randall Wong, Steve and Jennifer Bass, Dawn and Van McFarland, Jess Rogers, Joy and Dan McCormack, Sabina and Troy Benavides, and Alexis and Kyle Kiker stopped by before putting cookies out for Santa.

Indecipherable accents. That’s how Erin Powers describes the Scottish. She was in town for the holidays from Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, where she is studying English literature. She reports that about 10 percent of the undergraduate population is American, including five other first-year Houstonians. She is amused by the Scots’ unshakeable passion for a bright orange soda called Irn-Bru that tastes like concentrated bubble gum before one acquires a taste for it. Erin admires the beautiful coastline and joins in on the traditional Scottish dances (ceilidhs) where the men wear kilts. She already has seen all of Downton Abbey Season 5, since it aired there in the fall.

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

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 23

TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Enjoying the best, preparing for the worst

P

atricia and Mark Rauch were planning a trip to Italy to celebrate a cousin’s 60th birthday, and they decided to explore a less-beaten path across the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.

Rochelle and Alan Jacobson have always sought out exotic, challenging destinations far from tourist zones, so Myanmar had been on their list for a long time.

Both Buzz-area couples experienced the best of what life has to offer in their travels last year – and each also lived through a hard-hitting reminder to prepare for the worst.

The Rauches – Patricia a retired commodities broker, Mark in the pipeline and terminal business – began their trip in Milan, followed by the family gathering in glitzy and glamorous Lake Como, holiday getaway to the stars. As a counterpoint, they had a hankering for something more down-to-earth. They’d been hearing about the beautiful, untouched countryside of Croatia, the blue waters, endless olive orchards, Roman ruins, stunning coastline – similar to those of Italy a generation or two ago. Then they heard about the truffle-hunting craze – Oprah Winfrey had gone truffle hunting in Italy last year, they later learned, and said it was one of the best experiences she’d ever had.

After doing a little research, they discovered the truffle-hunting hotspot of Istria in northern Croatia – to be sure, not before the French, who apparently had been scouring Istria’s hillsides for the prized subterranean fungus for years before Croatians realized the value of their aromatic treasure and began promoting it for gastronomy and tourism. Truffle-hunting is done with the aid of dogs, who are trained for seven years on how to hone in on the prized, rocklooking, edible growths.

“It’s like going on an archaeological dig and finding a rare coin – it belongs to the country or the state where you’re digging,” explained Patricia, who wasn’t taken with the taste but loved the experience; she prefers the more subtle white ones, but they found the intense black ones. Their guide cooked up the ones they had found and served them with eggs for breakfast.

“It’s an acquired taste,” she said.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 24

VACATIONING AMONG THE STARS There's no place more romantic than Italy or Croatia for sweethearts of any age, as Patricia and Mark Rauch discovered, pictured here on Lake Como, Italy.

Their next adventure was a romantic cruise aboard a private sailboat – “it was just Mark, me and Oz, the captain” – and they sailed the dramatic Adriatic coastline, from Split to Dubrovnik and back to Split. “It was a dream trip, crystal clear blue water, a peaceful calm five days along the Adriatic coast.” The last two days were spent touring Dubrovnik, which she had dreamed of since childhood, when she had heard Liza Minnelli sing about the romantic antique city.

It’s a city steeped in history, with remnants of the war between Serbia and Croatia, like the machine-gun bullet holes in the walls and holes where bombs hit in the town’s historic center, left as a memorial.

“The people are lovely. They bend over backwards to accommodate you,” Patricia said. The similarities with Italy are everywhere – cuisine, architecture, landscape – but differences are profound. As a tourism economy, Patricia noted, Italy is fine-tuned, while Croatia is growing, and

still suffering the consequences of the brutal war in the 1990s.

At Lake Como, they stayed at Villa D’Este, a five-star luxury retreat near George Clooney’s villa. From the hotel dock, they took a short boat ride to Bellagio, a medieval city at the intersection of the Y-shaped Lake Como, known for its silk production and its beauty. In Istria, Hotel San Rocco, their five-star hotel, was “pennies on the dollar,” and the service was refreshingly enthusiastic. They spent a memorable evening as the only diners at a James Beard-recognized restaurant up in the hills, Konoba Toklarija, located in an olive-press building hundreds of years old. “It was wondrous,” Patricia said. “The chef offered, ‘What do you want, and I’ll pull it from the garden.’”

The trip was splendid in every way until the trip to the airport, when the unthinkable happened. A driver in the opposite lane fell asleep at the wheel and ran head-on into the hotel van.

“I was in the front seat of the car, and I saw a

SEARCH FOR BURIED TREASURE One of the highlights of Patricia and Mark Rauch's time in Croatia was the truffle hunt in the Motovun Forest of Istria.

red car coming towards us. Mark remembers me saying, ‘Oh my God, what is he doing?’” The next thing remembered was a loud boom, a crunch and excruciating pain from her waist up.

“We were lucky to be alive,” she said.

Thankfully the injuries were not severe, but the pain was – in part because she was still recovering from a recent surgery. The Dubrovnik hospital was bare bones. Fortunately, the Rauches had purchased a good travel-insurance policy that took over all the details.

They had just switched to Travel Guard at the recommendation of their travel agent, and the advice proved fortunate. “From the moment they learned I was in the hospital they started piecing it all together, extending the hotel stay, covering all the costs, making the travel arrangements.

Most importantly, they were really sensitive to my issue – it wasn’t just a business transaction.”

Mark was dreading the arduous trip back. He was pleasantly surprised by the accompaniment throughout the process. The insurance company booked business-class tickets and delivered them straight to the airport lounge. “They did a very good job of getting us to the airport and helping us checking in,” he said. “In our transfer at Frankfurt, they had a cart waiting for us and took us a back way in through a whole other set of security that’s very quick and efficient.”

Another Houston couple wasn’t so lucky.

Family psychotherapist Alan Jacobson and wife Rochelle, a former owner of steel pipe businesses, had enjoyed an unforgettable two weeks in Myanmar – and as with the Rauches, on the last day, disaster struck.

For decades this remote Southeast Asian country was cut off from the world by the Iron Curtain and a repressive military regime. The U.S. government normalized relations in 2012, and since then, tourism has risen by an estimated 1 million per year. The Jacobsons wanted to experience its spectacular golden temples, beautiful landscapes and one-of-a-kind mélange of ethnic cultures, so in January they went to see it for themselves.

“It was a fabulous adventure,” said Rochelle.

Their guide, May Htwe, was the best one they’d ever had, and they still stay in touch with her.

They spent an unforgettable few nights aboard the Road to Mandalay, a riverboat in the Orient Express group.

The last stop was the remote Inle Lake, famous for its spectacular vistas and traditional ethnic communities that inhabit the stilted houses on its shores. Rochelle was entranced by fishermen who use a pole, a basket and their legs to catch fish in a graceful and ancient technique.

“It’s almost like a ballet dance; it’s magnificent,” she recalled.

Each day they would tour the lake communi-

ties in long, wooden boats and learn about the ways they lived. On the very last day, Rochelle stepped out of the boat onto a wooden dock and her left leg went through a rotten board. She went tumbling down and hit a stone wall with her shoulder. An overwhelming pain instantly shot through her arm.

“I knew something really bad had happened,” she said. “The people were caring and lovely; they brought me tiger balm and ice and a pillow case to use as a sling. But I’d never broken anything before, and I didn’t get it. The pain was excruciating.”

Her boat pulled up to the dock where the local clinic was located – an open-air building with dogs running in and out, metal cots and some old glass IV bottles from the 1930s. “I knew this was going to be like nothing I’d ever experienced,” she said. A nurse with a white starched hat came and took an X-ray – a dripping piece of film that was mostly unreadable. “I think it’s probably broken, and I’m going to give you these medicines,” the nurse said, handing her some suppositories of children’s Tylenol – the only thing they had in stock.

Normally before she travels, Rochelle said, she gets a prescription for hydrocodone, a pain medication, but this time she forgot. It turned out that she had broken her right arm in two places near the shoulder. (continued on page 26) MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 25

FLYING HIGH Among their many adventures in Myanmar, Alan and Rochelle Jacobson enjoyed a long view of the countryside from a hot-air balloon.

The worst part, she said, is that the special, high-dollar policy they had purchased from Global Rescue – a company that specializes in emergency evacuations for travelers – didn’t cover them for anything.

Neither, she said, did their travel-insurance policy with Travel Guard. She said they got no evacuation and no help with changing their airplane tickets – which ended up costing $1,250 apiece – from either company.

“My story was a little bit different from Patricia’s,” she said ruefully. “We thought we had travel insurance, but it didn’t pay anything.”

After the clinic in Inle Lake, they were transferred to Rangoon (a 35-minute boat ride, 45minute car ride and flight that took 3 hours because of all the stops), and there she went to an international clinic and finally got some mild pain medicine. She spent the night and 36 difficult hours of travel to get to Houston, where she was treated and released. “I had a sling for three months and physical therapy for two months,” she said. “Luckily I avoided surgery.”

Global Rescue and Travel Guard were both contacted for this story. Global Rescue senior vice president Stuart Richards made himself available to answer questions. His conclusion regarding the Jacobson case was that Rochelle’s injury was not serious enough to meet the company’s hospitalization trigger – that is, Global Rescue only performs rescues in cases that are serious enough to

(continued from page 25)

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 26

require hospitalization. After several phone calls, Global Rescue staff came to the conclusion that Rochelle’s injury, severely painful though it was, did not require a field rescue.

“There are a lot of reasons people can call us and request an evacuation,” said Richards. “It’s important that it’s serious enough to rise to the level of evacuation. If it does, then we will take them to the hospital of their choice, and we do that all the time. That’s what’s called field rescue. If someone requires hospitalization we get there and stabilize them, then transport them to the home-country hospital of their choice.

That’s what the membership is all about. “ He cited the case of American Alpine Club president Steve Swenson, whose thank-you letter to the company credits Global Rescue with possibly saving his life when he was choking to death on a glacier expedition on the PakistanIndia border. The company’s web page boasts a collection of testimonials telling of dramatic rescues from Ethiopia to the Swiss Alps.

Rochelle acknowledges that her case did not require hospitalization – but she didn’t think that was necessary. The irony, she said, was that they had had a cheaper plan with a different evacuation company that they had canceled for exactly that reason. Alan had spoken to one of their representatives on the phone, and he understood that to be the case.

It is unclear where the misunderstanding orig-

inated, but Global Rescue spokesperson Ann Shannon stated that the company has always had the hospitalization trigger policy since the company was founded 10 years ago, a policy that is at the heart of their operations, and that it is clearly stated in their guidelines.

It is also unclear why Travel Guard did not pick up the cost of the changed tickets, as that is usually the role of a travel-insurance company.

The Buzz contacted Travel Guard representatives but did not receive a response.

Almost a year later, the Jacobsons have put it all behind them.

“We laugh about it a lot now,” said Rochelle.

“I’m 100 percent recovered, and we’re getting ready to do more adventure travel.”

Her advice to others – born of painful experience: “Always, always, always carry really good pain medication. If something happens to you, you want to at least get rid of the pain. Be sure you have a good rescue company and a good travel-insurance company. And read every single word of your policies.”

MORE ONLINE Whether to buy an insurance policy, and what kind to buy, is a complicated question. See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links to insurance advice from three travel experts: TV host Rick Steves, CBS’ Peter Greenberg and Chris Elliott of the website Boarding Area.

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How to reduce your risk of loss You may have heard that the more volatile an investment is in price, the riskier it is. Technical-sounding words like “beta” and “standard deviation” are often used by the financial services industry to convey such price volatility. If, for example, an investment has high standard deviation and beta scores, the expectation is that the investment is going to be volatile in price and therefore risky. Should you consider using these volatility scores as indicators of risk? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding no. Just as past investment returns are not an indication of future returns, neither is past price volatility. As a result, using volatility scores to make investment decisions can actually create risk rather than reduce it.

As there is no way to accurately predict how volatile market prices will be in the future (the future is always uncertain), using volatility scores to predict the risk of loss is tantamount to “rearview mirror” investing. Just like driving a car without looking ahead, such an approach can quickly drive your investment portfolio off the proverbial cliff. While the shortcomings of “rearview mirror” investing are well known, such approaches continue to be heavily promoted by the financial services industry. Rebalancing strategies, for example, are often based on these faulty risk measures.

If risk is not price volatility, then what is it? Risk quite simply is the probability of permanent loss, meaning if your portfolio goes down in value and never recovers, you have incurred a permanent loss. Before using any investment service that claims to lower risk or reduce the volatility of your portfolio, always ask yourself, “What is my probability of permanent loss?” and, “Is risk being incorrectly defined as volatility?”

In addition to not understanding what risk really is, unnecessary complexity can also create additional risks of loss. When visiting with new clients, three of the most common causes of such complexity we see are: • Too many accounts, which can make it exceedingly difficult to properly monitor the portfolio, thus creating more risks of loss; • Too many investments, including mutual funds, which often result in poor returns, hidden risks and higher costs; and • Overly complex investment services that promote too much trading activity, which can greatly increase the risk of loss.

To reduce your risk of loss, be sure you understand what risks you are really taking before making any investment decisions; avoid investment approaches that are based on “rearview” mirror investing; and seek out objective financial advice as needed. For best results, such advice should properly define risk and promote simplicity rather than unnecessary complexity.

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 27

FOOD

by Mary Lee Hackedorn Wilkens, contributing writer

Cooking Buzz

Eat your heart out

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

V

alentine’s Day may bring to mind pink hearts, red roses and sentimental cards, but for a lot of couples, it also means making dinner reservations and frantically trying to secure a babysitter.

My husband and I have celebrated Valentine’s Day in several ways, from a beer and chocolate pairing with friends at Whole Foods to the year we both happened to be in Las Vegas – he was at a bachelor party and I was on a girls’ trip – both enjoying fun dinners out with friends. We’ve also had our share of restaurant reservations with set menus, but lately, we’ve been celebrating with a special dinner at home.

We carve out time to choose recipes and take a leisurely trip to the grocery store; we even set the table with our best china and crystal. Our everyday pace is hectic, so the joy is in not being in a hurry.

My husband is an avid hunter, and we have a lot of dove in our freezer that we love to cook for lighter meals. One fantastic recipe is Dove Madeira from the Junior League of Houston’s Stop and Smell the Rosemary cookbook. This recipe is a gourmet alternative to the grilled dove we normally prepare, with a rich sauce that complements the lean game birds and makes the dish feel worthy of a special occasion.

We love Brussels sprouts at our house, and the Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto recipe from Peace Meals is a great take on this side dish. The salty prosciutto balances the creaminess of the sauce – just try not to snack on too many crisp prosciutto strips before you finish the dish.

No Valentine’s Day dinner would be complete without something sweet. When my husband and I were dating, he made dinner for me and my roommate one Valentine’s Day, with chocolate mousse for dessert. We were so impressed! Little did we know how simple it is to make. The Dutch Chocolate Mousse from Stop and Smell the Rosemary is an elegant end to a good meal. This is something that needs time in the refrigerator, so be sure to make this first.

Once the mousse is firm, you can top with chocolate curls or Valentine’s candy.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 28

Finally, for a touch of pink, I love the El Diablo drink found in Peace Meals. The tequila makes it a perfect addition to your Texas Valentine’s Day. Celebrating Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the people you love, and what better way to do that than around your own dining table.

Dove Madeira From Stop and Smell the Rosemary 8 fresh doves ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 3 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons chopped onion 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ cup Madeira ½ cup chicken stock ¼ cup heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 2 cups cooked wild rice Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rub doves inside and out with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Melt three tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add doves and cook until browned. Add onion and sauté until transparent. Remove doves and onions to a 7-by-11-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Melt remaining two tablespoons butter in a separate skillet. Stir in flour and cook one or two minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in Madeira, stock and cream. Return to heat, stirring until sauce thickens. Pour sauce over birds. Cover and bake 40 minutes. Serve with wild rice. Serves 4.

Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto From Peace Meals 2 ounces prosciutto, sliced into thin strips 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed and halved 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup minced shallots ½ cup heavy whipping cream coarse salt and freshly ground pepper Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a lightly oiled skillet, sauté the prosciutto until crisp.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set

aside. Add the sprouts to the boiling water and cook until tender, about three minutes; drain.

Melt the butter over medium-high heat in the skillet used to sauté the prosciutto. Add the shallots; sauté for two minutes, and then stir in the sprouts. Add the cream, simmer for two to three minutes, and season with salt and pepper. Top with the prosciutto before serving. Serves 6.

Dutch Chocolate Mousse From Stop and Smell the Rosemary 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ cup Vandermint liqueur, hot but not boiling 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces 4 large eggs, separated 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 tablespoons powdered sugar Bittersweet chocolate curls Combine chocolate and liqueur in a blender.

Add butter and egg yolks. Continue blending until smooth. Beat egg whites in a separate bowl.

Mix in sugar. Continue mixing until egg whites are stiff, but still moist. Gently fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Pour into a 2-quart soufflé dish or individual soufflé dishes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.

Whip cream, vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Top soufflé with whipped cream and shaved chocolate curls. Serves 8.

El Diablo From Peace Meals 2 ounces tequila ¾ ounce crème de cassis (black currant liqueur) Ginger ale 1 lime, quartered Stir the tequila and crème de cassis over ice in a tall chilled glass. Fill the remainder of the glass with ginger ale and squeeze in the juice of one lime wedge. Drop the lime into the glass as a garnish. Serves 1.

Editor’s note: To buy a cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.

The Junior League of Houston, Inc.

LIVELY SIDE DISH In this take on Brussels sprouts, salty prosciutto balances the creaminess of the sauce on the round veggie buds.

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MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 30

KIDS

by Jordan Magaziner, digital media manager

.

School Buzz

From our student correspondents

D

espite academic workloads, holiday break and extracurricular activities, our School Buzz correspondents have committed to contributing regular blog posts for our website. Below, I’ve selected two excerpts from our recent online contributions that I think show a range of student interests and plans for the future. See our School Buzz blog for all of the posts, at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Q&A with Lamar valedictorian Mark Cox of Lamar High School interviewed Victor Peng, a senior, about his time at Lamar and future goals. Here are some of the questions and answers: What are your thoughts on Lamar and your courses?

I like it. The teachers are helpful, and the classes are thought-provoking.

What suggestions do you have for someone who wants to be valedictorian?

Use your resources wisely. Though being smart is helpful, the most important thing is having a strong work ethic.

What’s your favorite class?

IB Math HL. The class is demanding and has only about 15 students, but the students are some of the brightest at Lamar.

How is your social life?

I’m currently on a United Church Athletic League team. I am also a member of Reading Aces, National Honor Society and Key Club.

Sounds like you keep busy. Have you had time to apply to college?

I have applied to most Ivy League schools, Stanford, UT Austin and Oxford University.

Those are very good schools. Do you have any career paths in mind?

I’m interested in finance and want to one day become a hedge-fund manager. I also might consider being a venture capitalist.

Do you think that your elementary and middle schools prepared you for high school?

Roberts Elementary School was IB, as is Lamar, and thus I already knew a lot about IB courses. Pershing Middle School offered me a few high school-level math courses that helped me prepare for math.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 32

What was your favorite field trip?

As part of the tennis team, we had many tournaments, and I enjoyed the opportunity to get close to my teammates and watch them advance in tournaments.

What do you think about the student population of Lamar?

I think there are too ROMAN-CATHOLIC ROOTS Strake Jesuit students are raising funds for a trip many students. The to Rome. From left are Brandon Bain, theology teacher Mr. Tommy Romano, hallways are congested, Martin Montalvo, Nick Tanner, Felix Read, Patrick Sullivan, Toan Cao, Austin Miller, Jeremy Brown, Michael Blaschke, Thomas Neiers, Brandon Solcher, Fr. and some freshman and Flavio Bravo, head of pastoral ministry, and Mr. Chris Gattis, former Jesuit novice sophomore classes have and theology teacher. upwards of 40 students. for the students to understand what our school The students are friendly, so that makes the is really about! crowded feeling tolerable.

Recently, Brandon Bain, a junior, plus fellow Do you have any words of advice for future seniors? classmates interested in vocations, have proRemember to pick your classes wisely. Choose posed the idea of visiting Rome and discovering classes you enjoy. Aim for As and be dedicated the roots of the Roman Catholic religion, in to your education.

March 2015. In order to truly follow in the path Thanks so much for your time. Let us know when of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the you get into Harvard.

Jesuits, the students are asking for donations to Will do. fund this pilgrimage. St. Ignatius and the Jesuits are devoted to education and community service The road to Rome to the less fortunate. So the students have creSam Kretzschmar of Strake Jesuit College ated a blog and a place in which anyone willing Preparatory wrote about Strake students’ potencan support their cause. tial trip to Rome this March: Brandon said, “I’m incredibly grateful for this Being a school founded on the Jesuit ideals opportunity. In a world that doesn’t understand and religion, it would be unjust not to inform a young man’s desire for the priesthood, I’ve the students on the Jesuit priesthood. Strake been given the chance to explore that vocation Jesuit is full of smart, capable young men, some in the heart of my church, Rome. I’m also grateof whom will decide to join the Jesuits. ful that so many people have supported us to be Students who wish to learn more about the able to explore God’s call.” vocation process can attend a biweekly lunch See the students’ blog at gofundme.com/inyfz8. held on the Strake Jesuit campus. During this time, current and former members of the Jesuit Interested in applying for School Buzz for the community give testimonies on their own dis2015-16 year? See thebuzzmagazines.com for details. cernment and/or vocation. Discernment is the process in which a person searches for what God Editor’s note: School Buzz is written by students. is calling them to do, whether it be to join the Editorial content does not necessarily express the priesthood or not. It is a long process of deep opinions of the publisher or editor. reflection and prayer. This lunch is a great way

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SPORTS

.

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz T

hese weren’t exactly your typical road games for the Lamar Texans boys soccer team, which traveled to London, England, and then to Wales for a pair of exhibition matches just before the start of the high school soccer season.

The games were part of a memorable sightseeing tour that had been nearly two years in the making. “It was an incredible experience for our guys,” said head soccer coach Jeremy Davison.

“The kids rose to the occasion in every aspect of the trip. They were thrust into the spotlight and represented our school in an extremely professional manner.”

“We felt incredibly fortunate to make the trip,” added team captain Joe Guerra. “It took a lot of dedication and hard work to raise the funds to make it happen. It was a total teambonding experience.”

Along with seeing historic sites such as Big Ben, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, the Texans attended a Premiere League soccer game between Manchester United and Stoke City FC. “It was amazing for our guys to experience that level of soccer,” said Davison. “These are the greatest players in the world.”

The Texans were treated to a tour of Manchester United's Old Trafford and Arsenal's

Emirates Stadium. “The stadiums were incredible,” said Guerra. “Manchester United was both massive and historic. It’s hard to find that kind of combination here in the United States.”

“We were in the cathedrals of the players our kids idolize. We walked through the very same tunnels and locker rooms where soccer’s all-time greats had made their mark over the last century.

You could almost feel the aura of the teams that had come through those tunnels,” added Davison.

As for the Texans’ two exhibition matches, the team first dropped a 7-1 decision to a prepschool team in London, but then defeated New

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Town FC out of Wales by a 5-0 decision. Kaleb Sampson, Elmer Rivera, Robert Rodriguez and Guerra all scored goals in the win, while Sergio Gonzales added a pair of assists. “The game versus New Town was special,” said Davison. “We played the match on a field tucked in the hills of Wales, which was really awesome.”

Much closer to home, the Bellaire girls soccer team kicked off its season with an impressive showing at the Woodlands soccer tournament, highlighted by a victory and a tie over Oak Ridge and College Park, respectively. “This is definitely the most talented team we’ve had in my five seasons at Bellaire,” said Cardinals head coach Alan Thompson.

The talented lineup includes an especially strong senior class, led by returning District 205A Player of the Year Clare O’Gara. Also, senior Mackenzie Ward is a three-year varsity player, while fellow senior Heidi Vargas leads the team in scoring. Rounding out the standout senior class are Maia Rice, Devyn Polidore, Kelly Jackson, Natasha Schepps and Lindsey Bengue.

The Cardinals are also the clear-cut favorite to defend their district title after not allowing a single goal en route to winning last year’s District 20-5A championship. “We definitely have our sights set on defending the title, but we also want to advance in the post-season playoffs,” said Thompson. “These girls are very com-

mitted to achieving their goals, and they’re also the hardest working team I’ve seen in my nine seasons as a high school soccer coach.”

In basketball, the girls from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart are putting forth what could be the best season in school history.

Following a big district win over St. Pius, Duchesne raised its record to 13-4 on the season. The victory total included notable wins over the likes of Episcopal, Lamar and perennial power Wheatley, as well as a strong semifinal showing at the Houston Christian tournament.

Duchesne is led by a trio of underclassmen in sophomores Lilli Bean and Ilya Babineaux as well as junior Gaby Castillo. A 6-foot, 3-inch center, Babineaux is averaging in the double figures in both scoring and SOPHOMORE SENSATION Bolstered by a young yet extremely rebounding while Bean averages 10 talented lineup, including sophomore standout guard Lilli Bean, the Duchesne Academy basketball team has put forth one of the best points and five assists a game. seasons in school history.

Meanwhile, Castillo is the team’s Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardleading scorer, even averaging 20 points a game winning co-host and producer of the KUBE over a memorable six-game stretch.

SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 “It’s a really talented group,” said Duchesne p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school Academy athletic director Robert Bagley. “We sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, start four sophomores and one junior, so the please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. future is also pretty exciting for this team.”

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SPORTS

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

Lance J. Orton

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Cooperstown-bound The Houston Mustangs baseball team defeated the Lamar Bombers 100 to win the championship in the U12 division finals. Each player has represented his Little League program in district all-star tournaments, and many have also played for blue-chip baseball programs, including the Columbia Angels, Marucci Bulls, Banditos and Team Mizuno. This summer, the Mustangs will travel to Cooperstown, New York, to play in a weeklong national tournament. Team members are (top photo, top row, from left) Connor Bartlett, Katcher Halligan, James Vaquero, Chase Elliott, Alex Mintz, Max Roffwarg, (bottom row, from left) coach Jim Bartlett, Drew Leach, Carson Brown, Chris Jacinto, Ben Johnson and coach John Johnson. Not pictured: coach Doug Goldstein, Jack Goldstein, coach Tab Smith, Parker Smith, Joseph Powell and Will Szymanski.

Breaking loose The Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association’s (SBMSA) varsity Redskins beat the Texans to capture the 2014 varsity Tully Bowl title. Led by head coach Ronnie Glenn and assistant coaches David Baay, Steven Lynn, Steve Smith, Tom Shields and Philip Smith, the Redskins came from behind to win in the last two minutes of the game. Hazzler Elias knocked the ball loose from the Texans, and Will Shields recovered it. On the next play, Dillon Glenn (middle photo, on right) went 72 yards for the winning touchdown. The Redskins champions are Dillon Glenn, Bradley Baay, Bennett Bradford, Thomas Orton, Keegan Lynn, Caden Martin, Burke Tilton, Jack Torn, Brooks Bartley, Case Iversen, Will Shields, Whit Harlan (honorary team member), Michael Roa, Patrick Smith, Harrison Joyner, Eric Miller, Hazzler Elias, Lennon Garcia and Thomas Ainsworth.

Undefeated champs In a friendly west-side Memorial rivalry, the SBMSA JV Aggies met the Rebels in the Tully Bowl. Both teams have players from several of the same schools, and the boys enjoyed going up against their classmates. The Aggies were down at the half, but came back to win 26-13. Head coaches John Denson and Kevin Ferworn have coached together for four years. Joined by assistant coaches Doug Shick, Drew Yoder and Jon Muska, they led the Aggies in their first appearance at the Tully Bowl. The undefeated Aggies are (bottom photo, top row, from left) coaches Drew Yoder, John Denson,

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Kevin Ferworn, Doug Schick, Jon Muska, (middle row, from left) Dylan Schick, Anthony Yoder, Chase Cole, Diego Denson, Josh Hyland, Luke Lovoi, Spencer Dunbar, (bottom row, from left) Harrison Mansfield, Charlie Williams, Mac Konitzer, Daniel Poteet, Truman Muska, Jason Ferworn, Ben Brady, Judge Azios, Ryan Smith and Jerome Conkright.

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

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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 2015 39

NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Just say no

Miers and Sahaj Bhakta (pictured, from left, with Memorial Village police officer O.G. Miller in the middle) attended the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) culmination ceremony at Hunters Creek Elementary School.

The class was taught by Officer Miller, who has been a D.A.R.E. instructor for many years. He and the fifth-grade teachers selected four personal-commitment essays from students to be read at the culmination ceremony.

Duchesses on the Island Hunters Creek Elementary fifth-grade students Kallie Carlson, Maddie Provenzano, Sloan

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 40

Continuing the tradition back to 1871, the Knights of Momus, Galveston’s oldest Mardi

Gras Krewe, will present its royal court, King Frivolous C and his queen at the Knights of Momus Coronation Ball and reception on Feb. 7 at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. Sally and Robert Kline will serve as ball chairs. The 21 duchesses were selected by nominees to the krewe board. In addition to being presented at the Coronation Ball and at Paige and Tilman Fertitta’s annual San Luis

Salute on Feb. 13, the duchesses will ride in the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade on Feb. 14. The 2015 Knights of Momus Mardi Gras duchesses include Megan Johnson (pictured), Carly Gray, Frances Brown, Katherine Dowdell, Shannon Doyle, Elizabeth Ford, Hannah Fred, Emma Gorski, Megan Johnson, Virginia Kanaly, Erin MacInerney, Jennifer Millard, Merritt Mecom, Katherine Moore, Makenzie Newkirk, Anabelle Reade, Caroline Scruggs, Shelby Shelton, Sarah Silva, Kayleigh Silva, Kathryn Steinhubl and Macey Wegner.

Texans in Telluride

enjoy the ski town where kids like Michael Soyer, Thomas McNeill, Jared Plank, Colin Lawrence, Sawyer Hamm, Nikki Kramer, Jackie Kramer and Ceci Bruton can easily bounce back and forth from house to house. An annual highlight for Houstonians is always the holiday party in Telluride, thrown by the Kramer family, including Ilene and Don, Rafaela and fiancé Michael Imiak, Nikki, Jackie, and Isabel. Pictured (from left) inside the Planks’ home are Brittney and Max Tribble with Susan and Mike and Kendall Plank. Also spotted on the slopes and at the Kramers’ party were Jack and Shushana Castle, Laura and Vineet Bhatia and kids Nina and Neil, Robert and Beth Rivera and sons Baz and Zeke, Joseph and Melissa Navone and kids Abby, Gabriel and Ella, Riva Collins and kids Jeffrey, Sophia and Sam, Ivette and Brad McNeill and kids Thomas, Brad and Claire, and Abby and Mark Salter and their kids Erin, Carly and Kevin. Watch a highlights video at the new Buzz website, thebuzzmagazines.com; search “Texans in Telluride: Video Highlights from the Kramers’ Holiday Party.”

Sting like a Yellow Jacket Some Memorial families have found themselves neighbors not only in Houston, but in the Colorado town of Telluride. These Texas families

The Yellow Jackets, a Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association Girls 9-10 soccer team, fought their way to win the Silver Division Championship, which was rescheduled after the original game was rained out. The team was

coached by Frostwood parents Roger Read as well as Marion Thames, who is the health/fitness teacher at Frostwood Elementary. Pictured are (bottom row, from left) Skylar Won, Katie Schleinschok, Ava LaGuarta, Paige Lintner, Sophie Czelusta, (top row, from left) coach Roger Read, Maggie Parker, Renee Read, Lucy Gaines, Mia Thames, Caroline Holub, Maddie Bregenzer, Elizabeth Vassar and coach Marion Thames.

It’s a spring thing The annual Spring Thing Market, orchestrated

by Chapelwood’s United Methodist Women, will start with a 5-8:30 p.m. preview party on March 3. Tickets for the preview party are $15.

That will be followed by the shopping market March 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and March 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will feature more than 80 quality vendors selling items including jewelry, clothing and accessories, home and seasonal decorations (spring and Easter) and (continued on page 42)

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gourmet foods. There’s also a silent auction featuring sports tickets, vacation-home stays and more. Spring Thing benefits women’s and children’s missions, with last year’s event raising nearly $90,000. More than 200 Chapelwood volunteers work on the event for six months, led by the 2015 Spring Thing Market Steering Committee: chair Dawn Powers, co-chair Kelly Hicks and committee

members Dameron Baird, Diana Bates, Jami Brown, Heather Burkhart, Robin Conner, Jennifer Cooksey, Roz Cooley, Stephenie Cox, Cassandra Emerson, Katie Fields, Beth Gentner, Suzanne Harter, Carrie Hoye, Becca Howard, Betsy Humphrey, Lory Margraves, Sherry Menger, Jennifer Moore, Rita Morica, Ruth Odom, Stephanie Phillips, Cathy Read, Pam Reynolds, Margaret Sanders, Anne Selis,

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(continued from page 41)

Cynthia and Taliana Onstott (pictured) posed with Frosty the Snowman as over 400 guests, along with event chairs Kim Lucas and Lilly Andress, joined the Houston Symphony League and the Houston Symphony Society in the River Oaks Country Club Ballroom for the annual holiday fundraiser and family celebration. The event, Magical Musical Morning – Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, was a success, raising over $70,000 to benefit the Houston Symphony’s education and community programming. Guests enjoyed a performance by Houston Symphony violinist Rodica Gonzalez and her 7-year-old son, Matthew, as well as a buffet of quiche, silver-dollar pancakes, pigs in blankets and more. Thanks to symphony

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donors, 16 children from the Salvation Army Family Residence also were able to enjoy the morning’s festivities.

Newest scouts Proud parents and friends of three new Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop #641, of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, watched as the Scouts were honored at their Eagle ceremony. Pictured (from left) are Mason Walker, Benjamin Crawford Jr., and Christopher Stewart. Walker, a senior at Memorial High School, installed a 250-pound cast-iron cannon monument on a concrete platform at the City of Bunker Hill Village.

Crawford, a senior at Memorial High School, built an 18-by-24-foot pavilion on a grassy knoll at the Dad’s Swim Club. Stewart, a senior at Westchester Academy, resurfaced a 100-yard section of the Outer Loop pathway at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

Until next year

St. Thomas’ success story

Sarah Braham recently hosted her annual Chanukah mah-jongg party. Mah-jongg is a game of strategy played with 144 tiles based on Chinese

Eric Tucker (pictured) attended St. Thomas’ Episcopal from fourth through 12th grade and went on to The University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in computer science, specializing in artificial intelligence and neural networking. He started an advertising company called PocketMath, which has grown to 40 employees in its Singapore-based office.

PocketMath is a mobile platform using real-time bidding that helps connect advertisers to international audiences. Recently $10 million has been raised from Rakuten Ventures, in what has been called the largest first-round funding of any startup company in Singapore. Eric’s parents, Sarah and Bob Tucker, are both engineers and still live in the house Eric grew up in. Bob retired from KBR/Halliburton and Sarah worked at KBR and is currently a vice president with French company Doris.

characters. The party started at 11 a.m. Everyone played for a few hours and then enjoyed a kosherstyle dairy lunch and traditional Chanukah latkes and applesauce. After the Chanukah blessings, the games continued. Pictured (top row, from left) are Ricki Frankfort, Joy Ford, Jodi Braham, Kimberly Powell, Lauren Daily, Bunny Radoff, Rachel Berins, Judy Scott, Elizabeth Krohn, Candy Lipp, Michelle Granit, Marsha Abramson, Mark Gottesman, (middle row, from left) Ellen Trachtenberg, Esther Polland, Susan Hoffman, Fridell Belasco, Linda Arterbury, Linda Block, Julie Silverman, Judy Yambra, Debbie Gottesman, Doreen Leibovitz, Glori O’Donnell, Sandy Harris, Carol Samet, Holly Powell, Sally Pehr, Sarah Braham, Daniel Gottesman, (seated, from left) Susan Magaziner and Debbie Daily.

Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your photos and videos, plus upcoming-event listings, on thebuzzmagazines.com.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 43

LIFE CHANGING Kate Thomas, a junior at Stratford High School, says traveling with the charity Empower a Child was a powerful experience.

KIDS

by Kate Thomas, age 16

Buzz Kidz

Trip to Uganda reinforces faith

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ver the past few years, my family has become very involved with an organization called Empower a Child. Last year, I was inspired to create a group called the Junior Board, which consists of high school students who have a passion to serve others.

We have raised money through participating in a 5K fun run, hosting a car wash, holding a benefit concert and collecting school supplies. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Uganda and distribute the school supplies firsthand. Meeting the children and creating spiritual bonds was the most eye-opening experience I have ever had. Empower a Child works to provide children with an education through sponsorship, and to empower them to transform their lives through what they learn.

Throughout my time in Uganda, I saw that Empower a Child truly is making a difference. It has helped transform a village dependent on sustenance farming, with little hope for the future, to a thriving community with a church and school. Residents take classes on hygiene and health, fire safety and prevention, sex education and adult literacy. Spending time there impacted me in many ways, but what struck me the hardest was that the Ugandans I met appear to be physically poor but spiritually rich. Here in America, many of us are physically rich but spiritually poor.

I have always gone to church and Christian camps, and I have had a strong relationship with Christ for a long time, but nothing here compares to the true dependence the people I met in Zirobwe village seem to have on God and the

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extreme level of trust, love and joy.

Sponsorship plays a key role in enabling a child to be a part of this new Christian community. If you are interested, see the website empowerachild.org. I would like to thank the Junior Board members, Chapelwood United Methodist Church and friends in this community for enabling these things to be possible.

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

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DINING GUIDE

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by Dai Huynh, staff writer

This Month in Dining

Places to go with friends on Valentine’s

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 thebuzzmagazines.com.

MAJORCA BISTRO AND TAPAS The top-selling pesce saro is a Mallorcan-style ceviche with white fish, avocado and marinated olives. Majorca, an island of Spain, is known for its beautiful manufactured pearls and fresh seafood.

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or a single gal Chenny Liemkeo, Valentine’s Day is a crapshoot. “You may or may not have a date, and even if you do, who should you go with? Especially when you’re dating more than one person,” the 38-year-old benefits manager said with a laugh. Sometimes, it’s easier to hang out with her BFFs. Often, she and her girlfriends will get together for a “Gal-entine” night on the town.

Restaurants and wine bars are about to toss up rose petals for Valentine’s Day, the second most popular holiday for dining out after Mother’s Day. About one-quarter of all Americans dine out that night, and that include plenty of singles who simply want to raise a glass to friendship.

“Atmosphere and ambience are important. You don’t want anything too upscale or too romantic, but you would like something cozy and, of course, with a good selection of wines. That’s important,” says the Buzz-area resident. Her top pick is Oporto, the Portuguese-Italian-inspired wine bar (3833 Richmond and 125 W. Gray). “The small-plate appetizers are delicious. We’ll order a bunch to share.”

She recommends the crab-and-avocado crostini with lump crab meat and green aioli. Consider also: • Teppay Japanese Restaurant (6516 Westheimer) serves authentic, grade-A sushi and sashimi.

The chawan mushi egg custard with seafood is fragrant with real yuzu citrus from the chef’s garden.

• Majorca Bistro and Tapas (207-A Gray Street) highlights family-style paellas (seafood, chickenand-rabbit or veggie version) that are ideal for sharing, along with a wide selection of Spanish tapas.

• Maharaja Bhog (8338 Southwest Freeway) showcases authentic thali served on a round tray with bowls that diners can fill with 20-25 daily vegetarian options. This destination, reminiscent of the glamour of Bollywood, is a local treat since it’s the only U.S. location of this well-known Mumbai thali chain. For $13.99 (lunch) or $16.99 (dinner), it’s an all-you-can-eat fest.

• Dolce Vita Pizzeria Enoteca (500 Westheimer) sets the standard for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Chef-owner Marco Wiles keeps this welcoming establishment in the heart of Montrose perfectly tuned with well-prepared, simple pastas, vegetable dishes and an excellent all-Italian wine list.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 46

Alamo Tamale & Taco Tacos and tamales Neighborhood: Northside Village Alamo Tamale & Taco encompasses everything we love about Houston – good, down-toearth, cheap, Tex-Mex tacos on-the-go for breakfast and lunch. At sunrise, the line snakes out the door at the location on Navigation bordering downtown. But at the Berry Road outlet near the Heights, a major expansion about a year ago has helped alleviate the large crowds that clamor for the $1-2 tacos billowing with an assortment of steam-table offerings including barbacoa and carnitas. But as it did in the ’60s, Alamo continues to etch its reputation making pork, beef brisket, chicken and jalapeño-cheese tamales. Breakfast & lunch Mon.-Sun. (Closes at 5 or 6 p.m.) 809 Berry Road, 713-692-6363. $

BRC Gastropub London-inspired gastropub Neighborhood: Rice Military Lance Fegen marinates his chicken in a honey brine prior to encasing the moist interior with a crisp, nutty crust. Short-rib brisket burgers evoke contented sighs while fried oysters are light but forcefully flavored in this wood-paneled masculine beer haven with engaging feminine touches,

such as flamboyant wallpapers inspired by the glossy Viceroy, a boutique hotel in Santa Monica.

Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 519 Shepherd Drive, 713-861-2233. brcgastropub.com. $$

Brooklyn Athletic Club Modern American Neighborhood: Museum District Food and play go hand-in-hand at this concept influenced by Shepard Ross’ childhood in Brooklyn, where bocce ball highlighted family gatherings. The fork-tender pork osso buco and robust pasta and meatballs are made more enjoyable watching friends challenge each other at croquet. Lunch & dinner Tues.Sun. 601 Richmond Ave., 713-527-4440. thebrooklynathleticclub.com. $$

short on texture. While beautiful to look upon – glisteningly golden-brown – the overly crisped shell tastes dry and interior mealy.

Scones, too, were tough. But the pastries that are nearly perfect here, like the kouign amann (a flaky, buttery, caramelized, sugar-topped pastry), surpass their counterparts around town.

Common Bond bustles at breakfast, and for good reason. Offerings include a stellar sourdough sandwich stacked with pork sausage, cheddar, frisee and fried egg. Be kind; share it with a good friend. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Tues.-Sun. (Kitchen closes 3 p.m. daily, but the dining room remains open for coffee and dessert until 7 p.m.) 1706 Westheimer Road, 713-5293535. wearecommonbond.com. $$

Corner Table Common Bond Café & Bakery Pastries and sandwiches Neighborhood: Montrose area The long search for moist, buttery kugelhopf ends here. Speckled with brandy-soaked raisins, the sultan’s turban-shaped cake-bread is a soul-satisfying breakfast with a steaming café au lait. The moistly crisped walnut chocolate chip cookies, even at $3-plus apiece, are worth it. The only version that surpasses these, you can’t get since it comes out of my brother’s oven. Not every pastry is perfect at Common Bond. Its frequently touted plain croissant falls

Contemporary American Neighborhood: Upper Kirby The Paleo Diet – a nutritional regimen centered around eggs, nuts, pasture-raised meat, fresh fruit and vegetables – is no longer a fringe movement. It has charged into the mainstream, spawning how-to books and glossy magazines. There are restaurants inspired by Paleo, including Corner Table, a multi-faceted space that boasts a luxe wine room reminiscent of France's Louis XIV era, a live-music lounge and a cozy mixology room with a speak-easy vibe. At the center is the restaurant, which

shines even brighter with a culinary rising star at the helm. Ja'Nel Witt – winner of Gordon Ramsay's season 11 of Hell’s Kitchen – adds a much-needed global flair to the menu, from a beet-root hummus with an undercurrent of cumin to a wood-fire pizza topped with eggplant baba ganoush, roasted red pepper and feta cheese. Under her watch, the kitchen is turning out sharper fare with succinct presentations and clean, multi-dimensional flavors.

Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat. 2736 Virginia Street.

713- 568-9196. cornertablehouston.com. $$$

Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar Upscale seafood Neighborhood: Midtown Mark Holley is back. The Brennan's of Houston alum reeled in many diners, overseeing Pesce's kitchen for a decade. But in 2012, Landry's sold it, leaving Holley without a kitchen burner and fans floundering. Ironically, quality, upscale seafood restaurants are rare gems in this Gulf Coast city, so Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a welcome addition.

At his namesake, Holley has free rein, sprinkling his menu with his life experiences, from the cobblestone alleys of New Orleans to Kentucky bluegrass. You'll find, too, touches of Asian influences, most notably the large-format, Thai-style whole (continued on page 48)

Attentive service Casual ambience Wonderful Italian food

Est. 1986

9755 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77024 713-467-9336 www.ciros.com

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 47

Paula Murphy

Lucille’s 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. $$$

McHugh Tea Teahouse and more Neighborhood: Bellaire This shabby-chic corner charms with its practical lunch menu and English ambiance, illuminated by tea-cup chandeliers, refurbished tea sets and ornately framed photos of famous tea sippers, including Marilyn Monroe 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. But the homemade jellies and buttermilk scones (tender, hot, just out of the oven) are what have won the hearts of regulars. Lunch, Mon.-Sat., 5305 Bissonnet, Bellaire. 713-218-6300. mchughtea.com. $

Pizzeria Solario KENNY & ZIGGY’S The triple-decker BLT has crisp bacon, lettuce and tomato, served on white toast. (continued from page 47) snapper for two. It's a per-

fectly crisped rendition paired with two tangy dipping sauces, fried rice and braised greens. No doubt, it will stir up memories for former Pesce regulars, but Holley's updated version is even tastier. The same goes for the shrimp-and-okra gumbo, a nourishing dark brew now enriched with duck confit and topped with delicately fried oysters. A crowd pleaser is the yieldingly tender sesame Park House Rolls, a traditional fare that gets an haute spin with three accompanying spreads: poblano pimento cheese, smoked drum mousse and pickled vegetables.

Truthfully, these yeasty rolls as a starter and the homey apple bread pudding would make any evening at Holley's go swimmingly. Lunch Mon.-Fri. & dinner Mon.-Sat., 3201 Louisiana, 713-491-2222, holleyshouston.com. $$$

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 steamedMEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 48

rice 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. $$

Kenny & Ziggy’s 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 with potatoes, bagel or toast are a bargain at $7.95 and 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 & dinner Mon.-Sun. 2327 Post Oak Blvd., 713871-8883. kennyandziggys.com. $$

Neopolitan pizzeria Neighborhood: Highland Village When it comes to the Neapolitan pies at this cheery spot with patio seating, there are no tricks, just good techniques: a fiery 800-degree wood-burning oven that chars the edges of a bubbly, soft-bottom pizza (you can request a crispier bottom). The creamy mozzarella and garlicky white sauce are made in house. Try the Appolonia with soppressata salami, black pepper, parmesan cheese and an egg on top. The pizza margherita is satisfyingly direct, simply spiced with vibrant plum tomatoes, mozzarella and organic basil. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 3333 Weslayan, 713-892-8100. pizzeriasolario.com. $

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

Revival Market Gourmet market and café Neighborhood: The Heights Partner Morgan Weber and chef Ryan Pera source fresh ingredients from local growers and suppliers. Their multifaceted concept (grocery store, deli, patisserie and coffee shop) is unique, with much to admire. It expands on a growing theme in the culinary world, in which chefs return to the basics, curing their own meats and preserving their own fruits. Weber and Pera take it a step further by raising their own heritage pork and chicken. You’ll also find artisanal foodstuffs, including house-made vinegars and pickles. Seafood bycatches are from PJ Stoops.

Antibiotic-free smoked meats and sausages (try the boudin) are from Pera and charcutier Adam Garcia. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 550 Heights Blvd., 713-880-8463. revivalmarket.com. $$

Seasons 52 New American Neighborhoods: Highland Village/Memorial Seasons 52 is reminiscent of Houston's on Kirby, with similar synergy and dimly lit decor.

There are multiple booths, each with its own lamp for an intimate, yet casual setting. The interior is well thought out, unified like most chains,

but more upscale. Seasons 52 is motivated by seasonal ingredients, like a chef-driven restaurant, changing its menu quarterly along with showcasing new weekly specials. A plus? Nothing on the meal is more than 475 calories. It also has glutenfree and vegetarian menus. Consider the Winter Vegetarian Tasting with quinoa-citrus salad, soft black-bean taco, seasonal roasted vegetables and an amazingly innovative, yet simple cedar-roasted tofu. There is the standard grilled rack of lamb, roasted chicken and stellar flat-bread pizzas. The mini desserts in a cup are sensible, diminutive, four or five bites at most. Try the pecan pie with vanilla mouse or carrot cake with cinnamon honey. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat. Locations: Highland Village, 4410 Westheimer Road, 713-6215452; CityCentre, 842 W. Sam Houston Parkway, 713-464-5252. seasons52.com. $$

Tacos Tierra Caliente Food-truck fare Neighborhood: Lower Montrose Some of Houston's best grub can be found in parking lots and vacant lots, dished out of Airstreams and food trucks by both amateur and professional chefs. About 1,000-plus food trucks cruise Houston streets. But Tacos Tierra Caliente in lower Montrose is legendary. Former Hugo’s cook Nana Samano’s tacos pack optimal flavors. For less than two bucks, you can buy a diminutive corn tortilla stuffed with roasted

pork and sweet, tangy chunks of pineapples, or try the robust barbacoa blanketed with fresh onions and cilantro. Spritz on fresh lime and savor the true flavors of Mexico. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. On the corner of McDuffie Street and West Alabama, next to the convenience store across from the West Alabama Icehouse. $

Vallone’s Modern-American steakhouse Neighborhood: Memorial The option of adding any homemade pasta, such diminutive corn ravioli or short-rib tortellini, to your steak dinner for $9 adds to the appeal of the impeccably hand-cut slabs of steaks. But really all that is required for the juicy, charred, dry-aged, bone-in ribeye is a side of fries and a robust California cabernet.

With his new steakhouse, restaurateur Tony Vallone again illustrates that he knows good food, and his impeccable tastes are expertly translated on the menu. Normally, we skip sauces, especially when the steaks (wet and dry age) shine with just a dash of salt. But in this case, the cabernet foie gras jus and spicy béarnaise are hard to pass up, as is the Colorado lamb chop with chickpea purée. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. and dinner Sun. 947 Gessner, 713-3956100. vallonessteakhouse.com. $$$$

MORE ONLINE Use our restaurant finder at thebuzzmagazines.com to search local restaurants by area, cuisine and price.

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 49

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Ask Reneé, the Realtor

A minute with Maisie

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 phones are ringing with buyers, 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!

Strong market knowledge, incredible marketing tools and proven sales records, along with a team of proven agents, Reneé and her team are consistently recognized and recommended as the ones to go to for real-estate needs.

Reneé Davy Oakum Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Anderson Properties, 12900 Queensbury, Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77079 and 3600 Kirby, Suite T, Houston, Texas 77019, 713.647.8278, renee@davyoakumbhhs.com, www.andersonprops.com

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.jenkinskamin.com

MEMORIAL BUZZ FEBRUARY 2015 51

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PETS

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Build on your lot in Memorial

Neighborhood Tails

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Tripp, age 2, Lab/Vizsla Mix, Adkins Road One day I was wandering on the streets and someone picked me up. I thought they were taking me home forever, but they dropped me off at the pound. I dreamed of being adopted. Then I heard some people saying they were just at the pound to visit and see what it took to adopt a puppy. Well, I wasn’t technically still a puppy, but I put on my cutest face and they just couldn’t resist! They marched up to the front and took me home that day. My mom jokes that my manners make me seem like I came from the streets of River Oaks. I am so happy to be with my forever family, and I showed them the best way I knew how – by chewing up my bed so I would have to sleep with my mom. I knew she loved to cuddle.

Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Featured pets receive two passes to Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Each pass can be redeemed for one day of lodging in a Bunk House Suite, 25 percent off your next grooming appointment or 25 percent off one obedience training class.

Avanti Custom Homes has now built several new homes in revitalized neighborhoods all over the Memorial area. The neighborhood is becoming increasingly popular among young families because of its close proximity to the many businesses in the Energy Corridor, as well as the convenience of area shopping and restaurants at CityCentre and Town & Country Village.

Avanti Custom Homes is a premium, custom-home offering from Houston’s most trusted homebuilder, Trendmaker Homes. We specialize in customizing homes to fit our homeowners’ lifestyles and needs by working with one of Trendmaker’s many proven designs, of various sizes and layouts. As a division of Trendmaker Homes, Avanti Custom Homes benefits from the experience, creativity, service and skills of Trendmaker’s 40plus years in the Houston home-building industry.

Our tenured home-building teams have learned that listening to our customers about how they live in their homes will spring forth a river of great ideas about how to make truly unique and beautiful homes that facilitate easy, comfortable daily living. Avanti’s in-town design team has expertise in designing homes all over Houston, including Bellaire, Memorial, Heights, the Medical Center, Tanglewood, the Museum District, Midtown and Uptown areas.

For more information about available floor plans or quick-move-in homes, please contact Kim Bennett at 713-834-2537 or visit www.AvantiCustomHomes.com.

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DDS, LVIF

Updating your will after divorce

Dr. John Barras, DDS, LVIF has practiced the art of dentistry in Houston since 2002. After earning a biology degree from Southwest Texas State and a DDS from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, Dr. Barras enhanced his practice by continuing his education at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. It was at LVI he acquired his LVI Fellowship and dental expertise in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry with modern procedures and the latest technology. Dr. Barras and his team have developed a unique, critical eye for studying one’s bite in relation to dental aesthetics and are skilled in smile makeovers, soft-tissue recontouring with advanced laser procedures, Invisalign™, same-day crowns, TMJ, porcelain veneers and general dentistry. With Dr. Barras’ advanced knowledge of the bite, his goal is to provide permanent options for patients in lieu of temporary fixes. He shows patients how simple dentistry changes affect the entire body. Neck pain, shoulder pain, posture, stance and facial shape all have a direct link to dentistry. For more information, please visit us at www.johnbarrasdds.com. Dr. Barras and his team wish you a beautiful healthy smile in 2015.

Dentistry by John Barras, DDS, LVIF, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77056, 713.993.9814, concierge@johnbarrasdds.com

One of the life events that should trigger updating your will is divorce.

Once the divorce is finalized, one should take further steps to ensure that a former spouse will not have a claim to your assets upon your passing.

Texas law assumes that you do not want to benefit a former spouse when you pass away. In 2007, the law governing will provisions made before a divorce was clarified and updated.

Generally, a former spouse is treated as if they predeceased the decedent.

It also treats will provisions benefiting family of the former spouse who are not related to the decedent as if they also predeceased the decedent. The same applies for certain types of life-insurance policies.

However, because there are some assets that are governed by federal law, Texas law will not apply, and a former spouse could benefit if steps are not taken to remove them as a beneficiary. In certain situations, although a divorce has occurred, an individual may still want to keep his or her former spouse’s family or even a former spouse part of the estate plan.

Because of the various types of assets one owns and different family dynamics, it would be beneficial to update your will after a divorce to ensure that the people you wish to inherit will do so.

Mitzi D. Rivero, Brett M. Moyer and Robert Tarleton are attorneys practicing in the West Houston area. 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

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

Valentine’s Day bashes for kids

I

credit my old neighbor Marnie Greenwood with some of my sweetest early-mom memories. Every year, when the babies on the street were little and we were looking for ways to entertain them (and ourselves), she would throw a children’s Valentine’s Day party. She and her children Griffin and Remi (now teenagers) would host the babies on the block and some 15 or 20 other moms and babies for a late-afternoon pink- and red-themed party that took the place of dinners out and babysitters.

“Most of my friends had little kids, and we were kind of going away from the traditional married couple’s Valentine’s night,” Marnie says.

“No one wanted to get a sitter and do the set dinner, but we still wanted to have fun.”

Marnie’s parties promised cookies to decorate, construction-paper valentines for the bigger kids to make and – at top billing – a train that carted children endlessly around the block. “Oh my gosh, it was a zoo,” Marnie says.

“Everyone has Christmas or birthday parties, but this was just for fun.”

Courtney Brynes says her oldest daughter Caroline, now 8, is the reason she started hosting big Valentine’s bashes. “My idea was to have a big playdate,” Courtney says. “My parents have a big backyard, so I wanted to do a party where I could invite all of my friends and their children, instead of having to limit it like a birthday party.”

The “playdate” turned into an annual event bringing some 80 kids and parents together for a “free-for-all,” as Courtney remembers. There were bounce houses, tables set with make-yourown Valentines and cookies to decorate – “we’d pick up sugar cookies from Rice Epicurean and set them out with sprinkles and icing” – and candy bags to fill. “This was right when candy buffets were a big thing, and I’d set out apothecary glasses filled with red and white candies,” Courtney says.

Courtney didn’t forget the grownups. “My mom made a cheese torte with raspberry preserves on top in a heart-shaped pan,” she says.

(See recipe below.) “We’d have crudité and fruit and artichoke dip and Paulie’s heart-shaped cookies. One year when it was freezing outside we had hot apple cider in Valentine cups.”

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Courtney stopped hosting the Valentine’s parties about three years ago. “We’d invite as many people as we knew. Then they all started having two and three kids, and it got too big.

“Everyone loved the free-for-all,” she says.

“The boys could run, and the girls could do artsy stuff. And I loved that my daughter looked so forward to it and that other people would ask me every year when it was going to be. You don’t do it to have people say, ‘Oh I love it,’ but it’s nice when people enjoy it.”

Shanna Schanen’s Valentine’s tea parties SWEET TREATS Courtney Brynes and her daughters Caroline, 8, and Emerson, were far from free-for- 4, share Valentine cookies and cupcakes from Rice Epicurean. alls. She and her daughter Skylar would host the parties for little girls Barbara Roseman’s Valentine’s in Skylar’s elementary school classes. Invitations Day Cheese Torte were printed – Shanna remembers they were something pretty from Bering’s with ribbons and 1 small onion teacups. “We would set long tables with Pottery ½ teaspoon Tabasco Barn Valentine plates and tulips, and it would 1 clove garlic, minced be set up for tea,” Shanna says. Plates would be 1 cup mayonnaise filled with tea sandwiches and Paulie’s heart1 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese shaped sugar cookies, and they’d serve tea from 1 cup chopped pecans Valentine-themed teapots. Then a princess 1 jar seedless raspberry preserves would appear to paint faces.

“The girls would get all dressed up in pretty Grate the onion finely. Stir the onion, dresses and then jump on the trampoline and Tabasco and garlic into the mayonnaise. Mix in play on the swings,” Shanna says. the grated cheese and pecans. Line a 9- or 10Skylar is now 14, rendering Valentine’s tea inch heart-shaped cake pan with plastic wrap. parties out of the question, but she has fond Spoon the cheese mixture into the pan and push memories of the parties, specifically of “the food the mixture down and into the sides of the pan and laughing with my friends,” she says. As does to mold. Refrigerate for two hours or until set.

Shanna: “I think it helped bond their little When ready to serve, turn the torte onto a plate, friendships. They giggled and enjoyed all the remove the plastic wrap and top with raspberry excitement and it was fun to watch.” preserves. Serve with crackers. stpimages.com

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