A ‘Humerus’
Halloween
Adventures in Iceland
Chef’s Corner:
Levi Goode
Halloween Parade
Sunday Night
Dinners Neighborhood
Holding Hands
School Buzz
by Caroline Siegfried
Buzz Reads
Alden Farrow and Gray Hevle
EDITOR’S NOTE
Meet our 2024-25 School Buzz correspondents. Every fall, we kick off our School Buzz program with a photo shoot. These bright and busy high schoolers have a lot on their plates – some had even taken the SAT earlier that day – but that did not stop them from showing up with all the write stuff. Pun intended. These students all expressed a passion for writing, and they’re excited to report on their schools this year. Like many of our stories, this program was inspired by a coffee-shop conversation 11 years ago, and I am grateful it is still brewing strong. Also in this issue, Cathy Gordon spotlights a fascinating heart surgeon who saves lives by day – and works diligently to get our blood pumping with his magically detailed skeletons on Halloween night. We met multi-talented inventor Billy Cohn through “Hallo-Queen” Mia Parker (who was featured in our Oct. 2022 issue for her hand-crafted, hilarious Halloween scenes). Mia mentioned that she knew another Buzz resident who goes over-the-top for Halloween, and put me in touch with Billy, who wowed us with his life-saving inventions and magic tricks (metaphorically and literally). She described Billy as “inventive, musical, funny, magical, and will save countless lives with his artificial heart. He is the modern-day da Vinci!” Yes, there’s a lot of creativity and magic within these pages – and within our communities. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES
BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS
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Editor-in-Chief Joni Hoffman
Publisher Michael Hoffman
Editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld
Associate Editor Caroline Siegfried
Design Manager John Duboise
Staff Writers Tracy L. Barnett, Sharon Albert Brier, Cindy Burnett, Andria Dilling, Angie Frederickson, Todd Freed, Cindy Gabriel, Cathy Gordon, Michelle Groogan, Dai Huynh, Annie Blaylock McQueen, Pooja Salhotra, Cheryl Ursin
Contributing Writer Ben Portnoy
Account Managers Andrea Blitzer
Leslie Little
Jo Rogers
On our cover: Memorial High School senior Alden Farrow and junior Gray Hevle (from left) are two of this year’s School Buzz reporters. Special thanks to The Emery/Weiner School for allowing us to photograph on campus.
Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.com
The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2024 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.
Your letters, thoughts, opinions
Sharing the joy
Thank you to the entire Buzz team for the great article, photos, and the opportunity to share with so many about my baking hobby and passion [On a Roll: Discovering the joy of baking by Andria Dilling, Sept. 2024]. It’s remarkable how many friends have reached out to congratulate me, and many commented on their own aspirations to identify and pursue a hobby at this stage in life that brings them joy.
I was also touched by one out-of-state friend who asked if I could prepare a pastry gift basket for his graduate school classmate who is currently battling health challenges in the Houston area. I was happy to oblige and share some baking joy.
Jonathan Quander
From a Houston historian
I wanted to let you know how honored I felt when one of my books, Historic Photographs of Houston, was included in the July issue [Houston Reads: Books for the city’s natives and newcomers by Cindy Burnett, July 2024]. I have long been a reader of your publications. I eagerly await the Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz each month as I lived in neighboring Briargrove for 52 years and still live nearby.
Last month’s article brought back memories of being interviewed 21 years ago [for a feature in former neighborhood magazine Uptown Tales]. I remember meeting Marks Hinton in the building there on San Felipe –one that I pass almost every day. Marks and I were among the founders several years ago of an organization supporting the Historic Research Center of the Houston Public Library, which is still in existence.
Enclosed is a copy of Uptown Tales 2003. I will continue my monthly trek to Walgreens to be sure I have the current Buzz, which I enjoy so very much with its news of the neighborhood’s residents.
Betty Chapman
Editor’s note: Betty, thanks for sharing the copy of Uptown Tales and for your kind words about The Buzz! And in case any readers didn’t know: The Buzz has magazine racks at some local Walgreens. We can’t guarantee copies will be left on the racks, but you might be able to find The Buzz if you’re looking for the current issue.
Looking back and forward
To Savannah Radoff [who shared her story of spinal fusion surgery due to idiopathic scoliosis in Buzz Kidz, The Bellaire Buzz, Sept. 2024]: My name is Gary Smith and I am 74 years old. Like you I was diagnosed with scoliosis at about the age of 10. By the time I was 13, it had rapidly progressed to the point where surgery was required.
I wanted to let you know that I was blessed to have had the surgery. I have led a full and active life. The surgery has not kept me from doing anything I wanted to do over the years. I swim, snow skied, and played tennis. I still go to the gym almost every weekday.
It is amazing how the medical technology has changed. You were in the
hospital for only six days and up and about at seven weeks. When I had my surgery, I was in the hospital for three weeks because I had two separate spinal fusion surgeries. I was restricted to bed for six months post surgery. I simply wanted to send this to you as a letter of encouragement. I am sure that you will also live a full life.
Best wishes for your continued recovery.
Gary Smith
Omissions in The Buzz Private School Directory
We received multiple comments from readers asking why certain schools were excluded from the Private School Directory (Sept. 2024). As noted at the top of each page, the Private School Directory is a Special Advertising Section and is not an article. It includes those schools which have chosen to participate. Any schools that have questions about being included in next year’s directory should contact advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com. View the directory at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory.
Email us at mailbag@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters or emails addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use for publication. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.
What’s your story?
We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who:
• Have special holiday or New Year’s traditions.
• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.
• Have a milestone life event to share.
• Have a sweet multi-generational story.
• Have a compelling travel tale.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 102.
by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
A Sweet Halloween Tradition
Trick-or-treating together
Since the late 1990s, the neighborhood of Nottingham has held an annual Halloween parade for families, which is a highlight of the season for residents of all ages. The idea was born around 1997, by a group of residents in the neighborhood during one of their neighborhood women’s club meetings. By 1999, the parade plan was hatched.
Each year on Halloween, families, dressed head-to-toe in costumes, line up at the east end of Pinerock Lane. Children eagerly wait for the start of the parade, and as soon as the “go” is announced, they proceed to walk down the street in droves, trick-or-treating down the block together. Neighbors stand out front passing out candy.
The first year of the parade, it was a small gathering, recalled longtime resident Dianne Brody. It has since grown to become a favorite tradition. The parade consists of walking from one end of the street to the other – trick-or-treating in unison with all the neighborhood kids.
Neighbor Ann Walker was president of the women’s club at the time the parade started to take root. She, along with her husband Steve, and their two kids, Sam and Stacy, enjoyed the parade year after year. Stacy now has a son, Aiden, who participates as a second-generation paradegoer, and a baby, Jett, a future parade participant.
Anne and Scott LeBaume offered their yard on the west end of Pinerock Lane to be the end point for the one-block parade.
Lindsey and Matt Thomas moved into their home, the corner house of the street, three years ago with their four daughters. It turned out this isn’t just any house; it is known as the “Halloween house” among residents, as it’s the starting point of the parade – especially those who were there for the early days of the tradition.
“We bought our house three years ago and were quickly informed by several neighbors that we bought the ‘Halloween house.’ We did not know just how lucky we were,” she said.
Each year, families – children and parents and grandparents – decked out in their Halloween costumes, gather in front of the Thomas’s home, which marks the starting point of the parade route. Neighbors then walk the block together, before heading off to trick-or-treat throughout
the rest of the neighborhood.
"The parade is a longstanding tradition in our neighborhood that was established almost 25 years ago, shortly after the Nottingham Women's Club was formed,” Lindsey said.
For their family, and their four girls, twins Mimi and Cate, 8, Lucy, 6, and Emmy, 2, Halloween is not just about the parade. It is a day to make lifelong memories with neighbors and their community. “My family likes to prepare a big pot of chili for friends to meet back at our house for a quick dinner before heading back out to trick-ortreat,” Lindsey said.
Over the years, the Thomas family has embraced their home’s reputation, even setting up a spooky tent in their front yard where they hand out candy. On Halloween, there are hundreds of residents walking west on their street to kick off trick-or-treating.
“We learned the hard way to buy way more candy than you think you will need, when we ran out within an hour the first year,” she said, laughing. Now, the Thomases are prepared for the crowds, and their daughters eagerly look forward to the parade. “It is truly a special event that makes me appreciate our tight-knit neighborhood every year,” she said.
In the middle area of Pinerock, Dianne has witnessed the parade evolve over time. She offered her home as a gathering point once her three kids were older, and she was a “trick-or-treater empty nester,” as she affectionally called it.
Dianne moved into the neighborhood in 1993. “Our house became the ‘after-parade gathering house’ once our kids were too old to trick
or treat,” she said. Neighbors would bring a dish, and the kids would eat dinner in their yard after the parade. “We started with one table and ended up adding as many as five tables as neighbors brought along their goodies,” she said. They set up spooky decor, decorated tables, food, and adult beverages.
The tradition has continued all these years, and today, even without young children in the house, Dianne and her neighbors still come together on Halloween night to keep the spirit of the parade alive, passing out candy together to the next generation.
For families like the Thomases, Walkers, Brodys, and many others who helped the parade become what it is today, Halloween is not only about costumes and candy – it is about an annual tradition that has brought joy to their families.
Halloween can be more than just a spooky night of costumes and candy – it can also serve as a chance to connect with neighbors, just as the neighbors of Nottingham do every year.
HALLOWEEN READY Nottingham neighbors gather every year for a Halloween parade, a tradition more than 24 years in the making. Pictured (from left) are Ellis Williams, Cate and Mimi Thomas, and Eloise Taylor.
by Ben Portnoy, contributing writer
I Want to Hold Your Hand
I think you’ll understand
My wife and I were on a cruise last summer on one of those huge ships that house several thousand passengers. My wife has a little trouble walking, and she sometimes uses a cane. We got off an elevator on the ship and headed toward our room. I was holding her hand as we walked since she had left her cane in our room, and a woman coming toward us stopped us and said, “This is so sweet. You just don’t see people your age holding hands much.”
So that you can put this in the correct context, I will reveal that my wife and I are in our late 70s.
The incident made me think a bit about holding hands. I really do not see many people of any age holding hands. I occasionally observe younger couples close together, usually holding more than hands. I have a college friend who charmingly always holds his wife’s hand as they walk together. I recall my initial surprise many years ago when I was in France and saw many women walking together holding hands. I have not been to France for years, so I do not know if that is still the custom. I hope it is. It’s nice –holding hands.
I got interested and Googled “Holding Hands.” The first thing that came up was a selection of pictures of people holding hands, and these photos were mostly taken from the rear. Why? That’s a question for another time, but you might think about it.
One Googled selection came from Reddit at their site r/CasualConversation. The lead entry was:
“I always wonder when someone feels close enough to hold your hand, especially when it involves two people that could possibly be attracted to each other or are considered just friends... I just don’t feel comfortable holding just anyone’s hand. I think you have to be in a certain level to do that. …Maybe I am overthinking things as usual…What do you think?”
There were many answers to this query, and I will record a few of them. One person who went by artavenue, who was clearly familiar with other parts of the world, wrote:
“Depends on your culture, too. In some Arabic countries a dude will grab another dude’s hand when the[y] walk and talk.”
Actually, I found several references to an occasion when President George W. Bush met
with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. They talked as they held hands. Well, we are not in Saudi Arabia, and people in same-sex relationships in our country might avoid holding hands in public unless they feel quite secure in proclaiming their status.
Another entry written by someone identified as redsleeve stated: “I think that’s intimate. When I first started dating my current bf, I didn’t want to hold hands so much. But when the affection settled in, holding hands became a thing. It’s like me allowing him to initiate touching a part of me in public. Well, that came out funny, but you know what I mean?”
Yes, it did come out funny, and I think we all know what she meant. That brings me to my favorite comment presented by someone who goes by TacoALPastorSupreme. Taco writes: “I think hand holding between adults is very intimate. When I was a teen, I think I considered holding hands as the first step in a romantic relationship….” She concludes that, as an adult, she realizes that she’s been intimate with more men than she’s held hands with.
As I researched further on the subject of hand-holding, I noticed that many entries cited a Professor James Coan who studied this topic. He found that hand-holding has a relaxing effect on people. Blood pressure is lowered, and there is a release of oxytocin, a hormone that’s known as the “love drug,” as it’s responsible for some of the positive emotions we feel. Professor Coan reported that studies were conducted on people who were expecting to receive an electric shock, but their level of anxiety was decreased if they were holding hands with someone while they were about to receive the shock. The article didn’t reveal whether the person holding the subject’s hand was shocked, too.
In this article (The Cultural History of Holding Hands by Devrupa Rakshit, May 21, 2022), you
can also read that chimpanzees and otters hold hands. The article doesn’t delve much into otters holding hands, but it does explain that chimps often hold hands. The implication is that as our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, maybe we inherited hand-holding from an ancestor common to us and the chimps. Who knows? I guess we will have to forget about otters without further information.
So, this brings us back to holding hands with another person. Check out folks in shopping centers, airports, stadiums, or other public gatherings. Usually, observing a couple walking along holding hands is a lovely sight. I find it charming. And I’ll end by reporting a sighting I made at a Walmart in Gatesville, Texas, as my wife and I were driving to Santa Fe two summers ago. We had stopped there for some item we needed, and as we were walking out, I glanced to my left and saw a handsome man holding hands with a tall, slender, very attractive woman in tight calf-length jeans and tennis shoes. I smiled at the loving image, and then I noticed on each of the woman’s heels there was a tattoo that read…well, let’s just say it used an obscenity in two words to imply Get lost
What do we learn from this rambling narrative? Is there a lesson or some anthropological data imparted above? Probably not. And I believe there is little ethical guidance gained from this information, but we are able to conclude that it is a good thing that chimpanzees do not get tattoos.
IT NEVER GETS OLD Writer Ben Portnoy (not pictured) explores the custom of holding hands, within couples or friends, in various cultures, and even amongst animals like chimps.
by Cathy Gordon, staff writer
Magic, Music, Medicine, More
And this inventor’s ‘humerus’ Halloween
Zombies, vampires, and superheroes swarm shortly before dusk, as if armed with a tactical terrain map. Porch to porch they advance, pillowcases and bags thrust open wide, like baby birds. Past flower beds transformed into graveyards. Shrubs shrouded in gauzy cobwebs. And look, a green-faced witch had a mishap with a tree, her broomstick stuck in its trunk.
It's spooky season. Time for fun-size peanut butter cups and a good scare. Trick or Treat!
Up the street, Billy Cohn is all in. No bones about it – well, lots of bones in this case. Halloween is his favorite holiday.
“More so than any other holiday, it fosters creativity and expression,” says the Bellaire inventor, 64. He’s been chopping up large, plastic skeletons in his garage workshop for weeks for a boney whirl-a-gig that’s sure to mesmerize and baffle a few.
Because when the night falls and the hordes assemble, creaky, creepy skeletons will break through the Cohn family lawn and fly into the ether, thanks to Billy’s hand-crafted, 120-pound, fast-spinning, strobe-lit zoetrope that gives the illusion of movement.
An animated skeletal spectacle.
He’s talking about his contraption like a giddy kid on the first day of summer break, his sheepdog Andy at his side. Andy has tricks of his own.
“Andy, Annndy! Sit!” he instructs the wooly bear of a dog. Not just sit sit. But hoist his shaggy tuchus onto a dining room chair kind of sit.
Good boy!
“My favorite thing to do is just drive around with Andy in the car. He sits there like a proper gentleman,” he says of the dog, who’s now off to investigate other things in the house.
They’ve got matching energies, dog and owner. Happy, busy. Up to something.
Billy is always up to something.
“I’m a hedonist, for real,” quips the father of five grown children, and husband to Shaun, the second pea in this pod. “We all love Halloween. We love fun stuff. I just want to do fun stuff that’s entertaining to me. For me, I’m super lucky. I have a need to create. I get to do things I love all the time.”
Not just spook-tacular things. Things of the
heart, too. Because Billy is that inventor, cardiothoracic surgeon and engineer William Cohn, widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the continuous-flow, totally implantable artificial heart.
The device has been implanted in a few patients now as part of an FDA-approved, first-
in-human early feasibility study to assess its use as a bridge-to-transplant solution for those with severe heart disease.
“Turns out 200,000 Americans die every year of heart failure. We transplant about 3,500 because that’s all the donor organs that we have,” Billy explains. “The
BANDSAW TO BONES Inventor Billy Cohn fractures skeletons in his garage workshop, part of his grand plan for Halloween night. Chopping them at certain points, in slightly different integral sections, and arranging each of the skeletons just so, makes them appear as if they’re flying off from the ground, thanks to Billy’s fastspinning zoetrope, lit by a strobe light.
(continued from page 12)
ambition is that this device will be used eventually instead of an actual heart for a transplant.
“It’s cool. We’re changing the world,” he says matter-of-factly.
Halloween zoetrope. Artificial heart. A bevy of other medical devices under his belt, too. All spun from a flurry of schematics in his head.
A workshop in his garage tells the tale, ground zero for medical inventions and skeleton chopping. Breakthrough medical devices started here, Billy slaving into the night on iterations of prototypes. “I know it looks humble and a bit kludgy, but some of the stuff that has come out of here has been really impactful,” he says, of the hodgepodge of materials and objects on every surface. Artifacts from an inventive mind.
“We used to call him Bizzy. He was a flurry of activity even back then,” quips Billy’s older brother, John, also no slouch. The IBM Fellow Emeritus held the most senior executive technical rank while there. He now invents things for an electric aerospace company. He holds patents galore and, like his brother, is drawn to fun.
Like his 2009 self-propelled mobile Ferris
wheel with 20-foot diameter drive wheels for Burning Man, a hotbed for creators. The festival attracts tens of thousands to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert each year. Billy couldn’t resist driving that thing.
“Oh man, that was fun!” he says, quickly producing a video of him at the wheel of his brother’s contraption.
Billy was 18 months old when his family moved to Houston. He, John, and sister Mary had childhoods filled with inspiration, thanks to energetic, creative parents and a city that was coming into its own through medical advancements and its space program.
“Our parents were both incredibly playful in a goofy, fun sort of way, and kind of looked the other way when we would do shady stuff, like blow things up in the backyard,” John says, with a laugh. “We went to school with some of the astronaut kids. I remember astronaut Ed White coming to our house. So, it was this atmosphere of big scientific achievements. We were exposed to that, and Billy got all the charm and the music genes to boot.”
Yeah, Billy’s the one sliding that trombone to
funky tunes at The Continental Club, as a member of the band, Disco Expressions. He took up the instrument at Spring Branch Junior High, pursuing it in marching band at Memorial High School, as well as playing in a combo during teen years. He’s in another band, too, an alloriginal group called the Texas Turbines where he jams on bass guitar.
“No matter what the gravity of anything… all these amazing medical things he does, he is always playful,” says John. “He has this insatiable curiosity and just can’t sit still. He has so much horsepower that he can get the serious stuff done and the just-for-the-heck-of-it fun stuff.”
Todd Thrash knows a bit about this. He’s known Billy and family for years, a friendship cemented through their kids’ Cub Scout and Boy Scout days.
“I don’t think the man sleeps,” Todd deadpans. “And have you seen him do magic?”
Yes. Billy’s been perfecting close-up magic for 35 years.
“I’ve got a guy who is a real magician, and he took me under his wing, taught me some cool stuff,” says Billy, rolling up (continued on page 16)
A TAIL OF TWO SPINS Top left: Tail-wagging sheepdog Andy is anything but sheepish when it comes to taking a spin in the car with owner Billy. Bottom left: Skeletons from past Halloweens spin on a zoetrope, a contraption that makes them look as if animated, in fluid motion, at night. Right: No bones about it, the inventor, well-known for groundbreaking medical devices, is a lifelong Halloween enthusiast.
(continued from page 14)
his sleeves to show he’s hiding nothing. He proceeds to turn $1 bills into $100 bills before closeup baffled eyes, a nifty trick he keeps close to the vest.
Magician. Musician. Medical Device Man.
“He loves doing the magic,” Todd says. “He told me that back when he was doing a lot of traveling on planes, doing a lot of surgeries, going to other countries, others would just zone out on inflight movies. But he’d read and watch DVDs and stuff about how to do magic tricks.
“We block out every Halloween to spend at the Cohn’s house,” he adds. “It’s incredible the things he comes up with.”
Billy’s youngest son, Chris, 24, would agree. He loves his dad’s “one-man-band approach to DIYing everything,” he says. Halloween was always a blast for him and siblings Ben, Elizabeth, Billy, and Robert.
“Growing up, my dad always went above and beyond in the art department, making us custom props and costumes. He’s very intentional with his design choices to capture the essence of whatever it is he’s making to ensure the wow factor,” Chris says. “I felt proud knowing that my costumes would get appreciation not only from my friends, but from their parents and our teachers.
“My dad is a total Renaissance man,” he continues. “I’ve always admired the ‘lone-inventorin-the-garage-working-into-the-night’ archetype he embodies. There’s a certain optimistic
bravery there that resonates with me. I’ve only recently started flexing that inventor muscle but have really been getting into it!”
Neighbor Debbie Lapin isn’t surprised that Billy’s talent extends to his offspring.
“Billy’s always tinkering in his garage,” she says. “He’s invented some pretty amazing things in the medical field that are used worldwide. But it’s funny, if you were to ask him what he was, I think he would say musician before he would say doctor or medical device inventor. I think playing music is pretty high on his list.”
She and urologist husband Stephen, who has known Billy since grade school, look forward to watching his Halloween antics this year. “Every year it gets bigger and better. As an inventor, he starts thinking about things way in advance,” she says.
Whatever he does, lots will see it. About 1,100 trick-or-treaters graced the Cohn’s property last year, according to captured frames from a mounted camera.
“Our neighborhood is crazy, so many people everywhere that you can’t get through,” Debbie says. “I bought 1,500 pieces of candy last year and gave away one piece to each person, and I ran out. I think I need 2,000 pieces this year. There are a lot of great Halloween decorations out here, but a lot of our kids have grown, so we don’t quite go all out anymore. Billy still goes all out.”
This day, Billy points out his latest project. A 2003 BMW convertible that he’s retrofitted to run
off a conventional radio controller. “I’ve integrated 3D printed parts into it and linear actuators, and a high torque gear motor working with 3D printed gears to control the car with the radio,” he says in geeked-out fashion. “It’s pretty simple.”
Why?
“Andy and maybe a few of his dog friends will sit in the car. I’ll try to train him to put his paws on the steering wheel to make it look like he’s driving. That’s the goal for next year’s Art Car Parade.”
As if on cue, Andy bolts up the driveway to the car, like Heck yeah, we’re doing this!
“I’m sure it’s gonna happen,” insists Billy. “Toby, our first sheepdog… I taught him to take the bag off the Sunday newspaper, dig through it, find the comics, and bring them to me. Andy’s got this. I’ve got till April to teach him. With my resolve and his native intelligence, we will be fine.”
After all, resolve is the largest part, stresses the inventor, who, no doubt, has more tricks up his sleeve.
“When I’m working on a magic trick, I’m the same guy who works on a heart. I’m just coming up with ideas, vetting them, and evolving them as I have new information presented to me. I work hard at everything that interests me,” he says.
“At the end of the day when you put your head to the pillow, it’s great to be able to say, ‘What a day!’ The more of that you get in your life, the more fun it is.”
TROMBONE FUNK & DOG UP FRONT Left: Billy performs trombone in the band Disco Expressions at The Continental Club in Houston. Right: His favorite thing to do is ride around in his car with Andy, a proper English gentleman, who rides shotgun.
School Buzz 2024-2025
SCHOOL BUZZ A group of 2024-2025 School Buzz reporters gathered at The Emery/Weiner School to meet each other and take headshots for the upcoming year. Front row, from left: Megan Wang (Bellaire), Gray Hevle (Memorial), Kate Burke (Emery), Jordan Muscal (Kinder HSPVA), Agnes Tang (Westbury Christian), Ana Sofia Maguchi (Duchesne); second row, from left: Beatrix Gnemi (DeBakey), Alden Farrow (Memorial), Sean Boyle (Strake Jesuit), Runo Mukoro (Saint Thomas’ Episcopal), Eden Williams (Westbury Christian), Keira Donovan (Memorial), Sophie Lighvani (Kinkaid); third row, from left: Jake Rodriguez (Kinder HSPVA), Colin Wu (Emery), Vishakha Medha Rao (Awty), Shaivi Moparthi (Kinkaid), Siddharth Dasari (Carnegie Vanguard), Nina Koshy (Village); back row, from left: Alexandra Wong (St. Agnes), Ailey Takashima (St. John’s), Anya Bhojwani (Awty), Wesley Taaffe (Lamar), Madeleine Skaufel (St. Agnes), Ryan Mantel (Post Oak), Kelsy Donovan (Memorial), and Lucy Walker (St. John’s).
This fall marks the 11th year of School Buzz. We’re proud of how this program has grown over the years, and how it enables high school students to practice journalism skills while connecting to the broader community. Each year, our student reporters write about their schools and share their perspectives with Buzz readers at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Technology, in many ways, has created a lonely world for today’s teenagers. Paradoxically, constant connection makes it harder to build the community that comes from face-to-face interaction. It’s a point of pride to us that many School Buzz reporters tell us how this program has brought them into groups and events they never would have otherwise encountered. These students want to meet new people, to stray outside their comfort zone – School Buzz provides that opportunity.
It can be easy to believe that you don’t need to be a good writer anymore to succeed; that AI can write anything for you; that journalism is dead. But the drive to express oneself in writing
hasn’t faded in the least.
Out of a large pool of exceptionally talented applicants to the 2024-25 School Buzz program, we chose 37 students, from 19 local high schools. Read on to see how they began their journeys with writing, in their own words.
Sophie Lighvani, The Kinkaid School
I've lived in Houston my entire life, and for as long as I can remember, the white blocky Buzz headline has caught my eye every month. I remember my childlike wonder when I thought of how there were over two million people in our city – far too many for my mind to comprehend. And somehow everything I saw happening around me was perfectly summed up in a neat package on my doorstep, combined with so many other things happening in the area that I didn't know about before. I've been drawn to writing and journalism ever since The Buzz ran an article on my local children's community theater troupe. I eagerly pointed out pictures of my fellow classmates to my parents, knowing that
School Buzz 2024-25 Reporters
I wanted that to be me someday – not the person in the article, but the person writing it.
Gray Hevle, Memorial High School
Growing up, I always knew exactly what I wanted to say. The sentences naturally constructed themselves in my mind. Words always came easily to me, but speaking them never did. I’m not sure what it was exactly that I feared, but I often forced myself to bite my tongue around others, keeping my thoughts close to my chest. Yet, I always wanted to share my feelings, opinions, and words. Writing became the perfect outlet for me. I filled page after page with my ideas. It felt so much more natural; while my mouth fumbled with syllables, my pen smoothly inked out every letter. My writing captured the thoughts that I had always wanted to share, and later I found that I could do that for others, too. I joined School Buzz because it allows me to pursue writing while amplifying stories that would otherwise go unheard.
Wesley Taaffe, Lamar High School
The pencil is molded to fit the curves of my
The Awty International School
Anya Bhojwani
Vishakha Medha Rao
Bellaire High School
Melanie Fung
Megan Wang
Carnegie Vanguard High School
Siddharth Dasari
Carolyn Pan
Aishwarya Singh
Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Beatrix Gnemi
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Isabel Fernandez-Cueto
Ana Sofia Maguchi
The Emery/Weiner School
Dani Barg
Kate Burke
Colin Wu
Kinder HSPVA
Jordan Muscal
Jake Rodriguez
The Kinkaid School
Sophie Lighvani
Shaivi Moparthi
Lamar High School
Nithya Ravi
Wesley Taaffe
Memorial High School
Keira Donovan
Kelsy Donovan
Alden Farrow
Gray Hevle
The Post Oak School
Ryan Mantel
Second Baptist School
Sarah Cela
St. Agnes Academy
Madeleine Skaufel
Alexandra Wong
St. John’s School
Maggie Hester
Yutia Li
Ailey Takashima
Lucy Walker
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School
Runo Mukoro
School of the Woods
Loulie Parker
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Sean Boyle
The Village School
Nina Koshy
Westbury Christian School
Agnes Tang
Eden Williams
fingers perfectly. That’s when it all clicked into place. I’ve always found myself passionate for words. The ones that slide off your tongue with ease and have an eternal essence to them. Aurora, Felicity, Labyrinth. Words like this felt like keys to the music of poetry. It was then I fell in love with the art of writing. However, journalism wasn’t my initial yearning in life. I’ve always been drawn to the theatrical arts and getting my feet on stage. Although the discovery of journalism didn’t dim my love for the spotlight, it did open a new world for me. As a curious individual hoping to branch out, I decided to join my school magazine in sophomore year. It was as though two pieces to this huge puzzle of my life connected. The poetic aspect met my academic side and tied a ribbon around my love for storytelling and it began to blossom.
Kate Burke, The Emery/Weiner School
Six hundred and fifty points. I flipped through the metal dog tags I’d collected from school, adding the number again to ensure there was no error. Again, the same number. Six hundred and fifty points I’d earned from taking AR
(Accelerated Reader) quizzes, used to measure how many books we’d read and how advanced we were as elementary students. I’d always loved a challenge, and this was no exception. Every day was the same: come home from school and lock myself in my room to read. I was competitive, and this was another way of winning. As I’ve gotten older, my competitiveness hasn’t faded, nor has my love of reading. The time I’d spent reading created a passion I hadn’t realized before, writing. This love of reading, writing, and all things competitive is what compelled me to apply to School Buzz, an outlet to share my creativity and perspective of the world around me.
Isabel Fernandez-Cueto, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart School Buzz has given me the opportunity to explore different aspects of my community and the chance to share those unique stories with others. I've researched topics I never would have even looked into, from freshman orientation traditions to teacher interviews. By delving into various facets of my community, I’ve been able to show others what makes my school so special. School Buzz has
fostered my passion for journalism, amplifying my interest in writing and sharing stories. Without School Buzz, I would not have had the opportunity to share my world and its story with others.
Anya Bhojwani, The Awty International School I always hated writing. Staring at a blank page, hoping an idea would come to mind, wishing my words would sound coherent, stuck by the restrictions of a prompt. Writing was the homework I would procrastinate until the last minute. However, my life changed forever after attending a writing camp I thought I would hate. Imagining the possibilities of a blank page, millions of ideas overflowing my head, words streaming out like a river, creating my own prompts. I fell in love with the power of writing. I want to share this power with others, so I started a writing club at my school to help students discover their passion for writing. I joined the school newspaper, became an editor, and fell in love with journalism as well. I enjoy investigating events at Awty and sharing those stories. Through School Buzz, I am eager to spread these stories into the community. (continued on page 22)
Kate Burke
Isabel Fernandez-Cueto
Anya Bhojwani
Sophie Lighvani
Gray Hevle
Wesley Taaffe
Beatrix Gnemi, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
My favorite story for School Buzz was one where I worked with a school organization and its leaders to write an article about their impact on their community. Their organization focused on educating younger generations about correct dental practices, and the article ended up being published in the print edition of The Buzz! This experience taught me how to interview students and summarize what they said in the form of an entertaining article, which will be a very useful skill for this year and the future.
Melanie Fung, Bellaire High School
I’ve been with School Buzz for two years now, and I’m thrilled to be back for a third. I’ve always been a curious person, which plays a big role in how I approach writing. I once received a pair of fuzzy elephant keychains and thought it’d be a great idea to dip them into blue slime, hoping they would turn blue. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Instead, I ended up with a sticky mess, and my mom wasn’t too thrilled! But that kind of curiosity is what drives me to keep exploring ideas in my writing. I like to experiment,
seeing what sticks and what doesn't. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but they still make for memorable stories – or at least good lessons. School Buzz has given me opportunities to explore that curiosity – just in a less messy way! From reporting on events to meeting new people, I’ve refined my skills and gained new perspectives.
Nina Koshy, The Village School
I took my first journalism class in my freshman year, but my passion for writing began long before. When I reflect now, I realize my love of writing began in second grade. That year, we had to start each class writing from a prompt; I chose to write about boredom, and through that exercise, I discovered a joy in crafting narratives out of experiences, or in this case, a lack of experiences! It turned out, as long as I could hash out ideas into a story, I was never bored at all. I look forward to writing for School Buzz to continue to express myself and share the happenings in my school and my community.
Megan Wang, Bellaire High School
My passion for writing followed my love for
reading. I developed a desire to not only read creative works, but to write them as well. In middle school and early high school, I started to take writing more seriously and engaged in various styles of writing (creative writing being my favorite). I admire School Buzz’s mission of empowering high school students to have a voice in the community. I want to use my passion for writing to inform the community about the unique and abundant activities Bellaire has to offer, from students’ perspectives. I am eager to be more involved and serve my community by writing for School Buzz.
Alden Farrow, Memorial High School
My favorite story I did for School Buzz was my highlight of Memorial’s musical last winter, Into the Woods. Through School Buzz, I was able to venture outside my niche and cover a topic unfamiliar to me. The entire cast was so cooperative and helpful in the interviewing process, contributing to the success of the story. I was able to see the show as an audience member, and then learn the inner workings of its preparation and process. Exploring a variety of ongoing events at Memorial is extremely important to me. In such a big school, so
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(continued from page 21)
Marlo Wise
Megan Wang
Alden Farrow
Sarah Cela
Beatrix Gnemi
Melanie Fung
Nina Koshy
many achievements and wonderful stories fly under the radar. As a School Buzz reporter, it has been my duty to discover those untold stories and share them with the community.
Sarah
Cela, Second Baptist School
Through my involvement in the yearbook and the inspiration of a talented English teacher, I discovered my passion for writing. The process of capturing memories, telling stories, and highlighting moments that characterize the event’s emotion sparked something in my heart that made me feel connected to others and their situation. My English teachers have encouraged my passion, urging me to deeply analyze my surroundings and improve my writing skills. Their belief in my potential revealed to me that writing is a pursuit that I truly enjoy developing in. My passion for writing has allowed me to leap out of my comfort zone and try new endeavors. Writing for School Buzz provides me with a challenge and a unique opportunity to grow. I believe I can expand my passion for writing by giving a voice to the student body through my experiences. Writing for School Buzz will give me a place to
grow as a writer and connect with the school community on a deeper level. When I think about why I write, I circle back to my English teachers’ inspiration and encouragement throughout my life, and I am reminded of my strong desire to help others through my writing.
Ailey Takashima, St. John’s School
My adoration for writing stems from my passion for reading. I used to be a huge introvert, and reading allowed me to make new friends and experience hundreds of diverse worlds. I loved it so much that I began writing to create my own magical worlds. But when I began writing about my culture and identity for a school project, I discovered that I could use writing to relay my perspectives and provide a platform for my thoughts. Writing became my outlet, and as I began to write about my identity, I gradually began to foster confidence. Writing means so much to me, and I wish to share the benefits of how expression through words can not only be therapeutic and fun, but impactful as well. Now, I strive to put a bit of myself in every word I write, and I can’t wait to share it!
Truthfully, when I joined School Buzz two years ago, I did not know what to expect. I was entering my freshman year at St. Agnes, and I barely knew a thing about my new school. It was a good day when I remembered my school log-in information, and my biggest worry was walking up the Science Wing staircase and not the Theology staircase. Now, reflecting on the past two years, School Buzz was integral in helping me find my place at St. Agnes. Through documenting and capturing the experiences that define our school identity – from the lively chaos of VVD (Veritas Vacation Day) to the whirlwind of Fish Week – I came to understand what the essence of the St. Agnes community is about. Being a School Buzz reporter has challenged me to explore aspects of my school that I might have otherwise overlooked, such as the behind-the-scenes preparation for our events and the personal stories that bring them to life. School Buzz has allowed me to grow in who I am as a writer, and has shown me the significance of sharing narratives that bind and celebrate our community. (continued on page 26)
Alexandra Wong, St. Agnes Academy
Ryan Mantel
Yutia Li
Maggie Hester
Ailey Takashima
Alexandra Wong
Dani Barg
(continued from page 22)
Dani Barg, The Emery/Weiner School
When I was younger, I didn’t like to pick up a pencil for anything besides sketching, much less journaling of any kind. I found writing daunting: terrifying to start, and stressful to finish. However, as I entered high school, and later joined School Buzz, I realized that writing is a process meant to be enjoyed the whole way through, not just one painstakingly perfected step at a time. Half-formulated brainstorms and rough drafts by the dozen, sheer willpower, and countless mistakes are all worth it to find the calming rush of the flow state, the “writer’s high” that sends words spiraling from my fingertips, eager to showcase the unique voices of my community. For the past two years in School Buzz, I’ve made it my mission to keep chasing that joyful flow, expanding my horizons both as a writer and a person to represent the passionate voices and varying accomplishments of the Emery/Weiner community, from theater and math tutoring to blood drives and community service. Thanks to School Buzz, I’ve found myself detaching from my timid 9th-grade self,
fearlessly interviewing students and teachers alike, and even presenting my writing at Opening Ceremony to kick off the year, the pencil behind my ear weighing down as a comfortable reminder of how far I’ve come.
Ryan Mantel, The Post Oak School
I first discovered a passion for writing in my freshman year of high school. I wrote an essay focused on the advanced technology Great Britain used in the age of imperialism to conquer a quarter of the world’s land mass. This essay taught me how enjoyable expressing myself through words could be. I wanted to write for School Buzz because I love learning to write in different tones and styles, such as persuasive and expository, and because I want to improve my writing skills.
Yutia Li, St. John’s School
Since I began my journalism career as a staff writer for my school newspaper, I’ve embarked on the most thrilling adventures. I’ve witnessed videos of towering flames a firefighter was extinguishing at 2 a.m. – five hours before she arrived at St. John’s for her dual job as an ambassador.
I’ve gone behind the curtains of my school’s theater program, listening to stage managers share messages across headsets that audience members will never hear. I’ve shadowed the Spirit Club leaders on the day before Homecoming, helping them untangle streamers and hang up posters while taking pictures and recording snippets of our conversations. With each opportunity to capture these behind-the-scenes moments in words, I fall a little more in love with what I do. Through School Buzz, I can’t wait to take an even wider audience on these transformative adventures with me. What’s more – many programs at St. John’s that I participate in, such as the East Asian Affinity Group, Junior Classical League, and Varsity softball team, have shaped me into the person I am today. I want to offer a unique perspective on what makes these programs so special and perhaps inspire readers to foster similar environments in their lives along the way.
Maggie Hester, St. John’s School
Through School Buzz, I have been able to interview students, teachers, and other faculty about passions and interests that I most
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(continued from page 24)
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Sean Boyle
Aishwarya Singh
Runo Mukoro
Colin Wu
Shaivi Moparthi
Ana Sofia Maguchi
likely would have never learned about. I have loved having the opportunity to form deeper and more meaningful connections, not only with my St. John’s community, but also with my School Buzz community. School Buzz has provided me with the chance to get to know other students who have a love and passion for writing, and I have loved developing relationships with them. Before I became a student correspondent for School Buzz, I had never led an interview. I’ve since gained the skills necessary to conduct a successful interview, as well as improving upon and gaining confidence in my writing skills. I am forever grateful to School Buzz for every single opportunity it has provided me and every lesson I have learned.
Colin Wu, The Emery/Weiner School
As a Chinese immigrant, English is my second language. Although growing up in one of the best international schools in China, English was never my strong suit. As I started to write more in English, I recognized that it was quite an easy language compared to Chinese, which started my passion to learn and master it. I wanted to show other people that just because I am an immigrant doesn’t mean that I can’t master something that they could.
Shaivi Moparthi, The Kinkaid School
I discovered my passion for writing at a young age, realizing that stories are powerful tools for connection and change. As a TIME for Kids Reporter in middle school, I had the unique opportunity to interview inspiring women in STEM like Dr. Jane Goodall and Vanessa Wyche, which solidified my passion for journalism. Today, I am the Editorial Board Director of iWRITER magazine, and the Digital Executive Editor of The Kinkaid Falcon. I see storytelling as a way to blend creativity with impact. The recognition I’ve received has further enhanced my love for writing and sharing knowledge. Writing for School Buzz feels like a natural extension of that journey. I am proud to be part of Kinkaid’s welcoming and well-rounded com-
munity and can’t wait to represent Kinkaid for School Buzz this year. Go Falcons!
Ana Sofia Maguchi, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
I’m a pianist, karate kid, choir girl, and reader. My passion for writing first sparked on a random night in seventh grade; I had to write a story for an assignment for the first time, and I had a blast! Being able to craft a story was so unbelievably fun for my middle school self that after that assignment, I started authoring my own. The wonderful thing about writing is that there’s so much you can do with your words, and everyone has their unique voice in their writing. I’m excited to write for School Buzz because I am passionate about writing, especially about people, culture, nature, and fashion, and because I’m considering a career in journalism.
Sean Boyle, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
For as long as I can remember, I have hated travel journals. As a kid, my parents would make me document my experiences whenever we went on vacation. I reacted how most kids my age would: with a lot of whining. Somehow, I always ended up acquiescing to my daily writing assignments, and it paid off. Elementary school essays became effortless, and sometimes even fun. My passion for writing did not stem from a revelation, but a consistent nurturing of the now relaxing practice. School Buzz was such an easy decision for me. My family has been reading articles from The Buzz for years, and when I learned about School Buzz this summer, I knew I had to apply. This opportunity allows me to combine my love for writing with the chance to learn and share what makes my school unique.
Aishwarya Singh, Carnegie Vanguard High School
I’ve always been one to have my nose in a book, and it has deepened my appreciation for the impact of an author’s words. That’s why I aspire to create my own impact, through my
own work. School Buzz is such a distinctive program, and reporters can provide such an intimate sneak peek into the lives of high school students in the Houston area. I would love to report on how district management changes are really impacting students.
Runo Mukoro, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School
I have always been disposed to writing and putting my thoughts down about various subjects, but this is the first year where I am taking on the challenge of writing full articles on a regular basis. I must say that I am excited for the opportunity to expand on my skills and shed light on our school. As a first-generation Nigerian American, I strongly believe that my experiences will give me a unique perspective on different stories – I’ve spent half of my life in the United States and half in Nigeria. Other fun facts about me are that I play football/soccer, and that I have been learning Chinese for five years, and French for seven.
Jordan Muscal, Kinder HSPVA
Last year as a School Buzz reporter, I interviewed four HSPVA seniors to learn about their high school reflections, and it was one of my favorite writing experiences ever. To hear them talk about their younger selves, their first performances, and their future dreams was so moving, and I’m so happy I got to preserve their thoughts in a School Buzz article. In general, School Buzz has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to view my school community through the eyes of journalism. I’m so proud of HSPVA’s traditions, teachers, and events, and School Buzz has allowed me to share that with other people. As a young writer, having opportunities to develop my voice and learn from others has been so important, and I’m very excited for my second year as a School Buzz reporter.
Siddharth Dasari, Carnegie Vanguard High School
As an avid geographer (continued on page 30)
Jordan Muscal
Siddharth Dasari
Carolyn Pan
(continued from page 26)
and historian, I’ve always been interested in uncovering the secrets of the Earth, the fascinating place that humans call home. My interest deepened in the spring of 2022 as I read the stories of journalists risking their lives to cover Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Their accounts of tragedy and heartbreak, along with hope and resilience, made me recognize the value that news media plays in a divided world. My growing love and respect for storytelling led me to join my school’s newspaper in my junior year, and since then, I’ve experimented with all kinds of writing. However, nothing has surpassed my passion for writing features, uncovering the stories of the creative individuals that call our diverse city home. I hope to continue this newfound passion of mine as part of School Buzz, and I couldn’t be more excited to join this year’s group of reporters.
Carolyn Pan, Carnegie Vanguard High School
I discovered my passion for writing in middle school, when I began journaling my daily experiences and thoughts. It began as a way to
express myself, but over time, I realized how writing can be a powerful tool to share stories, emotions, and connections. Since transferring to Carnegie, I’ve been further exposed to various writing styles and techniques, which have only fueled my love for writing. On the yearbook committee, I have been able to learn the importance of storytelling in capturing memories and moments that define our school community. School Buzz is a fantastic platform where I believe I can bring fresh perspectives and highlight stories that matter to my peers. Whether it’s covering exciting events, spotlighting talented students, or discussing important issues, I want to use my writing skills to highlight my school’s culture, keeping people both informed and entertained.
Kelsy Donovan, Memorial High School
As I enter my second year of School Buzz, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for all things journalism. Journaling as a hobby has always been a constant factor in my life, but I hadn’t formally written articles until joining
Buzz. Last year, being a part of this program not only improved my writing skills but deepened my involvement in the Memorial High School community. My love for writing grew even further, and consistently curating articles improved my performance in the humanities. At the end of the 2024 school year, I joined Memorial’s newspaper staff to keep honing my craft. Beginning my junior year, I am eager to continue highlighting Memorial’s incredible student body to even more audiences.
Keira Donovan, Memorial High School
During my past year in School Buzz, I was able to explore the ins and outs of Memorial High School through the lens of a journalist, which pushed me to immerse myself in my school, something I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. During my time I wrote many articles, most notably one highlighting a club on campus called Memorial Unified, which focuses on promoting inclusivity among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. This club was started by some of my best friends, which made the article very close to my heart. The
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School
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hartphoto.com
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Jake Rodriguez
Eden Williams
Nithya Ravi
Kelsy Donovan Keira Donovan
Agnes Tang
article remains one of my favorite pieces I have ever written because it gave me an opportunity to inform my community on an important topic while also highlighting achievements that I believe should be recognized and commended beyond the walls of Memorial. I am eager to begin my second year writing for School Buzz, and I can’t wait for everyone to learn more about MHS through my writing!
Agnes Tang, Westbury Christian School
Last year, I participated in School Buzz as a reporter for Westbury Christian School. Writing for School Buzz has granted me a chance to discover aspects of our school that I previously overlooked. I am in a constant search for hidden stories among students and faculty members, and this allows me to view surroundings from a journalistic perspective. One of my favorite stories documented last year was about my 8thperiod art class carving pumpkins. Composing an article about this experience prompted me to recall every detail, from the size of our pumpkins to the carving tools we used. I learned that vivid details not only enhance accuracy but also captivate the audience. I can now use these observation skills I’ve acquired in my future work. Most importantly, through each story crafted, School Buzz has helped me in finding my voice as a writer.
Jake Rodriguez, Kinder HSPVA
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for storytelling and journalism. I am currently a sophomore in the Creative Writing department at HSPVA, and I’m so happy that School Buzz will give me a platform to share my talents with my community. Other than writing, I’ve always had a love for performing, acting, volunteering, and doing anything I can to help others. I’m thrilled that I will get to showcase my unique style and perspective this year.
Eden
Williams, Westbury Christian School
My favorite story for School Buzz was when I
wrote about Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Week at my school. It spread more knowledge and awareness of health problems that can affect all ages. Sharing stories like this through School Buzz allowed me to dig deeper into journalism. I was able to grasp multiple perspectives, and I could express them using my own creativity. I did not realize how much I loved to write about real-life happenings around me until School Buzz offered me that opportunity. No matter what profession I decide to pursue, journalism will always remain a principal element of my life, because so much can be learned from writing and reading an article. As I participate in School Buzz for my second year, I cannot wait to discover new approaches to writing and engaging my audience.
Nithya
Ravi, Lamar High School
Since my elementary school days, I couldn’t do anything without picking up something to read: books from my library, outdated newspapers from the kitchen side table, and even the back of the shampoo bottle in the bathroom (I used to know the Dove shampoo bottle ingredients by memory). My mom used to say, “Pick up a magazine or a newspaper once in a while.” When I finally did, I didn’t regret it. I knew I wanted to write after reading the articles in newspapers and magazines, and I hoped one day to write for a magazine, to share a valuable story and see my name in a byline. I would write all the time, whenever I had a moment to spare. Being part of School Buzz gives me an opportunity to put pen to paper and tell stories with impact.
Vishakha Medha Rao, The Awty International School
My interest in writing began when I was little, when I started a mini newspaper on my street for my neighbors. As I grew, my passion deepened, and I started to write for my student council’s newsletter as a grade representative. It was then I realized that writing was more than just a
hobby. It was a powerful tool for connecting communities and sharing reliable information. Today, I carry forward this goal as a staff writer for my school’s newspaper, The Rampage. I look forward to expanding my reach to a larger audience as a School Buzz correspondent this year.
Lucy Walker, St. John’s School
I began writing when I learned to read. I wanted to create stories like my favorite authors. As I grew, this fascination with storytelling manifested in writing poems and short stories and entertaining my younger cousins and kids I babysit. When I started high school, I joined the school paper and have been hooked on journalism ever since. I love writing features because my favorite part of the writing process is interviewing interesting people. As a part of the School Buzz team, I am excited to share the successes and stories of kids at SJS. People here are extremely driven, which means lots of unique student-run organizations and teams working to create a strong sense of school community.
Madeleine Skaufel, St. Agnes Academy
Writing for School Buzz this past year is one of the coolest opportunities I have ever been given. From article to article, I developed a unique writing style that I noticed was different from other School Buzz reporters. When I first noticed this as I read through my peers’ articles, I was nervous that I wasn't doing something correct, but as I began to write more articles and gain more confidence, I realized I truly loved the way I wrote. In my articles, I strove to include a meaningful message beyond the actual event, and weave metaphors into the fabric of my reporting. School Buzz has helped me discover my voice, and it has further pushed me towards my inclination to study journalism in college.
Check out the School Buzz blog at thebuzzmagazines.com/school-buzz throughout the year as these correspondents share school happenings.
Vishakha Medha Rao
Lucy Walker
Madeleine Skaufel
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. by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Rumor Has It
Family trip. Rosemary Beach beckoned Whitney Sharman. She and Joe Sharman, their 2.5-year-old daughter, Scotty, and her brother, Christian Easterling and his wife, Kate, daughters Reese, 13, and Sloan, 11, and son Harrison, 7, rented a house a minute from the beach for a full weeklong playcaytion. The cousins delighted in the sand and waves and the adults dined delightfully at Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar with stunning ocean and sunset views. Whitney says the next time they return there will be four in their family.
They met on Match. They both lost spouses to cancer years ago and found new love in each other. Beverly Vosko married Jim Jackson on June 22. They married at Dukessa at 5 p.m. surrounded by white roses and 60 guests. VIPS were Beverly’s daughters and sons-in law Jennifer and Ryan Caughey and Michelle and Dan Levin, Jim’s sons and daughters-in-law Justin and Kristen Jackson and Brandon and Courtney Jackson, and grandchildren Emily Caughey, Olivia Jackson, Piper Jackson, William Levin, Joshua Levin, James Caughey, and Quinn Jackson (ringbearer). The couple honeymooned in the Greece islands and Athens in August.
Birthdays in paradise. It may have been a Norwegian cruise line, but the trip was to Hawaii with stops in Oahu, Maui, the big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. The family cruise was to celebrate the joint 40th birthday of Jeremy Fain and 70th birthday of his mom, Donita Fain. Dad Mike Fain, brother Peter Fain, brother-in-law Marco Garza, Marco’s mother, and Dora Garza luxuriated for 10 days with a visual feast of magnificent waterfalls, lush foliage, gourmet dishes, and perfect weather. “Living in paradise came true now that it was lived firsthand,” said Jeremy.
Girls in the boat. Will Elting and Charlotte Marchesseau made travel plans to attend the Paris Olympic Games after his niece’s daughter Teal Cohen and her teammates won their qualification races and became the U.S. entry in the women’s quadruple sculls event. Teal began competitive rowing at Hockaday School in Dallas and later rowed at
the University of Washington in Seattle. While a lot of events were sold out, even resale tickets, they were able to score at the hottest restaurants, Chez André and Ginger, both in the 8th district, where they stayed. Will and Charlotte dined with Walter Bering at three different restaurants. Teal and the team did not medal but Charlotte says the trip was gold.
Let’s do this!
Although singer/songwriter Kendra Muecke has lived in the Malibu and Los Angeles areas for 13 years, she had never been to Catalina Island. Her mom, Beth Muecke, posed the question: Want to go to Catalina Island? Since they didn’t own a boat, they booked a reservation on the Catalina Express, a double-decker enclosed ferry that takes you from Long Beach to Catalina in one hour. This European-styled island has charming hotels, restaurants, clothing stores, and ice cream/candy shops with a variety of boats moored in the marina. Kendra went paddleboarding while Beth chose window-cruising. Although they felt like they were on the coast of Italy, they could understand the language.
SUNKISSED Whitney, Scotty, age 2.5, and Joe Sharman said next time they visit Rosemary Beach, they will be a family of four.
Choza for authentic New Mexico cuisine. “La chosen ones” on the trip were Courtney McAninch, Lisa Heard, Terasa Schuller, and Beryl Gibson
Fabulous husband. Marc Barnhill sent his wife Kristi Barnhill with friends from college and the neighborhood to celebrate her 60th in Santa Fe. Sylvia Spivey didn’t make it due to the airline outage debacle. The group sampled New Mexico wines in the Santa Fe Tasting Room at local winery Gruet Winery, and refreshed after scouring the farmers market and artist markets with spa treatments at Ten Thousand Waves Spa. And one thing gals do best – have tasty conversations at trendy restaurants: Horno, Sazon, Geronimo, and La
Sew Torn. Brothers Socratis and Diamantis Zavitsanos co-produced their first feature film, Sew Torn, about a year ago. They signed on with The Playmaker, who has been handling the international sales for the movie, securing theatrical distribution in Spain and France. In August, it played at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland with 8,000 viewers. They hosted a private screening on Aug. 22 in Houston with 400 attendees. Socratis gave a brief introduction for the dark comedy thriller movie. After the screening, he and Diamantis answered questions with Doug Harris, a founding member of Houston Film Critics Society, as the moderator. The biggest fans were Joni and John Zavitsanos.
MORE ONLINE
See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for additional photos. Have some good news to share? Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
Lexi Arielle Photography
. by Cindy Burnett, staff writer
Buzz Reads Five
picks for October
Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston (contemporary fiction) – 82year-old Frederick Fife is on the brink of homelessness due to medical debt incurred from his wife’s cancer treatments. While contemplating his next steps, he encounters a deceased man in a wheelchair who he attempts to assist, but instead Frederick stumbles, causing the man and Frederick’s wallet to wash away in the river. Bernard Greer, the deceased man, was suffering from dementia, and so despite Frederick’s objections, the group whisks him back to the nursing home, thinking he is Bernard. This utterly delightful book demonstrates what a difference a kind person makes in the lives of others, and readers will be wanting a Frederick in their lives. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife hits all the right notes; it is funny, hopeful, poignant, touching, and engaging. It will appeal to fans of stories about found family and older protagonists.
Empresses of Seventh Avenue: World War II, New York City, and the Birth of American Fashion by Nancy MacDonell (nonfiction) –Empresses of Seventh Avenue is an engrossing look at the emergence of America’s fashion industry with an emphasis on the various women who made it happen. The book begins with a brief explanation of how Paris became the epicenter of fashion and then explains how fashion changed in the United States when Paris fell under Nazi control during the Second World War. In addition to exploring the trajectory of fashion as trends pivoted from haute couture to a more off-the-rack aesthetic, MacDonell focuses on these lost-to-history feminist figures and what each woman contributed. This deep dive into how the “American Look” came to exist is a must read for anyone interested in fashion or pop culture.
The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock (historical fiction) – The Fabled Earth is a beautifully-crafted, character-driven tale of friendship, family drama, mystery, and folklore, set in and around Cumberland Island, Georgia (the remote
island where John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette married). In the first half of the 1900s, the Carnegie family built several mansions on Cumberland as retreats which they subsequently abandoned after several decades. This dual-timeline story toggles between 1932 and the opulence of the Carnegie family’s time spent at these grand mansions, and 1959 in a small coastal Georgia town near Cumberland, when people were grappling with integration, the Korean War, and misogyny. Both time periods are well-crafted and engaging, and Brock does a wonderful job of transporting the reader to another time and place; the marsh and the island come alive with her descriptions. Readers who enjoy learning about new places and earlier time periods will love this slow-burn gem.
WHAT TO READ This month’s selections include a historical-fiction novel set on Cumberland Island, Georgia, two novels starring older protagonists, a nonfiction deep dive into how American fashion developed, and a compelling novel about a ’90s musical duo.
The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley (contemporary fiction) – This unique and compelling book follows Jane Pyre, the former lead singer of The Lightning Bottles, one of the most popular rock ‘n’ roll duos of the 1990s, as she seeks to discover what happened to Elijah, her husband and the other half of The Lightning Bottles, who disappeared years before. Jane and Elijah shared a deep bond and were both extremely talented, but the pressures of stardom and the music industry caused them to crash spectacularly. When Jane rents a house in rural Germany, she encounters a teenage mega fan who believes that Elijah is alive, and the pair set out to find him. In a cleverly crafted manner, the pair follow clues left in artwork in an attempt to locate Elijah. Readers who grew up in this era will revel in nostalgia as they read this book, which references maps, call-in shows and countdowns, Walkmans, and music trivia and details from the time period. The Lightning Bottles takes readers on a memorable journey, connecting the past and present through flashbacks explaining how Jane and Elijah met, describing their highs
and lows, and what led to both their meteoric rise to fame and subsequent crash. This book is a good fit for music lovers, mystery readers, and those who enjoy a walk down memory lane. The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman (historical fiction with a touch of magical realism) – This heartwarming, humorous, and touching tale is set in two time periods, 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Florida, and is a story of first love, loss, family, memories, forgiveness, and the possibility of rekindling old flames. As her 80th birthday approaches, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is unsure what to do next. When she moves from Brooklyn, New York to Rallentando Springs – an active senior community in southern Florida – she is surprised to learn that Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy and the man who broke her heart decades earlier lives in the same senior community. As the story toggles back and forth in time, the major events in Augusta’s life are revealed as well as the choices she makes and how she is still haunted by some of the decisions she made years before. The authentic characters are skillfully created, the prose is lyrical and entertaining, humor is woven throughout the story, and there is a touch of magical realism. Fans of uplifting tales with realistic characters will love this one.
Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-winning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page Podcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regularly speaks to groups about books.
by Dai Huynh, staff writer
Chef’s Corner
The
Goode Son: Charting his course
Levi Goode leans on his father’s lessons as he strives to create his own restaurant legacy.
“My father was super creative,” said the West University resident. “He used to say, ‘Be bold. Life is too short.’”
His father, Jim Goode, was a Houston food legend. He didn’t just create a brand – Goode Co. – the former graphic artist started a legacy in 1977 when he put down his ink pen for barbecue tongs. On a whim, he invested every cent into a failing red barn barbecue joint on Kirby Drive owned by a recent widow ready to pack her things and return home to East Texas. Before the ink dried, the lady threw Jim the keys and said, “It’s yours.”
Levi was barely out of diapers then, just three years old. But the $6,000 gamble paid off handsomely. Within a decade of opening, Goode Co. Barbecue served 800-1,000 customers daily. The Lone Star State cookery icon passed on Feb. 2, 2016, but left an indelible impression.
“One of the first places I had barbecue was Goode Co. I remember being blown away,” said San Francisco native Robert Del Grande, Houston’s first James Beard Award-winning chef. “It captured everything I thought barbecue should be – the stacks of mesquite wood, the hand-rubbed brisket, the tables outside. It was this Texas thing where you know where you are by what you’re eating.”
Today, the Goode Co. name is nationally recognized, and its Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie is shipped worldwide. CEO Levi oversees the family-owned Goode Co. group, which operates 11 restaurants. Its six concepts are packed with loyal diners, many of whom know the menus by heart. Levi, twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, could have stopped here and focused on the tasks at hand. But Jim Goode’s only son is a chip off the old block. His father also taught him to “Keep it fresh and exciting.” So, Levi, age 49, has tempted fate by launching his most ambitious project.
In August, he introduced two new concepts – his own – independent of the Goode Co. brand: Credence, a soaring, high-ceiling restau-
rant, and Sidebar, a modern 50-seat speakeasy. Both are located within The McKinley at Memorial City (9757 Katy Freeway), a resort-style luxury apartment highrise across from Hotel ZaZa and Ciro’s Italian.
IN GOODE SPIRITS Chef-owner Levi Goode oversees the family-owned Goode Co. group, originally started by his father, Jim. Now he has introduced two new concepts, independent of the Goode Co. brand: Credence, a restaurant that honors his Texas roots and live-fire cooking, and Sidebar, a modern 50-seat speakeasy. Levi collaborated with award-winning whiskey producer Milam & Greene in Blanco, TX, to make his namesake single-barrel bourbon featured in The Improved Old-Fashioned serve at Sidecar.
“We’ve been working on this for quite some time, years actually. It’s good to finally be in this place and share it with the public. We’ve pulled out all the stops,” said the fifth-generation Texan.
He began with a clean slate. The name was carefully chosen to start. He picked the name “Credence” to reflect belief and truth. “There are no truer stories than our own. Nothing is more authentic than something personal,” he said about the restaurant that honors his Texas roots and live-fire cooking. The name “Sidebar” is selfexplanatory. “We had a lot of fun with that one. We wanted to do something along the way of the 1930s regarding the design, inspired by Texas oil wildcatters the likes of McCarthy and Cullen types, who might have visited and enjoyed similar places after striking oil in their backyard.”
Sidebar smells of new leather from the chocolate brown leather panels covering the walls. Above the snug reservation-only room, a shower of silver beads, carefully hand-strung to form chandeliers reminiscent of fringed Gatsbyesque flapper dresses, illuminates the room. It is a transitional space for slow, unwinding, and deep conversations.
Sidebar customers are given a code to access a door in the back of the building off the parking lot or through Credence. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings only, it has a cover charge for live music, Champagne service, and an extensive handcrafted cocktail menu. Levi said the table size might be small, but the bites are “decadent. I’ve got Beef Tartare Sliders – butter-toasted brioche squares topped with caviar. There is a tasty hot oyster dish, Oysters Balinese, with creamed leeks, crispy bacon, and béarnaise sauce.”
Goode Co. restaurants are rooted in family recipes, starting with Levi’s father, Jim, and his uncle, Joe Dixie, waking up hourly to check on the
brisket at Goode Co. Barbecue (5109 Kirby Drive). In 1981, Levi’s paternal grandmother, Emma “Nanny” Longoria Goode, inspired the mesquitegrilled fajitas and Mexican breakfasts at Goode Co. Hamburgers and Taqueria (4902 Kirby Drive). The company’s famous pie? That’s hers. Years spent fishing and crabbing along Texas and Louisiana lured his outdoorsman of a black-bearded father into opening Goode Co. Seafood (2621 Westpark Drive) in 1986. So, Goode Co. doesn’t have an official title “chef” for its restaurants.
Here, Levi is the chef-owner at Credence and Sidebar. He collaborates with talented Joseph Geiskopf on the elevated Texas ranch-inspired menus. Chef Joseph previously worked at CIEL (4411 San Felipe), and several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Pineapple & Pearls in Washington, D.C. Credence’s dishes are drawn from Levi’s travels, experiences, and memories.
As you scan the offerings, it seems Levi has chosen his favorite hits for his new independent concept. One outstanding is the Parisa, a raw dish, and “a riff on beef tartare from the Alsatian pioneers. I would always eat it whenever I was in Medina County,” Levi said. “For ours, we use lightly cold-smoked beef tenderloin.”
Another standout is the Deviled Crabs with tomato butter served on the half shell. They are filled with ample sweet jumbo crab and infused with a smoky flavor from a mesquite wood oven. “Last night, a guy ordered two more after tasting those,” a waiter commented.
Guests can watch a flurry of kitchen activities from the dining room, including roasting whole ducks, dry-aged steaks, seafood, carrots, and cabbage over an open fire. “It’s my family signature style – cooking over coals and open fire. It’s not just my family; it’s Texas
Jody Horton
VERY GOODE “It’s my family signature style – cooking over coals and open fire. It’s not just my family; it’s Texas and cowboys cooking on the trail. It’s all rooted in live-fire cooking," Levi said. Left: Whole ducks roasted over a live fire fueled with mesquite and post oak wood. Right: dry-aged prime steak and French fries with various dipping sauces.
(continued from page 38)
and cowboys cooking on the trail. It’s all rooted in live-fire cooking. I grew up with that,” Levi said. “There was just something special about cooking over mesquite and oak. Maybe it was being around the campfire, but I always felt it made the food taste its best. So, I built a 12-foot-wide hearth – essentially a big fireplace – that we’re cooking out of at Credence.”
On a recent Sunday, typically a slow night for most restaurants, Credence was fully booked. Couples and friends were sipping updated versions of Palomas and Negronis in the adjoining lounge while waiting for their tables. While savoring complimentary madeleines with paperthin slices of hickory-smoked Benton ham in the main dining room, a few guests inspected the soaring double barrel-vaulted ceiling and arches. Architecture and design firm Gensler incorporated luxurious elements, such as antique rugs, brass fixtures, and rich, wood finishes. The design balances masculinity and femininity using greens, golds, and whites. Additionally, unique artworks and pieces collected by Levi from his travels, such as an 1870s rack adorned with cleavers, are featured in the space.
“I started from the bottom up,” Levi said. “I was 10 years old, washing dishes at the taqueria. I stood on a milk crate to reach over the sink and wash those dishes. I’ve done every job in the restaurant. You have to do that to learn the business. I borrow on experience.”
He’s unsure if his three children will follow in his footsteps. His son, Mason, might. “We’ll see,” he said. He does know this: “The business is dynamic. We have to keep our ears to the ground and stay true to our roots. Evolution has also been a part of my upbringing, which is why we have a variety of concepts. My father started with barbecue and then went on to taqueria, then seafood. He liked to try new things. He taught me to do the same.”
Levi Goode’s Parisa
There are many versions of this raw delicacy. Levi likes to cold-smoke his beef, which adds another irresistible layer of flavor. This step is optional, so you can skip it if you’re lazy.
For garlic-shallot oil:
4-5 garlic cloves, peeled
3-4 shallots, peeled and cut in half
2 sprigs rosemary
5-6 sprigs thyme
2 cups olive oil
For cold-smoked beef:
8 ounces beef tenderloin, butterflied
2 ounces wood chips
For Parisa: (2-inch) thick jalapeños, halved, seeded and minced fine
2 tablespoons shallots, peeled and minced fine
1 ½ teaspoons capers, drained and minced
1 teaspoon serrano chile, roasted, peeled and seeded
2 ¼ teaspoon Creole mustard
1 teaspoon lime zest, grated with a microplane
1 ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Aged White Cheddar Cheese, grated on a box grater, divided
For garnish:
1 tablespoon chives or green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon fried crispy red onions or shallots (see note)
5-7 ounces of potato chips (waffle or ridged)
To make garlic-shallot oil, place garlic, shallots, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil in a small saucepan and place over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally as the oil comes to a simmer. Once the oil simmers, allow the garlic cloves and shallots to cook for 20-30 minutes (or until flavors are infused into the oil). Strain and allow the oil to cool before using. Oil can be made a day in advance before use.
Store at room temperature in an air-tight container. Levi has devised a simple way for the home cook to cold-smoke the beef tenderloin. If you don’t have a smoker, place two ounces of wood chips in water and allow them to soak for 15 minutes. Drain the chips and place them on aluminum foil. Fold the foil sides up to create a “cup.” Place the cup on one side of a large food-safe container, such as a rectangular Pyrex baking dish. Position the beef tenderloin on the opposite side of the baking dish. Light the wood chips and allow them to smoke for 1-2 minutes. Cover with foil and smoke the meat for 10-15 minutes. Remember: We want to add smoke flavor but not cook the meat. Once smoked, remove beef tenderloin and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to cut.
Prepare the Parisa in a mixing bowl by adding the smoked beef tenderloin, along with one and a half tablespoons of the garlic-shallot oil, jalapeños, fresh shallots, capers, serrano chile, Creole mustard, lime zest, sherry vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and two tablespoons of cheddar cheese. Mix ingredients very gently until they are well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for five minutes or until thoroughly chilled. Store remaining garlicshallot oil for another use, such as vinaigrette and stir-fries or to make more Parisa.
Transfer Parisa to a small bowl and garnish with one tablespoon of cheddar cheese, chives or green onions, and crispy red onions or shallots. Serve with waffle or ridged potato chips. Serves 4.
Note: You can find fried shallots and onions at the grocery stores. But if you want to make your own, it’s easy. Peel and slice thin eight shallots. Bring about 11⁄4 cup of vegetable oil in a frying pan to temperature over mediumlow heat. Add shallots and stir them often with a fork to encourage rings to separate until shallots are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Pour shallots into a strainer to drain and transfer to paper towels, and then season with kosher salt (optional). Fried shallots will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a week.
Brian Kennedy
Brian Kennedy
TRAVEL
. by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz
Adventures in Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, as it’s long been known, offers travelers a landscape that feels ancient and at the same time surreal. For five couples – each with their own approach to adventure – Iceland provided an escape filled with waterfalls, glaciers, and breathtaking natural beauty. From luxury cruises to demanding hikes, these travelers discovered the unexpected in very different ways.
A Journey Begins
For Kelly and Carmela Frels, Iceland was a post-pandemic dream destination. They were drawn to Iceland in the summer of 2023 by a close friend, Carrin Patman, who had recently been named the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland. Carrin was a former partner of Kelly and his colleague Cliff Gunter at Bracewell LLP; her husband, Jim Derrick, was Kelly’s UT fraternity brother.
“This was on the heels of Covid, so we were looking for someplace to go,” said Kelly. “So it all fit together here for us to be able to go to Iceland."
The Frels’ travel, arranged through the University of Texas Flying Longhorns alumni travel program, was carefully curated, ensuring they enjoyed Iceland’s sights in comfort.
Cliff and Katie Gunter opted for a cruise aboard the Silversea Silver Spirit. With 590 passengers and 400 crew members, the luxurious cruise ship became their base as they visited multiple Icelandic ports. "We had never been to Iceland or Ireland," Katie shared. "Cliff had traveled all over the world, but these were two places he had not been.”
Meanwhile, Lily Chen and her husband Shitze Lu, along with their friends Christine and Andy Wei, sought a more adventurous itinerary. Traveling in late August 2024, they were eager to hike, explore, and immerse themselves in Iceland's natural wonders. "It's a place that I always hear so much about – how beautiful it is, how amazing it is – so it's been something on my bucket list," said Lily.
Similarly, John Beilue and Michelle Goldberg, celebrating their five-year anniversary in 2019, chose Iceland for its dramatic land-
scapes and the promise of daily hikes. "We wanted to make a commitment to travel abroad once a year," Michelle explained. "I'm definitely more of an adventure, quieter, nature-seeking type vacation traveler, and I've always been fascinated by Iceland."
A Land of Contrasts
Upon arrival, each couple was struck by Iceland's stark contrasts. Kelly and Carmela marveled at Reykjavik's blend of old and new. "It was reminiscent of Austin in the late 1960s and 1970s," Kelly remarked.
Cliff and Katie were equally captivated. "It's a beautiful, clean city," Cliff noted. "The people were extremely pleasant. Everybody spoke English, and they were all very friendly."
Lily and her group began their journey by exploring Reykjavik's famous Rainbow Street and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. "The design is pretty amazing," Lily said. "After we did the visit, we realized why the design is in the columns – because the Cathedral’s rising columns forming the exterior and tower were inspired by Iceland’s landscape."
John and Michelle's adventure started with an unexpected encounter at the airport. Michelle, an avid CrossFit enthusiast, met her personal hero, Annie Thorisdottir, an Icelandic CrossFit champion. "She was super nice and wonderful," Michelle recalled. They were off to a great start.
The Great Outdoors: Hikes and Natural Wonders
The country, formed entirely by volcanic activity, sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This makes Iceland the only place in the world where you can see the boundary between two major tectonic plates above sea level. The dramatic landscapes, including lava fields, geothermal hot springs, and the Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir National Park,
where the tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart, offered visitors a profound connection to the raw power of nature.
For Lily and her friends, the journey was all about immersing themselves in nature. They rented a car and explored the Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the geothermal area of Geysir. Lily was particularly enchanted by the Brúarfoss Waterfall. "The water is so … like a minty blue," she described.
One of the highlights for Lily was hiking the Skógafoss waterfall trail. “We climbed up about 527 steps and did the trail for 10 miles,” she said. “That was the most amazing hike. The whole time the scenery was spectacular.”
John and Michelle also embraced Iceland's rugged terrain. They explored the entire island via the Ring Road, tackling challenging trails and experiencing the unfiltered power of nature.
At Mývatn, they climbed to the rim of a volcano. "The vertical just to get up to the crater rim was so extreme that our calves were on fire," Michelle recounted.
Their hike on Falljökull, meaning "the falling glacier" because it cascades steeply down the mountainside, was another memorable experience. "We wanted to do that because they tell us the glacier won't be there for much longer because of climate change," Michelle explained. “So it was kind of a really sad thing, but something we wanted to experience while we could.” Despite the physical demands, they were awed by the glacier's majesty.
Close Encounters and Cultural Insights
All five couples shared encounters with Iceland’s unique wildlife
RAINBOW FALLS Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods,” is among the most spectacular of Iceland’s many waterfalls. It is often crowned by a rainbow, as it was during Lily Chen and Shi-tze Lu’s visit.
(continued from page 42)
and culture. Lily's group visited Heimaey Island, where they were delighted to see puffins returning to their burrows in Stórhöfði, the southernmost point of the island and home to one of the world’s largest puffin breeding colonies. “They are so cute,” Lily said. “We spent a lot of time watching them.”
John and Michelle were amused by the free-roaming sheep that have right of way on the roads. “They warned us when we picked up our rental car that the sheep have crossing rights,” Michelle laughed. “If you hit one, you owe the farmer.”
Kelly and Carmela enjoyed learning about Iceland’s innovative use of natural resources, particularly in geothermal energy and fishing. A discussion with Ambassador Carrin provided insights into Iceland’s geopolitical importance and sustainable practices, deepening their appreciation for the country.
Challenges and Reflections
Traveling in Iceland presented its own set of challenges. Weather was unpredictable and could change very quickly. John and Michelle experienced strong winds atop a volcano that nearly blew Michelle off her feet.
Despite these challenges, the couples found the journey rewarding. “It's the most unique country that we have visited,” Carmela mused. “It's so different. You can’t compare it to any other place that you’ve been.”
John echoed this sentiment. “I was very impressed with all of the raw nature,” he said. “It's
very clear that you're on a smaller place in the middle of the North Atlantic, and nature is very much just sort of doing whatever it does around you.”
A Place Worth Returning To
All five couples expressed a desire to return to Iceland. Lily is considering a trip in the wintertime to experience the Northern Lights and ice caves.
The best time to visit Iceland depends on your priorities. Summer (June to August) offers mild temperatures between 50-60 degrees and nearly 24 hours of daylight – ideal for hiking. Winter (November to February) is colder, with temps around 30-40 degrees, and is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. Fall and spring provide cooler weather and fewer tourists, with the Northern Lights visible from September through April. If it’s puffins you’re after, puffin season typically runs from late April to midAugust, with the peak viewing time being between June and early August. By midAugust, the puffins start leaving, and they are usually gone by mid-September as they migrate out to sea.
Katie and Cliff are also hoping to return for a deeper dive into all that Iceland has to offer. “We’d go back in a heartbeat,” Katie said.
Tips From Our Travelers
Katie and Cliff:
Worth the splurge: Our Silversea cruise
Don’t miss: FlyOver Iceland experience – an immersive virtual flight over Iceland’s stunning
landscapes, almost like a carnival ride
Favorite restaurant: Apotek
Packing: Must pack with layering in mind
Don’t bring: Dressy clothing
Don’t forget: Lots of dollar bills for tipping Local favorite: The pubs and hamburgers
Kelly and Carmela:
Don’t miss: Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland's Golden Circle. It’s the only place on Earth where you can walk along the visible rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are usually hidden beneath the Atlantic Ocean.
Not really worth the trouble: Blue Lagoon was nice, but it was pricey, especially considering there are less expensive and less crowded hot springs available in Iceland.
Amazing thing we learned: Iceland creatively utilizes nearly every part of the fish from its fishing industry for everything from supplements and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and fashion items. Carrin had a tiny and very cute bag made from fish skin, and a poster in the airport pictures a burn victim recovering with fish skin wound dressings.
John and Michelle:
Worth the splurge: Definitely Geosea, the hot spring-fed spa we stopped at on the west side of the country.
Don’t miss: Skóga Trail, the hike up the trail beyond at Skógafoss, and/or one of the many glaciers available for travelers to hike. They are still going away, sadly.
(continued on page 46)
JOURNEY SNAPSHOTS Clockwise from upper left: John Beilue and Michelle Goldberg wanted to hike a glacier while it is still possible to do so; Carmela and Kelly Frels at the ridge between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates – the only place in the world where you can see the boundary between two major tectonic plates above sea level; colorful Rainbow Street in Reykjavik leading to Hallgrímskirkja Church.
John Beilue
(continued from page 44)
Favorite restaurants: Kaffi Lára in Seyðisfjörður
Currency exchange: When we were there, the exchange rate was $1 = 123.4 Krona. Exchange could be done easily in the capital, possibly difficult anywhere else. That said, credit cards worked well just about anywhere with a connection but remember to tell your creditor/bank you’ll be traveling!
Packing: We lived out of large hiking backpacks, and that made a world of difference to me. More convenient than lugging a suitcase of equivalent size.
Don’t forget: Layers! And waterproof clothing (jackets, slickers, etc. – we both got some thin waterproof pants at REI that were a lifesaver), waterproof hiking boots, and outlet converters. We have a whole kit for converting to European electrical outlets. Important to do some research, as some of their outlets deliver more volts or amps than US equipment is used to, and if not throttled down, this can damage your stuff.
Safety tip: Sneaker waves, or unpredictable, powerful waves that appear suddenly. It is also worth reminding travelers that warnings in general there are more subtle than in the States, so if it looks like there is a rope or a barrier, best not to
cross it, as the consequences could be quite dire. Not really worth the trouble: Food is expensive in Iceland due to so much of it needing to be imported. Outside of the cod and lamb, food won't be the best part of your trip. We have no regrets saving money by eating lots of PB&Js and only eating out once a day. Save your money for more adventures!
Unexpected hit: Geosea spa. Great view, warm water, nice people, wine and beer. Fun time.
Lily Chen and Shi-tze Lu:
Worth the splurge: Sky Lagoon hot spring spa, Hotel Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tour. If you love to hike, be sure to climb the 527 steps at Skógafoss and continue along the Waterfall Way Trail for more stunning terrain and waterfalls. While exploring the area, don’t miss Gjáin. If you're visiting Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall that is famous because you can walk under it, make sure to check out nearby Gljúfrabúi, the waterfall hidden inside a gorge. Other highlights include Brúarfoss, Gullfoss, and Diamond Beach, which is just across the road from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Favorite restaurants: The restaurant in Hotel Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. But we did not eat at any place fancy. We liked Black Crust
Pizzeria and the Soup Company, both in Vik. Don’t forget: Electricity adapters type C or F. But you will also need a converter if what you are plugging can’t handle 230 volts. Warm jackets, waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, hiking shoes/ boots, and waterproof shoes.
Avoid this local scam: Not exactly a scam, but everyone says you have to try the fermented shark. I think it was the worst food I’ve ever had (Lily).
Safety tip: Due to harsh conditions some roads might be closed. Download the SafeTravel-Iceland app for the road conditions, especially for smaller roads or remote conditions. See En.vedur.is, the Icelandic Meteorological Office, to check weather and Northern Lights predictions.
Car rental: We used Lotus Car Rental. Others recommended Blue Car rental. Make sure the car is covered with premium insurance due to wind and road hazards. Through Lotus, the premium insurance came with portable WiFi. Make sure to check the tires before leaving the rental cars company. Ours were balding. If you are driving on the F Roads (unpaved gravel roads), you will need a 4x4.
About the puffins: If your visit is during puffin season, it’s worth taking the ferry to Heimaey Island. It has the largest puffin colony in the world.
LAND OF CONTRASTS Clockwise from upper left: Cliff and Katie Gunter enjoy a drink aboard the Silversea Silver Spirit; John and Michelle were amused by the sheep grazing throughout the countryside, learning that Icelandic sheep have specific rights; Lily and Shi-tze exploring one of many sparkling ice formations on Diamond Beach, which are the reason for its name; traditional turf houses at Skógar Museum, showcasing Icelandic rural heritage.
John Beilue
Lily Chen
. by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz
With an impressive 34-7 victory over St. Thomas, the St. John’s Mavericks were off to a great start in the 2024 football season. “It was obviously a huge win for our program especially since we haven’t beaten St. Thomas in quite some time,” said Mavericks head coach Kevin Veltri
The season opening win was highlighted by a sensational night from four-year starting running back Cole Allen, who rushed for a lofty 278 yards and five touchdowns. “Cole is an amazing player and even better person off the field,” said Veltri about the Harvard University commit. “He’s the quintessential captain that you want on your football team.”
The victory over St. Thomas also marked a successful debut for junior Shea Quinn as the Mavericks starting quarterback. The six-footthree signal caller is the son of former NFL quarterback Mike Quinn. The Mavericks offense is also bolstered by the return of four-year starting offensive lineman and captain Wyatt Childers. Defensively, senior cornerback Yahya Mir has committed to play college football at Amherst College, while sophomore defensive end Malachi Booker already has collegiate offers in both football and basketball. “Yahya is one of our captains and leaders,” said Veltri. “He’s just a great kid.”
In addition, senior defensive lineman Alexander Rustay is a key returning starter. “Alexander is a high-energy guy,” said Veltri. “He’s also the closer for our SPC Champion baseball team and is trying to decide which sport he’ll play at the next level.”
In six-man football, the Emery/Weiner School Jaguars are in pursuit of a second straight state championship in TAPPS Division 1. “We’ve won four state championships, but never back-to-back so we’re definitely focused on going after another title,” said Jaguars head coach Samuel Costello. Emery returns several top players from last season’s state championship team including senior quarterback Bennett Grossman. “Bennett is calm under pressure and can make almost any throw on the field,” said Costello. One of Grossman’s favorite targets at wide receiver is Byron Strug, who is back for his senior season.
“Byron is an extremely intelligent player. He knows the offense well and has great chemistry with Bennett,” said Costello.
Two of the top defensive returnees for the Jaguars, according to Costello, include junior Blake Saikin, who had a pair of interceptions in the Jaguars season opening win over Brazosport Christian as well as allstate defensive back Brenden Domsalla.
“We have a lot of depth on our team. We’re up to 39 players, which is quite a lot for six-man football. It brings out a lot of competition for playing time. The great thing about Emery is that the school really embraces six-man football. The community rallies around us and the kids just love playing this style of football,” added Costello.
committed to play college volleyball at Stanford University. “Sarah not only leads our team kills and aces, but she’s playing in six rotations in both the front and back rows,” said Adcock.
In volleyball, it was a hard-hitting start to the season for the Stratford Spartans, who won 20 of their first 21 games. The victory total included seven wins in eight matches at the prestigious Katy ISD/Cy Fair Volleyball Classic, which featured many of the region’s – and even the state’s – top teams. “That’s a really great tournament so I was really proud of the way our girls rose to the occasion,” said Spartans head coach Jenny Adcock.
The Spartans then followed up by winning four straight matches in consecutive days at the Bridgeland Invitational tournament. “To play back-to-back three out of five matches over two days was a great test of our stamina,” said Adcock. “You had four great teams in Fulshear, Bridgeland, Tomball, and ourselves competing, so it was just a fantastic showing by our girls to go undefeated.”
Leading the way for Stratford this season is six-foot-five junior Sarah Hickman, who has
In addition, junior Providence College commit Gwen Koss provides the Spartans with another powerful force on the court. “Gwen is a fantastic ball control player,” said Adcock. “She’s very intelligent and crafty with her shots.”
The Spartans feature another future collegiate player in junior setter Audrey Cook, who has committed to Grand Canyon University, while junior libero Rachel Ashby is also a major contributor to the Spartans lineup. “Audrey just does a great job of handling and distributing the ball, while Rachel is extremely smart and athletic. Rachel is also the starting point guard for our basketball team.”
Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CW39 and Monday-Thursday on AT&T SportsNet SW. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
ON THE COURT With victories in 20 of its first 21 games, the Stratford Spartans were again a powerful force on the volleyball court. Soaring high for the rejection here are the Stratford tandem of sophomore Tess Stephenson (#9) and junior Sarah Hickman.
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
SportzBuzz Jr.
Welcome to SportzBuzz Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
We’ve got spirit
Fans filled the stands at Darrell Tully Stadium for the first Stratford High School football game of the fall. A group of friends from Rummel Creek Elementary including (pictured, from left) Keilyn Kohtz, Myers Gilbert, Nora Yelton, Livi McCulloch, and Emily Mann stood proudly on the field to open with their cheer performance. The girls, along with dozens of other young girls, attended Stratford High School’s annual cheer clinic the weekend before to polish up their skills to perform pre-game on the big field. They dazzled the crowd with team spirit and smiles, showcasing their hard work. The girls enthusiastically executed their cheers and dance routines, bringing great energy to the game.
New tradition
A group of 12U All-star players from Post Oak Little League including (pictured, from left) Burke Wise, Hayes Toomey, Johnny Leonard, Robert Pugh, Finn Beddingfield, Driscoe Bertillion, Lee Hochner, Terry Boffone, Grayson Graffagnini, Will Lewis, and James Davis went on an adventure together for an annual tradition in the making. The teammates went to get haircuts together before their District game to pump themselves up with new matching looks. Their game was against the First Colony Allstar team, where they went on to win 5-4. The team went on to win four additional games to clinch the 2024 Texas Major League District 16 Championship. Not pictured were teammates Calhoun McNair and Mason Maggi. The team was led by coach Mike Maggi, coach Tony Pugh, and coach Carter Ayers
Basketball buddies
It’s always fun when friends play friends, and that’s what happened when two fifth-grade teams met up on the basketball court. The game was between the Green Grass and the White Tigers, who had faced off recently in the Westchester Basketball League. The competition was fierce, but what truly captivated their parents was the sight of the players coaching themselves on the court. The teams were made up of (pictured, from left) Ruan Jacobs, Konstantinos Dimitrakakos, Greyson Zazzi, Harris Rondon, Carter Woodward, Charlie Melancon, Barrett Cobbs, Brooks Hendrick, Kameron Bousheri, Austin Reichenau, Coleman Maedgen, Gray Casey, Jaxon Rudolph, Connor Oatman, Aidan McKnight, and Michael Melancon.
Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.
Buzz Kidz KIDS
by Aditya Mandke, age 14
EXPERIENCE Aditya Mandke, a ninth grader at Stratford High School, has been part of Scouts for four years. This summer, he and his troop, Troop 642, went on a high adventure whitewater rafting trip on Salmon River in Idaho. They went 80 miles down the river over five days. Pictured is Aditya (in front) with his friend Jacques Gillespie.
Whitewater rafting adventure
Even if they don’t realize it, everyone has a bucket list. This summer, I did something on my bucket list, on my Boy Scout trip to “The River of No Return” in Idaho. While we traveled, we were greeted by the sprawling suburbs of Boise, grasslands and rolling hills, and then the snow-clad Rocky Mountains. The beautiful sights and fresh mountain breeze filled me with anticipation as I thought about what lay ahead.
The first day of rafting dawned bright and windy, stirring up little whitecaps on the surface of the water. We had a somewhat bumpy ride in our large raft, and passed a few small Class II rapids throughout the morning. Rapids are rated on a scale from I-VI; a VI is the most difficult. By lunchtime, I was feeling somewhat let down. This would soon change.
That afternoon, as we approached a rapid, I
looked ahead and saw – nothing. The river simply ended. In reality, the river dropped rapidly, gaining speed, and hit the slow, calm water ahead of it. This generated a huge wave, the biggest one I had ever seen, which we could only just see at the top of the drop. We were speeding towards it. Our guide told us to paddle, but our utter shock caused all seven of us to sit there frozen, deaf to our guide’s commands. The next thing I knew, we were vertical. The wave slammed into us like a brick wall, and the raft nearly flipped over its end.
Any doubts I had about the trip were erased. This was not a typical rafting trip, and I knew at that moment that this would be one of the greatest adventures of my life. Even in calm waters, the ride was fun, as we occasionally stopped to view historical sites, from pictographs made by the Sheepeater
tribe, to a cabin at Campbell’s Ferry, the site of the first European settlers in the region. We learned loads about the hydrology, geology, and history of the area. My favorite lesson was when I learned that we were, in fact, in the second-deepest canyon in the U.S. – deeper even than the Grand Canyon.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We climbed out of the boat and removed our life jackets on the last day with heavy hearts. I learned many things about rivers, rocks, ropes, and the region’s history, but most importantly, I learned about myself.
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.
2024 update on nose sprays
The most popular type of preventative nose sprays for allergy contains small amounts of steroids. Examples include Flonase, Nasacort, and Nasonex. For the past several years, they’ve been available without a prescription (OTC). Regular Flonase contains phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), which gives it that floral odor. Many people find the odor unpleasant, though others tell us it’s the “smell of relief.” PEA, an alcohol, can dry the inside of the nose and cause nosebleeds. Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasacort contain benzalkonium chloride (BKC), another preservative that can dry out the nose. In March 2017, Glaxo (owner of Flonase) put Veramyst OTC, renaming it Flonase Sensimist. It has no PEA or BKC, so it is gentler. Why would Glaxo put its superior product OTC? To sell some! They couldn’t sell much prescriptiononly Veramyst for $250, but OTC Flonase Sensimist sells for $28. Costco has it in a pack of three that goes on sale for about $45 a few times a year. As of September 2024, Amazon.com sells a pack of 2 of Sensimist for $29.71 using subscribe and save.
Flonase, which contains fluticasone propionate (along with PEA and BKC), is losing more and more market share to generics, which can sell for less than half the $20 price. Recently, Costco had a package of five bottles of its Flonase generic, called Aller-Flo, on sale for $18.99! That’s less than $4 each, plus each bottle contains 144 sprays instead of 120.
Unlike decongestant nose sprays, such as Afrin, you can’t become physically dependent on steroid nose sprays. The decongestant nose sprays go to work more quickly than steroid nose sprays, but the more you use them, the less effective they are. They work for stuffy nose, but not for sneezing, itching,
or runny nose.
Besides steroid sprays, you can also get antihistamine nose sprays (e.g., azelastine or olopatadine), and anticholinergic nose sprays. Both of the antihistamine sprays provide faster relief for sneezing and itching than nasal steroids, and Astepro went OTC in 2022, but its generic might be cheaper from the pharmacist using the GoodRx coupon for $17.59 at CVS or Target. Ipratropium nasal, an anticholinergic spray, works like magic for runny or drippy nose, but doesn’t relieve any other symptoms. It is Rx only, but inexpensive as a generic. As of September 2024, GoodRx has it for $16.60 at Target.
Also OTC is Nasalcrom, a steroid-free anti-inflammatory spray. It’s less effective than the steroid sprays, and must be used 3 or 4 times a day, but if you’re worried about low-dose steroids, it’s a reasonable choice.
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 1400, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic
PETS Neighborhood Tails
Kona, age 1, Cane Corso, Bunker Hill Rd.
Hi! I’m Kona, a female Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff), one of the oldest known dog breeds. This is me with my best friend Violet, who is just six months older than me. She’s the only family pet that plays with me, since my two Havanese brothers avoid me like the plague. My family always wanted a large dog, so they decided to go big or go home. I came from Colorado, and may I say, Houston is hot! If you see me walking along Bunker Hill with my family, I might look intimidating, but I’m a playful gentle giant. I’m in training, but I still have tons of puppy tendencies, so hopefully I won’t lunge if we meet! The best way to meet me is to play hardto-get – ignore me and let me introduce myself to you. My favorite things to do are fetching my squeaky ball, swimming, and following my human mama absolutely everywhere. 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.
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Farm and ranch estate planning
On his mother’s death, my uncle Price bought out his siblings and kept the family farm going the rest of his life. On his death, no one left was able or interested in the farm, and his children sold it, an inevitable but melancholy outcome.
Sentiment complicates estate planning for farm and ranch properties. Is it a family legacy or just an occasional retreat? Do Mom and Dad want the property to stay in the family? Do all the kids feel the same way? Do any of them? Does the property generate more income than expenses? Who maintains it? Who pays for that?
If everyone is happy to be rid of the property but wants to wait until Dad’s gone, little more than a will is required, naming an executor with a power of sale. For large properties, a lifetime gift to an irrevocable trust can reduce estate taxes.
If one child but not others want the property, a specific bequest in the will can suffice, assuming there are other assets to equalize each child’s inheritance. If not, life insurance can provide liquidity for what’s essentially a buyout of the disinterested children.
When there’s little more to the estate than the farm or ranch, and multiple children to satisfy, several options are worth exploring. First, there can be spin-off opportunities, e.g., one child gets the crop or livestock enterprise, another gets the minerals, and another gets the recreational leases, wind, and solar rights. Second, if one child can operate the property as a business, the others can be paid, perhaps as equal partners, as preferred shareholders, or with guaranteed payments. Third, the property can be partitioned
amongst the children, with each making their own decision whether to keep or sell.
Limited liability companies if not family limited partnerships are standard when planning for multiple owners across multiple generations. Custom provisions regarding cash flow management, sale and withdrawal options, and conflict resolution can extend family ownership and minimize the drama when family ownership inevitably ends. Conservation easements, e.g., to a land trust for public access, can minimize the cash value of a property, provide an income tax deduction to Mom or Dad, and minimize estate taxes borne by the kids, but they favor beneficiaries who desire to retain the property over beneficiaries tempted to liquidate and access the cash value.
Texas offers significant liability protection to rural landowners regarding livestock and recreation risks. Operations if not estate plans should exploit the Texas Agritourism Act, the Farm Animal Liability Act, and the Texas recreational use statute.
We write wills and go to probate court. Foreign nationals and international families welcome.
Russell W. Hall, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, bellaireprobate.com/blog
. by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
Buzz About Town
Raising awareness for dyslexia
Dyslexia advocates Jennifer and Jill Hyland (pictured, from left) worked with fellow supporters to lobby state legislators in Austin to pass House Bill 3928, a law enacted in 2023 that improved the way dyslexia services are provided in Texas schools. Now, the mother-daughter duo is looking forward to celebrating Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Oct. 8 proclamation declaring October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. City Hall will be lit red to commemorate the occasion. Jennifer began advocating for improved dyslexia diagnosis and treatment eight years ago after learning her daughter Jill was among the 20 percent of the population affected by the learning difference. Jill struggled with reading from an early age and was fortunate to be diagnosed as a young child and received appropriate intervention which made a huge difference in her reading skills. She is now a thriv-
ing sophomore at Stratford High School. However, Jennifer saw that many children do not receive the intervention they need, and this prompted her to become what her friends call an “accidental advocate.” She now runs the Texas Dyslexia Coalition and, with Jill and a team of other advocates, works to help ensure each child has access to the services they need to become successful readers and students.
Senior sunrise
Houston Christian High School (HCHS) seniors Cooper Clark, Georgia Bedre, Addie Durnell, Cole Montgomery, Nicole Hiemstra, Chloe Jones, Alyse Morrow, and Zion March (pictured, from left) celebrated with classmates at the annual Senior Sunrise event. The campus tradition welcomes seniors together on campus before the sun comes up on their last first-dayof-school. The Class of 2025 arrived in cars decorated with senior-style window paint and shared light bites and a prayer service with their parents and members of the HCHS faculty and staff. It was the perfect kickoff to the new school year.
A soiree to remember
Norman Lewis and Lauren Levicki Courville (pictured, from left) were among Houston’s “hautest” at Women of Wardrobe’s 21st annual Summer Soiree. Nearly 300 fashionable partygoers gathered at Tootsies for the event that raised more than $27,000 for Dress for Success Houston. Guests were treated to the latest fall trends from Tanya Taylor and LeMel Jewelry while shopping and enjoying sips and local bites
including salmon tartare and watermelon-andavocado salad. DJ Johnny Bravo provided entertainment and the 360° photo booth was also a big hit. Dress for Success Houston assists local women with professional attire, support, and development opportunities to thrive in the workplace.
New eagles soar
St. Martin’s Episcopal Boy Scout Troop 354 welcomed new Eagle Scouts Matthew Berman, Donnie Jones, Thomas Guilanshah, and Gus Pielop (pictured, from left). Each boy completed a unique Eagle project to benefit the community. Matthew, a senior at The Kinkaid School, built an apiary for veteran nonprofit Hives for Heroes. The project involved placing a tarp and edging, creating a crushed granite pathway, positioning the beehives on a dunnage rack, and planting Mexican bush
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Daniel Ortiz
sage for pollination. Thomas, a junior at Memorial High School, redeveloped a City of Houston pocket park, affectionately known as “Peacock Park,” located in the Bayou Woods subdivision. He created manicured park landscaping including a reconfigured crushed granite path and a new picnic table. Donnie, a sophomore at St. Paul’s Catholic School, restored the horse trails and signage used by Special Cheers, a horseback-riding therapy organization for injured and sick children. The scouts cleared brush and overgrowth, removed mud and debris, and mounted hand-painted signage. Gus, a junior at Kinkaid, worked with the Houston Tennis Association (HTA) to create a unified doubles tournament called “Ad All” in which able-bodied players teamed up with cognitively disabled players. The successful event attracted more than 40 volunteers, and Gus is organizing another Ad All event this fall.
Healing hands
Artist and physician Dalia Moghazy (pictured) was awarded Honorable Mention for her artwork in the Healing Hands: A Collection of Caregiver Expressions on Mental Wellness exhibit at The Health Museum. The obstetrics/gynecology physician painted a visual metaphor for dementia, including an image of the brain divided into sides of cognitive clarity and loss of memory. “Art and medicine are deeply intertwined, as both seek to heal and understand the
human experience,” said Dr. Moghazy. The exhibit showcases a variety of artwork created by caregivers to tell the stories of what it is like to care for others. Works including short essays, poems, watercolor paintings, embroidered journals, and photography from 24 local artists are on display through February.
Mountaintop escape
Amanda Boffone and Camille Connelley (pictured, from left) enjoyed the alpine air at the AspenX Mountain Club during the Memorial Hermann Foundation’s annual donor gathering. Guests at Elevated Connections 2024 traveled by gondola to the peak of Aspen Mountain for an escape from Houston’s heat. Event hosts Elizabeth and Will Galtney, Stephanie and Mark Hamilton, Melissa Juneau, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Leticia and Steve Trauber, and Loraine and Scott Wegmann welcomed guests who were treated to music from internationally known guitarist and composer Hunter Perrin.
The second day of the event featured brunch in the outdoor garden at Hotel Jerome which was transformed into a Parisian café with a floraldecorated champagne cart.
Le Cirque du Mint Julep
Hao and Rebekah Le, Michelle Cox, Lynn Nazareth, Helen Alfa, and Kelly Drakey (pictured, from left) joined fellow supporters at Le Cirque du Mint Julep, benefiting Legacy Community Health and honoring Richard Werner and Tony Bravo. The sold-out 22nd annual Mint Julep event welcomed more than 400 supporters to the Bayou Music Center and raised a record-breaking $317,000 for Legacy’s HIV/AIDS programs and services. Event cochairs Kevin Aloysius, Cyndy Garza Roberts, and Ray Purser introduced guests to the carnival-themed afternoon featuring emcees Ginger Grant, Domenic Cusano, and Angela Mercy
The celebration included performances by jugglers, musicians, and dancers with a festive glitter-and-glam theme.
Ready for the school year
Christian Community Service Center’s (CCSC) Back to School event was a huge success. More than 500 volunteers worked from April through August to provide new school supplies, backpacks, and clothing gift cards to more than 4,000 underserved students so they could have a good start to the new school year. Bellaire United Methodist Church hosted program registration for pre-K through 12th grade students and supplies were distributed at Faith Lutheran Church during the August event. Pictured are the 2024 Christian Community Service Center Back to School committee members (top row, from left): Jessica Canizales, Alma Lopez, Terri Drabik-O’Reilley, Maria Berretta, CCSC Youth
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Jessica Ortiz
Services Manager Sara Hans, Kenya Rodriguez, Perla Kenley; (bottom row, from left): Courtney Lerch, Leisa Novak, and Elizabeth Detweiler; not pictured: Karen Womack, Sarah Lopez, Whitney Anderson, and Mayra Marshall
A reunion with Billie Jean King
Tennis enthusiast Tom Foster (pictured, on right) spent time with tennis legend Billie Jean
King (pictured, on left) at this year’s Wimbledon in London. Tom attended the tournament with his tennis coach and French Open champion Lori McNeil and his friend Robin Schirrmeister. They were guests at a special dinner party at Wimbledon’s Last 8 Club, a private club whose members have reached the quarterfinals in singles, the semifinals in men’s or women’s doubles, or the finals in mixed doubles. This was not the first time Tom was in the company of tennis royalty. He initially met Billie Jean King in 1973 when she defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes match.
Gala for hope
Gordon Bethune and Jessica Rossman (pictured) are co-chairs for this month’s Hope Biosciences Research Foundation’s (HBRF) inaugural gala. The first-ever event will be held Oct. 26 at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston with proceeds supporting research and clinical trials for regenerative technologies in adult cell therapy for conditions including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and spinal cord injuries. Along with HBRF cofounders Donna and Daniel Chang and host committee co-chairs Donae, Bella, and Rob Chramosta, Bethune, who was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s, and Rossman will welcome supporters to a festive evening featuring live and silent
auctions. For more information, please visit bit.ly/3APXpDR or call 346-900-0340.
Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your upcoming-event listings on thebuzzmagazines.com.
Shane Dante Photography
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. by Andria Dilling, staff writer
Back Porch
Sunday Dinners: Connecting at the table
Sunday dinner was always a given when I was growing up in Galveston. Whatever the season, my parents, sister, and I would gather with our grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins – all from my mom’s side because my dad grew up in New Jersey, except for Grandma Helen and her Aunt Fannie who both moved to Texas to be close to us. One of my mom’s brothers was a Texas politician, so that dictated much of the grown-ups’ conversation, and there were always extras – family friends or cousins’ girlfriends.
The menu, like the core company, was pretty steady: take-out barbecue or fried chicken, iceberg lettuce salad with La Martinique True French Vinaigrette dressing, and my Aunt Marilyn’s bubbly-cheesy hominy or her mac and cheese topped with oleo (a.k.a. margarine) and Ritz cracker crumbs.
Diana Brackman, whose grandchildren are now young teenagers, remembers her own family’s Sunday dinners as “command performances” that they all looked forward to. “Mother was the baby of nine,” she says. “She never wore plaid clothes because all of her clothes were hand-me-downs from her sisters, and they were always wearing plaid.
“There are several years of age difference between the cousins, but, because of those [Sunday] dinners, all of the cousins are extremely close,” Diana says. “I am very grateful to my mother for creating this family tradition.” On their menu: Luby’s.
Tina Pyne, always the consummate hostess, says her favorite Sunday tradition is family dinner. “I’ll cook a big pot of gumbo or a big pot of chili, somebody typically makes a cake or some crazy dessert that they saw on TikTok, and we have a family dinner,” she says, adding, “Any strays around town are always welcome.”
Studies show that children lack guidance from older adults because of limited opportunities for “meaningful exchange.” That pattern, studies say, is linked to a decline in life satisfaction among older people and an increase in negative stereotypes toward the aging among younger people.
In response to that growing divide, Penn State’s
Intergenerational
Program studies the impact of cross-generational activities on people of all ages.
“Younger and older people have skills and talents that can help mutually address each other’s needs and aspirations,” the program’s literature explains.
“Participants [in intergenerational programs] become less susceptible to negative age-based stereotypes, derive richer life perspectives, learn new skills, [and] expand their social support networks.” The National Institutes of Health says intergenerational gatherings are also good for our health – older people benefit in the forms of improved self-esteem and depression.
COME TOGETHER A Sunday dinner tradition is more than just a weekend wind-down.
ners a lifetime ago, what I remember most is the feeling of being at home, ours or my Aunt Marilyn’s, surrounded by family. Just picturing that hominy brings it all back.
Aunt Marilyn’s Hominy
1 tablespoon olive oil
Maybe the answer is as simple as Sunday dinner.
We’ve all heard about the general benefits of family dinners: kids who eat with their families have more extensive vocabularies, better grades, higher resilience, better self-esteem, lower rates of drug and alcohol abuse, less instance of depression, and less tendencies toward eating disorders. (For more on the benefits of family dinner and for ideas on how to implement them, including timely conversation starters and menu ideas, check out The Family Dinner Project, a program based in Boston at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Psychiatry Academy, at thefamilydinnerproject.org.)
But something about Sunday dinner is special. Even The Emily Post Institute advocates “bringing multiple generations of friends and family together around the table,” especially on Sunday evenings. Practically, “Sunday night is a ‘school night,’ [so] an afternoon or early evening meal covers both lunch and dinner and lets everyone get home in time to prepare for the upcoming week.”
As I think back to our Galveston Sunday din-
½ large yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 15-ounce can yellow hominy, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can white hominy, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can red enchilada sauce (we like Hatch medium-hot)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish (or equivalent) with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the hominy and then the enchilada sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Pour the hominy mixture into the baking dish. Top with the cheddar cheese. Bake for 25 minutes. Turn on the broiler and cook for another 4 minutes or so, until the cheese bubbles and browns. Let the hominy rest for 10 minutes before serving.
