The Memorial Buzz - September 2018

Mickey and Mike Marvins

Private School Directory School Safety: Red Flags Gamer Wins at Life

Head for the

Hill Country

by Tracy L. Barnett

George’s Happy-Hour Legacy Chef’s Corner: Jose Hernandez Should We Track Teens?

Collecting Astros Bobbleheads The Social Media Spiral Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID

Buzz Baby: Lunch Ideas

US Postage PRSRT STD

Preschool Sous Chefs

EDITOR’S NOTE “The Hill Country is more about water than hills,” says Mike Marvins, Buzz resident, professional photographer and creator of a newly published coffee-table book on his beloved Texas Hill Country. The beautiful book is a labor of love, with all proceeds being donated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Travel writer Tracy Barnett gives our readers a sneak peek this month. She also writes a story filled with favorite Hill Country travel tips from Buzz residents, who were happy to meet Mike in the Hill Country in July to be photographed. Also in this issue, Cindy Gabriel, one of our original writers, comes back to The Buzz. Little did she know that when she wrote an article in 2003 about a young neighbor who had a passion for video games, that young man would one day become a highly successful game designer and (spoiler alert) a member of her own family. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

Contributing Writers Account Managers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Deborah Lynn Blumberg Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Russell Weil Karen Vine Fuller, Cindy Gabriel, Jayne Sheehy Johnston Andrea Blitzer, Sheila Sachnowitz Curl, Stephanie Goldfield, Leslie Little, Kim Montgomery Jack Avedesian, Julia Boyles, Ryan Chang, Abby Cohan, Benjamin Cohen, Nathan Lederman, Eli Maierson, Kelly Thomas

On our cover: Mike, a photographer, and Mickey Marvins spend summers at their place near the Guadalupe River. Here, they are in their backyard.

Cover photo by Alan Montgomery 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 © 2018 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Fan of sewing and Sterling Both your May 2018 features on the talented heirloom sewer Denise Moseley [Heirloom Sewing: From dress to lifetime quest, by Andria Frankfort] and the June 2018 feature on the inspiring West U neighbor Sterling Burton [The Good Neighbor: Everybody loves Sterling, by Cathy Gordon] made the subjects dazzle. Good job!

Thank you for connecting us with Sterling, as requested. My husband and I spent a delightful afternoon visiting about ballroom dancing and the care of live oak trees with the absolutely charming Sterling in his home. In the shade of his live oak trees, we demonstrated for him a few of our ballroom steps. He is an inspiration!

Janice Law

$40,000. With your help, we will reach that goal long before we leave for Guatemala in February. If you would like to donate, please see donate.faithinpractice.org/605YvonneSpolane. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Yvonne Spolane

Back to high school years I enjoyed Russell Weil’s very entertaining article in The Buzz [Back to School: Revisiting Bellaire High School, Aug. 2018]. I can’t say it took me back to Bellaire High School, as I didn’t go to school there, but I can certainly relate to those days. (I just wish I had seen more photos of Russell in eMotion dance class…!) He always writes from the heart, and his passionate writing style allows anyone to appreciate the story irrespective of where they went to school. I enjoy reading The Buzz each month.

Randy Wile

Reconnecting with alma mater Thank you for publishing Russell Weil’s “Back to School” article [Back to School: Revisiting Bellaire High School, August 2018] As an architect specializing in education projects and a 1983 Bellaire High School graduate I related to a lot of what he saw. Like Russell, I returned to Bellaire many years after graduating, for a workshop for architects working on the HISD 2012 bond projects, and was surprised to see that so much of the facilities remained unchanged. What I wasn’t able to see is how much of what happens within them had – interactive learning and teaching, use of technology in real time, students engaging with each other more.

The quote from Ms. McLendon was right on: “The constants are the excellent leadership…. The wonderful students and their parents make the school as strong as it ever was.” I would just add that teachers like Ms. McLendon and Ms. Quaite are what have made the school not only strong for all of these years but make it possible for us to connect back and remember a time with them that made the difference in our careers and in our lives.

Marie Hoke

To Guatemala, with love After reading Travel Buzz in the August issue [From Houston to Guatemala, with love by Tracy L. Barnett] I thought Buzz neighbors might want to see what they can do to help the families of Guatemala.

I’ve been a pediatric operating room nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital for 18 years. I could barely identify Guatemala on a map when I was invited to join a surgical mission team sponsored by Faith in Practice two years ago; today, it is impossible to ignore. Last year, in Guatemala, we performed surgeries on 80 children and treated an equal number of dental patients.

Without this team the very real possibility exists that the children would have gone untreated for years.

The families of Guatemala need our help. Even with deep discounts for mission teams, the average cost of these materials for one surgical team is MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 6

Editor’s note: If the rest of you missed the photo of Russell dancing, let us be of assistance! Check out the online version of his story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Are passionate about being “green” and protecting the environment.

• Have unique holiday traditions.

• Know a compelling neighbor to profile.

• Traveled to a fascinating travel destination.

• Enjoy interesting hobbies.

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

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mikemarvins.com

TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Head for the Hills From water to watering hole

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hen the mercury begins to rise in Houston, thoughts begin drifting toward the hills – and not just because of the fresh breezes and cooler temperatures. As documentary photographer and author Mike Marvins puts it, the Texas Hill Country is more water than hills – and what better way to cool down a sizzling summer than in the cerulean spring-fed waters of the Frio, the Guadalupe, the Medina, Canyon Lake, or a score of other rivers and lakes that run through the region.

Those waters have been the salvation and inspiration of many a Houston refugee over the decades – but none more prolific than Cary Robinson, author of The Dudley Files. For years Robinson has escaped on the weekends to his Medina River retreat, where you’ll find him cooling his heels and gazing out at the massive rock that fell off the hill into the middle of the river sometime in the 1950s and has stood there defiantly ever since. It’s a symbol, perhaps, of the spirit of Dudley, the loyal rescue dog who inspired a series of dog comedy mystery novels that have been Robinson’s true labor of love.

Those novels have raised a steady stream of income over the years to support several animal shelters and rescue groups.

“Two of my fondest memories are when my rescue Boxer, who didn't know how to swim, jumped in the river, swam out to a drowning German Shepherd puppy, and swam him back to shore on her back to save him,” he recalls.

“And when my neighbors who live up on the hill baptized their child in the river. As the sun was going down the hill began to change colors, as it always does, and they all sang together, Amazing Grace. It echoed off of the hills and was just a beautiful moment. It was the most spiritual thing I have ever experienced out there.”

Robinson’s buddy Kenneth Lewis has a place down the road near Kerrville, and the two of them plan many an escape on the Medina River, together or alone or with their families. Kenneth and his wife, Carla Diaz-Lewis, like to stop in at the Medina River Company (MRC) on Main Street in Bandera, which will pack kayaks on a trailer and take them a few miles west to drop them in the river.

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“We then spend the next few hours coasting, talking, laughing and, occasionally, putting a paddle in the water,” Kenneth says. “The cypress trees along the banks provide welcome shade from the Hill Country sun. Often, we pull over to the banks to partake in rope swings from the trees, swim in quiet pools in the river, or just to sit in the shallows and relax.”

COOL Ken Lewis, Carla Díaz-Lewis, daughter Alexis Díaz-Waterman and Tito have Once they a place near Kerrville and like to escape to the Medina River. reach the park in camping, lots of great hiking trails, great bike town, MRC picks them up and takes them trails, and horseback riding as well as the back to their shop. They then cap off the expe‘Secret’ Twin Falls.” rience with lunch at O.S.T. – which stands for The Klutts family likes to cruise the 160-mile the Old Spanish Trail, a route proposed in shoreline of Lake Travis from Mansfield Dam to 1915 throughout the South that never quite the dam at Marble Falls for calm waters, gorcame to be, but it did inspire the opening of geous vistas and amazing sunsets, while dipping this vintage restaurant in 1921. With its saddle in the aqua green waters of the Colorado River. bar stools and John Wayne Room, it has “We have traded University Boulevard in for inspired generations of urban cowboys – like the Colorado River at Lake Travis,” David “Texas Bob,” who writes in his blog Texas Bob wrote. “Both are wonderful locations, but we Eats: “If Bandera, Texas is the Cowboy Capital prefer the one with less traffic.” of the world then the Old Spanish Trail (OST) T, who recently relocated permanently in Restaurant in Bandera has to be the cowboy Dripping Springs with his partner Liz after years restaurant of the world.” as a West U resident, says the area is becoming T Hoovestol and David Klutts are another known as the Brewery Capital of Texas, as well pair of friends from way back who have followed as part of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail. the siren’s call of the Hill Country waters. One Every Sunday night great local musicians gather of their favorite places is Pedernales Falls State at The Barber Shop Bar on Mercer Street, the Park, where they bike on the trails and then cool central business area of Dripping Springs. “It’s a off at the river. great pickers’ circle and jam.”

“The big limestone boulders that make up From water to watering hole, the Hill the falls are beautiful and can change dramatiCountry never fails to refresh. cally based on the amount of rain,” said T. “They alone are worth going and sitting down Editor’s note: Read more about the Hill Country and watching the flow or the rapids, and taking in this month’s Travel Buzz column. your dogs down to play in the water. There is

istockphoto.com/DGLimages

KIDS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Schooled on Safety Paying attention to red flags

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ara, a high school student in Houston, had been noticing some changes in one of her friends for a few months.

He had always been a little odd. He had a hard time being still, was always pacing. He refused to use his school locker, lugging every book and notebook with him everywhere in a heavy book bag. He told her he was on medications for a psychiatric disorder. “He was very straightforward about it,” she says. “I wouldn’t have been.”

That didn’t bother her. They were good friends, had many of the same classes, spent a lot of time talking.

In junior year, though, she noticed changes.

His grades took a nosedive. He said he wasn’t getting along with his parents. He told her he didn’t think his medications were working.

And he seemed angry. One day, while they were, she thought, joking, he suddenly raised his hand as if to strike her and said, “You make me so mad, I could hit you.” Later the same day, in another class, he threatened to hit her again.

“I realized this was serious; he really was angry and really was holding himself back from hitting me,” says Sara (not her real name). She told a counselor at school.

“I was crying,” she says. “I didn’t want to get him in trouble.”

The counselor did all the right things. She reassured Sara that her friend would not get in trouble. She sought out the boy, brought him to her office and talked with him for hours. He was, indeed, suicidal and stayed with her until he could be brought to a hospital. (Sara, who has since graduated, is no longer in touch with her friend, although she hears he got the medical treatment he needed and is doing OK.) At the time, Sara did exactly what she should have. “She shared the information she had and she was plugged in enough and paying attention enough to notice changes in her friend,” says Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Crime Stoppers of Houston has run its Safe School Institute since 1997, providing free presentations to schools throughout Houston on 15 topics related to safety, from cyber safety to datMEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 12

ing violence. After the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, it expanded to the elementary-school level.

Part of the program has always been to encourage students to use Crime Stoppers’s anonymous tip line (at 713222-TIPS (8477), online at crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers Houston mobile app) if they see something concerning.

After all, according to a database of press accounts kept by Everytown for Gun ALERTING ADULTS By encouraging students to speak up when concerned, Crime Stoppers of Houston's Safe School Institute aims to make sure adults Safety, there have been at can respond. least 53 incidents of guncaused his girlfriend to break up with him. fire on school grounds in the United States from Because of the tip Crime Stoppers of Houston January to July of this year. That averages out to received, investigators were able to arrange for almost two incidents per week. him to meet an undercover officer posing as a And suicide is an even larger problem among hitman. When the 17 year old allegedly offered teenagers. Currently, according to a recent the officer $150 and some drugs to kill the girl, report from the National Center for Health he was arrested.

Statistics, teenage deaths by suicide outnumber And now, after the May shooting at Santa Fe teenage deaths by homicide: 2,553 in the High School that left 10 dead and 13 wounded, United States in 2016 versus 1,963. The Houston just 35 miles south of Houston, Crime Stoppers of Chronicle cited another recent report, this one Houston expanded its program to include a menfrom the Centers for Disease Control, that 12 tal health-education and bullying- and suicidepercent of all Texas high school students prevention program called Be Nice, developed by attempted suicide in 2017. the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.

Because of tips, Crime Stoppers of Houston “Students are the first line of intelligence,” has been involved in handling almost 2,000 says Mankarious. “By the time teachers, schoolschool-related, criminal and safety cases since based law-enforcement or parents realize, it may 1997. In almost 300 of these, investigators found be too late. We can leverage the fact that stuand removed weapons from Houston schools. dents are the first ones to notice changes” in Whether they involve weapons or not, these their schoolmates. cases can be serious. In one, in 2017, a ninth The program gives students information they grader allegedly planned to set off bombs in his need so they know what to do if someone seems school’s cafeteria, then shoot his classmates as troubled. Originally created to prevent suicides and they fled. In another, in 2016, a freshman had bullying, the Be Nice program is not about fearing 58 different prescription drugs in his locker and and shunning people with mental disorders. It is was allegedly selling them to fellow students. In meant to decrease the stigma surrounding mental 2008, a 17 year old was asking around about illness, not increase it. (continued on page 14) ordering a hit on a 15-year-old girl he felt had

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ISOLATED AND LONELY The Be Nice program, developed by the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, encourages students to notice and reach out to others. (continued from page 12) Currently, almost 80 per-

cent of children and nearly half of all adults with mental illness don’t receive treatment. The No. 1 reason people give for not seeking help: fear of the stigma of being labelled mentally ill.

“If we can have these conversations early, giving people more of an understanding of mental illness, there can be less violence,” says Christy Buck, executive director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. The more people in the community understand about mental illness – and the Be Nice program is also taught in workplaces and churches – the greater the chance that they will recognize the onset of a problem, the first changes that signal that someone is beginning to struggle, and will know what to do to get that person help.

Although the Be Nice program originated to prevent suicides, Mankarious says it also works to prevent violence against others. “Some suicidal kids are so angry, they are also homicidal,” she points out. “They want to kill the kids they feel tormented them before they take their own lives.” According to researchers, mass shooters often harbor intense anger and are often socalled “dangerous injustice collectors,” seeking violent revenge for real or perceived slights.

The Be Nice program is meant to be “an action plan,” says Buck, and provides concrete information about what to look for – changes MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 14

lasting more than two weeks, such as quitting activities the person used to love and isolating from family and friends, seeming more angry, and changing in a concerning way how they dress or how they use social media.

Be Nice then teaches and emphasizes what a bystander can do. For students, one piece of advice is to speak with an adult about their concerns. According to a report on targeted school violence (when a student specifically attacks a school or a member of the school community) from the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center, in most such attacks, students had information about the attacker’s plan but did not tell an adult.

This report goes on to say that students need to know they can bring their concerns to an adult in a way that will be kept anonymous and confidential and that their information will be followed up on. The report further emphasizes something Be Nice and the Safe School Institute programs do: students need to hear that there is a “big difference between ‘snitching,’ ‘ratting,’ or ‘tattling,’ and seeking help.”

Is this the total solution to school shootings? No, of course not, and most everyone has strong opinions on the topic. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s School and Firearm Safety Action Plan, published at the end of May, recommends everything from “hardening” school buildings and having more law-

enforcement officers present at schools to adopting a “red flag” law, in which a judge can temporarily take away a person’s guns if they pose a threat to themselves or others, and mandating that information that would preclude a person from buying a gun be entered into the background-check system within 48 hours. This action plan also calls for an expansion of Crime Stoppers programs in schools.

Both Crime Stoppers’ Mankarious and Be Nice’s Buck stress their efforts are not meant to vilify people suffering from mental illness. After all, according to the American Mental Health Counselors Association, people with mental illness, including severe mental illness, are rarely violent. Only three to five percent of all violent acts can be attributed to severe mental illness. People with mental illness are, says Buck, more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrators of it.

“It’s not about creating a culture of fear,” Mankarious says. “It’s not about isolating people.

It’s about embracing people, coming together and looking out for each other.”

MORE ONLINE For direct links to websites and more information, see this story at thebuzzmagazines.com. Also on The Buzz website, see the weekly blog “Sunday Mornings with Rania” for articles by Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston, on important safety topics.

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KIDS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Tracking Teens We can, but should we?

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oogle “monitoring kids,” and you’ll hit a jackpot of relevant sites: Internet filtering, GPS tracking, social-media monitoring, text-message “spying.” There’s even a GPS tracking device made for kids to wear.

One New York Times headline asks, “Should You Spy on Your Kids?”

It’s a big question these days. As with so many other high-tech tools, being able to track your kids’ every move is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because, hey, if we’ve got the ability to figure out exactly where our kids are when they’re late for curfew and haven’t called, why not use that? And a curse because the slope is crazy slippery to becoming an obsessive parent who takes away a child’s ability to make choices and grow the wings we’re supposed to be giving them.

The spying – ahem, tracking – comes awfully close to traversing some boundaries that contemporary society is just now trying to navigate.

We’re all speculating – and complaining – about Alexa and Siri listening to our conversations and Big Brother watching our purchases and finances and habits of all kinds. But are we doing precisely that in the smaller enclaves of our own families?

“Of course I spy on my kids and their friends,” one West University mother of a 24-year-old daughter says. “I check out boyfriends on social media, and I even look at their families. My daughter will ask, ‘Mom, did I tell you he was [insert descriptor]?’ And I’ll just say, ‘No, but if you’re going to visit him in another state, I’m going to know who he is and where you are. You don’t share these things with me, but I’m not going to be the mom who gets a call asking where my child is in another state and I don’t know what to say.’”

If you’re over 35 and reading this, you remember leaving home untethered. Like going to Europe with a bare-bones itinerary and only the occasional collect call home from a pay phone.

That’s a foreign (no pun intended) concept these days – both to parents and their children.

Untethered? Unplugged? Unconnected? What?

Flash-forward 35 years, and we not only keep tabs on our kids when they’re visiting other countries, but we do it when they’re in our back-

TO SPY OR NOT TO SPY Today's technology makes it easy to track our children and each other.

yards. “I was in my friend’s car, and we were driving on a highway at about 11 at night,” a 17year-old Bellaire boy says. “My friend accidentally went over 80, and within two seconds his mom was texting telling him he’d better slow down or he was going to get in trouble. I wasn’t raised with that same intensity.”

The passenger’s mom says it was an upsetting moment for her son. “He was upset not about getting caught, but that we live in a world where parents are so untrusting that they can and will track their kids’ every move.”

“I guess there’s a lot of pressure for the parents to use these apps,” the Bellaire boy says. “They help you feel more secure about where your kids are and what they’re doing. But it’s still unpredictable. Just because you’re looking at how fast your kids are going doesn’t mean you can prevent something from happening. There’s always a way to get around it. People will turn off location services or leave their phones places.”

According to some studies, 48 percent of parents with teenagers look through their calls and texts, and 39 percent track their teens’ whereabouts. Still, two-thirds say that we should be

giving our teenagers the freedom to make their own mistakes.

The question of whether or not to “spy on your kids” may soon be a moot point. Tracking is becoming such a standard that teens may just come to expect it. “I have about 15 friends who I track on Find My Friends,” says a 21-year-old TCU senior. “We kind of do it for fun, but we also track each other to see where everyone is.

Like if I want to play [the video game] Fortnite with my friend, I can see where he is and whether he can play. Or I can find my friends at TCU and see if they’re at class or at work, particularly if I want to go to dinner, and then I can make a judgment about whether I should wait for dinner.”

For now, though, the older ones of us are trying to figure all of this out and make our own judgments about bigger pictures than dinner, like just how much length to give those leashes.

Editor’s note: Parents, we want to hear your thoughts on this subject. Comment online below this article at thebuzzmagazines.com or look out for a poll on The Buzz Magazines Facebook page.

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NEIGHBORS

by Karen Vine Fuller, contributing writer

From Coach to Collector Kelly Thomas

A ballpark of Astros bobbleheads

M

eet David Schwartz, retired Little League coach and the proud owner of more than 150 Astros bobbleheads.

From the outside of his lovely two-story Bellaire home, you would never know the museum that resides inside. A smiling David Schwartz energetically shakes his guests’ hands and makes sure he has their names right. He’s a details guy like that.

David grew up in Austin, played baseball for the mighty Austin High Maroons and attended The University of Texas. His energetic personality inspires first-time visitors to have a delightful chat and feel like they are reconnecting with a long-lost friend. David leads the way to his sunny man cave/great room/office, also known as his Houston Astros Bobblehead Museum.

Cue up angels singing and golden rays of light streaming across the room. Displayed on a wall of shelves, 150 oversized plastic heads attached with springs for necks above their miniature bodies stare at you, just daring you to poke them so they can start wiggling. They strike different poses – pitching, batting, wearing gnome hats, pointing light sabers, holding up World Series trophies. The glare bounces off all the giant white smiling teeth. It’s an Astros fan’s nirvana.

Yes, all 150 of the bobbleheads are Astros.

The legends of 2017 World Series glory are represented: Altuve, Springer, Correa, Bregman, Verlander, Morton, McCullers, Gurriel, Gattis, Reddick, McCann, Gonzalez, Keuchel, Beltran, Harris, Hinch, Peacock, Musgrove….

Then there are those who played on the diamonds in the Astrodome, Enron and Minute Maid all those years before Houston got the ring: Ryan, Clemens, Cruz, Bagwell, Biggio, Berkman, Castro, Pence, Pettitte, Oswalt, Bourn, Valverde, Myers, Scott, Wynn, Ausmus, Alou, Wagner, Cedeno, Richard, Niekro, Morgan, Davis, Caminiti, Dierker, Thon, Watson, Rasmus….

David has followed the Astros since he was a kid. He shares that all of the bobbleheads were stadium giveaways, which adds to the fun. He started collecting them around 2002 when the Astros moved into the new stadium and bobblehead giveaways grew in popularity. From 2002 MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 18

BEVY OF BOBBLEHEADS David Schwartz has collected more than 150 Astros bobbleheads.

to 2015, he worked as a reporter for Sports Network. He always arrived a few hours early and would be sure to pick up a bobblehead on giveaway days.

Two of his favorite ones are the 2005 Strikeout Kings with both Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens on the pedestal and the 1997 Central Division champions with Hampton, plus Bagwell holding up Biggio.

The baseball caps on his wall are signed by MLB players he coached or who played with his son, Daniel, during their family’s years with Westbury Little League, Kyle Chapman Pony League, Westbury High School or tournament teams in the early ’90s: Juan Pierre, Bubba Crosby. Mike Gonzalez, Kip Wells, Jeff Davanon, Ben Broussard, Shane Nance, Jose Cruz Jr., Jeff Austin and Jason Tyner.

And some were friends he’s met over the years: Pudge Rodriguez, Jose Cruz Sr., Don Baylor, Jerry Davanon, Luis Gonzalez, Alan Ashby and Art Howe.

David has transformed back into full-on, excited Little League coach mode. He spits out players’ names, what teams they were on; he’s reliving plays, he’s sharing coaching techniques.

“I loved coaching Little League because it gave me a chance to share my love of baseball with my son and his teammates. Since they were 6 years old, I had the opportunity to teach those important fundamentals of baseball. It’s been a

joy to watch them grow into men of character with successful lives. Both parents and kids have lots of lifelong friendships that started during those Little League years.”

Bubba Crosby was on some of Coach Schwartz’s teams in the 1990s. Crosby played for the Bellaire Little League, Westbury Little League fall team, Kyle Chapman Pony League and Bellaire High School and went on to play for Rice University, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

“Back then, Bellaire Little League didn’t have a winter session, so my dad signed me up to play on a team in Westbury. I was a little intimidated when I first met Coach Schwartz. He was very into the fundamentals and just had me keep doing things over and over until I got it right.

He wasn’t mean, but he definitely wasn’t passive! Now that I’m retired I realize just how important my early coaches were, especially Coach Schwartz, Coach [Jerry] Davanon and Coach [Rocky] Manuel from Bellaire High School and Coach [Wayne] Graham from Rice University.”

Coach Schwartz isn’t passive about his Astros bobblehead collection either. It gets bigger every year. The next time you’re out at Minute Maid on a giveaway night, just as sure as the train whistle blowing when the Astros score a run, you can bet David is somewhere in the stands smiling as big as his new bobblehead.

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www.stephenhuynh.com

NEIGHBORS

by Cindy Gabriel, contributing writer

That’s Epic Game designer wins at life

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bout a decade ago, I wrote a Buzz story about a Bellaire boy who became the envy of any neighborhood kid with even a passing interest in video games. I really didn’t know Andy Gentile that well. He was in third grade with my daughter Laura, at Horn Academy. She spoke passingly of him as a smart boy whom the teacher liked. I kind of suspected Laura didn’t disapprove of Andy either.

My heart always ached a little because I was aware that his mom had passed away when Andy was only 3 and his brother Chris was 5. Still, he seemed well adjusted, with friends and great reviews from the moms of his buddies. I would occasionally run into his dad, Phil, on Horn Field Days, always smiling and friendly. He seemed like an upbeat guy, trying to do a good job as a single dad. That was about all I knew.

In high school, my two daughters went to HSPVA, and Andy went to Bellaire High School.

But we would hear stories about Andy in carpool from his friend and fellow Horn alum Joe Delmore.

Andy was the recognized drummer, skateboarder and video-game kingpin of the neighborhood.

Online, Andy’s kingpin status as a gamer reached well beyond the neighborhood, to the world, so much so, that he caught the attention of the game makers themselves.

The summer after his junior year, Andy and his laptop were invited to California by a company called Neversoft, makers of the Tony Hawk video-game series. The company noticed Andy playing online among the top, internationally. This had prompted game-development staffers to reach out to him online, seeking feedback on the top levels of their games. Andy was offered a summer job at $8/hour plus free room and board at a hotel within walking distance of Neversoft headquarters in Woodland Hills, Calif., near Los Angeles. Here, he would play video games at the top levels while staff would stand around and watch, looking for ways to tweak and expand the game from there.

When his dream summer ended, Andy returned home for his senior year at Bellaire High School. Then, with friends waiting for their college acceptances, Andy accepted a job offer at Neversoft that extended into seven MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 20

years. He worked his way through the company, absorbing the technical and the business sides, and then ventured out for a stint at a company called Tapulous before making his move as an independent game developer.

With game credits like Tony Hawk, Pro Skater and Guitar Hero, Andy landed a publisher. That means somebody thought he was a good enough risk to give him the financial backing to create his own game.

Andy became the lead I DO! Video-game designer scores a new player. designer, hiring a a picture of Laura’s hand with a red, diamondteam of three other designers. None of them shaped Ring Pop on her left ring finger. I later lived in the same city. But on short notice they learned it was taken on the Horn Academy would all plop down into their own virtual campus, during a recess break, with an audience space together and work on the game. Epic of current Horn students who cheered while Skater came out in August 2014. It was feapeering through the fence. tured prominently in app stores, leading to On April 1, 2017, no joke, they were married over 2.2 million installs in the first two weeks at The Grove in Discovery Green. Andy played of the release. Today, Epic Skater has over 11 the drums with the band (as he has in video million installs. games too), offered a pair of his signature red Andy decided it was time to come home to sunglasses to everyone at the wedding, and Bellaire where his dad and brother still lived. wrote in the vows that he was allowed to play “Since high school I was like a workaholic,” he video games two hours a day. said. “I was ready to come home.”

Just weeks before their first anniversary, Andy Andy reconnected with childhood friends. and Laura announced the birth of … Epic One day, I received a selfie from my oldest Skater 2. I’m a grandmother! Of a video game. daughter, Laura. She was at a dinner with her old classmate, Andy. Something on Andy and Laura’s face registered chemistry.

See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links, After a respectful three years of dating, anothincluding Cindy’s 2003 story on Andy. er notable selfie came through. This time it was

MORE ONLINE

NEIGHBORS

by Karen Vine Fuller, contributing writer

The Good Neighbor George McDowell’s happy-hour legacy

O

ne day back in 2006, residents in the cozily nestled ranch houses of the 5300 block of Yarwell Drive in Meyerland heard a knock on their doors. Upon opening, they discovered a gentleman who appeared to be in his 80s standing straight at attention and clutching a clipboard. The mystery man introduced himself as George McDowell and explained that he had lived on the block since 1961.

He, his wife, Rae, and their two grown children, Larry and Linda, were original owners on the block. After 67 years of marriage, Rae recently had passed away. George had decided it would be nice if all of the neighbors could get to know each other better, so, he explained, he was gathering information to create a contact sheet.

At each door, he proceeded to fire off questions and take notes. In addition to the usual inquiries, name, phone number and email, he gathered additional personal information, such as college attended, major, degree and current employment.

A few weeks later, George appeared again, this time handing every house a typed copy of his “Neighborhood Security List,” with the neighbors’ contact information. He also included an invitation to a happy hour he was hosting at his house the following Friday evening. The whole family was invited. He promised good company and good conversation.

A sizable amount of neighbors came to that first Friday evening happy hour almost 12 years ago. The guests discovered that their charming host was a 92-years-young Air Force colonel, World War II veteran and a West Point alum.

He attributed his longevity to his “secret nectar of the gods,” Old Fashioneds, his bourbon cocktail of choice.

He also shared a few more secrets. “Take a nap every day at 4.” “Always socialize with people younger than you.” “Stay intellectually challenged.” “Exercise every day.” “Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.” “When leaving your doctor's office, if he doesn’t shout, ‘Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!’ get a new doctor.”

George reported that the information he had gathered about his neighbors made him happy to realize he lived on such a “highly educated” block. There were several PhDs, doctors, MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 22

lawyers, professors and master’s degrees.

The happy hour was a huge hit. New connections and friendships were forged. George’s mission was accomplished. But it didn’t end there. George proposed that they have happy hour at his house again the following Friday. His neighbors agreed unanimously.

The weekly Yarwell Drive happy hours continued, and a tradition was born. The first two years, all the Friday happy hours took place at George’s home.

Around 6 p.m., partygoers would start drifting down the street toward George’s house, with plates of appetizers and glasses of wine in hand.

The children would dash up George’s sidewalk, burst into the house, and either run NEW (AND NOT-NEW) KIDS ON THE BLOCK In a 2015 photo, George McDowell snuggles with neighbor Ariella Keiter, who was a century younger out to the backyard or at the time. settle themselves in roots, he would stop and talk to folks walking front of George’s aging television. The adults their dogs and watering their lawns and somewould congregate in the living room and the times ring a doorbell or two just to say hello. He kitchen, sipping their beverages and talking visited the “old folks” on the block (all of whom about events of the week and the neighborhood were younger than he), and enjoyed the increaskids’ latest accomplishments. ing number of new babies and grandbabies.

George’s daughter, Linda, didn’t live on the “George always insisted visitors ‘Come in and block any longer but often drove in from Bryan to have a drink!’ with such exuberance that one join in the fun. “After Mom passed away, Dad was could not refuse,” says longtime across-the-street really lonely. Having the weekly happy hours benneighbor Trina Fowlkes. “If you were lucky, efited his neighbors, but it also benefited him.”

George would relive Rae and his travels or recreOn other days of the week, neighbors became ate some of his WWII experiences. Those were accustomed to seeing George during his “exactly great times and wonderful memories for us.” at 7 p.m.” evening stroll. Carefully making his After a few years, the neighbors decided to way down the center of the Yarwell Drive to rotate the happy hour gath- (continued on page 24) avoid the sidewalk cracks caused by large oak tree

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 23

hartphoto.com

CHEERS TO GEORGE! Yarwell Neighbors raise their glasses of Old Fashioneds in honor of George, the neighbor who brought them all together. Back row (from left): Steve Fowlkes, Matthew Schaefer, Lynne Schaefer, Ted Schaefer, Matthew Hahn, Dong Li; middle row (from left): Jeff Basen-Enquist, Trina Fowlkes, Ezequiel Garcia, Kelly Fowlkes Garcia, Lina Asmar, Martha Bulsara, Khush Bulsara; front row (from left): George Binick, Caroline Binick, Jacob Ehrenstrom, Mindi Stanley, Bill Ehrenstrom, Ike Zach, Helena Zach, Alma Irr Connor, Amy Keiter, Justin Keiter. (continued from page 22) ering locations, to give

George (who never allowed anyone to help him clean up) a break. This new twist also gave neighbors the opportunity to open their own homes and attempt to be as hospitable as George had been. George still took his turn in the hosting rotation and was always the “backup” if someone couldn’t host on their assigned day.

One Friday night, pink plastic flamingos mys-

George’s Old Fashioned Shared by neighbor Trina Fowlkes A sugar packet 3-4 shakes of bitters Bourbon – about 2 ounces of whatever was on hand (sometimes it wasn’t bourbon) Add a few drops of water or any other liquid close by (sometimes apple juice, which always got a ‘yuck!’ from this recipient, sometimes Sprite or ginger ale) Fill glass with ice.

Sit and enjoy and talk.

The drinking vessel: For special occasions – “if they were putting on the dog” – was a silver goblet Rae and he had purchased from the silver vaults in England.

Otherwise, they were insulated tumblers that he kept at the ready in the dry sink behind his favorite chair situated centrally to the chairs and couches around the room.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 24

teriously appeared in the yard of that week’s happy hour host family. A new tradition was born. From then on each week, Yarwell Drive residents knew they were in the right location when they saw flamingos waiting to join in the fun.

When George turned 95, and then 100, the Yarwell Drive neighbors enjoyed helping him celebrate at his milestone birthday parties.

“On one of his birthdays,” reminisces neighbor Alma Irr Connor, “we all pitched in and bought George dinners that were delivered throughout the year. He could go online and choose what dinners and days he wanted deliveries. It was awesome.”

Alma says she really appreciated George lending his “Santa helper” skills over the years (including some bike deliveries and storage) to help make Christmas extra special for her children, Julia and Daniel Irr. Even though some neighbors have moved away over the years, they still come back for the Friday happy hours, and some even host at their new homes. Newly settled families are welcome with open arms, added to the Neighborhood Security List and brought up to speed on the infamous gatherings. The door is open to all, former neighbors, current neighbors and everyone’s friends.

George passed away in the spring of 2017 at 103 years old. In addition to a long list of impressive military honors, career achievements and life accomplishments, George’s obituary includes a sentence giving a nod to one of his final and lasting triumphs: “He drew his neighbors together into a close community with a

weekly happy hour that continues today.”

That first Friday happy hour after George’s funeral, the 5300 block of Yarwell gathered to stir up a large batch of George’s Old Fashioneds. The neighbors shared funny stories and reflected on the fact that if George hadn’t knocked on everyone’s doors and welcomed them into his home for that first Friday night happy hour over a decade ago there was a good chance that this “like family” group of neighbors would have never met.

They had shared years of appetizer nibbling, friendship bonding, Old Fashioned sipping, lifetransition supporting and everything-in-between surviving. They raised their glasses to George.

Even though it’s been a year since George’s passing, and half of the block had to relocate due to Hurricane Harvey flooding, the Yarwell Drive Friday night happy hour tradition continues.

Surely from somewhere up above, George and his beloved Rae are smiling down with their cocktail glasses raised, saying, “Cheers to Yarwell Drive!”

Editor’s note: Is your street or block lucky enough to have a George McDowell? If so, we’d love to hear about him or her. Email info@thebuzzmagazines.com or leave a comment under the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com. If you don’t have a George on your street, why not you? You don’t have to have happy hour every Friday night, but gathering information to create a contact sheet is a good way to start. Follow with a once-a-year gathering (maybe the first Tuesday in October for National Night Out), and then you never know! Better have some plastic flamingos standing by just in case.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 25

nurturing young minds emphasis on individuality

respect for students

focusing on academics

Alexander-Smith Academy An extraordinary college preparatory high school

713/266-0920 • www.alexandersmith.com

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Private School Directory F

inding the right fit for your child’s education is vital to academic and personal growth. Buzz-area residents are fortunate in that Houston is home to many of the nation’s top private schools, most of which are located right here in our neighborhoods.

The Buzz Magazines Private School Directory, for Pre-K through post-high school, has been a valuable resource to our residents and readers, both in print and online, for many years.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all private schools. Instead, our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each school, as a starting point in the research process. You can also view this directory online at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory, where you will find links to schools’ websites. Additionally, see our Schools section online for more articles related to schools, and check out our popular School Buzz blog for stories about local high schools written from students’ perspectives.

See thebuzzmagazines.com.

ADVANCE Houston Post-high school (ages 18-26) Co-ed • Est. 2017 3303 Louisiana St., Suite 210, Houston, Texas 77006 832-830-8482 • advancehouston.org Scott Adams, Executive Director Open House Dates: Tours available by request.

Advance Immersive Transition Program is a catalyst for young adults with learning, social, and critical thinking differences as they transition from adolescence to lives of significance and personal accountability. We endeavor to create a program that allows young adults to engage in employment that fulfills and expands their lives, rather than merely accommodating their differences. We provide immersive, real-life experiences where Advance students practice skills that lead to personal, social, and economic independence.

Alexander-Smith Academy High School Co-ed • Est. 1968 10255 Richmond Ave., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77042 713-266-0920 • www.alexandersmith.com Pam Rameau and Margaret Waldner De La Garza, Admissions Open House Dates: TBD, please call.

Alexander-Smith Academy’s mission is to offer a college-preparatory high school education in a relaxed and safe environment. Treating students as young adults fosters graduates who are equipped to lead productive lives. ASA’s primary goal is to create an environment in which each student can acquire the knowledge necessary to develop intellectual maturity. A structured curriculum is fundamental in achieving this goal, as is the unique class size of five to seven students and daily tutorials.

Annunciation Orthodox School Preschool through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1970 3600 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 713-470-5600 • www.aoshouston.org Rob Wise, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Early Childhood, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, 2018, 9 a.m.; Lower School, Sept. 27, Nov. 1, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.; Middle School, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. To schedule other tours, see www.aoshouston.org.

Firmly established almost 50 years ago as The School for Hearts and Minds, we offer an innovative academic curriculum, an open and loving spiritual experience rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, robust fine arts and athletics, extensive extended-day programs, and a joyous parent community.

The Awty International School Early Learning / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Co-ed • Est. 1956 7455 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055 713-580-0579 • www.awty.org Soraya Diaz Tamayo, Director of Enrollment Outreach and Management Open House Dates: Early Learning (PK3/PS-1st/CP), Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.; Lower School (2nd/CE1-5th/CM2), Oct. 19, 9 a.m.; Middle/Upper School (6th/6ème-12th/Tle), Nov. 4, 2 p.m.; French Program (All Grades), Oct. 12, 9 a.m.

The Awty International School, Houston’s premier international school, educates 1,665 students, from PK3/Petite Section through 12th grade/Terminale, to become responsible world citizens. The leader in international education, Awty is a diverse community of students and teachers hailing from over 75 nations.

In the culminating grades, our students pursue either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate. Join us on campus to learn more about Awty!

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 28

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Becker School 15 months through 5 years Co-ed • Est. 1989 1500 Sunset Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005 713-535-6400 • www.emanuelhouston.org Paula Katz, Early Childhood Director Open House Dates: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, 9:30 a.m.

We nurture children to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that respects each child. We believe young children learn best through play and need opportunities to investigate their interests in a meaningful way. We understand that children’s growth and development is enhanced by the respectful, individualized relationships developed between the teachers and parents. Family and community participation are a priority in creating a positive environment for the children and our families.

Beth Yeshurun Day School 15 months through Fifth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1949 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • www.byds.org Lauren Kupor, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 21, 2018, 1:30 p.m.

Beth Yeshurun Day School combines Jewish tradition with innovation to create an extraordinary dual curriculum program where we learn and celebrate together. We love and care about our children – because they are ours. BYDS students develop strong, positive, Jewish identities that prepare them to live as committed, knowledgeable citizens of the world, prepared for their future educational endeavors with the confidence and skills to succeed. Come see why our families choose to “Start Here.”

Bethany Christian School 18 months through age 5 Co-ed • Est. 1967 3223 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77098 713-524-0092 • www.bethanychristian.school Vicki Stone, School Director Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour.

Bethany Christian School is a play-based learning preschool that emphasizes self-esteem, respect and socialization for young children. We promote a positive attitude toward learning in a safe and loving Christian environment for children ages 18 months to 5 years.

The Briarwood School Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1967 12207 Whittington Dr., Houston, Texas 77077 281-493-1070 • www.briarwoodschool.org Debbie Etheridge, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Sept. 13, 2018, 9 a.m., Oct. 11, 9 a.m., Oct. 30, 9 a.m., Nov. 13, 9 a.m., Nov. 29, 9 a.m.

The Briarwood School is one of the premier schools in the country for children with a broad range of learning differences. Our Tuttle School is designed for children with developmental disorders. The goal of Briarwood is to provide a learning environment that fosters the total development of each student and builds academic skills, increases motivation, and bolsters self-esteem. By identifying a child’s learning style, remediating weaknesses, and teaching to strengths, Briarwood provides each child with a solid foundation that serves as the basis for future successes.

British International School of Houston Age 2 through High School Co-ed • Est. 2000 2203 North Westgreen Blvd., Katy, Texas 77449 713-290-9025 • www.bishouston.org Anne-Marie Derry, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: For information sessions, please see the Events page of our website. Tours are given year-round by appointment.

The British International School of Houston offers truly personalized learning adapted to each child’s individual strengths, areas of growth and passions. Learning is further enhanced through collaborations with Juilliard, MIT and UNICEF. Our International Baccalaureate students have achieved an average score of at least 35 points the last five years. We take great joy in developing lifelong learners who are global citizens and capable of shaping the world around them for the better.

Chapelwood School for Young Children Infants though Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1958 11140 Greenbay St., Houston, Texas 77024 713-465-4657 • www.chapelwoodschool.org David Walker, School Director Open House Dates: Oct. 17, 2018, 10 a.m., Nov. 13, 10 a.m., Jan. 24, 2019, 9:30 a.m.

(continued on page 30) MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 29

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(continued from page 29) Children are a gift from God. We build a strong foundation for faith, learning, creativity, community and confidence so that your

children grow confident in God’s love and fully prepared for life.

Crossroads School, Inc. Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1977 5822 Dolores St., Houston, Texas 77057 713-977-1221 • www.crossroadshouston.org Julianne Dishongh, Executive Assistant Open House Dates: Call to schedule a personal tour.

Crossroads School, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit school that prepares students with learning differences (K-12) to integrate into a conventional school or college by facilitating maximum academic and social potential in an emotionally safe and supportive environment. The school employs individualized curriculum, targeted teaching strategies and multi-sensory approaches to learning. Specializing in the education of children with learning differences since 1977, Crossroads accepts students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia, expressive/receptive language disorders, auditory/visual processing disorders and gifted and talented.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Girls • Est. 1960 10202 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-8211 • www.duchesne.org Tony Houle, Head of Admissions and Strategic Imperatives Open House Dates: Nov. 8, 2018, 6 p.m., Jan. 13, 2019, 2 p.m.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is Houston’s only all-girls Pre-K3 through 12th grade college preparatory school. At Duchesne, we help girls seek an active faith, embark on challenging intellectual journeys, put social awareness into forthright action, participate in a vibrant campus community, and develop independence. Our single-sex education ensures that our classes and community offer the support, challenges, and freedom that allow girls to shine.

The Emery/Weiner School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1978 9825 Stella Link Rd., Houston, Texas 77025 832-204-5900 • www.emeryweiner.org Caroline Sarnoff, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Middle School, Nov. 11, 2018, Upper School, Oct. 29, 2018 The Emery/Weiner School is a private, college-preparatory middle and high school offering an exceptional education in a supportive environment, framed by and infused with progressive and pluralistic Judaism. Our unique, inclusive culture values diversity and encourages students to pursue a wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic interests while developing a strong sense of self and community. Small class sizes allow for talented teachers to help students grow in confidence and competence. Emery students graduate with a profound sense of moral self-reliance, empowered to advocate for themselves and others.

Episcopal High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1983 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-512-3400 • www.ehshouston.org Carol Wasden, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Nov. 7, 2018, 7-9 p.m.

From day one, Episcopal High School was designed to be different. A place where students fearlessly test out new waters. Take intellectual risks. Make great leaps of faith. Our curriculum, the Four Pillars, stretches students in bold new directions – academically, artistically, athletically, and spiritually. At EHS, students uncover their God-given gifts and discover their purpose along the way. Because we believe that when you know who you are and what you’re capable of, you can do extraordinary things.

The Fay School Primary / Elementary School Co-ed • Est. 1991 105 Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-681-8300 • www.thefayschool.org Allison Teare, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 24 and Dec. 5, 2018, 9 a.m., Jan. 23, 2019, 9 a.m.

The Fay School is a nonsectarian, not-for-profit, co-educational school in which children of diverse talents and backgrounds with average to above average academic abilities are offered a high-quality education in a secure, nurturing, and academically challenging environment. Here children learn and grow intellectually, physically, socially, ethically, and artistically while developing self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning through an active partnership among educators, parents, and students.

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First Baptist Academy 6 weeks through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1998 7450 Memorial Woods Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-290-2500 • www.fbahouston.org Mary Torregrossa, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Call or go online to schedule a tour. PreK-8th Grade Preview, Oct. 24, 2018, Jan. 28, 2019; Early Childhood Preview, Oct. 26, 2018, Jan. 24, 2019 First Baptist Academy’s mission is to equip students with the Truth of God’s word while developing their character, intellect, and potential to explore, create, challenge, and lead. The Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS) accredits First Baptist Academy. ISAS membership provides FBA with high-level networking, benchmarking, and professional development with the top schools in Houston and the country.

Gateway Academy Grades 6-12 Co-ed • Est. 2006 3721 Dacoma St., Houston, Texas 77092 713-659-7900 • thegatewayacademy.org Michele Joseph, Head of School Open House Dates: Tours available by request.

Gateway Academy serves 6th-12th-grade students with social and academic challenges through innovative approaches to learning, physical fitness, and social awareness. Our graduates face a changing world with self-advocacy, opening a path to personal significance in college, career, and community.

Grace School 20 months through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1975 10219 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, Texas 77042 713-782-4421 • www.graceschool.org Nicole Humlicek, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Sept. 26, 2018, 9 a.m., Jan. 23, 2019, 9 a.m.

Grace School’s mission is to provide a rigorous educational program that embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ in a safe and inclusive environment. Our vision is to inspire compassionate, thoughtful students eager to engage in the world around them.

Houston Christian High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1997 2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy. N, Houston, Texas 77043 713-580-6020 • www.houstonchristian.org Anne Dalton, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 1, 2018, 7 p.m., Nov. 5, 2018, 7 p.m.

Houston Christian is an exemplary, college preparatory high school providing outstanding academic and leadership programs aimed at preparing each student for collegiate study and beyond. HC offers a distinctive curriculum and a spiritual focus, all while giving students the opportunity to compete and perform in award-winning sports and fine arts programs. Located in the heart of Houston’s growing west side, HC is housed on a 45-acre collegiate-styled campus.

Incarnate Word Academy High School Girls • Est. 1873 609 Crawford St., Houston, Texas 77002 713-227-3637 • www.incarnateword.org Kate O’Brien, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Nov. 4, 2018, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Incarnate Word Academy, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women, is uniquely situated in downtown Houston. For the past 145 years, IWA has empowered Women of the Word with a rigorous education rooted in academics, values, and spirituality. IWA is home to the innovative Young Leaders Program, a four-year character and leadership development curriculum that develops in-demand leadership skills built upon a foundation of strong personal character.

Lutheran High North High School Co-ed • Est. 1980 1130 W. 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018 713-880-3131 • www.lutheranhighnorth.org Kendra Benson, Admissions and Marketing Open House Dates: Please call to schedule a private tour or visit us at one of our Open House events. Friday Night Lights Open House, Oct. 12. School tours at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. with kickoff at 7 p.m. LHN Preview Brunches, Oct. 25, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 15, 9-11 a.m. (continued on page 32) MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 31

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(continued from page 31) Lutheran High North has a rich history of preparing and equipping students to become Christian leaders in their communities and

places of vocation. Many opportunities exist at LHN, both academically and within the different extracurricular activities, which help to promote and develop our students' leadership qualities. At LHN, we are proud to claim that Every Day is a Great Day to Be a Lion!

Memorial Private School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 2004 14333 Fern Dr., Houston, Texas 77079 281-759-2288 • www.memorialprivateschool.com Pamela Camp, Admissions Open House Dates: By appointment Our school builds confidence, enabling students to achieve their dreams. The small teacher-to-student ratio, structured classroom settings, numerous school activities and college preparatory curriculum make our school great. The typical student enjoys smaller group settings and wants a faith-based school. We maintain a 60-student maximum. High achieving students find a peaceful environment and those who also have learning issues make great strides in their academics. Accredited by SACS.

Pines Presbyterian Preschool 18 months through Kindergarten Co-ed • Est. 1970 12751 Kimberley Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-467-9358 • www.pinespresbyterianpreschool.com Connie Pike, Executive Director Open House Dates: 18 months through age 4, Jan. 30, 2019, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge Class and Kindergarten, Jan. 31, 2019, 7-8 p.m.

We are committed to teaching the whole child. Our curriculums are age appropriate and holistic, so that children learn life skills as well as academics.

Children discover Christian faith through an atmosphere of love and concern. Our goals are to support each child in early development so he or she can become a confident, self-sufficient and caring individual.

The Post Oak School 14 months through High School Co-ed • Est. 1963 4600 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 1010 Autrey St., Houston, Texas 77006 713-661-6688 • www.postoakschool.org Ashley Krug, Admission Director Open House Dates: YCC through Elementary, Nov. 8, 2018, Jan. 15, 2019; High School, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 6, 2018, Feb. 5, 2019 Post Oak offers a comprehensive education from infancy through high school. Students at each level benefit from carefully prepared environments grounded in Montessori principles, fostering lifelong independence, compassion, and collaboration beginning in early childhood. Our second campus for middle and high school students accesses partner institutions in the Museum District, Texas Medical Center, and downtown. All students in Grades 11 and 12 participate in the International Baccalaureate diploma program, complementing our unique student-centered approach.

Presbyterian School Early Childhood / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1988 5300 Main St., Houston, Texas 77004 713-520-0284 • www.pshouston.org Kristin Brown, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Open House Dates: Early Childhood/Lower School, Oct. 17, 2018, 6 p.m.; Middle School, Nov. 14, 2018, 6 p.m.

At Presbyterian School, taking risks is in our DNA. It’s at the heart of the learning experience because it’s risky to try something you’ve never done; it’s risky to ask for help; and it’s risky to fail and then to learn from that failure over and over again. At PS, missing the mark doesn’t end the learning process; it pushes it forward. As Nelson Mandela shared, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

Rainard School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1986 11059 Timberline Rd., Houston, Texas 77043 713-647-7246 • www.rainard.org April Finch, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Sept. 25, 2018, Oct. 23, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Inspiring joy in learning, Rainard is Houston’s only school dedicated to gifted education. Our educators create a personalized curriculum that is uniquely suited to the needs of children who have been identified as academically gifted. As a result, bright students thrive in an inclusive and rigorous school environment.

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Co-ed • Est. 1955 2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, Texas 77027 713-623-6938 • www.robs.org Kristin Poe, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Preschool and Lower School, Oct. 4, 2018; Middle School, Nov. 8, 2018 ROBS melds ambitious academics with abiding Christian values, preparing students to identify and solve nuanced problems in an ever-changing world. Through our student-centered approach, ROBS will challenge your child to be the example of an eager mind guided by a faithful heart. Our graduates become leaders in Houston’s top high schools, premier boarding schools, and beyond. If your hopes for your child include intellectual curiosity and a strong moral compass, come visit us.

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School K-Bridge / Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1955 4900 Jackwood St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-3111 • www.stes.org Danny Kahalley, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Kindergarten and Lower School, Sept. 26, 2018, 9:30-11 a.m.; Middle School and Upper School, Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m.

Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating its 64th year as a Kindergarten-Bridge through 12th grade Christian college preparatory school offering a classical education. STE students have won recent state and national awards in soccer, swimming, cross country, orchestra, choir, and yearbook.

We also offer a world-renowned Scottish Arts program that includes Highland dance, bagpiping, and drumming. Graduates attend universities throughout the nation, with recent acceptances from Yale, Stanford, Dartmouth, Cornell, Rice, UC Berkeley, NYU, and Carnegie Mellon. STE is rated the 2019 #1 Best Christian High School in Houston by Niche.

School of the Woods Preschool / Pre-K / Elementary School / Woods Middle School / Woods High School Co-ed • Est. 1962 1321 Wirt Rd., Houston, Texas 77055 713-686-8811 • www.schoolofthewoods.org Sara Sornson, Admissions/Registrar Open House Dates: Nov., 2018, and Jan., 2019. Call the office for dates or to schedule an appointment for a tour.

School of the Woods offers a continuum of Montessori education for pre-school through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. It is an independent, non-sectarian, Texas non-profit corporation. Founded in 1962, Woods Middle School was established in 1985, and Woods High School in 1999. The school provides an educational program proven and strengthened through more than five decades of successful experience. Applications are accepted at any time.

Second Baptist School Pre-K through 12 Co-ed • Est. 1946 6410 Woodway Dr., Houston, Texas 77057 713-365-2310 • secondbaptistschool.org Andrea Prothro, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Please visit secondbaptistschool.org/visit for information on tours and events for prospective families.

The mission of Second Baptist School is to train students in areas of knowledge that will allow them to understand clearly, to think deeply, to judge wisely, and to have the courage to live their lives on the great principles and convictions of Biblical truth as they engage an innovative and digitally based global community.

The Shlenker School Pre-K / Elementary School Co-ed • Est. 1982 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 713-270-6127 • www.shlenker.org Tara Gassett, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 23, 2018, 9 a.m.

Families choose The Shlenker School because of the school’s commitment to an outstanding secular education with integrated Jewish learning and values. We provide an outstanding education that prepares our students for the next stage of their academic life. We foster the whole child in a developmentally appropriate learning environment that is nurturing and challenging. When you visit, meet our faculty, and speak with Shlenker parents, you will understand why Shlenker graduates have become scholars, professionals, and leaders within and beyond our community.

St. Anne Catholic School Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1930 2120 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77098 713-526-3279 • www.stannecs.org Danielle Aleman, Director of Advancement and Admissions Open House Dates: Tours each Thursday, 9:30 a.m., throughout the school year (continued on page 34) MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 33

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(continued from page 33) Since 1930, St. Anne Catholic School has been committed to teaching the Basilian philosophy of “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline,

and Knowledge,” in a nurturing environment. The St. Anne philosophy embraces the uniqueness of the whole child and celebrates the diversity of the student body. In collaboration with the family as a partner, St. Anne endeavors to provide an opportunity for the optimal growth of each child, while celebrating our Catholic heritage.

St. Cecilia Catholic School Pre-K3 through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1958 11740 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-9515 • www.saintceciliacatholicschool.org Jeff Matthews, Principal Open House Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 Our mission at St. Cecilia Catholic School is the ongoing Catholic formation and education of the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit, in preparation for an adult life of commitment and service.

St. Francis Episcopal School Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / High School (opened 2018) Co-ed • Est. 1952 335 Piney Point Rd., Houston, Texas 77024 713-458-6100 • www.stfrancishouston.org Steven Scales, Interim Head of Admissions Open House Dates: Admissions Group Tours: Primary School, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.; Sept. 28, Oct. 18, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.; Lower and Middle School, Oct. 14, 1-3 p.m.; Nov. 1, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.; Upper School, Oct. 14, Nov. 4, 3 p.m.; most Wednesdays, 9 a.m., October-April Founded in 1952, St. Francis combines rigorous academics and thoughtful religious instruction with competitive athletics, superb fine arts, advanced technological instruction, and compassionate service learning to create a truly inspired education. Mission: In the Anglican tradition, St. Francis Episcopal School challenges and motivates students in an academically and spiritually stimulating environment to become imaginative, critical thinkers and people for others. Cornerstones: Faith, Dignity, Courage, Scholarship.

St. Mark Lutheran Church and School Infants / Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1949 1515 Hillendahl Blvd., Houston, Texas 77055 713-468-2623 • www.gostmark.org Gabriella Gonzalez, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: PS-8th, Nov. 7, 2018, 9 a.m., March 6, 2019, 5:30 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran School has integrated Christian principles and values with a demanding academic curriculum since 1949. Students benefit from high academic standards, competitive athletics, computer-assisted learning including a 1:1 iPad program for 5-8th grades, and diverse fine arts opportunities.

Our dedicated teachers know their students personally and give them the guidance, encouragement and challenges they need to realize their full potential.

St. Mark’s Episcopal School Early Childhood / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1960 3816 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77025 713-667-7030 • www.stmes.org Amanda Grace, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Oct. 24 and Nov. 7, 2018, 6 p.m.

The community of St. Mark's Episcopal School celebrates the uniqueness of each child. We are stewards of our students' intellectual curiosity, faith, and passion for discovery. We cultivate joy, playfulness, and growth in a child-centered environment.

St. Michael Catholic School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1954 1833 Sage Rd., Houston, Texas 77056 713-621-6847 • www.stmichaelcs.org Tana Adamo, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 5, 2018, 9:30 a.m.

Established in 1954, St. Michael Catholic School integrates faith and knowledge in the tradition of providing a Catholic education to boys and girls from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. We educate the whole person, promoting growth and development of the mind, body and spirit. We take pride in the history of our Catholic beliefs, while cultivating the values of faith, conscience, scholarship, and service to empower our students to be leaders and good stewards of the community.

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Co-ed • Est. 1956 811 W. Donovan St., Houston, Texas 77091 713-692-3581 • www.stpiusx.org Jeff Guedry, Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 17, 2018 St. Pius X is Houston's premier co-ed Catholic high school. Founded in 1956 by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, SPX is recognized for its strong academic programs, its tradition of champions in athletics and fine arts, and its wide range of co-curricular activities. Education at SPX is rooted in the Four Pillars of the Dominican charism – Prayer, Study, Community and Preaching. St. Pius X is a welcoming community that embraces diversity.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1971 1800 Sul Ross St., Houston, Texas 77098 713-821-9100 • ssesh.org Office of Campus Life Open House Dates: Tour dates are 9 a.m., Oct. 4, Nov. 8, Dec. 6, 2018; Jan. 11, Feb. 7, Mar. 1, Apr. 4, May 9, 2019.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School educates students 15 months-8th grade using the curricula of Montessori and IMYC with a fully integrated and robust fine arts program. At St. Stephen’s, students are valued for who they are. We are a proud progressive Episcopal school, rooted in our values, accepting families of all faiths, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our students approach challenges from multiple perspectives and have the confidence to question, create and contribute, ultimately matriculating to Houston’s finest private and public high schools.

St. Thomas High School College Preparatory Boys • Est. 1900 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007 713-864-6348 • www.sths.org Maxwell Holmes, Admissions and Recruiting Open House Date: Dec. 9, 2018, 1-4 p.m.

St. Thomas High School is a Catholic college-preparatory institution that places students in top universities within Texas, nationally and abroad.

With more than 100 years of teaching tradition, the Basilian Fathers’ sacred mission of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge continues to inspire faith-filled, lifelong learners who think critically, communicate effectively and prepare thoroughly to excel personally and professionally. A man of St. Thomas actively serves his community and integrates Christian morality into all aspects of his life.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1943 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77025 713-666-2345 • www.saintvincentschool.org Renee McCurry, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 7, 2018, 2:30 p.m.; Nov. 11, 2018, 2:30 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School is a 2016 Blue Ribbon and fully accredited school. Its mission is to develop students to their fullest potential in an environment permeated with Gospel values.

Trafton Academy Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1973 4711 McDermed Dr., Houston, Texas 77035 713-723-5888 • www.trafton.org Yvonne Cosgrove, Admissions Director Open House Dates: (Prospective Parent Coffees) Upper Elementary-Middle, Oct. 18; Pre-K, Kinder, Grades 1-3, Oct. 19; All Grades, Nov. 9, 2018 Trafton Academy provides the environment and opportunity for the maturation of each child into a well-adjusted adult, equipped to succeed in the world in which we live. Education is student-centered; each child is recognized as an individual with unique interests, needs, and abilities. Students learn most effectively in low student-teacher ratio environment, and class sizes do not exceed twenty students. The staff is dedicated to cultivating a love-of-learning in students while helping them develop organizational skills, a strong work ethic, team spirit, discipline, and self-worth.

Veritas Christian Academy of Houston Preschool / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 2002 7000 Ferris St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-773- 9605 • www.veritasca.org Zachary Villafuerte, Director of Admissions and Communication Open House Dates: Oct. 4, 2018, 9 a.m., Jan, 10, 2019, 9 a.m.

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(continued from page 35) Veritas is an independent Christian school in the classical tradition that prepares students for lives of service and learning through

academic excellence, character development, Biblical literacy, and intentional engagement opportunities.

The Village School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1966 2005 Gentryside Dr., Houston, Texas 77077 281-496-7900 • www.thevillageschool.com Jen McMahon, Director of Admissions Open House Date: STEAM Day, all-school open house, Nov. 8, 2018 The Village School has a tradition of a rigorous curriculum and a highly personalized learning approach. Located in the energy corridor, its student body represents more than 60 countries and six continents. It's known for its excellence in math and science, and recently announced a new collaboration with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which will enhance its widely recognized STEAM curriculum. The Village School is a proud member of the Nord Anglia Education’s network of schools. Limited placements for Preschool 2s through grade 12. An International Baccalaureate School.

West U Baptist: A Children’s Village Preschool 6 months through Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1997 6218 Auden St., Houston, Texas 77005 713-667-5180 • www.wubc.org/acv Patina Sehorn, School Director Open House Dates: Please call for Open House information.

A Children's Village is a licensed Preschool/Mother’s Day Out program for children ages 6 months (by Sept. 1) through pre-K. We offer differentiated curriculum adopted from two popular programs: FunShine Express and Mother Goose Time. These are aligned to Texas State Standards and provide activities that support cognitive, motor, language, social, and emotional development. They also include faith-based lessons – Experience God & Faith Lesson – that link directly to the monthly themes. These lessons are consistent with the Christian principles of West U Baptist.

Westbury Christian School Pre-K3 through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 1975 10420 Hillcroft St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-551-8100 • www.westburychristian.org Michael D. White, School Director Open House Dates: Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, 2018, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, 2019, all 8:40-10 a.m.

Westbury Christian School exists in order to provide each student with the opportunity to acknowledge and respond through faith to the word of God while participating in an educational program that stresses academic, social, emotional and physical development.

Western Academy Elementary School / Middle School Boys • Est. 2010 1511 Butlercrest St., Houston, Texas 77080 713-461- 7000 • www.westernacademy.net John G. Power IV, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 28, 2018, 2-5 p.m.

Western Academy is a private, independent, liberal arts, lower and middle school for boys. Through personal attention and dedicated effort, teachers foster a genuine passion for learning and provide an integrated education, assisting parents in developing the whole person: intellectual, moral, physical and spiritual. With a spirit of adventure and freedom, students are encouraged to approach their academic work with professional excellence and to strive in the life of virtue.

Yorkshire Academy Preschool through Elementary School Co-ed • Est. 1984 14120 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77079 281-531-6088 • www.yorkshireacademy.com Janet Howard, Principal Open House Dates: Jan. 24, 2019, 5-7 p.m.

Yorkshire Academy, a private school located in the Memorial area, was established in 1984, with its primary goal being to create an environment in which children can develop to their fullest potential at their own individual rate. Students range in age from 18 months to Grade 5. Yorkshire’s extensive afterschool enrichment program offers classes as diverse as coding, yoga, chess, piano, tae kwon do and dozens more. Its summer program consists of academics, over 50 enrichment camps, theme-based camps for little ones, and full time care. These programs are open to the community, and attract families from all over the Houston area. Yorkshire invites you to visit to see for yourself why its tagline, “A Little School Making a Big Impact,” rings so true.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 36

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 37

www.vbaf.com • Family Owned Since 1952

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MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 39

NEIGHBORS

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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Rumor Has It Pursue Peru. Ally Daum was ready to do the ultimate Peru hiking trip when her parents, Dr. Claire and Donald Daum, decided to check it off their bucket list too and tag along but skip the demanding hiking part. Ally hiked from Agua Calientes to Machu Picchu mountain, which overlooks the Inca ruins, while Claire and Donald took the bus up to the front gates. Part of the adventure was the native food. They ate a delicacy, barbecued guinea pig, and nibbled on alpaca, which is similar to a tough chicken.

Who could resist a sample of Tequila Serpentine, a tequila with four snakes floating in it that is reputed to be an aphrodisiac? Their mild altitude sickness was resolved within hours with coca tea and more liquids.

Traveling friends. Roz and Byron Cooley and Kathy and Will Wiener have shared four adventures together, including their summertime 12-day Rhine and Moselle river cruise. It started in Basel, Switzerland, and continued through Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Cochem and Trier and ended in Amsterdam. They toured numerous fairy-tale castles (including Heidelberg and Reichsburg Castle, which was the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle) and rode bikes along the Rhine through Moselle Valley, sampling wine at a family winery. A wow moment was seeing the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique rock formations and a microclimate, from a chairlift above. Maybe you will be lucky to partake in the Swiss and Dutch chocolates and fabulous cheeses they brought back to Houston.

Famous students. Teachers Mary Reed and Charles Reed returned from a nine-day tour of Italy and Switzerland with 20 Memorial High School students (and nine other adults). They visited The Colosseum in Rome and had a memorable dinner at the Stadtkeller in Lucerne, Switzerland, where they fondued with cheese and chocolate parcels and were stopped by a group of Chinese tourists. They asked if they could take a photo with the students, who were mostly girls. The girls were flattered by the “unexpected paparazzi,” and the tourists were thrilled.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 40

ROME-ING Students and teachers from Memorial explore the Roman Colosseum. In front: Cinco Sturges. Front row, from left: Jett Gealy, Alexander Lincoln, Elizabeth Dunn, Peyton Mitchell, Maclane Masraff, Grace Wilson, Lala Garofalo. Second row, from left: teacher Mary Reed, Lindy Haas, PK Raines. Top row, from left: teacher Charles Reed, Chase Scarborough, Gabby Garofalo, Kate Weinstein, Lissy Sturges, Maddie Luther, Alexandra Pappas, Madeline Dukes, Hannah Schweitzer, Morgan Matheny, Emma Buesinger, Claire Christman.

A fish story. Alexandra “Alex” and Casey Loyd, with daughters Emerson and Abby Loyd, and friends Tracey and Andy Hull, with daughters Caroline and Margaret, found respite from the heat in northwest Montana, Noxon, specifically. Although the Hulls visited for a week, the Loyds spent three weeks, as they also visited Bill Rosch, Alex’s dad. They stayed in the cabin he built in 1993 that borders a national forest and has a river view. Wifi is spotty and cell phone has nil service – the perfect opp to fish, hike, swim, canoe and watch the stars late at night and over a dozen bald eagles during the day. Alex’s trip trophy was a 28-inch Northern Pike fish she caught. Since the sun doesn’t go down until 11, happy hour on the front porch lasts quite a while, as they listen to the rippling river and watch the girls experience nature.

Hairsprayed. There could not be a friendlier crowd than at Legacy Community Health 17th annual Hairspray-themed drag show. The performance at Rich’s was cheered by an enthusiastic audience. Co-chairs Tony Bravo and Yvonne Cormier, in a retro black dress with a pink ’do, and honorees Linda Cantu, in a yellow boa, and Ben Dillon were thrilled at the full house. “Ms. Mint Julep” Amy Ayers, “Mr. Mint Julep” Jim Sikorski and “Miss Mint Julep” the Montrose Softball League

Association were ever so stylish. Wild fans were Leticia Lowe, Cyndy Garza-Roberts, Diane Frels and Belinda Rowell. No one’s hair moved.

Lake Travis making waves. Lucille and Morris Fendley, with daughter Brooke, helped their son/brother Hunter and wife Melissa celebrate their two-year anniversary.

The Houston Fendleys cruised Lake Travis on Hunter and Melissa's MasterCraft boat at their Lakeway home and relished Hunter's barbecue Tomahawk steaks. The day ended with fireworks over the lake.

Art, fashion, food and sports.

Conversations on all subjects will be heard at the wildly fun Art of Conversation lunch Nov 5. to benefit City ArtWorks. The Junior League of Houston will be filled as Houston celebrities and leaders talk with their fans and co-chairs Greg Fourticq, John Cone and Nancy Marcus Golden announce their names. April Gauss, longtime supporter and former director of City ArtWorks, will be honored. See cityartworks.org or call Melissa Belcher at 713-681-1331 for tickets.

MORE ONLINE See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for additional photos. Have some good news to share?

Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 41

KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Lunch ideas

Buzz Baby is a column about life with little ones.

Writer Annie McQueen has three children under the age of 4.

W

ith school back in session, so are lunches for babies and toddlers in daycare or preschool. Are you at a dead end on creative and healthy ideas? I hear parents say it seems as if they pack the same thing over and over again.

I have struggled with this myself, having three small children. I have learned that (and this might be obvious to others) on the mornings that their neatly packed lunches have spent the night before in the refrigerator, the morning is calmer. If I pack their lunches the night before, I can take my time, get creative with new ideas and even write a note to put inside.

On the mornings I wait to pack their lunches (and have fibbed to myself the night before that I’ll wake up “extra early”– even before the kids – to get their school bags ready), I am scrambling.

We are late, and it’s generally more stressful.

My favorite lunch items are applesauce pouches, quesadillas, chicken salad with crackers, pasta with butter, cut-up strawberries and sandwiches made from peanut-free SunButter and honey cut into shapes. I ordered some cute sandwich cutters on Amazon in the shape of dolphins, trains, stars and hearts. It makes a mundane PB&J a little more fun.

Other Buzz parents are happy to share their favorite go-to lunch items.

Leah Schmalz, an executive assistant for an oil and gas company, has two kids, June, 2, and Teague, 8 months. She says that she “definitely” likes to pack their lunches the night before.

“Between my ravenous toddler and balancing nursing my growing boy – while practicing babyled weaning – I think all I do is go to the grocery store, breastfeed, pack lunches and feed my kids.

It’s my real full-time job,” she said, laughing.

Leah packs her kids’ lunches in a Yumbox, a reusable and washable bento-box container with compartments. She often packs sliced turkey, wheat thins and cracker-sized cheddar (that she finds at Trader Joe’s), along with fruits like raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries, grapes, MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 42

and cubed watermelon.

She also likes to pack guacamole, hummus, applesauce, yogurt, cheese sticks, Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, pretzel sticks, kale bites, chicken salad, mini pancakes, dry cereal, sandwich triangles and cucumber and ranch. Leah says she receives feedback from her kids’ teachers, which helps. “Sometimes their teacher will tell me they didn’t WHAT A LUNCH Harrison Po, 3, is lucky to have a creative lunch-making mom (Grace), who prepares tempting plates of sous vide steak, oven fries, steamed broclike something I coli, berries, edamame crisps and chocolate caramel pretzels. packed.” lunches too. “I have more control of the texture Teague is still a baby, so she packs him an ageand the ratio of veggies to fruit,” she says. appropriate lunch. “Teague gets a combo of bot“When [Harrison] was ready for solids, we tles of pumped breastmilk and also three of steamed or cooked down fruits and veggies and either mashed bananas, mashed avocado, used a stick blender and blended until smooth. mashed sweet potato, yogurt, puffs, apple-sauce No need for a special baby food maker.” pouches and spinach kale bites,” says Leah.

Other parents like to pack cubed cheese and Grace Po, a retail manager and mother of two cubed turkey, which you can request to be sliced (Harrison, 3, and Eleanor, 6 months) packs at the deli counter. Since delis use large slicers Harrison’s lunch the night before school. Grace with adjustable settings, they can cut products as and her husband Justin use a PlanetBox, a dividthin or as thick as you’d like. A good number is 5. ed, stainless-steel lunchbox (with an Instagram Another tip I have heard is, if you’re preparfeed full of photos of beautiful lunches, if you ing lunch for your toddler the night before, preneed inspiration). “I like the bento-style that pare a larger portion for yourself if you’re on-themakes packing lunch less of a chore,” says Grace. go during the day, too.

“I love seeing how colorful everything is when One parent says she just packs her toddler’s we're done packing lunch, and it's easy to make lunch with leftovers from dinner the night sure there is always a serving of fruit and veggies.” before. This mom’s take on that idea: genius.

Eleanor is still just 6 months old, so she doesn’t get any solids packed. “She is in daycare, and she just takes pumped breastmilk at the moment. She For more back-to-school meal inspiration, see is a few days shy of 6 months, so we are about to What's For Dinner? School-night suppers by start making some purées though,” says Grace.

Jennifer Oakley, from the August 2018 issue, at Grace prepared her own baby food for thebuzzmagazines.com.

Harrison and plans to for Eleanor’s school

MORE ONLINE

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TRAVEL

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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Lens on the Hill Country

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ike Marvins was only a year old when he went on his first Hill Country jaunt. He doesn’t remember that first visit, but he will never forget his second. He was 10 when his parents, Sonia and Kaye Marvins, changed his life by sending him to a summer camp near Wimberley.

“The first time I went to the Hill Country, I had never been out in the woods. I had never ridden a horse, I had never been swimming in a river, and never slept out under the stars or seen animals and critters in the wild. But after a nearly (in those days) seven-hour bus ride from Houston,... within 45 minutes of arrival we were swimming in the cold, clear Blanco River. For me, it was life changing.”

His family was just following a time-honored Houston tradition.

“The summer camps began in the 1920s,” said Marvins, who would come to know the Hill Country inside and out in the years ahead. “In Houston it was hot, humid and full of mosquitoes, and the wealthier families would buy ranches or build homes up in the Hill Country, where it was cooler and there were beautiful rivers to swim in. The summer camps and a lot of those families have been there for four generations.”

Marvins, a fourth-generation professional photographer and author, has distilled his accumulated years of wanderings in an upcoming book, The Texas Hill Country: A Photographic Adventure, with all Marvins’ proceeds to benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Marvins agreed to give a sneak preview to Buzz readers (all photos in this article are from his book).

Eager to find a way to extend his connection to the Hill Country when his years at camp came to an end, he became a camp counselor at 16.

“On the weekends when they were changing over the campers, the staff would take off and explore all the backroads,” he recalls. “We would just sleep out under the stars; we didn’t have any camping equipment or any money.

We’d just take our blankets and a bunch of food and head out in our cars and go to all these places that are famous today.”

“There were mandatory stops at our favorite beer gardens for a Shiner and sausage. No ID

CULTURE MEETS NATURE Top photo: Closeup action at the annual Slick Rock Challenge Rodeo, Rocksprings, Texas. Bottom: Fall on the crystal clear Sabinal River.

checks then. And there were those good German bakeries in Fredericksburg and New Braunfels.

Swimming in Wimberley’s famous and frigid Blue

Hole and Jacob’s Well were a must. Long weekends carried us to the legendary Saturday night dances at Garner State Park or concerts in Gruene

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or a game of nine-pin bowling at Fischer Store.

Everything was still there and is in the book.”

Later on, after he graduated from college and finished his service in the army, he came back to Houston and served as a scout leader, taking the boys up to the Hill Country every chance he got, even in the winter, to camp out. And, as a photographer, the Texas Professional Photographers Association gave him another excuse to head for the hills with its annual convention in the Hill Country.

But his long love affair with the region was only that – until Hurricane Ike finally pushed him to make a commitment.

“My son, Casey, went to camp in the Hill Country. And even though it was off season, his camp called and said anyone who wanted to evacuate Houston was welcome to come up and stay,” he recalls. “My wife and I looked at each other – and we didn’t go, but we said: ‘You know what, we’re going to either buy or build a house in the Hill Country.’”

And 12 years ago, they did just that, on a beautiful stretch of the Guadalupe River, right in the middle of his old stomping grounds between Hunt and Ingram. It’s only a mile and a half from the place his mother stayed when he was a year old. The location couldn’t be more convenient, he says, just 45 minutes from Concan and Garner State Park, 25 minutes from Fredericksburg and 30 minutes from Bandera.

“It’s really neat – we’ll say, oh, let’s go to Bandera for dinner and a rodeo tonight. It’s just as easy as getting across Houston. You just have to be sure you don’t hit a deer on the way back.”

Now he and his wife, Mickey, stay all summer and other times throughout the rest of the year, exploring the backroads and little towns, attending county fairs, rodeos, dance halls and festivals and a whole range of events and places that many people don’t even know exist. Mike’s new book shares those places and experiences with readers and invites them to take their own journeys.

The idea for the book came from a trip down one of those byroads, when he went to look in on the camp he attended as a child. “I knew it had been sold many years ago, but I went by to see the place where it had been,” he recalled. “It was now a small development, but the river was just like it was many, many years ago when I first saw it. That’s when I decided to go back and photograph all the places that I’d gone to when I was a teenager. Surprisingly, many of the places were still the same – and some were much better. Best of all, the beauty and serenity of the Hill Country is still there to enjoy.”

Asked his photographer’s advice for taking pictures in the Hill Country, Mike says he photographs whatever catches his eye.

“Even if I go to the same places time and time again – Fredericksburg, Concan, Kerrville, a rodeo or my favorite state park – I stop and look around and see what’s going on. That includes not only the whole scene but the small, beautiful details as well. You will see a lot of that in the Hill Country book. A (continued on page 46)

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES Top photo: Morning peach harvest, Stonewall, Texas. Middle: Onion Creek at McKinney Falls State Park. Bottom: A lazy afternoon in Luckenbach, Texas.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 45

mikemarvins.com

mikemarvins.com mikemarvins.com

VISTAS OF WONDER Top left photo: Axis deer, West Kerr County. Right: On the trail at Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool, Texas. Bottom left: Amazing Texas 336, one of the famous Twisted Sisters roads near Leakey, Texas. (continued from page 45) quote by photographer

Paul Caponigro that I always have in the back of my mind says it all: ‘The key is to let the camera reveal not just what the eye picks up but what the heart picks up as well.’”

Get off of your own beaten trail, he suggests; take the time to explore some new destinations, and all the spaces in between.

Another tip is to go during different seasons; most people tend to go during the summer, but each of the seasons has its own charm – spring with its burst of wildflowers, fall with the changing colors, winter with the Trail of Lights, the Hill Country’s name for the extravagant bursts of holiday cheer in each town throughout the region. And all year round, festivals and events without end – easily found on websites like hillcountryportal.com or texashillcountry.com, or, better yet, the websites of the towns themselves.

“What Mickey and I do the most is just drive around,” he said. “There are just a few major roads in the Hill Country; I-10 goes through, but it really skirts all the towns. Once you get off 110 on those little backroads, all the original little German farm roads, that’s where you see all the amazing scenery and rivers, old farm houses, stone fences and even exotic wildlife from MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 46

Africa and Asia.”

Plus, he added, there are country cafes, dozens of wineries, antique stores, and scores of old historic markers.

“The Hill Country was one of the first places in the country where they brought exotics over from Africa and Asia for hunting purposes,” he said. “You can be on the backroads and see zebras and all kinds of antelopes – they’re all fenced in, but they’re still all over the place.”

He was riding around a few months ago, he said, looking for a good sunrise, and was amazed to see a magnificent herd of at least 75 Axis deer peacefully grazing in a field. That photograph, of course, is in the book.

Most of the book was just born of serendipitous rambling. But one theme kept coming up that inspired some deeper digging, and that was the story of the original German settlers, whose descendants still populate the region by the thousands. In making photographs, he’d start talking with the residents and find that their great-greatgrandparents were among the first Europeans to settle those lands, and that they were basically pioneers – German settlers fleeing civil war and persecution at a time when Germany’s aristocracy was resisting any serious reform.

This early German settlement has shaped the character of the Hill Country in some colorful and surprisingly authentic ways. Many of the communities founded by the German settlers in the 1850s are still intact and thriving – not just Fredericksburg and New Braunfels but Comfort, with its one hundred-plus historic buildings, and Luckenbach, the “Texas Outlaw Music capital of the world.”

The Texas Hill Country: A Photographic Adventure is due for release on Oct. 11 by Texas A&M Press. The book launch is Oct. 25 at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center in Kerrville. On Oct. 27-28 he will be signing books at the Texas Book Festival on the Capitol grounds in Austin.

It will be in bookstores and can be preordered now (mikemarvins.com).

The book, which includes contributions by Houston Chronicle columnist and editorial writer Joe Holley and the Harry Ransom Center’s Roy Flukinger, will undoubtedly bring back memories for many and inspire travel plans for many more.

So now it’s time to grab your own camera, head for the hills and make some memories of your own.

Editor’s note: Read more about the Hill Country on page 10.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 47

FOOD

The Junior League of Houston

by Jayne Sheehy Johnston, contributing writer

Cooking Buzz Preschool sous chefs Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.

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s a mother of two young children, ages 6 and 3, a lot of my day revolves around food – preschoolers and kindergartners are obsessed with eating (or asking for food and then not eating it). Parents and caregivers devote significant energy to grocery-store trips, planning meals, opening snacks, cooking and precise plating for those kids who don’t like foods to touch! Since this is such a big part of our daily schedule, we have made an effort to enjoy making meals together when we can.

Dining out with children is always an adventure, so we eat at home often. Fortunately, Houston has wonderful grocery stores, many of which make shopping fun and convenient with little ones. My kids are excited to pick out their favorite color grocery cart, sample a tortilla or put their snack on the conveyor belt at checkout. Short trips to the grocery store for key items keep everyone happy, and I also rely on grocery delivery for those days when no one wants to leave the house. I find that my children are much more interested in eating food that they help choose, so I involve them.

Another easy way to get children excited about eating is the time-tested trick of serving breakfast for dinner. German Apple Pancakes from Stop and Smell the Rosemary are a big hit for all ages; my kids love to help measure out the dry ingredients and start the food processor.

Sifting powdered sugar on top is the highlight – particularly since it requires no precise measurement. The Brown Sugar Bacon Twists from Peace Meals are the perfect pairing, with sugar and cinnamon for the kids and brown sugar and pepper for the adults.

Teriyaki Sirloin Kabobs from Stop and Smell the Rosemary are another dinner favorite. I let the beef marinate overnight, and kids can make their own skewers the next afternoon, counting and making patterns as we go. Kabobs are obviously customizable, so we have been known to put chicken nuggets, fruit and French fries on skewers for those sous chefs who are harder to please.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 48

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN These Cookies and Cream Bites from Peace Meals are a kid favorite, especially when Mom or Dad lets them help.

Cooking is fun, but making dessert definitely tops the list. My children love to stir, so A+ Cookies from Stop and Smell the Rosemary are always fun to make. The peanut butter and oats give me a little less mom guilt. The ultimate kidapproved recipe involves making a mess with permission. Cookies and Cream Bites from Peace Meals call for breaking up cookies with a food processor, but I put a few cookies in a bag for each child and let them crush the cookies using their hands. They also love scooping each cookie and dipping them into chocolate. I let them add sprinkles if we’re feeling extra festive.

These refrigerated cookies make a great afterschool treat throughout the week.

Cookies and Cream Bites From Peace Meals 1 package (1 pound, 2 ounces) chocolate sandwich cookies 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 14 ounces chocolate candy coating Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Crush the cookies until fine using a food processor. Cut the cream cheese into six small pieces and add to the crushed cookies. Process the mixture until no streaks of white cream cheese can be seen. Transfer to a bowl and chill for about 45 minutes. After the mixture is chilled, make small balls using a cookie dough scoop and arrange 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet. Place back into the refrigerator for 10 to 15 more minutes. Melt the chocolate in a dou-

ble boiler or in the microwave according to the package directions. Using a skewer, drop the bites into the chocolate one at a time and place back on the parchment-lined sheet. Allow to cool in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes 30 bites.

Teriyaki Sirloin Kabobs From Stop and Smell the Rosemary ⅓ cup soy sauce ⅓ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cup vegetable oil 3 Tablespoons honey 1 Tablespoon minced crystallized ginger 1 large clove garlic, minced 2½ pounds sirloin beef, cubed 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cubed 2 Gala or Golden Delicious apples, cubed 3 cups steamed rice Combine soy sauce, vinegar, oil, honey, ginger and garlic in a blender. Pour into a sealable plastic bag. Add beef and marinate at room temperature 30 minutes or in refrigerator overnight.

Drain beef, reserving marinade. Skewer beef alternately with pineapple and apple cubes. Brush kabobs with marinade and grill 15 to 20 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Baste often with marinade. Serve with steamed rice. Serves 6.

MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for more recipes mentioned in this article.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 49

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Jose Hernandez

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atching chefs rise through the ranks is a satisfying food novella. Toques call this the school of hard knocks.

A perfect example is Manuel Pucha, the gifted 43-year-old Ecuadoran-born chef who opened Maison Pucha Bistro on Studewood last year, but worked for years with French master chef Philippe Schmit. Another is Jose Hernandez, another talent who arrived in Houston with Schmit in 2004 to open the defunct Bistro Moderne. Fast-forward a decadeplus later, and Hernandez is now the head kitchen honcho at the 64-seat Lucienne of the posh Hotel Alessandra (1070 Dallas Street).

Here, Hernandez shares his story of growing up in a small town about an hour from Mexico City and his greatest challenge as a chef.

Prior to Lucienne, you helmed CityCentre’s Radio Milano at Hotel Sorella, also owned by Alessandra’s parent, the Valencia Group. Milano’s emphasis is on modern Italian. How would you describe the food at Lucienne?

Modern Mediterranean. The name suggests French, but I didn’t want to be constrained.

Mediterranean allows me to do more things.

When the Valencia Group approached me about Alessandra’s restaurant, they said, “In terms of food, you can do whatever you want.” It’s nice to work for a company who has faith in you.

When you turned 7, your father and four siblings left Mexico City for Texcaltitlán after your mother died?

It was a town of about 3,000. My family farmed, mostly pinto beans and corn. Everyone bartered there. There, people would say, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” So, every morning, I would wake up at 5 to feed the animals and then worked in the fields. When I was young, I learned from my grandmother and aunt how to make our bread. We did everything by hand – mixed the bread, ground up the corn for tortillas, etc.

Your resume includes Orsay in New York, La Balance, Etoile Cuisine et Bar, Philippe Restaurant, Trinity and Scott Tycer concepts (Aries, Gravitas, Kraftsmen Baking). Did you always want to be a chef?

No. The plan was to attend college and go into business, but I had a cousin who was in MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 50

charge of a bakery in Mexico City, so I started working with him.

Three years later, I went to work for the Intercontinental Hotel.

That’s when I fell in love with the kitchen.

The hotel had two pastry chefs – one who specialized in Mexican pastries and the other in French and Viennese pastries. We were making chocolate and ice sculptures. It went beyond baking. I felt challenged.

That’s when my passion for JOSE HERNANDEZ From Mexico City to Houston, executive chef Jose pastry started.

Hernandez lands on both feet with Lucienne's Mediterranean menu at Hotel You built a reputation Alessandra. at the exclusive Club De Alicia’s Mexican Grille (25725 Katy Freeway, Industriales in Mexico City, winning top baking Katy). They have this hot molcajete with grilled competitions. You’re an exception, talented in cheese and shrimp, chicken, beef fajitas. My sons savory dishes and pastries and desserts. Often, it’s also like Grimaldi’s Pizza, which has several locaone or the other. tions. One of my favorite Mexican places is El With cooking, you have a little room to play Asador (3750 S. Mason Road). They have great with, but with baking, you must be very accuenchiladas. I like the mole, and my wife gets the rate, very exact. Many chefs don’t have the vegetarian ones. In town, I’m a big fan of Hugo patience for it, but I love it. I love the challenge Ortega and Xochi (1777 Walker Street). He of baking and making desserts. makes tlayudas, which are these huge tortillas What is the most challenging thing to bake, living with various toppings cooked over wood. I get the in Houston with its high temps and humidity? one with the grasshoppers.

Bread. It’s so hard to control. You need to I’m always up for Amalfi Coast (6100 control the room temperature. Most kitchens Westheimer). The chef, Giancarlo Ferrara, used don’t have that luxury. Even then, you can’t to cook at Arcodoro, which closed recently. control what happens after the bread leaves your Giancarlo has such a passion for food. His fish kitchen. For perfect bread, the room needs to be of the day always is good, and I like his ravioli 74 degrees; then, depending on the temperature and carbonara. Another place I like is from the of the room, your water needs to be a certain Pucha brothers (Maison Pucha Bistro, 1001 temperature. You also must consider how the Studewood St.). They have real talent. I like ingredients heat up in the mixer. It’s tricky. their ceviche. I’m usually there for brunch, and Do you have kids? a dish to try is the eggs Benedict on plantains.

I have two boys. The oldest is 6, and the youngest is 3.

Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh Where do you take them to eat on your days off? is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and We’ve been going to the movies every Tuesday longtime Houston-based restaurant writer. since it’s summer. Afterward, they like to go to

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MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 51

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz I

t’s the end of an era at Lamar High School with the retirement of longtime football coach Tom Nolen.

In his illustrious career at Lamar, Nolen led the school to 31 playoff appearances in 33 seasons, highlighted by a berth in the Class 6A State finals in 2012. His 307 UIL career victories rank 11th in the history of Texas high school football. Prior to his retirement, Nolen was also the state’s third active winningest coach.

“I’ve been coaching for about 50 years, including the last 33 years here at Lamar, so it was just getting tougher physically and mentally. I just felt it was kind of time to step aside. You have to be on your A game to do this job,” said Nolen.

Under Nolen’s guidance, hundreds of Lamar football products went on to play major collegiate football, with players such as wide receiver Brandon Lafell, linebacker Brian Orakpo and others even making it to the NFL. But the team he’ll remember the most is Lamar’s 2012 Class 6A state finalists. “That has to be No. 1,” said Nolen. “We just got on a roll, and it all came together for us. To play before 53,000 at AT&T Stadium was pretty amazing. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but our kids played great and we were in the game the entire way.”

There’s been no shortage of great victories over the years under Nolen’s guidance. “The year we beat Katy in the playoffs before a huge crowd at Rice University is pretty memorable, along with our victory over North Shore the year we went to state. [Those] are just a couple of games that really stand out,” added Nolen .

More than anything else, bidding farewell to the school itself is bittersweet for Nolen. “We have kids of all backgrounds and different neighborhoods who come together to make this a great school with tremendous academics. Plus, Lamar’s alumni are pretty incredible, with the likes of governors, Nobel Peace Prize winners, prima ballerinas, stars of Broadway, professional athletes and so many other greats graduating from here. It’s such a special and unique place.”

With Nolen’s departure, the Texans’ head coaching job goes to Mike Lindsey, who was on Nolen’s defensive staff last season. “Mike’s a great coach who’s had tremendous success wherMEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 52

NEWEST SPARTAN Former Klein Collins defensive coordinator Todd Rankin, pictured here with his son Nash after a Klein Collins playoff victory last season, is the new head football coach for the Stratford Spartans.

ever he’s been. He’ll do a great job here at Lamar,” said Nolen.

It’s the start of a new era at Stratford High School, with Todd Rankin taking over as the Spartans’ new head football coach. Rankin replaces Eliott Allen, who moved on in the offseason to Brenham High School after 16 successful seasons at Stratford.

“There’s so much rich history, pride and tradition here at Stratford,” said Rankin. “Plus, from the Pee Wee football leagues going all the way up, there’s tremendous community support.

I went to school at nearby Alief Hastings and played against the Klingler brothers and some of the great Stratford teams of the late ’80s, so it’s especially exciting to be here.”

Rankin comes to Stratford from Klein Collins High School, where he was the offensive coordinator for a perennial statewide powerhouse football program. Prior to Klein Collins, Rankin was an assistant coach for another elite statewide program at North Shore. “We plan on doing everything the right way,” said Rankin.

“We expect strong accountability and discipline.

We had extremely high expectations to be successful in everything we did at Klein Collins and North Shore and we’ll carry over that philosophy here at Stratford.”

At Bellaire High School, Herb Kunz is set

to enter his fourth season as the Cardinals head coach with some major holes to fill in the lineup. “We lost about 35 seniors from last year’s playoff team, so we’re going to be pretty young and need to mature in a hurry,” said Kunz.

Offensively, the Cardinals welcome the return of standout senior running back John Busby, who Kunz says will play a major role for the team this season. Other top returners on offense include junior wide receiver Willie Branch and senior receiver Xavier Green. On the offensive line, 6’3”, 335-pound senior John Jones offers a big physical presence for the Cardinals.

On the other side of the ball, 6’2”, 260-pound defensive tackle Christian Njoku has already received collegiate offers from numerous schools. Kunz also had high praise for cornerback Darreon Burns. Burns will also play receiver and on special teams. “We had a real good summer. The kids worked hard in their conditioning program and we’re excited and ready to work,” said Kunz.

Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz Jr. W

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

VooDoo magic The Houston VooDoo girls’ fast-pitch 10U softball team (top photo) finished in fourth place out of 53 teams at the Road to the Beach National Championship in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. After playing in dozens of tournaments throughout the year, the team qualified for the national competition. The girls had an impressive 8-2-1 tournament record, and the VooDoo was the only team from Texas to finish in the top four. The tournament-team softball stars are (top row, from left) Gigi Hirvonen, Elise Adams, Hadley Holchak, Ellie Roden, Riley Cannizaro and Addison Flores; (middle row, from left) Reagan Siblik, Bella Hernandez, Ava Formell and Bella Borrego; (bottom row, from left) Brooke Siblik and Brooke Kearns; not pictured: coaches Ross Cannizaro, Michael Kearns and Kevin Siblik.

Gator attack Boys on the Gators baseball team (middle photo) braved the summer heat and are champions of the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) summer league. The undefeated Gators, who all attend Bunker Hill Elementary, finished first out of 22 teams in the division. After playing on various spring-season and tournament baseball teams, the boys came together to play for the same team during the summer season. The winning Gators are (top row, from left) coaches Ramon Lafee and Dan Hammer; (bottom row, from left): Mason Ly, Turner Garner, Wyatt Hammer, Riggs Hammer, Yuki Tamura, Diego Lafee, Ben Sellis, Matthew Crain, Colton Parks, Wesley Simpson and Jacob Barnhill; not pictured: Connor Jones.

Making history Post Oak Little League’s (POLL) 12U All Stars (bottom photo) won the Texas East State Championship for the first time in POLL history. The final game was close, but POLL defeated Port Neches Groves Little League 2-0. Kaleb Rook started the game on the mound for POLL and pitched 2 innings, followed by reliever Carter Pitts, who pitched 4 innings. Their combined pitching led to the shutout win, with 12 strikeouts and only 1 walk and 3 hits. Ryan Selvaggi was 3-for-3 with a walk and run scored, while Richie Klosek went 1-for-1 with 2-run home run and 3 walks. An outstanding defensive performance from Charlie Wylie at second base also helped secure the victory. The state champs are (pictured from left) Reagan Buckley, coach David Wylie, Andrew Stover, Justin Michaelis, Andy Guy, Ryan Selvaggi, Carter Pitts, Richie Klosek, Ethan Goldstein, Kaleb Rook, manager David Rook, Matthew Hedrick, Charlie Wylie, coach John Klosek, George Kugle, Parrish Facciponte and Cade West. As of press time, they’re headed to Williamsport, as they qualified for the Little League World Series! See thebuzzmagazines.com for details and updates.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 54

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.

MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 55

JUST DANCE Gracie DeJong, a sophomore at Second Baptist School, had a summer full of dance and learning in New York City.

KIDS

by Gracie DeJong, age 16

Buzz Kidz

A dancer’s NYC dream

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aving gone through tedious audition processes this spring for both the Rockettes Summer Intensive and the Joffrey Ballet School, I was thrilled to receive acceptances to both. These acceptances meant I would be spending three weeks in New York City taking classes from seasoned professionals – every dancer’s dream!

During my first week, I rehearsed with girls 14 and older from around the world, learning the “Rockette technique” from current Radio City Rockettes. We learned a tap number to the tune of Singing in the Rain from the Rockettes’ spring and summer shows, as well as Wooden Soldiers and Sleigh Ride from their Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

In addition to the performance pieces, we acquired new strength-training methods and nutritional advice from the Radio City trainers. At the end of

the week, we performed these routines at New York University’s Skirball Center. After the show, I said my goodbyes to all the wonderful girls whom I met, along with my Rockette instructors.

That Sunday, my family dropped me off at the Pace University dorms, my new home for the next two weeks. I participated in the Joffrey musical theater program where I sang, danced and acted my way through the week, learning performance skills from current Broadway entertainers. At the conclusion of week one, we presented a number from Wicked taught by the current “Elphaba” on Broadway.

Week two, Spectrum, Joffrey’s Jazz and Contemporary Summer Intensive, started each morning with conditioning, followed by ballet, the foundation for any dancer with superb technique.

My classes included street, commercial and theater

jazz along with fusion and concert contemporary.

I felt pressure to perform perfectly, but my mom reminded me that this was an opportunity for learning and enjoyment. Although the teachers observing and correcting me included current Radio City Rockettes, prima ballerinas, Broadway stars and outstanding contemporary choreographers, their outgoing personalities eased my worries. The priceless information and friendships I took home with me eliminated any stress or first-day jitters. Now, I look forward to seeing my new friends next year and keeping up with them on Instagram!

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

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MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 57

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Goodbye, black box warning Many patients with persistent asthma use an inhaler every day called a maintenance inhaler. The medications in these inhalers are either inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or a combination of ICS and long-acting beta agonists or LABAs. Those of us who keep a magnifying glass handy may have read the fine print that comes with each inhaler warning that LABAs have been found to increase the risk of asthma-related death. How can a medication used to treat a certain ailment increase the risk of death for that same ailment? That is like saying there is a cough drop that helps your cough but increases your risk of dying from it.

Let me first assure you that this is not the case and that it is safe for patients with asthma to use these inhalers when combined with ICS, and doing so will help control symptoms and decrease the risk of asthma exacerbations.

In fact, the LABA/ICS combinations, the medications which carry the black box warning in the U.S., are used extensively in Europe as both maintenance and rescue inhalers for asthma. Despite this, LABA's do not carry such warnings in Europe.

Why was the warning there in the first place? After concerns of asthmarelated deaths in patients taking LABAs in the SMART (Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial) study, published in 2003, the FDA put the black box warning on all inhalers containing LABAs. The SMART study (since re-named the “Dumb Study” by famed allergist Hal Nelson, MD) was not well designed and did not take into account factors such as asthma severity or whether the patients using LABAs were also using ICS. Over time, as more precise and better designed studies have continued to study

(832) 767-1020

inhalers containing LABAs, the benefits and importance of using LABAs in combination with ICS have become more central in the way we treat asthma today. Using any beta agonist too much reduces the production of the receptor it attaches to. Loss of that receptor makes the medication less effective. By also using an ICS, production of that receptor is up-regulated to restore its normal function. After much feedback from allergists and pulmonologists, the FDA finally removed the black box warning on ICS/LABA combination inhalers in 2017.

Of course, if you open a brand new package of Breo, Advair, Symbicort or Dulera today, the black box warning will still be there. But it's officially ok not to worry about it, and one day, when the regulatory agencies give their blessing, that warning will disappear.

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.

Alnoor A. Malick, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic

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Voting? Remember your judges

Mediterranean diet class

On your November ballot, you’ll see more than 50 judicial races. In Texas, we hold our judiciary accountable directly to the electorate, but the electorate needs to exercise that accountability by voting. It is vital that we elect the proper attorneys to these important positions. The 22 Criminal District Courts of Harris County oversee serious felony cases like murders, rape, robberies, home invasions and financial fraud. Those judges should have extensive experience practicing in felony criminal law and trying felony criminal cases before sitting on the bench. There is a big enough learning curve to be a judge – you should already know how to be a lawyer!

But, how do you know who deserves your vote? Practicing lawyers can advise and help determine which judges work hard, try cases, and make timely decisions according to the law. Ask which candidates deserve your support!

Remember to vote for the judges “down the ballot” this November!

Judge Catherine Evans was appointed to the 180th Criminal District Court in 2013 by Governor Rick Perry. She runs an intensive probation program and personally oversees the rehabilitation of offenders. Prior to her appointment, she was a prosecutor for 12 years and tried cases of all types: capital murder, child abuse, fraud, intoxicated manslaughter, and aggravated robbery.

Pd. Pol. Ad. By Catherine Evans Campaign, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Frank Harmon, Treasurer.

Judge Catherine Evans, 180th District Court, catherineevans.org, facebook.com/CatherineEvansForJudge

The Clever Kitchen and UTHealth School of Public Health have partnered to deliver the perfect course to start your fall with a heart-healthy lifestyle change. “Outsmarting Disease and the Mediterranean Diet Foundations Class” is a two-week, hands-on cooking course focused on the Mediterranean diet, which promotes fresh and seasonal plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, olive oil, herbs and spices, as well as fish and poultry, while limiting red meats and sugar. Additionally, each month we offer Mediterranean cooking classes with a seasonal focus.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, primary prevention is the most effective and affordable method to prevent chronic disease, and dietary interventions positively impact health outcomes across the lifespan. The Mediterranean diet is not about recipes or diet plan, but quality food components. Research has shown that patients who follow the Mediterranean diet have a 30 percent reduction in death for all diseases.

Attendees will join registered dietitian-nutritionist Pam Fullenweider in a fun setting as they create healthy, delicious meals in the UTHealth School of Public Health’s state-of-the-art Nourish kitchen, using herbs and vegetables from the holistic campus garden. By the end of the course, participants will have the understanding to build their own meal plans.

For more information, visit the thecleverkitchen.com/blog; to register, visit the thecleverkitchen.com and click “Classes.”

UT Health, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, Texas 77030, 713.898.2308, Pam Fullenweider MS, RDN, pam@thecleverkitchen.com, thecleverkitchen.com

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Senior driving Over lunch one day a friend told me, “Russell, I want to die in my sleep, like my grandfather, and not like his passengers, who went kicking and screaming.” I still laugh at the joke, though not as much since I got my AARP card.

In Texas, drivers age 79-84 must renew their license in person. Drivers 85 or older must appear every 2 years. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) staff evaluate every applicant, not just the elderly, and will refer those whose abilities are suspect to a Medical Advisory Board, which can revoke the license of those incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle.

Even permanent disabilities do not automatically disqualify drivers.

Those with trouble walking may still be able to drive safely. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides parking placards or plates that entitle these drivers to designated parking spots.

Visit seniordriving.aaa.com for Drivers 65 Plus, a self-rating tool with facts and suggestions for safe driving. The quiz there can identify areas that need improvement. It can also flag drivers that already pose an unacceptable hazard. DPS may not allow a do-over, and it is so much better to sort out problems before a license renewal, much less a catastrophe.

There is nothing about aging that automatically disqualifies drivers.

Many older drivers keep the necessary skills to drive safely until an advanced age. Others temporarily lose skills due to medical conditions that respond well to treatment and rehabilitation.

Many rehabilitation centers offer pre-driving assessment programs for patients recovering from trauma or living with degenerative diseases. These

programs are perfect for aging drivers who want to address deficits that may affect driving skills.

A primary care physician should be consulted first, both for a referral, and to screen for medical issues. For example, insomnia slows reaction time but sometimes improves with simple medication adjustments.

Seniordriving.aaa.com has resources for family and friends of older drivers, including warning signs, how to discuss driving concerns, and transportation options. When all else fails, report unsafe drivers to DPS. Visit www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/MedicalRevocation.htm for details.

Every Texas driver must carry liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. The required minimum is inadequate for most retirees, who cannot afford to defend or settle a large personal injury claim. Older drivers (and their agents under powers of attorney) should discuss an umbrella liability policy with their insurance agent. If the insurance is too expensive, it’s time to sell the car.

We offer no-obligation initial interviews for estate planning and administration, so it costs nothing to hear specific recommendations that suit your needs. 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, www.rwhpc.com

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Scotland Photo Workshop

8 nights / 7 days, September 7-14, 2019 Join Buzz Photo Contest judge Michael Hart, along with photographers Alan Montgomery and Nick Quinn on an eight-day photographic excursion to Scotland, home of magnificent scenery and warm, inviting people.

Beginning and ending in Inverness, destinations will include The Isle of Skye, Northwest Scotland and the North Coast 500.

Tap their more than 100 years of experience and take your landscape and travel photography to the next level.

For complete workshop details and to register, visit www.tipw-us.com For the Scotch Malt Whisky enthusiast, we are offering a 4-day Whisky Trail Tour following the workshop, culminating in an evening dinner at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh.

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Continuing The Clinic for Academic Therapy’s tradition of excellence • Specializing in the diagnosis & remediation of learning differences • After school academic therapy in all areas • Evaluations for school accommodations • Certified teachers working in their areas of expertise

4545 Bissonnet, Ste. 215, Bellaire, TX 77401 713-666-9343 www.houstoneducationalservices.com

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NEIGHBORS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town The real Ironman

House, where honorary chair Michelle Maresh, along with gala co-chairs Christine and Steve Johnson, welcomed supporters.

Recital smiles

Plastic surgeon Dr. Abdel Fustok, 78, who moved to Houston in 1975, began to jog in 1988. He is now completing Ironman races.

After he began jogging, he decided to race in the Houston Marathon. After completing several marathons, he realized he wanted a bigger challenge and began running 50- and 100-mile races called ultramarathons. He eventually moved on from ultramarathons to compete in his first Ironman Triathlon in Florida in 2004. He has since participated in 15 Ironman triathlons, three of which have been Ironman world championships. In October, he will participate in his fourth Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He is married to Malak Fustok and has three children, Hussam, Eman and Omar.

Elijah Rising’s mission Dallas Rowden and Kerry Stovall (pictured, at right, with Jacqueline Smooke at last year’s gala) will co-chair the Radiate luncheon at the MEMORIAL BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2018 64

Junior League of Houston on Oct. 3 for Elijah Rising, a non-profit that aims to end sex trafficking through prayer, awareness, intervention and restoration. Deborah Duncan of KHOU’s Great Day Houston will serve as emcee, and Kathy McGibbon, a sex-trafficking survivor who is an author, playwright and program director at Kendleton Farms, will be the keynote speaker. Elijah Rising hosts van tours throughout the Greater Houston area to spread awareness about how common illegal brothels are in Houston. Elijah Rising owns Kendleton Farms, located on 84 acres in Fort Bend County, for women who have survived sex trafficking or sexual exploitation to seek life-skills training and counseling. See elijahrising.org.

Peanut’s place Megan Cardet founded A Place for Peanut, a horse sanctuary and equine-therapy foundation, when she spotted a 29-inch miniature foal in a Texas kill pen. Pictured (from left) are supporters of the non-profit, Ghada Ali and Christine Johnson. The organization is now dedicated to rescuing horses, donkeys and miniature horses from being slaughtered, while bringing joy to children and veterans in hospitals through its special programs and therapy. When Cardet stumbled across the foal, Peanut, she says she knew she had to rescue him. Newly orphaned, Peanut inspired the foundation that has now saved more than 150 horses and donkeys since it was established in January 2016. A Place for Peanut hosted its second annual gala in August at Kirby Ice

Frostwood Elementary school friends (pictured, top row, from left) Elizabeth Bilski, Stella Sparks, Evey Powers, (bottom row, from left) Kaelyn Edmonds and Alice Robison showcased their tap-dancing skills in their dance recital.

The ballerinas practiced for one year before their big first-grade performance.

African adventure Grammi and Gramps (Genelle and Paul A.) Robishaw took their family on an African safari this summer. The Robishaw family stayed in two camps in the Okavango (continued on page 66)

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Delta in Botswana and another camp in Zimbabwe near Victoria Falls.

The grandsons learned about African wildlife and culture, along with photography. They spotted elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, impala, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, beautiful birds and more. Their favorite animal was the wild dog. They rode on game drives, flew in a helicopter over the Okavango Delta, fished, took a river-boat ride at sunset, toured Victoria Falls, fed and petted elephants, learned about African culture at a nearby village, and went on a morning walk with Sylvester, the cheetah. The family is pictured at Chitabe Lediba Camp in Botswana. Pictured (from left) are Paul A. (Gramps), Genelle (Grammi), Sam, Ben, P. Christopher, Lauren, Kristi and Paul B. Robishaw.

(continued from page 64)

Back-to-school health The Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch partnered with the Spring Branch Family

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Development Center for the Back-to-School Health Fair. Pictured (back row, from left) are Gwen Corolla, Ashok Garg, Suzy Barbee, Roy Martinez, Bill Hall, David Cornell, (back row, from left) Claudia Castro, Lawrence Barris, Sheila Franklin, Carter Franklin, club president James Brown and Dona Burke. The two collaborated to create this event 13 years ago and have watched it grow to one of the largest in the Greater Houston area with additional support from the Spring Branch Management District and SBISD. Thousands attended the event to prepare the community for the upcoming school year. Children received free immunizations, backpacks and box lunches. Parents and guardians received wellness checks and information from community agencies.

Shop with heart Houston Junior Woman’s Club will hold its 35th annual Holiday Happening fundraising luncheon and style show on Oct. 22. Pictured

(from left) are supporters Elizabeth Curry and Yoosun Sharma. The doors will open at 10 a.m. at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria (2222 West Loop South), allowing guests to shop for handmade holiday gifts and gift baskets prior to the luncheon. Over the last 35 years, HJWC has raised $5.9 million for local children’s charities.

This year the funds raised by HJWC will benefit Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Texas Children’s Cancer Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Houston and other local children’s charities.

Girls trip to NYC For five fabulous days in July, a group of friends, (pictured, from left) Connie Senter, Lauren Reid, Barbara Marcus, Sharon Maloney, Tammy Simi, Lili Rubin, Mady Kades and Mirl Cohen, laughed and toured their way through the Big Apple. They called themselves the “Lombardy Girls” after the hotel. They toured the city non-stop, took an (continued on page 68)

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Get set to PetSet

Fulton Davenport

Animal lovers and Houston PetSet supporters, including (pictured, from left) Rachel Bagwell, Jan Duncan and Becky Cooke, will join 2018 co-chairs Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist and Tatiana Sierra for the 14th

architectural boat tour of the entire Manhattan Island and explored the Tenement Museum, with a pit stop at the famous Katz’s Delicatessen. A highlight was meeting Jake Katz, fourth-generation owner.

They also rode on a hop-on hop-off bus, shopped at Henri Bendel, Bloomingdale’s and lots of shoe stores.

(continued from page 66)

Two birthdays in one Rosanne Kaufmann hosted a girls’ happy hour to celebrate the birthdays of pals Ellen Estes

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and Laura Lempert. There was quite the spread for a happy hour. Martinis were served up along with a feast of cocktail shrimp, chicken salad and gourmet appetizers surrounded by an array of desserts. Plastic light bulbs with mini M&M’s were gifts from Ellen, who is barely retired from her lighting business. Pictured (from left) are Susan Miller, Tammy Simi, Esther Levine, Rhonda Glick, Irene Perlman, Lempert, Estes, Kaufmann, Shelly Dimiceli, Mady Kades, Barbara Marcus, Joan Lebow and (not pictured) Sharon Maloney.

annual Fierce and Fabulous Soiree. This year’s soiree will take place at The Post Oak Hotel on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. This year’s honorees are Susan and Dan Boggio. Individual seats start at $350.

Houston PetSet is a non-profit organization that provides grants to animal welfare-related nonprofits to help end animal homelessness in Houston. See houstonpetset.org/soiree.

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NEIGHBORS

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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

The social media spiral

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never really cared about social media. Sure, I had heard of profiles and “friends,” but it just didn’t interest me. I was preoccupied with preschools and playdates, and Facebook was one more thing I didn’t want to figure out.

Then I went to a high school reunion. It was about 10 years ago, and Facebook was just beginning to become mainstream. Suddenly, old friends I hadn’t seen in years were connecting online. I got sucked right in.

It was fun finding people and watching their kids grow up hundreds of miles away. We all laughed about the awesomeness and the time drain of Facebook. But the only time we’d indulge was at home, in front of our computers.

And then came the Facebook app.

Now, if a friend is talking about someone who I can’t place, they pull out their phone and show me a picture. Of course I know her! Or if someone heard about a marriage or a divorce or a move, but there aren’t clear facts, we rush to Facebook for clues. Where is so-and-so’s son going to college? Check Facebook.

Problem is, all this checking can easily spin out of control. Like at lunch, when we’re all looking at pictures of a child’s boy/girlfriend, and then we start checking out their family and then we sleuth through their past boy/girlfriends and then … well, then it all turns a little creepy when we finally come up for air.

Not to mention, those of us who’ve had to get used to this newfangled-ness, whose fingers are not as nimble as the millenials’, can really get in trouble. “I tried to get on Johnny’s date’s Facebook page,” a mom of three teenaged boys says of her oldest son. “My husband took the phone and tried to make the picture bigger and pushed something and sent a friend request to the girl! She accepted right away, but I deleted it right away because I was so embarrassed. And I did it with a friend’s boyfriend, too. She was a little kooky, so I was trolling to see what the new boyfriend was like. I went and friended him by accident. He accepted, I deleted. It’s kind of like a double-whammy – first you request, then you chicken out. The kiss of death. I should just stay off!”

Then there’s the case of feeling like you know someone, but in reality you’ve only spied them

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Facebook is like a modern-day nosy neighbor. The social media app makes it all too easy to spend too much time checking out what everyone's up to.

online. “I was at lunch with my husband,” a mom of two teenaged girls says. “This woman came over to the table and said, ‘Nice to see you.’ I said, ‘I’m so sorry – have we met?’ Because I do tend to forget. And she said, ‘Actually, no. I work at [the jewelry store] and when your husband started buying things, I stalked you on Facebook.’ I was glad to hear I wasn’t the only stalker around!”

While I was writing this, I vaguely remembered a friend (married) poking around to check out what her college boyfriend was up to, so I asked.

“I actually didn’t stalk him on Facebook,” the happily married mother of three said. “I’m so scared I’m going to slip and like something I didn’t mean to like that I’m too scared to stalk anyone’s pages.

I’m also scared there’s something technical I don’t know because I’m not savvy enough, and they’ll be able to see I was stalking them!

“But I did drive by his house once.”

Another friend frets about scrolling too much

and too fast. “The worst is when somebody’s mother might have just passed away, and I’m scrolling along liking all the pictures, and I accidentally like it. Or if I’m scrolling the comments under someone’s picture, and I accidentally like a comment from someone I barely know. Oh my gosh!”

That’s one rabbit hole Teri Gerber won’t fall into. The mother of two teenaged boys stays out of the social media scene. “People will say, ‘So and so is doing this or doing that,’ and I’m like, ‘How do you know all this information?’ and they always say Facebook.” Then they try to talk her into hopping on. “They say I don’t have to friend people, I can just stalk them, and I say I could care less. My life is full, I’m surrounded by good people, and I don’t want other people’s stuff on me.”

Teri even stuck to her guns after a sorority reunion, all organized on Facebook. “I say just live your life and don’t worry about all the other people.” If only we could all be so disciplined.