Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz - March 2016

Robin Young-Ellis, Joe Ellis and Sugar

The Rodeo’s Horse Show Travel Buzz: Ski-Trip Tips

by Michelle Casas Groogan

Party Pop-Ups SportzBuzz: Justise at St. John’s Houston Super Bowl LI Countdown Rodeo-Kickoff Eats Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Buzz Baby: Meet the Dog

EDITOR’S NOTE I love March, and not just because it’s my birthday month. As empty nesters, Michael and I enjoy our own version of “Spring Break.” Our new tradition is happy hour in the rodeo Wine Garden. This year, we’re also going to the horse show, after meeting Buzz residents passionate about it – see Rodeo Horsepitality. Our first family ski trip was long ago over Spring Break (now, our youngest son would rather spend Spring Break in Cabo with friends – can’t imagine why). But our annual holiday ski trip to Telluride is the one family trip that both young-adult sons love. If you have been on the fence about a family ski trip, read this month’s Travel Buzz, and chances are you will start a tradition of your own. In less than a year, the Super Bowl will be in Houston. Meet some lucky residents who saw past Houston Super Bowls, as well as a few of those helping to bring Super Bowl LI to Houston. Hint to hubby: A Super Bowl ticket would be the perfect birthday gift. 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 Vice President, Sales Account Managers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Cheryl Ursin Carmen Millet, Jennifer Oakley, Russell Weil Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Darsey Sharp Amber Lewis Michele Luke Helen van Rensburg

On our cover: Robin Young-Ellis and Joe Ellis train and ride cutting horses at their ranch, Casa de los Robles. Here they are with Sugar.

Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2016 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 Wedding memories captured We are so thrilled that you featured Sarah [Hutchins] and Tyler [Duffey] in The Buzz Magazines [Cherished Moments: Buzz newlyweds’ wedding weekends, by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, February 2016]! You truly captured a most memorable and beautiful night shared with our family and friends. The positive and complimentary calls, texts and emails we’ve received from so many about your article is heartwarming. Thank you, thank you for helping us to continue to relive a most amazing celebration!

Jonell Hutchins Fashion can be fun I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed participating in the Season of Style article [Season of Style: Fashion savvy from your neighbors, by Jennifer Oakley, December 2015]. It was a pleasure meeting all the participants. In addition to being impeccable dressers, everyone was very nice. Jennifer Oakley did a great job of capturing everyone’s ideas on how to dress for the holidays. Thanks for including me!

Arthur Keller

Following on Facebook Just read your gut instincts article on Facebook [Buzz Baby: A parent’s intuition, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, February 2016]. Great topic! A long time ago, a preschool principal told me how important it is to advocate for your own children. From health to school and anything in between, a parent’s intuition can often be more important than what some experts may be telling you.

Nancy Nuzzo Editor’s note: Thanks, Nancy. Glad you’re keeping up with us on Facebook, at The Buzz Magazines. Also, be sure to check out Annie’s new “Mommy Moments” Buzzworthy posts every Monday at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Appreciates solar-light invention story Thank you for such a thoughtful piece and for taking the time to get to know our story in such detail [Illuminating Invention: Shark Tank fave sheds light in disaster, by Cathy Gordon, November 2015]. Looking forward to following along with The Buzz on social media (where else?) and otherwise!

Andrea Sreshta 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.

More fried chicken Three other places, in addition to the other awesome places previously mentioned [This Month in Dining: Houston’s best fried chicken, by Russell Weil, February 2016], that come to mind for great fried chicken, IMO, are: Down House, Harold’s [and] BRC. Greg von Baden Editor’s note: See thebuzzmagazines.com for the original fried-chicken story and all other Buzz stories and restaurant reviews.

Fitbit challenge continues Thank you for publishing the article on the Fitbit family competition [Healthy Competition: Fitbits prompt friendly feuds, by Andria Frankfort, January 2016]. It turned out very nice. Many of our friends have commented on it. As a follow up, my husband and I gave a Fitbit to all our office staff at the Echeverri Dental Center (22 people) as a Christmas present.

Since the first week of January, we have at the office an ongoing weekly step challenge (the prizes are rodeo tickets). We are so excited. There are some ladies that have lost 10-plus pounds, have signed up at the gym and are seriously competing for the weekly steps. Once again, thank you for publishing the article.

Elsa Alfonzo-Echeverri, D.D.S TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 6

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have kids who have had a part-time job.

• Have a travel story to share.

• Have recently enjoyed a Texas road trip.

• Have a unique passion or hobby.

• Have an interesting neighbor to profile.

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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NEIGHBORS

by Michelle Casas Groogan, staff writer

Rodeo Horsepitality

lawellphoto.com

The secret show within the show

HORSING AROUND Joe Ellis, Tucker Knight, Bubba Murphy (from left, back row), Robin Young-Ellis, Corinne Heiligbrodt and Susan Brooks (from left, front row) volunteer for the Houston Livestock and Rodeo horse show at NRG Arena.

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t the heart of all things-cowboy is a rider on horseback. This partnership drives and preserves a too-well-kept secret at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: the horse show.

Tucked in the southeast corner of the NRG complex, away from the crowds of the football stadium, convention center and the midway, is the NRG Arena, formerly the venerable Astroarena.

Just before and throughout the rodeo, this relatively small building showcases some of the most respected names in the horse world, as well as amateur exhibitors. Here you will find cutting competitions, as well as Western-pleasure, ranch rodeo, mounted shooting, conformation and breed events, like the paint and donkey/mule shows and two American Quarter Horse Association World Championships.

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Even if you miss the ropers and barrel racers at the big rodeo at night, you can find horses here every day and can sit and watch the action from just yards away.

Here, and next to the arena in “the horse barn,� lies a culture of real horsemen and horsewomen preserving Western heritage as a way of life. Generations of families have mucked stalls here with little ones passing time lassoing any-

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CUTTING ROOM Corinne Heiligbrodt (at left) has many trophies from her cutting days and offers her expertise on the Cutting Horse Committee. Joe Sansone (middle) has become a champion cutter with his horse, Rosebud, since he retired five years ago. Susan Brooks and fiancé Bubba Murphy (at right) spend most weekends traveling to cutting competitions

thing that moves.

“I’ve been going all my life. I remember as a little kid sleeping on the hay bales in the stalls,” said Buzz resident Mike Rutherford, a HLSR director who serves on the Cutting Horse Committee.

Cutting horses are bred and trained to react quickly on their own, often jumping sideways back and forth, to separate a cow from the herd, like J.J. Watt honing in on a quarterback.

With ranches in South and Central Texas, Mike has ample cattle and horseflesh to keep him away from the city, but chooses to volunteer untold hours at this small arena ramrodding the details of the rodeo’s horse shows.

“We have some of the largest competitions in the nation, but hauling horses in and out of Houston is a logistical hurdle, so we’re famous for making up for it with hospitality.”

There is a committee solely committed to making the trip to the Bayou City more comfortable for horse-show competitors.

“It’s a chore carrying an 80-pound bale of hay from your trailer and walking through the arena to the stall area,” says Mike. “The Horsepitality Committee has tractors there to unload your hay and your tack and set your stalls up for you.

Their job is to make everything easier.”

Buzz resident Robin Young-Ellis has worn many hats volunteering on multiple committees the last quarter-century, including Quarter Horse Committee, serving on the Board of Directors, and as former chairman of the Armed Forces Appreciation Committee. She could have her

pick of jobs, but she chooses the grunt work of the Quarter Horse Hospitality Committee.

“The coffee is hot and perking by 5 a.m. as we fire up the kitchen to prepare a homemade breakfast and lunch for the large number of exhibitors and judges each day,” said Robin.

Robin spends long days in the office as president and CEO of her own firm specializing in structured settlements, but considers herself a cowgirl at heart. Her husband, Joe, rides cutting horses, and the couple recently started showing a 4 year old, Pepto Primero de Abril, just one of many horses she is enamored with at their ranch Casa de los Robles, near Cypress.

“I have held a deep-seated, intense fascination with horses. Horses are creatures of beauty, powerful and gentle, strong and graceful, humble and spirited,” said Robin. “Horses relax you and provide emotional support and intuitively seem to know what you need.”

Those who’ve heard of Buzz resident Corinne Heiligbrodt call her cutting royalty. Her legendary horses Red White and Boon and Meradas Little Sue dominated cutting competition across the nation for the better part of the ’90s. Corinne won the HLSR non pro cutting on Red in 1996 and the AQHA amateur cutting on Sue two years in a row.

While these days her focus has turned to thoroughbreds, she still volunteers with HLSR. Starting out as one of five women on the Quarter Horse Committee in the 1970s, Corinne went on to chair the first premier Horse

Sale Committee. She currently serves on the Cutting Horse Committee and is a lifetime director of HLSR. “I grew up on the back of a horse working cattle at my family’s ranches in Matagorda County and started coming to the stock show in the late ’40s and ’50s. We stayed at the Rice Hotel, ate at Kelley’s – stars were there eating as well – and when you went to the Coliseum, Roy Rogers or Gene Autry had their horses tied up for you to walk up and pet.”

One of the crowd-pleasers of the horse competition is the two-day, invitation-only Ranch Rodeo happening March 4-5, where the hardscrabble demands of the Old West test modernday cowboys committed to the craft of frontierland survival. The competition features calf branding (using chalk), wild-cow milking, bronc riding and pasture doctoring. The Ranch Rodeo event exemplifies what a working cowboy does day to day on a working ranch.

Buzz resident Tucker Knight is in his inaugural year as chair of the Ranch Rodeo committee.

While he spends most his days investment banking on the 16th floor of 2200 Post Oak in a suite, the ways of the West have captured his heart and imagination.

“This world is so technologically advanced that you can push a button and a pizza comes to your house in 10 minutes. This (Ranch Rodeo competition) takes people back to our heritage, our roots.”

Tucker’s family has been in the cattle business since the 1800s. And while he grew up a city boy in West U, he comes hon- (continued on page 10)

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Don Trout Photography Jay Hardy Photography

Lisa Sandling Don Trout Photography

COW SENSE Joe Sansone (top left) volunteers with the Team Penning and Ranch Sorting Committee and competes in events with his daughter. Tucker Knight (top right) works in investment banking and loves to ride. HLSR director Mike Rutherford (bottom left), remembers sleeping on hay bales in the rodeo’s horse-show stalls as a child. Susan Brooks (bottom right) hopes to make the finals again this year in her cutting division. (continued from page 9) estly by his passion for

horses, having spent summers in Arkansas on his grandpa’s farm. Now, at the age of 42, he's running his own ranch near Madisonville, embracing the cowboy spirit.

“The western way of life is not for the faint of heart,” he says. “People don’t work cattle on horses anymore – they use helicopters and four

Horse Show calendar Feb 25-March 3: Cutting March 4-5: Ranch Rodeo March 6: Calf Roping March 7: Team Roping March 8: Speed Events March 9-10: Paint Show March 11-12: Donkey/Mule Show March 13-15: Ranch Sorting March 15-16: Youth Show March 17-20: World Show Admission is free with admission to the livestock show, which is $5 for kids 3-12, $10 for 13 and older. A stadium ticket is not required. See rodeohouston.com or call 832-667-1000 for details.

wheelers and ATVs. [The Western life] is something that we really need to hold onto. It’s really the principles this country was founded on, hard work, discipline, faith and values. That’s what embodies the cowboy.”

Buzz resident Joe Sansone volunteers with the Team Penning and Ranch Sorting Committee.

He is also a cutting-horse competitor with an impressive showcase of buckles and saddles from his wins. But what is even more impressive is that Joe first climbed in the saddle just five years ago, a fresh calling made possible by the sale of the successful orthopedic firm which he owned and operated for almost two decades.

“I spent so many hours in the office. There were summers that passed me by because all I did was work. So out at the ranch when I’m on a horse, I love it because when I’m sweating, it means I’m not behind my desk, and I can do that all day, every day,” says Joe. While these days Joe's just as "loco" about work as the past, he spends his hours training, doing something he loves with the people he loves.

“My daughter basically taught me about horses and how to ride. That is what makes this such a fun event. I get to ride and compete with my daughter, and it’s just fun. There are not a lot of sports you can compete in with your family.”

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Susan Brooks sits on the Cutting Horse Committee, helping raise funds to make prizes as big as possible. She has a vested interest, as a cutter herself. She travels to Brenham from her West University home at least twice a week to train. As the owner of a woven-blanket business, she spent years filling orders for rodeo blankets.

When she finally accepted an invitation from her now-fiancé, Bubba Murphy, to visit the rodeo, the impact was life changing.

“I’ve always loved horses,” she says. “When I first moved to Houston a little over 10 years ago, I didn’t know anybody. Being involved with the rodeo was really a great combination for me. I got to meet so many great people who not only loved horses, but gave of their time to help make our event at the rodeo contribute to the overall goal of helping kids.”

And she has no better life partner than Buckles of Texas owner Bubba Murphy, who has been volunteering his time and talent since 1958 – only missing the one year he served in Vietnam. “Dirt is in my blood,” he said.

And horses. Once they get in your blood, they stay there.

Editor’s note: The Buzz Magazines would like to thank Robin Young-Ellis and Joe Ellis for letting us take photos at their beautiful Casa de los Robles ranch.

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SPORTS

by Jennifer Oakley, contributing writer

Hosting the Big Game Countdown to 2017 Houston Super Bowl LI making it back to town. A veteran of special-event management, Sargent’s background with sporting events includes five Super Bowls and 14 years managing sponsor relations and special events for the Fiesta Bowl.

“Sports and football in particular, have always been a big part of my life,” says Sargent. “I started my career in college football.”

Sargent, who was a part of the successful bid com- GAME PLAN President and CEO of the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee Sallie Sargent and chairman of the Host Committee Ric Campo are readying their plans for mittee for Super Super Bowl LI, set for Feb. 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium.

Bowl LI, says [then-Houston Oilers owner] Bud Adams in a box Houston is a perfect place for the game because for the second half. It was memorable!” it has traditionally been a football town.

Seeing that game from a different vantage “Houston has always had a unique place in point was attorney and board chairman of the Super Bowl history,” says Sargent. “In 1974 Harris County Sports Authority, J. Kent Super Bowl VIII was the first time a Super Bowl Friedman. “He had a lot better view than I was not held at the home of an NFL franchise, had! It’s good to be mayor,” laughs Friedman, and in 2004, Super Bowl XXXVIII was the first who recalls watching the game at Rice at a disSuper Bowl played under a retractable roof.” tinctly higher spot in the stands. “Just being This will mark the first time a woman has been there at the game was a big deal to me,” notes at the helm of a Houston Super Bowl. the long-time sports fan. “And one thing I do As Houston looks forward to Super Bowl LI, recall was the horrendous traffic jam getting Buzz residents took a moment to look back at people into and out of Rice Stadium – there the last two times the big game was here. were 72,000 people there at one time, and it took a lot of time getting into the parking lot Super Bowl VIII and the stadium.”

Jan. 13, 1974, Rice University Just a few blocks away from the stadium, on Miami 24, Minnesota 7 Bolsover, Geoff Angulo recalls making money “The stadium was crowded and everyone was from the big game. “We lived north of campus, excited,” says attorney and former Houston Mayor and the city had put up ‘No Parking’ signs on Fred Hofheinz. “I had just been sworn in as mayor the streets in the neighborhood,” says Angulo. a few days before the Super Bowl, and I got invited “People offered to pay to park in our driveway, to the ball game. For the first half, I sat on the 50so we charged them $5 apiece. That was a lot of yard-line with all the VIPS. Then, I was with

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uper Bowl VIII MVP Larry Csonka, the Miami Dolphins fullback, remembers taking a victory lap around Rice University Stadium. It was Jan. 13, 1974, and his team had just won the Super Bowl.

Viewing the stands packed with cheering fans, Csonka carried his sons, Doug, 7, and Paul, 5, with him. “Looking up from the field, well, it was exciting! The boys were tickled that I was carrying them around and happy that we had won,” recalls Csonka.

“I have nothing but great memories from Houston. Before the game, I was a little apprehensive about the stadium. Would it be big enough? Would the facilities be big enough?

Nothing went wrong. Rice Stadium was wonderful, and it was the right place to be that day and that time.”

In the 42 years since that game, the Super Bowl has grown in size and scope, and is the most watched football game in the world. Super Bowl XXXVIII came back to Houston in 2004 at then-Reliant Stadium, and next year Houston will host Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium.

Csonka and the Miami Dolphins made history that day at Rice Stadium, completing a run that put them in the Super Bowl for the third time in as many years and winning for the second consecutive year. “To go back-to-back winning is something. To be in three in a row is something,” says Csonka, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. “And being undefeated in the previous season (1972 season, Super Bowl VII) is something no one else has ever done.”

The game was played at Rice Stadium because, at the time, it had much more seating than the 10-year-old Astrodome.

“Up until that point Super Bowls had been held in Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans, and having the game in Houston was the first time coming out of the major three cities,” Csonka says. “It all started with Houston because it left everyone with a feeling that it was the right city and struck such a positive note.”

President and CEO of Super Bowl LI Sallie Sargent is excited that the game is once again

game was an offensive showcase to watch,” says Buettgen. “My favorite memory was being there with a group of Patriots fans and having that experience watching the game come down to the wire. It was exciting down to the last minute.”

The cost of the tickets, Buettgen recalls, was $2,220 each, which they bought from an online ticket broker. “I sat in Section 124, Row J, Seat 9. We had great seats,” he says. “It was a lot of money, and my wife and I were a young married couple with our first baby. But it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go – how often does a Super Bowl come to your hometown?”

Buettgen says the Super Bowl XXXVIII vibe at then-Reliant Feb. 1, 2004, at Reliant Stadium Stadium was electric.

New England 32, Carolina 29 The fans were spirited, HAT TRICK J. Kent Friedman, Fred Hofheinz and Peter Buettgen (from left) hold Peter Buettgen says attending Super Bowl a souvenir game ball from Super Bowl XXXVIII in front of Rice Stadium, site of the halftime show was Super Bowl VIII. All three have attended Super Bowls in Houston and look forXXXVIII was a bucket-list event. “The Super exciting (and no, he ward to Super Bowl LI in Houston in 2017.

Bowl absolutely exceeded my expectations – says, they were not it was a blast,” recalls Buettgen, who is a mancenter of the events. aware of Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction aging director with Accenture. A lifelong foot“The fan fest will have something for everyone – in the stands), and there were celebrities. Bruce ball fan, Buettgen went to the game with a NASA wow-factor ride, live music, NFL exhibits, Willis and Tom Arnold were both seated near good friend from Boston, who came to town to Houston’s story told by Host Committee sponsors him. “It was a blast,” he says. “NRG is such a cheer on his Patriots. Buettgen’s friend brought and fireworks every night,” he says. great facility and it’s outstanding for our city – I a group of Patriots fans with him — and they These efforts and media coverage of the think that is great that Houston will again be all slept on the Buettgens’ living room floor in Super Bowl will translate not only into the hosting next year.”

West U. Houston economy, but also, says Campo, “3 “I did not have a dog in the hunt, but the billion media impressions.” It’s the Host Super Bowl LI Committee’s job to ensure that Houston is in Feb. 5, 2017 the spotlight. “Demographically the rest of the NRG Stadium United States will look like Houston in the Sargent says the host next 20 years – our people and diversity is the committee is bringing future of the country today,” he says. the Super Bowl back to Sargent says, “We are the culinary capital of Houston in a big way. the south, and we are second to New York City She promises events for theater seats – our plan is to make sure peothat will appeal to visiple know all the great things about Houston.” tors even if they don’t Csonka did not make it to Houston in 2004 have a game-day ticket. for Super Bowl XXXVIII but says he would like One is Super Bowl to return for Super Bowl LI – especially if a cerCentral, a free fan event tain local team is on the field. “I am a huge J.J. that will have interacWatt fan,” enthuses Csonka. “He is a talented tive games, exhibits, player, and he just does so much good taking his music and food. time with the kids and the foundations. If it Chairman of the turns out the Texans are in the Super Bowl, I Super Bowl LI Host am getting a ticket and coming to watch.”

Committee Ric Campo says Discovery Green and the George R. See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links Convention SUPER MEMORIES Peter Buettgen saved his souvenirs from attending Super Bowl Brown XXXVIII in 2004 at Reliant Stadium: his game-day ticket, seat cushion and football. Center will be the epito more information, including tickets. lawellphoto.com

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money to me – I was 8 years old at the time, and Cokes were still 5 cents at Jamail’s.”

Angulo says he made $50 that day, which he used to buy the ultimate kid prize: Hot Wheels.

He remembers sneaking into the stadium with friends after the halftime show, which included singing by Charley Pride. “There was a conduit behind one of the concession stands, and we climbed up it and got into the stadium,” recalls Angulo, now an energy-industry investment banker at Jefferies. “We just ran around the stadium being goofballs – there is no way you can get away with any of that today, but back then nobody cared too much about a pack of 8 year olds running around having fun.”

Friedman remembers that obtaining tickets for Super Bowl VIII was relatively easy and inexpensive. “I was pulling for Miami since I knew them better,” says Friedman. “My best recollection is that after the game, people were complimentary about Houston. Obviously it was played outdoors but fortunately we had nice weather.

“Back in 1974, the Super Bowl was an important football game. I also went to Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant, and in those 30 years between the games, the Super Bowl turned into a big spectacle.”

MORE ONLINE

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Party Pop-Ups No fuss, no muss at impromptu gatherings lawellphoto.com

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ometimes a party just happens. No plans, last-minute, friends with free time getting together.

Kim Etheridge has got this model down. The mom of two girls and owner of the party store Emerson Sloan is forever ready for a crew to drop by.

“We used to always sit out in our front yard with the girls and blankets,” Kim says. “Then we built a deck, and people would see us sitting outside with wine and music. It kind of forces anybody walking by to stop and talk.”

But wine and music – “mostly rap, that’s the truth, unless the kids are making us listen to the Frozen soundtrack or something” – are just the start. “We have these two huge Adirondack chairs on the deck and a small, short table. Low and modern. So everybody just sits on the deck, and kids run in the yard.”

As an aside, Kim says, “I do love my chairs.

They’re made out of recycled milk cartons and have beer openers on the sides (lolldesigns.com).”

She keeps her house stocked with drinks and snacks for drop-ins. “Alcohol is numero uno,” she says, “and then it’s nice to have a good cheese – brie or Manchego. My favorite appetizer is Manchego with this honey that has truffles in it. Buy it at Central Market or Whole Foods. It’s delicious.” She keeps juice boxes and Goldfish on hand for the kids.

“After that, you’ve got to have music and a couple of picnic blankets, and you’re good.”

The crowd usually gathers spontaneously – neighbors walking by stop and stay, others notice the activity and gravitate outside. “Or,” Kim says, “I’ll text friends and say we’ll be in the front yard after school. But it’s never a planned thing.”

Kim suggests a few things to make pop-ups easier. “There’s a thing called a Corksicle (corksicle.com) like a long icicle with a cork at the top that you leave in the freezer. It keeps open white wine chilled.

“I also love Govino plastic wine glasses (govinowine.com, or at Emerson Sloan),” she says. “They’re real thin so it doesn’t feel like you’re drinking out of plastic, but they’re shatterproof and dishwasher-safe.”

Ellen Elam, president of Office Effects, says, “I

POP-IN FRIENDS Kim Etheridge (far right) and her friends (from left) Sara Bloom, Jennifer Brenckmann, Jana Plummer and Maureen Holt frequently get together for impromptu parties on Kim's porch.

love when friends just stop by and drop in. It happens frequently with my neighbors Kristi Cooper and Robine Hendricks.”

A couple of years ago, Ellen and Kristi had lost family members and found “pop-ups” to be “an easy way to take a break and connect with someone who could relate but also not be in the middle of it, because we weren’t family.” Robine joined the group as a mini-escape after putting her three children to bed.

“We share a little concrete brick path between our houses,” Ellen says. “My husband made a little pop button light so they didn’t have to stumble – I mean walk – home after a glass or two of wine.

“Anyone can come. Sometimes there are just three of us, sometimes more. It is good for the soul to laugh, talk and solve some world problems in your PJs.” Like Kim, Ellen likes to keep Manchego on hand, along with Marcona almonds, grapes, peppered salami and crackers. “Oh – and the wine balls!” she says. “They’re frozen plastic balls that chill our wine while not diluting it. (Find them at Bering’s.) Possibly one of the best inventions ever.

“Then we have a great chat session. I love, love, love having pop-ups.”

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Pediatrician and mother of two Lindy McGee suggests the likely suspects for drop-ins: cheese, crackers and olives. And, “at Christmas time,” she says, “Annunciation Orthodox church sells spanakopita that you can stick in your freezer. It’s easy to pop out and heat up a few whenever you need them. Homemade by someone’s yia-yia!”

Another reader swears by Chick-fil-A tenders, piled onto a silver platter. Drive through, pick them up and “just add parsley!” she says.

Then there’s the pop-up that has nothing to do with wine or apps. “A few years ago, the Chronicle had an article featuring Blue Bell holiday flavors,” says nurse Lisa Blume. “I hopped in the car, ran to Randalls and bought them all.

Emailed my ice cream-indulging buddies and invited them to come to an ice cream happy hour that afternoon. Guests were served a salad bowl with one scoop of each flavor. Opinions were shared, favorites declared. Mine was Pumpkin Spiced Pecan.

“It was a fun, totally spontaneous, delicious and fattening afternoon. Life is short. Eat ice cream!”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for a shopping list of what to keep on hand for a last-minute party.

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NEIGHBORS

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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Rumor Has It Dance in the palace. It was a year ago when Michael Connelly planned a magical celebration for his 50th wedding anniversary to Carolyn Connelly. The three-week trip to Prague, Budapest and Vienna included renewal of their vows Dec. 27 at the Christ Church, on their actual anny. A Danube cruise during Christmas market was topped with a grand New Year’s Eve Silvesterball in the Hofburg Imperial Palace. They waltzed with Oklahoman friends Dale and Eleanor Wilkerson among entertaining opera singers and ballet dancers. Carolyn wore that gown to celebrate again with 200 friends at the River Oaks Country Club in January. She and Michael floated on air to the Dave Caceres Band as their friends gave celebratory toasts.

Island hoppers. It “shore” sounded like a wonderful break from life when Amy and Aron Grenader took their adult sons, Michael and Drew, to Hawaii. Amy and Aron, veteran Hawaii travelers, rented a car for two weeks on Maui, Kauai and Oahu. In Oahu, where Amy and Aron honeymooned in 1974, they visited Pearl Harbor three days after the bombing anniversary and met Delton Walling, a survivor of Pearl Harbor. Delton saw the whole thing happen from a watchtower 150 feet above. He is 94 years old.

They also took a train ride around the historic Dole Plantation, swung their hips at a Lahaina Luau, and “aww”-ed at the sea creatures at the underwater paradise in the Maui Ocean Center aquarium. Hang ten with the Grenaders.

A knight in Camelot. A mystical journey to medieval times at the Citadel on Kirby celebrated Social Book’s 21st charity calendar.

King Arthur, aka Scott Evans, arrived in a Lexus with plenty of horsepower as Mary Wilson, in a pillbox hat, and Tirey Count pulled off Kennedy’s Camelot. Treasures honored were the late Donna and Robert Bruni, Fran Fauntleroy, Lily and the Hon. Charles Foster, Nancy Gordon, Terri and John Havens, Betty Hrncir, Pam Lockard and Ron Sterlekar, Joella and Steve Mach, Kim Moody, Judy and Scott Nyquist, Linda Gale and the Hon. Mark White, and Joanne and Welcome Wilson. Other royalty seen were Bill Stubbs,

John Hrncir, Michelle Maresh, Philamena and Arthur Baird and Charity Yarborough, and Helen Perry in a princess hat held court.

Groovin’. The tunes of Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5 and the Supremes will grab at your soul when you enter the Magic of Motown gala April 8. Presented by the Lester and Sue Smith Foundation, it will benefit the Lung Institute at Baylor College of TIME FLEW Carolyn and Michael Connelly renewed their vows in Vienna after Medicine, where the 50 years of marriage. mantra of Dr. David and Tony Tripodo and director of development Sugarbaker, lung-disease expert, is Ain’t No Becky Buturovic applauded the committee’s Mountain High Enough. Co-chairs Carol Sawyer young professionals, Carli Baker, Molly and Robin Young-Ellis heard it through the Blanchard, Lauren Bryan, Leah Hanson, Alexis grapevine that you can buy tickets at Hester, Brittany Koger, Natalie Murdock, Kari Partnership@bcm.edu or 713-798-5460. The hip Schultz, Dr. Emily Walding and Elizabeth music fest is at Revention Music Center downtown.

Yarotsky. Orchestrating behind the scenes are Air kisses. A mermaid sat above the bar Josh Agrons, Bo Eagles, Marianne Terrell, Dan at the Age of Aquarius Winter Ball, co-chaired Mathena, Will Speer and Jesse Soto.

by Susan Hansen and Jana Arnoldy, benefiting Distilled. The Bayou Preservation the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. The glamAssociation had its 50th-anniversary kickoff orous 2016 Women of Distinction honorees party at Public Services Wine & Whisky. The applauded for their volunteerism, Gina Bhatia, party commemorated the day that the packet Estela Cockrell, Gina Gaston Elie, Lisa steamer, Laura, made it all the way up Buffalo Holthouse, Mady Kades, DeeDee Marsh, Bayou to Allen’s Landing, proving that Houston Paula Mendoza, Jo Ann Petersen, Barbara was a navigable port. All Lauras got in free at Van Postman and Lynn Walsh, floated about the mixer at the historic Houston Cotton in gowns among the glittery orbs. Phoebe Tudor Exchange Building. Making waves were Kathy was named the 2016 Ambassador, and high Lord, Steve Hupp, Vince Ryan, James school senior Bradlee Few was recognized as the Glassman, Rob and Marianne Jones, Carroll Rising Star. Allie Doyle, the Honored Hero of Shaddock, Terri Thomas, Brian Broussard, the night, made a splash.

Marjorie Cohan, Lesley Rice, Laura Scyrkels Harmony. Everyone is in “a-chord” for the and Sarah Gruber.

20th anny of Opera in the Heights (Oh!) May 21 at La Colombe d’Or. The kickoff party at Boulevard Realty in the Heights announced that See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for Fred and Josie Nevill will be honored at the gala additional photos. Have some good news to share?

“Bravissimo 2016 – An Emerald Evening,” for Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. nine years of involvement. Co-chairs Heather

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KIDS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Little one, meet the dog

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

W

hen Kathleen McDaniel and her husband, Philip, found out they were going to be first-time parents, they started to prepare. They bought the gear and prepped the room.

It was summer 2009 when their first baby arrived. A healthy baby boy, 18 pounds, 10 ounces, and 4 months old. His name was Jake.

He was a yellow Labrador-mix puppy.

The couple experienced a bumpy ride as new parents to their pooch, adopted from the Houston Humane Society. “[Jake] almost died of pneumonia after we adopted him, but the emergency-hospital doctors saved his life,” said Kathleen. Jake eventually became an integral member of the family.

The human babies arrived four years later.

The couple’s first son was Noah, born June 1, 2013. “Jake was our first ‘baby,’ but that quickly changed when we brought Noah home,” said Kathleen.

Taking advice from others, they helped Jake get to know the newest and smallest member of the family by letting him sniff one of Noah’s hospital receiving blankets.

“When we brought Noah home, Jake seemed very interested and wanted to smell him a lot,” said Kathleen. “We did the same thing when we had our second baby, Evelyn, this past summer.”

Kathleen said with Evelyn, they let Jake smell her head while they held her. “He always wants to give slobbery kisses to Noah and Evelyn,” said Kathleen.

“He has been very good with both of our children, but he is a dog, and we have to keep watch when they are eating food. Jake has taken a whole peanut butter sandwich right out of Noah’s hand, and other snack foods if they are within his reach.”

Kathleen said she keeps in mind that Jake has instincts. “Jake is protective of his food, so we have to be vigilant about keeping his food bowl

Courtney Rose

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off the floor, and only feed him when the kids are sleeping.”

Now, Noah chases Jake and plays tug-of-war with him. “Evelyn loves to pet him and pull on his fur, which he is not a big fan of,” said Kathleen.

A lot of new parents worry about the dog and MAKES SCENTS Kathleen and Philip McDaniel let their yellow Lab mix, Jake, sniff baby’s introduc- their babies when they came home from the hospital. tion.

There’s Beth says their daughter, Berkeley, is an anialways a fear of that scary news story where it mal lover and sometimes she gives a little “too” didn’t go well. Trainer Cesar Millan says to premuch love. “We often have to remind her that pare your dog. she has to be gentle, maybe only give him one “Find a recording [on YouTube] of a baby hug,” said Beth. “I have to watch her closely crying and put it on as loud as possible while around animals.” you go about your daily routine,” Millan says Beth said they established boundaries before on cesarsway.com. “It won’t be exactly the they brought their babies home. They also consame as the real thing, but it can help get your tinued to give their dog attention and maintain dog accustomed to the sound and may help you his usual routine. Also, she said, it helped giving identify and address any problem behaviors Murree a retreat away from the kids, a protected, that it elicits.” personal space.

Beth and Brad Applewhite, owners of the Lauren Leavitt-Griffin and her husband website Kid Fun Houston, adopted their first Dallas Griffin, both physicians, have enjoyed furry “baby,” Murree, in 2007 from the Houston watching their 7-month-old baby boy, Grant, Collie Rescue Center. bond with their three Yorkshire Terriers, Four years later, the couple had their first Charlie, Jax and Max. human son, Pierce, when dog Murree was 5.

Lauren worried about the introduction. “It Their daughter Berkeley came two years later. was one of my biggest fears during pregnancy, When the couple placed baby Pierce next to because my dogs were my first babies and [Dallas Murree, the dog sniffed and licked him. “He then and I] had gone through so much together – started following him room to room,” said Beth. medical school, residency, dating, marriage, The couple said Murree still follows the kids pregnancy. everywhere. “My son went through a phase “I should have known we’d do just fine with when he was 3 years old,” said Beth. “He was this too.” afraid at night. We allowed Murree in his bedroom, and it really helped Pierce feel safe.

Murree has a dog bed in Pierce’s bedroom, and For more on parenting and babies, check out writer he sleeps and naps with Pierce every day. He has Annie Blaylock McQueen’s new “Mommy Moments” comforted Pierce in this way for almost two blog every Monday at thebuzzmagazines.com. years now.”

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TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Veterans of the slopes share their wisdom

S

usan Finnegan may have broken her tailbone when she learned to snowboard. But it also helped her heal a broken heart.

Susan and Bill Finnegan started taking their three kids skiing nearly 20 years ago. Every Spring Break they’d take Nick, Terrell and Scotty to Beaver Creek, Colo.

Nick was an eighth grader at St. John’s School when he decided to try his hand at snowboarding.

“That was back when everyone hated the snowboarders,” says Susan. “It was the year 2000, and snowboarding was kind of like long hair, dreadlocks, wild and crazy people on the slopes.”

Stereotype or no, Nick was determined, so his parents gave their assent, but with one condition. “We told him, ‘When you can’t stand it you have to do it anyway – we can’t let you get your skis back,’” said Susan. “It takes three days to figure out what the instructors are trying to tell you. But once you learn, it’s not hard.”

As predicted, he hated it. “I said, ‘Sorry, we made an agreement – next year, if you want your skis back, you can have them.’ I was kind of tough.” But at the end of that trip, Nick was a convert, and the next year, Terrell and Scotty learned, as well.

Every year they went, and every year the adults skied, and the kids snowboarded. The last time was Spring Break of Nick’s senior year.

Then something happened in August of that year that changed everything.

Nick was on a trip back from Austin, where he was preparing to enter The University of Texas, when he and a good friend were in an accident and were killed.

“I didn’t leave the house for two years. I almost died of a broken heart,” says Susan. She and husband Bill, an attorney, went on to collaborate with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in the founding of the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, which has supported hundreds of Houston families in their life challenges.

But first, they had a lot of healing to do.

Spring Break came and went. “I said, I can never go to Beaver Creek again – that was our special place.”

Finally, some friends invited them to use their

home in Aspen. “It was very hard but we said, OK, we’re going to go on this trip. I just told my husband I don’t know if I can do this – just ski aimlessly – I’m just so sad.”

An instructor overheard them and suggested they learn how to snowboard. So in the spring of 2004, at the age of 44 and 48, respectively, they decided to try their hand at snowboarding.

“It was so hard – I think I broke a tailbone, and my husband thinks he got a concussion – but I didn’t feel the physical pain, because I didn’t care,” Susan recalls. “I can’t say it got my mind off Nick, but it gave me something to think about.”

Just like Nick, she wanted with everything in her to give it up. But she had to stick to her guns. By the end of the BOARDING BUDDIES Bill Finnegan, left, and wife Susan made the switch trip, they had a new from skiing to snowboarding in their 40s."Let's face it, it's just cooler," said Susan.

Son and daughter Terrell and Scotty, who are fellow snowboarders, accompany family tradition. them every Christmas break.

They’ve been snowbuilding, and it’s strengthened relationships, but boarding as a family ever since. most of all, it’s been good, healthy fun.

“We think of Nick all the time – and I’m This month we visited with the Finnegans so happy that I did that; both Bill and I did and five other Buzz families – and a Telluride that. It’s one way to honor him, because that’s ski instructor – to glean the best of their advice what he did – and we miss him every day and for those who are new to the sport.

I wish he was there with us – but it’s not every 56-year-old woman and 59-year-old man that Taking the leap can snowboard.”

One thing our veterans stressed is to start as The Finnegans are just one of countless soon as possible; some had their kids enrolled in Houston families who have grown up with skitheir first ski school at 3. Not having a mountain ing or snowboarding – or both – a part of their in the vicinity, however, many Houstonians family’s story. It’s been a source of stamina-

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 22

don’t get around to skiing until later in life – and that’s OK. “There are a lot of adults, particularly from Texas, who think it’s too late – but it’s never too late,” says Rocky Mafrige, a local businessman who grew up skiing in Tahoe. He and wife Joe’l have taken their two girls, Halliday and Olivia, skiing since they were 3, and ended up buying a second home in Deer Valley, where they’ve entertained and encouraged a number of Houston beginners. “For people who’ve never done it, it shouldn’t be intimidating; you should do it as a family and just have a good time.”

“Put your apprehensions aside and go do it,” added Joe’l. “You’ll love it. Everything is better after skiing – the great food, beautiful scenery – even if you don’t like skiing that much, there’s so much to enjoy.”

Kathy Berkman, husband Drew and daughters Haley and Ali have been skiing together as a family since the girls, now in their 20s, were small. For Kathy, it’s a way that the family can share the majesty of the natural environment.

“One of the things that I love about skiing is just being out there surrounded by such beauty,” she said. “Whether it’s a bluebird day or you are skiing in a snowstorm in the middle of harsh elements, it is amazing because you can be out there in the middle of it all, enjoying nature.”

It’s also that it’s a wonderful family sport, and it’s multigenerational. She hopes to continue as long as she lives. “I want to be the 85-year-old grandmother out on the mountain skiing with my grandchildren.”

Getting ready Make your reservations early – several months in advance, if possible, especially if it’s over the holidays or Spring Break. Ski schools, private lessons, hotels, even restaurants get booked early.

If you’re just getting started, see if friends who are regulars might be willing to loan you some gear.

“If it’s your first time and you’re not sure you’re going to be a ski family, borrow, borrow, borrow,” says Colleen Zatorski, who together with husband Jeff has been taking the kids skiing for more than a decade. “You may get there and your kids may say, nope, we never want to go back, and you’re stuck with thousands of dollars of ski clothes and gear.”

Pack lightly; ski gear takes up space, and baggage fees are hefty. “Find a place with a washing machine, as your clothes can get pretty sweaty – that way you don’t have to pack seven days of clothes, you can just pack three days’ worth and wash them,” advises Colleen.

Take time to prepare yourself physically, advised Noah Sheedy, director of the ski and snowboard school at Telluride Ski Resort. Get your heart and lungs ready with a good cardio regimen, and coming well rested and hydrated will help with the altitude.

“Obviously skiing and snowboarding are lower-body intensive sports…. Do anaerobic

ALL IN THE FAMILY The Mafriges and Mithoffs spend Christmas skiing at the St. Regis Deer Valley Resort.

From left, from row: Max Mithoff, Melissa Mithoff, Hallie Mafrige, Mia Mithoff, Olivia Mafrige, Matthew Mithoff. Back row: Michael Mithoff, Rocky Mafrige, Joe’l Mafrige. Rocky and Melissa are cousins.

exercises to strengthen your muscles – lunges, box jumps, squats…. Cardio and stretching are really important as well; any kind of yoga classes or stretching classes really set people up for success.”

Getting in shape is also a safety issue, said Charles Katz, a physician who relocated his family and his practice from Houston to Salt Lake City, Utah, after falling in love with the lifestyle. Now he patrols the slopes of Brighton Ski Resort on snowboard as a volunteer ski patrol member. “The stronger you are the more you’ll prevent injuries. At the last of day if you’re exhausted you don’t have the strength to avoid that collision.”

sible the day before, doing your shopping and getting fitted for rental equipment so you can hit the slopes first thing in the morning.

For skiers and snowboarders alike, helmets are a must – and for those who haven’t been on the slopes for a long time, it may come as a surprise.

“Novice skiers or snowboarders might think that by wearing helmets they are being singled out as beginners, but in reality everyone wears them,” said Haley Berkman, who’s been skiing since she was 5. “Helmets are very sleek and come in lots of different colors; some even have speakers so you can rock out to music on the mountain!”

Insider tips Gearing up Layering is key to comfort on the slopes: thermal underwear under ski pants, layered tops and fleeces and jackets – and now there are even electric gloves and socks.

“Thin wool ski socks are better because you can feel your feet better in your boots – and your boots are the most important part of your gear, since you steer with your feet and your ankles and your lower part of your legs,” said Kathy.

Don’t fret if you don’t find what you want in Houston, advised Colleen. Competition keeps prices down at the resort shops, she said, and the selection is much better. The Mafriges, who ski at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, agree. And The Buzz Magazines editor Joni Hoffman says it’s the same in Telluride, where she found her super-warm Hestra gloves on sale for 20 percent less than what she’d paid in Houston.

Colleen recommends arriving as early as pos-

Houston businessman Michael Plank and wife Susan, who have made Christmas in Telluride a family tradition for a decade now, recommend taking advantage of some of the extras – for example, Black Tie Ski Rentals, which will come to your home and even up to the mountain to help you make adjustments or swap out your gear; and Boot Doctors, which offers the best high-end custom-fitted equipment. They will also meet you out on the mountain and allow you to ski for awhile and then trade the skis out a few hours later – with rental fees are applied toward the purchase cost.

Getting up to speed Without exception, all of our veterans recommended skiing school and/or lessons for beginners, even if you feel you’d like to teach your friends and loved ones yourself.

“When you hand your (continued on page 24)

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 23

(continued from page 23) child over to the ski

school, you do your best to turn your back and walk away and leave and not interfere with that process,” said Charles Katz. “When the kids were in school, we’d meet them for lunch and find out how their first part of the day was, then leave again – at the end of the day, we’d do a run together down the mountain. It was good for them, and it was good for us.”

Noah Sheedy emphasized that this rule is important not only for children, but for beginners of all ages.

“Don’t let your girlfriend or boyfriend or wife or husband teach you – that never works out,” he advised. “Seldom do our significant others have enough patience to teach us… and typically it doesn’t end very well.”

Snowboarding vs. skiing Since Susan Finnegan made the switch to snowboarding, she’s never gone back. “It’s a lot cooler, let’s face it. People see the snowboard going down the mountain and it looks so effortless – skiing is a beautiful sport, don’t get me wrong; it’s just not as cool as snowboarding.”

Now that she’s mastered it, she feels more graceful on a board. “It’s easier to get around, the gear’s more fun… the clothing, shoes, the boots are just more comfortable. You don’t have to lug skis and poles. You can sit at lunch with your snowboard boots on and you’re comfortable.”

Michael Plank says the learning curve for snowboarders is steep and can be dangerous, so you’d better be prepared to break something. His daughter Kendall broke her wrist the first time she snowboarded. After talking with other families, he found that this is “very, very common.”

“If somebody chooses to go down that path…

SNOW-CAPPED MAJESTY For the Berkmans, (from left) Kathy, Ali, Drew and Haley, it's all about immersing themselves in nature as a family.

you absolutely better have a damn good helmet and wrist guards, and the wrist guards must be tight,” he warned. Kendall had been uncomfortable and loosened hers, so they didn’t protect her when she took a spill. “Also it wouldn’t hurt to get a pair of padded sliding pants, because your rear end is going to take a beating.”

As a doctor, and also a skilled snowboarder and skier, Charles Katz says the danger level is

about the same; it’s just that with snowboarding, you’re more likely to get a broken wrist, while for skiers, it’s more likely to be a knee injury.

Snowboarding got a reputation for being dangerous at a time when a lot of young and reckless people were getting started; since then, the sport has matured.

The big difference is that snowboarding has a much steeper learning curve – as the Finnegans learned, it typically takes three days of really hard knocks to get the hang of it. Skiing on the other hand is a skill that can be acquired more gradually, but it takes a lifetime to perfect.

As far as personal preference, Charles goes back and forth, depending on whom he’s with.

“Whereas some people think of them as rival sports, really they are complementary; they’re just two different ways of enjoying the snow.”

Ten years ago, he said, most young people were transitioning over to snowboarding as that was seen as the cooler, hipper sport – “that’s what most young people wanted to be doing,” he said. That’s changing, however. “Now ski technology has changed and you can get bidirectional, twin tip skis; you can go frontwards and backwards; and you can get wider skis that allow you to ride powder – the features that simulate all the kinds of tricks that were being done by snowboarders. That ‘wow’ factor and coolness is available in either discipline.”

MORE ONLINE MAKING THE LEAP Dr. Charles Katz was so passionate about the snowboarding lifestyle he moved his practice and his family to Utah. Pictured are Ethan, Bettina, Aaron and Dylan Katz (from left) at Jackson Hole, where Aaron and Dylan are taking a “gap year” before college, working at the resort.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 24

For our experts’ recommendations on dining, après-ski and alternative activities, see this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 25

The Junior League of Houston

FOOD

by Carmen Millet, contributing writer

Cooking Buzz Rodeo-inspired eats Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.

T

he month of March is exciting: Spring, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, the end of daylight savings time. But the reason Houstonians love March so much is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The best part about rodeo season may be the food, starting with barbecue, tamales and funnel cakes. As a five-year HLSR committee member, currently on the Parade Committee, I’ve eaten my fair share of rodeo foods. And each year, I invite committee friends to my annual “Sparkles, Spurs and Sangria” rodeo kickoff party.

My mom always said, “Go big or go home,” so my party is big. As soon as my guests arrive, they are greeted with a silver tray of delicious Sangria from The Houston Junior League Cookbook. To add a festive look to the pitcher of sangria, I add two oranges and two Meyer lemons sliced into thin rounds. I serve each cocktail in silver mint julep cups with colorfully striped straws and hand each guest a white-linen, monogrammed, cocktail napkin. It’s the perfect way to make a statement that gets your party started.

No cowboy or cowgirl wants to sip sangria without something to snack on, so I whip up the Green Chile Dip, also from The Houston Junior League Cookbook, and encourage my guests to belly up to taste it with either corn chips or crudité. This dip has the perfect amount of kick.

After a long day of boot scootin’, my friends are ready to dig into the star of the show: Lone Star Brisket in Chili Sauce and Beer from Stop and Smell the Rosemary. Even the littlest cowboy loves this cut-it-with-a-fork dish. It freezes well, so I prefer to make it the week before my party, so I’m not running around like a kid in the Calf Scramble. I serve the brisket with Peace Meals’ Texas Corn Pudding.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known for foods on a stick. From corn dogs, sausages and roasted corn to deep-fried cookie dough, you can find almost any kind of food on a stick. In keeping with that spirit, I make the Over-the-Top Fudgy Brownies from Peace

Meals to serve for a little something sweet.

While the brownies are still warm, but cool enough to be cut, I poke a popsicle stick into each brownie square and serve them on a tiered dessert tray lined with little white doilies.

Because this SOMETHING SWEET Add popsicle sticks as handles to transform your Over-the-Top brownie recipe is Fudgy Brownies from Peace Meals into true food-on-a-stick rodeo fare. so fudgy, my guests pan. Butter and flour the foil; set aside. In a doucan grab a square and eat it on the stick just like ble boiler, melt the butter, 16 ounces of the they do at the rodeo. chocolate chips and the unsweetened chocolate.

Cheers to a great 2016 rodeo. Get to cookin’, Stir to combine, then allow to cool slightly. In y’all. a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, espresso, vanilla and sugar. Starting in small amounts, add Over-the-Top Fudgy Brownies the warm chocolate mixture to the egg mixture; From Peace Meals allow to cool to room temperature. In another These espresso-laced brownies are designed to bowl, sift together 1 cup of the flour, the baking please a grownup palate. Because you make powder and salt; stir into the cooled chocolatethem with your favorite candy bar (Milky Way, egg mixture until just combined. In another Snickers, York Peppermint Patties), these can medium bowl, toss the walnuts/pecans and the become your signature treat. remaining 12 ounces of chocolate chips with the remaining ¼ cup of flour; add to the chocolate2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter egg-flour mixture.

28 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate and smooth the top. Arrange the candy in a sin6 eggs gle layer over the batter, making sure the candy 3 Tablespoons instant espresso reaches the edges of the pan. Top with the 2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract remaining batter and smooth. Bake for 35 min2¼ cups sugar utes; although the brownies will not be firm, do 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided not overbake. Allow to cool, then refrigerate 1 Tablespoon baking powder overnight. Remove the brownies from the pan 1 teaspoon salt using the foil overhang and cut into squares with 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) a serrated knife. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 11 to 12 ounces Snickers (or other candy bar 32 brownies. On-a-stick option: Poke popsicle of your choice), coarsely chopped sticks into brownies. See story for details.

This recipe requires overnight refrigeration after baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a See this article at thebuzzmagazines.com for more 9x13 inch metal (not glass) pan with foil, leavrecipes. ing enough foil to hang over the edges of the

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 26

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Cadillac Special

Fried Chicken Enchiladas

Guadalajara Mexican Grille and Bar Introduces

2925 Southwest Freeway

Same location! Between Buffalo Speedway and Kirby

713.942.0772 | WWW.GUAD.COM

Enchiladas Abuelitas

Red Velvet Tres Leches

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 27

SPORTS

.

by Todd Freed, staff writer

Kevin Long/Gulf Coast Shots

SportzBuzz F

or the St. John’s Mavericks, “Justise” prevails.

Justise, in this case, refers to former St. John’s basketball star Justise Winslow, who had his #42 jersey retired during a special halftime ceremony last month at his high school alma mater.

“It was a great moment to share with my family, friends and the whole St. John’s community,” said Winslow. “It’s an honor to have my jersey retired, but it’s really the memories that are going to stand with me the most.”

Only two years removed from his senior year at St. John’s, Winslow is currently a standout rookie for the NBA’s Miami Heat. It was just last year when he helped lead the Duke Blue Devils to a college basketball national championship.

“It’s really crazy the way time flies, graduating from St. John’s just a couple of years ago, and then struggling early on in my college career.

But just the gift we have to take advantage of opportunities and make the most of them is probably what got me to where I am today.”

In his decorated high school career at St. John’s, Winslow was twice named the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, won two world FIBA titles and played in the McDonald’s AllAmerican game. But, even with all those accolades and then an NCAA championship at Duke, it’s one remarkable game against Episcopal as a high school freshman that Winslow treasures the most.

“Just as far as games played, that game my freshman year is definitely my favorite. It was an incredible moment.”

In that game, Winslow lit up the scoreboard for 43 points. Then, while driving to the basket with the game tied in the final seconds, Winslow passed the ball to his older brother Josh, who scored the winning basket one second before the final buzzer. The St. John’s fans stormed the court as the Mavericks celebrated

CENTER OF ATTENTION Former St. John’s basketball star Justise Winslow was back on the home court to have his jersey retired during a special halftime ceremony at the Mavericks gym. The Miami Heat rookie led St. John’s to a trio of SPC titles before winning a national championship with the Duke Blue Devils.

their first SPC basketball title in 21 years.

“That was so great for my family and my brother, who played two sports and had never won a state championship. For us to literally link up for the winning score in the championship game was really a cool moment. It was an amazing experience and memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

There were certainly new memories to draw on before a packed gymnasium for the jerseyretirement ceremony, where Winslow was swarmed by young autograph-seeking fans from St. John’s School.

“That’s a cool moment. Ten years ago I was one of those kids asking for autographs. It’s just great to be someone that kids or even your peers can look up to. For me, outside of basketball one of my biggest goals is to be a role model and just be someone who makes a positive impact in the community. It’s so cool having kids want to be like you.”

Right now, Winslow also wants to make a name for himself in the NBA, although it can be a challenging transition for a player who, remark-

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 28

ably enough, is still only 19 years old. “I get the young jokes from my Miami Heat teammates all the time. They still can’t believe I’m only 19. I’ve had to mature faster in certain areas on and off the court. It’s really about becoming a man and understanding my priorities and the professionalism that comes with playing in the NBA.” As he adjusts to life in the NBA as a Miami Heat rookie, Winslow maintains his deeply rooted connection to St. John’s and his hometown of Houston.

“Houston will always be home,” he said. “This city means the world to me. My school and my city made me who I am today. My personality and my culture are all a result of growing up here. Houston and St. John’s will always have a special place in my heart.”

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.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 29

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.

The Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association’s 10U Sparks and Monarchs basketball teams faced off in an exhibition game during halftime at the Memorial High School varsity girls’ game. The high school players sat on the bench with the young girls and gave them commemorative Tshirts after the game. The varsity Mustangs are (from left) Becca Coker, Kelsey Slattery, Emma Shields, Grace Yochum, Giuliana Madrigali, Courtney Slattery, Rachel Lai, Claire Tate, Elizabeth Eubank, Amanda McCloskey, Jordan Kreindler and Sydney Gauss. The SBMSA Monarchs are (from left) Paige Shepard, Deveny Gilmore, Ava Swartz, Jill Haugen, Claire Shea-han, Ali Wigle, Megan Medlenka, Eleanor McWilliams and Angie Aguilar (not pictured: Valerie Igbikiowubo). The SBMSA Sparks are (from left) Sloane Soriero, Cameron Kroger, Lauren Wray, Kate Marshall, Peyton Ralston, Riley McCloskey, Kylie Gilchrist, Brooke Soriero, Emily Milner and Lily McClanahan.

Amy Anton

Learning from the best

Midfield maverick St. John’s School midfielder Ashton Anton (middle photo, at right) dodges Presbyterian School’s Zach Kroencke (at left) in a lacrosse game with the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference. The SJS Mavericks won the conference championship last season. Ashton’s love of the game comes naturally, as his father played lacrosse for Washington and Lee University, and his younger brothers also play for St. John’s. Ashton has played lacrosse since he was in kindergarten, and has previously played for both the HYLAX Hornets and the Chupacabras. He practices with the St. John’s team every day during the spring season, and he plans to play for a Texas United club team this summer.

Undefeated on the court The Second Baptist School eighth-grade girls’ basketball team (bottom photo) won the district championship. The Lady Eagles started the game slowly, but came back in the second half to defeat St. John’s School, 4528. This championship marks the end of the girls’ middle school games, as they move on to high school in the fall. The girls were undefeated this season, with an average of 52 points in each game, and finished their entire middle school career, 22-0. The champion Lady Eagles are (top row, from left) Chloe Tondera, Caroline Torn, Katie Park, Coach Eric Johnson,

Kaitlyn Kollmorgen, Mary Turner, Avery Grace Garrett, Michaela Howard, (bottom row, from left) Emily Blackmon, Madeleine Daniels, Victoria Ryan and McKenna Ratliff.

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.

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Traci Ling Photography

NEIGHBORS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Ready to play

through April. Pictured getting ready are (from left) Jack Stone, Donovan Barrera, James Murnane, Charlie Dollinger, Bryant Hiskey and Anthony Herger.

Fashion for fundraising

Grady Middle School Gator baseball is in full swing. Coach Nicholas Safin will lead the Gators through the season, which will last

More than 200 of Houston’s trendiest fashionistas and philanthropists, including Sara Cooper of fashion blog Simply Ollie (pictured, modeling an outfit from Monkee’s of Houston for the event’s fashion book The Trend Guide) filed into venue Station 3 for A Couture Cause 2016, benefiting Youth Hope Association and the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation. The evening, co-hosted by

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 32

lifestyle blogger Lyndsey Zorich and photographer Traci Ling, featured a DJ spinning tunes as supporters gabbed about fashion trends, sipped cocktails and posed in the photo booth with props. One hundred percent of the evening proceeds were donated to the two charities.

Athletes-in-training A group of Briargrove Elementary students, including (pictured, from left) third graders Kai

thropies, including permanent beneficiaries such as Texas Children's Hospital and Bayou Bend.

Karla Winters

Adlahka, Price Deering and Sam Lieberman and kindergartner Davis Deering, competed in the 2015 Captain Kids Triathlon at Moody Gardens.

For the race, they swam in the lazy river at Palm Beach and biked and ran through the Moody Gardens complex. Briargrove Elementary P.E.

and Elena Peden, were part of a successful charitable effort in 2015. The Junior League of Houston provided $150,000 in communityassistance grants to non-profit organizations including Child Builders, Escape Family Resource and His Grace Foundation.

Save the date

teacher and enrichment dean Amanda Jehn, who is a competitive triathlete and marathon runner, inspired the students to compete.

Teamwork The Junior League of Houston members and Community Assistance Committee members, including (pictured, from left) Marcie Watson, Katherine Lacey, Chairman Whitney Walsh

Events leading up to the popular, public 2016 Theta Antiques Show are underway for supporters like Erin Stewart, Ben Johnston and Lindley Arnoldy (pictured, from left, at last year’s show).

Some invite-only events include a coffee, where this year’s 11 benefiting charities will receive funding; this will take place at Tim and France Arnoult's home in March. Then, there will be a kick-off party at Betty Clarke's home in April.

For 64 years, the show has raised approximately $7 million for more than 100 Houston medical, educational, cultural and community philan-

The 2016 show will be held at the Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, Nov. 11-13.

See ThetaCharityAntiquesShow.org.

Top scholars Buzz-area students are among those named as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, the top award by the federal government for graduating seniors. Only .1 percent of the country's graduating seniors are named as candidates, most based on scoring exceptionally well on the SAT or ACT and some based on achievement in the arts. U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates include Tian-Tian He of Awty International School; James Fang, Lauren Li, Teresa Datta, (continued on page 34)

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Larissa McLean

Alison Carlino Photography

(continued from page 33) Amy Fan, Amber Liu,

Jennifer Wang, Liana Wang and Antony Yun of Bellaire High School; Victoria Songyang and Patrick Revilla of Carnegie Vanguard; Akshaya Annapragada, Anushka Madhuvarshi, Adrian Moga, Sasha Raman, Sachindra Sanam Venkata and Gary Zhang of DeBakey High School for Health Professions; Jackson Hassell and Saxton Fisher of The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA); Kolby Killion of Houston Christian High School; Sita Yerramsetti of The Kinkaid School; John Vick of Lamar High School; Allison Eggert, Noah Kenner and Dong Lee of Memorial High School; Amy Dong, Eric Gao, Alexander Gajewski, Kanchana Raja, Sarah Bland, Lola Rucker and Anirudh Suresh of St. John's School; and Samuel Clark of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. The next step is for these students to submit applications. Winners will be invited this summer on an expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. and the White House. For all Houston-area names, see www2.ed.gov/programs/psp.

area. The breakfast kicked off the baseball season. Cal Ripken Jr., baseball’s all-time Iron Man, was keynote speaker. Cara and Lance Berkman were honorary co-chairs, and Stephanie and Frank Tsuru co-chaired the event. Other sports figures spotted in the crowd included Dallas Keuchel, Mark Melancon, David Bailiff, Larry Dierker, Allan Ramirez, Adam Dunn, Kevin Witt, Cody Carlson, J.B. Shuck, Joe Savery and Rodney Ray. Also there was City Council Member Brenda Stardig.

Good sports

Lesson on health

Kenny Baldwin, Melissa Baldwin, Jess Tutor and Betty Tutor (pictured, from left) and more than 500 other supporters mingled at the River Oaks Country Club at the SpringSpirit Baseball annual Breakfast of Champions. SpringSpirit Baseball is a Houston-based non-profit for underserved youth in the north Spring Branch

Catherine Codispoti and Mary Margaret Brollier (pictured, from left), volunteers from The Junior League of Houston, along with Recipe for Success Foundation, hosted a national Junior League initiative, Kids in the Kitchen.

About 80 elementary students from Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School gathered at the

Junior League to learn about healthy living. The students participated in stations highlighting nutrition, physical activity, meal preparation and dining etiquette. Students then enjoyed lunch courtesy of the Junior League of Houston Tea Room after learning how to properly set their own place setting. Each student left with a bag of goodies donated by Whole Foods on Voss and Post Oak, Children’s Museum of Houston and Houston Zoo. In addition, students were provided with ingredients to take home and create a meal with their families.

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Beautiful music The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Brass Quintet Concert will take place March 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main St. The ROCO Brass Quintet is a group within the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, a professional, 40-piece ensemble. Brass Quintet members are Jason Adams, trumpet; George Chase, trumpet; Thomas HultĂŠn, trombone; Jared Lantzy, bass trombone; and Gavin Reed (pictured), French horn. Tickets are $25 general admission, $10 students.

Masterpieces A group of Brownie troop members from The Kinkaid School earned their painting patches for their brown sashes and had a ball at a painting party. The girls painted and watched an art demonstration, led by painting expert Kelly Kronfeld with Art & Kustom Kreations.

Pictured (from left) are third graders Molly Dinerstein, Mary Barrett Leman, Chloe Bailard, Maddy Billipp, Lilly Lucas, Chloe Childress, Libby Liuzzi, Isabel Huddle, (middle

row, from left) Kelly Kronfeld (instructor), Katie Reese McCartney, Anna Consoli, Elizabeth Ajumobi, Caroline Nelson, (back row, from left) Joanie Crosswell, Mary Papandreou, Allison Whitman, Ava Johnson, Carolyn Colter, Caroline Pielop, Ivy Frankel, Emmy Heath, Daphne Murray, Haylie George, Gayle Robertson, Penelope Gustafson, Annie Villa,

Poppy Chapoton and Ginny Filippone. Also there were Bennett Bowman, Natalie Harvin, Kate Hyman and Caroline Raynes.

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

Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your upcoming-event listings on thebuzzmagazines.com.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 35

ART ADVENTURE James Cravens, a senior at Alexander-Smith Academy, discovered a passion for creating comics his freshman year of high school.

KIDS

by James Cravens, age 18

Buzz Kidz I

Creating characters and worlds

have always been interested in art. There was something about how artists were able to create entire worlds that fascinated me. I remember as a child looking forward to art class, not for projects or assignments, but for the rare occasion in which we would be able to grab our sketchbooks and draw whatever we wanted. I remember drawing strange scenarios of war and peace and then going home to envision stories based off of them. I guess that was another passion of mine: writing. I always loved reading books, and the idea of writing one came along with that love.

Yet, as time passed, I slowly lost sight of my passion for art and writing, that is, until my freshman year when I rediscovered that love in the form of a new medium: comics. I became

engrossed in reading online comics and decided I would write my own. Shadow of the Sky follows two protagonists and their struggles as they make their way through the devastated remains of the world. What started out as a small idea has grown into a major part of my life.

The time I have spent working on this project has gone as far as to influence my college choices. Last summer I attended a pre-college program at Savannah College of Art and Design to improve my abilities as an artist. I enjoyed my time at the program so much I decided to apply to SCAD to major in sequential arts.

I am constantly taking inspiration from the world around me in order to make my comic as fantastic as I possibly can. This four-year-long journey has created what I consider to be a great

comic idea that I will continue to work on. If you keep working at your passions and what you love, given time, no matter what, you will create something wonderful.

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for some of James’ sketches.

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

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DINING GUIDE

by Russell Weil, contributing writer

Houston’s best pizza

Russell Weil

This Month in Dining

Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Buzz dining contributor Russell Weil is a native, second-generation Houstonian who loves the history of his hometown and all things burger. Author of the blog Eat More Burgers, Russell enjoys finding new dining spots with his monthly “Burger Buddy Adventure Group.” Russell also is a longtime docent at Holocaust Museum Houston and a senior account executvie and project manager at Marion Integrated Marketing. Check out his blog at eatmore-burgers.com. Regular Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh will return this spring.

Antonio’s Flying Pizza and Italian Restaurant

REGINELLI’S The Classic from Reginelli’s has meat and vegetables atop a flavorful, crispy crust. The gumbo pizza is especially spicy and memorable.

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long with hamburgers and fried chicken, pizza has been one of my main three comfort-food groups since childhood. Longtime favorite Antonio’s Flying Pizza, on Hillcroft, still serves up some of the best classic pies in Houston, while newer restaurants such as Coltivare in the Heights and Dolce Vita in Montrose serve up inspired gourmet versions of this favorite dish.

Neapolitan, thin, wood-fired pizzas with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and olive oil are currently popular. While I prefer the thin and crispy option, a thicker crust, New York-style, as served at Russo’s New York Pizzeria, can be just as tasty. Some prefer the doughy Chicago deep-dish option that is offered at Star Pizza.

I set out to find some of the best pizza offerings around town for this month’s Restaurant Listings.

If I missed some good ones, send us a note at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or, to share with readers, leave a comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 38

Hand-tossed pizza Neighborhood: Galleria Area Nothing takes me back to my childhood quite like a visit to Antonio’s Flying Pizza and Italian Restaurant. This longtime Houston favorite, filled with wood tables draped with traditional red- and white-checked tablecloths and the same warm, unchanged dining room, has been serving up hand-tossed creations since 1971. Fresh ingredients and sticking to the original recipes are keys to their success. Hand-tossing the pizza creates a lighter and higher crust, enveloping the layers of blended Italian cheeses that cover the pie. Other tasty items include breaded and lightly fried calamari, as well as traditional pasta dishes like ravioli filled with ricotta cheese, and lasagna. Antonio’s remains popular, so arrive early to avoid a wait.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tues.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.; noon-10 p.m. Sat., 2920 Hillcroft, 713-783-6080. antonios.com. $-$$

Bollo Woodfired Pizza Pizza and Italian Neighborhood: Upper Kirby

Bollo Woodfired Pizza offers casual dining in a modern, relaxed atmosphere. Specializing in Neapolitan pizza, Bollo bakes their creations in an 800-degree, wood-fired oven. There is a monitor in the dining room where customers can keep an eye on their pizza while it is being made.

The result is a pizza with tangy flavors and bubbling cheese on a thin, crispy, homemade crust.

Choose the pizza as an entrée, or pair with their classic salads, small plates of crispy calamari or lobster ravioli, as well as entrée pastas, beef, chicken and fish dishes. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. & Tues.-Thur.; 11 a.m.11 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 2202 A West Alabama, 713667-0391. bollohouston.com. $$

Coltivare Pizza & Garden Italian and American bistro Neighborhood: The Heights The same team who brought us the popular Revival Market created another Heights favorite with Coltivare. The garden-fresh, Italian-influenced eatery is popular for its inventive menu of small plates and salads, but the pizza is the real reason I recommend a visit. The Meyer Lemon, for example, with lemon, olives, goat cheese and rosemary, is an inspired mixture of citrus and spice for a unique pizza unlike any other. Fresh salads feature local strawberries, sugar snap peas, hazelnuts, red cabbage, yogurt with aged balsamic and mint. Later, try the chocolate rum cake

topped with pistachio buttercream and salted caramel ganache. This is quite a popular spot, and seating in the rustic dining room and patio area is tight. Try to get there at opening time. Or find a spot at the bar and enjoy a craft cocktail until your table is ready. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon. Wed. & Thurs.; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Sun. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713-6374095. coltivarehouston.com. $$

Dolce Vita Italian pizza and enoteca Neighborhood: Montrose Some locals have proclaimed that pizza from the quaint Dolce Vita is the best that Houston has to offer. I include myself in that equation.

This Montrose eatery, located in a converted two-story bungalow, has served the taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to Houston for more than a decade. Chef Marco Wiles, who has said, “Pizza is one of my favorite things to cook and eat,” creates consistently excellent pizza with a light, thin crust. Toppings such as butternut squash and pancetta keep the crowds returning.

Dolce Vita also offers robust vegetable dishes and salads as well as traditional spaghetti and rigatoni dishes and an all-Italian wine list. The restaurant reserves tables only for parties of six or more, so choosing a less popular dining time is always a good option. Table, counter and outdoor patio seating are available. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Tue.-Thurs.;

5 p.m-11 p.m. Fri.; 11:30 a.m-11 p.m. Sat.; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 500 Westheimer Rd., 713-528-8222. dolcevitahouston.com. $$

Luna Pizzeria Casual pizzeria Neighborhood: Upper Kirby Tucked away in an Upper Kirby strip center, Luna Pizzeria could be easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there. But once you do know, you’ll be glad you found this simple little neighborhood gem. Choose from six signature pies, or build your own. I like the basic cheese pizza. To the naked eye, the dough appears to be puffy and soft, but once you bite, you’ll discover that is actually crispy and thin, with a perfect ratio of the sauce and melted mozzarella cheese atop the crunchy crust. There is a small dine-in area, or call in to pick up your pizza creation. Along with pizza, Luna offers a nice selection of Italian sandwiches, cool salads and homemade desserts, including a light and fluffy tiramisu. Beer and wine are available at the counter. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Sat., 3465 Kirby Dr., 832-767-6338. lunapizzeria.com. $

Pink’s Pizza Specialty pizzas Neighborhood: seven Houston locations Some of the best pizzas I have eaten have been ordered by the slice, (continued on page 40)

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 39

Russell Weil

PIZARO’S Pizaro’s Margherita pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven in just 90 seconds. (continued from page 39) and this is where Pink’s

shines. I can walk in, order a generous slice of pizza for $3.50, with additional toppings at 50 cents each, and be satisfied that I am eating some of the best pizza Houston has to offer. This slice is not merely heated up and served, but prepared to my liking and then baked. The cheese pizza I ordered was bubbling, and bursting with the right amount of Italian spices. The crust was on the thinner side, and was golden brown and not burnt. Pink’s is best eaten in one of their sparse dining rooms, at metal tables with stools.

I have found that having Pink’s delivered or picked up to take home is not as enjoyable. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. (Bellaire location closes at 10 p.m.), 2726

Bissonnet, 713-528-7465; 5225 Bellaire Blvd., 832-804-9595. pinkspizza.com. $

Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletano pizza Neighborhoods: Montrose and Memorial Originally in sales for an Austin Fortune 500 company, owner/chef Bill Hutchinson began making pizza as a hobby and later was certified by the Verace Pizza Napoletana organization.

His lightly topped pizzas are cooked in 90 seconds at 900 degrees in custom-made Italian brick ovens. The result is an authentic Italianpizza experience. All toppings are scratch-made, including the milky mozzarella. Pizaro’s unique take on the traditional Margherita pizza,

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 40

Cornicione Di Ricotta e Spinaci, is crust-stuffed with spinach and ricotta, pairing a customary favorite with a rich and creamy filling. Fresh salads and Italian flat breads round out the menu.

No beer or wine is served, but Pizaro’s is a BYOB establishment. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tue.-Thurs.; 11 a.m-10 p.m. Fri.& Sat.; 14028 Memorial Dr., 281-589-7277. pizarospizza.com. $$

Pizzeria Solario Hand-crafted pasta and wood-fired pizza Neighborhood: Greenway Plaza Pizzeria Solario opened in 2013, specializing in wood-fired pizza and regional Italian dishes.

Handmade pastas lead the menu, with chef-driven dishes like linguine, fettuccini, braised

lamb and lasagna. However, the wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas are the choices that keep us coming back for more. Try the potent Calabrian – gorgonzola cheese, calabrian (long) chili peppers, pancetta, caramelized onions and smoked chili oil. The tart gorgonzola stands nicely along with the spicy chili elements of this pie. There is also a selection of white pizzas, without tomato sauce. Add a fresh chopped salad and a from-scratch chocolate chip cookie to your meal, and leave Pizzeria Solario planning your next visit. Located in a first-floor storefront space in an apartment building, parking is convenient, yet limited. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 11 a.m-10 p.m. Thu.& Fri.; 11:30 a.m-10 p.m. Sat.; noon-9 p.m. Sun., 3333 Weslayan Street No. 100., 713-892-8100. pizzeriasolario.com. $-$$

Reginelli’s Pizza and pasta Neighborhoods: Bellaire and Memorial This New Orleans transplant chose Bellaire for its first Houston location. This casual and family-friendly neighborhood pizza spot offers inspired appetizers such as barbecue shrimp and ciabatta toast and savory spinach and artichoke dip. But it is their hand-tossed specialty pizzas that they are known for. One of their more memorable creations is the Reginelli Gumbo Pizza – andouille, spicy smoked tomato sauce, marinated shrimp, roasted eggplant and pickled okra. Talk about your contrast in flavors. This pizza is not for the faint of heart, but if you like spiciness, this pizza is for you.

Traditional Italian dishes such as calzone and tortellini are available, as are a nice variety of salads and sandwiches. Their beer and wine selections vary at each of their two Houston-area locations. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.Thu.; 11 a.m-midnight Fri.-Sat., 5303b Bissonnet St., 713-666-7707. 12389 Kingsride Ln. in Memorial City, 713-468-2727. reginellis.com. $

Russo’s New York Pizzeria Wood-fired pizza and Italian Neighborhood: multiple locations Russo’s New York Pizzeria was introduced to Houston in 1992. Since then, it has perfected its pizzas by using the wood-fired method of cooking, which creates a crispy, thin crust complemented by fresh ingredients. Such is the case with the meatless, Neapolitan-style Mona Lisa pizza. Sliced buffalo mozzarella cheese, homemade sauce, fresh basil, oregano and olive oil make for tangy flavors. Quick baking creates that thin crust with a softer middle. Classic pasta dishes, including fettucine alfredo, lasagna and cannelloni, are other dishes offered. A beer and wine menu is also available, with a selection of house wines by the glass for $6.50. Hours vary by location. nypizzeria.com. $

Star Pizza Pizza and classic Italian Neighborhoods: Upper Kirby and Washington Ave. Since 1976, Star Pizza has been a Houston favorite, known for deepdish pie, vegetarian toppings and whole-wheat crust. I have enjoyed both the original Norfolk and Washington Avenue locations. Proclaiming to be the first pizza parlor to introduce Houstonians to the vegetarian pizza, they have maintained a philosophy of using high-quality ingredients.

When I order my jalapeño pizza, I am given the option of either fresh or pickled jalapeños. The Norfolk location is a quaint old house with many nooks, while the Washington Avenue location has a more traditional restaurant design. Italian-inspired sandwiches, pasta salad, Greek salad and a Caprese salad with sliced Roma tomatoes are great starters. If you are not in the mood for pizza, there are classic Italian dishes like lasagna and pasta primavera. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tue.-Thu.; 11 a.m-11 p.m. Fri.Sat., 5212 Morningside St., 713-524-7865. 77 Harvard St., 713-869-1241. starpizza.net. $

MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for all restaurants that have been reviewed by The Buzz. You can use our restaurant finder to search by area, cuisine and price.

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 41

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Two quick pathways to allergy relief Allergy shots are unique in that they make you less allergic to the pollen, dust mites, mold and/or animal dander you’re allergic to. They do this by helping your body to switch from an “allergic” response, to more of a “tolerance” response. In essence, your body no longer tries to fight off the allergens; instead, it learns how to ignore them. We have to start shots at a safe dose because you’re allergic, but the shots don’t help until you reach a high dose. After we finish building up your dose, you take a “maintenance dose,” usually once a month.

Since 1995, The Allergy Clinic has safely performed Rush on over 3,000 patients. This one-day procedure provides very rapid desensitization, getting you to that highest dose, or at least 90 percent of the way, in one eight-hour day, providing quicker relief of symptoms. Rush is a great procedure for those with busy schedules who would find it difficult to come in at least once a week for up to six months, which is what is typically required with more traditional methods of building to the high or “maintenance dose.”

But what if you can’t spend the entire day in our office? Or what if you can only come on Saturday mornings? Cluster is also a great option, and is almost as fast as Rush. With Cluster, we essentially do a series of “minirush;” that is, we give a set of allergy shots, observe the patient, then give another set of allergy shots, again observe the patient, and then give a final set of allergy shots for that day. So you spend 1.5 or 2 hours in our office, once or twice a week, for a total of 8 or 9 visits before you reach your maintenance dose.

With Rush, we have patients take several medications for three days

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beforehand to reduce the chance of severe allergic reactions. With Cluster, you only premedicate with antihistamines. That’s because your immune system has at least 36 hours to process the previous set of shots, so the risk of having allergic reactions to the shots is less.

All insurance companies, including Medicare, cover Rush and Cluster, but there are some limitations. For instance, Humana will only cover it if we desensitize the patient to stinging insects, or to drugs (e.g., penicillin); however, Humana excludes coverage for the Rush or Cluster if it is done for airborne allergens, such as ragweed or dust mites.

Rapid allergy desensitization procedures such as Rush or Cluster are safe, effective options that are covered well by insurance companies and get your dose of shots where you receive relief much more quickly.

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

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

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A minute with Maisie

Beyond the scale

Many clients ask me, “What happens to Fido, the family dog, in a divorce?”

Surprisingly, the law classifies pets as personal property. In a divorce, the family court’s duty is to divide personal property in a just and right manner. Therefore, Fido must be awarded to one party. Many clients choose to avoid this harsh result and enter into an agreement regarding Fido, providing for periods of possession, division of veterinary bills, etc. This agreement should be in writing and can be enforceable under contract law. While the personal property designation for pets may seem insensitive, the Texas Family Code does provide some protection to the family pet if family violence has occurred. If you or someone you know is a victim of family violence, please reach out to someone immediately and ask for help. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family law firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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

Would you like to reduce or eliminate your diabetes medications? Get back to your favorite sport? Play on the floor with your grandchildren? Feel and look your best? Embrace life again? Make a decision to finally meet your health, fitness and weight goals in 2016.

UT Physicians’ obesity-medicine specialist, Dr. Deborah Horn, at the UT Center for Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance (COMMP), specializes in comprehensive medical treatment to help optimize your metabolism. You can become strong and metabolically healthy, no matter what your age.

Founded on scientific evidence and best clinical practices, the COMMP team provides a program tailored to you. Together, you will utilize nutrition, physical activity, medication and behavioral support to guide your body to a healthier weight and teach your metabolism to run efficiently again. Using specialized equipment, Dr. Horn can measure your individual metabolic rate, your lean muscle mass vs. fat mass, and your internal biomarkers to build a program to help your body optimally manage food as fuel for a more active life.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Horn and the COMMP team, please call 713-892-5500 or visit us at www.houstonweightlossuthealth.com and go to the “Weight Loss Program” link at the top of the page.

UT Physicians, 6700 West Loop South, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 1-888-4UT-DOCS, www.utphysicians.com

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In the fine neighborhoods of:

Tanglewood, Galleria, River Oaks, Memorial, West University, Rice Military 5050 Westheimer, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77056 713-621-2555 wrigby@weldonrigby.com www.weldonrigby.com

Create a buzz for your biz.

BELLAIRE WEST UNIVERSITY MEMORIAL TANGLEWOOD RIVER OAKS To advertise in The Buzz Magazines, contact us at 713.668.4157, ext. 19 or advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 43

sponsored by

PETS

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Missing: a healthy relationship

Neighborhood Tails

713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

POTUS, age 1, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sage Rd. My name is POTUS (President of the United States). I am officially the first female president!

Step aside, Hillary. My family found me at Wabash Feed & Garden Store a little over a year ago. My favorite things to do are bird watching and chasing squirrels. I was the runt of my litter, so thankfully we have a lot of windows to keep the bayou critters protected from my wrath. I’m a busy girl. I have five human brothers and sisters.

Kids are a lot of work. Every morning I get up early and make sure they all get to school. It does freak me out when we drop them off as I’m a big believer in family time. Like any politician, I talk a lot. I cannot stand to be ignored, so if you see me in the neighborhood, say hello, or I will say hello first.

Editor’s note: At our print deadline, we learned the sad news that POTUS had passed away. We know she was loved and offer our condolences to her family.

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

Is your primary love relationship going as well as it could be? While a busy life may be a measure of success, being too busy is stressful! Demands of children, working parents, finances, home or caring for aging parents can lead to borrowing time from our love relationship. Other difficulties might also be occurring. While the Internet has been a wonderful and immensely helpful tool, it has also ushered in a darker, less helpful side. The Internet has, for some, mediated behavior which has led to damaged relationships. Whether you are married or not, when it is discovered that a partner is engaging in Internet “infidelity,” it can be devastating. Unfortunately, pornography use and other types of excitement-seeking outside of the primary relationship have become common.

When this happens, couples don’t know where to turn.

The good news is that a qualified therapist can help you sort through problems resulting in improvements, even after just a few sessions. I am qualified to treat couples, as well as individuals who have concerns that their life or relationship may not be going as well as it could be. All relationships have setbacks. Let me help you restore closeness, or strengthen the foundation that you have. I offer sessions for individuals and couples.

Karen A. Lawson, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, 832.549.0427, Museum District area

FIND YOUR PATH “The average public high school student receives 38 minutes of personal college counseling.”* For over 20 years, Education Solutions has helped students and families identify and navigate the educational path that is best for them.

• College Counseling • SAT/ACT & Subject Tutoring • Application Guidance • Academic Planning • Financial Aid Assistance

A Portrait Remembers Specializing in hand-tailored finishes including canvas, Giclee, fine art printing, wall portrait décor and much more.

www.educationsolutionstx.com 860.767.6540 (office) 832.277.2160 (cell) *According to the Independent Educational Consultants Association

Teal Tigner Reamer St. John’s School (class of 2001)

TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ MARCH 2016 44

A portrait remembers 713.523.4916 nikky@lawellphoto.com www.lawellphoto.com

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College app face-off

Don’t suffer from heel pain

If you have a junior in high school, chances are you are already overwhelmed with the changes happening in the standardized testing arena. College Board is unveiling its all-new SAT in March, and ACT redid its essay from scratch in September 2015. I have some more interesting news for you. Your junior in high school will be in the epicenter of a battle among college admissions-application systems when he/she is a senior. The industry-dominant Common Application and the struggling Universal Application are now up against the all-new Coalition Application.

Designed and endorsed by more than 80 member colleges, the Coalition Application promises to provide access to high school students of all ages – not just juniors and seniors – while ensuring colleges get to customize their application content. While this sounds appealing, there are many unknowns about the Coalition Application. Which application will the colleges prefer? Currently, some colleges prefer the Common Application over their own application systems. Different requirements and platforms will certainly add to the stress already imposed on our current juniors.

For information about the Coalition Application, Common Application, or college-admissions process for your high school student, please call or email us. We will customize our solutions to fit your needs.

Firat Educational Solutions, LLC, Ibrahim Firat, MBA, Independent Educational Consultants Association Professional Member, 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 390, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.871.1048, www.firateducation.com

If your ability to get around is limited by heel pain, you could be among a large group of people who suffer from what is known as heel pain syndrome. Heel pain syndrome, also known as plantar fasciitis, is caused by a strain of the plantar fascia muscle, a fibrous band which runs from the heel to the front of the foot. If your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained.

Heel spurs can form as a result of this.

You may experience pain in the bottom of your foot, especially first thing in the morning. Pain usually occurs on the inside of the foot, near the spot where your heel and arch meet. Pain may lessen after a few steps, but will come back after rest.

Often, the discomfort of plantar fasciitis can be relieved with appropriate foot support. Treatment for this condition can range from the use of orthotics to cortisone treatments and surgery. Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatment has failed to relieve the discomfort. Heel pain and other foot pain can cause great discomfort, limiting your everyday activities. Be good to your feet, and they will be good to you! Don’t hesitate to bring your heel pain or other foot ailments to us for relief.

Bellaire Podiatry/Nail Laser Center of Houston, Dr. Barry P. Weinstein, 4909 Bissonnet, Suite 120, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.721.5500, www.BarryWeinsteinDPM.com

Point. Click. Win. Enter The Buzz 2016 Photo Contest DEADLINE MAY 15TH The Buzz Magazines is pleased to announce our eleventh annual Photo Contest.

Winning photos will be published in our July issue and on our website beginning July 1.

Our grand prize winner will receive a Canon PowerShot digital camera.* To submit photos, and for contest rules, visit thebuzzmagazines.com and click on the banner at the top of the home page.

You can also view our 2015 winners online.

Grand Prize, Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS digital camera (*or camera of equal value)

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

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Neighborly get-togethers

hen Nancy Ehrenkranz moved into her Museum District townhome five years ago, she had no idea that along with making a new home, she was making a new set of friends.

“It’s not something I ever expected,” the writer and marketing consultant says. “I’ve never had this before. But it’s cool to have neighbors you would choose as friends.”

It all started when Kathryn McNeil, the president of the Houston Theater District who was already living on Nancy’s new street, offered to introduce Nancy to her new neighbors – six in total. “That’s our core group,” Nancy says, noting that they’ve added a few newcomers in recent years.

“We’re all independent, and we all had puppies,” she says, explaining how the neighbors connected. “You’d see each other out front, walking the dogs, and we all got along beautifully. We started getting together for dinner, and now we have this routine.”

The neighbors get together every few months for progressive dinners, where one neighbor hosts appetizers, then everyone moves to another home for dinner, and they all move again to another home for dessert.

“We’re all outspoken,” Nancy says, “and we have some funny conversations.”

One can only imagine. Just on the one block, neighbors include Nancy and Kathryn, plus an impressive mix of other arts- and communityminded people: Geri Hooks, who owns HooksEpstein Galleries; Fred Perkins and Mac Hoak, who own the interior design store Mecox; Guy Hagstette, the architect and urban planner who created Discovery Green and led the effort to transform Buffalo Bayou, and his partner Doug Lawing; Steve Roddy, founder and director of the Houston Children’s Chorus; and Roni McMurtrey, the recently retired owner of McMurtrey Gallery.

“Such interesting people with such interesting lives and stories,” Nancy says. “We learn about the city and arts and nonprofits and theater. It’s crazy we all live one next to the other.

These are all people who are making a difference in our community, and it’s quite a neat thing.”

behance.net/runamokstudios

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OPEN DOORS Sometimes worlds collide in the best of ways, and your neighbors become your happyhour buddies.

Gatherings usually start when someone says, “We haven’t gotten together in a while,” or, “Hey, it’s so-and-so’s birthday,” or when two neighbors run into each other walking dogs and say, “We need to do a dinner.”

Nancy says that’s when they start comparing dates via email or text. Once the date is set, “We sort of plan the menu,” Nancy says. “If it’s at my house, I’ll say I’m going to make a pork loin, and someone else will say, ‘I’ll bring a salad,’ and someone else will offer to bring dessert.

“We’re not best friends, but it’s really lovely.”

Happy hours with neighbors can go from allout planned to less so for Dee Dee Dochen, owner of DDD Marketing Communications.

“We go from organized to semi-organized, to spontaneous,” she says. In the “organized” category, her neighbors on Rice Boulevard – two blocks of it – have coordinated a block party for the past 14 years. That started when “a couple of guys said, ‘We’re thinking about having a block party, and it would be fun to have music.’

I said, ‘I’m actually in a band.’ And we have played for the block party every year since.”

In the semi-organized category: the block’s women’s happy hours. “We call ourselves the WORBS – Women of Rice Blvd. We like

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acronyms.” (The block party is called FORBS – Friends of Rice Blvd.)

WORBS get together a couple of times a year in different people’s homes. “It’s all women, and we have a great time,” Dee Dee says. “People volunteer to organize them. The last one we had, the host had beautiful food and wine. But we typically pot-luck it. It’s like, okay, everyone bring something. Or we’ll order pizza and everyone chips in. Sometimes we just do appetizers.”

On the spontaneous end of the spectrum, Dee Dee says, “It’s almost like all our backyards are connected. It’s not a surprise to see people sitting on their front porch with a glass of wine.

Families, singles, little kids, grown kids – it doesn’t matter, but everyone comes out.”

Dee Dee says her street has an “open-door, open-heart policy. We are a main street, and there are pros and cons with that. But it is such a welcoming street. We have keys to each other’s homes, we feel safe.

“I remember when I was looking at my house, my realtor said, ‘I sure hope you like people, because if not, you’re not going to like this neighborhood.’”

Looks like Dee Dee and Nancy both wound up on the right blocks.