Reaching Great Heights Travel Buzz: Malaysia The Parenting Journey
Warren Barhorst, Ronnie Glenn, Jackie Sherrill, and Dave Coolidge
EDITOR’S NOTE
I love a good nostalgia story. But I would never have imagined that I would find myself enamored with a story about an Aggie tradition. I am a proud Longhorn. I have never been to Kyle Field. Once, I sold a car because it was maroon instead of the promised cherry-red. However, I recently found out the story behind the legendary 12th Man Kickoff Team at Texas A&M, led by Coach Jackie Sherrill. I still can’t believe I said yes to this much maroon in The Buzz, but I'm so glad I did. Speaking of sports and nostalgia, everyone will agree that having a neighbor who was an original WNBA player – and the inspiration for a Disney movie – can give us all something to be proud of. And speaking of being proud of Houston athletes, meet four Buzz-area baseball players who were recently selected in the MLB draft. To sweeten this issue, meet a Buzz resident who finds joy in baking – and sharing – delicious pastries. This issue is full of talented, interesting residents. And because I can’t help it, I will end with this: Hook ’em. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES
Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p:
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Editor-in-Chief
Joni Hoffman
Publisher Michael Hoffman
Editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld
Associate Editor Caroline Siegfried
Design Manager John Duboise
Staff Writers Tracy L. Barnett
Sharon Albert Brier
Cindy Burnett
Andria Dilling
Angie Frederickson
Todd Freed
Cindy Gabriel
Cathy Gordon
Michelle Groogan
Dai Huynh
Annie Blaylock McQueen
Pooja Salhotra
Cheryl Ursin
Account Managers Andrea Blitzer
Leslie Little
Jo Rogers
On our cover: Former Aggie head coach Jackie Sherrill and his 12th Man Kickoff Team are bonded for life. Pictured (from left) are Warren Barhorst, Ronnie Glenn, Coach Sherrill, and Dave Coolidge. Cover photo by Michael Hart, hartphoto.com A special thank you to Houston Christian High School for allowing us to photograph on their field.
The response from the article [Resounding Resilience: The Deaf embrace life in a hearing world by Cathy Gordon, Aug. 2024] and cover [Bellaire Buzz, Aug. 2024] has truly been one of the best things. People really didn’t know, and I can’t say it enough, thank you! You seriously gave us the greatest gift of educating and informing about Hailey [Sutin] and her hearing. I am really so grateful for this opportunity.
Even if it just opens the eyes of one person, The Buzz Magazines has made a difference in Hailey’s life…. Not to mention the other hearing-impaired kids in our community.
Leslie Sutin
Exemplifying resilience
As the article is aptly titled [Resounding Resilience], Hailey is an incredible example of resounding resilience. We hope she always feels the vibrations of love from her community of friends and family.
Lynnea Ladouceur Roth
In tribute to the PR Fairy
Cindy’s tribute to Susan [Farb Morris] [Fairy Dust: May it never settle by Cindy Gabriel, Aug. 2024] was absolutely touching, meaningful, and so very special. As I told Cindy, she captured so many “Susans” – from her own experience with Susan, and to what she heard while watching the service.
Reading it felt like Susan was in the room, and oh my how I wish that was so.
As we all learned at the service, Susan would use the word “Inspirement” to describe her continued acts of “Susan-ing” (as I call it) vs. using the word “retirement.” I’m hoping Cindy’s article might light an “inspirement spark” for all who read it, proving that Susan’s fairy dust indeed continues to make its magic.
Dee Dee Dochen
Captured Susan’s essence
I read Cindy Gabriel’s wonderful story about our precious Susan Farb Morris. She really captured her essence. Thank you so much for honoring her memory in this way. I know you [Joni and Michael Hoffman] had a close relationship with her, as did I. Susan was a force of nature and exuded kindness. We often shared PR advice, and I always appreciated her creative ideas. I miss her so much!
Carol Brejot
Spotlighting student success
What a treat to read Lucy Walker's profile of Anna Oliva [Sine of Success: Carnegie senior wins big at international science fair] in the July issue. As a high school teacher, I'm mightily impressed by the abilities and accomplishments of today’s students, and both Anna and Lucy are exemplary. And as a newspaper adviser, I'm quite familiar with Lucy’s work –she's received numerous journalism awards and has written several cover stories for The Review. This year, she will continue writing her online music
column “She Said” while also serving as one of our editors-in-chief. I’m so grateful that The Buzz continues to offer meaningful internship opportunities so aspiring journalists like Lucy can tell the amazing stories of other talented teens like Anna.
David Nathan, Student Publications Adviser, St. John's School Editor’s note: Thank you, David. We were also blown away by Lucy’s talent for writing and her maturity and dedication, especially as a high school student. Over the years, we have been fortunate to work with many talented summer interns who contribute greatly to The Buzz, especially on our website, but rarely do students get the opportunity for a bylined feature article in the print magazine – much less a cover story. Lucy did an incredible job and Anna was certainly a worthy topic.
Correction
In our Aug. 2024 Buzz About Town column, the item “PetSet and Pet Green” had the wrong date for Houston PetSet’s annual Fierce & Fabulous Soiree. We apologize for the error. The event will take place Sept. 6 at The Post Oak Hotel, featuring a live concert from Pat Green.
Email us at mailbag@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.
What’s your story?
We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who:
• Have unique fall or holiday traditions.
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• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.
• Have a milestone life event to share.
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If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 102.
by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer
Living Life on Purpose
Lessons from a young immigrant
Besides the hurricanes, flooding, congestion, and heat, I still like Houston. Why? Its rich mix of people, for one thing. The late, great chef and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain made a special trip to Houston just to point that out back in his 2016 Parts Unknown series.
My new friend, Michael Negussie, 25, was a student at Lee High School (now named Wisdom High School) in mid-west Houston when Bourdain visited the campus for his series. Lee originally opened in 1962 as an overflow school for students from Lamar and Bellaire High schools. In recent decades it has morphed into a school of immigrants where over 80 different languages are spoken. Michael was one of those students, born in Ethiopia.
“I won the lottery when I was 2 years old.” That’s when Michael and his one-year-old brother arrived in Houston with their parents, who were awarded US visas through a Diversity and Inclusion program. It’s unofficially called the lottery since the odds of being selected are roughly 1.4 percent per year.
Michael's understanding of Ethiopia came through his father’s own childhood stories of having to walk to get safe drinking water before dawn for his family before going to school. Despite their relatively stable life by Ethiopian standards, the risks of dying by simply drinking water was a huge motivation for his family’s move to America.
This thoughtful, understated young man sees his own story in three life-changing pillars of opportunity . Pillar one was a nonprofit debate league called Houston Urban Debate. “I began competitive debate as soon as I entered high school. I was drawn to the clash of ideas,” he said. “Debate taught me how to organize my thoughts.”
This is not the kind of debate we hear daily on social media. “In competitive debate, you aren’t given a side to speak to until the last minute, so you better be prepared to study the facts on sides in which you don’t agree. It has given me a sense of compassion for sides I couldn’t see before,” Michael said.
By his sophomore year, Michael was enrolled
in a program called Emerge, which fuels the dreams of exceptional students in low-income areas. The mission of Emerge is to match the student to the right university for a full-ride scholarship. “Through Emerge, I was mentored on taking the SAT, college applications, and writing my personal statement. Nick Feronti, my Emerge program manager, stayed with me until my QuestBridge application for a full-ride scholarship was due.”
Michael’s college essay mentioned Bourdain’s visit to his high school. After reading Michael’s essay – and consequently watching the episode – the Director of Admissions at his first-choice school, the prestigious Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., emailed him, saying his description of his high school was spot-on. “I thought that was an omen,” said Michael.
It was. He was accepted, and double majored in art and politics there.
I met Michael through my friend Natalie Hausman-Weiss, the director of The Woods Project, the third and final pillar of his life-changing events. Natalie spends her summer managing and monitoring 200 students on 21 separate twoweek trips involving camping, hiking, and rowing in places like Olympic National Park and Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe for students like Michael who could not afford this otherwise. Glamping it is not. No phones, no shaving, no makeup, no porta-potties. (Though adult leaders are in constant communication with headquarters.)
They cover some 30 miles over six days carrying 40-50 pounds in their backpack, through streams, over rocky inclines, and up steep cliffs. Things happen. Ankles get sprained, feet get blistered, weather changes and yet, they stay together, problem-solving on the fly, while only going as fast as your slowest member. “It helped me see that there is a much bigger world out there than I imagined, and I found out I could
do more than I ever imagined,” said Michael.
As a student at Pomona, Michael met immigrants his own age who had stories similar to his father’s, who had to get up before dawn to bring water to their families before school. Some have lost siblings and desperately wanted to address this crisis in their homelands. Michael joined three students to co-found Didomi (www.didomibottle.com), with its trademark custom-designed water bottles. Through the sale of these bottles, and co-branding collaborations with universities, corporations, and nonprofits Didomi has brought safe water to over six different countries. The universities also use the bottles to promote the decrease of plastic on campuses.
For Michael, the most meaningful project so far has been the construction of a reservoir and pipeline bringing water to hundreds of students at the rural Ayata Primary School in Ethiopia. “Now the students can just go to school and bring the water home,” Michael said.
This fall, Michael is back in Ethiopia on a Fulbright fellowship helping to start the first international high school debate team in the country. “This opportunity is a stepping-stone to my larger life goal of creating the first liberal arts college in Ethiopia. The skills and experiences I gained through debate, Emerge, and The Woods Project have equipped me to see the possibilities,” Michael said.
This reminds me of something else I like about Houston: the endless stories of great causes that come from Houston hearts and pocketbooks through nonprofits like Houston Urban Debate, Emerge, and The Woods Project, plus teachers and mentors who change lives every day. Way to go, Houston!
LIFE CHANGING Michael Negussie, 25, re-experiences one of his own high school highlights as a volunteer leader mentoring current high school students through The Woods Project. This trip took place this summer in the unspeakable beauty of Olympic National Park in Washington State.
by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
After Beryl
Neighbors helping neighbors
Hurricane Beryl made landfall in July as one of the most powerful storms to hit Houston in recent years. With high winds and rain causing extensive flooding, Beryl left a trail of destruction. Fences toppled down, fallen trees tangled up in power lines, and nearly three million Houstonians were left without electricity, many without power for days on end.
However, amidst the chaos, stories of community and helpful neighbors emerged. As the late Fred Rogers famously said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
One of those helpers was 17-year-old Tyler Spann. After Beryl, without any hesitation, Tyler quickly mobilized to support those in need in his community.
Tyler, a senior at Stratford High School, organized a group of friends to help neighbors together. His mom, Janet Spann, said he is “always trying to think of ways to help.”
And that he did.
Tyler started by going door to door in his neighborhood, knocking on doors looking to help people. He was met with grateful faces, but many responded that they planned to hire someone to clear their yards. “So, we created a Facebook group which attracted elderly people in need,” said Tyler. Out-of-town adult children of elderly residents even saw the post and connected Tyler with their parents. Through the group, he was able to find the people who needed immediate assistance in clearing out storm debris.
Tyler worked through the heat, even without power at his own home. "I saw the amount of damage that had been done around the neighborhood, and the first thing that came to my mind was that there were going to be people around my community who do not have the ability to clean their yards due to the amount of work it would take,” said Tyler. “That is when I had the idea to spend the next week or two cleaning the yards of senior citizens in my area.”
Tyler continued to take to social media to offer his help. "I made a post to the Facebook group, and almost immediately, I received messages from multiple elderly couples asking for
help clearing their yards,” said Tyler. He and his friend Andrew Hopkins spent hours clearing six yards in the summer heat in the weeks following Beryl. It was an act of kindness from the heart.
In addition to yard work, Tyler and his friends from school helped feed those in need. He gathered monetary donations to help support Kids’ Meals, an organization that helps fight child malnutrition in Houston. “They were low on lunches since many volunteers were unable to come in due to Beryl,” said Tyler.
two linemen
long days, a truck pulled up
named Wesley and Walker – the same names as the Thomas brothers.
posed for a photo in front of the boys’ baseball signs.
TheThomas family, like many others, waited for their power to be restored for over a week. It was hot and difficult for many families – each day brought new challenges.
Tyler and his friends, Cooper Sugg, Noah Fadhli, and Reid Otermat made a plan of action. “We began raising money through Facebook and Instagram, logging our progress on Instagram,” said Tyler. (Follow their account at @kidsmealsstudentorg). They were able to raise enough money to make almost 1,000 meals, which were distributed the same week.
Tyler’s parents, Janet and Jason, are extremely proud of his efforts. “He has developed a real desire to help others and become a servant leader,” said Janet. She credits his past four summers attending Second Baptist Church’s High School Beach Retreat to a desire to want to serve others.
“Knowing I helped make a difference in the lives of hundreds of families and those elderly couples made me feel fulfilled. I will continue to support Kids’ Meals and will always be ready to help anyone in need during a disaster like Beryl," said Tyler.
Residents experienced relief from their help clearing out debris. “Tyler came out and cut and organized our yard debris,” said one neighbor. “He is such a nice young man. We are so grateful.”
On their ninth day without power, mom Julie Thomas saw a power truck arrive at their home, much to her family’s relief. Turns out the gentlemen who came to restore their power were named Walker and Wesley – the same names as her two sons.
“God works in very mysterious ways,” Julie said. “I was thankful for those hardworking and kind humans who also have the best names in the world. There are no coincidences.”
As a thank you, Julie and the boys picked up lunch for them. They posed in front of the boys’ baseball yard signs – Walker in front of Walker’s sign and Wesley in front of Wesley’s sign.
In the aftermath of Beryl, local businesses also played a crucial role. Many restaurants and grocery stores, despite suffering damage themselves, offered free meals and supplies to residents. So many people stepped up to help, despite struggling through the impacts of the storm.
As Houston continues to recover, the acts of kindness and shared connections remain as positive memories amongst devastation and loss. The need for community is stronger than ever.
HELPING AFTER THE HURRICANE Top photo: Stratford High School seniors and volunteers including (pictured, from left) Tyler Spann, Cooper Sugg, Noah Fadhli, and Reid Otermat helped assemble over 1,000 meals for Kids' Meals after Hurricane Beryl. Tyler and his friend Andrew Hopkins also helped elderly residents clear storm debris from their yards. Bottom photo: The Thomas family waited for more than a week for their power to be restored after Hurricane Beryl. After nine
on their street. Out stepped
–
They
by Andria Dilling, staff writer
On a Roll
Discovering the joy of baking
In order to ensure an uninterrupted night’s sleep, Jonathan Quander has created a spreadsheet to time the feeding of his sourdough starter. But if you ask him, the attorney by trade and baker by choice contends he’s not obsessed with baking.
“My family and friends might say it’s an obsession,” Jonathan confesses. “I just think of it as a hobby I’ve grown into unexpectedly. I can get fixated on things that draw my interest, and then I work and work to excel at them.”
Jonathan’s passion for baking started during Covid. He and his family – wife Bethel, 22-yearold son Jack, and 19-year-old daughter Katie –took a two-week, Covid-summer trip to Telluride. That’s when Jonathan binge-watched The Great British Baking Show. He was inspired.
“I decided we were a bit bored and I would make a steak and ale pie,” Jonathan remembers. “Then I just started exploring and experimenting and doing different things.”
Prior to that summer, Jonathan’s one annual baking project was the grated apple pie he’d make every November from a recipe in an old cookbook. “That was my one contribution to Thanksgiving, besides the turkey,” Jonathan says.
But something clicked in Telluride, in front of the screen projecting The Great British Baking Show, and Jonathan has progressed way beyond apple pie to triumph over one of the most difficult of baking endeavors: the croissant.
“His croissants are really, really good,” Jonathan’s personal trainer, Viviana Alzate, says. “Especially his chocolate croissant, which not only has the chocolate filling, but also chocolate dough.”
Why is Jonathan’s personal trainer talking about his chocolate croissants? “I take pastries to our gym, although it might conflict with what we are trying to do there,” Jonathan laughs. “I also take them to friends. My daughter or Bethel would place ‘orders’ to take to Kinkaid or [Bethel’s] office.” Bethel is also an attorney. “They would ask if I could make pastries or cookies for teacher gifts. I made cinnamon star bread for the teachers, and I had all kinds of packaging to make it look as if it was professionally done.
“I don’t want to bake things that go to waste. So I have to share them.”
Much of the joy Jonathan finds in baking is in the sharing. On a recent trip to LA, Jonathan reunited with college friends and gifted them his beautifully packaged croissants. “I send things to college or high school friends around the country,” Jonathan says, explaining that he figured out how to pack pies in insulated boxes and dry ice. He has also determined what days to ship and what time of year, temperature-wise, works best.
Kristie Tice is a neighbor and friend who was a classmate of Jonathan’s both at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin and at UT Law School. “His approach to baking is just like everything he does. He wants to do it with excellence,” she says.
“Jonathan has always been a great leader of people, very focused on friends. I thought his new passion for baking was surprising, but in a good way. In some respects, it’s not surprising, because he commits to something and gets focused. He’s really embraced it.” Kristie is one of several informal but eager taste-testers. “If he brings something over while my kids are away, they’re jealous,” she says of her two college-aged
children and Jonathan’s sample pastries.
Prior to experimenting with laminating pastry dough – creating multiple thin, temperaturesensitive layers of dough and butter – for croissants, Jonathan says he started easy. “Cookies, pies, not so much cakes,” he says. “Cakes are a weak spot, because I’m not the best decorator.”
About a year into his baking passion, Jonathan started his Instagram account (@q_the_baker), where he chronicles the mostly highs and a few lows of his baking experiments. Photos abound: apple cider doughnuts, sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue, triple chocolate layer cakes, whole wheat oatmeal honey bread. Soft cinnamon rolls bear the caption deliveries by Katie to my Kinkaid 10th grade clientele. Mishaps are addressed: I’ve solved the excessive butter leakage issue with my recent croissants with the assistance of the Brod and Taylor proofing box. And challenges are met: After last night’s debate [June 2024], I decided this might be an active baking weekend since it’s such a relaxing hobby. I started with a 2 ½ hour Q the Baker signature baking challenge which I finished on time. Don’t look if you are hungry (and if you aren’t hungry, you will be).
(continued on page 14)
PIE IN THE SKY At the height of a law career, Jonathan Quander discovered a passion for baking. His sweet hobby started during Covid, inspired by binge-watching The Great British Baking Show
(continued from page 12)
“I’ve had friends who see my Instagram ask if I’ve opened a bakery,” Jonathan says, noting that baking professionally is not in the plans. But guiding friends wanting to begin baking is very much so. “I can look at my Instagram and see my first croissants as opposed to what I’m doing now,” Jonathan says. “There are so many factors that will impact whether a croissant comes out as a croissant or whether it comes out as a dinner roll. The temperature of the kitchen, temperature of the dough, temperature of the butter.” Now an expert, he’s happy to share hard-learned tips and recipes with friends.
Jonathan has learned that much of baking, at least for him, is about the equipment and the set-up. He and Bethel recently remodeled their kitchen pantry into a “baking cave,” where Jonathan keeps his supplies and creates his masterpieces. “You need a mixer, a rolling pin, ingredients, patience,” Jonathan says. He also uses more complicated gadgets, like a sprayer for applying egg wash to proofed croissant dough, in order to not deflate the pastries before baking. Perfecting croissants has not been simple. “I make the dough, it rises, goes in the fridge overnight,” Jonathan says. “Then I make a butter block, which is essentially a sheet of butter. I slice that and form an 8-by-8-inch square, making sure it’s a perfect square. Then it gets
complicated. The dough and butter need to be similar temperatures. The butter needs to be pliable like plastic, the dough needs to be cold. Then there’s a lengthy process of laminating –folding dough-butter-dough, the folding some more, rolling, and freezing.
“Ultimately, you go through all these hoops, you’re rolling and cutting triangles and folding them into croissants, and the last stage is proofing them and allowing them to rise, which can take two to three hours. And finally you get to bake them. And then you eat one in a minute.”
Of course there’s pleasure in the eating. But Jonathan also relishes the process. “There’s science behind this,” he says. “There’s an intellectual part of understanding ingredients and temperature and controls. I started ordering flours, like Barton Springs Mill Flour from Dripping Springs, to work with protein content. I’m still trying to figure that out. All of that, that’s the challenge.”
Even more difficult than croissants, Jonathan says he’s identified panettone as “the Mount Everest of bread-baking.” The dried fruit-studded Christmas bread takes multiple days to bake.
“This is how I go down a rabbit hole,” Jonathan says, adding that he befriended a local, Italian-trained chef who sells panettone yearround. “Once I started studying how to make it, I realized I could spend seven to 10 days only for
the bread to collapse and look like pancake batter as opposed to dough. That’s a pretty big baking fail. That’s when I pull out the trash drawer and dump it in, and just make another one. It took me a couple of years, but now I feel very confident that I can make an excellent panettone.”
Last Thanksgiving, with help from a spreadsheet to map out timing and ovens, Jonathan made a pecan pie, “with whiskey-laced pecans and a butter-flour homemade crust,” he says. He also made a salted caramel apple pie, his traditional grated apple pie (now with a homemade crust), sourdough dinner rolls, whole wheat dinner rolls, crackers, an orange-cranberry wheat bread, a Texas sheet cake, fried apple pies, and a sweet potato pie. “I realized afterward I kind of went overboard,” he says.
Except for the turkey, which Jonathan also makes, Bethel takes care of the cooking. “She is an excellent cook,” Jonathan says proudly, noting that his preference is clearly baking. And then he admits, “Sometimes she’ll come home from work and I’ve made rolls or dessert, but I’ve failed to make dinner.”
Jonathan has taken a couple of baking classes – including one at Le Cordon Bleu Paris – and he follows many famous bakers. One of his favorite inspirations is Claire Saffitz, a recipe developer and former senior food editor (continued on page 16)
PASTRY PERFECTION Top left: In the Quander house, Jonathan is the baker, his wife Bethel is the chef. Top right: Japanese milk bread rolls from a King Arthur Flour recipe. Bottom right: Much of the joy Jonathan finds in baking is in the sharing. On a recent trip to LA, Jonathan reunited with college friends and gifted them his beautifully packaged croissants. Here he's pictured with friends, from left: Tom and Lisa Castleton, Jonathan, and David Monahan. Bottom left: Pain au chocolat alongside ham and cheese croissants.
(continued from page 14)
at Bon Appétit magazine. Jonathan and Claire share an undergrad alma mater, Harvard University. “I went down the path of law because that was appropriate and logical,” Jonathan says. “But now there are a wide range of people who become bakers and chefs. I wonder, if I had discovered this passion many years ago, if I would have gone down a different career path.”
Friends ask Jonathan when he will apply to The Great American Baking Show. “I think I would enter, actually,” he says. Ever the perfectionist, he thinks out loud, “I bake a lot of the things they bake, and I will do the technical [timed] challenges. Yes, I have a little bit of a head start, but I will go back and make the challenge [recipe] and give myself an hour and a half or two hours. That’s how I amuse myself.”
If and when it really happens, Jonathan wonders how amusing the challenge would be. “Actually, I don’t know really what I would do,” he laughs.
Until then, Jonathan, we’re all happy to keep taste-testing.
LuLen’s Apple Pie
Adapted from Nathalie Dupree’s New Southern Cooking
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 tablespoon water, heavy cream, or milk
1 pie crust (find Jonathan's recipe at thebuzzmagazines.com or use storebought)
2⁄3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 large egg, beaten, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ½ cups apples (granny smith, honeycrisp, or a combination), peeled, cored, and coarsely grated
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and
preheat to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon liquid (water, cream, or milk) together.
Roll the pie crust into an 11-inch circle, ¼- to 1⁄8-inch thick, sprinkling with flour as needed so that it doesn’t stick to the work surface or the rolling pin. Place the crust in a 9-inch pie pan, gently pressing to fill the pan. Trim the edges to hang ½ inch beyond the pie pan, then fold or crimp the edges. Brush the egg wash lightly over the crust and freeze for 30 to 45 minutes.
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mixture evenly in the bottom of the crust. To the remaining sugar-flour mixture, add the egg, butter, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Toss the grated apples with the lemon juice, then stir them into the sugar-flour-egg mixture. Spoon the apples into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly, leaving out any juices that accumulated in the bowl. If using, sprinkle the pecans over the top.
Place the pie on the warmed baking sheet and bake in the middle or upper rack of the oven for 10 minutes. Lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 45 to 50 minutes more. If the crust and pecans are browning too quickly, cover with foil.
Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream. Kept in an airtight container, the pie will keep for two days at room temperature and two more days in the refrigerator.
Japanese Milk Bread Rolls
From King Arthur Flour
For the Tangzhong (starter):
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons whole milk
2 tablespoons bread flour
Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan, and whisk until no lumps remain. Place the saucepan over low heat, and cook the
mixture, whisking constantly, until thick and the whisk leaves lines on the bottom of the pan, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the tangzhong to a small mixing bowl or measuring cup and let it cool to room temperature.
For the dough:
2 ½ cups bread flour
2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
½ cup whole milk
1 large egg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Combine the cooled tangzhong with the remaining dough ingredients, then mix and knead – by hand, mixer, or bread machine –until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, and let it rest in a lightly greased, covered bowl for 60 to 90 minutes, until it is puffy but not necessarily doubled in bulk.
Gently deflate the dough, divide it into 8 equal pieces (or 10 pieces for smaller rolls), and shape each piece into a ball. Place the rolls into a lightly greased 8- or 9-inch round cake pan. Cover the pan, and let the rolls rest for 40 to 50 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the rolls with milk or egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water), and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top. A digital thermometer inserted into the center of the middle roll should read at least 190 degrees. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
MORE ONLINE
See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for Jonathan’s pie crust recipe.
SWEET REWARDS Left: LuLen's Apple Pie is a longtime Thanksgiving favorite, only now Jonathan uses a homemade crust; right: Bethel, Jonathan, and their daughter Katie (and, not pictured, son Jack) enjoy the rewards of Jonathan's passion for baking.
SPORTS
by Andria Dilling, staff writer
The Highest Heights
Basketball – and Disney movie – stardom
If you’ve ever had children, or if you were a child, you know that Disney movies are rites of passage. But only a select few of us know what it’s like to be the subject of a Disney movie, which is quite a different rite of passage.
One of our Buzz neighbors is a member of that tiny club, as hers is the real-life story behind Disney’s 2002 Double Teamed, the mostly-true chronicle of twins Heidi Burge Horton and Heather Burge Quella, two of the first players for the WNBA.
A Rocky Start
Heidi, who has lived in Memorial for the past 25 years, and her twin sister Heather grew up in California. It was chance – and a good dose of sibling rivalry – that catapulted them both to basketball stardom.
The twins moved with their parents to Palos Verdes at the start of high school because of the school there. “When you’re young,” Heidi says, “you know you’re tall, but I was always hanging out with people a few years older. Then we got to high school, and I was like, we’re really tall.” After a summer growth spurt of five inches, Heidi was 6’1” when she started ninth grade. “That’s hard on a kid,” Heidi says. “There are no boys tall enough. You just feel awkward.”
But awkward quickly turned in the girls’ favor when a coach stopped Heather in the hallway. “Oh my gosh, how tall are you?” he asked, following up by asking if she’d try out for his basketball team. “Heather came running home, excited, and I was just like, nah. I had already signed up to play volleyball.”
Heather made the junior varsity team about the time Heidi’s volleyball season ended. That’s when her dad stepped in. “He said, ‘Hey, I’ve thought about it, and I think you need to try out and play. What if Heather gets really good and really enjoys it, and you would never have tried?’
“He had given the order. All I could think was I hate you and I hate basketball and I don’t want to play. PS, the story goes, I played, then it was silly because all I did was try to beat my sister. Think sibling rivalry but extra because it’s twins.”
Basketball Fever
After a start in junior varsity (“We were really
terrible our first year,” Heidi says), Heidi and Heather were all-in, both earning full scholarships to the University of Virginia.
“It was between Duke, Vanderbilt, and UVA. Education was first, we wanted to go to a good school,” Heidi says. “But when we looked at UVA, it was fall and beautiful and they had a great team.” Both sisters played on the UVA women’s basketball team for four years.
With the Burge sisters, the team went to three Final Four tournaments, winning three Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball championship titles. Then the twins went overseas – Heather played five years in France, and Heidi traveled between France, Italy, Hungary, Greece, and Luxembourg. The year they turned 27 was the year the WNBA was formed. Heidi played for the LA Sparks, then the Washington Mystics. “I was the first pick for Washington,” she says. Heather played for the Sacramento Monarchs. But the sisters never played against each other. “Heather was injured in ’97, ’98, and ’99. Then she got better, and I got injured.”
“Six Weeks” in Houston
After a career-ending injury in 1999, Heidi set out to be a commentator and wound up in Houston as a summer color commentator for the Comets. But even before that, her lifelong friends Rita and Larry Brohman (who now live in Florida) were pushing her to come to Texas. “Rita’s husband worked with this tall guy, and she called me and said, We’ve found your husband,” Heidi says. “They talked about him so much I finally just said, Okay Rita, just to shut you up I’m gonna come meet this guy. They were
sure I should marry him.”
“The guy” was Patrick Horton, a geographical information specialist who, Heidi says, “is not a competitor.
“He’s quiet, I’m not quiet,” Heidi says. “But he’s very friendly, like me, and Rita and Larry thought he was just like me. Not only that, but he was really tall. And he’s smart, and handsome.
“My dad said when you’re a woman and 6’5”, there’s a tiny box a man you’re going to marry would fit into. That was Patrick.”
So after meeting Patrick and then emailing back and forth for several months, Heidi’s commentating summer in Houston was welcome. “We got to date that summer, and even though I said I’d only be here for six weeks, I decided I was going to stay.
“I still can’t believe I’m still here,” Heidi says. “The weather is atrocious. And I moved here in July. There’s nowhere hotter than here in July! I told Patrick I was good with him, but if I was going to say yes, he was going to have to take me back to California. He agreed, but here we are. He never said when.” (Heather lives in Southern California, not far from where the sisters grew up, with her husband and three
(continued on page 20)
SHARING HER PASSION Heidi Horton was an original member of the WNBA and today coaches young players in Houston.
(continued from page 18)
children. Heidi says they text daily and definitely share “that freaky twin thing,” showing up dressed in similar outfits and mirroring experiences, like stubbing their toes on the same day.)
Passing the Torch
Hoarse from cheering on young players at her Hoops School basketball camp, Heidi relays the passion for the sport that, for the past 25 years, she’s channeled into coaching: “Most of the girls who played at my level – we were the top 80 players in the world – are somehow, someway still involved in basketball.” Teaching was the way for
Heidi to stay connected when she realized being a commentator was going to require nights and weekends, time she and Patrick wanted to give to their two children. (Son Jonathan, 6’7”, is now a senior at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where he is rowing and coaching young kids in rowing, and daughter Holly, 6’4”, recently graduated from Second Baptist and will start at the University of Arkansas this fall, where she will major in architecture and design, and will not be playing sports.)
“When you had the kind of coaching I did, you have to work really hard. But I also want to give a lot of credit to my coaches. Now I get to give the
golden nuggets of wisdom to the kids I coach.”
Having heard all the how tall are you? jokes, Heidi encourages kids to give grace to tall kids.
“They’re like babies doing the Frankenstein walk,” she says. “They’re goofy.
“You’d be surprised,” Heidi says about the impact that coaches or other adult mentors can have on kids. “Second graders, fifth graders, they listen. That’s the biggest reward in your whole life. I had so many people pour into me, and I get to just pour it right out. That’s the torch.”
Heidi says she’s been approached just about every day of her life by people wondering about her height. “They’ll (continued on page 22)
TWIN POWER Clockwise, from top left: The Disney movie Double Teamed (2002) is based on the high school basketball careers of twins Heidi Burge Horton and Heather Burge Quella; twins Heidi and Heather were once ranked by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest living female twins; Heidi had a basketball card when she played for the Washington Mystics; the Burge twins shared a car in high school; while on the University of Virginia women’s basketball team, Heidi and Heather played in three NCAA Division 1 Final Four Championship games.
(continued from page 20)
ask Oh my gosh how tall are you?” And I’ll say I’m almost 6’5”, how tall are you? And they’ll laugh. The dumbest one is How’s the weather up there? One of my friends was 6’4” and said to spit on them and tell them it’s raining. I never did that!”
Life hasn’t been completely easy as a woman over six feet tall. “Life isn’t made for a 6’5” person. We have to squeeze in airplanes. And cars. Pants are hard to buy,” Heidi says. “But Athleta has tall stuff now. It’s way easier for my daughter than it was for me.”
Still, Heidi was never daunted. “Hard is what challenges you and you rise to the occasion. Hard motivates you. We can’t moan and groan about things being really hard. We just have to try.”
Double Teamed: Fact vs. Fiction
Courtesy of Heidi Burge Horton
Double Teamed is a 2002 Disney Channel Original Movie based on the stories of twins Heidi Burge Horton and Heather Burge Quella, two of the first players for the WNBA. While the twins were very much involved in the making of the movie – writers interviewed them, their parents, coaches, and teammates – there
were some liberties taken that make the story not quite true to life.
In the movie: Heather was an all-around super athlete, and Heidi was in her shadow.
In real life: Heidi was an all-star volleyball player on the Olympic circuit already. Heather played basketball only.
In the movie: The twins moved to Palos Verdes to play basketball and get a college scholarship.
In real life: The family moved to Palos Verdes High School so that the twins could attend a stellar school.
In the movie: Heidi lied about her address at a party.
In real life: That wasn’t true, but it was true that the twins didn’t move to Palos Verdes before school started.
In the movie: There was a mean teammate named Nikki.
In real life: The team was close on and off the court.
In the movie: Someone ratted on the twins’ false address.
In real life: A counselor did notice that the
twins hadn’t moved yet when school started.
In the movie: The family moved to a rundown apartment complex.
In real life: They lived in a beautiful townhome complex called Maison Au Bord De La Mer.
In the movie: Heather broke her ankle before the state championship game.
In real life: That wasn’t true, but Heather did sprain her ankle in a basketball camp at Long Beach State.
In the movie: The Palos Verdes girls’ basketball team won state.
In real life: They lost in overtime by one point off a free throw.
In the movie: The twins’ dad made an awful sandwich of chili, cheese, and chips.
In real life: That wasn’t true, but their mom loved a peanut butter and lettuce sandwich.
In the movie: The twins tipped the ball in a WNBA game.
In real life: The twins never played in a WNBA game at the same time.
Editor’s note: You can watch Double Teamed (TVG) today on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
FAMILY TIES In 1999, Heidi's lifelong friends Rita and Larry Brohman, who lived in Houston, called her and said, "We've found your husband." Turns out, they were right. Heidi and Patrick (left) have been together since, and what was supposed to be six weeks in Houston turned out to be 25 years and counting. Top right: Heidi and Patrick with their children Jonathan and Holly. Bottom right: Heidi and Heather text daily and travel together; here they are on a recent trip to Yosemite
by Todd Freed, staff writer
SPORTS Field of Dreams
Local baseball players drafted by MLB teams
BLUM From the Bellaire Little League’s New York Mets to now Major League Baseball’s New York Mets, it’s been an amazing baseball journey for The Emery/Weiner School graduate Josh Blum. Left: Blum signs with the New York Mets as the club’s 16th-round draft pick. Top right: Before being drafted, Blum was a standout relief pitcher in college baseball for the USC Trojans. Bottom right: As a six-year-old Little League player, little could Blum have imagined that 15 years later he’d be suiting up for the New York Mets.
From neighborhood playing fields and local high schools to professional baseball draft picks, it’s been a Field of Dreams for these baseball players who grew up in Buzz neighborhoods.
Josh Blum (The Emery/Weiner School)
Only three years removed from his high school playing days, pitcher Josh Blum is still making history for his alma mater, The
Emery/Weiner School Jaguars. The 21-year-old was selected by the New York Mets in the 16th round of this summer’s MLB Draft, becoming the first-ever Emery graduate to be drafted into Major League Baseball.
“It was truly awesome. Being drafted to play baseball was one of the best moments of my life,” said Blum. “I was with my family and a few of my lifelong friends on draft day so we all cele-
brated together. It’s also super cool and an honor to be the first Emery/Weiner player to get picked in the MLB Draft.”
“For Josh to be selected as high as he did is really special,” added his father, Marvin Blum. “We knew Josh wanted to go to a big city like New York and it all fell into place. It’s been a dream come true for all of us and it’s significant for the school and our entire community. The
JOSH
funny thing is that we have a photo of Josh from when he was a five-year-old playing for the New York Mets team in the Bellaire Little League, and here he is, once again a New York Met.”
As a standout senior for Emery/Weiner in the spring of 2021, Blum signed to play college baseball for the USC Trojans. It was in his recently completed junior season that Blum truly rose to the forefront as a Major League prospect having posted a 1.87 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 33 innings as the Trojans closer out of the bullpen.
“I think a big part of my development has been the coaches and teammates that surrounded me at USC. We all stuck together with a goal of playing in the post-season and being a solid team in the PAC-12 Conference. I think all the work on and off the playing field has paid off.”
As he looks back at his high school days, ironically, it’s a football play that perhaps stands out most for Blum, with Blum having caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Jaguars 2019 state championship victory in six-man football. “I still love seeing that video and it’s one of my favorite all-time highlights. My quarterback Doran Yustein threw me the game winner.”
But all touchdowns aside, the business at
hand is winning games on the baseball mound for the New York Mets organization. “I love being a relief pitcher and playing in big situations. I’m just super excited about getting to work and playing for the New York Mets,” added Blum.
Tanner Witt (Episcopal High School)
Just two rounds prior to drafting Blum, the New York Mets selected another local pitching prospect in Episcopal High School alumnus Tanner Witt. A Class of 2020 Episcopal graduate, Witt went on to play four collegiate seasons for the Texas Longhorns.
“I was throwing a bullpen session the morning of the draft and my dad was with me with his eyes and ears glued to the phone. It wasn’t until the drive home when I got a call from my advisor to let me know I was going to be a New York Met,” said Witt. “We got home and then watched the official announcement unfold with my mom and girlfriend. It was special.”
At the University of Texas, Witt quickly emerged on the scene in a phenomenal freshman season – even pitching in a pair of Texas victories at the College World Series. But, short-
ly into his sophomore season, Witt underwent major arm reconstructive surgery that would sideline him for the rest of his sophomore season and into much of his junior year. Fortunately for the Longhorns, Witt returned to the lineup in time to pitch for Texas in its Big 12 Championship clinching victory over West Virigina at the later part of that junior season.
But as fate would have it, shortly into his senior season, Witt underwent a second surgery to remove scar tissue, which effectively ended his four-year collegiate career at Texas. “Injuries, of course, aren’t a lot of fun,” said Witt. “But I learned a lot through it all and I’m a big believer in everything that happens for a reason. I just had so many great people supporting and encouraging me through the process. I couldn’t be where I am now without the help of my family, teammates, coaches, and so many others. I’m so grateful to everyone. As hard as it is to come back physically, it’s just as tough mentally. There’s just so many ups and downs when you’re going through rigorous rehab.”
“What makes us the utmost proud is how Tanner’s handled the long and difficult road to his comeback,” said Witt’s (continued on page 26)
TANNER WITT Former Episcopal Knights pitching star Tanner Witt has conquered major hurdles en route to becoming a 14th-round draft selection by the New York Mets. Top left: Witt put forth a sensational freshman season for the Texas Longhorns before suffering a major arm injury in his sophomore season. Bottom left: As a bigtime national prospect for the Episcopal Knights in 2020, Witt is wearing the blue jacket after firing a one-hit shutout in a big SPC victory over the rival Kinkaid Falcons.
Right: It was a day of joy and celebration for Witt after signing to play pro baseball for the Mets.
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mother, Lori Witt. “Through it all, Tanner has stayed true to his belief that he would come out of this on the stronger side. Tanner went from being a firstround draft prospect to a freshman AllAmerican at Texas to uncertainty about his baseball future after the injuries. But he has always stayed positive and just had a gift for keeping a level-headed perspective on everything. His path has really been a whirlwind, but in the end we’re all thankful for the exciting opportunity that’s ahead for Tanner.”
Witt is certainly extremely excited as he embarks on a professional baseball career. “My arm is healthy and feels great. I’ve been throwing on the mound for several weeks and had no problems at all. I’m ready to work with everyone in the Mets organization and continue to chase my dream of playing Major League Baseball.”
Jackson Appel (Memorial High School)
After helping lead the Texas Aggies to the championship final of the College World Series, former Memorial Mustangs catcher Jackson Appel is himself heading to pro baseball as a sixth-round draft choice of the Chicago White
Sox. “I was at home with my mom and dad for the draft and we were ecstatic. It was one of the most special moments in my life. It’s something you dream about and it now becoming a reality is pretty cool,” said Appel.
As a graduate transfer this past season at Texas A&M, Appel hit for a lofty .331 batting average with 10 homers and 41 homers. Appel had spent the previous three seasons at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was an All-Ivy League selection for the Quakers baseball team. While at Penn, Appel also received his undergraduate degree from the prestigious Wharton School of Business. “Academics was one of the big reasons I went to Penn, so to get my degree from the Wharton School of Business is pretty awesome.”
“Jackson’s story is pretty amazing,” said his high school baseball coach, Jeremy York. “For us at Memorial, we inserted him into the starting lineup when he was only a sophomore when our star first-string catcher got hurt for the season. Jackson remained our starting catcher for three years and did a phenomenal job. Jackson was only about 165 pounds back then and really wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school, but he dedicated himself to the weight room and got
bigger and stronger. I’d say he’s a self-made baseball player and Jackson’s baseball IQ is also off the charts.”
“At the high school level, I have to give credit to Coach York and his staff for believing in me,” said Appel. “I developed there and then Coach John Yurkow at Penn took a chance on me. Or, as he recently called it – an educated guess. Then, getting to A&M I continued to grow as a player under some great Aggie coaches. Of course, none of this would have been possible without my parents who took me everywhere to play at baseball tournaments since I was a little kid.”
“When we first started this journey, we simply wanted Jackson to make the Memorial High School baseball team, which isn’t easy by any means,” said Appel’s father, Eric Appel. “[Jackson] now getting drafted is really a dream come true for all of us. We’ve enjoyed and loved every minute of the journey.”
As for this past baseball season, where his Aggies came within one win of the College World Series national championship, Appel describes it as the most fun he’s ever had playing baseball. “I love all the guys and my one season at A&M. It was such a blast. I would have loved
JACKSON APPEL After a magnificent collegiate career for both the University of Pennsylvania and Texas Aggies, it’s now off to the Chicago White Sox for former Memorial Mustangs catcher Jackson Appel. Top right: As only a sophomore at Memorial, Appel became the team’s starting catcher and held that position for the remainder of his standout high school career. Bottom right: After transferring from Penn, where he was an All-Ivy League selection, Appel helped lead Texas A&M to the College World Series National Championship Game. Left: Appel proudly signs to play for the Chicago White Sox as a high sixth-round draft pick of the big-league franchise.
to have stayed for one more season but getting drafted in the sixth round was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
Parker Smith (Bellaire High School)
Draft day couldn’t have been any more special for former Bellaire Cardinals pitcher Parker Smith, who was selected in the fourth round by none other than the hometown Houston Astros
“Going into the draft, I couldn’t have predicted the Astros would be picking me,” said Smith. “It was a real cliffhanger. The Astros called me about five minutes before my selection to let me know they’d be drafting me. I didn’t tell my parents, so we were all at home watching the draft on television and it was a big surprise for my family when my name was announced. There were smiles, laughter, and tears of joy.
“It’s every kid’s dream to play for the team they grew up cheering for their whole life. I grew up in the golden age of Astros baseball. We went to a lot of Astros games over the years and now
I get to wear the Astros name on my chest and jersey, which is special. Plus, I don’t have to get rid of all my Astros gear, which is a nice bonus.
I’m all stocked up.”
“It really was a big surprise for us when the Astros called,” added Smith’s mother, Sandy Smith. “They weren’t even on our radar. I’m just so proud of Parker for all the hard work and perseverance he’s put in to get to this point. It’s just amazing and overwhelming.
“We were fortunate enough to go to all of Parker’s home games at Rice, which was wonderful and now we may be looking at the same opportunity down the road with the Astros. We already have the Astros gear, so I guess we just need to get Smith printed on the back of the jerseys.”
Smith grew up playing baseball in the Bellaire Little League before going on to play for Bellaire High School. “I’d say my best memory at Bellaire High School was pitching in both of our victories over our rival Lamar my senior season. I ended up being recruited late in my senior sea-
son by Rice University, which was undergoing a coaching change. It ended up turning out great with Rice hiring Jose Cruz, Jr. to be the new head coach. Coach Cruz is also a Bellaire graduate so that was an awesome turn of events. I’d say I definitely made the right decision to go to Rice especially when you add in the academics.”
In his second season at Rice last year, Smith had a career high in strikeouts in a memorable pitching victory over nationally ranked and previously unbeaten Texas Tech at the Minute Maid Classic in Houston. “That was definitely one of my highlight games on the mound at Rice,” said Smith.
Then, after a tremendous junior season, Smith put himself in a great position for his selection in the MLB Draft. “This past season certainly was my breakout year. I had a lot of strong outings. Now with the help of the Astros I’m dialed in and ready to get to work to hopefully get to the big leagues as soon as possible.”
When Parker does get there, it’ll undoubtedly be the sweetest of homecomings for the hometown
kid.
PARKER SMITH From Bellaire High School to Rice University and now the Houston Astros, there’s no place like home for pitcher Parker Smith. Top left: After playing in the Bellaire Little League as a kid, Smith kept Bellaire on his jersey while suiting up to play high school ball for the Bellaire Cardinals. Bottom left: Even as a youngster growing up, Smith had a stockpile of Astros gear while cheering on the hometown team. Right: It all came full circle for Smith right after he signed to play for the hometown Houston Astros.
by Cathy Gordon, staff writer
A Nod to the Squad
An Homage to Texas A&M’s 12th Man Kickoff Team
Sometimes, dreams are inspired by a whirl of athletic artistry, laid at your feet.
It was the mid-1970s and Warren Barhorst, 9, sat in a chair in the north end zone at Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field, a crazy maze of movement before him.
“They used to put chairs on the track. I’m sitting in the last one, on the goal line. This A&M player gets hit, flips into the end zone, and scores a touchdown right in front of me,” recalls Barhorst. “I swore right then and there that I was going to play football for Texas A&M. That was my dream going forward.”
And he did, albeit in one of the most unexpected, never-before-done Aggie ways. He was chosen from student body tryouts to become a member of Texas A&M’s 12th Man all-volunteer kickoff team, a gutsy band of non-scholarship walk-ons in the 1980s who couldn’t wait to take to Kyle Field.
Students of every ilk, fit to not-so-fit, responded to head coach Jackie Sherrill’s advertisement in the campus newspaper, The Battalion, that trumpeted “No Experience Required.” A throng of 252 showed up for the first meeting, including two females, who were diplomatically sent on their way.
“The advantage was that we had tons of kids who were good high school football players, but weren’t recruited to play in college, but still had the ability,” Sherrill says.
The coaching staff got to work. Agility and running drills. Chiseling through rock to find diamonds.
Skeptics were quieted quickly. The 12th Man Kickoff Team became a nationwide sensation, holding opponents to one of the lowest yards per return averages in the league.
Sherrill’s walk-ons helped the team clinch three Southwest Conference titles, and Cotton Bowl championships in 1986 and 1988, against Auburn and Notre Dame, respectively.
“It was the bonfire of ’82 that gave me the idea,” explains Sherrill of Texas A&M’s then long-standing annual tradition, symbolizing its burning desire to beat the Texas Longhorns. That rivalry resumes for the first time in 13 years on Nov. 30, with UT’s entry into the Southeastern Conference.
Sherrill bonded with students working on the 1982 bonfire. Handed a pair of three-generation-
old pliers, he worked alongside them, learning to wire logs. Hoisted up the stacks by crane, he had a birds-eye view of the monumental, aroundthe-clock effort of Aggie students. He listened to their stories about cherished traditions.
And, coming off a lackluster season, he had an epiphany.
Could he light a fire under a struggling Aggie team by connecting to the passion of the student body? “There are 40,000 students here. If these kids are typical of other kids on campus, I can teach kids to cover at kickoffs.”
After all, E. King Gill had been the model for enthusiasm at Texas A&M since 1921.
Gill, an Aggie basketball player and former member of the football team, was in the press box, helping reporters identify players on the field, when coach Dana X. Bible – his team racked with injuries – asked him to suit up against Centre College in the Dixie Classic, the precursor to the Cotton Bowl. Though Gill didn’t actually enter the game, he inspired generations of Aggies after him to be prepared if called upon. It’s why the student section symbolically stands throughout every game. Ready.
Barhorst had been ready, ever since witnessing that touchdown as a kid.
“You can’t describe the feeling, all those fans screaming,” he says of Kyle Field, known for daunting decibel levels. “To this day, every time I go to Kyle Field for a game, the hair on the back of my neck stands up. I joke that it’s E. King Gill whispering in my ear, ‘You can do it!’
“That experience at A&M taught me to pursue your dreams. Never quit,” Barhorst continues, recalling a 1988 Cotton Bowl play in Dallas where perseverance paid off.
At one point, he’d considered quitting the team. He’d married the love of his life, Lisa Highsmith, his junior year. Then came baby Spencer. Between family, class, and a demanding football practice schedule, he recalls, “some-
thing had to give.”
“Hell, Barhorst, don’t quit! Someday you could make a play that will change your life,” former 12th Man player Dennis Mudd encouraged him.
Barhorst hung in. And then came Cotton Bowl opponent, Notre Dame. Returning a kick was Tim Brown, an electric Heisman Trophy winner and Dallas hometown boy.
“Talk leading up to the game was all about Tim; the prodigal son returns. The game starts off and Tim had a pretty good first half, but he didn’t catch a pass in the second half. We got in his head,” Barhorst says.
An A&M strong safety offered some advice. “He came into the huddle and said, ‘Hey, whoever tackles Tim Brown, take his belt towel. It’ll get inside of his head and jack him up.’”
Barhorst tackled Brown, grabbed his towel and was almost to the sideline. “Brown chases me down, tackles me and starts to fight to get his towel back.
“Now, consider, that Coach Sherrill had come down to the 12th Man section of the locker room before the game and said, ‘Guys, we’re on national TV and you guys are like banty roosters, you’re always looking to start fights and stuff. None of that today. You’re representing the university,’” Barhorst remembers.
“So, I’m thinking, ‘Okay, here I am, last game of my career, and Coach is going to kill me because I started this.’ But it turns out, Coach was madder at Tim Brown than he was at me. They should’ve thrown Brown out for such a flagrant foul, but they didn’t.
(continued on page 30)
CAMERADERIE WITH COACH Coach Jackie Sherrill and members of his Texas A&M 12th Man Kickoff Team from the 1980s are a tight-knit bunch, to this day. The unit of non-scholarship walk-ons were one of the nation’s top kickoff coverage units in college football. Pictured, from left: Warren Barhorst, Ronnie Glenn, Coach Sherrill, and Dave Coolidge flash the Gig ’Em sign, the universal Aggie signal for optimism, determination, and loyalty.
(continued from page 28)
They gave him an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and then Coach Lou Holtz was smart enough not to put him back in the game.”
Aggies prevailed, 35-10.
“My name is in trivia games,” quips Barhorst, owner of a successful insurance business. “Who was the A&M guy who took Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown’s towel?”
Kickoff squad member Dave Coolidge remembers long, hard practices. The walk-ons came early and stayed late and were still at it long after the scholarship guys convened to the showers and dining hall. “We had to earn it.”
Sherrill awoke a sleeping giant with his novel ideas, says Coolidge, who was introduced to A&M football by his dad, a graduate of the Corps
of Cadets, 1952. “The scholarship guys saw how hard we worked. It inspired them, I think. It made the whole team work harder, be better.”
Coolidge stays in touch with former teammates, both walk-ons and scholarship players, including quarterback Bucky Richardson, who made quite a splash during his 1987 freshman season.
Richardson scored the winning touchdown against UT, clinching A&M’s third straight Southwest Conference title, sending the Aggies to that Cotton Bowl, the scene of the Barhorst Towel Takeoff.
“Those guys just loved football,” Richardson says. “For a group of guys that ran down on kickoffs, they put in the time, going through all the rigors of everybody else on the team. Sherrill was a trailblazer. Those guys were great.”
Beating the Longhorns on a cold, wet night at
Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium in 1986 is an especially fond memory, Coolidge says. “I got to play in that game. We had to beat Texas on the road to win the conference that year and go to the Cotton Bowl. They had Eric Metcalf, the best returner in the country, going up against a bunch of walk-ons and we bottled him up.
“We learned so much through Coach Sherrill,” he adds. “He’s a genuine guy with a heart of gold. To this day, if you needed help at 3 a.m., you could call him, and he’d answer. And he’d come.”
Gardner Parker doesn’t bleed maroon. He’s of the orange palette. But he grew up in BryanCollege Station and understands A&M’s traditions. “Though I’m a ‘t-sip,’ I think their traditions are wonderful. The best there are,” says the University of Texas alum, a (continued on page 32)
MAROON MEMORIES Top left: Player Ronnie Glenn, a sea of towel-waving Aggies behind him, can’t contain his glee before a kickoff at the 1986 Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Bottom left: Warren Barhorst takes down the field with Notre Dame player and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown’s towel on a tackle in the 1988 Cotton Bowl. Top right: Coach Jackie Sherrill grew used to being hoisted by players, winning three Southwest Conference championships and two Cotton Bowls during his tenure. Bottom right: This advertisement in A&M’s newspaper, The Battalion, drew the attention of students who tried out for Sherrill’s walk-on 12th Man Kickoff Team.
GLORY DAYS Top left: Warren Barhorst, Coach Jackie Sherrill, Dave Coolidge, and Ronnie Glenn reminisce about their special time at Texas A&M. Top right: Sherrill's players, including Warren Barhorst (to the right of #45) and Ronnie Glenn (at front, holding poster) celebrate after winning three consecutive Southwest Conference championships. Bottom left: The kickoff team couldn’t wait to take to the field. Dave Coolidge, number 7, and Ronnie Glenn, number 9, are in on the action here. Bottom right: Sherrill and friend Gardner Parker might prefer different school colors, but the Aggie-Longhorn relationship is pure gold, they say.
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former president of the Texas Exes’ Houston chapter. He’s close friends with Sherrill, a relationship forged through their mutual friend, the late football coach Mike Leach.
“Jackie Sherrill loves A&M. And his players love him. I’m talking about an unconditional love,” says Parker.
“I think of those players as my kids,” responds Sherrill, 81 in November. “I’m proud of them. I mean, they did win a lot of football games for me. The 12th Man guys earned their spurs, and it’s helped them in life because it was hard, and life is hard.”
Texas A&M now uses a single 12th Man walk-on who wears No. 12 and participates on special teams, a change made by Sherrill’s successor R.C. Slocum after Texas Tech returned a kickoff for a touchdown against A&M in 1990.
But long after the 12th Man unit hung up its cleats, Sherrill had another epiphany, a way players could contribute in a different way. In 2008, the 12th Man Kickoff Team Foundation was formed to provide student scholarships, support communities through hospital visits and finan-
cial aid, and do personal speaking engagements, with players sharing their stories of inspiration. They also share their stories in a book called No Experience Required: Jackie Sherrill and Texas A&M’s 12th Man Kickoff Team, produced by Dockery House Publishing for the foundation.
“It’s a close group. We have a couple of text thread chains where we talk about all sorts of different things: politics, sports, and of course, football,” says former squad member, Ronnie Glenn, who is on the board of the 12th Man Kickoff Team Foundation.
“As good fortune would have it, being a starter on the kickoff team in ’85, ’86, and ’87, I got to participate in all the activities that the scholarship guys did related to winning the Southwest Conference championships and being in the Cotton Bowl. We got the same per diem they got, and all the swag that came with it,” Glenn says. “Other than the fact that I paid for my education, there was no real difference.
“I remember a practice in ’86 where we put the hurt on a couple of our scholarship guys and that’s when they said, ‘Man, these guys are for real!’”
Glenn, still a lover of all things sports, is a volunteer competitive team baseball coach with the nonprofit organization, SpringSpirit.
He thinks back to a Thanksgiving night, 1985, a showdown for the conference crown between the Aggies and the Longhorns, a sold-out Kyle Field. “You couldn’t hear yourself,” Glenn says. The Aggies blitzed Texas 42-10, giving the team its first Cotton Bowl berth since 1967.
The crowd went crazy. Eighteen years of frustration released into the night air.
“Aggies hadn’t seen their football team make it to win a Southwest Conference in so long,” Glenn says. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything that loud. It’s unmatched.”
He talks of a decades old copy of The Texas Aggie Magazine. He’s on the cover, hands to the sky, waving his towel before a kickoff at the 1986 Cotton Bowl. A sea of maroon behind him.
It’s been blown up poster size, a treasured keepsake. “I’m touched that my two daughters had that in their rooms when they were at Texas A&M,” he says. “So many special memories and stories from that kickoff group. What a special time.”
Private School Directory
Finding the right fit for your child’s education is vital to their academic, social, and personal growth. Buzz-area residents are fortunate in that Houston is home to many of the nation’s top private schools, most of which are located right here in our neighborhoods.
The Buzz Magazines Private School Directory, for early learning through high school, has been a valuable resource to our readers since 2016, and has been even more beneficial in helping families navigate the changing landscape of in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning.
This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all Houston private schools. Instead, our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each participating school, as a starting point in the research process. Find and share the online version of this directory at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory.
Also, check out buzzworthy stories about local schools and students on our Schools section at thebuzzmagazines.com/schools and read stories written by local high school students on our School Buzz blog at thebuzzmagazines.com/columns/school-buzz.
The Awty International School
Early Learning / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School
Admission Events: Open House Dates: Early Learning, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 24, 12 p.m.; Lower School, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.; Middle/Upper School, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.; French Program (All Grades), Oct. 22, 12 p.m.
The Awty International School, Houston’s premier international school, educates over 1,800 students from PK3 through 12th grade, to become responsible world citizens. The leader in international education, Awty is a diverse community of students and teachers hailing from over 50 nations. In the culminating grades, our students pursue either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate.
Admission Events: To schedule a tour, please contact the school director.
The curriculum at Becker School is constantly evolving and uses many of today’s best practices in early childhood education, including but not limited to Reggio-inspired learning, differentiated instruction and play-based exploration. We recognize children as capable learners with individual and unique abilities who have the right to an outstanding education. We nurture children to grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically through a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment that respects each child. We encourage respect of others and the positive values of Judaism. We believe that young children learn through play and the opportunity to investigate their interests in a meaningful way. Family and community participation are a priority in creating a positive environment for the children and our families.
The British International School of Houston is an international and diverse private school with research based and contemporary pedagogy. Our internationally recruited teachers and caring and inclusive environment produce outstanding IB results and excellent academic progress. Serving children from Pre-K3 to 12th grade, learning and achievement are supported by collaborations with The Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and UNICEF. Inquire to learn more about the future of education today!
Cathedral High School is rebuilding Catholic culture through a classical education in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. The school’s vision is to form students to be conformed to Christ, pursue truth, and create beauty in a virtuous life. This vision unfolds within the evangelizing mission of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, according to the time-tested discipline of the classical curriculum and method and benefiting from the holistic philosophy and spirituality of Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman, whose motto guides this educational endeavor: Cor ad cor loquitur
Admission Events: Please visit website for Open House dates or contact admissions@dbahouston.org to schedule a tour.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer Academy is an independent middle school dedicated to supporting our students in the present while preparing them for success in the future. We offer a challenging curriculum emphasizing the acquisition of organizational skills that is delivered in an engaging, collaborative environment that encourages the development of strong social skills. By recognizing and meeting the unique needs of early adolescents, our learning program equips students to thrive in college preparatory high schools and beyond.
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Pre-K3 / Pre-K4 / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Girls • Est. 1960 10202 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-8211 • admissions@duchesne.org • www.duchesne.org
Ginger Montalbano, Head of Enrollment Management
Admission Events: “Discover Duchesne” Open House for Middle and Upper School: Grades 5-12, Nov. 3, 2024, 1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.; Lower, Middle and Upper School “In Action” Tours available September-December. Please check Duchesne’s website for dates and times. Register for admissions events at www.duchesne.org/visit.
Houston’s only all-girls Catholic Pre-K3 through Grade 12 school, Duchesne Academy provides an empowering education in the context of the values of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Guided by the Goals and Criteria, students encounter a challenging curriculum and embrace a vibrant sisterhood in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Our graduates leave Duchesne prepared to transform the world as empathetic adults, astute thinkers, and women of courage and confidence.
Admission Events: Open House Dates: Middle School, Nov. 10; Upper School, Nov. 10
Offering an exceptional education in a supportive, hands-on, experiential environment, The Emery/Weiner School is a private, college-preparatory middle and high school framed by and infused with pluralistic Judaism. Our unique, inclusive culture values diversity and encourages students to pursue a wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic interests while developing a strong sense of self and community. Our vibrant Experiential Education program sparks collaboration, resilience, and camaraderie among students and faculty. Our small class sizes allow our dedicated teachers to focus on helping students grow in confidence and competence, and our outstanding college admission record reflects Emery's status among Houston's top academic institutions. Emery students graduate empowered to advocate for themselves and others, with a profound sense of moral self-reliance and a confidence that will guide them throughout their lives.
Carol Wasden, Director of Admission and Financial Aid
Admission Events: Oct. 23, 2024, 7-9 p.m.
From day one, Episcopal High School was designed to be different. A place where students fearlessly test out new waters. Take intellectual risks. Make great leaps of faith. Our curriculum, the Four Pillars, stretches students in bold new directions – academically, artistically, athletically, and spiritually. At EHS, students uncover their God-given gifts and discover their purpose along the way. Because we believe that when you know who you are and what you’re capable of, you can do extraordinary things.
Houston Christian is an exemplary, college preparatory high school providing outstanding academic and leadership programs aimed at preparing each student for collegiate study and beyond. HC offers a distinctive curriculum and a spiritual focus, all while giving students the opportunity to compete and perform in award-winning sports and fine arts programs. Located in the heart of Houston’s growing west side, HC is housed on a 45-acre collegiate-styled campus.
Admission Events: Open School Visit Day, Tues., Sept. 3 and Fri., Nov. 8, 9-11 a.m.; Open House: Sun., Nov. 17, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Discover how Incarnate Word Academy has been shaping exceptional young women since 1873. Located in downtown Houston, IWA challenges students with rigorous Honors, College Prep, Dual Credit, and AP courses. Our one-of-a-kind leadership program instills teamwork and self-advocacy, preparing students for an ever-changing world with classes such as Leading with Character, Leading with Finance, Leading with Service, and Leading with Business. With our cornerstones of academics, values, and spirituality, our tight-knit community and small class sizes help our faculty guide each student to become her best self. Visit www.incarnateword.org/admissions/visit-iwa to RSVP.
Ariel Rozen, Principal of Jewish Life & Admissions Advisor
Admission Events: TBD
The mission of Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun is to foster confidence, leadership, a love of learning, and a sense of responsibility in students by honoring individual strengths in an environment dedicated to academic excellence, Jewish teachings, and the continuity of Jewish values.
The Joy School
Kindergarten through 8th grade
Co-ed • Est. 1997 1 Chelsea Blvd., Houston, TX 77006
Admission Events: See website for bi-weekly tours.
The Joy School prepares students with learning differences to return to traditional classroom settings by enabling them to reach their academic and social potential in a safe, supportive environment.
Post Oak challenges the norm. We don’t teach to a test. Instead, we guide our students from toddler through high school as they learn how to learn – to help them develop problem-solving, leadership, interpersonal, and academic skills for creating their own bold pathways through life. Post Oak’s two campuses are engaging Montessori environments, culminating in the IB diploma program and year-round internships for high school students at partner institutions throughout Houston.
Kristin Brown, Director of Admission & Enrollment Management
Admission Events: Go to www.pshouston.org/visit for admission events and tours. If you want your children to achieve and be happy while they do it, send them to Presbyterian School. It’s the future of education, with a faculty, curriculum, building, and location that make the most of the best new research about how students learn and how they can thrive while doing it. All of this in a Christ-centered setting. Come and see why we believe our way is not merely different – it’s better.
River Oaks Baptist School
Preschool / Lower School / Middle School
Co-ed • Est. 1955
2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, Texas 77027
713-623-6938 • admission@robs.org • www.robs.org
Kealey Johnson, Director of Enrollment Management
Admission Events: Visit our website for available dates and registration links. ROBS melds ambitious academics with abiding Christian values, preparing students to identify and solve nuanced problems in an ever-changing world. Through our student-centered approach, ROBS will challenge your child to be the example of an eager mind guided by a faithful heart. Our graduates become leaders in Houston’s top high schools, premier boarding schools, and beyond. If your hopes for your child include intellectual curiosity and a strong moral compass, apply now.
Admission Events: Private tours available by appointment. Applications for 2025-26 will be available Sep. 16.
With a commitment to small classes and an emphasis on outdoor learning and play, we practice education as a pursuit for the who le person. Our teachers provide students with excellent classroom instruction balanced with time to play, wonder, and explore. Students in our Lower School spend many hours outside in our natural playground and garden each day, and are not burdened with take-home busywork aft erwards. Older students receive rigorous instruction in discussion-based, dual-credit courses, giving them a head start in college and p reparing them for life as independent adults.
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School
Preschool / Elementary School / Middle School / High School
Co-ed • Est. 1955
4900 Jackwood St., Houston, Texas 77096
713-666-3111 • admissions@stes.org • www.stes.org
Danny Kahalley, Director of Admissions
Admission Events: For open houses and visit information, go to www.stes.org/visit. Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating seven decades as a Preschool through 12th-grade Christian college preparatory school offering a classical education. STE’s strong academic reputation and supportive community distinguish it among Houston-area schools. Annually, students win championships in state athletic, scholastic, and fine arts competitions. We also offer a world-renowned Scottish A rts program that includes bagpiping, drumming, and Highland dance. Graduates attend universities throughout the nation, with recent acceptances from Cornell, Colorado School of Mines, Davidson, Georgetown, Rice, Vanderbilt, UT, and Texas A&M. Be sure to visit our renovated campus and new three-story academic building. (continued on page 38)
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School of the Woods
Preschool / Pre-K / Kindergarten / Elementary School / Woods Middle School / Woods High School
Admission Events: Open House Dates: Sept. 24, preschool/Pre-K/Kindergarten; Oct. 1, Elementary grades 1, 2, 3; Oct. 8, Upper Elementary grades 4, 5, 6; Nov. 11, High School; Nov. 18, Middle School. See our website for dates or call the office to schedule an appointment for a tour. School of the Woods is Houston’s oldest continuously operating Montessori school and is non-profit, independent, and non-sectarian. It is accredited by Cognia and the Texas Education Agency, and is an American Montessori Society member school. The school provides students with a college preparatory Montessori curriculum from ages 2 1/2 through high school in an interactive learning environment, through individualized curriculum personalized for each student by credentialed Montessori teachers. Educational programs encompass: Early Childhood-Kindergarten, Elementary, Upper Elementary, Woods Middle School, and Woods High School. Auxiliary programs include After School Care, Choir, Dance, Gymnastics, Sports, and Summer Theater Camps. All children are eligible for enrollment regardless of race, color, creed, or national or ethnic origin.
Tara Gassett, Director of Admissions and Development
Admission Events: To schedule a tour, please contact the director of admissions and development. Families choose The Shlenker School because of the school’s commitment to an outstanding secular education with integrated Jewish studies. Our curriculum fosters the whole child in a developmentally appropriate learning environment that is both nurturing and challenging. When you visit our campus, you will feel the warmth of our community and see why students and families strongly believe in the foundation that The Shlenker School provides. Shlenker students graduate with confidence, knowing that they are prepared for the next stage of their academic life and beyond.
Admission Events: Visit www.stannecs.org for information on tours.
Since 1930, St. Anne Catholic School has been committed to teaching the Basilian philosophy of “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge,” in a nurturing environment. The St. Anne philosophy embraces the uniqueness of the whole child and celebrates the diversity of the student body. In collaboration with the family as a partner, St. Anne endeavors to provide an opportunity for the optimal growth of each child, while celebrating our Catholic heritage.
Admission Events: Open House: Oct. 24, 9-10:30 a.m.; Jan. 14, 2025, 9-10:30 a.m. Or schedule a tour at admissions@stcathmont.org.
As a Catholic Montessori School, St. Catherine’s is dedicated to an educational experience which awakens in our students the awareness of their gifts and responsibilities as individuals in relationship with Jesus Christ and as stewards of the global community.
St. Cecilia Catholic School
PK3 through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1958 11740 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston, Texas 77024
Admission Events: Dec. 5, 2024. Individual tours are also available by appointment. Our mission at St. Cecilia Catholic School is the ongoing Catholic formation and education of the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit, in preparation for an adult life of commitment and service.
St. Francis Episcopal School
Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / High School
Co-ed • Est. 1952
Piney Point Campus (Lower and Middle School): 335 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77024 Couper Campus (Primary and Upper School): 2300 S. Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77063 713-458-6101 • jglover@stfrancishouston.org • www.stfrancishouston.org
Jennifer Glover, Head of Admissions and Enrollment Management
Admission Events: Open House: Nov. 1 (Upper School) and Nov. 2 (Primary, Lower, and Middle School). Primary School Tour Dates: Sept. 27, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Jan. 10; Lower School Tour Dates: Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, Jan. 22; Middle School Tour Dates: Sept. 24, Oct. 15, Nov. 12, Dec. 3, Jan. 14; Upper School Tour Dates: Sept. 26, Oct. 17, Nov. 14, Dec. 5, Jan. 16.
Founded as a parish school of St. Francis Episcopal Church, St. Francis Episcopal School is an accredited, college-preparatory school serving students age 2 through grade 12. We support growth not just in mind, but also in body, soul, and heart, in an environment that is at once challenging and supportive. Our students develop a healthy tolerance for wise risk-taking, celebrate earned success and good choices, and learn resilience and reflection by turning occasional missteps into opportunities.
St. Mark’s Episcopal School
Early Childhood / Elementary School / Middle School
At St. Mark’s Episcopal School, we strive to be a place where students from 18 months old through 8th grade cultivate intellectual curiosity and a fearless pursuit of knowledge. Encouraged to take ownership for their own learning, our students grow into confident young people who are excited to discover new passions and are able to advocate for themselves and others. We are an inclusive, diverse, and engaged community that believes in the partnership between home and school. Join us at St. Mark’s and be known and celebrated for the unique person you are.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School
Co-ed • Est. 1971 1800 Sul Ross St., Houston, Texas 77098
713-821-9100 • admission@ssesh.org • ssesh.org Office of Campus Life
Admission Events: Visit ssesh.org/admission/tours to sign up for a tour.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Houston, is a Montessori school located in Montrose near the Museum District and Rice University. We serve students from 15 months old through 8th grade and accept families of all faiths, backgrounds, and lifestyles. At St. Stephen’s, students enjoy individualized work plans featuring hands-on, project-based learning and vibrant classes in film, fine arts, performing arts, and Spanish. Our focus is to aid students in becoming good learners and good people, providing a caring community that is true of moral and academic learning. (continued on page 40)
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St. Thomas High School
College Preparatory
Boys • Est. 1900
4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007
713-864-6348 • admissions@sths.org • www.sths.org
Maxwell Holmes, Director of Admissions
Admission Events: Open House, Dec. 8, 2024, 1 p.m.
St. Thomas High School is a Catholic college preparatory institution for young men in grades 9-12. With more than 120 years of teaching tradition, the Basilian Fathers’ sacred mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge inspires faith-filled, lifelong learners who think critically, communicate effectively, and prepare thoroughly to excel personally and professionally. A man of St. Thomas actively serves his community and integrates Christian teachings into all aspects of his life.
Admission Events: Evening of Nov. 13, 2024; Jan. 26, 2025, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tours every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Please contact us to schedule a tour. St. Thomas More Parish School equips students with a dynamic education while embracing our strong Catholic identity. We are STREAM-certified, a two-time National Blue Ribbon recipient school, a National Beta Club School of Distinction, and boast teachers who hold advanced certifications and degrees in their respective fields. Our curriculum is intentionally curated to offer students an opportunity to excel. We strive to draw families closer to Christ through Catholic education. Visit our 11-acre campus and see why so many families are choosing St. Thomas More Parish School.
Open House Dates: Tues., Oct. 8, 2024, 9:00 a.m.; Tues., Nov. 19, 2024, 9:00 a.m. SVdP Catholic School provides a rigorous academic curriculum enriched by Catholic teachings that challenges students while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning. We were named a National Blue-Ribbon school in 2016 and 2022. SVdP was the first Catholic school in the nation to become STEM-certified by NISE (National Institute for STEM Education). Discover the countless opportunities our school offers, from advanced academics, engaging extracurricular activities, excellent Fine Arts, a strong athletic program, and meaningful service projects. Our school community is united by shared values, and we cherish the partnership between our dedicated faculty, parents, and students.
Admission Events: (Open House for All Divisions) Nov. 10, 2024; Fall Welcome Wednesday Tours: (Early Childhood) Oct. 9, (Lower School) Oct. 16, (Middle School) Oct. 23. Visit www.theregisschool.org/inquire for information on how to register.
The Regis School of the Sacred Heart is Houston’s only all-boys Pre-K3 through eighth-grade school, educating scholars and gentlemen in the Sacred Heart tradition since 1991. Through a unique mix of challenging academics and the values of the Sacred Heart, Regis empowers students of all faiths to become lifelong scholars and authentic, compassionate leaders.
Open House Dates: Coffee Dates: Pre-K4-Grade 3, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.; Grades 4-8, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.
Trafton Academy fosters the maturation of each child into a well-adjusted adult, equipped to succeed in the world in which we live. Education is studentcentered; each child is recognized as an individual with unique interests, needs, and abilities. Our staff is dedicated to cultivating life-long learners while helping them to develop organizational skills and a strong work ethic.
Kim Berger, Head of School; Amanda Owen, Director of Admissions
Admission Events: Open House Dates: Oct. 16, 9 a.m.; Jan. 22, 2025, 9 a.m.
Veritas is an independent Christian school in the classical tradition that prepares students for lives of service and learning through academic excellence, character development, Biblical literacy, and intentional engagement opportunities.
The Village School
Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School / High School
The Village School, located in Houston’s Energy Corridor, is an academically rigorous American school with an International community. Our world-class teachers provide highly personalized and hands-on innovative learning experiences to generations of creative and resilient global citizens. Village offers three specialty diplomas including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Pre-Medical Science, and Entrepreneurship. In addition, it offers The Village track, a standard High School diploma, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. With its diverse student body representing six continents and over 80 countries, The Village School serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Known for its commitment to excellence in math and science, The Village School's STEAM curriculum includes enhanced learning experiences through unique collaborations with MIT, Space Center Houston, Juilliard and UNICEF. The Village School is a proud member of Nord Anglia Education’s network of schools.
Admission Events: To view upcoming Coffee Talks and Tours and Open House dates, see www.westburychristian.org/visit. Westbury Christian School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school for students from age 3 to 12th grade. A vibrant community of learners, WCS reflects the Kingdom: Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Since 1975, we have provided our students with a safe and diverse environment with challenging academics taught from a Biblical worldview and personalized instruction. WCS strives to support families in Christian education and cultivate relationships that build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Students are encouraged to find their God-given talents by participating in our student-led clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs. WCS develops students to become Christian servants, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who are prepared for here and eternity.
Admission Events: Jan. 23, 2025, 5-7 p.m.; Open House Coffee: Jan. 24, 10 a.m. Yorkshire Academy, a private school located in the Memorial area, was established in 1984, with its primary goal being to create an environment in which children can develop to their fullest potential at their own individual rate. Students range in age from 18 months to Grade 5. Yorkshire’s extensive afterschool enrichment program offers classes as diverse as coding, tennis, chess, piano, tae kwon do and dozens more. Its summer program consists of academics, over 50 enrichment camps, theme-based camps for little ones, and full time care. These programs are open to the community, and attract families from all over the Houston area. Yorkshire invites you to visit to see for yourself why its tagline, “A Little School Making a Big Impact,” rings so true.
. by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Rumor Has It
Sparks! Their eyes locked at the Caddie Shack Sports Bar at the Point Venture Golf Club on Lake Travis on Jan. 31, 2020, and they’ve been together ever since. Ken Bingham proposed to Connie Reeves Cooke on the beach in Cancun, Mexico at Le Blanc Spa & Resort surrounded by seven friends all dressed in white ready to shout Surprise. This year, on July 6, 2024, the intimate wedding and reception were held at their home on Lake Travis until 1:30 in the morning. They honeymooned in Cancun with a symbolic ceremony on the beach where Ken proposed. Connie is the author of two novels. Ken is a retired captain with the Austin Fire Department but managed to still light Connie’s fire.
So young and good looking. When Tony Sirvello walked into Fratelli’s to celebrate his 80th with 12 longtime neighbors and friends, he exclaimed, “What are all those almost naked men doing on the table?” They were indeed photoshopped centerpieces of Tony’s face on a macho cowboy, sexy surfer, and a body builder, created by Missa Sutton Barbara Moore and Tony were chatting about their recent cruise to Mexico and the Panama Canal as Cheryl Kaminski brought the Italian Cream Cake out with candles.
Two parties, one honoree. The dinner invitation featured Jean Wilson’s face with a pout and it read, “I don’t want to turn 70,” and in another photo, she featured a smile with the caption “but I get presents.” She wore a birthday crown of candles to celebrate at a seated gourmet dinner with eight friends hosted by Rosanne Kaufmann. Friend Walter Viali aka Elvis sang Happy Birthday in Elvis style, which made the party really swing! The second party was a Board Bash hosted by Dr. Tung Giep and his wife Michelle Ngo where the guests brought a charcuterie creation. The magnificent array of foods included: sushi, wild meats, Bánh mi, butter burgers, and more. Lots of photo ops were in front of the blue and white balloon bouquet with gold star accents. All agreed Jean will always be a star.
Good neighbors. Pine Shadows, near the Galleria, was hit hard by Hurricane Beryl.
Neighbor Noble Carl came to the rescue of many whose property was covered by trees, branches, and leaves, operating a crane on a grapple truck lifting the bigger pieces into the Slide Steer roll-off truck. David Hoffman was handy with his chain saw clearing a fallen tree on the street.
A nearby friend, Charlie Geiss, just a hair out of the subdivision, let Mary Maxey charge her devices. As Mr. Fred Rogers said, “Real strength has to do with helping others.”
Lost in Turkey. Missy (Melissa) Campbell was on a group tour of Morocco to Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and the desert when she found a stunning green ceramic tile fountain in Pez. The outdoor Moroccan fountain made it back in one piece to adorn her patio. She was on her own in Istanbul with a guide to take her to the main sites and the Grand Bazaar, however, he had to leave her as she had not finished shopping and figured she could find her way back to the hotel on her own. After wandering around lost until her toes twerked, she found her way the most “bazaar” way – she had to get a taxi. Summer dresses and hats. That was the theme for the Houston Symphony League’s Girls Night Out at Guadalajara Hacienda. It was a rainy July night but after the umbrellas and raincoats were put away, the margaritas and generous array of food helped dry everyone out. Event chair Donna Mello and assistant chair Barbara Files announced the winners of the hat contest: Angela Doucette (grand prize) and Cathey Granello and Terri Romano received honorable mention. Everyone jotted other activities on their calendar: Sept 18 is the Fall
Luncheon and Casino Night is Oct 23. Never too late to join.
Nearly neighbors. Michael Anzilotti and Carla Martinez lived near each other but met on Hinge in Dec. 2021. They discovered they share a passion for travel, food, and that they both work out at The Houstonian. Michael proposed to Carla at the Rose Garden at the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The Sante Fe, New Mexico wedding ceremony was at Our Lady of Guadalupe and the reception took place at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, surrounded in desert shades with a hint of citrus colors. A flamenco dancer entertained at dinner and a tequila donkey added flavor while late night s’mores were served. S’more love was in the air as parents Juan Carlos and Carla Martinez and Kelly Anzilotti and Michael Anzilotti gave their farewell wishes.
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See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for additional photos. Have some good news to share? Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
SHE LIGHTS HIS FIRE Connie Cooke, author of Cayman Heat, married retired fire captain Ken Bingham at their home on Lake Travis.
Dallas Gannon Photography
. by Cindy Burnett, staff writer
Buzz Reads Five
picks for September
Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.
All This & More by Peng Shepherd (speculative fiction) – In this creative novel, a woman wins the chance to rewrite every mistake she’s ever made. But there’s a twist: The reader decides what she does next to change her destiny. Marsh is a recently divorced housewife who is questioning many of her life decisions. When she is given the opportunity to participate in a reality show that would allow her to alter her past choices, Marsh jumps at the chance. However, as the season progresses, cracks start to appear – fragments of memories blur into new timelines, mysterious texts appear on her phone and pathways meld into one another. I loved Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child, and this ode to them is very well done. Shepherd’s exploration of regret and our tendency to look back on our past with rose-colored glasses is a delight. This book will appeal to fans of choose your-own-adventure stories and reality TV, unique storylines, and those who loved The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum (nonfiction) – While the only reality TV I watch is The Amazing Race, I loved this deep dive into the genre that now dominates our screens. Nussbaum chronicles how reality television came to be, including the roots of the genre all the way back to the 1940s through the popular shows of today. The chapter about an early show called An American Family is a particular standout. She discusses the more popular shows like The Real World, Big Brother, Survivor, and The Bachelor and The Bachelorette and explains how each show contributed to the genre as a whole, while also highlighting smaller shows that experimented with various ideas and formats. The most fascinating (and often horrifying) parts are the behind-the-scenes details that evidence how fake and manipulated “reality TV” really is. This cultural and social commentary is a mustread for anyone interested in modern society.
Do the Next New Thing: Embrace Uncertainty and Discover Purpose, Happiness, and Friendship by Pamela Lamp (nonfiction) –
When Houstonian Pamela Lamp moved to a new city, she was lonely and missed her network of friends she had developed over the years. As a result, she set out on a journey of selfdiscovery, trying one new thing each day. Her book chronicles everything she learned from this experience and encourages readers to try something similar. Each chapter is headlined by a quote from another book that ties in with the theme of the chapter. My favorite snippet is from Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: “When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started.” Pamela uses discreet examples of how she implemented her ideas and why those methods worked for her. For anyone who is moving or has moved, is at a new stage in life, is now an empty nester, or just wants to shake up their life a little bit, this will be a highly useful read.
Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan (historical fiction) – Claire Eiffel loses her mother at a young age and is tasked with helping raise her younger siblings in addition to becoming her father’s apprentice and helper. She dreams of becoming a painter but sets aside these dreams to help her family and the family business including the building of the Eiffel Tower. Runyan vividly describes the complex designing and creation of one of the most iconic structures in the world including all of the planning and work that went into its building, including the observation deck, laboratory, methods of reaching the top, and the restaurants. When Gustave Eiffel’s subsequent involvement in building a canal in Panama lands him in jail, Claire is tasked with securing her father’s freedom as well as preserving her family’s legacy. A formidable yet diplomatic woman with practical ideas, Claire was born long before her time, and I enjoyed learning about this
strong woman who was previously lost to history. There is a fabulous Author’s Note at the end about the extensive research Runyan conducted to bring Claire to life.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (thriller/horror) – Eve is home by herself when Thomas and his family knock on her front door. Thomas explains that he grew up in the home Eve and her partner, Charlie, recently purchased. While she initially hesitates, Eve is a people pleaser and eventually allows the family in to look around. As soon as the family enters the home, strange things start happening, including the disappearance of the family’s youngest child somewhere within the dwelling, and the family refuses to leave. The eeriness factor is off the charts; We Used to Live Here is dripping with dread, tension, and a fun creepiness factor that kept me turning the pages, but it wasn’t so scary that I couldn’t sleep at night. Kliewer also sows doubt about whether Eve is actually experiencing these events or whether it might all be in her mind, which kept me guessing and crafts a spectacular ending. The book is being adapted for Netflix with Blake Lively starring as Eve.
Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-winning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page Podcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regularly speaks to groups about books.
WHAT TO READ This month’s selections include historical fiction about Claire Eiffel, daughter of Gustave Eiffel, two nonfiction books, one about the history of reality TV and the other about trying new things, a choose-your-own-adventure styled book, and a creepy story about guests who don’t want to leave an old house.
. by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz
Exploring Heritage: A Houston Family’s Malaysian Odyssey
For Sam Lo and Eileena Wee, natives of Malaysia who moved from New York to Houston in 2008, their annual summer trips to Malaysia with their children, Corinne, 14 and Conan, 11, are more than just vacations. These journeys are a profound return to their roots, offering their children the chance to experience their heritage firsthand.
They’ve been taking the kids to Malaysia nearly every summer since they were very young, explained Sam, a radiologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In part, they feel it's important for them to connect with their culture and family back home. “I wanted to raise kids who are adaptable… Malaysia is super diverse, and the country thrives on that.”
This year, the family embarked on an unforgettable adventure on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia, spending five days in the state of Sabah. Borneo, an island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, is renowned for its biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry. “Visiting Sabah has always been on my bucket list,” said Sam. “It’s a place I've always wanted to explore because of its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.”
Cultural immersion in Sabah
The family's journey began in Kota Kinabalu (KK), the capital of Sabah. They flew in from Kuala Lumpur, where Eileena and the kids had spent three weeks with Eileena's family while Sam had been working. Then Sam flew in and joined them.
“We decided to have a private guided tour to maximize our experience,” Sam said. Their adventure kicked off with a taste of local cuisine at Borenos, a popular fried chicken spot, followed by a sunset dinner cruise along the coast of KK, offering breathtaking views of the South China Sea.
Corinne celebrated her 14th birthday on the cruise, marked by a serenade from a live band complete with a cake, a surprise performance organized by her mother. “It was a bit embarrassing, but very memorable,” she admitted.
The next day, the family ventured into the mountains of Sabah, stopping at small towns like Tamparuli. They explored wet markets, a hallmark of local culture where indigenous people sell unique produce and handcrafted goods.
“We saw fruits and vegetables we've never seen before,” Eileena marveled. “They even had a brown-colored mango called ‘wild mango’ that looked like a coconut and tasted sour. It was used to make pickles.”
One of the highlights was their visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park, at the base of Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks. Here they explored the botanical garden, home to a plethora of rare orchids and other native plants. “Seeing orchids in their natural habitat was incredible,” said Eileena.
A particularly exquisite species endemic to Mount Kinabalu is the Paphiopedilum dayanum According to local tour guides, when this rare orchid is encountered on the mountain, it is enclosed in a cage to prevent theft.
Their adventure continued with a hike to the Poring Hot Spring and a canopy walk on hanging suspension bridges through the treetops of the rainforest, 200 feet above the forest floor. “I was terrified the whole walk,” admitted Corinne.
The canopy walk was followed by a hike to a local waterfall, and then an unforgettable lunch of traditional Sabahan cuisine, with many of the ingredients coming from the local forest: fried banana and papaya flowers, with chicken seasoned with wild local ginger.
Less appetizing but equally memorable was Conan’s bucket-list request. He wanted to see the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia, also known as the stinking corpse lily because of the rank odor the plant emits as a lure for the flies that pollinate it. It’s not easy to see in bloom because the plant is hard to cultivate and only blooms once every two years, and then the bloom only lasts a few days.
Fortunately, the day they were visiting Poring
Hot Spring, a nearby villager had one blooming on his farmland, and he put a sign out on the road. The flowers of this plant can grow to four feet in diameter and weigh up to 20 pounds. This one was nearly 2 and a half feet across.
Highlights from the rest of Malaysia
While their recent trip focused on Borneo, the family also cherishes their experiences across the rest of Malaysia over the years. “Every visit to Malaysia is an opportunity to explore different regions and discover new places,” Eileena explained.
Long known as a crossroads of trade between China, India, and Europe, Malaysia boasts a rich fusion of cultures. Both Eileena and Sam are Chinese Malaysians, belonging to the country’s second-largest ethnic group. The Malays, who are the largest ethnic group, form over half of the Malaysian population and are predominantly Muslim. There is also a significant Indian community, comprising about 10 percent of the population.
Additionally, Malaysia is home to a diverse range of indigenous peoples, collectively known as Orang Asli. In East Malaysia, especially in the states of Sabah and Sarawak, indigenous groups make up a significant portion of the population, with over 39 different ethnic groups in Sabah alone. These indigenous cultures, including the Iban, Kadazan-Dusun, and Orang Ulu, contribute to Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry and
BOTANICAL BLISS IN BORNEO The Lo-Wee family enjoys a walk in Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden, nestled within Kinabalu Park, during their vacation in Sabah, Malaysia. The garden offers a tranquil oasis where you can explore diverse flora on guided trails. Pictured, from left: Eileena, Corinne, Sam, and Conan.
are a source of national pride.
From the moment the family lands and greets Eileena’s parents at the airport, the sights and sounds and tastes open a whole new world.
“The food is amazing,” Corinne said. Among her favorites are the char kway teow, a savory stir-fried noodle dish, and nasi lemak, a fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and sambal, a delicious chili paste. Another is char siu wonton mee, a noodle dish popular at roadside hawker stalls or in kopitiam (coffee shops). In this version, the wonton noodles are tossed with a dark sauce and topped with boiled wontons or fried wontons, char siu (barbecued pork) and green leafy bok choy sum.
The family loves to go island hopping, snor-
keling, exploring and relaxing on the many white-sand beaches. One of their favorite destinations is Penang, featured in the film Crazy Rich Asians. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights, with a vibrant blend of the old and the new. Penang features pristine beaches and rainforests, a bustling city and an island of the same name, with the UNESCO-listed colonial capital of George Town at its heart.
“Penang is a food paradise,” commented Eileena. “Roadside vendors serve some of the world's best street food!”
For those who love diving, Sipadan Island in Sabah is among the world’s top dive sites. Only 30 acres, the island is covered with pristine rain-
forest. The amazing abundance of marine life found in Sipadan inspired Jacques Cousteau to feature it in a film in 1988, catapulting the island to international fame. The island was selected as one of the finalists for the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2009 due to its exceptional marine biodiversity, unique geological formation, and significant conservation efforts.
The family is Buddhist, so they enjoy visiting the Buddhist temples, such as the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang and Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur. They also look forward to celebrating the festivals of other cultures, such as Hari Raya, which marks the end of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims in Malaysia, including Eileena’s friends, host
(continued on page 48)
TROPICAL TREASURES Clockwise, from upper left: Conan, Eileena, Corinne, and Sam (from left) breathe in the ancient rainforest magic from the Canopy Walk at Poring Hot Spring, a suspended 575-foot walkway nearly 200 feet above the lush forest floor; lucky to get a rare glimpse of the world's largest flower, the rafflesia, on a farm near Poring Hot Spring; sunset view from Shangri-La Hotel; Conan and Corinne at Tamparuli Town, where locals hosted captivating performances featuring traditional musical instruments like bamboo flutes and gongs.
MALAYSIA'S TIMELESS HERITAGE Clockwise, from upper left: Yap Kongsi Temple in George Town, capital of Penang, located within the George Town Heritage Enclave, the core zone of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site; "Little Children on a Bicycle" mural, Armenian Street, George Town; the popular Pulau Redang, or Redang Island, situated off the coast of Terengganu, is a favorite retreat; Zahir Mosque in Kedah, built in 1912.
(continued from page 47)
open houses, inviting people over to share in the festivities. They dress in traditional Malay attire and visit each other's homes to share the celebration of Hari Raya.
A deep connection to Malaysian culture
The recent trip to Sabah, like all their trips to Malaysia, was not just about adventure but also about deepening their connection to Malaysian culture. In Kota Kinabalu, they visited the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where they learned about the five major indigenous tribes of Sabah.
“It was fascinating to see how these tribes lived and to participate in some of their traditional activities,” said Eileena. From blowpipe
shooting to rice-wine tasting, the family experienced local dances, music, and traditional foods, enriching their understanding of Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage.
Reflecting on their trip, Corinne and Conan were particularly struck by the cultural differences between East and West Malaysia. “It was like stepping into a different country,” said Corinne. “The traditions, food, and way of life in Sabah are so distinct from what we're used to in Kuala Lumpur.”
For Sam and Eileena, these trips are about more than just sightseeing. They are a way to instill a sense of identity and heritage in their children. “We want them to appreciate where we come from and understand the rich cultural
Tips from Our Travelers
tapestry that makes up Malaysia,” said Sam.
As they plan their next visit, the family is already thinking about new adventures. Conan, for his part, is determined to climb Mount Kinabalu next year. The rest of the family, while not quite disposed to take on the two-day alpine adventure, are ready to cheer him on.
In sharing their Malaysian odyssey, the family hopes to inspire others to explore this vibrant country.
“Whether you like beaches or mountains or cities, Malaysia has it all,” said Eileena. “From the ultra-modern skyscraper-filled capital Kuala Lumpur to artistic streets of Penang to gorgeous beaches of Langkawi to the scenic tea-gardenscarpeted hill town of Cameron Highlands, there is no end of things to do and see in Malaysia.”
Worth the splurge: Private guided and all-inclusive tours. It will be more personalized and suited to your schedule. We engaged with Amazing Borneo (www.AmazingBorneo.com) – great private tour guides and amazing hospitality! Look for: Sales Manager Anthony Wong at anthony@amazingborneo.com.
Don’t miss: Mari Mari Cultural Village, and if you are up for it, go for the three-day, two-night Mount Kinabalu adventure!
Favorite restaurants: Fish Market Restaurant (fishmarketrestaurantkk.com/) – great seafood selections! (5 stars rating on TripAdvisor) in Kota Kinabalu City.
Currency exchange: 1 US Dollar = 4.40 Malaysian Ringgit (as of early Aug. 2024)
Packing: Light, breathable clothes, good walking shoes, hats, swimsuits, and sunscreen. A pair of light jackets might be needed if you are staying at Kinabalu Park. (It’s chilly at night.)
Not really worth the trouble: Poring Hot Spring, Ranau. It was hot and humid after the hike to the Canopy Walkway to dip into the hot spring. Probably it would be more refreshing to have a dip in the waterfall.
What’s one thing that was not on the itinerary but turned out to be great? The viewing of the Rafflesia flower! The Rafflesia blooms only from three to five days. There is no exact blooming season, but it is believed that the rainy season is more favorable. We were lucky to find one in a small village while traveling.
SportzBuzz SPORTS
. by Todd Freed, staff writer
After advancing to the state finals in one of the greatest seasons in school history, the St. Thomas Eagles will have some major holes to fill heading into the upcoming football season. “We lost 10 players who’ve gone on to play college football, so it’s going to be a chore for sure,” said Eagles Head Coach Rich McGuire. “Offensively, we’re going to have to feel our way through to see who fits best.”
The Eagles hope to have a good fit at quarterback, where they will need to replace Donte Lewis, who is now playing baseball at Kansas State following a spectacular career at St. Thomas. “We have a strong-armed 6-foot-3inch senior transfer from Beaumont West Brook in Roy Jenkins, plus returning senior Ben Sweeney battling for that spot,” said McGuire.
Another huge void to fill will be at running back with the graduation of Johann Cardenas, who rushed for 4745 yards in a remarkable career for St. Thomas. Cardenas is now playing college ball at Vanderbilt. “We have senior Raymond Vara who got some reps last season plus junior transfer Javaughn Waldron who will both see playing time,” said McGuire.
Back for the Eagles this season is all-state offensive tackle Jake Ghiselin, as well as a trio of standout defensive tackles in senior Jack Reid, senior Trace Langin, and junior Obinna Umeh. In addition, McGuire has high expectations for linebackers John Carr and Cooper Davis as well as defensive backs Damarcus Batiste and Blake Coogan
The Eagles also return junior kicker Michael Taylor II, who ranks among the nation’s top place kickers. “Michael’s goal is to one day kick in the NFL. He has a monster leg,” added McGuire.
It’s a new era for the Episcopal Knights football program under the direction of first-year head coach James Moynahan, who replaces longtime Knights head coach Steve Leisz. “I’m honored and humbled to be taking over the program and look forward to building up on the legacy Coach Leisz established here,” said the 30-year-old Moynahan, who had been the Knights defensive coordinator over the last three years.
Moynahan inherits a defending SPC champion program led by the return of standout senior running back Brandon Thomas, who accounted for over 1600 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
“Brandon’s a physically gifted player who has also taken on a big leadership role,” said Moynahan. Other top offensive players include three-year starting offensive guard Alex Lozada as well as a talented trio of wide receivers in Logan Bartee, Garon Sampson, and Tate Organ.
At quarterback, the Knights will look to a pair of players to fill the void left by the departure of star quarterback Karson Gordon, who is now playing collegiate football and running track at UCLA. “We have senior Tyler Bloomgren who’s been in our program for three years as well as talented sophomore Brody Bartee,” said Moynahan.
On defense, eight starters are back from a unit that only allowed 13 points a game last year. On the defensive line, senior Tyler Cesarski led the Knights in sacks while returning senior linebacker Brooks Edwards was second in the team in sacks. Also, senior defensive back Christian Houston led the Knights in pass break-ups last season.
It’s another season of high expectations for the Lamar Texans despite graduating the bulk of its starters from a team that went 12-1 while advancing to the third round of the UIL football playoffs.
“We only return four starters, which is always difficult, but I still think we’ll have a talented team,” said Texans head coach Mike Lindsey
There is no shortage of talent on the offensive line for the Texans in 6-foot-6, 285-pound senior tackle Dramodd Odoms, who’s rated as one of
the nation’s top players at his position. While Odoms has verbally committed to play at SMU, he has offers from numerous powerhouse programs such as LSU, Texas A&M, and many others. In addition, Lindsey says 6-foot-3, 295-pound center Danny Stein is fielding Ivy League offers.
“Danny is a very talented, high academic kid.”
The Texans are also bolstered offensively by the return of wide receiver Enrico MooreEspinoza, who was the district’s newcomer of the year last season, while on defense the Texans are led by the return of talented tackle Chance Bloodsaw.
On special teams, kicker Erik Peters and deep-snapper Cole Mansour are ranked among the nation’s top players at their positions. “Erik is a great kicker and is being recruited by virtually everyone,” said Lindsey. “Cole has numerous collegiate offers as well. His uncle played in the NFL as a deep snapper for several years.”
Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CW39 and Monday-Thursday on AT&T SportsNet SW. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
TALL TEXAN Lamar Texans 6-foot-6, 285-pound offensive tackle Dramodd Odoms is rated among the nation’s top players at his position.
. by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
SportzBuzz Jr.
Welcome to SportzBuzz Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
District 16 champs
The Post Oak Little League 12U All Stars competed in the District Championship, where they were victorious in securing the title of Texas Major League District 16 Champions. The road to victory included wins over First Colony, West University American, and back-to-back wins against West University National to win it all. The win marks the seventh team from Post Oak Little League to win the District Championship for the 12U level. Pictured (front row, from left) are Robert Pugh, Mason Maggi, Driscoe Bertillion, Terry Boffone, Grayson Graffagnini, Finn Beddingfield, Johnny Leonard, Burke Wise, Hayes Toomey; (back row, from left) coach Tony Pugh, Lee Hochner, Will Lewis, Calhoun McNair, James Davis, coach Carter Ayers, and coach Mike Maggi.
Hurricanes hit Florida
This summer, the 12U Hurricanes, an AA baseball team, competed in the Perfect Game Regional World Series in Destin. The team had been practicing hard all spring and played numerous local tournaments in preparation for the tournament. After a slow start in pool play, the Hurricanes knew they needed to refocus on baseball. The boys were able to bounce back in the tournament, catching fire and advancing to the championship game of the silver bracket. In a back and forth final for the ages, the Hurricanes lost 13-12. When not on the baseball diamond, the boys enjoyed a week of fishing, beach time, and boating to Crab Island. Pictured (from left) are Ben Hampton, William Hawthorne, West Ellis, assistant coach Aidan Amaro, Wesley Hawthorne, Hayden Higgins, Jerel Johnson, general manager Al Benjamin, Walker Howard, Colton Halgren, Marshall Antosh, Ben Brice, Xander Benjamin, head coach Gabe Amaro, and Hudson Lieber
Memorial Falcons at Cooperstown
The 2024 12U Memorial Falcons dominated at the annual Cooperstown All-Star Village summer tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Competing against 68 top teams nationwide, the Falcons clinched the championship with a 10-0 record. They faced multiple late-night games and challenging weather but ended victorious. The Memorial Falcons' journey included entering bracket-play as the #4 seed and defeating the 1, 3, and 5 seeds. They batted .408 while holding their opponents to .273. The championship game, watched by thousands following a 30minute fireworks display, saw them defeat X-Factor from Santa Barbara. No other Texas team reached the elite eight. Pictured (back row, from left) are coach Nolan Davis, Owen Miller, Ford Steward, Porter Taylor, Lowe Miller, Porter Hutcheson, Harrison Cooper, coach Steve Maas; (front row, from left) Stevie Maas, Hudson Handel, Parker Dodson, Jack Cofer, and Payne Cureton
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.
Kevin Cofer
Estate planning and probate with paralegals
To expand access to justice for low-income individuals, Texas is poised to permit licensed paralegals to practice family law, estate planning and probate, and consumer debt law. The scope of practice within these areas will be limited to the simplest matters but will include some court proceedings. Attorney oversight will be required of some tasks but not others. The Supreme Court of Texas published proposed rules under Miscellaneous Docket No. 24-9050. Final rules are expected to take effect December 1.
The impetus for these proposals is clear: Too many people who need a lawyer cannot afford one. The proposals flow from a report published at https://www.texasatj.org/access-legal-services-working-group. Similar efforts in other states were studied, including Alaska, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.
Paralegal licenses will be subject specific. Unlike lawyers, paralegal practice will be limited to licensed areas. A paralegal licensed only in consumer debt law cannot practice family law. No paralegal may practice tax law. An ethics exam is required. With some exceptions, e.g., prior certification in the area by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a subject matter exam is also required. Administration of these requirements means the first paralegal licensed by this program may not start work before 2025.
In a related initiative, licensed court-access assistants will be authorized. Attorney supervision is always required, and their employment will be limited to legal aid nonprofits, law school clinics, or pro bono bar programs. Access assistants may give litigants background advice and forms help but apparently will not be able to represent clients in court, unlike licensed paralegals.
Licensed estate planning and probate paralegals will be able to do quite a
bit of work for disabled clients, including statutory durable (business) and medical powers of attorney, guardianship reports, HIPAA authorizations, declarations of guardian, and directives to physicians. Licensed paralegals will not be able to write wills or trusts and generally may not represent clients in applications to probate wills, with one exception: They may handle uncontested muniment of title applications, where the will is offered for probate to establish title to real property without appointment of an executor or administrator. Licensed paralegals will be able to do transfer on death deeds and small estate affidavits. Attorney supervision is not mandated for estate planning and probate paralegals.
It takes most lawyers a good five years or more to mature enough to work independently. It may take that long once these programs get off the ground to gauge their success with licensed paralegals and court-access assistants. In the meantime, low-income individuals may visit https://texaslawhelp.org/ for free and reliable legal information.
We write wills and go to probate court. Foreign nationals and international families welcome.
Russell W. Hall, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, bellaireprobate.com/blog
by Jack Vu, age 17
Buzz Kidz
ICODING TO SUCCESS Jack Vu, an incoming senior at St. John’s School, teaches coding and computer literacy classes to underserved communities.
Digital Doorways
started a program called Digital Doorways to attempt to close the gap in digital literacy through supporting underserved communities in the Houston area. As an avid programmer at St. John’s, I frequently taught Python to younger kids as a humble side gig to earn some money; however, I always looked for ways to reach a greater audience and create a larger impact. As such, when Dr. Nancy Kwan, a parent who hired me to tutor, mentioned a need for classes at the St. Austin Center, my ears perked up.
The St. Austin Center is a community center in Houston’s East End that aims to provide the local, primarily immigrant, community with tools and skills. Though the local library previously gave computer literacy classes, they stopped giving them when their funding dried up months prior. I imme-
diately told Dr. Kwan that I could start a computer literacy education program at the St. Austin Center, and thus founded the first location for Digital Doorways. Over the next three months, I wrote letters to friends, family, community members, and the technology team at St. John’s to raise money and material donations for a computer lab at the St. Austin Center. I also wrote the course curriculum, assembled a group of volunteers, and handed out fliers at the St. Austin Center’s Saturday food drives. Thanks to the unbelievable generosity of our donors, we assembled a complete computer lab at the St. Austin Center, outfitted with 15 computers, printing equipment, and a projector.
To date, Digital Doorways has taught 34 classes to over 45 students. The classes are taught in Spanish and present important topics such as main-
taining a budget in a spreadsheet, creating a resume in an online document, and properly conducting online research. We continue to raise money and materials to expand operations and, excitingly, are working with BakerRipley to install another computer lab at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center. This summer, we are working with Mission Milby, another community center in the East End, bringing computers and coding instructors to teach their summer campers how to code in Python. I am hugely proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to what we will do in the future.
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.
Building Custom Homes and Remodeling in River Oaks since 1989.
Is Allegra Hives better than Allegra?
As I walked up to the pharmacy counter a few weeks ago, I walked through the allergy medication aisle, as always, and something new caught my eye: Allegra Hives. At the top left part of the package, it exclaims “New!”. On the bottom left, it says that it not only reduces hives, but it relieves itching due to hives.
Actually, this is just the exact same Allegra you’ve been able to buy for decades. It just has new packaging. Like any other 24-hour Allegra, it contains 180 mg of fexofenadine. There are dozens of generics that also contain 180 mg of fexofenadine. For years, I have been claiming that the least expensive place to buy generic over-the-counter medications is either at Costco or Sam’s, when they go on sale a few times a year. On sale, you can get 180 of them for $27.49 at Costco, just over $0.15 a pill.
But the clear winner now seems to be amazon.com, which sells “HealthA2Z” 180 mg fexofenadine for $21.42 for 180 tablets if you use Subscribe & Save. That is less than $0.12 a pill.
Even though 90% of pharmacists and 100% of board-certified allergists with the last name of “Engler” feel that generics work just as well as the brand name, over 65% of consumers will spend more to get the brand name, thinking that it is somehow superior.
The interesting thing about hives is that whether you get the brandname or the generic, the dose of your antihistamine required to provide relief is almost always higher than what it takes to relieve hay fever symptoms, such as itchy nose, sneezing, or watery eyes. Allergists typically
Revolutionary Treatment for Arthritis and Tendonitis
start at double the dose, but there is further benefit in some patients going up to four times the daily dose.
If we are talking about fexofenadine, it remains nondrowsy, even at these high doses. If we are talking about any other antihistamine, including “non-drowsy” Claritin, they become more and more sedating the more you take. Zyrtec and Xyzal are much more sedating than Allegra.
Some people can’t get relief from hives, even with max doses of antihistamines. Luckily, we have FDA-approved medications that provide relief to them 85% of the time. Xolair has been approved to treat hives since 2014 and is very effective. It is almost always covered by insurance and the out-ofpocket copay is close to $0.00.
If hives are bothering you, we can help.
No one nose allergies like we do.™
Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs.
David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic
Dr. Mehta has successfully treated thousands of patients with cancer over the past 25 years using focused radiation therapy.
He is now pioneering the use of low-dose radiation to treat arthritis and tendonitis in the US, using techniques that have been well proven in Europe. Six very small doses of radiation are delivered precisely to the areas of pain in the hands, feet, knees, elbows, shoulders, etc.
Low dose radiation is 90% effective in reducing or eliminating this pain. This proven treatment is covered by Medicare and most insurances.
Neighborhood Tails
Lina, age 6, Lab Mix, Pine Forest Cir.
Hola, my name is Lina. You can always find me with my two doggy pals: my best friend, a fluffy white dog named Haddie, and my stepbrother Max, a yellow Lab. I was found abandoned at the back of an apartment complex in May 2020. People weren’t going out much then because of Covid, but we were lucky because dog walkers continued to meet every morning for coffee. From the day we met, Haddie and I would chase each other around like maniacs while Max would plop himself down on the porch. The highlight of our week is when Deputy Paul comes by for coffee. We race to his patrol car, barking with joy. Even Max jumps up to greet him. Then we follow Deputy Paul like he’s the Pied Piper of Pups back to the porch where he gives each of us a treat and belly rub. I can’t imagine a happier place to live than in Pine Shadows.
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.
“For all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.” - Andrew McMahon
Photographing treasured moments for over 25 years A Portrait Remembers
Recently, I suggested to one of our long-time clients that he take a weekend off from caring for his wife. He retired four years ago, but he hasn’t taken a break from being his wife’s caregiver during that time. Now, he’s close to burning out.
I told him to give me a week’s notice that he wants to take a weekend, and we’ll ensure there’s sufficient coverage for his wife to feel comfortable without him.
He hasn’t given me notice yet.
At S. Gerber & Associates, we understand when you want to be your loved ones’ primary caregiver. But no one can provide care 365 days a year. We all need breaks to indulge in our hobbies and social interactions. Abstaining from these things is detrimental to your mental and physical health and leads to caregiver exhaustion.
Many people fear leaving their loved one because the care that person will receive when they’re gone won’t be the same – and that’s true. But sometimes, it’s refreshing for the loved one to see a new face. They might need a break as much as you do.
If you’ve done your research and you’re confident you’ve found a competent caregiver you’re comfortable with (preferably through an agency that has carefully vetted that caregiver), you can get away to recharge, mentally and physically. When you return, you’ll be an even better caregiver.
S. Gerber & Associates, 3730 Kirby Dr., Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77098, 713.857.3227, sid@personalcaregiving.com
Get ready to meet the newest rockstar on our team: Bruno, the therapy dog extraordinaire! Every Friday, Bruno struts his stuff at the office, spreading love and fuzzy vibes. Here at PurePediatrics, we're all about turning doctor visits into a party, and Bruno's tail-wagging enthusiasm adds an extra sprinkle of magic.
Bruno's superpowers are truly remarkable. Acting as a chill pill for anxiety, Bruno’s zen energy helps kids relax and feel at ease during appointments. So you can say goodbye to nervous jitters! His playtime perks up spirits, turning medical visits into happy memories for little ones. The mood-boosting magic of snuggling with Bruno releases feel-good hormones, keeping emotions sunny even on cloudy days. Bruno's charm opens up kids to chat with our team, paving the way for top-notch care and lasting bonds.
Swing by and say hi to Bruno! PurePediatrics is your go-to for stress-free and smile-filled healthcare adventures. With Bruno’s help, we make doctor visits enjoyable and comforting for your family with a personalized touch. We look forward to seeing you on Fridays for a fluffy dose of fun and the exceptional care your child deserves!
Roshni Sambasivan, M.D., PurePediatrics, Bellaire, Memorial & River Oaks; 6750 West Loop South, Suite 465, Bellaire; 7700 San Felipe, Suite 470, Memorial; River Oaks opening August 2024, 3355 W. Alabama, Suite 400. www.purepediatrics.com. 832.431.4336.
. by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
Buzz About Town
Sweet and bittersweet
Dessert-maker extraordinaire Jean Robin loved baking creative and beautiful sweets and serving them to friends and family. After her passing in 2022, her husband Alan Robin and her twin sister Joan Lebow found a way for her favorite recipes to live on. Joan selected recipes and photos and facilitated the printing of a commemorative cookbook of Jean’s beloved creations. At a recent dessert party, Alan presented the new cookbooks to friends while they gathered to remember Jean and enjoyed sweet treats baked from Jean’s recipes. Among the party guests were ladies from Jean’s first dinner group as young married couples, the “Gourmet Group,” who have been friends for 45 years and counting. Pictured, from left, are Gourmet Group members: Cindy Atlas, Donna Palmer, Joan Lebow, Sharon Brier, and Teri Straus; not pictured: Patsy Segal and Susan Spitzberg
Preparing for the Tapestry Gala
Sushma and Devinder Mahajan (pictured) will be honored with the Spirit of Respect award at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s 2024 Tapestry Gala, in recognition of their work in co-founding the Eternal Gandhi Museum. The annual Tapestry Gala takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Hilton Americas-Houston, and will recognize board member and Tapestry honoree Randall Evans. Event co-chairs Paula Sutton and Bill Gross and Nadia Tajalli and Dr. Shahin Tavackoli join Interfaith Ministries President and CEO Martin B. Cominsky and Board Chair Dr. Kathy Flanagan to invite guests and supporters to an evening celebrating the work of Interfaith Ministries, including efforts to support Greater Houston through Meals on Wheels/Animeals, Refugee Services, Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships, Volunteer Houston and SERVE
through the Vic Samuels Center for Volunteerism and Civic Service. See imgh.org/gala2024.
American Heart Association celebrates 100 years
Baker, Jim Postl, and Roz Pactor (pictured, from left) celebrated the 100th birthday of the American Heart Association (AHA). Supporters gathered at the offices of the Houston branch of the AHA to recognize the centennial with live music, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres from Tony’s, and a celebratory cake. AHA board member Pam Wells addressed the crowd and recognized Postl for his contributions to the organization, including his leadership with the Second Century Campaign and
HOUSTON
Amber
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Daniel Ortiz
helping raise more than $500 million to fight heart disease and stroke.
Fun and games
The Houston Symphony League is preparing for its inaugural Casino Night at the Ballroom at Bayou Place on Oct. 23. A team of committee members including (top row, from left): Jessica Brown, Carol Strachan, Karma Burford, Jackie Medina Holland; (bottom row, from left): Janet Aigner, Liz Kierum Regenscheid, and Raquel Lewis is putting together an evening of roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, and slot machines. The evening event, chaired by Liz Kierum Regenscheid, will begin with a VIP reception followed by a buffet, wine, bubbly, and other drinks. Funds raised will support a musician sponsorship for violinist Sophia Silva. For information on
sponsorship opportunities and tickets, contact Stacey.Swift@HoustonSymphony.org.
B-I-N-G-O with Avondale House
Avondale House is preparing to host its 5th annual Bingo Bash on Sept. 19 at the Junior League of Houston. The nonprofit organization’s festive fundraising event helps support people with autism by providing essential resources, education, and training that are often not available through traditional schools or community organizations. This year’s event is chaired by Emily and George Craft and will raise funds to benefit the day school, adult day program, residential program, and employment services. Guests will enjoy games, prizes, and some fun competition as supporters select their own table themes and dress accordingly. The best-dressed table will be announced during the
event. See avondalehouse.org/event-bingobash. Pictured at last year’s Bingo Bash are (from left): Ben Gehlbach, Genesis Larin, George Craft, Sheila Melo, Lindsay Canning, Joe Potente, and Andrew Scheller.
Cleaning up Hermann Park
After Hurricane Beryl left Hermann Park in need of significant clean-up, neighbors and community members stepped up to help. Brady Murray, Ruby Murray, Melissa Murray, Kathryn Crowder, Susan Zarate, Arielle Rogg, Talia Rogg, and Asher Rogg (pictured, from left, with park employees) wasted no time lending helping hands to rake and clear debris along paths and near the Park Commons to get our beloved park back to normal. Even after the hurricane damage is cleared, Hermann Park always welcomes help from (continued on page 60)
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the community with a range of volunteer opportunities. See hermannpark.org/volunteering-opportunities.
You Gotta Have Cheer
Former Yorkshire Academy art teacher Lois Morton (pictured) recently published You Gotta Have Cheer, a book of funny poems, games, stories, and cheers. After teaching for more than 30 years, Lois decided to compile the best of her artwork with games and activities she used to motivate students during her time in the classroom with young children. The result is a book of entertaining ways to engage your own children and family. A talented artist, Lois has won art-show gallery awards and was named outstanding merit artist at the Rockport Center for the Arts. Her new book is available on Amazon.
New Junior Forum members
The Houston Junior Forum (HJF) welcomed 34 new members (pictured). These ladies recently joined the organization and are ready to serve the Houston community by volunteering at the HJF Resale Shop in the Heights and at The City Market next spring to raise funds for scholarships and community grant programs. The new volunteers will also support HJF partner service sites including Undies for Everyone, Literacy Now, Nehemiah Center, See to Succeed, and Daily Essentials. HJF’s new members are: Debbie
Bravo, Vicki Brooks, Kellye Brooks, Rayne Castle, Lisa Christman, Tricia Deas, Mary Ann Durham, Naomi Enav, Sabrina Engel, Susan Ganz, Gloria Henley, Kathleen Herzog, Jaya Jayaram, Gigi Jensen, Kay Karr, Debbie Logan, Amanda Lopez, Sandy Lowe, Vanesa Mann, Paige Maupin, Rebecca McMahan, Lynn Myers, Debbie Ng, Sandy Pospisil, Rosie Reesor, Cindi Salas, Maggie Schroeder, Cheryl Shotts, Laurie Swaim, Ushma Tamboli, Valerie Watson, Kamala Williams, Donna Wright, and Dominique Yi
Emerald ring on the Emerald Isle
Greg Shannon and Grace Prunty (pictured) turned their dream trip to Ireland into a real-life fairytale. The couple spent time exploring the country from their base in Dublin. On the second day of the trip, they rented a car and headed to the Cliffs of Moher where they quickly mastered the art of left-hand driving, only clipping a couple of curbs. While admiring the cliffs under a rare clear-blue Irish sky, Greg surprised Grace with a proposal at Hag’s Head. Although
they were in a less crowded spot along the cliffs, nearby tourists erupted in cheers and a kind, unknown traveler captured the perfect moment with photos. The happy couple celebrated their new engagement with a romantic dinner in Galway before returning to Dublin. Greg, son of Amy and Jerry Shannon, and Grace, daughter of Cindy and Kevin Prunty, are now planning a Chicago wedding in 2025.
A 70th to remember
Carrie Carr, Sharon Maloney, Donna Palmer, Vicky Dyer-Smith, and Sharon Brier (pictured, from left) celebrated Carrie’s 70th birthday in style. To commemorate the milestone, the group of friends boarded the birthday girl’s plane, affectionately known as “Carr Air,” and enjoyed a stay at Vicky’s mountain house in Park City. These friends initially met through their husbands who play golf at Royal Oaks Country Club, and soon bonded over a shared sense of humor. The girls’ trip included a concert in Canyon Village and a lunch excursion to High West Distillery where the party participants were the only ones not drinking.
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.
. by Andria Dilling, staff writer
Back Porch
Growing Up Together: Kids who need us, and friends we need
My friend Kelsey Blake has been a mom for three months. Baby Rowan is smiling and “talking” and figuring out how to roll over, sooner than his mom might like. When all the big kids went back to school last month, he started school – daycare – for the first time. Kelsey went back to work as a data manager, missing Rowan and looking forward to afternoon pick-up.
The same week, my baby packed up and left for college for the last time. We kept her apartment over the summer, meaning she was already moved in, so I didn’t go with her to help. Sitting around a little table at Tres Market having coffee with her and her older sister just before she drove off, I realized this was our last back-toschool send-off.
Also the same week, I sat at another little table having dinner with my mom friends, the ones who, as young mothers, had figured out which baby monitors and diapers and all the other things worked best, just in time to help me navigate my own Babies“R”Us checklist. I told them about a neighborhood text chain a colleague had recently shared with me. One neighbor messaged how she couldn’t believe her son was about to start kindergarten.
That mom shared: Time flies is an understatement. I want them to stay small and need us forever. If anyone has tips on that let me know, she wrote.
Another neighbor answered, Let me just say as a parent of a 10- and 12-year-old, they still need us…just for different things. Enjoy the journey. And then another neighbor chimed in: And at 20 they will still need you. Except now it is a phone call asking how to cook something or to mail them HEB tortillas!
My mom friends, who spent several years pregnant with me 20 years ago, laughed. That night, one of us was helping a soon-to-be fiancé surprise her daughter with a ring, another was helping a new college graduate think through his next-step options, and I was answering FaceTime calls from a daughter whose lips had sunburned at a 21st birthday party in Cabo.
Over a shared Tiny’s pizza and a glass of rosé, Jacqueline said, “We’ve seen this movie.” She
and Meredith reminisced about their children’s pediatrician, Dr. Frank Hill (who died in 2021), whose mantra was Pick ’em up and love ’em
Then we all reminisced about when exactly we first met. We couldn’t believe it was 30 years ago.
Back then I remember Jacqueline’s advice: A housekeeper will save your marriage (it didn’t, but it helped at the time). Then Meredith walked us through breastfeeding (none of us, as I remember, were huge fans). Then there were solid foods and playdates and advice for when our 3-year-olds started sneaking into our bedrooms every night at 2 a.m.
THE PARENTHOOD JOURNEY From first babies to grandbabies, it’s good to have parent friends to lean on.
And then there wasn’t much. Our children were all in different schools with different friends, and we were figuring out how to get dinner to all our people at all, much less savoring it at a candlelit table with friends on a Tuesday evening.
But then all the children started leaving the nests (or the beehives as my friend Tracy calls our homes, because the kids just buzz in and out). And we remembered we had friends we hadn’t met at our kids’ schools. Somehow our somewhat grownup kids still needed us, and we still needed each other. Jacqueline was the one who turned me on to the (unused) elastic cup covers I sent abroad with a child when I pan-
icked that someone might drug her drink. When I worried about leaving a child in an unknown city for a summer, Brooke was adamant that sending your child somewhere they knew no one was the best thing you could do for their confidence.
To the moms of the kids starting their first school year, just know that at 54 I still call my own mom for advice on coaching my daughter as she figures out a career path.
My friend Kristin, who has a 16-year-old and two in their 20s, says it best: “All the young moms say It’s gonna get easier, right? I just tell them it’s gonna get different.
“And, yes, I packed H-E-B tortillas when I visited Drew in D.C.”
