The West University Buzz - August 2021

Urban Fishing

Palace Bowling Flashback The Rubik’s Cube is Back Chef’s Corner: Nadereh Ahly

by Karen Vine Fuller

Travel: Texas’ Third Coast Evelyn Takes the Reins Drive, Chip & Putt Champ

Frank Diamond

Back to School For Real Family Namesakes A Summer Menu Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Cindy Gabriel: Thought Waves

EDITOR’S NOTE I love a good story. I especially love it when that story is told by a talented, young journalist. This spring, one of our online School Buzz correspondents, Eshaan Mani, interviewed his classmate, Jaivir Pande, who won the prestigious Drive, Chip, and Putt title at Augusta. We were so impressed by Jaivir’s golf skills as well as Eshaan’s well-written account that we had to include this story in print too. In this issue, you’ll see more standout young neighbors, including 11-year-old Evelyn Kerth, a competitive equestrian. You’ll also meet clever characters who solve Rubik’s Cubes – and even harder puzzles – as well as an outdoorsy teen and a teacher who know the best spots to fish in Houston. Also this month, a local family reminisces about champion moments made at the original Palace Bowling Lanes. If you have a story to “spare,” I’d love to hear from you. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

Contributing Writers Account Managers

Interns

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Jenna Mazzoccoli John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Cindy Burnett Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed, Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon, Michelle Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley, Pooja Salhotra Cheryl Ursin Karen Vine Fuller, Eshaan Mani Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Jo Rogers Mary-Ellen Abshire, Eliot Aiman Aidan Blackwell, Alex Buettgen Abby Cowan, Maya Harpavat Tulsi Parikh, Katharine Stepanian Ava Yu

On our cover: Frank Diamond loves fishing in Houston and telling others that, yes, there really are fish in the bayous.

Cover photo by Dylan Aguilar The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2021 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 4

BAYOU CITY FENCING ACADEMY

Back to school. Try something different!

Classes for ages 6-77 Children & adults

To reserve space call 832.338.9808 or email deycohen@aol.com 4997 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Compliments to Cindy When I saw The West University Buzz on the table in the kitchen tonight, I was glad to see so many comments on Cindy Gabriel’s artistry as a writer. Cindy, you have a good voice, and people are listening. I’m glad that they’re paying tribute to you because you deserve it. You’re a damn good writer, good stories, well written, and I’m a fan.

H.R. Gordon

Kudos to Andria Andria [Frankfort], just a note to say how much I love your articles, “Teen vocab primer No. 2” [Back Porch, July 2021] being the latest! You always hit the nail on the head with topics that make me laugh at myself and life in general. Well done.

Kristen Buck

Milestone moments After a busy graduation week, we were so thrilled to receive so many text messages from our friends across West U and Houston to share the wonderful news that they saw Ella’s photo on the cover of The West U Buzz [June 2021]!

Thank you so much and to Nikky [LaWell] for a lovely photo shoot and this wonderful opportunity to showcase Ella’s compassion for service to her community and her college aspirations [in Class of 2021, by Jenna Mazzoccoli]. [Jenna,] it was such a pleasure to meet you and we look forward to continuing to follow your ongoing stories.

Annette Brissett Editor’s note: See thebuzzmagazines.com for “Class of 2021: Where are they headed?” – our annual feature on Buzz-area grads and where they're off to college. Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Love the diving dogs Loved your article on dogs who dive [Dock Diving: Leaping, wet, happy dogs, by Karen Vine Fuller, May 2021]! My 5-year-old yellow Labrador, Emma, has been dock diving for a couple of years at Houston Dog Ranch with Michele Scarantino. Emma is obsessed with all dock diving events. I have attached a short video of her for entertainment purposes.

Debby Gonzales Editor’s note: To watch the video, see this column at thebuzzmagazines.com.

It’s a small Buzz world The Buzz Magazines consistently makes us all feel connected to our community, and I have experienced this firsthand. I was recently contacted by someone who I hadn't seen in several years. She was the nurse, and I was the personal trainer for a man with some health challenges. After this nurse saw the article about Seders in The Buzz [Super Seders: Memorable traditions WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 6

with a twist, by Jennifer Oakley, April 2020], in which I was featured (over a year ago), she reached out to the magazine for my contact information, and the connection was made. Her goal was to refer me to her current client who she felt would benefit from my experience. As it turns out, I have worked with her client years ago, someone who I greatly respected and had a wonderful relationship. What a privilege to be reunited! The universe and The Buzz work in mysterious ways!

Ellen Taer

Sharing Ramadan traditions Thanks for the article [Ramadan Traditions: Fast, reflect, pray, give, eat,

by Pooja Salhotra, May 2021]. It turned out great! I was so happy to read it and hear myself sound how I wanted to sound. That doesn’t always happen, and it’s testament to your great listening and reporting skills! Thank you for reflecting the richness of our traditions and helping us share them with others.

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

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have special holiday traditions.

• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to profile.

• Have an interesting hobby or collection.

• Have a unique travel tale.

• Have a funny or sweet parenting story.

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

The new kids on your block.

Now treating adults too.

Pediatrics Alana Kennedy-Nasser, MD Kelly Hodges, MD Alexander Injac, MD** Charlotte Zuniga, MD**

Memorial** 7700 San Felipe, Ste 470 Bellaire 6750 West Loop S, Ste 465

Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Dean Nasser, MD

832.431.4336 www.purepediatrics.com

Call to reserve your senior portrait session now.

A Portrait Remembers 713.523.4916 • nikky@lawellphoto.com • www.lawellphoto.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 7

Dylan Aguilar

NEIGHBORS

by Karen Vine Fuller, contributing writer

Urban Fishing Hooked on the Bayou City

F

rank Diamond was just 3 when his family went on a picnic near Lake Conroe.

Wielding his mighty SpongeBob SquarePants fishing pole, Frank caught his very first fish.

From that moment on, to Frank, every puddle in the Bayou City held great potential.

“After that day, he would sit in his car seat and look for bodies of water as we drove around Houston, asking, ‘Are there fish in that water?’” says his mother, Laura Diamond. “I would take him to Hermann Park to fish … and Galveston on occasion. Meanwhile, while other kids his age were watching Sesame Street, he would sit quietly and watch fishing tournaments on ESPN or the Deadliest Catch.

“Shortly after the renovated Buffalo Bayou park opened, I had been down there walking and thought to come back with Frank and his pole. He had a lot of luck bringing up giant gar and catfish, once even a redfish, downtown near Allen's Landing. I was always nearby. Once he turned 16, he would study aerial maps using Google, and as long as he was with a friend, we would allow him considerable range around the city's bayous.”

Now, Frank has graduated from high school and is about to head off to Louisiana State University, where he was accepted to the College of Coast & Environment. Over the years, he has found a lot of fish in a sprawling, urban, concrete jungle of a city that others might not realize holds opportunities for anglers.

“People are still surprised when they see photos of fish I’ve caught and say they didn’t know there were fish in the bayous,” says Frank. “I want everyone to know that, yes, there are fish in there!”

A walking encyclopedia of Houston fishing, Frank has caught and released all types of fish around town, including eels, carp, panfish, channel, blue, yellow bullhead, armored catfish, alligator gar, and even some saltwater fish out of the bayous.

“I like that I can, in town, start fishing in just 15 minutes versus an hour or so in traffic to get to the Gulf, having a good idea of what sort of fishing conditions and weather you will be dealWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 8

ON THE BAYOUS Frank Diamond is in his natural element while fishing in Houston’s bayous: a favorite hobby for the past 15 years. Here, he is by a pond on Meyer Park and Meyer Forest Drive.

ing with,” says Frank. “Sometimes by the time drivers arrive at the ocean, conditions can be windy or choppy water, that make it not such a great day to fish.”

Frank thinks everyone should try fishing. “It gets people outside to enjoy nature. There can be some good people watching, and it makes a great hobby. When my friends and I get bored of watching TV, we have fun just hanging out and fishing.

“Sometimes when I am walking through areas with trees, I feel like I’m going into the woods.

I’ll often see small animals like rabbits and bullfrogs that make me forget I am in the middle of a big city. I like when it’s quiet and peaceful. I’ve even had a yellow crowned night heron come sit by me. I tossed him a few small fish.”

Laura gets a lot of pleasure out of seeing her son doing what he loves. “It may sound corny, but to me, one of my greatest accomplishments

as a parent was introducing him to his passion.

A lot of people go through life without an outlet for frustration or a source of joy. Fishing is both of those for Frank. He's been fishing in the Florida Keys, Venice [Louisiana], Costa Rica, Mexico, all over the world, but to get his 'fix' between trips, he was always back at the bayous with his baggies full of homemade bait.”

L

ast spring, St. Thomas High School English teacher David Fritsch decided to try fishing since its built-in social distancing seemed like a good choice during the pandemic.

His dad had taken him fishing when he was a kid, but he had never done any serious fishing as an adult. David recruited a buddy, and, these days, they love to cast a line in local spots like Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve out 249, Cypress Park on Eldridge Parkway, Tom Bass Regional Park off 288, Bane Park off (continued on page 10)

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School PK4 – 8th Grade NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, ADVANCED ACADEMICS, S.T.E.M. CERTIFIED, FINE ARTS, AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT & ATHLETICS For more info and to apply online visit saintvincentschool.org 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 9

HOUSTON FISHING Left: Frank Diamond lands a catfish under Louisiana Street as it goes over the Buffalo Bayou. Top right: High school English teacher David Fritsch gets a largemouth bass at Cypress Park. Bottom right: Hooked from the very beginning, 3-year-old Frank enjoys his first fishing trip at Lake Houston with his mom, Laura Diamond. (continued from page 8) 290, and Sheldon Lake

State Park, northeast at Highway 90 and Beltway 8. They also experiment with lesser known Houston fishing spots, including lakes, creeks, and flood-control detention ponds, or wherever they can find water.

“It turns out there are tons of places all over town that are full of fish,” David says. “In fact, I have found that if you can see water from the street, there is a pretty good chance fish are in it. We have caught green sunfish, Rio Grande cichlids, white crappie, tons of bass, and some good size [26-inch] channel catfish.”

David doesn't keep any of the fish to eat because officials advise against it, due to chemicals from the ports that seep into waterways. He

just takes a picture and gets them back in the water as quickly as he can.

"I am not going to give away any of my good spots,” David says. “But there are fish everywhere. I even caught a little spotted bass in a ditch behind a barbecue restaurant one time, just because the water looked deep enough for fish to be in there.

"Not all of the fish are big, but that doesn’t matter too much to me,” David says. "If I use lightweight enough gear, a small fish can feel pretty big when I catch it. If I hold it right when I take a picture, nobody knows how small it is anyway!”

David carries a pole, plastic worms, and sometimes stale hot dog buns (catfish love them) in

his car in case he decides to try his luck when he's running errands. "One of my favorite spots is on the way to the hardware store. I can stop, throw in a few times, then be back in the car to buy a box of screws in 15 minutes, usually having caught something. And if my kids are with me, they can try, too.”

As someone who loves fishing but does not need all the bells and whistles, David puts his experience in perspective: “Fishing in Houston isn’t as glamorous as catching bull redfish down in the Gulf or trophy bass on a boat in a big lake. But as far as I’m concerned, catching five fish in a half-hour and walking home in time for lunch can’t be beat – and those places are all around."

A few places to start Here are a few of Frank and David’s favorite fishing holes, at least the ones they would reveal. These locations are easy to find and have available parking.

Remember to follow local rules, and that most people over 17 (with some exceptions) need a fishing license; see tpwd.texas.gov.

See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links to locations.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 10

MacGregor Park – Braes Bayou, 5225 Calhoun Road Terry Hershey Park – Buffalo Bayou, 15200 Memorial George Bush Park, 16758 Westheimer Parkway Good for families: Sheldon State Park, 14140 Garrett Road McGovern Lake at Hermann Park by the Houston Zoo, Bob's Fishing Pier, 6200 Hermann Park Drive

Watch Their Smiles Grow

Oral healthcare for the growing & developing child Joel J. Vela, D.D.S. Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry, P.A. 6750 West Loop South, Suite 795 713.661.1100 • www.bellairesmiles.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 11

NEIGHBORS

by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer

Thought Waves The you in the beautiful view

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 12

Cindy Gabriel

L

ike many of you, Stan-the-Man and I decided to fasten our seatbelts and head out for a different view, and perhaps perspective, from a little cottage on a pier overlooking a popular surfing spot in San Diego. It’s a standing reservation we keep every summer, with the exception of 2020. This time, I seemed to be picking up on things with different eyes and ears than before.

For every two surfers you see catching a wave, there are some 20 sitting on their boards, facing the horizon, waiting for their opportunity.

Actually, it looks pretty pleasant, bobbing with the ocean, sensing its rhythm, watching for their moment in the sun.

Surfing involves mostly sitting and waiting.

But man, that ride. Talk about summoning every muscle in your body to attention, to match the force that’s coming at you, planting your feet on a moving target, finding balance while hanging on, then rising like a god. Talk about living from your core.

Surfing is not on my bucket list for this life, but living from my core is. It’s taken me a lifetime to recognize the ways I have allowed life to pull me along with its currents when I was wanting to rise above them. I guess life is an art never meant to be fully mastered.

In one way or another, we are always between waves, a nice place too. It’s where we find the pulling and the longing. It’s in the ocean’s roar.

It says there’s so much more. It’s in the siren sounds of seagulls as they hover near the shore.

There’s a silence in these sounds that seems to hint of a shared mystery between the sea and you and me.

I thought I heard the sea and land whispering secrets of how this earth began, when water first met land. Surprisingly, it seems the land and sea did not always agree to this merger called the beach, back when it all began.

An awkward push, “move over please,” as land appeared between the seas. You might say, this land, these seas, were all elbows and knees.

“What is this shelf?” The water asked, feeling quite confined, a feeling that would be refined. It took a little time. It needed a little overlap, upon the land it gave a slap.

LIVING FROM YOUR CORE Writer Cindy Gabriel looks for a little rhyme and reason in this post-pandemic season.

“Ouch! What kind of greeting is that?” The land didn’t care for this arrangement. “I recommend estrangement!” But the water continued to lap, and lap and then, to tap, tap, tap.

In time this dry and rocky edge softened into sand; and then the birth began, of all that we can see, the rivers, the trees, the chimpanzees, and even you and me.

After I wrote this, Stan-the-Man and I decided to experience the sea for ourselves by going kayaking in nearby La Jolla. As we were bobbing over the waves, the tour guide pointed to a cliff called Mt. Soledad, to a house among the mansions where Theodor Seuss Geisel lived until he died in 1991. He was known as Dr. Seuss, the Cat in the Hat Dr. Seuss, the Seuss of Green Eggs and Ham. He wrote 40 books or more from his magnificent view.

This may just be local neighborhood lore, but the tour guide told a story I can’t verify, about a standoff the author got into with a neighbor at the top of the hill who objected to a pool he built. He said the spat inspired the Grinch who stole Christmas, the

Grinch with a heart three sizes too small.

I’m wondering if the lapping of the waves somehow got his attention, and helped him keep his zany timing, rhyming rhythm.

Before there was a famous Seuss, there was a shy and awkward boy named Theodor Seuss Geisel, born way back in 1904. I read he was bullied as a child, sometimes just for being Jewish.

Sometimes, it seems his words were perhaps his way to answer back. Words like “a person’s a person no matter how small.” And “nothing is you-er than you.” Books like Thidwick the BigHearted Moose and Horton Hears a Who. I understand that some of his books have come under review and don’t fall so nicely on the eyes and ears today. This is nothing to take too lightly, for sure. But let’s keep the Seuss who said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

I hope you’ve spent some time this summer enjoying a beautiful view. I hope you’re revived and strengthened in the core of who you are. The beauty in the view is the same beauty in you.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 13

Jenna Mazzoccoli

NEIGHBORS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Twisted Logic The Rubik’s Cube is back

W

hen the Rubik’s Cube, that six-color, three-dimensional, twistable puzzle, first hit the American market in 1980, we were all basically on our own when it came to solving it: twisting the rows and columns of smaller cubes that make up the whole until each side of the puzzle was one solid color. It’s been calculated that a standard Rubik’s Cube can be placed in over 43 quintillion (that’s 43 followed by 18 zeros) positions.

Only one of them is correct.

Mine was never solved.

The cube’s inventor, Erno Rubik, a Hungarian architecture professor, wrote, in his recent memoir, Cubed: The Puzzle of Us All, that attempts to do it entirely by “intuition” are usually “doomed.” It took him a month to solve his own puzzle. That makes me feel a little bit better.

But when things come back into fashion – think bell-bottoms and maxi dresses – they are never quite the same as they were originally.

And so it is with the Rubik’s Cube and all its descendants, now often referred to generically as “twisty puzzles” since they are manufactured by multiple companies under multiple brand names.

Of course, even back in 1980, some people, including groups at MIT and Caltech, did figure out how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. They developed algorithms, sets of instructions or formulas, that can be used to solve the puzzle.

These days, you can learn those algorithms from YouTube videos. (Google videos on how to solve a Rubik’s Cube and you will get about 590,000 hits.)

That’s not to say that it’s easy. Comments on a popular 10-minute beginner’s tutorial by a Canadian competitive speed cuber called J Perm, include: “This has to be the most rewinded video on youtube;” “Me* following every step and actually solving the cube: WHAT IS THIS SORCERY;” and “Oh, so this is how parents feel when you try to explain new technology to them.”

Joseph DePinho, currently a junior at St. John’s, brought a Rubik’s Cube with him on a family vacation the summer before sixth grade.

He gave up and left it on a table. When he came WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 14

NEW TWISTS Twisty puzzles now come in a variety of shapes. From left: a Megaminx, a Pyraminx (above), the standard 3x3x3, a 1x3x3 or Floppy Cube, and a Windmill Cube.

back, it was solved. His cousin had done it but wouldn’t show him how. “I spent about three hours watching videos,” said Joseph. “It’s hard to learn. It requires a lot of focus and determination, but once you do, it becomes easy, like riding a bike.”

He added, “My dad thought I was a genius.”

Eleven-year-old Morgan Norris got a Pyraminx, shaped like a pyramid, as a party favor. “Morgan was instantly hooked,” said his mother, Julia Oh. He went on to learn how to solve a host of these puzzles, including Megaminx (a dodecahedron, which, with its 12 sides, looks something like a sphere made up of flat planes) and mirror cubes, which are all one color, usually metallic silver, but each row is a different height. When a mirror cube is twisted, it changes shape, which makes it even more mind-boggling than a regular cube.

Morgan can solve other “exotic” cubes as well, including the Skewb, each side of which features a square, turned onto its corner, in the center, surrounded by four triangular pieces, and the Ivy Cube, which has curving pieces, two triangular corners and an oval-shaped center, on each of its faces. He can also solve the more traditional cubes.

The original Rubik’s Cube has three rows of three “cubies,” as Erno Rubik calls them. The edge and corner cubies rotate around a central pivot to which the six center cubies are attached.

Those center cubies, therefore, can only rotate.

They do not move and are always in the same position relative to each other: the white center, for instance, is always across from the yellow one.

This original configuration is now called the 3x3 and is considered the standard cube. But, in official competitions, speed cubers race to solve cubes that range in size from 2x2 to 7x7 as well as some of the exotics. One cube enthusiast even

made his own unofficial cube (and then solved it on YouTube) that is 33x33.

Once a cube enthusiast learns to solve a cube, the next challenge involves solving it as quickly as possible – and the times speed cubers achieve seem unbelievable. For instance, the world record for solving a 2x2 (two rows of two) is under half a second. The current world record for solving a 3x3 is less than three and a half seconds.

Sounds impossible, right? In compilation videos of the top five solves of the 2x2 and the 3x3, it looks impossible. (Note: Competitors have up to 15 seconds to examine the scrambled cube before starting.)

Thirteen-year-old Gabe Kalina is Morgan Norris’s next-door neighbor. The two boys spent an afternoon solving cubes of varying sorts and trying to explain to me how they were doing it.

As their fingers flew and their cubes clacked – and they were moving slower for my benefit, mind you – it looked like magic to me.

Gabe brought his first cube to summer camp, and a friend taught him how to solve it. At one point, during the pandemic, he was practicing four hours a day.

This hobby, Gabe said, requires memorization (competitive speed cubers know hundreds of algorithms), rapid pattern recognition, and muscle memory. Both your brain and your hands have to be fast. Gabe showed me how, while most people start by twisting the cube using their whole hand, his much-faster twists involve using just one finger. “I play the piano and that helps,” he said.

The cubes used by speed cubers are different from the original ’80s version. The original Rubik’s Cube was meant to be a toy. Speed was not a concern. The corners of the cubies had 90degree angles. Speed cubes have rounded corners to make them a little faster. (continued on page 16)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 15

Dylan Aguilar

lawellphoto.com

CUBE YOUR ENTHUSIASM Joseph DePinho (at left) and Morgan Norris and Gabe Kalina (from left) have spent many enjoyable hours solving Rubik's Cubes. (continued from page 14) Speed cubers disassemble

them and lubricate them with “cube lube.” At the same time, some of the latest cubes have magnets, which can be swapped out and adjusted, inside the cubies, so that, when a speed cuber twists the puzzle, the rows snap into place. “It’s a balance between them being fast but not spinning out of control,” said Zack White, a delegate for the state of Texas with the World Cube Association, and the lead delegate for the Southern United States.

“People choose their cubes and adjust them based on their preference.”

A recent development in cubes are ones that are Bluetooth-enabled. An app can then keep track of a player’s moves and times, kind of like the exercise app Strava for cube-solving.

The cubes do not have to be expensive. Zack said you can get a “pretty good” speed cube for $4-10, though some cost $70-80.

The World Cube Association (WCA) is a global nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers like Zack. It does not run competitions itself. “Literally anyone can organize a competition,” said Zack; the association certifies competitions and makes them official. You can search for upcoming official competitions near you on the WCA website. Some are held in private homes – the last one Zack attended was in a cabin in the woods – and also at schools, universities, community centers, churches, and libraries.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 16

Most of the events at official competitions focus on solving a specific type of cube as quickly as possible, but there are other permutations, including solving them one-handed and solving them while blindfolded.

In “multi-blind” events, players are given one hour to solve a certain number of 3x3 cubes.

They are allowed to spend as much of that hour as they’d like looking at the scrambled cubes, but then they must don a blindfold and solve all of them, one after another, without looking. The world record for this event is held by American Graham Siggins, who correctly solved an astonishing 59 cubes out of 60 while blindfolded.

Zack, now 23, was in middle school when he got his first Rubik’s Cube as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. He taught himself to solve it, using a CD that came with the toy, on a road trip his family took the next day. By the next year, he convinced his mother to drive him six hours to Brownsville (“Somehow, she agreed,” he said) to attend his first competition. Zack, who now works in information technology for the city of Beaumont, has attended 78 competitions, including the 2013 World Championships in Las Vegas and the 2019 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

The Australian competition is the setting for a documentary called “The Speed Cubers,” now playing on Netflix. It’s about the heartwarming

friendship between two top cubers, Australian Feliks Zemdegs and American Max Park.

It was that documentary and the fact that the Houston toy store she works for, Big Blue Whale, began selling Rubik’s Cubes, that got my 25-year-old daughter, Diana Thomson, interested. “I thought if the speed cubers can do it that fast, I can at least solve it,” she said.

Often at the toy store, children will scramble the twisty puzzles on display. “People don’t like to buy cubes that have already been scrambled, even though the first thing they’re going to do is scramble it themselves,” Diana explained.

(This probably says something about human nature, although I don’t know what.) Everyone else at the store now knows to hand those scrambled puzzles to Diana.

Zack says that if you can solve a cube at all, you should come to a competition. (Another place to look for nearby competitions, he said, is the Facebook page Texas Speedcubing.)

“Going to a competition is so much fun,” he said. “We’re competing and we’re rivals, but at the same time, the atmosphere is very welcoming and encouraging, and we’re all friends.”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links, plus a video of Gabe completing a Rubik’s Cube in 28 seconds.

FOOD

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

A Summer Menu Keeping it tasty and cool

L

et’s cool off with a late-summer menu straight from our blog, “Back Porch Table,” at thebuzzmagazines.com. It’s all pretty easy, and pretty close to no-cook, for those of us who have shut down our ovens for the summer.

And for those of us sending kids back to school, we have added a bonus recipe (this one requires some prep and an oven) – Zucchini Lasagna is both a treat and healthy, a great combo for a first-day-of-school dinner.

Snap Pea and Mint Pesto Crostini There’s a whole lot going on in Snap Pea and Mint Pesto Crostini. The Mint Pesto was a revelation – like basil pesto, but a little less rich, and so much fresher-tasting.

Mint pesto: 2 cups packed fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish ¼ cup toasted walnuts 1 small clove garlic 1 Tablespoon parmesan ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper ½ cup olive oil Snap peas: ½ Tablespoon butter 2 cups sugar snap peas, chopped on the diagonal into ½-inch pieces ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper Toast: 12¼-inch slices baguette, cut at a diagonal ¼ cup olive oil ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 clove garlic, sliced in half lengthwise To serve: 1½ cups ricotta Finely grated zest from 1 lemon Flaky salt (such as Maldon or coarse sea salt) Make the Mint Pesto. In a food processor, pulse together the mint, walnuts, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper just until it is minced.

Scrape down the bowl of the processor, then slowly, with the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Set aside.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 18

IN THE ROTATION Lemon-Thyme Grilled Chicken is a 10-out-of-10 for an August menu.

Sauté the snap peas. In a small pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Sauté the peas, seasoned with salt and pepper, for about 5 minutes, until they are warm and crisp-tender. Set aside.

Toast the baguette slices. Preheat the broiler.

Brush the bread slices with the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil for about 3 minutes, until the bread begins to look toasty and golden (be sure to watch – the pieces can burn quickly).

Remove from the oven, and rub the warm bread with the cut sides of the garlic clove.

When the toasts have cooled, spread them with the ricotta. Drizzle some Mint Pesto over each slice, then spoon the peas over. Finish with the lemon zest and a little sprinkle of flaky salt.

You will have some Mint Pesto left over. Cover it and refrigerate, and use it later on veggies, pasta, chicken, pork, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Marinated Tomato Panzanella These marinated tomatoes will be “I want to eat this every day” good enough on their own, but then you add cubes of ciabatta that drink up the dressing and tomato, and the whole thing is irresistible. ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ cup olive oil, plus 3 Tablespoons, divided ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 clove garlic, smashed 6 large tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces ¼ small red onion, sliced thin ¼ cup basil leaves, chiffonade (stack the basil leaves on top of each other, roll them up together like a cigarette, and then slice them in thin strips) Ciabatta bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (about 4 cups)

In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, ½ cup olive oil, and Dijon mustard.

Add the salt, pepper, and smashed garlic clove.

Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and basil leaves and fold them into the dressing so that they are all coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. On a baking sheet lined with foil (makes cleanup easy), toss the bread cubes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle a little salt and a few grinds of pepper over them. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the bread cubes are golden and crisp.

Fold the bread cubes into the tomatoes and dressing. Let the Panzanella sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes, so that the bread soaks up the dressing.

Lemon-Thyme Grilled Chicken An easy and super-flavorful marinade for chicken. My daughters call this “a 10-out-of-10,” worthy of going into the summer rotation.

Juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup olive oil 1 large clove garlic, grated 8 sprigs fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoons freshly ground pepper 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Put the chicken breasts into a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade into the bag, squeeze out the excess air, and seal.

Shake the chicken around so that it is coated in marinade. Refrigerate for a few hours, 6 to 8.

During that time, shake and flip the bag a couple of times to make sure the chicken is marinated on all sides.

Prep your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the bag, and throw away the bag and extra marinade. Season the chicken generously with more salt and pepper. Grill and serve hot or at room temperature.

No-Mayo Blue Cheese Coleslaw We served No-Mayo Blue Cheese Coleslaw at Meatfest (a barbecued meat heaven of a birthday party for a meat-lover), where it was reluctantly received (“This isn’t Veggiefest,” I was told) but happily eaten. All of it. Light enough to brighten grilled meat, but with strong legs to stand on from the blue cheese. When the meat-eaters started asking for the recipe, I knew we had something good.

1 large head green cabbage, thinly sliced 2 or 3 scallions, green part only, thinly sliced 1 4- to 5-ounce wedge firm blue cheese ½ cup white wine vinegar ½ cup good olive oil 1 Tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon (or more) fresh ground pepper 1 Tablespoon sugar ¼ cup roasted pepitas (optional) In a large bowl, toss the cabbage and scallions together. Using your hands, gently crumble in the blue cheese, making sure that the pieces are small, nothing larger than a pea. In a small bowl (or I just use a Pyrex measuring cup), whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the cabbage and toss. Top with pepitas if using. If you want to make this ahead – the flavor actually gets better with an hour or two of rest time – just add the pepitas right before you serve the coleslaw.

Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding From The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook Famous treats are famous for a reason. They’re so yummy they’ve created a cult following. You can’t get much more famous or cultish than the Banana Pudding from New York’s Magnolia Bakery. The work to make it is minimal, but you will get maximum love from anyone you serve this to.

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1½ cups ice cold water 1 3.4-ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix (preferably Jell-O) 3 cups heavy cream 1 12-ounce box Nabisco Nilla Wafers 4 cups sliced ripe bananas In a small bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and the water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well, about 2 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or overnight before continuing. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff

BANANA PUDDING Lucky for us, New York's Magnolia Bakery is generous with its Banana Pudding recipe.

peaks form. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain.

To assemble the dessert, select a large, wide bowl (preferably glass) with a 4- to 5-quart capacity. Arrange 1/3 of the wafers to cover the bottom of the bowl, overlapping if necessary, then 1/3 of the bananas and 1/3 of the pudding. Repeat the layering twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer of the pudding. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours, or up to 8 hours, but no longer, before serving.

Zucchini Lasagna Zucchini Lasagna is inspired by Gina Homolka of “Skinnytaste.” We have added Italian sausage for flavor and fresh mozzarella slices for a thick, stretchy, bubbly top layer of cheese. This is a back-to-school dinner treat or just an inspired way to use up summer’s zucchini.

3 zucchinis, sliced very thinly lengthwise (best done on a mandoline) 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 pound lean ground beef ½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 Tablespoons tomato paste 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn 16 ounces ricotta cheese 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus ¼ cup, divided 1 egg, beaten 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼inch thick Line the countertop with a couple of paper tow-

els stacked on top of each other. Layer some of the zucchini slices in a single layer on top of the paper towels, then layer more paper towels on top. Keep layering paper towels and zucchini until all the zucchini slices are between paper towels and press down gently. Let the zucchini sit for about 30 minutes; this helps to drain the excess water out of it and keep the lasagna from getting soupy.

In a heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, using a wooden spoon to break up and combine the meat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with the salt, pepper, and oregano, and stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, then the basil.

Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the ricotta, parmesan, and egg. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spread ⅓ of the sauce in the bottom of a 9-by13-inch baking dish. Top with a single layer of zucchini slices, cutting the slices to fit. Dollop ½ of the cheese mixture all over the top of the zucchini, then spread ⅓ of the sauce on top. Repeat the layers, ending with the sauce. Place the mozzarella slices on top, then sprinkle ¼ cup parmesan over. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for another 20 minutes. Turn on the broiler, and broil the top for about 3 minutes, until the cheese begins to bubble and brown.

Remove from the oven and let the lasagna stand for 10 or 15 minutes before serving.

MORE ONLINE Back Porch Table is a weekly blog where Andria Frankfort shares favorite recipes for weekend cooking (or anytime). Come join us on Friday mornings as we try out a new recipe each week at thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 19

KIDS

by Michelle Casas Groogan, staff writer

Pintos and Grit Jeff Kirkbride

Evelyn takes the reins

STAR ROOKIE Evelyn Kerth competed in barrel racing, for the first time, on a mare named Rodeo at the 2020 Pinto World Championship Show.

G

rit and determination are traits associated with committed athletes, including equestrians – and these qualities emerged early on for 11-year-old Evelyn Kerth.

Now a sixth grader at Memorial Middle School, Evelyn has proved that her early fascination with horses was a lot more than a pony WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 20

crush or cowgirl fantasy.

“I like animals, and I wanted to learn more about riding,” said Evelyn, “and once I tried it I fell in love with it.”

Growing up in the Wilcrest neighborhood, Evelyn had no particular exposure to the horse world.

“When she was 8, I found a Groupon at a

Memorial-area stable, so she had a horse birthday party,” said Cindy Kerth, Evelyn’s mom.

“After that, she was interested in trying some lessons. And so it really started very casually.”

It was at one of those early lessons that Evelyn crossed paths with a special pinto horse named Rodeo and horse trainer Marcus Frazier. Pintos

Cindy Kerth

Jeff Kirkbride

AROUND SHE GOES At left: Memorial Middle School student Evelyn Kerth competes with Selena at the 2021 Pinto World Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Evelyn trains at Marcus Frazier Performance Horses. At right: Evelyn takes a riding lesson on Rodeo, Selena’s mother, at Independence Stables.

are a color breed distinguished by patches of white and another color, often brown or black.

“This trainer suggested that she started taking Western-style riding lessons because that can be done with one hand,” said Cindy.

It was a momentous piece of guidance, given that Evelyn was born without a left arm.

“We found out at the 20-week ultrasound that she did not have an arm,” said Cindy. She and her husband, Jason, are both engineers who met at Texas A&M and now have three children: Evelyn, 9-year-old Clara, and 6-year-old Andrew.

“There was never really a cause diagnosed.

They said it was probably like a blood clot, or some kind of vascular incident that didn't allow her arm to grow. She is our oldest, so we were worried. She has definitely proven to us that we didn't need to worry.”

Western-style riding is a broad term encompassing a variety of riding sports that have evolved from ranching. Riders use a heavy-duty saddle and usually steer with one hand by “neck reining” the horse, who is trained to respond to body cues and light rein pressure against the side of the neck.

To mount a horse with one arm, Evelyn must use her whole body for strength and her chin to grab the reins, always being careful with the placement of her spurs. Rodeo, a 17-year-old mare, is steady and sure, having given hundreds of lessons to new riders, but she seems especially aware of Evelyn, compensating for any imbalance. The collaboration is a product of connection and trust.

“They can adjust themselves and do as they see fit to help the rider,” said Marcus, owner of Marcus Frazier Performance Horses. “She

[Rodeo] will literally try to catch them [riders] if they start to slip a little.”

The team practices at Independence Stables, a rustic boarding stable in Stafford where Marcus keeps his horses. It is a long process just to get ready to ride, wrapping the horses’ legs, adjusting the tack. Out in the arena, dirt is flying, and the team of horse and rider practice run after run.

Marcus commands: “Ride her up! Sit down!

Lean forward! Straight down the middle!”

“As soon as Marcus paired these two together, I feel like they could just do things like spins. I was amazed at how well they clicked. It was a match, and it was real cool to watch,” said Cindy.

Their progress was so rapid that Evelyn decided to try barrel racing. At the age of 10, she went to her first competition, and it was a big one: the 2020 Pinto World Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She won reserve champion (second place) in Youth Amateur Barrel Racing.

Evelyn was hooked. The team started practicing for the 2021 show, and then they found out Rodeo was in foal. Evelyn had to start the training over with another mare, Rodeo’s 11-year-old daughter, Selena. She is friskier and less experienced.

“Trust is a big part of it. I noticed when I’m on a different horse, they react differently. It’s a lot harder work,” said Evelyn.

The two practiced only a handful of times together. But they went to the 2021 Pinto World Championship Show in Tulsa in June. This time, 11-year-old Evelyn was the one with experience. Even though it was Selena’s first time on the clock, the duo placed third in Youth Amateur Barrel Racing. In fact, Evelyn and Selena placed in the top 10 of every class of competition, including ranch rail pleasure, halter,

and (in second place) youth amateur keyhole.

Evelyn doesn’t claim any handicap and competes with non-disabled youth ages 10-18. “I don’t treat her any differently,” said trainer Marcus. “I believe in that little girl more than I believe in myself.”

Dad Jason Kerth says his daughter has a natural toughness at her core. He remembers worrying how she would ride a bike.

“We even took her to a specialty hospital to talk about some sort of prosthetic for bike riding, but they said her limb difference is so high up on her that it’s impractical to use any kind of prosthetic,” said Jason.

He remembers the staff simply recommended a recumbent bike. That suggestion proved a glaring underestimation. These days Evelyn commands a two-wheeler just as well as her friends and has no problem riding bumpy dirt trails in Terry Hershey Park.

Riding is not Evelyn’s only activity. She has played soccer, and she’s been taking ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance at the Houston Academy of Dance since she was 5. She plays video games better than her siblings, using her hand and her chin to maneuver the game controller.

“I kind of think there are limits to what I can do,” said Evelyn. “But I try my best to do what I can and find out what I can’t do and try to work on that.”

“Evelyn never looks at the obstacles around her as though they are obstacles,” said Casey Poche, one of Evelyn’s past teachers at Wilchester Elementary. “Evelyn is a student who has taught me not to look at myself as if I have limitations, but as if my opportunities are limitless.”

True grit looks good – both on and off pintos.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 21

lawellphoto.com

SPORTS

by Eshaan Mani, contributing writer

Drive, Chip, Putt Kinkaid junior wins national finals

I

t’s four-and-a-half feet to national champion….” The tense voice of the commentator at the famed Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia trailed off. A long silence followed, and Jaivir Pande, a rising junior at The Kinkaid School, took his shot.

And then, shouts of joy erupted from the crowd. “Yeah! I like it! That’s the way to win it!” the Golf Channel commentator exclaimed.

Jaivir, wearing an orange polo, khaki pants, and an orange baseball cap, sank the putt on the 18th hole, winning the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals for his age division. He pumped his fist and cracked a broad smile.

The journey to Augusta had not been easy.

He had worked his way through three levels of intense competition, first at the subregional level, then the regional level and finally a fivestate competition. He distinguished himself from thousands of other young golfers as one of 80 players aged 7 to 15 to play at Augusta.

The Drive, Chip, and Putt championship is a tournament created in 2013 by Augusta National, the United States Golf Association, and the PGA Tour. The competition centers around three fundamental skills in golf (driving, chipping, and putting). Participants hit three shots per skill for a total of nine shots, and points are accumulated per shot. The overall champion in each division is determined by the participant with the most points accumulated between all three skills. Finalists earn a place in the National Finals at Augusta, this year on April 4, and broadcast live by the Golf Channel.

“Just being able to go to the course and experience it for myself was incredible,” Jaivir said.

“I’ve grown up watching the Masters Tournament on TV. When you finally go there, the TV just doesn’t do it justice. The welcome we received was truly heartwarming. On the morning of the competition, we were shuttled from our hotel to Augusta, driving through the preeminent Magnolia Lane, which only tournament players and members are allowed to go through. The scene was truly breathtaking and was an experience I will never forget.”

Jaivir (whose name is pronounced Jay-veer) met some inspiring personalities throughout his time at WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 22

PRACTICE Jaivir Pande trains almost every day at Westwood Country Club.

Augusta, including the heads of the USGA, Augusta National, and the PGA, plus star golfers like Justin Thomas, Adam Scott, and Bubba Watson. Watson is a longtime supporter of the Drive, Chip, and Putt championship. “I was also able to meet many of Augusta National’s members such as Virginia Rometty, former CEO of IBM, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who congratulated me as I walked off the green after making my winning putt.”

Jaivir was introduced to golf at the age of 4 by his grandfather, Gaurav Rana, a decorated military official in the southern-Asian nation of Nepal. Rana and Jaivir’s parents, Sabra and Malika Pande, have supported him, and he has played tournament golf since the age of 6. He remembers learning the basics of the sport and hitting balls with his dad and grandfather. “Even now, my grandfather calls me after every tournament to talk about my round,” Jaivir said.

Golfing runs in Jaivir’s blood. He says golfing in Nepal was started by his grandfather’s greatuncle over 100 years ago. His grandfather’s great-

uncle was part of the Nepalese prime minister’s delegation that visited the United Kingdom in 1917, where they played golf and were gifted clubs.

He says the prime minister enjoyed the game so much that he ordered a course to be built.

KPRC sports reporter Ari Alexander said Jaivir is the first and only golfer of Nepalese descent to set foot on the grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club. Jaivir said his goal is to become the world’s first Nepali-American pro on tour and said that he is proud of his roots and of being able to represent Nepal.

In Nepal, golf is an uncommon sport, with cricket and soccer taking the foreground. There are very few golf courses across the country, and the golfing community is rather small. “Nepal is a country in which many people don't have the opportunity or means to play golf, so hopefully, I can inspire many kids in the younger generation to pick up the game of golf and pursue their goals,” he said.

Jaivir has spent several hours a day outside of school, six days a week, since 2013 at the Westwood Country Club perfecting his game to

HE DID IT Upper left: Jaivir Pande, parents Sabra and Malika, and sister Samara outside the Augusta media center after his victory. Bottom left: Jaivir and his mother at the Augusta National Golf Club. Right: Jaivir hoists the Drive, Chip, and Putt trophy moments after his win.

get to Augusta. He has competed across the United States, as well as Scotland. After school and on weekends, he works one-on-one with his father. During the athletics period at school, he practices and competes with the competitive Kinkaid golf team, coached by Bobby Eggleston.

The team won the Southwest Preparatory Conference golf championship this year.

When training for the Drive, Chip, and Putt championship, Jaivir said he found it challenging to refocus himself on the goal of the competition: practicing three skills until he reached perfection.

“All through these years, I have competed in stroke-play format, which required me to play head-to-head in tournaments all across the country,” he said. “To successfully move from one round to the next, I needed to perfectly hit my drive and make my chip and putt with great accuracy in each competition. Augusta was such a coveted competition that, just in my age category of 14 to 15 year olds, there were about 2,000 golfers across the country.”

He had reached the regional finals in the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship three

times over the past eight years, always getting narrowly edged out. Only one golfer had the honor of representing the South Central region – Texas plus six surrounding states – at Augusta.

“The very reason I play golf as much as I do is that I always go into a tournament thinking I can win,” Jaivir said. “That confidence drives me in my belief, especially this last time through the various qualifiers and the national championship. Knowing it would be my final opportunity to compete forever, I was more mentally prepared to not let up in any way.”

Another notable victory was at the famous Alotian Golf Club in Arkansas. He won all three skills for 174 points and was 40 points ahead of the second-place finisher. He describes his experiences at Augusta and Alotian as “surreal.”

Jaivir went to school at St. Francis Episcopal School all his life until 2019-20, when he came to Kinkaid as a freshman. “St. Francis has played a big part in shaping me into the person as well as golfer that I am today,” Jaivir said. “I played golf for the St. Francis team, and we won two consecutive HJPC [Houston Junior Preparatory

Conference] championships while I was there.

St. Francis has shaped me as a person because of the constant support that I received from the community, especially the faculty.” His younger sister, Samara Pande, is a rising fourth grader at St. Francis Episcopal School.

The Kinkaid community has rallied behind him as well. “The entire golf team have been like a family to me these past two years at Kinkaid, and I am forever grateful to all of them for their support.”

When Jaivir is not practicing, he likes to listen to music from the 1980s and 1990s, read fiction or golf-related books, watch action and mystery movies, and travel. He listens to music to help him focus when he is on the golf course.

“If I could describe myself, I would say that I’m someone who is very focused and determined, but I also like to spend time with my family and friends,” he said.

As a junior, Jaivir is looking forward to his remaining athletic seasons. He says his goal is to find a college that is both an academic and golf power and qualify for the pro golf tours.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 23

NEIGHBORS

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

How They Roll Bowling family back at Palace alleys

I

t was May 1998 around 2 a.m. when Suzie (Finger) Daum realized she was experiencing contractions. Later that morning, she went to her doctor, who said her baby would arrive sometime that weekend but not quite yet.

Oldest son Josh was 3 at the time, eagerly awaiting a baby sister.

They had to pass the time somehow – so Suzie, husband Steve, and Josh went bowling.

Suzie timed her contractions to the sounds of bowling pins colliding in the background, and Jenni was born that night.

It seems fitting that the Daum family spent that day at Palace Bowling Lanes. It was a place where Suzie had spent much of her childhood.

“Bowling was just a part of our family life,” she says.

Her mom, Nancy Finger, went bowling every Monday night. Her dad, Lawrence “Larry” Finger, bowled every Tuesday night. Suzie, along with cousin Teri (Silverman) Gerber, bowled Saturday mornings. Suzie remembers when she and Teri were young, they were in a league called the Bantam Earlybirds since they met around 9 in the morning, and then they moved up to the Junior Strikes and Spares.

“My family was serious in the bowling scene,” she says. Her parents owned their own bowling balls, and when she received a ball of her own as a birthday gift, it was a big deal, she says.

Growing up, friends’ birthday parties and team sports parties were often held at Palace Bowling.

“And you didn’t even say ‘Palace.’ You just said you were going to ‘the bowling alley,’” Suzie says. “We just said ‘the bowling alley’ because everyone knew that was the plan. That was our neighborhood bowling alley.”

W

hen Palace Bowling Lanes closed in 2016, it felt to many like the end of an era. For multiple generations, it had been the setting for countless memories. The bowling alley was the backdrop to family outings, birthday parties, youth-group programs, teen hangouts, first dates.

The disappointment of a gutter ball. The triumph of a strike. Those soft, salty French fries.

So the recent debut of Palace Social – a nosWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 24

talgic reimagining of the former beloved bowling alley at the same location (on Bellaire Boulevard inside Loop 610, between the City of Bellaire and West University) – has brought back happy memories.

The property, which had been operated by the Lillard family for about 45 years prior to being sold in 2015, has been transformed into a mixed-use development called S o u t h s i d e Commons.

The building now has a restaurant, Dish Society, on the left side and medical/retail offices on the second floor. Palace Social sits in the center. Large glass windows scale the exterior with thick stripes in a retro color scheme.

MEMORY LANE Bowling has long been part of the Pepper/Finger family. Esther Walking through Pepper was ranked in the top 10 women bowlers in Houston and was in competitive the doors evokes a leagues with daughter Gloria (Pepper) Katz and relative and friend Nancy Finger. Top sense of nostalgia photo: Nancy (far left), teammate Fran Ray (second from left), and Gloria (second from for many, although right) represented Palace Bowling Lanes in a 1971 state competition. Middle: Esther (second from right) after a 1953 tournament. Bottom: Nancy (far left), Gloria (second from just about every- right) and Fran (far right) after a 1970s tournament. thing inside is new. ees have vivid memories set at the iconic bowl“It’s so bright and airy,” says bartender Emma ing alley over the years. Palace Social CEO Billy Crabbe, who worked at Palace Bowling Lanes Forney recalls bowling there, too. from 2000 until it closed in 2016. Emma is the In this “fancy” reincarnation, Emma says, only current staff member who used to work at there are more things to do. It’s not the same the old Palace Bowling Lanes, but other employ-

Jenna Mazzoccoli Jenna Mazzoccoli

UP THEIR ALLEY Top left: Family members, including (from left) Larry Finger, Arlene Nathan, Nicole Gibson, Natalie Reichman, Evan Gibson (in back), Sydney Reichman, Eliya Gibson, and Sadie Reichman (in front), went to the new Palace Social and revisited bowling memories. Bottom left: Larry Finger, almost 85, bowled for decades and is still a talented bowler today. Right: Steve Daum teaches son Josh, a toddler at the time, how to bowl at Palace Bowling Lanes. This photo was taken by mom Suzie the day Suzie went into labor with daughter Jenni.

vibe, though she’s glad the camaraderie among employees today is friendly, as it was back then.

Emma doesn’t miss the smell of cigarette smoke permeating the multi-colored carpeted floors.

But she does miss the league bowlers.

“They were so competitive. You could always tell who was throwing a perfect or near-perfect game. People would crowd around them. That was fun to see,” she says. In particular, she recalls a Sunday league from the Montrose area whose members were always entertaining.

Emma knew the new version would be a different experience than what she was used to, but it was “too tempting” not to return, she says. “It’s fun to work at places like this.”

The original Palace Lanes had 44 bowling lanes, whereas now there are eight. The bones of the building remain the same, including the steel pillars and beams, but everything else was gutted.

The revamped concept has a modern rustic feel with retro-chic components, such as the color scheme – blues, yellows, oranges, and pinks. On the wall next to the shoe-rental counter are bowling balls that rolled down the alleys of the original Palace. Vintage shoes (they aren’t from the original Palace but look like they could’ve been) line a wall in the lobby.

Those looking for the French fries or tater tots of yesterday won’t find those exact dishes today, but there's upscale comfort food, including burgers, flatbread pizzas, and Frito pie, plus craft cocktails and beer and wine on tap in the 159seat restaurant and lounge. Initially open for dinner, the restaurant will eventually offer lunch and brunch. In addition to the eight bowling lanes, there’s an arcade, esports lounge, virtualreality center, ride experience, and multi-sport simulator bays (including a golf course), plus three event rooms (think karaoke parties).

There likely won’t be bowling leagues, and the lanes might not attract cutthroat bowlers.

But the new Palace is a place to make new memories across the generations.

T

hinking back on the original Palace Lanes that once stood here, Suzie describes a scene out of a classic ’50s or ’60s film: women in bouffant hairdos, wearing matching bowling team shirts; men dressed in long pants and their matching bowling shirts; kids clamoring for a greasy burger – “the best burgers in town,” Suzie says.

Suzie’s cousin, Rusty Silverman, also has fond memories of growing up at the bowling alley along with his sister, Teri. As a kid, around 7 or 8 years old, Rusty would often go with his grand-

mother, Esther Pepper. He was a gifted bowler right from the start, and Esther loved to show him off to her friends in her bowling league.

Rusty remembers the anticipatory thrill of improving his score, of winning patches and trophies. And besides the competitive game, it was a place to hang out with friends. Parents would drop off their kids, who would bowl, play on the pinball machines, eat lunch, chat. And later in the teenage years, it was a “good excuse,” says Rusty – parents thought their kids were at the bowling alley.

Esther competitively bowled up until her mid-60s when her knee started to bother her. It was years later that husband Harry – known to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Papa – became a bowler too.

A natural athlete, Harry was honored for cycling in the Ronnie Arrow Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He was one of the most decorated Senior Olympians in the country, winning numerous gold medals in decathlon while in his 70s and cycling in his 80s and 90s. But it was only when Larry Finger, his nephew and godson, and Barbara Dokell invited him to join their senior bowling league that Harry became serious about the game. He was 98 at the time.

Larry, who will soon celebrate 85, recalls visiting his aunt Esther in the (continued on page 26) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 25

Barry Fantich Daniel Ortiz

A PERFECT GAME Top left: Palace Social, which opened in July, has eight bowling lanes (instead of the previous 44), plus a restaurant, virtual-reality center, arcade, and other games. Bottom left: Bartender Emma Crabbe is the only current staff member who also worked at the old Palace Bowling Lanes. Right: Rusty Silverman was a fierce competitor in leagues at Palace Bowling Lanes. He still has one of his patches, bowling ball, and bowling shirt. (continued from page 25) hospital

when Harry informed her that he’d joined the bowling league.

Her response? “You old b------ . . . that’s my game!”

For many years, Esther had been an avid bowler. Daughter Arlene Nathan says her mom frequently won state tournaments; at one time, Esther was among the top 10 women bowlers in Houston. It was her game. And it wasn’t an easy one. Back then, there were heftier, wooden bowling pins and heavy 16-pound balls – they didn’t have lighter-weight bowling balls, recalls Arlene.

Growing up, Arlene spent a lot of time in the bowling alley but, although she was athletic and played multiple sports, bowling wasn’t her thing.

“I got schlepped to the bowling alley my whole life, it seemed like,” she says, remembering doing her homework while her mom bowled. And then there’s the matter of manicures. “Bowling and nails don’t mix,” she says, grinning.

Larry’s wife, Nancy, grew up in Denver and, when she moved to Houston, she didn’t know anyone. So, Esther decided to take her under her wing. Larry remembers, “Esther asked Nancy, ‘What do you like to do?’ and the first thing she said was bowling. (In fact, Larry and Nancy first WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 26

met at a college bowling-league event.) And the rest was history.”

Soon after, Esther and Nancy were bowling partners along with Esther’s daughter, Gloria (Pepper) Katz. The trio played in scratch leagues, a competitive bowling format in which a team is scored based on their pin count, disregarding handicap. The atmosphere was “blood and guts...,” Larry says. “[League members] would look at you with hatred if you miss[ed] a spare.”

Bowling truly was Esther’s thing for many years, as it was with both Nancy, who passed away in 1992, and Gloria, who passed away last year. “I think [dad Harry] stayed away from it [purposely] and took it up again later in life when she [Esther] was gone,” Arlene says.

Esther passed away in 2006. And, perhaps partially to stay connected to his late wife, Harry kept on bowling – and rolling strikes – until he was about 103.

At Palace Lanes and in the wider community, Harry was something of a legend. “Papa was shooting 200-plus games at over 100 years old,” Rusty recalls. “It’s remarkable. There’s no doubt about it.”

The charming Harry passed away in 2015 at

the age of 104. He was a Life Member and volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 66 years, serving as an original member of the Calf Scramble Committee. At age 100, he rode in the show’s downtown Rodeo Parade. Harry had an extraordinary zest for life.

“When Papa passed away, we wanted to celebrate his life. We didn’t want to remember his death,” says granddaughter Nicole Gibson. “We celebrate with the kids on his birthday by going bowling.”

Nicole, along with husband George and kids Alec, Evan, and Eliya Gibson, look forward to celebrating Harry’s birthday at Palace once again this year.

“We’ve always loved to bowl. The whole family – every generation – has loved it. Yeah, it’s a part of who we are at this point,” Nicole says, as she watches her family bowl on the new lanes.

Her sister, Natalie, gets a strike, and everyone cheers. Just like old times.

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for more nostalgic photos, plus a video of Harry Pepper bowling a strike at age 103.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 27

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 28

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 29

KIDS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Family namesakes

Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies.

Writer Annie McQueen is a mother of four children under the age of 6.

S

everal years ago, engineer Sara Tomashitis and husband Beau, an operations manager, began thinking about having a second child. Their first child, daughter Margot, was 2 at the time. But their dreams of growing their family were put on hold when their lives changed in days.

Sara’s beloved father, George, died suddenly from a heart attack. Just 10 days later, Beau’s father, Bill, suffered from a seizure, which would later result in a brain-cancer diagnosis that would claim his life 20 months later.

However, amid this sadness, from the death of Sara’s father in January 2017 to the diagnosis of Beau’s father, Sara and Beau welcomed a healthy baby boy in March 2018.

William George (“Willie”) Tomashitis was born to their family between the two tragic losses, and to honor the two fathers, he was given their first names, William and George. The rest of the family was delighted at the news of the name.

Soon after he was born, they started calling him Willie, which was unexpected, but they say it stuck and captures his happy, outgoing personality. Willie is now 3, and he knows he is named after his two late grandfathers. Sara and Beau hope his name will help keep their legacies alive and that, as Willie grows, his names will be special to him.

Grandfather Bill, who had been an avid golfer and fisherman, was alive for about seven months after Willie was born, and so they were able to introduce Willie to Bill. Bill lived in South Carolina, and they visited him there.

Family namesakes are given to honor a family member or family friend, living or passed on, and the tradition is a longstanding one important in many families. Names may be passed on to honor family names or because an old family surname from centuries ago makes for a unique modern choice.

Mark Burney, who works in oil and gas, and his wife Kristen, a stay-at-home mom, strategically picked their three daughters’ first and middle names to honor family members both past WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 30

LOVIE In the summer of 2019, great-grandmother Lovie Sellers (here, with her grandson, Mark Burney) met her namesake, baby Lovie Burney.

and present. Mark says their family namesakes help keep loved ones’ memories and personalities with them.

The Burneys have three girls, Sellers, 6; Mae, 4; and Lovie, 2. Sellers, Mae, and Lovie are all important family names of loved ones in Kristen and Mark’s families.

Sellers, independent and determined, is named after Mark’s beloved mother, Kathy Sellers Burney, who passed away from cancer before Sellers was born. Sellers was Kathy’s maiden name, and it stuck as a nickname when she was in college and moved to Texas from Alabama.

Mark and Kristen decided a way to honor her was to give their first child the name Sellers.

“We wanted to name her Sellers whether we had a boy or a girl,” said Mark. Sellers’s middle name is Kay, which is Kristen’s middle name.

Mark says Sellers, being the oldest of three, is nurturing to her younger sisters, following in the footsteps of her late grandmother and namesake.

Mae Brent Burney, their adventurous middle

child, was named after another family member, her late Uncle Brent. “We lost [Brent] too soon, and we wanted to keep his memory alive through her,” said Kristen. “Mae is sweet, loving, and funny, just like her uncle.”

That is another wild thing about namesakes, especially in the case of Mae. Often, families say, they see character traits shared between the younger family member and loved one with whom they share the name.

The Burneys’ third child, and usually the “center of attention,” says Kristen, is named Lovie Lee after her now-92-year-old paternal great-great grandmother, Lovie Jean Sellers. Lovie is still living in Alabama. Lovie, or “Big Lovie” as the family affectionately calls her, and little Lovie have been able to spend time together when they visit Alabama. Lovie’s middle name, Lee, comes from Kristen’s dad, Travis Lee Bednarz.

As time passes and family trees are written down, namesakes can connect new and old branches and bridge the generations.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 31

NEIGHBORS

.

by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Buzz Reads

Five picks for August

Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently released titles.

D

own Range by Taylor Moore – With Down Range, Moore, a sixth-generation Texan (he grew up outside of Houston) and former CIA intelligence officer, launches a new mystery series starring DEA agent Garrett Kohl that is set in the Texas High Plains and is filled with adventure, thrills, and a clever plot. Following a mission in Afghanistan that takes an unexpected turn, Garrett finds himself back in his hometown with a young boy named Asadi Saleem in his protective custody. Garrett’s strained relationship with his father, one of the most memorable characters in the book, and his brother and brother’s family is a focus of the story, and his brother’s missteps drag Garrett into a dark and dangerous illegal ring that threatens to destroy the entire Kohl family. Moore brings Texas to life as only a native can, and his ability to transport the reader to the High Plains of Texas is a high point of this fast-paced and high-octane mystery.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel – Kristin Harmel tackles another untold World War II story in her latest historical fiction book, The Forest of Vanishing Stars.

Kidnapped and raised in the eastern European wilds, a young girl is left abandoned after her captor dies in 1941. When she stumbles across a group of Jewish refugees running from the Nazis, she is astounded and dismayed to learn about their plight. Relying on her familiarity with the surrounding wilderness to help the fleeing individuals, she teaches them how to survive outdoors until a stunning betrayal upends her life.

The Husbands by Chandler Baker – Austinite Chandler Baker’s outstanding and thought-provoking sophomore novel calls to mind The Stepford Wives but with a gender reversal. Nora Spangler is an attorney, wife, and mom who struggles to find the right balWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 32

ance, particularly at home. While both she and her husband work, Nora is the one who runs carpool, makes doctors’ appointments and lunches, races to her child’s school when there is an issue, and keeps the house running smoothly. When they begin house hunting, they stumble across Dynasty Ranch, a neighborhood where the hus- WHAT TO READ This month's picks include two historical fiction titles, a mystery set in Texas, a novel about restoring wolves to Scotland, and a Stepford Wives-styled book bands are so help- with a gender swap and a Texas connection. ful and supportive; and haunting story that will remain with me however, as Nora and Hayden spend more for a very long time and will be in my top 10 time at Dynasty Ranch, they begin to realize reads of the year. It is truly not to be missed. that something is amiss. The Husbands tackles an issue that has been brewing for years, but Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson – Debut the book feels particularly relevant in light of author Kaia Alderson’s book is inspired by the the pandemic and the resulting conversation true story of the women of the 6888th Central around who was most impacted in the home.

Postal Directory Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), the only all-Black battalion of the Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte Women’s Army Corp during World War II. McConaghy – Inti Flynn and a team of biolTasked with crossing the Atlantic to ensure ogists arrive in Scotland to help reintroduce U.S. servicemen received word from their famwolves into the Highlands through a program ilies during the war, these brave women not similar to the way wolves were returned to only dealt with the regular dangers of war, but Yellowstone National Park. While participatthey also had to contend with racial injustice ing in this venture, Inti also hopes to help her and those who wanted them to fail. Sisters in twin sister Aggie recover from a traumatic Arms is a wonderful book about courageous event in her past. Facing resistance from the women whose stories deserve to be told. locals, Inti struggles to reassure them that the wolves won’t harm them as long as they are Editor’s note: Southside Place resident Cindy left alone but instead will assist with balancing Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column the ecosystem by slowing down climate at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts the Thoughts change and environmental degradation. from a Page Podcast, is co-creator of the Houston McConaghy’s writing is lyrical, and her literary event series Conversations from the Page, descriptions of both the wolves and the wild runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfromapage, Scottish landscape cause them to leap off the and regularly speaks to groups about books. page. Once There Were Wolves is a beautiful

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 33

TRAVEL

.

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Texas’ Third Coast

T

he last lazy days of summer are upon us, but there’s still time for a quick getaway – or a not-so-quick one, if you’ve got the time. Being Texan is a blessing in this regard because you’re just a day trip away from the legendary Third Coast – as some have affectionately referred to this 367-mile stretch of Gulf Coast from Port Arthur with its Pleasure Island, Miracle Beach, and swamp tours all the way to the bright blue waters of South Padre Island.

The Texas coast offers a stunning variety of experiences – from the rustic nature experience of North Padre Island and Mustang Island State Park to the more urbanized feel of South Padre Island. With 70 miles of coastline in between, there’s something for every mood and every member of the family.

South Padre with the family Lauren Harte and husband Kevin Hargrove have explored a good bit of that coast. Often they’ve shared the adventure with their little ones: 7-year-old Ellis, 5-year-old Miles, and now, 2-year-old Hannah. They’ve enjoyed Galveston together frequently, and they’ve also explored North Padre, Mustang Island, and Port Aransas.

Last year they wanted to get to know a bit more of Texas, so they planned a road trip to South Padre Island.

Lauren, who grew up in New York, had never been there; Kevin had been in his college days for Spring Break partying, but they both wanted to see a different side of the island.

“We had heard that it was really familyfriendly, and it’s really pretty. It’s further south, it’s closer to Mexico, with prettier water, and there’s a lot to do,” said Lauren.

So they rented a townhouse with a pool just a block from the beach for a week in August, loaded up the car, and made the 5.5-hour drive.

“We just brought a bunch of beach supplies and food for the road – they have pretty much everything you would need there, so not a ton of trip preparation was needed,” she said.

First impressions: “It seems like a nice beach town. It has lots of restaurants, beautiful weather… I was struck by the fact the water was so blue and the sand was so nice and soft – so we WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 34

headed straight to the beach, which is where the kids wanted to go.”

There was no shortage of things to do. One day they rented a chartered speed boat with a captain, who took them to an uninhabited island, where they snorkeled and looked for seashells and did some dolphin watching.

Another day they went to the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, where the kids held a baby alligator and different kinds of frogs and snakes. A self-guided tour took them around the refuge and to the observatory, where they could look out on the water on one side and the dunes on the other.

They spent time at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center, admiring the creatures in recovery SEASIDE Lauren Harte and husband Kevin Hargrove in South Padre, taking impromptu from injuries sus- last-minute family photos before heading home; Ellis, Kevin, Miles, Lauren and Hannah on a dolphin-watching boat ride in Galveston Bay; Miles, 5 (left) and Ellis, 7, riding their bikes tained in the wild. after dinner on the beach in South Padre.

And they walked ing out of the water, and the kids thought that through the marsh along the Laguna Madre was cool,” said Lauren.

Nature Trail, observing the habitat from differAnother day they decided to drive back across ent observation piers. off the island through Port Isabel to Laguna “You can sit there and reflect and have a Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. A car breakpeaceful moment by the water – fish were jump-

MAKING MEMORIES A father and a daughter enjoying the outdoors while doing something they both love to do in a special place called the Laguna Madre. Bill Sengelmann (left) pauses for a pose; Gretchen Sengelmann (right) displays her catch.

down stranded them there – but it could have been much worse. They had landed near a lake with a shelter, so they had a picnic and played near the water while they waited for roadside assistance to come and repair the vehicle.

Treasured memories include hanging out at the beach and at the pool, riding bikes on the beach, and watching fireworks from the balcony.

“It was so nice to be there for the full week to be connected to nature,” said Lauren. “We loved it so much I booked a return trip – there were still things we didn’t see that it had to offer. It was so relaxing and a really great getaway.”

Father-daughter fishing escapes Bill Sengelmann’s father was an avid angler, and when he was 15, his dad started taking him bay fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre, one of only three hyper-saline lagoons in the world. Port Mansfield, which is where they would traditionally go, is known as Redfish Landing for the fantastic redfish populations that inhabit its waters.

“The bug kind of bit me, so that’s how I got started,” he recalls. About 20 years ago he began fishing with a guide named David Rowsy, who soon became a dear friend. He bought into a cabin with seven other men on an island at the mouth of Baffin Bay, about a 45-minute boat ride from Corpus Christi, where conditions are similar to those of Port Mansfield. The cabin became his retreat, where he’d go to escape the pressures of daily life in the city.

“It’s beautiful,” he says. “You can hang out and get away from everybody.”

Bill’s getaway island is one of many that are formed from the dredging of the intercoastal canal. His island is simple, just a rustic bit of sea, sand, and sky that his cabin buddies share with the four other houses on the island – and that’s just the way they like it. The only way to get there is by boat, with a 40-minute ride from Bluff’s Landing in Corpus Christi, so often they have the whole island to themselves.

When daughter Gretchen turned 15, Bill invited her on a father-daughter fishing trip – what would turn out to be the first of many. The bug bit Gretchen, too, as it turned out, and she was soon just as passionate about bay fishing as was her father and her grandfather before him.

The Sengelmanns do wade fishing, which is where they stand in the water with their waders, sometimes up to chest-deep.

“The first day she jumped in that water, and we fished for a total of seven hours,” he marveled. “That’s a long time for a newcomer, and she loved every second of it. Her first catch was a 28-inch redfish.”

That trip was 12 years ago. Now Gretchen is 27 and a speech pathologist at Easter Seals, and the fishing trips with Dad have become a special part of life. Sometimes brother Sam, 25, comes along, too, though it’s never quite become the passion for him that it has for Gretchen.

“It feels like meditation, like a breath of fresh

salty air – just a way to press the pause button,” says Gretchen.

The father-daughter duo never use live bait, they only use artificial lures – a technique that they say increases the challenge and the sportsmanship factor. They go to bed early the night before and get up at 5 or 5:30, getting out on the water by 6 or so, catching dozens of redfish, flounder, speckled trout and others. A trip in early June was typical; they caught 50 or 60 fish, keeping only the very best five or so for themselves, Grandpa, and a friend or two.

“I just think it’s special for a father and a daughter to have something like that – I feel like it’s rare,” said Gretchen. “It’s fun to see that part of his life, and definitely it’s deepened our bond.

Whether I have daughters or sons I do intend to carry that on, and it’s something I hope I continue to do forever.”

From sea to shining sea Bee Vines is from Malaysia and Singapore, so the sea has always been an important part of her life. She was delighted when, a couple of years ago, her three boys developed a love for bay fishing. So she and her partner, Rene, along with Logan, 16, Atticus, 14, and Paden, 11, load up the car and head to the family bayhouse in San Leon, on Dickinson Bay, every chance they get.

“It’s a good getaway – the kids love fishing, and the good thing is, we eat (continued on page 36) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 35

PIER ONE Top photo: From left, Atticus, Paden, Rene, Ethan and Brandon fishing on the pier of the bay house in San Leon. Bottom photos: Bee and Logan, mother-son bonding time; Atticus fishing on the pier. (continued from page 35) what we catch,” said Bee.

San Leon’s laid-back, authentic atmosphere sets it apart from the sparkle of Galveston; there’s a reason why Texas Highways magazine referred to the town as “a taste of the real.” The only chain store is a Dollar General, and the locals are a resilient and self-reliant breed – mom-and-pop entrepreneurs and Vietnamese shrimpers are more common here than tourists.

Its beaches are intimate, and its sunsets over the long wooden piers are enchanting. Boat-to-table seafood establishments like Pier 6, Topwater Grill, and Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar regularly inspire diners to make the 40minute drive from Houston, though they may not know they’re going to an unincorporated place known as San Leon.

Bee’s family has a membership in Freedom Boat Club in Galveston, which offers members access to their entire fleet, so they just pick a different boat each time; sometimes it’s a pontoon WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 36

boat, sometimes a fishing boat. Members pay a monthly fee, and the club takes care of the rest: maintenance, cleaning, storage, insurance, and repairs. Bee has learned to drive, so sometimes she takes her turn at the stern.

It’s been fun watching the boys learn to become experienced fishermen.

“They all have their own fishing poles, and they are very independent when it comes to fishing,” she said. “They know how to bait, cast, and reel in the fish – and they are always the first to volunteer when it’s time to clean the fish – and that’s something very challenging, as you have to gut and clean the fish before you cook it.

“The best part is the fight – especially if you find a big fish,” said Bee. “It’s the patience to wait until the fish gets really tired. You have to have the strength to wait.”

One time they’ll never forget was when one of the boys hooked a massive black drum and

fought over 30 minutes until the line snapped against the wooden pier. The boys took turns to fight the fish, and Bee witnessed teamwork and brotherhood.

“The kids were so disappointed, they were speechless,” she said.

The experience of being by the coast has been incredibly enriching for them, she said. “It opens up their horizons, it takes them away from the devices – it’s taught them about patience,” she said. “They can sit there and listen to music, and the family time is important – we really treasure that. Being close to nature, you feel really happy.

Being able to ground your feet in the sand and get rid of negative energy is a plus.”

Editor’s note: Buzz travel columnist Tracy L. Barnett is a Lowell Thomas travel journalism award winner and longtime travel and environmental writer. Email her at info@thebuzzmagazines.com to share your own travel tales.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 37

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Nadereh Ahly

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 38

Genesis Photographers

T

he name “Ember & Greens” offers some clues to Nadereh Ahly’s holistic bent on food.

“Ember” describes the glowing fire that greets guests upon entering the Memorial-area restaurant at 9403 Katy Freeway. The coal-fired oven emits cozy vibes throughout the brick-walled dining room, and Nadereh relies on it to roast vegetables and flatbreads. She finds that the extreme temperatures – up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit – not only give her flatbreads a glorious char, creating a crispy crust with the inside of the dough staying tender, but also provides a caramelized depth to her roasted broccolini, tomatoes, beets, carrots, and potatoes.

As for the “Greens,” there are many throughout the entire menu – from arugula to peas – but the word also embodies Nadereh’s approach to eating and cooking: Keep it organic and local when possible, and keep it healthy, simple, and delicious.

Here, the self-taught chef shares her journey from the mountains of Iran to Texas, along with her fresh-food approach, shaped by her travels and Persian childhood.

When did you open Ember & Greens, and how did you come up with the concept?

We opened Ember & Greens in fall 2019, right before Covid. We had an Italian-restaurant franchise in the same space for more than 10 years, but I was ready to do my own thing and introduce the food I’ve been serving at home to family and friends. That’s how I approach the restaurant, as if people were coming to my home.

You partnered with your 30-year-old son, Iman Yarjani, to open Ember & Greens about six months before the pandemic shutdown. How did that impact your eatery?

We lost 75 percent of our business overnight, but we managed to get through it, thanks partly to my son, Iman. Now we’re busier than before the pandemic.

Your son, a Memorial High School graduate, came up with a side business three years ago that helped keep the restaurant afloat. Tell us about Lola & Baxter, an idea sparked by your eat-green-and-clean philosophy for humans and furry friends.

My vet always commented on how my dog’s coat is so shiny and beautiful. He asked me how I did it. I told him I make my own dog food. It’s something my parents did for our dogs in Iran

CHEF NADEREH AHLY Self-taught chef Nadereh Ahly relies on her coal-fired brick oven to add depth to many of her vegetable dishes.

because there was no canned dog food available.

My son branded the idea and started selling Lola & Baxter dog food at the local farmers market.

It’s been very successful. Many of our regulars will come here to eat, and then take our made-fromscratch dog food home to their pets.

On your covered patio, we noticed diners with their pooches, and both are enjoying your food. Now, that’s a new concept in dining. That aside, how has your Persian heritage influenced some menu items, like the best-selling turkey-and-potato samosas?

I was born in Iran, but spent my high school years in Santa Barbara. Later, after my divorce, I moved to Houston to raise my children and to be closer to my family.

So my menu is modern American with influences from my travels around the world. It is more international than Persia, but you’ll find elements of Persia, too.

One of our best-sellers is the Maman Shookouh’s Samosas with cucumber yogurt. It’s my mother’s recipe, but we bake the samosas,

whereas my mom used to fry them. We also have a veggie version. It was important to me that whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or an omnivore, you can eat here.

You almost take a holistic approach to your cooking, such as using various seasonings that not only enhance the flavors of dishes, but also are beneficial to the body.

Cinnamon and turmeric contain anti-inflammatory properties, and they are used in Persian cooking. You’ll find both in many dishes, like the Citrus Chicken. The flavors are very subtle, just enough to give depth and that je nais se quoi.

You’ve lived in the Memorial area for more than two decades, and you’re a big supporter of local businesses. What are some restaurants that you frequent?

I go to these places not only for their food, but also because of the owners, who are hands-on. I love Ciro’s Italian Grill (9755 Katy Freeway) down the street. They have great pastas and pizzas. I also enjoy going to Arturo Boada Cuisine (6510 Del Monte Drive) for fettuccine alfredo, seafood pasta, and the lamb chops.

Tracie Luong

Watermelon & Arugula Salad

Tracie Luong

We typically think of watermelon as a Southern tradition. But it’s a Persian one, too. The juicy fruit is well-loved among Iranians, eaten during celebrations and holidays. At Ember & Greens, co-owner Iman Yarjani recalls looking forward to weekend mornings when he and his buddies enjoyed his mother’s bountiful brunch that included a refreshing watermelon salad with feta cheese, hummus, and egg shakshouka. His mom, chef-owner Nadereh Ahly, said watermelon with feta is a typical all-day-long snack that starts in the morning.

For the dressing: Juice of ¼ lemon Juice of 1 orange ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 3 Tablespoons Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio wine Dash salt and pepper, or to taste For the salad: 1 cup romaine lettuce 1 cup arugula 2 Tablespoons feta cheese 4 Tablespoons dried cranberries 4 Tablespoons chopped roasted walnuts 4 wedges watermelon Whisk or blend together the lemon, orange, olive oil, and wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a large salad bowl, lightly toss together the romaine and arugula with half of the salad dressing. Sprinkle feta cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Gently toss with remaining salad dressing. Divide onto two plates. Divide watermelon wedges on each of the plates. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 servings.

Egg Shakshouka There are many versions of Shakshouka throughout the Middle East. In her homeland, people simply refer to it as a Persian tomato and egg bake omelet.

But for lack of a better term, said Ember and Greens chef-owner Nadereh Ahly, she serves it as E&G Egg Shakshouka on the brunch menu, which also includes Eggs Benedict.

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil ½ cup diced onions ½ cup chopped bell pepper ½ cup button mushrooms, quartered ¼ teaspoon turmeric ¼ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 cups diced tomatoes ½ cup baby spinach, roughly chopped 4 to 6 eggs 1 Tablespoon finely chopped parsley Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms and saute gently until very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in the turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.

PERSIAN BRUNCH Ember & Greens starts the weekend off with brunch that includes a tangy, sweet-savory watermelon salad and Persian Shakshouka, eggs poached in a zesty tomato-and-spinach stew.

Pour in tomatoes and simmer until tomatoes thicken, about 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach.

Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Gently crack eggs into skillet over tomatoes.

Transfer skillet oven and bake until eggs are just set, about 7 to 10 minutes. Option: Instead of placing in the oven, you can cover the skillet, reduce heat

to low, and cook 7-10 minutes on the stovetop until eggs are set. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with your favorite hot sauce. Makes 2-3 servings.

Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime Houston-based restaurant writer.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 39

SPORTS

.

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz I

n 2014, Kinkaid Falcons senior Raevyn Rogers blazed her way to the nation’s fastest high school time in the 800-meter run. Flash forward seven years, and Rogers is still on the fast track, representing Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

She qualified for her first Olympic games with a powerful second-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials in Eugene, Oregon, in late June.

“Everyone at Kinkaid is so proud of Raevyn,” said former Kinkaid girls track and field coach Cheryl Mitchell, who made the trip to the Olympic trials to cheer on Rogers. “Anyone who had the opportunity to coach or simply spend time with Raevyn at Kinkaid admired her integrity and work ethic.”

Following her illustrious high school career at Kinkaid, where she continues to hold school records in multiple events, Rogers then went on to star at the University of Oregon as a six-time NCAA Division 1 champion and a 10-time All-American.

“I’m not surprised by her success in one bit,” said Mitchell. “Raevyn was one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever coached. But more than just being extremely competitive, she was someone who cared for her teammates and made our team better with a special joy she brought to the track.”

These days, the admiration for Rogers is evident; her image is one of a few selected track athletes posted on Bowerman Tower, which is part of the new track and field stadium at the University of Oregon and the site of the Olympic trials. “It was so emotional for me to be on hand to see that kind of respect for Raevyn,” said Mitchell. “The fans in Oregon simply loved Raevyn, and then for her to earn an Olympic berth was so emotional. All the sacrifice she’s given to the sport is deservingly paying off.”

W

hile the new school year quickly approaches, the past school year closed out in phenomenal fashion for the Strake Jesuit Crusaders baseball team, which earned its firstever berth to the UIL 6A state baseball tournament. The Crusaders’ road to the state Final Four included victories in 15 of its last 17 games,

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 40

FOUR-PEAT The Episcopal Knights hold up their 4-Peat banner after winning the SPC softball championship for the fourth consecutive season. The Knights won their final 12 games in a row, including a decisive 160 victory over Fort Worth Country Day in the SPC championship final.

including six of its last seven regular-season games just to make the playoffs.

“I told the kids that once we got into the playoffs anything can happen,” said Crusaders head coach Raul Garcia-Rameau. “The guys were very composed and played awesome baseball over a long stretch of must-win games. Once the wins kept coming, so did our confidence.”

To get to state, the Crusaders defeated five tough Class 6A opponents in the post-season playoffs, including state No. 3-ranked Katy Tompkins as well as a two-game sweep over Jersey Village to win the 6A Region III championship. “I think it all started with us having our backs against the wall late in the district race,” said Crusaders senior Andy Leon. “It was either win or go home, and I believe that sort of mental toughness pushed us to state. There’s nobody else I would have wanted to do this with than the guys on this team.”

For Crusaders senior Connor Bartlett, the run to the state Final Four had added significance. “My dad and brothers all went to school at Strake Jesuit, so for me this is a really big deal,” said Bartlett. “I’ve been coming to watch the Strake-St. Thomas rivalry games and a lot more since middle school, and for us to make school history is really special.”

I

n softball, the Episcopal Knights capped off a magnificent season by winning their fourth consecutive SPC championship, having secured the title with a dominant 16-0 victory over Fort Worth Country Day in the SPC title game.

“With last year’s season taken away from us because of Covid, this championship is all the more meaningful,” said Knights head softball coach Caitlyn Cain. “We won 12 games in a row and didn’t lose a single game after Spring Break. The girls truly dug in and didn’t take a single game or practice for granted.”

At the plate, freshman Townsen Thomas had a team-high batting average of .500, while fellow freshman Allie Williams hit for a lofty .457 average with a team-leading seven home runs. Junior catcher Lily Tanner was also an offensive force with a batting average of over .400. On the mound, No. 1 pitcher LeAnn Dromgoole led the way with a 2.8 ERA. Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Monday through Thursday on AT&T SportsNet SW. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 41

SPORTS

.

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz Jr. W

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

Beware of piranhas Tripp Sommers, Sachin Jhunjhunwala, Zaid Alousi, Davis Mann, and Hudson Jenq (top photo, from left) enjoy a long-awaited swim meet with the West University Piranhas team. The team is part of the Southwest Aquatic League (SWAL), and they did not get to have a swim season last summer. As the reigning 2019 league champions, the Piranhas were eager to get back in the pool. Led by head coach Tim Keogh, who is the swimming, diving, and water polo coach at Strake Jesuit, the neighborhood swimmers’ 2021 season includes meets against the Southwest United and Willow teams, and the SWAL championship meet. Turnout for this year’s team was huge, so they divided the meets into two different sections, by age groups, to accommodate everyone who wanted to compete.

From cheer to lacrosse Teresa Pinkston and Fiona Duncan (middle photo, from left) wrapped up a great lacrosse season with the Pin Oak Middle School white team. Playing on a team together was a reunion for these girls who cheered together for three years on the Southwest Football League (SFL) cheer team. The Pin Oak white team started practicing together in the fall of 2020, as soon as pandemic restrictions allowed, and were able to play a full spring season of games. Most of the sixth and seventh graders were new to the sport but learned quickly and enjoyed playing against local teams, including Pershing Middle School and St. John’s School, as well as traveling to play teams in The Woodlands and Cypress. The team ended the regular season with a win over St. John Paul II.

West U All-Stars headed to state The 13U West University Intermediate All-Stars (bottom photo) won both the district and sectionals championships and are headed for state. They secured the district champ title after three big wins over Memorial Ashford, First Colony, and Westbury/Bellaire/Neartown Little League. The team’s next stop was the sectionals tournament, where they swept the Santa Fe team in a best-of-three series. While they prepare for the state competition, the boys are not only practicing baseball, but also having fun together with team meals, swim parties, and movie nights. Pictured after the District 16 win are (top row, from left) coach Bobby Marquez, Alex Hughes, Andrew Christensen, Jackson Ryals, coach Willy Amador, and coach Marvin Dike; (middle row, from left) Kai Guharoy, Jack Stanger, AJ Patterson, Coltan Blossom, and Carson Murray; (bottom row, from left) Tommy Hetherington, Michael Chin, Reid Dellinger, Blake Kekish, and Aaron Griggs.

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.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 42

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 43

REBIRTH Raasti Kayani, a third grader at The Kinkaid School, is watching her bamboo trees grow back after they were killed in the winter storm.

KIDS

by Raasti Kayani, age 9

Buzz Kidz

The lost – and found – bamboo

I

was swimming in a lake. Behind me, the bamboo swayed in the breeze and created soft and sweet music. The pandas were eating the bamboo, the gators were chomping their teeth to the beat, and the fish were dancing to the tune. Then a squirrel passed by, and I realized I was daydreaming. The lush, green bamboo, 40 feet tall in my backyard, always made me feel like I was on a tropical island in South Asia.

We had two kinds of bamboo, “Gracilis,” or “Graceful” and yellow Asian Lemon. They were like a tall living wall, which provided me with cool shade while I swam, and they even cleaned the environment. Soon the summer ended, and fall came, followed by winter. The days became cooler, but the bamboo stayed tall and green.

Bamboo can survive until 18 degrees.

One early morning in February, I woke up and it was snowing. I walked across the street to my friend’s house and rang the doorbell. But the power was out, so I knocked on her door. We ended up skating on our street in the snow.

Then we decided to check how cold the temperature in my pool was. And that’s when we saw it. Our tall bamboo trees were covered in snow.

They were no longer dancing but were instead standing tall and still.

Many weeks passed by, and many experts came to our home to examine the bamboo. The thick green leaves were now dry and had turned brown. The flowery scent of the bamboo had faded away. There was no sign of new growth, and so the bamboo was cut to the ground.

Although this was a very sad day, we were told

that the roots of the bamboo were alive, and that bamboo grows very fast. It can grow about 36 inches in a day, the height of a 2-year-old child.

They told us to water the bamboo each day and be patient and hopeful. Now it is June, and already the bamboo is taller than me. I see new sprouts coming. I am patiently waiting for my backyard to return to what it once was.

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.

DISCOVER A WORLD OF FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

Order online at michaelhartfineart.com Michael Hart Photography • 713.271.8250 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 44

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

How to avoid probate To avoid probate, die. You won’t go through probate, but your estate will.

Or won’t.

Probate in Texas is not mandatory. If you leave a will, the only obligation of the custodian is to deliver it to the clerk with jurisdiction. In Harris County, the will is microfilmed, indexed, and posted online for all the world to see. For free. And then the will sits there, maybe for eternity, waiting for a beneficiary or creditor to file an application to admit the will to probate.

Many assets skip probate anyway. Designated beneficiaries collect accounts with a death certificate. Bank accounts, IRAs, employment benefits, life insurance, and motor vehicles easily avoid probate. Unfortunately, beneficiary designations are easy to lose or forget. When Washington Mutual failed, Chase got all the accounts, but none of the beneficiary designation agreements. Oops.

Transfer on death (TOD) deeds work for real estate, although some title companies may object. If recorded they are public, and you can’t lose them.

Joint ownership with right of survivorship avoids probate, but can’t be changed like a beneficiary designation.

Everything but IRAs, retirement accounts, and other qualified plans can usually fit into a living trust. Those assets avoid probate, too. Trust agreements offer privacy because those instruments are not recorded on death. If lost, though, the trust is ignored, and probate is required.

Revocable inter vivos trusts, so-called “living” trusts, are popular in California, where probate is dependent, and you can’t blow your nose without a court order. Texas estate administration is independent whenever the

will provides or the heirs agree. In Texas, it’s usually cheaper to embrace probate than it is to avoid it.

Avoiding probate altogether is hard. It’s easy enough to name a beneficiary here or add a survivorship agreement there. Some assets just don’t work that way, though, e.g., a closely held business interest, an inheritance from family who dies just before you do, or a personal injury claim (imagine leaving this world due to someone else’s fault).

As a rule of thumb, anyone worth more than $50,000 should make a will. The effort is often worth it to avoid disinheriting a spouse (in-laws are heirs), leaving money to minors or the immature, or disqualifying someone from needs-based government benefits.

For the moderately wealthy, a living trust with a pour-over will can be a good choice. Any asset that should avoid probate does. If estate administration is needed, e.g., to collect a stray asset, settle a personal injury claim, or to complete tax returns, probate is available whenever it makes the job easier.

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

Get Your Morning Buzz

Every weekday morning, enjoy your coffee + the buzz in your inbox. Our e-newsletter, Morning Buzz, features buzzworthy stories about neighbors every day, Monday-Friday.

Sign up to find out what we’re buzzing about at thebuzzmagazines.com/morning-buzz.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 45

sponsored by

PETS

Neighborhood Tails CiCi, age 19, Papillon, Pittsburg Hi! My name is CiCi, and I am a Papillon. I just turned 19 and have lived in West University all of my life. You may have seen me in years past walking around the neighborhood with my half-brother BB, who lived on Wakeforest. I can still climb stairs and smell the squirrels, who I loved to chase, but my hearing and eyesight aren’t so good anymore.

I love car rides, except to the vet. My favorite thing to do is visit my Grandma, who lives across the street on Pittsburg and always has yummy treats for me. I’m a lucky little girl!

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.

Create a buzz for your biz.

BELLAIRE MEMORIAL RIVER OAKS TANGLEWOOD WEST UNIVERSITY Est. 2002. Mailed to 58,000 homes monthly.

To advertise in The Buzz Magazines, contact us at 713.668.4157, ext. 11 or advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 46

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Alpha gal – an exceptional allergy It is uncommon for individuals to develop a food allergy in the adult years of life, especially if that allergy is to red meat or pork. As we know, however, the world of medicine is full of exceptions. Alpha gal sounds like a strong female leader, but it’s actually one example of an exception in the field of allergy. Folks with food allergies generally react to certain proteins in food.

However, alpha gal is not a protein, but rather a carbohydrate called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, which is found in non-primate, mammalian meat.

In other words, alpha gal can be found in four legged hoofed animals – cows, goats, pig, lamb, etc.

Even more odd is that this allergy develops after a tick bite, although the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood. Tick bites rarely lead to an alpha gal allergy, but the ones that do tend to occur in the eastern United States. After being bitten, individuals, who may have enjoyed meats containing alpha gal for years, will be at risk for delayed anaphylaxis if they consume such meat, even if it is only a small amount. Since anaphylaxis can be life threatening, people with an alpha gal allergy should avoid all red meats and pork, and carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case there is a reaction after an accidental ingestion. For some, an avoidance to dairy is also recommended. Since this reaction is delayed, it takes longer for symptoms to develop than a regular food allergy, about 3 to 4 hours. The most common symptom is a red, blotchy, itchy rash, known as hives.

Interestingly, the allergist who discovered alpha gal is Dr. Tom PlattsMills at UVA Charlottesville med school. He also put dust mite allergy on the map many years ago by identifying them as the active allergen in

house dust.

How do you know who has an allergy to alpha gal? Since alpha gal is a carbohydrate rather than a protein, the typical skin and blood tests to meat proteins are not reliable for diagnosis.

A blood test that specifically looks for a reaction to the alpha gal carbohydrate should be used in conjunction with a clinical history.

How long does the allergy last? I want my steak and bacon! The immune response to alpha gal typically declines slowly over time. An allergist will look at a combination of regular blood tests and clinical history to decide when it is time to possibly reintroduce non-primate mammalian meats into your diet.

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

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 47

Right Time Solutions

NEIGHBORS

.

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Buzz About Town Fourth festivities in West U

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 48

Rwandan genocide in 1994. The event also included speakers Jacquelyn Aluotto, human rights activist and anti-trafficking specialist; Angela Zeng, PhD, founder and CEO of Karuna Beverages; and Michael Bociurkiw, author and global affairs analyst. Guests heard a testimonial from Rich Love, a recording artist and humantrafficking survivor. Plant It Forward was honored with the Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award. Accepted by Edith Constant Ngouala, the award recognized the organization’s efforts in refugee education and entrepreneurship. The United Nations was named the Refugee Organization of the Year Award.

Proceeds go to Plant It Forward and the United Nations’ Human Rights Fund. Pictured are Edith Constant Ngoula and Teresa O'Donnell.

Pop-up picnics with streamers and miniature flags. After being cancelled last year due to Covid, the traditional parade experienced a huge turnout, despite the rainy forecast. Pictured are Myla, Macy, and Molly Blankenship sporting matching red, white, and blue dresses. See “West U Fourth of July Parade 2021” at thebuzzmagazines.com for more photos and details by Buzz interns Abby Cowan and Ava Yu.

Courtesy of Katy Prairie Conservancy

Caroline Geiger and Cody Plummer met in 2016.

They were on the same flight traveling from Houston back to Louisiana State University, where they both went to college. Waiting to board, they started chatting – continuing the conversation through a long flight delay – and hit it off.

Once they boarded, Cody noticed that there happened to be an empty seat next to Caroline, who was in a premium-seating area. Cody flagged down a flight attendant to ask if he could sit next to the “cute girl toward the front,” and he let him move seats, free of charge. Once they landed, Caroline ended up giving Cody a ride home from the airport, and that was the start of many adventures together. It was particularly fitting that, following a year of quarantine, the two took the first opportunity to travel again. While watching a sunset in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Cody thought this would be the perfect opportunity to propose. They were able to capture and celebrate the moment with Caroline’s parents, Paul and Shannon Geiger.

The couple plan to marry in New Orleans in March with friends and family including Cody's parents, Lynn and Mike Plummer.

West University families decked out in red, white, and blue gathered for a patriotic bike parade around Town Center and back to City Hall followed by family games at Colonial Park. Children rode their bikes, scooters, and wagons decorated Abby Cowan

Jessica Lumpkin, Grace Photography

Prepare for takeoff

Emerge Gala On World Refugee Day, June 20, the first Emerge Gala took place with the goal to raise funds for Emerge, a local organization that helps the Houston refugee community. Founded by culinary chef Jennifer Sebasigari, Emerge hosts events that raise awareness of the refugees that live in our communities, the challenges they face, and contributions they make. During the gala, held at Pelazzio, emcee Ivory Hecker interviewed Sebasigari, who shared her story of adapting to life in the U.S. as a refugee from the

Families (including these young supporters) picnicked at their favorite local parks in support of “Picnic for the Prairie,” a city-wide event hosted by the local land conservation organization Katy Prairie Conservancy. The fundraising event was spread across the city as attendees were encouraged to gather their family and friends and enjoy a picnic with pre-arranged picnic meals from Urban Eats. The event kicked off at noon with (continued on page 50)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 49

(continued from page 48) opening remarks from

City Council Member Abbie Kamin who proclaimed June 12 “Picnic for the Prairie Day.” The event raised $100,000 to support the preservation of the Katy Prairie.

WULL Champs

Michael Skelton

The West University Little League brought home two state championship titles. The 13U Intermediate team and the 15U Seniors beat Brenham and Seguin, respectively, at the West U South Campus field. The Senior champs are (from left) Marc Moritz, Steven Moritz, Will Young, Jack Magnus, David Coady, Andy Fuselier, Walker Dellinger, Josh Horn, Anthony Equale, Caleb Davis, Mason Chiu, Miles Dominey, Will Coffman, David Chiu, and Brett Berlin. Not pictured is Luke Jamieson.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 50

New JLH leaders

Big brunch bash

The Junior League of Houston welcomed its 2021-22 executive committee: president Jennifer Scheifley Roberts, president-elect Anne Sears, community vice president Sameka Wood, development vice president Jennifer Dennis Weinstock, financial vice president Megan Ryan, membership vice president SaraNell Van Lant, and recording secretary Shems “Mimi” Blomberg. Outgoing 2020-21 president Rachel Regan was given the traditional silver platter. Incoming president Jennifer’s theme for the 2021-22 year is “The Power of One,” demonstrating the exponential power we all have to affect someone else’s life through one act of kindness. Pictured (from left) at the President’s Tea are Weinstock, Wood, Sears, Roberts, Ryan, Blomberg, and Van Lant.

The Big Brunch Bright Futures fundraiser benefiting Children At Risk returned to The Grove TreeHouse Deck in Discovery Green. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed a wine-tasting game, live auction, and stylish-hat contest while raising $140,000 for programs that benefit Houstonarea children. Event chairs were Manon and Matt Kebodeaux and Brittany and Adam Branscum. The statewide nonprofit honored people who have served children throughout their careers: Dr. David Callender, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System; Mr. Stephen Williams, director of the Houston Health Department; Olivia Casares, principal of Lyons Elementary; and Dr. Jean Raphael, pediatrician and founding director of the Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy at Texas (continued on page 52)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 51

Rise and shine

Jeff Grass Photography

More than 150 “early birds” gathered for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston’s “Rise and Shine Breakfast” held at River Oaks Country Club. The breakfast included a speech

by Robert Ellis, Youth of the Year. Robert displayed strong character, leadership, and academic excellence during his time with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and is an incoming freshman at Xavier University in New Orleans, where he plans to study neurology. Former board chairman Bill Goetz and wife Joey Goetz received the 2021 Carol Freeman Volunteer of

Rock ‘n’ roll all Neider Friends and family celebrated David Neider’s 60th birthday at McGovern Centennial Gardens. Guests dressed in their rock star best since the birthday boy loves rock music. The décor and food – such as the Buns ‘n’ Roses slider station – tied into the theme. A highlight was when David surprised his guests by re-proposing to his wife, Carol, of 35 years. He hadn’t formally proposed before they were married, and it was a touching moment. David followed up by

jumping on stage and jamming with the band Storm Surge for a few songs. Pictured are (from left) David with granddaughter Goldie Strauss, Rachel Strauss, Leo Strauss, Levi Strauss, and Carol Neider.

From preschool to proposal Trisha Tripathi, Trisha's Takes

Hospital.

Pictured are (from left) Melissa Pifko, Julia Williams, and Susannah and Chris Watt.

Casa De Camera

Quy Tray Photography

(continued from page 50) Children’s

the Year Award. Carol Freeman gave an inspirational speech about caring for others and the role philanthropy plays in providing a safe place for kids to go. More than $125,000 was raised to benefit programming for youth ages six through 18. Pictured are (from left) Julius Young, Bill and Joey Goetz, and Kevin Hattery.

In October 2017, Alex Daily and Spencer Lepow connected via a dating app. They realized they had lots of mutual friends, and, as it turns out, they went to preschool together. They even found class photos from their preschool days at Beth Yeshurun; after, Spencer went to St. John’s School, and Alex stayed for elementary school at Beth Yeshurun and then Emery/Weiner for middle and high school.

Alex and Spencer have created lots of new memories together, including travel to Iceland, Japan, Italy, England, and Germany. Quarantine helped them discover a shared love of cooking and baking.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, Spencer proposed at Zilker Botanical Gardens. Afterwards, the two went for dinner, and then parents Pam and Bill Daily and Gary and Gloria Lepow came to town to celebrate. Their next adventure: a move to NYC, as Spencer will be working toward his MBA at NYU. 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.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 52

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 53

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

Back to school … for real

I

t happens every August: meeting classmates, settling into desks, getting used to routines.

But this year, nobody – not the teachers, not the students, not the parents – is taking that fall ritual for granted.

Jennifer Levy is starting her 18th year as a teacher and her eighth at West University Elementary. “I’m hoping for normalcy this year,” she says of her fourth-grade class. “Hoping we’re all in the classroom, with zero online people.”

She’s hoping that this school year looks nothing like last year. “They were all virtual the first six weeks,” Jen remembers. “I made them have their cameras on. That way I could tell so-andso was in bed!”

Still, she says there were times when she could see students get up from their desks. “One kid came back with chips, and I was like, ‘This is not snack time, get back here!’” Then, Jen says, she realized, “my teacher voice was going across houses in America! I don’t usually think about people hearing me talk like that. It was mortifying.”

When they did return (16 came back in October, with eight still online), Jen says, “everybody, kids and teachers, was just beyond grateful to be in the classroom.” At that point, teaching students in person and online, Jen says, “it was much better than I expected, but having to deal with online and everything in the classroom was like a never-ending nagging, like someone is tapping you on the shoulder at all times. Someone would say, ‘I don’t have that paper,’ or, ‘Ms. Levy, I can’t see you.’ I took a lot of deep breaths.

“You might say I’m just a rainbow-bright teacher, but the year was also amazing, with lots of positives. My homeroom kids had their own field for recess [to promote social distancing], and it was like when you go on a field trip and it’s fun – they bonded so much more than in a normal year.”

This fall, Laura and Jason Buchman are in the unique position of sending Sydney, 19, to Kenyon College as a sophomore, Aidan, 17, to The Emery/Weiner School as a high school senior, and Max, 3, to Beth Yeshurun Day School for pre-PreK. “Doesn’t everyone do this?” Jason quips.

“At some point, they were all with us,” Laura WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2021 54

says of the past year and a half.

“Everyone’s schedule was disrupted, and everyone tried to be respectful.

[Quarantine] was like going a million miles at once and going nowhere.”

“Kenyon, which is in the middle of an Ohio cornfield,” Jason says, “did such a good job restricting activities and testing weekly that Sydney was able to be there the full year. They had various Defcon levels, depending on positivity levels.

If they were doing well, they might be allowed to congregate outside with masks or have a CLASS IS IN Students, teachers, and parents are looking forward to a back-to-school celswim practice. ebration – in person.

“They unequivglad for him that he can have a full senior expeocally plan on having a normal semester this rience, whereas Sydney’s senior year got shut fall. She will have a roommate [everyone lived down at Spring Break. All Aidan’s activities are alone last year], and swim team has sent out the planned and seem to be going forward.” meet schedule, including travel meets. If we’re And then there’s Max. “I will say, it’s really talking philosophically, she doesn’t know what hard to drop your kid off on the first day of school normal looks like. She can’t get there fast having never walked into the school. I have yet enough and wants to be there when the gates to walk into the school,” Laura says of dropping open.” her 2-and-a-half year old off at his new school For Aidan, going back to in-person school at last fall. “Someone in a mask, I had no idea who, Emery “was not particularly abnormal,” Jason got him out of the car. He had this look of trepsays. “I mean, they wore masks. The one thing idation, and I broke down in tears. But when he that really pissed him off was that they had to got into the car after school, he said, ‘Mommy, I walk in specific directions down the hall, so if he had the best day,’ and that was it. had a class next door to another class, but it was “For Max, we just don’t know what this year the wrong direction, he’d have to walk all the will look like,” she adds. “We’ve never done it way around the hall. I heard a lot about that.” for real.”

Aidan is excited to begin his senior year. “I’m behance.net/runamokstudios

.