The West University Buzz - August 2023

School Days Lefties in a Righty World The Jaybird/ Woodpecker War Captivating Reads Back-to-School Breakfasts

Quiz Bowl Champs

by Cheryl Ursin

Photo Contest Gallery Understanding AI (Or Not) Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID

Chef’s Corner: Paletas

Achudh Karunakaran, Sean Boyle, Leonidas Boukas, Long Nguyen, and Arjun Chhibber

US Postage PRSRT STD

World Travelers

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s been over 20 years since I packed a school lunch. When things got hectic (and they usually were), I remember telling myself, One day I’ll miss this. Full disclosure: I don’t. Or at least, I don’t miss the frenzied mornings, the busy afternoons, the overdoing it on school supplies. In fact, I still have leftover brown paper sacks – every time I’d go to Costco, I’d think, We probably need more lunch bags. (We didn’t). I could have used the advice of two local moms who share back-to-school tips and tricks for helping to keep their large families organized, plus sweet traditions they look forward to each year. Also in this issue, we learn what it means to grow up being a “southpaw” aka a lefty. Only about 10 percent of the US population are left-handed, including one of my sons. Read Cathy Gordon’s story to find out lefty facts and myths and famous southpaws. Whether you’re making lists of school supplies and lunch items or not, here’s to a safe and stress-free start to this school year! 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-in-Chief Publisher Editor Associate Editor Design Manager Staff Writers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Caroline Siegfried John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Cindy Burnett Andria Frankfort Dilling Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon Michelle Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Jo Rogers Isabella Barcenas, Raigan Clay, Grace DeJong, Naama Machol, Demi Pappas

On our cover: The T.H. Rogers quiz-bowl A-team placed 23rd out of 160 teams from across the country at the middle-school national tournament in May. Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2023 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 2023 4

Your smile can last forever

Anna Maria Salas, D.D.S., M.S. Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

3642 University Blvd., Suite 102 Houston, TX 77005 www.westuortho.com 713-481-4885

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions From the Grand Prize winner I am writing to express how much of an impact the 2023 Photo Contest and, overall, The Buzz Magazines has had on me. I love The Buzz Magazines because it gives a voice to the voiceless and helps high schoolers like me find my identity. This contest helped me discover a new hobby and I will continue to work on photography! Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity and I would love to participate again in the future!

Rilina Tran Editor’s note: Your feedback means a lot to us, Rilina. Congratulations again to you – we are always impressed by the caliber of the winning photographs in our Photo Contest, but the fact that you are 17 and won our grand prize is particularly special!

From the People’s Choice winner What an honor to have three images selected by your judges as finalists.

I look forward to your July issue every year to catch a glimpse of the amazing images submitted each year. I'm also grateful and humbled to have my Ambushed – look closely image selected as this year's People's Choice winner at the Pop-Up Gallery. Kudos to The Buzz staff for another wonderful neighborhood photo contest.

If you all post the People’s Choice winner, please let me know when and where. My wife doesn’t believe me! LOL. David Holland Editor’s note: David, thanks for the nice feedback – and yes, your photo Ambushed – look closely did indeed win People’s Choice! Find a recap from our Pop-Up Gallery, plus the announcement of People’s Choice, in this issue.

Correction: Bridge mix-up The First Place Landscape photo of the bridges in New York City identifies the bridges as the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges. The first one is indeed the Brooklyn, but the one behind it is the Manhattan Bridge, not the Williamsburg, which is further up the river. This is easily verified by just looking on Google Maps, where you can see where the bridges are.

It is an easy thing to get mixed up, though – and it’s an outstanding photo of the bridges.

Peter Denman Editor’s note: Peter, thank you for writing in. We made the correction online and appreciate you letting us know.

I was fortunate to have been selected for a couple of awards. It is always exciting to participate in this contest and see all these wonderful pictures.

It shows us that we can still learn new things. I want to thank The Buzz staff for their kindness and professionalism and for creating the contest.

Note: I titled one of my pictures Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges, but in fact they are the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

Mauricio Recinos

Hit the jackpot I am writing in response to your article, UnBridaled Gratitude [by Cindy Gabriel, June 2023]. Aimee McCrory and I took our first photography class together ten years ago and we clicked immediately. Cindy Gabriel sure did hit the jackpot gaining Aimee in her life by marriage. If the other sistersin-law are even a tad bit like Aimee then she indeed hit the Powerball of family lotteries. Happy reading!

Katherine Kardesch 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 fall or holiday traditions.

• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.

• Have a milestone life event to share.

• Have a compelling travel tale.

• Have a sweet multi-generational story.

Talented photographers of all ages This year’s Buzz photo contest attracted many photographers. I was glad to see younger people participating and also winning. After all, they are the future of this wonderful hobby. To some it might turn into a profession.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 6

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 102.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 7

Emily Jaschke

ARTS

by The Buzz

Emily Jaschke

Showcasing 2023 Buzz Photo Contest Winners

Emily Jaschke

Pop-Up Gallery

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 8

Emily Jaschke Emily Jaschke

Emily Jaschke

Emily Jaschke

F

or 17 years, The Buzz Magazines has hosted an annual photo contest, which is open to amateur local photographers. Every year, submissions are reviewed by a panel of professional photographers, and the winning photographs are printed in our July issue. This year, for the first time, winning photos were also displayed in a beautiful pop-up gallery located in River Oaks District, June 26-30.

Visitors were encouraged to come by and see the photos in person and vote for their favorites via QR code for a special People’s Choice award. Winner of the People’s Choice award is Ambushed – look closely by David Holland.

In conjunction with the pop-up gallery, The Buzz Magazines and River Oaks District collaborated to host a gallery party showcasing the winning images. Guests, including Photo Contest winners and their families, enjoyed mixing and mingling over beverages and appetizers by Bari Ristorante. It was a unique opportunity to experience the photographs in a three-dimensional format and meet some of the photographers.

A fun coincidence is that Emily Jaschke, event photographer for the gallery party, submitted her own photos for our Photo Contest back in 2007 and had winning photos in two categories.

A special thank you to 2023 judges, Eric Forsythe, Nikky LaWell, and Terry Vine; photo contest sponsors, Houston Camera Exchange and The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa; gallery sponsors, River Oaks District, Arnoult Fine Art Consulting, and Portable Gallery Walls; and thank you to Public Content.

If you have a knack for photography, the call for entries begins in our March 2024 print issue, on our website, and on our social media.

See more photos from our gallery party at thebuzzmagazines.com/pop-up and view the 2023 Buzz Photo Contest winners at thebuzzmagazines.com/2023-photo-contest.

CELEBRATING PHOTOGRAPHY Clockwise, from upper left: Grand Prize winner Rilina Tran, age 17; Natalie Alexander, fifth-place winner (People and Portraits category); Buzz summer interns Raigan Clay, Grace DeJong, Izzy Barcenas; Shazma Matin, fourth-place winner (Animals category); Whitni and Brent Parker looking at photographs (Whitni won fifth place, Landscapes); party attendees (from left) Becky Abell, Gabriel Perez, Jennifer Greenberg, Lisa Myers and Jeff Myers; guests admiring photographs in the gallery; Ed Diaz, first-place winner (People and Portraits).

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Melissa Noble

NEIGHBORS

by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer

The Jaybird/Woodpecker War An ‘Undertold’ Story – Not a Memoir, Part 7

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hy am I standing in a very old cemetery getting bitten by ants? After reading a series of articles my father wrote in The Fort Bend Reporter in 1958, I wanted a first-hand look at a monument I remember as a child. The “heroes” in this case were men who died between 1888 and ’89 for the cause of restoring all-white government to Fort Bend County.

I was recently gobsmacked to learn this: Between 1869 and 1889 Fort Bend County enjoyed a bi-racial government. Well, not everyone enjoyed it. But it happened anyway.

Until it didn’t.

We moved to Fort Bend County in 1955, where my dad, Clymer Wright, took over the family newspaper, The Fort Bend Reporter and slapped the word Independent across the banner. By 1958, he had decided that something called The Jaybird Democratic Association of Fort Bend County had to go.

We were among the newer families to a community of deeply rooted descendants from among The Old 300, the first Anglo American settlers who arrived with Stephen F. Austin when Texas was still part of Mexico. Together their families started large plantations, went through the Texas War for Independence, the Civil War, and their own side skirmish called the Jaybird/Woodpecker War. After losing the Civil War, plantation owners faced the reality that their slaves, now called Freedmen, had the same voting rights as whites.

By then the population in Fort Bend County was 20 percent white and 80 percent black. The plantation owners not only lost their slaves, they were completely outnumbered at the ballot box.

For two solid decades, Fort Bend County elected officials served side by side, in a roughly 50-50 ratio of Black to Anglo, including the first Black sheriff in the nation, Walter Moses Burton, who would go on to serve in the Texas Legislature.

Leslie Lovett, who currently teaches history at The Kinkaid School, wrote her Rice University Master’s thesis on this subject in 1994. Lovett made this observation: While the county certainly had its share of violence and planter WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 10

resistance to emancipation and black enfranchisement, what is striking about Fort Bend is the degree to which the planter elite (plantation owners) cooperated with bi-racial county government.

White men, including bankrupt plantation owners, campaigned for the Black vote and won.

The former slaves, then called Freedmen, (likely just learning to read) were careful to vote in a roughly 50-50 racial mix. Meanwhile, with the help of the Northern-organized A RELIC This monument is to honor members of the Jaybird Party who died for Freedmen’s Bureau, the “cause” of restoring an all-white government to Fort Bend County. It stood in anti-slavery Christians downtown Richmond from 1896 until 2021 when it was quietly moved to Hodges Bend Cemetery in Sugar Land, Texas, on land originally deeded by piofrom The American neer Stephen F. Austin.

Missionary Association, In The Jay Birds of Fort Bend County by and others, the Freedmen started their own Pauline Yelderman, published in 1979, community, now called Kendleton. White Yelderman quoted an editorial published by my women, some from plantations, served as teachfather on March 27, 1958 on what turned out ers to their former slaves. to be the last Jaybird primary. This appeared on Meanwhile, a group of young white men page 272 in the final chapter; Yelterman wrote: started itching to get their all-white governAfter briefly reviewing the history of The Jaybird ment back. They formed something called The Association, Clymer Wright, the editor wrote.

Jay Bird Democratic Association (they original“We can see no reason for a Jaybird Party to exist ly spelled it with two words, Jay Birds). They today and recommend that the leaders of the Jaybird called their opponents the Woodpeckers, those Party re-evaluate their position in light of the changduly elected to office, who needed to come out ing times. If the party fails to serve a useful purpose, of their holes. A year-long battle culminated in it should disband. If party leaders are determined to a final showdown on the streets of downtown continue the Jaybirds, future candidates should band Richmond on August 15, 1889. Texas together and give the party the ‘air’.” (Meaning the Governor Laurence S. Ross, a former brush-off, I assume) Confederate General, intervened, declared Yelderman added: martial law, and facilitated the Jaybird plan to This editorial was rank heresy. No editor of a restore all-white government. county newspaper had ever been so bold as to ask Tragically, Black citizens lost the right to vote for the demise of the Jay Bird Association. for some 64 years until 1953 when the Supreme The Jaybird Party officially disbanded in Court finally ruled their white-only provision 1959. The handwriting was on the wall. Was illegal. But the Jaybird party itself continued to Dad’s editorial the final nail in the coffin? I’d run elections, though technically no longer like to think so. refusing the Black vote.

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Cindy Burnett

ARTS

by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Captivating Reads Books that’ll get you hooked

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aking the time to sit down and read a book can seem daunting to people who don’t regularly do so. With so many titles publishing weekly, even selecting a book can feel overwhelming. For those who are interested in immersing themselves in a great story but are not sure where to start, I am highlighting 10 titles that will appeal to infrequent or reluctant readers. These books will help you get hooked on reading – even if you don’t think you are a reader.

Drowning by T.J. Newman (thriller) – Drowning is a heart-pounding thriller that grabbed me from page one and did not let up until the very last sentence. Six minutes after Flight 1421 takes off from Honolulu, the plane plummets into the ocean and eventually starts sinking to the sea floor with 12 passengers still on board. Faced with one disaster after another, these individuals fight to stay alive until they can be rescued. Newman is a former flight attendant and really understands how to ramp up the suspense in this environment.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (historical fiction) – Set in the 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott becomes the reluctant star of a cooking show entitled “Supper at Six” and uses the show to promote women’s rights. A highlight of the book is Zott’s fabulous dog 6:30. A screen adaptation of Garmus’s wildly successful debut is coming to Apple TV in October and stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise

by Colleen Oakley (contemporary fiction) – This not-to-be-missed gem stars 21-year-old Tanner Quimby and 84-year-old Louise Wilt who are thrown together when Louise’s family decides she needs a live-in caregiver. One evening, Louise wakes Tanner up and insists that they leave immediately (in a car Tanner didn’t even know existed) and head across the country. This book is delightful and hilarious from the start, and I wish I could take a road trip with Tanner and Louise.

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz (contemporary fiction) – Written in a unique format across 12 job-counseling sessions, this book is a quick but very compelling read about a woman coming to terms with how WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 12

she has lived her life so far. It is just the right combination of humor, family drama, and a strong setting.

Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr (thriller) – After reporter Jules Roth talks her way into a job with Chicago’s preeminent investigative reporter, he assigns her to a top-secret UNPUTDOWNABLE Looking for a good book but not sure what to pick up? story, locating “Woman Try Drowning by T.J. Newman. on Fire,” a very valuwhen Leo bonds with her kids and runs errands able painting stolen by the Nazis during World with her in town. Monaghan creates a heartWar II. The novel contains fabulous twists and warming, hilarious, and charming story that turns combined with a stellar plot and an kept me completely engaged in the story as I intriguing cast of characters. rooted for Leo and Nora.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (mystery) – and Alex Kiester (thriller) – A journalist This laugh-out-loud mystery set in San returns home to Indiana and becomes focused Francisco’s Chinatown stars 60-year-old Vera on an unsolved murder from her childhood folWong who finds a dead body in her tea shop. lowing the present-day disappearance of anothFrustrated with the investigation, she decides to er young girl. The more she digs, the more she do a little detective work herself, while inadverrealizes that something is amiss. The chapters tently becoming friends with the people she is are short, and the story is fast-paced and sure are suspects. Filled with humor and hijinks, incredibly engaging.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez delight from beginning to end. (historical fiction) – This sad, but important, These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham book highlights what happens when those in Grant (thriller) – Grant’s compelling and hauntcharge think they know what is best and take ing thriller stars a father and daughter duo who matters into their own hands regarding forced have been living in a remote cabin off the grid sterilization. With the recent focus on reproducfor eight years in the northern Appalachian tive rights, this is a particularly relevant and woods. But when the person who delivers their compelling story. I listened to this one, and the annual supply delivery doesn’t show up, a series audiobook is stellar. of events are set in motion that will challenge Happy reading! the life the father has created for them. I read this tension-filled story in one sitting, and it is one of Editor’s note: Southside Place resident Cindy the best thrillers that I have read in a long while.

Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners colNora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan umn at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts the (romance) – In this absolutely delightful romanaward-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast, is tic comedy, Nora Hamilton writes formulaic co-creator of the Houston literary event series scripts for a Hallmark-like channel, and when Conversations from the Page, runs the Instagram one of her scripts is filmed at her home, Leo account @thoughtsfromapage, and regularly speaks Vance, America’s heartthrob, is cast in the leadto groups about books. ing role. No one is more surprised than Nora

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KIDS lawellphoto.com

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Battle of Wits Quiz bowl works your brain

E

very May, a hotel near Chicago’s O’Hare airport is taken over by middle-school students, over 600 of them from all over the country, along with their parents and coaches.

It’s the Middle School National Championship Tournament, run by National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT), for the academic sport known as quiz bowl.

“It’s a swirl of kids,” says Randy Takaoka, seventh-grade social-studies teacher at T.H. Rogers School, who, as the former coach of the school’s quiz-bowl teams, has attended the national competition about a dozen times.

Throughout the hotel, in 75 conference rooms, pairs of four-person teams literally match wits against each other in 18-minute games, hovering over their buzzers, as a moderator asks rapid-fire questions about literature, history, science, art, current events, and what quiz-bowlers affectionately call “trash,” which is sports and popular culture.

Quiz bowl, which is also played competitively at the high-school and college levels, is not simply mashing your buzzer button and answering the question before your competition. When it comes to the “toss-up questions,” which are asked of both teams, you are mashing your buzzer button and trying to answer quickly, but not just to beat the other team. The questions are written so that the moderator is, at first, giving you very obscure clues, but the clues become increasingly more obvious, till, by the end of the paragraph-long question, the answer is as easy as it’s going to get.

Players try to “buzz in” as early as possible because if they can answer the question before it’s read in its entirety, they earn more points.

However, if a player buzzes in early and answers incorrectly, their team is docked five points, in what quiz-bowlers call a “neg.” For these toss-up questions, the players on a team cannot confer with each other. However, if a player answers a toss-up correctly, their team then gets to answer a three-part bonus question, on which they can confer. Each part of a bonus question answered correctly is worth 10 points.

The top team at T.H. Rogers, the A-team (there are currently five teams at the school), is WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 14

BRAIN POWER The quiz-bowl teams at T.H. Rogers School work hard at their sport. Pictured is the A team, from left: Achudh Karunakaran, Sean Boyle, Leonidas Boukas, Long Nguyen, and Arjun Chhibber with their coach, Chelsea Timmons.

powerful. They go to the national competition virtually every year. This past May, they placed 23rd out of 160 teams. In years past, they have placed as high as 5th (in 2014) and 2nd (in 2015). According to NAQT information online, there are about 18 middle schools and 17 high schools in our area that have quiz-bowl teams. This year, Kinkaid, Strake Jesuit, Bellaire High School, St. John’s, Carnegie Vanguard, St. Thomas, and Westside High School all competed in the high-school national championship tournament, and, along with T.H. Rogers, whose A Team was the highest-scoring Houston middle-school team (the school’s B Team placed 114th), St. Thomas’ Episcopal (49th), Annunciation Orthodox (A Team 60th, B Team 126th), and St. John’s (A Team 63rd, B Team 117th) competed in this year’s middleschool national championship in Chicago.

The five-person T.H. Rogers A team consisted of two eighth graders, Achudh Karunakaran, who was captain of the A Team, and Arjun Chhibber, who led the quiz-bowl club, and three seventh

graders, Sean Boyle, Leonidas Boukas, and Long Nguyen. (A quiz-bowl team competes with four players at a time but can sub out players.)

Two of the boys, Achudh and Leonidas, knew about quiz bowl because family members had played. Achudh’s brother and two of his cousins had competed for T. H. Rogers, two of them when the team came in second at nationals in 2015. Leonidas’s older brother has also competed. Jerking a thumb toward Achudh, Arjun says, “I joined mostly because he joined; we’re friends.” Sean decided to try out at the end of sixth grade when his teacher said it was fun.

And Long thought it meshed well with his interest in history and politics.

Chelsea Timmons, new this year as the quizbowl team coach, is a seventh-grade exploratory-science teacher at T.H. Rogers. “One day, the boys cornered me, saying, ‘Please, please be our sponsor,’” she says.

“We developed a whole pitch,” says Arjun.

Though Ms. Timmons hadn’t competed in quiz bowl herself, she did (continued on page 16)

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(continued from page 14) participate in a similar

academic competition and got to go to its nationals as a middle-schooler, so she remembered the fun and excitement and was all in. In fact, she told her old coach, who had also been a seventh-grade science teacher, what she was doing. “She was so, so excited,” says Ms. Timmons. “She said, ‘The legacy continues.’”

The boys, Ms. Timmons says, are a joy to coach. “They’re very self-run,” she says. “You don’t have to tell them to do things; they want to do them.” Once, in Chicago, she lost track of where they were. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh!’” she says. But she soon found them. They were in a quiet corner, studying.

“They’re so dedicated to their craft. They were even studying the day we got back to school and they showed up for practice after school, even though some of us had had flights that didn’t get in until midnight,” she says.

Kevin Boyle, Sean’s dad, was especially impressed with the team’s supportive nature in Chicago. “I saw other teams unravel, when the players would get after each other for missing a question, and it just killed those teams,” he says, “but the boys were so supportive of each other.

It served our team well.”

While there are other quiz-bowl competitions for individuals, team quiz bowl really is a team effort. A team member can be a generalist, which Achudh is, but others might specialize in two or three of the quiz-bowl subjects. For instance, Sean specializes in “trash” and literature. (Sean also competes on the school’s middle-school team for the Houston Independent School District’s Name That Book competition.

The T.H. Rogers middle-school team has been the reigning champions in that for the last seven years.) Long focuses on history, current events, and geography, and Leo and Arjun focus on art and science.

“I was planning to be history and science,” says Arjun, “but the team needed another art specialist, and I love fine arts now.”

Long agrees. “It’s allowed all of us to expand our horizons on multiple subjects,” he says.

So, how do you prepare for a competition where you are going to be asked random, obscure questions on pretty much any subject?

There are two components. In their group practices, in home room twice a week, and after school once a week, they focus on honing their skills with the game format. They use packets of

BOWL YOU OVER The A and B quiz-bowl teams from T.H. Rogers School took a break after the national championship tournament in Chicago in May to do some bowling. Pictured, front row, from left: Daniel AmbyOkolo, Leonidas Boukas, Mahati Kadiyala, Hanlin Li; back row, from left: Long Nguyen, Achudh Karunakaran, Sean Boyle, Arjun Chhibber, and Ahmil Mims.

questions like the ones the moderators use, asking each other toss-up and bonus questions.

Each team member also studies on his own.

Achudh estimates he spends one to three hours a day studying just for quiz bowl. Although Achudh says his quiz-bowl work has helped him develop study tactics that are helpful for school, quiz-bowl study is also different than regular studying. It’s more fun, the boys agreed. No offense, Ms. Timmons. “None taken,” she replied.

“You have a different mindset,” says Arjun, “because you are looking for clues.”

Leonidas gives an example of a clue: In a question about a painting, he says, “If they say there’s a red barn in the background, that’s usually ‘American Gothic,’” the 1930 painting by Grant Wood of a stern-looking farmer, pitchfork in hand, and his equally stern-looking daughter.

One of the boys’ favorite ways to study is to

watch online videos about different subjects. A favorite on YouTube is CrashCourse. Sean, studying literature, reads a lot of poems and short stories, but for longer works, also summaries of books, such as SparkNotes study guides. There are also websites and apps dedicated to quiz-bowl prep as well as materials and books available from organizations such as NAQT and Texas Quiz Bowl Alliance (TQBA), which runs some of the competitions teams use to qualify for nationals. TQBA also offers evening classes and summer camps.

All the boys hope to continue with quiz bowl, Achudh at DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Arjun at Carnegie Vanguard High School, and Sean, Long, and Leonidas as eighth graders at T.H. Rogers.

“It’s just been such a great thing for us,” says Arjun. “It’s just been so much fun, and we got to bond over interests we all have.”

Are You as Smart as a Quiz Bowler?

Sample, from NAQT, of a middle-school national championship tournament question. The asterisk marks where, if a player answers before the moderator reads farther, they can earn extra points. The underlined portion of the answer is the minimum answer that can be given to be considered correct.

One story by this man is set in the year 2081, when “everybody was finally equal.” This author of a story about a 14-year-old genius named Harrison Bergeron wrote a novel that depicts the *firebombing of Dresden. Billy Pilgrim appears in – for 10 points – what author’s Slaughterhouse-Five?

Kurt Vonnegut (Jr.) How’d you do?

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NEIGHBORS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Lefty Living in a Righty-Run World hartphoto.com

Southpaws unite!

BATTER UP When it comes to the all-American sport of baseball, Robert Kunco and sons Wade, 7, and Vince, 9, (pictured, from left) are lefties all the way.

L

et’s hear it for the southpaws, cranking that hand-held can opener at absurd angles to get to those peas, risking life and limb with power tools, navigating that computer mouse on the right.

We aren’t known for beautiful penmanship.

Our side palm resembles a Rorschach inkblot test, sopping up fresh ink as we plow through what we’ve just written.

That’s me, a lefty since birth. I’ve known it since I first picked up a chunky crayon, coloring WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 18

wildly outside of the lines. My husband will tell you that my writing still runs amok, with gigantic loops and crossed Ts that fly off the page, leaving smudges behind. “Your handwriting is out of control,” he says.

Even I must work to decipher my grocery list.

As a wee child, full of goofy vocabulary and mispronunciations, I called it “wept-handed,” recalls my mom. Perhaps that’s because I knew my future would involve scissors. Want to make a “wept-hander” feel clumsy and self-conscious?

Tell them to cut stuff and watch them weep.

There’s a reason my husband does the gift wrapping. I’m eyeing a southpaw T-shirt that reads, “I Am Left-Handed, and I Hate Your Scissors.”

Yes, the world is largely built for righties, roughly 90 percent of the population. So, it’s only, um… er…. right, that lefties are acknowledged for their under-the-radar struggles and all that soldiering on with kitchen gadgets.

International Left-Handers Day, celebrated annually on August 13, does just that, giving a

hartphoto.com

Grace DeJong

THE LEFTY LIFE On left: Phoebe Murphy tackles this diamond painting – a craft where you apply hundreds of multi-colored rhinestones to a canvas – with her left hand, but she learned to do many activities, like crocheting, with her right. On right: Wade throws the ball left-handed to his brother, Vince, as their dad looks on.

shout-out to our tribe that includes an impressive list, including a southpaw streak of U.S. presidents: James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and more recently, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Memorial resident Robert Kunco and sons, Vince, 9, and Wade, 7 – “painfully left-handed,” says their dad – are proud members of this minority club, poor penmanship and all. Robert recently discovered that his grandfather, uncle, and aunt on his mom’s side were all lefties.

“My handwriting is atrocious. My sons’ handwriting is atrocious,” says Robert, who works in midstream oil and gas commercial business development.

Writing from left to right is harder: instead of pulling the pen across the paper, lefties must push it, causing poor pencil and pen grasp, smudged work, and arm strain. Some lefties angle their paper to see more easily what they’ve written and prevent smears. Robert does battle with paper straight-on, not at an angle, same for his sons. “If you watch me write, you would think it’s a mirror image of a right-hander, from an angle perspective. But I’ve always written poorly.”

His mortal enemy is the dry erase board, a common workplace tool. Not great for southpaws whose hand drags through everything they’ve just written, erasing as they go.

Robert is somewhat ambidextrous, like a lot of lefties, me included. While a scant number of people are born truly ambidextrous – neither hand more dominant than the other – we learned to use our right for some functions out of necessity, due to lack of lefty items and conveniences.

He learned to golf right-handed because he didn’t have left-handed clubs. “I bat left-handed, throw left-handed, but for some reason I play pool right-handed, and I throw a frisbee with my right. I was an athlete and did all the things with my left, so that’s a puzzle to me,” he says, asking “How do you open a jar?”

“Right,” we agree.

His kids are lefties to the core, playing all sports as southpaws. Baseball. Golf.

As a political science major at the University of Texas, Robert recalls the dreaded desk with chair attached, a torture chamber for lefties who must twist and turn their arms and body to write comfortably. A real problem, not just ergonomically, but during timed essay tests.

“A lot of my poli sci tests were essays, blue book type of stuff, and in those auditoriums all they had were those very small right-handed desks. I would have to write 15 pages of blue book in three hours, sitting in one of those. I never felt persecuted, but I remember thinking, ‘Man, UT needs to invest in some left-handed desks.’”

And eating a steak? Robert is my true comrade in arms, an ambi-eater like me. We cut with our right and eat with our left. “I never realized that most people, if they are sitting down and cutting a steak, will cut with their dominant hand, and then set the knife down and switch the fork over to their dominant hand. Weird,” he opines.

His sons inherited his love of music. Robert plays drums open-handed, a technique where a lefty opens up their arms to play the hi-hat and snare, instead of crossing them over each other.

He plays guitar and bass right-handed. Vince and Wade play drums left-handed.

“I love being left-handed,” says Vince, “but the one thing I hate about it is I can’t use other people’s stuff.” He recently told his dad that he and his buddies want to start a band, but he can’t play their drums, set up for righties.

Vince is tackling guitar, too, and both boys have embarked on piano, Wade starting this fall.

Robert bought Vince a right-handed guitar for Christmas “because I play guitar right-handed and figured I would turn him around.”

Nope. Vince is solid left. “So, I’m going to have to get him a left-handed guitar.” Jim Duncan can help with that. As owner of Bellaire’s Southpaw Guitars, the world’s oldest

left-handed guitar store, he sold a lefty guitar to Paul McCartney for his 2013 tour, ditto for Justin Bieber, also a southpaw. The lead guitar player for The Killers rock band in Las Vegas is a loyal customer.

“When we have a little kid come in and the parent says they need a lefty guitar, I’ll hand the kid a broomstick and say, ‘Pretend like you’re playing guitar.’ If the left-handed child picks it up and handles it right-handed, I’m going to suggest they get a right-handed guitar. But if they turn that broom around, I’m suggesting a lefty.”

Bellaire sisters Charlotte, 19, and Phoebe Murphy, 22, are lefties, but not genetically related. They were adopted.

“Ironically, yes, we are both left-handed,” says Charlotte, a University of Georgia sophomore, majoring in human development and family science, with an emphasis on genetic counseling.

“I think being adopted has a lot to do with that interest,” she says.

Charlotte is pretty much solid left, but her sister is ambidextrous. A creative type who studied communications and creative writing at San Antonio’s Trinity University, Phoebe crochets, knits, and does paper crafts from watching tutorials. “Basically, in that ballpark, I just do them right-handed because that’s what all the instructional videos are.”

Charlotte boasts better handwriting than her sister. “It’s not beautiful, but it’s pretty good for being left-handed. Phoebe’s is horrendous.”

“Yeah, my written work is pretty smudgy,” admits Phoebe, who abhors three-ring binders that compete with writing space, obstacle courses for a lefty’s hand. “For me it’s those spiral notebooks,” joins in Charlotte.

The sister’s hand preferences are most telling when they play Wii Sports, where participants choose to play left- or right-handed. “I’ve always clicked left for everything and Phoebe uses different hands depending on the sport,” Charlotte explains.

Bowling is pretty telling, too.

“We went recently, and I switched to my right hand mid-game (continued on page 20) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 19

Grace DeJong

Grace DeJong

SISTER, SISTER On left: While her sister is somewhat ambidextrous, Charlotte Murphy is left-hand dominant for nearly every activity, including carving this juicy watermelon.

On right: Sisters Phoebe (left) and Charlotte, both adopted, slap left hands when it comes to this symbol of solidarity. (continued from page 19) because my left wasn’t

cutting it,” Phoebe explains. “That right hand just does it better for me sometimes.”

“Yeah, and if I try with my right, it’s straight to the gutters,” quips lefty purist, Charlotte. “It’s left all the way for me.”

I know about gutter balls. I bowled a 40 once in my neighborhood women’s bowling league and received an award for clumsiest bowler. And that was with my dominant hand. Lefty let me down.

Thankfully, the Kunco family and Murphy sisters have never been made to feel that being left-handed was wrong. At times, being a lefty carried enormous stigma.

As TIME explained in 1969, “southpaws, gal-

lock-handers, chickie paws and scrammies” were seen as sinister – literally, since the word means “left” – for centuries. “In the Middle Ages, for instance, the left-hander lived in danger of being accused of practicing witchcraft,” the article explained. “The Devil himself was considered a southpaw.”

The term “southpaw” is said to derive from 19th-century ballparks that were laid out so that the pitcher looked in a westerly direction when facing the batter. The throwing arm of a lefthanded pitcher would then be to the south, hence the term. But some historians say its origin pre-dated baseball, appearing in political satire for the first time in 1813, as a term for

someone who is left-handed.

I’m giving away my age here (66), but teachers of my generation didn’t always appreciate my dominant hand. My second-grade teacher tried to break me, holding my left hand behind me as I wrote on the blackboard. My mama bear mom, mother to four daughters (all righties but me) was up at the school a lot that year.

I prevailed, smudges and all, wearing graphite stains from pencil smears like a badge of honor, hand “correctness” be damned.

Studies say we’re a creative bunch. And in Buddhism, the left hand represents wisdom. So, take that, second-grade teacher. I’m gonna go with that.

Myths, Fun Facts, and Famous Lefties Myths: Lefties are more intelligent: A study examined more than 7,000 grade school children and found no difference in intellectual ability between left-handers and right-handers.

Lefties are “right brained”: Righties and lefties don’t have reversed brains. According to studies, 98 percent of righties are left-brained, but so are 70 percent of lefties.

Lefties are more likely to be leaders: Psychologists say there’s no hard scientific evidence that handedness has anything to do with leadership skills.

A Few Fun Facts: There is a Left Hand, West Virginia, (this writer’s home state!), named after the nearby Left Hand Run Creek. With a population of approximately 390 people, the unincorporated town is located 30 minutes northeast of the state capital Charleston.

Left-handedness tends to run in families. This writer is still researching family history but knows of a paternal great-grandmother who was a southpaw.

One in four Apollo astronauts were left-handed, 250 percent more lefties than the normal level of probability for the group.

Studies show lefties adjust easier to seeing underwater. Just us and the fishes.

A recent study published in the journal Brain found that lefties are linked to better verbal skills and have a lower risk for Parkinson’s disease. In lefthanders, the left and right brain hemispheres had stronger links in the regions associated with language, correlating with greater language ability.

Famous Lefties: Billionaire media icon Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, comedian Jay Leno, baseball superstar Babe Ruth, business magnate Bill Gates, Apple founder Steve Jobs, Jimi Hendrix, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Michelangelo, Pablo Picasso, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and a streak of U.S. presidents, to name a few.

Albert Einstein’s handedness is somewhat a matter of discrepancy, according to research. There are claims that he was left-handed, due to the way he smoked his pipe, folded his hands, and other small details revealed in photo archives. Others point to the fact he wrote with his right hand. Those who claim he was left-handed say he only wrote with his right to avoid smearing chalk and ink as he wrote. Some historians claim he was likely born ambidextrous, with neither hand dominant.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 20

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 21

Andria frankfort

FOOD

by Andria Frankfort Dilling, staff writer

Breakfast on the Fly

H

ello, schedules. It’s hard to think of it, but in a couple of weeks we will all be in back-to-school mode. Whether we’re waking little people up early, shuffling big kids out the door, or just having to leave the house earlier because there’s more morning traffic, we’re in it.

All this means our mornings will be moving a little more quickly. And that means breakfast is going to require a little advance planning.

Nothing major – the whole point is we need to whittle our morning routines down to doable.

So we are armoring up with a few solidly reliable, easy, and – most importantly – make-ahead breakfast recipes. With just a small amount of forward thinking, we’ve got this.

Favorite Morning Muffins We wrote about this favorite in “Back Porch Table” (thebuzzmagazines.com/columns/backporch-table). It’s a recipe ever-so-slightly adapted from one created by Samantha Seneviratne for NYT Cooking and is both nourishing and tempting. Carrots, apples, nuts, and whole wheat flour make an energy-fueling muffin with some nutritional value, and cinnamon, raisins, and coconut make it delicious.

Grating the apples and carrots is made exponentially easier by using the grater attachment of a food processor. Consider doubling the carrots and apples and storing the extra in a freezer bag to keep frozen so that the next time someone wants Morning Glory Muffins you can whip the pre-grated veggie-fruit mix out of the freezer, defrost, and drop it in the batter. Make a big batch of these muffins and freeze them.

Morning Glory Muffins makes 12 muffins ¾ cup whole milk ¾ cup raisins 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup whole wheat flour 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup dark brown sugar WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 22

2 large eggs ¾ cup shredded carrot (from 2 medium carrots) ½ cup shredded apple (from 1 medium apple) ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted ½ cup melted coconut oil

Andria frankfort

For back-to-school season

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove.

Remove from the heat, add the raisins, and let sit at room temperature for 20 or 30 minutes.

In a medium GOOD MORNING GLORY Top: Morning Glory Muffins use grated apples and carrots for a nutritious punch in this yummy muffin. Bottom: Orange Cranberry Chia bowl, whisk Pudding is a new take on an old favorite. together the alllet cool completely on the rack. Once cool, store purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, in an airtight container at room temperature for baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Whisk in the milk and raisins Next-Level Chia Pudding carefully, so as not to break up the raisins, then We’ve done chia puddings. We like them. stir in the carrot, apple, coconut, walnuts, and Even love some of them. But Orange coconut oil.

Cranberry Chia Pudding is chia pudding on a Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into whole new level. Orange, cardamom, and the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not sweet dates and cranberries make this chia overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the pudding a lovely easing into fall breakfast. Not prepared cups. Bake until puffed and set and a to mention, Orange Cranberry Chia Pudding toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin is a perfect power breakfast full of protein, comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer the healthy fat, and fiber. But it’s also great for muffins, in the tin, to a rack to cool for 5 mindessert, or for lunch, or (continued on page 24) utes. Then remove the muffins from the tin and

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 23

Andria frankfort

Andria frankfort

GRAB AND GO Left: Pre-made breakfast tacos are fast, customizable, and good on-the-go. Right: There are hundreds of ways to make overnight oats; Mexican Chocolate and Coconut, Berry, and Almond Butter-Banana are a few favorites. (continued from page 22) really any time of the day

or night. The challenge will be keeping it around for the mornings.

Orange Cranberry Chia Pudding makes 2 servings 2 cups almond milk ½ cup plain coconut milk yogurt (or use regular yogurt if you prefer) 2 dates, minced Zest of 1 orange ½ teaspoon cardamom ½ cup chia seeds ½ cup dried cranberries In a large, lidded container, using a fork, whisk together the milk and yogurt until smooth. Whisk in the dates, orange zest, and cardamom. Stir in the chia seeds, making sure all the seeds are submerged in the milk mixture.

Stir in the cranberries. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight.

When you are ready to serve the pudding, stir it once more, making sure all the chia seeds have soaked up the liquid.

Grab-and-Go Breakfast Tacos Who wouldn’t want a warm breakfast taco on the way to work or school? One Buzz neighbor came up with the idea to make a big batch of tacos on Sunday, wrap them in parchment and then foil, refrigerate them, and let her teenaged boys grab them and go during the week.

The key is in the wrap: first use parchment paper, and then wrap with foil. The foil keeps the tacos secure, and the parchment serves as a wrap that is microwave-proof when it comes time to heat the tacos up. In order to keep things fresh, wrap up the basics of eggs and sausage. Just before warming, offer shredded cheese, and serve with salsa.

Refrigerator Breakfast Tacos makes 4 tacos 4 ounces breakfast sausage (turkey or pork), WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 24

crumbled ½ tablespoon butter 6 eggs, beaten well 4 flour tortillas Parchment paper and aluminum foil Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving Salsa, for serving Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then remove it to a paper towel-lined plate.

Wipe the skillet clean, then melt the butter in it over medium-low heat. Add the eggs and, just as they begin to set, use a spatula to gently push the sides of the eggs toward the middle.

Keep pushing and folding gently until the eggs are just about cooked. Remove from the heat.

Divide the eggs and sausage among the tortillas. Roll the tacos up, then wrap them with parchment and then foil. Store in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use them, remove the foil, add some cheese if you like, and microwave the parchment-wrapped tacos for 30 seconds.

Overnight Oats Three Ways Overnight Oats are the flavorful solution to having morning oatmeal without having to turn on the stove. Steeped in almond milk, thickened with Greek yogurt, and spiked, really, with whatever you can dream up, this is grab-and-go at its best. Customize yours with raisins, chopped dried apricots, minced dates, your favorite nut. Filling mason jars with individual servings of overnight oats makes for the easiest morning.

Almond Butter-Banana Overnight Oats ½ cup old-fashioned oats (not instant) ½ cup almond milk ¼ cup Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon almond butter 1 banana, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped toasted almonds, for serving

Place the oats, almond milk, yogurt, and chia seeds in a mason jar and stir. Gently stir in the almond butter and banana, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Top with toasted almonds just before serving.

Berry Overnight Oats ½ cup old-fashioned oats (not instant) ½ cup almond milk ¼ cup Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon honey, plus more for serving ½ cup blueberries and blackberries ¼ cup chopped strawberries, for serving 1 tablespoon chopped toasted walnuts, for serving Place the oats, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and honey in a mason jar and stir.

Gently stir in the berries, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Top with chopped strawberries, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey just before serving.

Mexican Chocolate and Coconut Overnight Oats ½ cup old-fashioned oats (not instant) ½ cup coconut milk ¼ cup Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes, plus more for serving Place all the ingredients in a mason jar and stir. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Top with more coconut flakes just before serving.

Editor's note: Follow Andria Frankfort's weekly Back Porch Table online at thebuzzmagazines.com/columns/back-porch-table every Friday.

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hartphoto.com

KIDS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Back to School A guide to this busy season

T

his month, we say hello to another school year. Recently, we heard from two Buzz families about their back-toschool traditions, go-to meals, shopping ideas, and more.

Ashley Sloan, a senior wealth strategist at Northern Trust, and her husband Jonathan, managing director, energy investment banker at JPMorgan, keep a busy schedule year-round but especially in the month of August. They have four kids ranging in age from 4-10.

Ashley has a hack for the morning transition – she sets out the kids’ school clothes the night before downstairs in the living room. This helps cut down on the many trips running up and down the stairs.

“That way, all they have to do is brush their hair and teeth,” she said.

The Sloans start their kids’ first day of school by snapping some pictures, with each child holding up a First Day of School sign. Their kids are Caden, 10, a playful and energetic rising fifth grader, Sawyer, 8, a witty and silly rising third grader, Tenley, 6, a creative and social rising first grader, and Emeryn, 4, a strong-willed and adventurous rising pre-k student. The three older kids attend St. John’s School and Emeryn attends a nearby pre-k.

The sign makes for great keepsake photos, as it includes details such as date, age, teacher, school, what they want to be when they grow up, favorite food, and more. It is a wonderful way to document those details that are ever-changing in a child’s life.

Another first-day-of-school tradition is a thoughtful gesture for their new teachers. They load up the kids with a little extra time to spare and make a stop at their local Whole Foods Market, to pick up fresh flowers for each of the kids to bring to their teachers on their first day.

“I just think it establishes a bond with their teachers,” said Ashley.

Their mornings get sidetracked sometimes, especially when Emeryn tries to squeeze in play time during the morning routine. “She is the last to get ready because she likes to get out crayons and coloring books in the morning while she’s eating,” said Ashley. “She is in a phase where she is very particular about how WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 26

her hair is done.”

The Sloan family keeps a busy monthly schedule, so they stay organized with an oldschool calendar, not a phone app but a paper-printed calendar. “Each month, I download a calendar template from wincalendar.com in the Word format and go day by day to fill out the kids’ activities and what time they need to be there,” said Ashley. She color- THAT TIME OF YEAR Ashley Sloan (pictured) and her husband Jonathan have four kids ranging in age from 4-10 – (clockwise, from upper left) Sawyer, Caden, Tenley, codes their activi- and Emeryn – and juggle busy back-to-school schedules with a shared family calendar. ties so each child years of back-to-school nights, sports, activities, has a distinct color and prints several copies and work. Elise said she always used a large each month.

Franklin Planner 3-ring binder to stay organized She says, even though a paper calendar is her but has moved to a small spiral notebook and preference, a challenge to using paper is that the sometimes the digital Google Calendar. calendars are put together at the beginning of Their daughter, Kate, is a rising senior at each month, and there are often changes Houston Christian High School and is the last throughout the month that need to be manually child at home. She is creative and balanced. updated on all three copies.

Kate’s older siblings, who all attended Strake Their school provides their supplies, and she Jesuit College Preparatory for high school, are picks up their new backpacks and lunchboxes James, 22, a diligent and dependable graduate from Pottery Barn Kids. “It is best to shop during of the University of Houston, and twin broththe summer months as the items get backordered ers Luke and Jacob, 20, both students at Texas in August,” said Ashley. The family finishes their A&M University – Luke the laid back, indefirst week of school with the tradition of spaghetpendent type, and Jacob, diligent and thoughtti and calamari at Carrabba’s The Original. ful. All four children attended Veritas Christian Academy from kindergarten through nother busy Buzz family is the Muellers, who eighth grade. also have four kids. While they are now past Kate says she looks back fondly on the fun their elementary- and middle-school-age days, times when they were all together during the they look back with fond memories. They surschool years at Veritas, even when days were vived them with a one-day-at-a-time approach, chaotic, like the time she showed up to school on teamwork, and some meal planning, too. her first day of middle school in the wrong uniTheir mother, Elise Mueller, a ministry manform. Thankfully, upon arriving at school, they ager at City Church, and father, Jonathan immediately realized it. “We lived close by so we Mueller, a portfolio manager at Invesco, juggled

A

hartphoto.com

hartphoto.com

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON Back to school means juggling schedules, new routines, lunch packing, and more. These Buzz families share their favorite traditions and school prep hacks this month. Clockwise, from upper left: Mom-of-four Ashley Sloan packing lunches with her older three kids, Tenley, Sawyer, and Caden; the Mueller family including (pictured) parents Elise and Jonathan, Jacob (seated), Kate, and oldest James reminisce together, looking at a family photo album (Jacob’s twin brother Luke was away working at a summer camp during this photo); an old family photo of the Muellers from their elementary school days including (from left) Kate, James, Luke, and Jacob; Caden Sloan with his teacher, Ms. Susan Simpson, on the first day of school in August 2022.

could run home and change,” said Elise, laughing.

Elise recalled the biggest struggle when they were all in school together and rode each morning as a family, was compromising on what time to leave for school. “We had certain days where everyone had to go early,” said Elise. But not every day. “There was some arguing sometimes, each of them getting on the other for their punctuality of how long they would take to get moving,” said Elise.

They keep the fond memories close. “Some of my favorite memories were picking out fun school accessories at Target and getting ice cream after the first day of school with my mom and brothers,” said Kate.

As a helpful hack, Elise said when they were all in elementary and middle school, they would always prepare lunches the night before. “I would freeze their sandwiches and add a cooling pack in their lunches so they would thaw by lunch. We would also clean the kitchen at night, so we woke up to order,” said Elise.

Elise always kept a meal calendar and still does to this day. She would look at the activities for the week and plan accordingly. She has two

weekly grocery store runs. She says their meals are now simpler, as opposed to the protein, starch, and veggie meals they used to plan for.

“I call it a win to sit down together, regardless of what is served,” said Elise.

Their favorite school morning breakfasts were always pigs in a blanket, bagels and cream cheese, waffles with fruit, Ezekiel English Muffins toasted with peanut butter and sliced banana, eggs, bacon breakfast tacos if there is enough time, and cereal if they were in a hurry.

Elise uses the cookbooks The Defined Dish and The Comfortable Kitchen. The Mueller family loves their dinners together; a few of their favorite dishes are lemon chicken, chopped chipotle chicken salad, one-pot Cajun chicken pasta, shrimp brochette skillet with poblano rice, and one-pan Mexica chicken with rice and Bolognese sauce. “We also have salmon with olive oil and simple seasoning, with roasted veggies and quinoa once a week,” said Elise. “This meal takes little time, the only prep is cutting the veggies, everything else is just put in the oven and wait.”

The family has make-your-own taco night weekly. They prepare beef, chicken, and beans,

and set out toppings so everyone can fix what they like. “This is also a great leftover dish for a busy night,” said Elise.

Another way Elise implemented back-toschool organization was by teaching her kids to do their own laundry. “The boys were doing their own laundry when they were 11 and 14 so they could help keep the family home organized. I am just not sure if they sorted colors,” said Elise.

Back to school is a busy time, but it can also be a sentimental time. “The start of school is a milestone every year,” said Elise. “After months of summer, we were usually all a little excited for the school year to start and ready for the routine for our whole family.” They also took a first-day photo, which Elise says is fun to look at to see how they have grown.

Implementing planning and organization for back-to-school can make this time of the year more manageable and enjoyable for your whole family. Remember, try to involve your children in the process, as their input and participation can foster a sense of excitement.

Good luck to all the parents and kids – you got this.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 27

KIDS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Toddler style

Buzz Baby is a column about life with little ones.

Writer Annie McQueen is a mother of four children under the age of 8.

P

arenting a toddler can feel like one big wild rollercoaster ride – it can be a quick, unpredictable, and at times, jolting experience. Some moments might make you want to pull your hair out, and at other moments, you realize you need to just embrace the beautiful mess, enjoy the short years, and hang on for the ride.

Take toddler fashion, for instance. It can be just as wild and unpredictable as that rollercoaster ride.

There is one thing that is for certain – toddlers who pick out their own outfits bring an extra flare to an ordinary day. Suddenly, a mundane trip to the grocery store with a miniature Spider-Man in rain boots by your side can bring smiles and laughter from onlookers.

Those veteran parents give that “I-havebeen-there” grin. Meanwhile, the toddler experiences pure happiness when they feel they have full creative control over their wardrobe choices.

They can express themselves as they desire, which is ultimately what we all want to do with our own wardrobes, right? So, we cannot blame them too much.

Mom-of-two Carla Wilson says her toddler daughter, Liv, age 2, dresses in outfits of her own choosing every day. “The first thing she requests when she wakes up is a princess dress or tutu, and her heels,” said Carla. “She will not leave the house in anything but heels without a battle.” She walks around the house, proudly displaying her outfits and style.

Carla gives Liv autonomy in her decisionmaking on her outfits. Even Liv’s big brother, Teddy, loves his sister’s eclectic toddler style.

Liv also likes to cover her big brother in BandAids as an accessory. “She is the sweetest girl and just loves to tell what is on her mind,” said Carla. Her vivacious spirit speaks through her imaginative outfits.

Parents can embrace the clothing chaos or stick to “normal” attire. Often, it depends on the occasion, or the amount of time they have to get out the door without pushback (sure, wear those WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 28

rain boots all day in the middle of summer). A good tip to help with these situations is to give them two choices of outfits, so they feel they have control but are still going to be dressed appropriately for an important occasion, or the weather.

Allowing a toddler to choose their own outfits can be a fantastic way to encourage their independence and selfexpression. Back in 2017, mom Emily Belcher allowed her then-toddler son to pick his outfit for their Christmas card photo.

He chose over-the-knee socks, which is now a funny memory for her to reflect on. While their ensembles may leave TRENDSETTERS Bottom photo: Liv Wilson, age 2, wakes up each day and you questioning the dresses herself in tutus, heels, and more creative fashion. Her mom Carla said she loves to run errands in her high heels. Top photo: Ezra Schaffer grabbed his laws of fashion, remem- mom’s sunglasses on a trip and decided to wear them daily. ber that creativity Buzz mom Laura Miller said her son, Ben, knows no bounds, especially in the mind of a knew he would be going swimming in the aftertoddler. noon. He had been looking forward to the swim Accessories can be a toddler's best friend. time, so in preparation, he planned his attire Mom-of-two Allison Schaffer says her toddler accordingly. Laura leaned into it and let him go son Ezzy likes to sport her oversized sunglasses as with it. “He first put on all his swim gear, head he lounges poolside. Some parents, like Allison, to toe,” said Laura. “I asked him to put on normal can pick their kids’ clothes a little longer if they clothes, which he did, but over his swim outfit, are of the personality of not caring too much including a hat. He wore this all day,” said Laura. about what they wear. She says her two boys He put on multiple layers over the swimsuit. have not started to push back yet on her outfit These parents, and many others, have learned selections. “I like to dress them in matching outto embrace the charm of mismatched socks, neon fits and so far, they allow me to,” said Allison. sunglasses, costume capes, and layers and layers.

Toddlers also tend to have a magical ability Their little ones rock the runway of the local to ignore all weather forecasts. Rain boots on a playground, turning heads and getting smiles from sunny day? Why not? Freezing cold temperatures strangers who perhaps were once in those parents’ outside? Sure, let’s go in a sundress. It might only shoes or feel those days coming. Think of it as a make sense to them, but it is how they perceive front-row seat to their evolving personalities. the moment and what feels right.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 29

ARTS

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 or soon-to-be released titles.

The Bookbinder by Pip Williams (historical fiction) – Lovers of literature will find this historical novel utterly engaging. Williams blends fact and fiction while celebrating words, books themselves, and the power of the written word. The story is set in Oxford amidst the backdrop of World War 1 as men are slowly drafted and recruited to fight. Since age 12, twin sisters Peggy and Maude Jones have worked as bindery girls at Oxford University's Clarendon Press where they bind the books but are explicitly told to not read, just bind. As the war rages, Peggy is wrapped into a secret project as well as volunteering with wounded soldiers, both of which open up her limited world. The true beauty of the book is how Williams captures this historical period from a woman’s perspective, the unprecedented and catastrophic impact of the war, and the arrival of the Spanish Flu. I was completely invested in the characters and their lives and was delighted with the focus on words and books, which are at the heart of this tale.

Broadway Butterfly by Sara DiVello (true crime fiction) – This meticulously well-researched and riveting debut novel takes place in 1923 New York City and chronicles the unsolved murder of flapper Dot King, who had connections to a wealthy “sugar daddy” from Philadelphia with prominent political connections as well as a violent gigolo boyfriend. Neither man has a good alibi, but there is pressure on the district attorney to solve the case quickly. The crime riveted New York City, and female reporter Julia Harpman doggedly worked the case, hoping to get a leg up on her male coworkers. DiVello keeps the story moving along and weaves together the various storylines effectively and seamlessly. She also includes a highly satisfying postscript that details what happened to all of the characters after the hubbub over the crime faded away.

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (fiction) – Fans of Lange’s debut We Are the Brennans will revel in her standalone sophomore outing, The Connellys of County Down. The WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 30

Cindy Burnett

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three Connelly siblings, Geraldine, Eddie, and Tara, lost their parents when they were young, and life has not been easy for them since.

When Tara is released from prison and returns home to live with Geraldine and Eddie, she upsets the uneasy equilibrium that her siblings had reached while she was gone. Things aren’t quite what they seem and, as secrets are slowly unveiled, the siblings struggle to keep their family together. I thor- WHAT TO READ This month’s selections include a thrilling true crime novel, a oughly enjoyed the sib- contemporary fiction title that makes a great summer read, a compelling family drama, an engaging historical fiction tale set in the world of book binding, and ling dynamics and am a a hopeful climate fiction story. huge fan of Lange’s writished relationships, Harvey captures the nostalgia ing and characters. This is a great choice for readof childhood summers particularly those spent at ers who love family dramas and solid character camp, the importance of lifelong friendships, and development. the enduring impact of first love. Daphne, Lanier, The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins and Mary Stuart met at Camp Holly Springs (speculative fiction) – Set in the future when cliwhen they were young and have remained close mate change has drastically altered the landscape friends well into their 30s. When they discover of Earth, Emi and her parents, Larch and Kristina, that the camp is about to go under, the trio bands reside in Nuuk, Greenland after most of the together to raise the money Daphne’s Aunt June United States is left to rewild following The Great needs to keep this slice of heaven for girls open.

Transition, a time when a movement of people In addition to saving the camp, Daphne and banded together to save the planet and ensure Lanier are struggling with issues in their personal that it remained habitable. When Emi’s mom goes lives that may impact their friendship permanentmissing and a dozen climate criminals are brazenly ly. Chock full of humor, compelling characters, murdered, Emi and Larch head out in search of and a focus on the importance of treasured relaKristina as they realize they may not know everytionships, The Summer of Songbirds is delightful thing about her present-day activities. The story from beginning to end. grabbed me from page one, and I loved the references to the “golden oldies” such as Taylor Swift Editor’s note: Southside Place resident Cindy and U2 as well as the vivid descriptions of what Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners colNew York City may look like in the future. Told umn at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts the through several points of view as well as Emi’s award-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast, is school essays, and alternating between the past co-creator of the Houston literary event series and the present, this stellar and hopeful debut will Conversations from the Page, runs the Instagram be one of my top reads of the year. account @thoughtsfromapage, and regularly speaks The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy to groups about books.

Woodson Harvey (fiction) – In this ode to cher-

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Gittings

TRAVEL

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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

World Travel: The University of Life

H

igh-flying Tracy Dieterich is almost a million-and-a-half miler on United, and a million-miler on American; he’s been to all seven continents and 107 countries – he’s keeping track on a spreadsheet – and wife Valerie has an impressive tally of her own. The couple’s romance began on a ski lift in Beaver Creek, Colo., and their courtship spanned the globe, from Greece and Turkey to Bali and Singapore.

But it wasn’t always that way for Tracy, who grew up in a family that didn’t have the means to travel. He didn’t even get on a plane until college.

But his big brother Kelly, through Big Brothers Big Sisters, traveled extensively and inspired Tracy to do the same. When he graduated from Texas A&M, Tracy went to work and began saving up to go scuba diving and skiing. He dreamed of seeing the world, but it wasn’t until he was 32 that he took his first trip to Europe.

“It bit me like a bug, like nothing else before – and I have been back to Europe every year since,” said Tracy. When he met Valerie at the age of 45, he’d already been around the world, but was just getting started. One of his first questions was whether she liked to travel. He was impressed to learn that she had not only traveled widely, she had actually studied abroad – in Cannes, France, home of the prestigious film festival – and had logged her own impressive travel trajectory from a young age.

“I spent my college years starving at A&M, but she was fortunate enough to study abroad in Cannes as a part of her Baylor college years,” he joked. After graduating, Tracy went into the commercial insurance industry and quickly worked his way to the top. Now, as senior vicepresident, partner, and shareholder of his company, he’s earned the flexibility to work on the road.

So it comes as no surprise that he and Valerie are raising daughters Madison, 6, and Reagan, 3, to follow in their footsteps; Madison had been to 13 countries by the age of 3, the first one being the Dominican Republic for her first Thanksgiving. The Dieterichs consider travel one of the most important aspects of their own education, and that of their children.

“I feel like I graduated from the school of hard knocks, but I also graduated from the school of WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 32

world travel,” commented Tracy. “What better way to learn history than when you've been to Rome or to Christopher Colombus’s tomb in Spain or to a cooking class in France?”

Valerie wanted to take her babies on the road practically from Day 1.

“Madison was on my back when I went to the Alhambra,” recalled FREQUENT FLIERS Tracy and Valerie Dieterich’s love affair with travel brought Valerie. Madison toured them together – and now, as parents of 3-year-old Reagan (left, in Valerie’s lap) and 6-year-old Madison, travel has become a family tradition and a movable classroom. the souks of Marrakech Here, they are pictured at Maroon Bells in Colorado. and the bustling Jemaa along with the rest of the family and learned the el-Fnaa square from her stroller, and one of her historical data of the classic gothic cathedral. first ski trips included views of the Matterhorn.

The next day it was a cooking class, and Tracy and Valerie always include the girls in Madison learned, along with her parents, the their travel plans, looking for kid-related activdifference between a macaron and a macaroon ities everywhere they go. For example, last year, – one is a light and crispy meringue sandwich when they went to Paris, Valerie was detercookie, the other a coconut-filled drop cookie – mined to choose at least one activity that little and learned how to make the former.

Reagan, then only 2, would be likely to rememMore than a cultural and culinary experience, ber. And she succeeded – the nighttime riverthe class was also a lesson in the practical appliboat tour on the River Seine, with the Eiffel cation of basic math, said Valerie. “You learn Tower on the horizon, still brightens the child’s how to measure, how to pipe out the macaron eyes when her mother mentions Paris. shells, and you learn teamwork – there are four “Sparkly!” Reagan exclaimed in a recent phone to five kids in each class, and each kid would conversation. choose a color, and have a different part of makMadison, for her part, loved the Paris Muse ing the macarons.”

Clues, a Louvre Family Tour, where the family Another day the family went to the top of the was given a list of 11 artifacts that they had to Eiffel Tower. They learned the history of the find, and a booklet with clues, scavenger-hunt tower, and then were shown the Paris cityscape. style. The Mona Lisa, the original foundations “Madison thought that was really cool,” said of the Louvre, and The Winged Victory of Valerie, and Madison agreed.

Samothrace were among the sought-after items.

Asked her favorite thing about Paris, though, She impressed her mother when on a tour of the she exclaimed: “We got to eat chocolate croisLouvre they were taken to the museum’s basesants every morning!” ment – the original structure was a fortress, built Valerie and Tracy always take the opportuniin the 12th century – and were told that it was ty to teach their children a little geography built around 800 years ago. when they can, showing them the routes of their “Oh, it’s the same age as Notre Dame,” piped journeys on the map. up the then 5-year-old, who had taken a kid-ori“We bought Madison a globe so she can see ented architecture tour of the city the day before

ALL-TERRAIN TRAVELERS Clockwise, from upper left: From left, Tracy and Valerie Dieterich horseback riding in Old Snowmass with their friends Dr. Monica and David Levine from Laguna Beach, Calif. (whom they befriended in Ravello, Italy); Reagan and Valerie take in some cowboy action at the Snowmass Rodeo; Reagan enjoys her kitty face near Wagner Park in Aspen; Valerie and Tracy hiking in Aspen, their favorite summer getaway.

where we are going,” said Valerie. “Also we have a puzzle map of the US, and a puzzle map of the world; and that’s something she’s always really enjoyed doing in school, making maps of the world, with places she knows her mom and dad have been.”

When Covid grounded the family for a little while, Madison was only 3, but already her favorite game was to play travel, Valerie says; “she’d pack up her little suitcase and go sit on an imaginary airplane.”

But education by travel began for the couple long before Madison and Reagan came along.

Besides her university studies in Cannes, Valerie studied French cuisine for a semester at Le Cordon Bleu, which is why, Tracy says, she’s such a great chef. And Tracy has gained a greater appreciation for architecture, art, and the more relaxed, family-oriented pace of Europe.

“Don’t get me wrong – I love America, and I think it’s the greatest country on Earth,” said Tracy.

“But there’s a whole different world out there outside America, and it’s an educational world.”

He was intrigued to learn, for example, that

in Europe, people don’t aspire to have big houses and cars; the roads are smaller, the towns and cities are smaller, and productivity isn’t as prized as it is in the US. Instead, Europeans prize their free time, time to connect with family and friends and to travel.

“It’s easy to see how the French and the Italians enjoy relationships over meals,” said Tracy. “They’ll take a two-hour lunch with a bottle of wine, and they’ll even take a siesta in the afternoons in Spain; a lot of stores close, and then they open later.

“I feel like where America missed is when you get out of school, get a job, and only get two weeks off.” That compares to five or six weeks for most Europeans, who use that time to explore the world.

The Dieterichs are longtime Mexico travelers as well, making trips especially to Los Cabos every chance they get. And of course the family enjoys their stateside travels, as well. Favorite destinations include Watercolor, Fla.; Newport Beach, Calif.; and Aspen, Colo. This summer, for example, the family spent a week at Kanakuk

family summer camp in Branson, Mo., before heading off to Aspen, where they spend several weeks every summer.

In Aspen, the girls explore the wildlife of a forest ecosystem with bears, moose, elk, and other animals they would never see back in Texas. In her summer camp, Madison learned about the original inhabitants of Colorado, the Ute Indians, and about the native plants of the region.

Ski country is big for the Dieterichs, in the summer as well as in the winter. Skiing has been a central theme for them, and Tracy will never forget the winter he met Valerie on the ski lift.

“I call it God’s sense of humor,” says Tracy. “We quickly learned we only lived five miles from each other back in Houston.”

Tracy was with his buddy Brad; Valerie’s father had just left, so she joined them.

“Where the magic happened is when we finally skied down a double black diamond run and she smoked us,” recalled Tracy. “And then I was like, she's pretty cool. And I just thought she was so interesting… and then she thought I was interesting.” (continued on page 34) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 33

FLORIDA, FRANCE, AND BEYOND Clockwise, from upper left: The Dieterich family enjoying a beautiful day in Watercolor, Florida; Madison and Reagan cruise down the River Seine in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background; Tracy, Madison, and Valerie hit the slopes in Chamonix, France; Reagan, Madison, and Valerie at Eurodisney, now known as Disneyland Paris. (continued from page 33)

One thing led to another and the next thing they knew, they were skiing together in the Dolomites of Italy. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning beauty, its Alpine cliffs, and its picturesque mountain resorts. Valerie had skied in Europe before, but it was the first time for Tracy, and he was captivated.

Since then, the couple has also skied in Zermatt, Switzerland, and in Chamonix, France.

The experiences were dramatically different from their ski trips in the US, and left them eager for more.

As Tracy sees it, the skiing is technically better in Colorado or Utah, but in Europe it’s not as much about the skiing as it is about the whole experience. “It's about the food and the wine and the people. It's also way more beautiful skiing in Italy or Switzerland than in Colorado or Utah; it’s more majestic. The mountains are more striking, more jagged. Just picture skiing right down underneath the Matterhorn. It really doesn’t compare to any of the mountains of Colorado; you're so close to it, and you see it all day long.”

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One of the most amazing experiences in their most recent ski trip in Zermatt was skiing over the border into Cervinia, Italy for lunch, and then taking the gondola back up to the Swiss side.

“That’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done; you can ski from Zermatt to Cervinia, from the Swiss Alps to the Italian Alps. And it’s the most beautiful tram I've ever been on; it’s like the Rolls Royce of ski trams.”

They found the people to be delightful and easy to connect with, and the food amazing.

“We sat down next to these two guys at a restaurant in Zermatt, and we started to order. This guy next to us was eating gnocchi.” He greeted them and made a recommendation.

“This gnocchi tastes just like your grandma made it this morning,” he told them. Tracy followed their advice, and didn’t regret it – but more importantly, he will always carry that memory of easy camaraderie.

“We want our kids to have that part of the cultural experience… When we’re in Colorado we’ll stop and have a nice meal in Aspen, but our culture is just so much busier. It’s like, ‘I’ve

only got 45 minutes and then I’ve got to run.’

But in Europe we’re going to have lunch and a bottle of wine and talk for two plus hours. We had that pasta and it was life-changing; skiing in Colorado, it’s a bowl of chili or a burger.

“I’m not knocking America, because I love America – but so many things are processed, you have to go to Central Market or Whole Foods to get really natural foods.”

The culinary experience is part of the education they want to impart to their children; another cultural difference they have observed is the way people take time for each other.

On one trip, they were in Puglia, a small town in the heel of Italy’s southern boot, and Tracy asked a man he met at an ice cream shop about a good place to get his hair cut. “The guy comes with me, lets us follow him in his car, and takes us to someone with a shop in his house. We’d never have found it ourselves,” he marveled. “I just wonder if someone in Houston (as friendly as it is) would do that? I don’t think so… It’s an educational experience, and I want our kids to know about that.”

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DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

I

attended several graduation celebrations in Minneapolis this past June. One soiree attracted 300-plus people, and the parents hired two notable chefs to cater the event. The food was terrific, but the hit of the party? The paleta cart.

The line for Mexican popsicles wrapped around sprawling oak trees. The high school graduates and their parents compared flavors and gushed over the ice-cold treats that were similar to, yet so different from, the ones they grew up eating – guava, strawberries ’n cream, watermelon, and mango with Tajín lime-andchili seasoning.

Like everyone there, I had one of each. The paletas from Twin Cities-based La Michoacana Rose transported me back to the ’80s when I would stop by La Brisa Ice Cream on Houston’s Canal Street for a mango or lime popsicle. La Brisa’s paletas were frozen fruit juices, whereas La Michoacana Rose’s are hand-crafted “frozen desserts” with chunks of fresh fruit throughout the mango pop. The cookies ’n cream contains Oreo crumbles, and the lush strawberries ’n cream was chockful of fresh berries.

It dawned on me that this wasn’t the paleta I savored during my college days on the East End of downtown. I also was curious about the current Mexican paleta scene in Houston. Not surprisingly, the south-of-the-border summer treat is having a moment.

Since 2016, several hand-crafted, artisanal paleterias have popped up around town. Most notable is Popston, a Cinderella tale in the making. With temperatures soaring, I couldn’t resist the excuse to sample the icy offerings around town. There are plenty these days, but a handful stood out. Some are “elevated” and chef-driven, while others are more traditional. Also, you can make your own with recipes from award-winning pastry chef Ruben Ortega. It’s super easy, with just a few seasonal ingredients.

M

y first stop was Popston (3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Suite B), one of several businesses at The Plant, a 20,000-square-foot space in Houston’s Second Ward. This popsicle emporium sells seasonal creations that range from $5 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 36

to $7 each – on the pricier end, but this is where I would take my out-of-town guests for their frozen dessert on a stick.

Owner Jonathan Delgado doesn’t skimp on ingredients or creativity, either. “This paleta reminds me of the actual fruit. That’s how I judge whether it’s a good paleta or not. It has to have the flavors of real fruits,” says 16year-old Sareli Juna while enjoying a tamarind popsicle.

Jonathan started selling popsicles at metro bus stops in 2016 after being laid off as a refrigerator parts salesman.

His grandmother in El Salvador sold 25-cent horchata popsicles, so he thought, “Why not start creating flavors that mirror Houston’s diverse food scene?”

With encouragement from his wife, Magda, he bought an ice cream cart and books on frozen pops from now-closed Half Price Books in Rice Village. Soon enough, FOCUS ON FRUIT AND FLAVOR Popston owner Jonathan Delgado bites into he started peddling pop- one of his 30-plus unique popsicle creations. sicles, but success didn’t Arts. Then one cart became 10 at pop-up happen overnight. “Nobody was buying my events, music festivals, and the Houston pops,” he recalls. “There is the Japanese Garden Arboretum, where he still sells his popsicles on in Hermann Park, and I just sat down and startweekends. Finally, last year, the Houston native ed crying. I started praying, too. After an hour, opened a retail space with outdoor seating near I gathered myself and thought, ‘You know, I’m downtown, taking orders through a pinkjust going to go a little bit more.” framed, walk-up window.

Jonathan kept pushing his cart from the Popston sells thousands of popsicles monthly Houston Medical Center to the Museum of Fine Tony Bullard

Chef’s Corner

Summer Delights: Frozen treats from Mexico

The Paleta Bar

in unique flavors such as blueberry mojito, kiwi mango, lemon curd,orange honey salted lemonade, Mexican Bananas Foster, roasted hazelnut with Ferrero Rocher chocolate, creamy honey lavender, birthday cake, and pistachio rosewater. For me, the passion guava mango was the perfect respite from this summer’s record-breaking heat. It was one of 10 terrific flavors I sampled, including his latest creation, Summer Wind, with guanábana (soursop). Named after Frank Sinatra’s classic song about summer love, I’ve found mine.

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t’s Sunday evening, and most businesses neighboring The Paleta Bar (9738 Katy Freeway, No. 600) have closed. And yet, families are gathered out front, swapping stories and eating ice pops. “You see people opening their truck beds and sitting there, talking,” co-owner Amin Kamaluddin says. “They’re just hanging out with their kids. At 8, 9 o’clock, we’re the only place open on that strip, so all these people are parked there to hang out for 45 minutes to an hour. It just takes people back to their childhood.”

The Paleta Bar could barely keep up with the demand when it opened last year, thanks to word-of-mouth on social media about the Albuquerque-based concept’s ability to customize the frozen dessert with options such as melted dark and milk chocolate, marshmallows, M&Ms, powdered chili, Cocoa Pebbles, chopped nuts, and sliced fruits.

However, the franchise’s top sellers are plainold coconut, mango, cookies ’n cream, strawberries ’n cream, and the ubiquitous mango with chili. “Mango chili is hard to do in ice cream, but on a stick … you can do a lot of combination flavors,” says Amin. The Paleta Bar’s popsicles sell for $4.50, plus another $1 or $2 for customization.

Y

ou never know what to expect at Popfancy Dessert Bar (9393 Bellaire Blvd., A6). The décor and menu change monthly, but one thing that remains constant is popsicles, says owner Chris Doan, who quit his corporate gig to sell homemade popsicles in mall kiosks in 2015.

“Gourmet popsicles were on the rise,” says the Vietnamese-American entrepreneur. “At the time, no one was doing it in Houston, and I wanted to do a body of flavors that reflected the diversity of our city. I thought, ‘Let’s spice this up!’ So, we started doing flavors like Thai tea, sweet taro, and creamy avocado– – Asianinspired flavors. We threw in Mexican flavors, like mangonada, and Caribbean flavors.”

There are 20 flavors available, and each sells for $3.69. Granted, fans come for the frozen treats, but they also come for the immersive, miniature “theme park” experience. Popfancy is a “fan cafe,” so it pays homage to a fandom each month. During my visit, the theme was video arcade games, so you entered a 1,800-square-foot video arcade space, and my kiddos played free arcade games while slurping popsicles. Popfancy also has celebrated K-pop groups, Marvel char-

REFRESHING The Paleta Bar’s kiwi-and-strawberry popsicle.

acters, Disney movies, and anime. Chris isn’t sure what his next theme will be. Maybe Barbie because of the movie. One thing’s certain: He plans to make it entertaining.

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contacted a foodie friend to get a few recommendations on more traditional paleta offerings. She suggested Tarascos Ice Cream (13932 Westheimer Rd.), known for its fruit tacos. It offers a multitude of paletas for $3.75–$4.95.

Still, you can’t go wrong with the classics,

including refreshing watermelon, cajeta (Mexican caramel), guanábana, tropical mango, and cookies ’n cream with two whole Oreos.

Almost all of the fruit paletas we tried had chunks of real fruits. My personal favorite – watermelon – even had a couple of seeds.

T

amales Don Pepe chef-owner Rene Hidalgo pointed me toward La Monarca (10804 S. Post Oak Rd.). “The paletas are like the ones I used to eat in Mexico City. (continued on page 38)

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Penny de los Santo

FROM CHEF RUBEN ORTEGA Raspberry, mango and rompope (Mexican rum eggnog) paletas by Hugo’s and Caracol’s pastry chef Ruben Ortega. (continued from page 37) They’re very good, made

with real fruit juice, not artificial flavorings like many places around town.”

The line was out the door when I arrived. The tiny ice cream shop was painted a bright, cheerful yellow. A sky-blue sign and a baby-pink sign listed the paleta and ice cream flavors, respectively. At $2.25 per paleta, I bought two dozen, one of each flavor, including cantaloupe, coffee, butter pecan, arroz con leche, and pineapple with chile.

What makes La Monarca’s paletas so refreshing and mouthwatering is their simplicity: natural, balanced flavors, made with finely pureed fresh fruit, blended with water, cream, or milk, and frozen onto a popsicle stick, or palo that gives paleta its name.

Paletas were an everyday affair in Mexico City for Chef Ruben Ortega. Thus, he included this symbol of his childhood in Hugo Ortega's Street Food of Mexico, which he co-authored with brother Hugo. Here are recipes for mango and raspberry popsicles from the James Beard Award-nominated pastry chef.

Paletas de Hielo de Mango 1 cup granulated sugar 2 cups mango purée 2 cups water WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 38

Pour the sugar and water into a saucepan, whisk to combine, and place the pan over medium to high heat. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for five minutes. Add the mango purée, whisk for one minute, and immediately remove from the heat. Transfer to a bowl and cool to room temperature over an ice water bath. Pour the cooled base mixture into eight ice pop molds and place in a freezer for one hour to set, then insert wooden sticks into the center of each mold and freeze until fully set, about eight hours.

Makes 8.

Paletas de Hielo de Frambuesa 1 cup granulated sugar 4 pints fresh raspberries 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 3 cups water Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring to a boil, about four minutes. Stir in the raspberries and lower the heat to medium, about three minutes, then add the lime juice. Remove from heat, then strain and discard the pulp. Pour the cooled base mixture into eight ice pop molds and place in the freezer for one hour to set, then insert wooden sticks into the center of each mold and freeze until fully set, about eight hours. Makes 8.

Key Lime Pie Paletas Growing up, I would drink condensed milk straight out of the can. Love the stuff. Here’s my recipe for key lime pie popsicles. You also can use regular limes or Meyer lemons when in season instead of key limes.

14-16 key lime for about ½ cup of lime juice 3-4 teaspoons lime zest ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk 1 cup half-and-half A pinch of salt 3 cups coarsely crushed graham crackers Zest the limes. Then juice the limes. In a small pot, pour in condensed milk and half-and-half. Stir over medium heat until just about to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and allow to cool to room temperature. Drizzle in lime juice, mix well, then taste.

Add more lime juice if you prefer it even more tart.

Stir in the zest and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze for six to eight hours or until completely frozen. Dip in warm water for 10 seconds to unmold each popsicle.

Before serving, sprinkle generously each side of the popsicle with crushed graham crackers. Makes 8.

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

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Dee Blevins

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz I

t was a sensational leap forward for Episcopal Knights triple jumper Karson Gordon who was named the Gatorade Texas Boys Track & Field Player of the Year this summer. In winning the award, the Knights rising senior also became the first-ever Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year winner from Episcopal High School.

“When I saw the email about 6 a.m. that I had won the award, I practically jumped out of bed.

I was incredibly excited,” said Gordon. “It’s a special honor for me and my family and just really shows that all the hard work pays off. My dad was a triple jumper in high school and went to state with a jump of 49 feet, 7 inches. So, I ended up picking up the event when I was in seventh grade and I’ve been going at it ever since.”

The prestigious Texas Gatorade award came just three weeks after Gordon won the national championship in the triple jump by finishing first at the Nike Outdoor Nationals with a spectacular leap of 51 feet, 4.25 inches. “It’s the biggest stage in track and field with all the top high school jumpers in the nation competing, so to win the meet was pretty amazing,” said Gordon. “I also beat out the top graduating seniors who were a year ahead of me, so it was definitely a proud moment.”

“It was truly amazing,” said Episcopal track and field coach Isaiah Coleman. “Karson was leading the competition almost the entire way then got surpassed on one of the final round of jumps. But, to then follow back up by re-taking the lead showed amazing composure.”

“The triple jump is an extremely taxing event on the body and the thing that makes Karson so unique and special is his rare mixture of patience, composure, technique, and speed. It pretty much separates him from the rest of the pack. I like to say that not only is Karson a national champion, he’s also an undefeated national champ by having won every one of his meets this season.”

During this past track and field season, Gordon’s personal-best mark of 51 feet, 5.75 inches at the Texas Relays in Austin ranked number one nationally among all high school competitors while also setting a meet record at WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 40

the tradition-rich meet. Then, with Gordon leading the way, Episcopal won its first SPC boys track and field championship since 2015. Along with dominating the triple jump, Gordon ran a leg on the Knights winning 4x100 meter relay team while he also finished second in the 200-meter dash.

“We had a really young team with me only being a junior along with two sophomores NATIONAL CHAMPION It was a spectacular summer for Episcopal Knight Karson Gordon, who won the national championship in the triple jump at the Nike Outdoor and a freshman, so Nationals and then later was named the Gatorade Texas Boys Track & Field Player of the other great the Year. Gordon is also a star quarterback for the Episcopal football team. thing is that the lectual challenges. future looks bright for us. Our team also com“It’s very important to me and a priority of peted in some national meets and did well, so mine to give back to the community. That’s just I’m excited about next season.” the way my parents raised me,” added Gordon, First things first, immediately ahead for who at only 17 years of age is mature beyond his Gordon is the upcoming football season, where years. “I wouldn’t be who I am without the peoGordon suits up as a star quarterback for the ple around me. Any time I can volunteer or Knights, having already committed to play footmentor younger kids and serve as an inspiraball and track and field at the University of tional figure to build their lives on, then I’m Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). going to do so.”

“Karson had offers from major colleges at big“As good as his athletic talent, Karson is an time conferences across the country,” said even better human being,” added Coleman.

Episcopal head football coach Steve Leisz. “He’s “While he’s had a lot of success, Karson does his not only a great athlete, but also an outstanding best to assure his teammates in both track and leader who really cares about the team and our field and football are also successful.” offense. For Karson to be the kind of football player he is on and off the field and then win a Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and execnational championship in track and field is simutive producer of H-Town High School Sports, ply amazing.” which airs Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CW39 In winning the Gatorade award, Gordon was and Monday-Thursday on AT&T SportsNet also cited for his high academics and exemplary SW. To submit high school sports news for possicharacter, having volunteered locally for ble inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email Navigate Life Texas, which provides sports todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. opportunities for those with physical and intel-

Competitive opportunity for high school writers:

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The Buzz Magazines offers a unique program, School Buzz, in which high school students write about what's happening at their schools from their perspectives.

We are proud to say that after ten years, our School Buzz program continues to grow. Due to the program’s growing popularity, we have chosen to accept a limited number of reporters this year in order to give each reporter more personal feedback.

As a School Buzz reporter, you'll: • Gain experience writing, reporting, and taking photographs • Share a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at your school with the wider community • Receive invaluable writing samples for college applications • Earn a byline at thebuzzmagazines.com

See thebuzzmagazines.com/school-buzz for more information and to apply for the 2023-24 school year.

Questions? Email Caroline Siegfried at caroline@thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 41

SPORTS

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

Challenger Sundays West University Little League wrapped up another season of its Challenger division. This league offers players with physical and mental challenges a chance to play baseball and have a rewarding experience, regardless of their limitations. Challenger gives every player, ages 5 through their final year of high school, with the opportunity to participate in a structured athletic program and have a wonderful time. Each game is guided by the leadership of adult coaches and middle school- and high schoolaged volunteers who serve as Challenger buddies. Participating families travel from all around Houston to come to West University Little League’s Main Campus to play on Sunday. Challenger Sundays have become a special tradition at WULL, featuring an atmosphere of caring, friendships, smiles, and lifelong bonds. This year, the league had record participation with 102 players and 223 buddies. With only two rainouts all season and sunny Sundays the rest, it was a huge win. Pictured (from left) are Ford Laird, Alex Hulsey, Jack Hamilton, and Ethan Fuentes.

Tournament winners Congratulations are in order for the Bellaire Little League 12U Bombers for winning this year’s Blue Gray tournament. The team was formed after the regular season and only had a couple of weeks of practice and a handful of scrimmages to prepare for the season. There were 10 teams in their division, and they went undefeated, 4-0, winning the championship game against Westbury with a score of 10-0. Pictured (from left) are Luis LaMadrid, Gabe Monroy, Evan Cohen, Dillon Dawson, Natan Saber, Eli Hudson, Jadon Hill, Charlie Alexander, Cash Hollek, Rafael LaMadrid, Ajay Shah, and Jonah Salazar. The coaches are (from left) Victor LaMadrid, Ryan Hollek, Gabriel Monroy Sr., Walter Hudson, and Kurt Dawson.

Just keep swimming A group from the 260 Bellaire Barracudas swim team including (pictured) Joelle Le, Bella Torres, Mia Torres, Layla Chang, Zoe Cheng, Madelyn Melville, Kinsley Sirmans, and Jayden Le, waited poolside for their turn to swim their races in their big final meet of the season. These teammates were some of the 9-12-year-old Bellaire Barracudas who participated at the Southwest Aquatic League Championship swim meet at the Willow Pool. The Barracudas dominated the medley relays at the final meet of the season and came in second place overall. Head Coach was Sophie McCollum, and assistant coaches included Bellaire residents and current and former Barracudas swimmers Elisa Adams, Audrey Tedore, Katelynn Clay, Peyton Cantrell, Carver Hix, Teresa Cheng, Natalie Cheng, Reva Sinha, Kasen Burris, and Mackency Moreno.

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 2023 42

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 43

KIDS

by Avilash Jayakumar, age 16

Buzz Kidz

LAUNCHING A MESSAGE Avilash Jayakumar, a 10th grader at the British International School of Houston, co-founded the Houston chapter of Fridays For Future, a climate action group. For Earth Day, they used a weather balloon to send an image of the last male northern white rhino into space. Their photo was inspired by the iconic “Earthrise” photo taken in 1968.

Earth Day Moonshot

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limate change. Environmental degradation.

Pollution. Extinction. All these bleak and troublesome words perfectly encapsulate a source of anxiety for many in our younger generation.

I am part of a group called Fridays For Future Houston, a chapter of the Fridays For Future movement protesting inaction on climate change. We wanted to do more this Earth Day to raise awareness for the environment. We decided to send a picture of the last male northern white rhino, moments before his 2018 death, 104,000 feet above sea level to capture his visage with our planet’s hue in view. Through our student-led “Earth Day Moonshot,” we wanted to illustrate why we must address climate change and environmental destruction; as Greta Thunberg says, “There is no Planet B.”

It was no easy feat. Arriving at 5:30 a.m. at a public park in Luling, TX, we spent 25 minutes working in the dark to untangle our 50 ft-long flight line.

Although it took another hour securing everything with duct tape and super glue, adding heat packs to keep the GoPro warm, inflating the balloon, and coordinating with the FAA and ATC, we were able to get it airborne by 7:37 a.m., as the sun rose.

The balloon rose slower than expected due to the extra duct tape added for security, before bursting at 104,000 ft at 10:48 a.m. The payload box (with photo attached and camera inside) then parachuted back to Earth. It almost landed at Clear Lake, before taking a sharp U-turn due to wind and landing in a tree near Johnson Space Center. My colleague Vaughn Holmes then retrieved it with a grappling hook. By 12:37

p.m., our mission was complete.

The message we sent up featured a quote by Sir David Attenborough, who has dedicated his career to documenting the natural world and recently turned 97. Having witnessed the drastic changes that have transpired in his own lifetime, his message to this generation is simple: “What happens next is up to every one of us.”

Editor’s note: If you are a student who wants to get involved with Fridays For Future Houston, see fridaysforfuture.org.

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

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Bookkeeping for fiduciaries If you manage money or property for someone who cannot, you may be an informal if not formal fiduciary. Visit protecttheirmoneytx.org for rules specific to agents, trustees, and more. The common thread: on request, you must account for everything you’ve done, whether to undeserving relatives or court-appointed executors, administrators, or guardians. An annual report from the fiduciary to their principal is a good rule of thumb.

Accounting or not, financial caregiving quickly turns into paying bills, reconciling accounts, and collating tax information. No one balances their own checkbook anymore. What to do with someone else’s stuff? Get a CPA and get organized well before April 15.

With good information, a CPA can keep the taxes straight and compile annual reports. Bookkeeping by you, not the CPA, will be essential. No one can afford to pay a CPA the first year much less every year for the forensic audit required to clean up an unholy mess. There are techniques, services, and vendors to keep it under control.

Taking Mom to the doctor now? Use her card for the co-pay, parking, and new prescriptions on the way home. Put recurring payments on autopay, e.g., the prescription drug plan, insurance premiums, and utility payments. Mom’s statement tells the tale. Don’t complicate things by using your card for the points.

Paying ever larger bills for home health? Up your game before moving money from an investment account to the checking account. Consider Mint, Empower, or eMoney. Those desktop and phone apps aggregate transactions on a single platform for budgeting and reporting. Once a month or so, flag the transactions that will hit the income tax return, e.g., prescription drugs at CVS but not toilet paper.

Need a real person to help? Search aadmm.com for a certified daily money manager.

Some CPA firms will make a bookkeeper available to clients. Others won’t, but can recommend one. Enrolled agents can be a good value.

Millionaires might move their investments to a bank with a trust department that can handle bookkeeping under a “management agency.”

Trustees may prefer a Texas CPA for statespecific fiduciary income accounting knowledge, but bookkeeping can be done remotely, and from any jurisdiction.

Annual income tax returns are not themselves an adequate accounting, because they don’t address asset values, nondeductible expenses, or gifts. However, with the appropriate bookkeeping discipline, they become less of an existential threat and more of a victory lap, ensuring a good foundation for the fiduciary’s annual report.

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PETS

Neighborhood Tails Scooby, age 4, Shepherd Mix, University Blvd.

My name is Scooby, like the cartoon character. I’m a small, lovable shepherd mix with floppy ears and a cute curly tail. Four years ago, I hit the jackpot. I was found running in Westheimer traffic and brought to my forever home. I love to fetch and play tug of war with toys.

Walking through the neighborhood and playing outdoors are also favorites.

Nothing beats rolling in the grass, chasing squirrels, or drinking from my large water bowl. Everyone else swims in the bowl (aka pool), but that’s not for me.

Watching dogs and delivery trucks pass the house is also fun. I love it when the postman drops things through the mail slot. If I’m fast enough, I rip the letters up before my family gets to them. Not my best habit. At the end of day, I like snuggling with my family, and I hope other dogs get the chance to be as lucky as me.

Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.

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To advertise in The Buzz Magazines, contact us at 713.668.4157, ext. 101 or advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 46

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Allergies in older adults In April 2017, the AARP Bulletin wrote about allergies, and since it’s an AARP publication, it focused on adults age 50 and over. Before the 1990s, it was taught that allergy was an ailment of the young and usually got better as one became older. Further, it was thought that older individuals didn’t suddenly “become allergic.” Since the 1980s, though, the prevalence of allergy has increased in all age groups. It is now known that one can develop allergies at any age.

Just as treatment is different in children than it is in adults, a great deal of caution goes into considering therapeutic options in older adults. For instance, oral decongestants, such as Sudafed, are more likely to cause side effects in older adults (e.g., high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, and/or rapid heart rate). Sudafed PE is much safer. It doesn’t contain any “Sudafed” (pseudoephedrine) at all; rather, it contains phenylephrine, a much milder decongestant. Antihistamines, such as Zyrtec, Benadryl and Xyzal, can make you sleepy. Claritin and Allegra are less likely to cause sedation. Of further concern about sedating antihistamines is that long-term use may increase the risk of dementia. The only antihistamine NOT on that list is Allegra (even Claritin is sedating and with anti-cholinergic effects at higher doses). Generic Allegra (fexofenadine) is much less expensive and works just as well for about 95 percent of our patients. Costco sells it as “AllerFex,” and Walgreens as “Wal-Fex”.

Nasal steroids are usually tolerated better than any of the oral medications because a much smaller dose of medicine is required to be effective since the medicine is applied directly to the nose. But some nasal steroids cause

nosebleeds; original Flonase is most likely to cause a bloody nose. Two other over-the-counter nasal steroids, Flonase Sensimist and Rhinocort Allergy, are less likely to cause a bloody nose.

One treatment that works well in younger and older patients is allergy shots. Once we identify what you are allergic to, we can use allergy shots, or immunotherapy (IT), to make you less allergic.

As opposed to medications listed above, which just treat your symptoms, IT is disease modifying.

IT teaches your body’s immune system to ignore the dust mites, cat dander or tree pollen that can cause “false alarms” in the allergic. A word of caution about IT, though: many so-called allergists are not board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and don’t use optimal doses of allergens in their recipes. All four allergists at The Allergy Clinic and Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic are not only board certified by ABAI, but maintain that certification on an annual basis.

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

David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic

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NEIGHBORS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

Buzz About Town Red, white, and blue in West U

Hung Truong

Drs. Jason and Shannon Westin (pictured) joined fellow supporters at the 11th annual Ovarcome gala at the Royal Sonesta Hotel to support research and advocacy efforts to fight ovarian cancer.

Ovarcome founder, president, and chief executive officer Runsi Sen and advisory board members Drs. Anil Sood, Anirban Maitra, and Rob Coleman welcomed 250 guests donning black-tie

Jenna Baer

Sneakers and ball gowns

Paula Goldstein, Laura and Rick Jaramillo, Mady and Ken Kades, Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Eileen and Kase Lawal, Donna and Norman Lewis, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Dr. Laura Murillo, Sylvia and Gordon Quan, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Margaret Alkek Williams, and Cyvia Wolff.

A book signing among friends West U neighbors celebrated the Fourth of July with the annual Independence Day Parade.

Neighbors dressed in red, white, and blue decorated bikes, trikes, strollers, or wagons and lined up in front of West University Elementary School for the start of the parade. Attendees made their way to Colonial Park Pool, where the festivities continued with a variety of contests, including the water balloon toss, frozen t-shirt, kids cannonball splash, and the belly flop competition.

Pictured are the Breen, Lair, and Morlot families on their way to the festivities at Colonial Park Pool. See thebuzzmagazines.com/westu-fourth-ofjuly-2023 for a photo slideshow by Jenna Baer.

An evening with Vanessa Williams

attire with sneakers, as they joined together toto “sneak up” on ovarian cancer. Ovarcomer (ovarian-cancer survivor) Mandi Chambless and oncologist Dr. Anne Alaniz, who recently scaled the Everest Base Camp to raise ovarian cancer awareness, were honored at the event. The highlight of the evening was the N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease) band, a group of five gynecologic oncologists/musicians who travelled to Houston from all over the country to perform. The N.E.D. band has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, and The New York Times, and released a documentary about their work.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 48

Holocaust Museum Houston honored Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi (pictured, left) and Dr. Peter Hotez (pictured, right) with the 2023 Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award at the annual awards dinner at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Award-winning actress and singer Vanessa Williams (pictured, center) performed for more than 1,100 guests during the evening that raised $1.7 million for museum programming. The award recognized Drs. Hotez and Bottazzi for their work as co-directors of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital and dean and senior associate dean at the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Hallie Vanderhider served as honorary event chair, with honorary vice chairs

Cindy and Michael Graves (pictured) joined friends at the home of Andy and Tania Greenwood to celebrate Andy’s latest book, When it Was Personal. Andy confesses to creating book characters based on his friends and acquaintances, but even though he and Michael have known each other for 70 years, Michael has not seen himself in any books. Yet. Some of the guests have known Andy since they were lifers together at St. John’s School. Friends and partygoers that go way back in time include Lucy Clark Shaw, Anne Peden Tucker, Margie Baldwin Esse, Cody and Jim Greenwood, and Maryann Macy.

Sibling lifeguards Brothers and sisters galore! The swimming pools at Bellaire Aquatic Center and Evergreen Complex are staffed by (continued on page 50)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 49

(continued from page 48) more than 100 lifeguards

(pictured), and about one-third of them are siblings. Head pool manager Westley Tupa cannot remember another summer when they had so many sets of siblings on the payroll at the same time. Fortunately, the brothers and sisters leave the sibling rivalry at home and give their best efforts while working. The 12 sets of sibling lifeguards are Alex and Derek Adrion, Jake and Joe Beasley, Savoi and Sydni Coleman, Andrew and Brooke Crabtree, Giselle and Andres Garza, Jack and Andrew Harvey, AJ and Will Hazen, Cristian, Gabrielle, and

Isabelle Luna, Sophia and Brandon Martin, Morgan and Macyn Tannery, Collin and Camille Thrash, and Evan and Chase Wei.

Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation luncheon The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual luncheon and auction, featuring comedian Tig Notaro, is scheduled for October 2.

Event planning committee members (pictured) are preparing to welcome supporters at the Hilton Americas Hotel for an afternoon of laughter to raise funds for breast-cancer research.

Notaro, a breast-cancer survivor, is a Grammy Award winner for Best Comedy Album “Live” and has appeared in both television and movies including Transparent, Star Trek: Discovery, Army of the Dead, Instant Family, and Your Place or Mine. The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation, an entirely volunteer-run organization that supports local research and awareness initiatives, was established 22 years ago, inspired by breast-cancer survivor Nancy Owens. The luncheon and auction committee members are (top row, from left): Elizabeth Rankin-Rice, Mariella Massa, Vicky Fullerton; (second row, from left): Christina Sacco, Jennifer Hernandez, Gloria Moorman, Mary Piper; (third row, from left): Robin Mueck, Randee Kaplan, Ellie Riney, Tamara Mannen; (bottom row, from left): Amy Bernstein, Terri Guerra, and Peggie Kohnert. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit nancyowens.org.

Daniel Ortiz

Wine dinner for women’s health

David and Audrey Gow (pictured) joined more than 200 guests at Tony’s for the 8th annual wine dinner benefiting The Women’s Fund for Health Education and (continued on page 52) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 50

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dinner raised more than $200,000 help Houston-area women and girls become advocates for their health with classes, workshops, and lectures. Emcee Courtney Zavala began the program and welcomed president of the board Jillian Nel who introduced event co-chairs Elaine Turner and Misti Pace-Krahl, and recognized Philamena and Arthur Baird with the Jane and David Braden, MD Heart of Volunteer service award. Guests listened to Divisi Strings Amp’d Quartet including performances of “Sweet Dreams are Made of This,” “All of Me,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Junior League of Houston

(continued from page 50) Resiliency. This year’s

Daniel Ortiz

Embracing autism

everything from Union Jack-themed socks and ties to scarves and handbags, while they watched a delayed broadcast on multiple screens and enjoyed brunch, mimosas, games, and a raffle.

Walk with me Jenny Antill

ing event. 2022-2023 president Anne Sears welcomed the new executive committee into their roles at the event held at the Junior League. The new executive committee members are (pictured, from left): membership vice president Dionella Martinez, recording secretary Lisa Houssiere, development vice president Elizabeth Robinson Kendrick, president Amanda Hanks Bayles, community vice president Laura Whitten, president-elect Mary Lee Wilkens, and financial vice president Laura Thompson.

Leah Wilson

Royal watch party

Ryane Jackson and Steve Vetrano (pictured) celebrated at the Avondale House gala at River Oaks Country Club. Embracing Autism, Hear Our Voices was chaired by Allen and Emily Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly, and raised $245,000 to benefit the adult programs at Avondale House. More than 300 guests at the western-chic themed evening enjoyed a performance by Nashville’s No. 1-hit singersongwriters Phillip White, Monty Holmes, and Kent Blazy while supporting the Adult Day Program, Residential Program, and Employment Services Program. Avondale House was established in 1976 by a group of parents of children with autism and has grown into a seven-acre campus for people with moderate to severe autism.

Passing the gavel The Junior League of Houston celebrated its 2023-2024 executive committee at a gavel-passWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 52

Kirsty McCormack, Preci Harthco, and Maria Gonzalez (pictured, from left) joined 200 other Anglophiles at Houston’s largest coronation watch party. Pomp and circumstance were on full display at Royal Oaks Country Club where guests watched the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The fundraising event was hosted by the British American Foundation of Texas and the British American Business Council, and will provide tuition support for gifted, financially challenged Texas college students including a unique learning experience in the UK. Partygoers were encouraged to wear their British patriotic best, which was cleverly seen in

Ben, Oliver, and Courtney Cole (pictured, from left) enjoyed the 5K Family Fun Walk at the Easter Seals annual Walk With Me Event at the Houston Zoo. They joined a recordbreaking crowd of supporters who walked among Zoo elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs to raise money for Easter Seals programming. The Cole family was introduced to the Easter Seals early childhood intervention (ECI) team when Oliver was born and had a very difficult start.

They are grateful for the support they received and now help raise funds for other families.

Oliver has an impressive fundraising history, and over the last three Walk With Me events, he has raised nearly $11,000 for Easter Seals.

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ AUGUST 2023 53

NEIGHBORS

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by Andria Frankfort Dilling, staff writer

Back Porch

AI: Are you excited, scared, or clueless?

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I, ChatGPT, chatbot…the mention of those letters (words?) makes my brain turn off. Which sadly means my brain must be shut down pretty often.

At least I’m not the only one. When I asked one friend at lunch what she knew about AI and ChatGPT, she answered, “I have no idea what you’re speaking of.” Another merely said, “I would talk all day about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence if others would hush up talking about [certain politicians]. Frankly, they both scare me to death.” A little off topic, but whatever.

One of the smartest (and maybe most outspoken) people I know, with an MBA and an impressive resume, said, “It makes my head hurt to think about it. I try, and then I’m like, Ugh. “It’s like the whole crypto thing. On an intellectual level I know I understand what it is, but I still think it’s stupid and don’t even want to understand it. We had some friends who got real caught up in the crypto, but they didn’t really understand it that well. We were at dinner, and they were like, ‘We’ve got this guy, and we get a nine percent return every month,’ and I was like, ‘That’s a Ponzi scheme and if that’s the case can we just give them $100,000 for a year and then pull out? Because that’s not gonna work.’

“I don’t know what it was, but they’re not getting their checks every month anymore. They were building a house and had to dial that back, and they were like, ‘We think it’s too big,’ and [my husband] was like, ‘Yeah, because you’re in a f-ing Ponzi scheme!’ Their house is a little smaller than they planned.”

So while I’m not the only one sitting at dinner nodding and pretending to get it (and also trying not to freak out – is anyone else concerned about giant AI robots taking over the universe, like in one of those movies I refuse to watch?), there actually are some people who are using this stuff for good.

Take sweet (and smart) Lewis Kalmans, the Morgan Stanley Family Wealth Director. He uses ChatGPT to write special-occasion poems for his family.

“For some time, I have written poems for various occasions – birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, anniversaries,” he says. “I find that I can

READY OR NOT Artificial intelligence is here in a big way, which can be scary or exciting, or both.

leverage my time by asking ChatGPT to help. I don’t just ask for a poem and use all of what is provided. I give details about the people and their passions, then it helps me generate ideas. Then, I use many of my own words, phrases, and content to make sure the poem looks and sounds like me.

I think people enjoy a personalized poem much more than a $4.99 generic card from Target or the grocery store.”

Then there’s a seasoned marketing exec who says, “I know it, understand it, and use it, but not extensively. You just ask it questions. I’ll often use it to get me started on a brainstorm, and the resulting list that it generates is just enough to get me going on a list of my own ideas. Or it can create ‘boiler plate’ copy for something. It can also explain things to you in summary format.”

We asked our marketing friend how to get started. “Use it the way you would use Google,” they said. “But instead of getting a list of possible sites to visit to get answers to your question, it just gives you those answers.” As an example, they asked ChatGPT What are some unique magazine topics for

the month of July? The AI assistant responded with a long list of ideas starting with: “1. ‘Summer Escapes’: A magazine focusing on unique and lesser-known travel destinations.” Then they changed the question a bit to What are some unique topics for a July issue of a neighborhood magazine? We got another list starting with: “1. ‘Community Picnic Extravaganza’: Highlighting a local neighborhood picnic event, featuring interviews with organizers, coverage of activities, and tips for hosting a successful community gathering.”

“I’m not scared to use it,” our friend said, “and you shouldn’t be either. What’s scary is how it will be abused.”

While I was writing this, an ad popped up on my computer for GrammarlyGo, an AI writing assistant. “GrammarlyGo understands your context, your voice, and your style,” the ad said. “It takes whatever’s on the tip of your tongue and turns it into something more.”

Well, obviously, someone or something is listening as I write. And that’s almost as scary as the giant robots.