The West University Buzz - February 2016

Colin and Jessica Bozarth

China Patterns Maiden or Married Name?

Newlywed Neighbors

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld

Travel Buzz: Napa in Texas Best Fried Chicken Spots Mardi Gras Meals at Home Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Valentine’s Day – All Grown Up

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Congratulations to the newlyweds featured in this month’s issue, including The Buzz’s own Darsey Sharp and her husband Jon. I’m especially impressed with how poised the young men seem to have been throughout the planning and the wedding weekend. I wasn’t nearly as composed when Joni and I were married. I remember being a nervous wreck, not because I had any doubts about the woman I was marrying, but I was truly baffled by what married life was going to be like. The morning of our wedding I took a long walk with a close friend who had been married 20 years. I remember quizzing him about marriage as if I were joining a secret society and about to learn the secret handshake. Truth is he didn’t say anything earth-shaking, but I hung on to every word.

Twenty-seven years later, I’ll let you in on a secret: There is no secret handshake. And in the end, as The Beatles sing, the love you take is equal to the love you make. michael@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

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Editor Publisher Associate Editors Design Manager Staff Writers

Contributing Writers Vice President, Sales Account Managers

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

On our cover: Newlyweds Jessica (Dreyfus) and Colin Bozarth met at a University of Texas at Austin game.

Cover photo by Philip Thomas Photography, www.philipthomas.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2016 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 4

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions A new year, a new closet What a surprise it was for Sallie Alcorn and me to see our faces and closets front and center on your pages [Tidying Up: Sparking joy with less clutter, January 2016]! While we always dreamed of our 15 minutes of fame, neither one of us ever thought it would come from “coming out of our closets” – literally! Jennifer Oakley did a really nice job of weaving our closet makeovers into something that, surprisingly, hit a chord with so many.

Both of us have chuckled at how many people in our respective neighborhoods, gyms, grocery stores, work establishments, etc. have stopped us to say we “inspired them!” Us? Seriously? A word to the wise….decluttering is not as hard as it sounds. It just takes that first step and the rest, well, it’s up to the individual from there. I encourage your readers to give Marie Kondo’s book a try – Sallie followed it to the letter, while I customized my approach. In the words of a great marketing tag line, doesn’t matter how you go about it – JUST DO IT! No regrets. Happy New Year!

Tali Blumrosen

No need to deal with dementia alone Thank you so much for the beautiful article you wrote about Amazing Place and the four individuals you featured [Amazing Place: When memories fade, by Cheryl Ursin, November 2015]. You did a magnificent job capturing the challenges of dementia and the amazing things that happen here to support those who are touched by this disease. By sharing this important resource, you gave us a gift, as well as the community. I trust this will go a long way to help others who may be dealing with the disease in silence or are afraid to talk about it. One of our goals is to destigmatize this disease, which is becoming more and more prevalent, so more will be able to be open and honest about sharing their challenges and accepting help.

Suzy LaForge, Amazing Place Editor’s note: Amazing Place offers free presentations to groups about brainhealth matters, including Brain Healthy Nutrition, When to Worry about Your Memory and Seven Habits for Healthy Aging. See amazingplacehouston.org or call Susan Giles at 713-552-0420.

Everybody loves Thistle Downe We had such an overwhelming response to Cheryl Ursin’s article in The Buzz on our miniature twig house, Thistle Downe and our book by the same name (thistledownebook.com)! A tremendous amount of interest and enthusiasm was expressed by readers in all four areas where your magazine is published. Cheryl tuned in to the joy of the little house and its residents and brought it to life in your pages [Creating Thistle Downe: Home for fairies and trolls, photos by Nikky LaWell, January 2016]. One funny story we forgot to mention was when we found sawdust on the porch of the little library. Our Terminix man was coming the next day, so we requested a consultation. Sure enough, there were termites in Thistle Downe. He treated the little house for the pests, which led us to suggest this slogan for his company – No job too WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 6

big; no house too small. Thank you, The Buzz, for a wonderful experience!

Molly and Gary Whitney Editor’s note: Thank you for sharing the delightful Thistle Downe with us.

Readers, if you missed it, you can find this story and search for any others we have printed, plus online extras, at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Lunch was a nice bonus As a member of The Junior League of Houston, Inc., I appreciate the great partnership that it has with The Buzz Magazines. I was flattered to represent Bellaire in the magazine’s December 2015 issue [Season of Style: Fashion savvy from your neighbors], and I enjoyed working with Jennifer Oakley, a current League sustainer and Buzz writer, to answer her fashionadvice questions. Jennifer was very responsive and helpful when it came to scheduling the photo shoot. The whole Buzz team was so considerate of everyone’s time and even provided lunch for those who took off during the work day to participate in the photo shoot. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. I enjoyed making new neighborhood friends in the process and loved the article. Well done!

Ashley Sloan 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: • Make their own baby food.

• Have a unique hobby or passion.

• Have a great travel story.

• Know an interesting neighbor to profile.

• Have a cute photo of your pet.

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

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The ultimate Valentine’s gift The other day, I was thinking about what to give my wife Susan for Valentine’s Day. The usual things came to mind – flowers, candy, etc. But then a different idea struck me, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a caring gift it would be. In fact, it’s one you may need to give to your own spouse. With Valentine’s Day approaching, what better time than the present?

You see, I handle most of our family finances. It’s my profession, after all.

And for that reason, one day I thought about how vulnerable Susan would be if anything happened to me. Not that money would be a major problem.

We’re fortunate enough to be well covered by investments as well as insurance. The problem would be one of knowledge. Susan just has not had much experience with or exposure to our various investment assets and accounts.

In fact, she would not necessarily know where much of our wealth was, or how to access it. She would be left to grieve the loss of her husband while she tried to figure these things out, all while bills kept coming in.

Fortunately, something else I realized was how easy it would be for me to fix the problem. All it cost was the price of a 3-by-5 note card and some time.

On the note card I wrote down the critical information Susan would need to access all of our accounts, insurance policies, online records, etc., in case I passed away or was incapacitated. I suggested she put the card away somewhere safe and easy to find.

Think of the note card as the key to accessing your family’s wealth. Keys are small, so one side of a 3-by-5 note card should be plenty. We are talking about high-level, summary information only. At the top, mine says: “Susan,

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 8

if something happens to me, follow these steps.” Three steps instruct her to go to www.partnersinwealth.com, enter a user name and password, and access a certain document titled “Notes to my Family.”

That’s all there is to it. I think of the card as the top of a pyramid of information about my family’s wealth. It tells you where and how to access the next level down in the pyramid. That level will have additional details about accounts, balances, etc. From there you can access still lower levels with increasingly detailed records of transactions, history and so forth.

Would you or your spouse benefit from a note card? Then Valentine’s is the perfect time for it. Since it involves things we don’t like to think about, making a gift of it ensures you won’t put it off indefinitely – maybe until it’s too late. And while a note card may not sound as romantic as a bouquet of roses, it may show a lot more thought and caring. It might be considered one of the most thoughtful and loving things you can do for your spouse and other loved ones on a day when you are supposed to show how much you care.

James Waters, CFP®, PARTNERSINWEALTH, 3400 Bissonnet, Suite 145, Houston, Texas 77005, 713.964.4028, jrw@partnersinwealth.com, www.partnersinwealth.com

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

China Patterns Dining on family history

B

ride-to-be Devon Rutherford is validating the adage that everything old is new again. As she plans her April 9 wedding to Aaron Roberts, Devon, who is getting her teacher’s certification, has done what so many brides do: She’s registered for gifts. But for Devon and Aaron, choosing a china pattern was more about family history than it was about finding the perfect pattern.

“We had been looking at china,” Devon says, “and we picked out a pattern we liked. My mom said it looked similar to what she had in her china cabinet.”

What her mom had was Devon’s grandmother’s china. “It’s pretty simple. Off-white with taupe and gold rims,” Devon says. “My fiancé was pretty big on choosing. He’s not big on china in general, but he was happy when we decided to use my grandmother’s.”

Most excited, though, is Devon’s stepfather, Thomas Kent. “My grandmother loved to cook and entertain, so he really wants to see [the china] used again,” Devon says. Thomas, a neurologist, is sentimental about the gift. “It would have really made my mother happy to know that the gift to Devon was really appreciated,” he says.

“My mother grew up in rural Hungary. They had a very nice life there before World War II. When they came to this country, she tried to replicate the best memories she had from home, which were big dinners.

“One of the first gifts she got from her brother, who worked at Saks in New York, was an 18piece china set. As her dinners grew, she got a second set, which is the one that Devon has.

Devon grew up using that china every Thanksgiving and hearing the stories.

“The china was important to my mother, and it was important to Devon’s growing up. Devon wanted to keep that legacy going.”

Lisa Sheinbaum, a mom of two girls and owner of Art for All, which encourages creativity in people with dementia, also loves using her family’s heirloom china, Coalport “Sandringham.”

Having been passed down from her grandmother to her mother to Lisa, it’s “old and ornate,” she says. “My mom used it for family dinners. Now I use it – not terribly often, but on special occasions

FAMILY TRADITION Thomas Kent is thrilled for his stepdaughter Devon Rutherford to use his mother's china and carry on her love of entertaining family.

with family. I don’t use it for dinner parties. It’s more sentimental and meaningful to me, and I don’t want anything to happen to it.”

When Lisa married some 35 years ago, she chose her own pattern, Royal Doulton “Concord Platinum,” without influence from her grandmother’s. “It’s totally different,” she says. “One is red and gold with flowers and all kinds of stuff, and the one we bought was white with a platinum rim. Night and day.

“I knew I had something totally ornate, and it wasn’t really my style,” Lisa says. “But when I use it I love it. I love the history, the sentimental value.”

The china also reminds Lisa of family history and her hometown of Toronto. “I don’t want to get too mushy, but I don’t live where my family lives. It’s very important to me to have something from my past. It feels cozy.”

Lisa hopes that someday her girls will treasure their great-grandmother’s china. “I hope they won’t call Goodwill or put it in a garage sale!” she says. “I have plenty for them to divide up and hope they’ll use it for their families the same way we are doing now.”

Although Lisa didn’t try to coordinate her family’s china with her own, many brides choose

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to do so. When pairing old and new, like Devon and Aaron, things can get a little complicated.

So the couple worked with Sabrina Sims, chief registry consultant for Bering’s, to make their decisions. “What’s important to most people I work with is asserting their own style, but also holding on to tradition,” Sabrina says. “We try to incorporate tradition and new so they can put their own spin on it.”

Because Devon’s family pattern is so simple, she and Aaron chose accent pieces – Wedgewood “Basilica” salad plates and Herend “Babos” chargers. “To jazz it up,” she says.

“People come in with a different focus,” Sabrina says. “Some care about the handle on the teacup, so we’ll start there. Sometimes we work around a dinner plate.”

Only once has Sabrina encountered an insurmountable issue when helping brides and grooms select china. “It was six or seven years ago, and the guy had an opinion,” she says. “There was an argument on the floor, and I had to step away.

They ended up not getting married.”

Maybe they should have stuck with the family china.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 11

NEIGHBORS

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Cherished Moments W

Nancy Aidee Photography

e could hear the hum of our guests outside, just a few feet away. In front of us were plates of hors d’oeuvres, which we had carefully selected months before.

We didn’t say much – we were overcome with emotion – but what was there to say, really, besides how happy we were?

Those stolen moments to reflect on our wedding ceremony, just the two of us as a brand-new married couple, before rejoining our family and friends, stand out to me. Nearly a year later, our wedding weekend remains a series of treasured memories. And I feel honored to, again this year, share Buzz newlyweds’ weddings with you.

Nancy Aidee Photography

Buzz newlyweds’ wedding weekends

Both incoming Bellaire High School students at the time, Sarah Hutchins and Tyler Duffey met in July 2005 at one of Tyler’s summer baseball games and started dating. Their wedding party, which was made up of 29 of their friends and family, included 13 best friends from their BHS days. Tyler is now a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, and Sarah is a dental hygiene student at UT School of Dentistry. Sarah shares her wedding memories: The proposal: Tyler proposed on his 24th birthday, and I didn’t know that the birthday party I had planned for him was really a surprise engagement party for us with our family and friends. It was incredible; I laughed and cried all night long, and was in total shock!

The wedding weekend: We were surrounded with so much love from our best friends and family. We had been dating for more than nine years at that point, and Tyler and I were very excited. The wedding was fairly traditional, as it took place at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and then the party at The Houstonian, where we danced until 1 in the morning.

Everything was indoors and had a warm and elegant vibe. The Houstonian had beautiful Christmas decorations out and the ballroom was adorned with ivory flowers wrapped with pine along with lots of candles.

Any sentimental aspects? Tyler and I missed having Tyler’s mom, Shanna Duffey, there. She

Nancy Aidee Photography

Sarah Hutchins + Tyler Duffey Dec. 19, 2015

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS Top left: Sarah Hutchins and Tyler Duffey started dating while at Bellaire High School. Top right: When Sarah was dancing with her dad, Joe, Tyler surprised his 92-year-old grandmother, Jeanne Walker, and asked her to dance. Sarah’s mom, Jonell, said there wasn’t a dry eye in the room while the groom danced with his grandmother. Bottom photo: Their wedding party included 13 best friends from their BHS days: (back row, from left) Hallie West, Bijan Dehghani, Morgan Taylor, Suzanna Reed, Trace Knoblauch, Lindsey Schultz, Chris Minifee, Becca Irey, Michael Ratterree, Merrick Stein, Kaitlyn Reynolds, John Satriano, Leslie Hutchins, John Almogabar, (front row, from left) Ben Ribe, Maribeth Pruitt, Katie Naumann, Blake Schafman, Allaire Clark, Shannon McGee, William Hutchins, Sarah Hutchins, Tyler Duffey, Alex Golden, Travis Duffey, Leila Noorbaksh, Anna Meyerson, Andrew Burns, Sallie McAllister, Rachel Hutchins and Lauren Otis.

passed back in April 2012. Prior to her passing, she had survived breast cancer and enhanced her love for everything pink. To honor her presence, we included a few pink roses in the all-ivory/white

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flower arrangements. Tyler, his brother and best man, Travis, and their father, Tim, all wore a pink rose on their boutonnieres as well.

An “uh-oh” moment: I attempted to put

Christianne Taylor Photography

Christianne Taylor Photography Christianne Taylor Photography

MOUNTAIN-TOP PARADISE Bottom left: Elizabeth Wood and Jason Edgeworth, son of Jim and Donna, married in Aspen; Elizabeth’s parents, Jeff and Shana, married there 30 years ago. Bottom right: Jason proposed to Elizabeth at Memorial Park Hunters, her favorite Houston spot, as she rides hunter/jumper horses. Here she is pictured with her horse Royal Contender. Top: The wedding party included (standing, from left) Jeremiah Daly, Mark Leiman, Stephanie Scherr, Justin Burns, Andrea Karpen, Tyler Hassen, the bride and groom, Cody Edgeworth, Alexis Caruselle, Jeff Wood, Laura Piatowsky, Dean Burke, Brian Hernandez, (sitting, from left) Jennifer Jones, Todd Hassen, Sabrina Scruta, Jordan Dickie, Amanda Dougherty, Sloan Hopson, Connor Wood and Morgan Peeler.

Tyler’s ring on his right hand instead of the left.

It got stuck, and as I proceeded to pull it off, it fell to the floor! I immediately knelt down to retrieve it. It was priceless, so “us” and lightened the emotional mood.

Advice for brides: Don’t sweat the small stuff and never forget that marrying your best friend is what it is all about.

Elizabeth Wood + Jason Edgeworth Oct. 3, 2015 Elizabeth Wood, a Second Baptist School alum, had graduated from Texas A&M in 2011 and was with her parents, Jeff and Shana, for the summer in Aspen, when a family friend called and asked whether she was looking for a job. Initially, she wanted to

stay in Aspen, but now she’s glad she went to Houston. It was during this job at an energytrading company that she met Jason Edgeworth. Later, he asked her to dinner, and they started dating. Now, Elizabeth works in oil and gas with her dad’s company, Landmark Resources, and Jason is an investment banker with US (continued on page 14)

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Philip Thomas Photography

Philip Thomas Photography

Philip Thomas Photography

LONGHORN LOVE Left: Jessica Dreyfus met Colin Bozarth at a University of Texas at Austin game. They married in Austin, and Piper was their Dog of Honor. Top right: Their wedding party included (from left) Lauren Lestin, Lisa Vine, Jamie Barstein, Haley Berkman, Lisa Dreyfus, the bride, Ruby White (flower girl), Marisa Bozarth, Arielle Scherz, Nicole Reisman, Rikki Spolane, Wesley Meyer and Kate Zeligson. Bottom right: At the reception, Jessica and Colin wave napkins as part of the hora, a Jewish tradition in which guests dance in a circle while the bride, groom and family members are lifted in chairs. Celebrating with the bride and groom were Jessica’s parents, John and Debby Dreyfus, Colin’s parents, Irene Mitchell and Rex Bozarth, and Colin’s stepmother, Aimee Bozarth, and stepfather, Alan Brown. (continued from page 13) Capital Advisors. Here

are Elizabeth’s wedding memories: The proposal: I ride hunter/jumper horses at Memorial Park Hunters, which is at the Houston Polo Club. We went one evening to visit my horse to give him carrots and then went walking around the polo fields, when he proposed. The polo club is special to me; my dad has played polo, and I have ridden there for years. It’s my favorite place in Houston; it’s a wonderful escape from the noise of the city. It feels like you are in the country in this beautiful place but it’s only five minutes from my house.

The wedding weekend: It was a traditional wedding outdoors on top of Aspen Mountain.

The ceremony was outside, and the cocktail reception was also at the top of the mountain in the Aspen Mountain Club, as well as the dinner in the Sundeck Lodge. Aspen is a special place for my family. My dad used to live there, and my parents were married in Aspen 30 years ago.

Most unique component? Definitely the most unique thing about the wedding was our transportation to the wedding venue. Guests loaded a gondola for a 20-minute ride up to the top of Aspen Mountain. It was a beautiful time

of year; the leaves were changing colors, and the top of the mountains were snowcapped. Our guests had a panoramic view of the scenery from 11,211 feet. On the gondola ride down, it started snowing. Guests enjoyed blankets, hot cocoa and a little Texas breakfast food – a taquito.

An “uh-oh” moment? There was another wedding before ours, so our guests were delayed getting up the mountain. Our wedding started later than anticipated, which made taking pictures difficult. However, it worked out because the sun was setting during our ceremony. It was beautiful and such a blessing.

Advice for brides: Enjoy the process. Also, have a wedding planner!

Advice for grooms: Jason: The first dance is important. Practice it because it’s going to be the most photographed dance you will ever have.

Jessica Dreyfus + Colin Bozarth Oct. 17, 2015 Jessica Dreyfus, a Lamar High School grad, was a senior at The University of Texas at Austin when she went to root for the Longhorns at a basketball game in January 2010. At the game, she met Colin Bozarth, who’s from Dallas.

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He had graduated from UT and was living in Austin, working in the biomedical engineering field. They started dating soon after. Jessica, now a social worker, and Colin, an engineer, married in Austin, where they currently live. Jessica shares her wedding memories: The proposal: I arrived home after work. We had plans to travel to Houston the following morning for Thanksgiving. Inside the house were candles and rose petals. The backyard glowed with candlelight. Colin got on one knee and called over our dog, Piper, who had the ring secured onto his collar. Piper ran off with the ring and a game of catch-me-if-you-can ensued.

Colin caught up to Piper and popped the question. Many celebrations followed with friends and family in Austin, Houston and Dallas.

The wedding weekend: We had our wedding ceremony and reception at W Austin. We selected this venue because we wanted to get married outdoors in the city in which we fell in love. Since most of our guests were not from Austin, we wanted them to experience a few “Austin-y” restaurants. The rehearsal dinner was held at Terry Black’s Barbecue, and the Sunday brunch was held at Z’ Tejas.

Cargile Photography Cargile Photography

Cargile Photography

CENTER STAGE Left: The Hobby Center was a special place for Jillian Brody and Brian Fredericks to celebrate for many reasons, including the fact that Jillian studied ballet for many years. Jillian is pictured on the stairs in The Hobby Center with her pointe shoes, wedding shoes and bouquet. Top right: The wedding party included (back row, from left) Kelcy Palmer, Jessica Sanders, Laura Fredericks, Kathrine Brody, Jillian Fredericks, Courtney Heth, Meghan Chenevert, Mallory Scogin, Jenna Smith, Angelina Gomez, (front row, from left) Alexandra Jung, Shannon Young, Neeley Litcher, Emily Owens, Olivia Jung and Angela Driver. Bottom right: Before exiting the reception, Jillian and Brian had a special last dance, just the two of them.

Any sentimental aspects? The ceremony was a traditional Jewish wedding. We used my family’s Kiddush cup that has been used in family weddings for six generations. We signed a lasercut Ketubah before the ceremony witnessed by our immediate family. Pieces from my grandmother’s gown and my mother’s veil were incorporated in the décor; the veil was used to secure the bridal bouquet, and the gown was used as a band around flowers in the entryway. We were able to honor friends during the ceremony, asking close friends to read seven unique wedding blessings. Piper was the Dog of Honor, which gave the guests a laugh.

Bride’s favorite moment? My favorite moment was singing and dancing on stage with the band. Our band, Password Productions, was interactive with our guests, which made the party a blast. The wedding coordinator had to kick the band off stage so the guests would eat dinner.

Groom’s favorite moment? Colin: My favorite moment was dancing with Jessica during cocktail hour as the band played. It was just the two of us in the ballroom, and it felt very special.

Jillian Brody + Brian Fredericks Sept. 26, 2015 Jillian Brody, a graduate of St. Agnes

Academy, met Brian Fredericks at a bar in Dallas, where Brian is from, over Labor Day weekend. They started dating and, four months later, Brian got a job in Houston, Jillian’s hometown. For the next two and a half years, they drove back and forth every weekend to see each other. Now Jillian is a commercial real estate broker, and Brian is a petroleum engineer, and they live in Houston. Here are some of Jillian’s wedding memories: The proposal: Brian proposed in my apartment in Dallas. When I walked in, there were candles and rose petals everywhere, roses in a vase and a bottle of champagne. I walked in, and he went down on one knee and proposed. We celebrated with champagne and dinner at Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton. Then, he convinced me to have another drink at the Adolphus hotel downtown, where I was surprised with our families and friends to celebrate with us, including my parents, Dianne and Mark, and Brian’s parents, Eric and Betsey.

The wedding weekend: The venue was very meaningful to us. When the Hobby Center was being built, my parents helped with fundraising, and my mother volunteered there often. I studied ballet from the age of 5 through my sophomore year of college. My bridal portraits were

extra special as they took place in the theater wearing my pointe shoes and sitting in the chairs my mother helped design. Having a large family, family members began arriving midweek, and we had celebrations Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The weekend was family-oriented and amazing.

Any sentimental aspects? Something that was special to me was the altar cloth at the ceremony, which was held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. It came from Italy and belonged to my great-grandmother, and my mother had donated it to the church. Brian carried my grandmother Brody’s family Bible. It was meaningful to have Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto, my childhood pastor, celebrate our vows. It was also sentimental to have both mothers carry bouquets combining flowers from their weddings and mixing them with the flowers in my bouquet. Another special part was streaming the ceremony live to my grandmother in California. Unable to travel, she had a front row seat thanks to FaceTime, all dressed up enjoying wedding cake, champagne and flowers with friends by her side.

An “uh-oh” moment? We had a trolley take our wedding party to and from the ceremony and reception, and our trolley got lost on the way to the recep- (continued on page 16)

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Kelli Durham Kelli Durham

Kelli Durham

HILL COUNTRY GETAWAY Left: Jonathan Sharp and Darsey Swaim both attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, but met for the first time once they moved back to Houston, their hometown. Top right: Darsey and Jon said the ceremony, held at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, officiated by Darsey’s uncle Jeffrey Coleman, was a perfect mix of humor and love. Bottom right: Darsey and her father, Brent, have their first dance: a fun rendition of the dance from the movie Pulp Fiction. (continued from page 15) tion. No one noticed till

we realized he was circling Midtown and we had to get our phones to Google Map how to get there, so we were a little late. This took away some time for photos, which was kind of a bummer. But getting lost on a trolley is something we’ll never forget.

Most unique component? Our first dance was special to us. We danced to Amazing by Lonestar.

Before we exited the reception, we also danced to Stolen by Dashboard Confessional, which is our song. It was really neat to end the party with just us before we walked out.

Darsey Swaim + Jonathan Sharp Nov. 28, 2015 Darsey Swaim, a Bellaire High School grad, and Jonathan Sharp, who grew up in The Woodlands, attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, but they never met during college. Upon graduation (Jon in 2008, Darsey in 2010), they moved back to Houston. But it wasn’t till January 2011 that a mutual college friend introduced them. On their first date, they spent hours talking at a restaurant and were forced to leave because the restaurant was closing. Now, Darsey is an account manager here at The Buzz Magazines, and Jon is an architectural designer at Kirksey Architecture. Darsey shares some wedding memories: The proposal: On Dec. 27, Jon suggested vis-

iting the Field of Light installation at Discovery Green. As we wandered among 4,500 illuminated glass spheres and stems, Jon seemed distracted. I suggested we go to the middle of the installment. There, Jon took a knee and proposed. As Jon brought me into The Grove afterward, I realized that the big moment had been witnessed not only by cheering Discovery Green visitors but also by my parents, Brent and Laurie, and Jon’s parents, John and Diana, who were inside waiting for us to celebrate.

The wedding weekend: It was a non-traditional wedding, incorporating Jewish and Catholic traditions. My uncle, Jeffrey Coleman (who is Jewish), got ordained in order to officiate our wedding, so the ceremony was meaningful to us all. It was so personal and balanced with humor and love. The ceremony and reception were indoors because it rained. Even though the sun did not shine once, it was perfect.

Bride’s favorite moment? Hearing Jon’s vows and the father-daughter dance (we did the dance from Pulp Fiction).

Groom’s favorite moment? Jon: The fact that everyone we care about was all in one room for a brief time, many not knowing a thing about each other, but they all seemed to come together like they had been friends for years. It shows that we gravitate toward the same type of happy, loving, fun people. It’s ultimately why we ended up meeting each other. The chair thing too…but that was

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kind of scary. (“He means the hora,” Darsey explained, which is the Jewish tradition where the bride, groom and immediate family members are lifted in a chair and guests dance around them.)

Most unique component: It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving so we got to hang out with friends and family for an extended weekend.

An “uh-oh” moment? Jon: I wouldn’t do a thing differently – except have a videographer.

Advice for brides: Don’t second-guess your decisions. You made them for a reason. Pinterest is a time suck. As far as advice for the day of the wedding, the best advice I received was “Five things can go wrong.” Inevitably, things will go “wrong” or not as planned. You are not allowed to stress until the sixth one.

Advice for grooms: Jon: Help your fiancée through her frustrations, but know when it’s appropriate to let her take the reins.

Anything else to include? Jon: My wife looked like a snow princess. It was perfect.

Editor’s Note: Did you or someone you know recently get married? We’d love to hear about that wedding weekend, too. Send details and photos to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for a list of these newlyweds’ vendors and venues plus additional wedding photos.

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Bridal Buzz Wedding ideas, gifts and inspiration Dare to be Unique Dreams Can Come True!

A hidden treasure, Queen of Heirs offers an amazing selection of antique & estate jewelry! We also offer custom design services & repairs.

Queen of Heirs, 4901 Locust, Bellaire, Texas, 77401, 713.666.6683, www.queenofheirs.com

Exclusive retailer of Korloff PARIS. Come see our entire selection of men’s and women’s fine jewelry and timepieces. Custom jewelry, repairs and appraisals. Gawee Fine Jewelry & Timepieces (located in Rice Village), 2511 Rice Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005, 713.522.GAWEE (4293), www.gaweejewelers.com

Between the Sheets Luxury bamboo sheets & pillows, soft clothing, and bath accessories all made from bamboo. Caribbean-style that is soft, cool, clean and green. Great gifts for the new couple! Cariloha Bamboo, Rice Village, 2446 Times Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005, 832.968.3870, Find us on Facebook: Cariloha Bamboo Houston

The Bell Tower on 34th A stunning event destination with magnificent architecture, ballrooms, and outdoor spaces including a 30-foot waterfall.

Everything you need to plan your special event from 75 to 1,200 guests; on-site catering, valet parking and event planners. The Bell Tower on 34th, 901 West 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018, 713.868.2355, www.TheBellTowerOn34th.com

Retro Past = Modern Present Mid-century barware makes a perfect and unique gift for the new couple. Cocktail shakers, pitchers, and vintage glassware for mixing that perfect Pink Lady can be found at our new boutique shop that just opened in Bellaire. Seeing Pink Elephants, 5104 Cedar Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.828.8613, Find us on Facebook: Seeing Pink Elephants

What’s it worth?

Jewelry Appraisal Services is Houston’s premier independent jewelry appraisal laboratory for insurance, estate and liquidation appraisals performed by GIA graduate gemologists while you wait. Jewelry Appraisal Services can also assist you with all your jewelry and watch repairs. Jewelry Appraisal Services, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 860, Frost Bank Building, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.622.9070, www.jewelryappraisalservices.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 18

Preserve a Precious Memory What garment is more sentimental than your wedding gown?

Mention this ad for 25% off our professional cleaning & heirlooming of your wedding gown. We also specialize in wedding gown restoration (individual consultations available), leathers, sequins, furs, fine linens, drapes, and more. Family owned and operated since 1980. Sims City Cleaners, 9623 Hillcroft, Houston, Texas, 77096, 713.721.3100, www.simscitycleaners.com

NEIGHBORS

by Jennifer Oakley, contributing writer

The Name Game To change or not to change

lawellphoto.com

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ark Davidson has a unique perspective on weddings and marriage. As a judge for the past 27 years, Mark has performed 1,000 weddings. Combine that with being married for 19 years to his wife, attorney Sarah Duckers, and you get someone who has the first word on last names when it comes to marriage.

“I would think that the decision to change a name should be that of the bride,” says Davidson, a Buzz resident and retired judge of the 11th District Court, and currently assigned to hear multi-district litigation on asbestos claims. When he married in 1997, he was supportive of his wife’s decision not to change her last name to his. “I suggested that Sarah keep her last name because she had a well-known professional name in legal circles within her specialized field.”

Duckers says she had multiple reasons for keeping her name. “I had been a practicing lawyer for over 14 years, and I didn’t want to give that up,” says Duckers, a partner at Sechrist Duckers LLP. “Also the last name Duckers is very uncommon – I am the only ‘Sarah Duckers’ in the United States! This makes Googling my name easy, and I thought it would be silly to give up that unique name. Also, Mark’s niece is named ‘Sarah Davidson’ and I thought that could get confusing.”

The couple’s sons, Will, 17, and Tommy, 14, both use Davidson as their last name – which “seemed fine and natural that they would both have Mark’s name,” Duckers says.

Not everybody was on board.“My mother really didn’t understand not changing my name because that just wasn’t done in her era. When Will was born, she would introduce me as ‘Sarah Duckers-Davidson,’ and when I mentioned that wasn’t my name, she told me she didn’t want people to think I was an unwed mother! My mother-in-law and some aunts still don’t accept that I haven’t changed my name, so I often get cards and letters addressed to ‘Sarah Davidson.’”

Duckers is among a number of Buzz-resident women we talked with who opted to break with tradition and keep their last names, at least in some form, when they married.

Susan Farb Morris, president of Susan Farb Public Relations, had some name adjustments

A HOUSEHOLD NAME Sarah Duckers and Mark Davidson have been married for 19 years and share everything except for their last names. Duckers opted to keep her maiden name after marriage.

to make when she married her husband, David Morris, in 1984. “When we first got married, I continued to introduce myself to people in person or on the phone as ‘Susan Farb,’” she recalls.

“But when I would sign my name, I would use ‘Susan Farb Morris.’ For some reason, I thought it sounded pretentious to use both names when I said them aloud.”

At the onset, Farb Morris used “Farb” for work, and then, when their daughters were born, used “Morris” the rest of the time. “That worked fine until Hannah and Shara got older, and I felt I had two identities: ‘Susan Farb’ at work and ‘Susan Morris’ for playgroup and school. It got confusing when I met other moms

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or dropped off the dry cleaning, even. What name did I give the shopkeeper?”

She decided to stack the names together, without a hyphen. “For me, I finally came to the realization that I could have the best of both worlds by using both names – in conversation and in writing,” says Farb Morris. “I like acknowledging my maiden name because I’m one of four daughters, so the name ‘Farb’ goes away in my generation. And, it’s a longtime Houston family name that I continue to use with pride.”

Farb Morris adds that her husband and their daughters have supported her choice. “I always thought it was cool that she kept her maiden name for work,” says 26-year-old Shara Morris, a

TAKING NAMES Susan Farb Morris stands with (from left) daughters Shara and Hannah and husband David Morris. Susan combined her maiden name with her husband’s name to create one that worked for her roles as public-relations executive, wife and mother.

public-radio and podcast producer in Los Angeles. “To me, using her maiden name demonstrated nonconformity … to gender norms. Mom established her career before she met Dad as ‘Susan Farb,’ so why change it entirely? Not to mention that the tradition is founded on women being men’s property. I’m sure Mom having her own name has positively influenced Hannah and me and how we view ourselves as independent women. I’m glad she did it.” Hannah Morris, who works for an Israel-advocacy organization in Washington, D.C., agrees and says, “Mostly I felt proud because it demonstrated her own identity, and it seemed like the embodiment of the fact that she was a working mom.”

Duckers has a similar view about her own position as a professional attorney, wife and mother. “Mark was actually the first to bring up the topic of whether I would change my name and said he didn’t think I should if I didn’t want to,” she recalls. “I was very glad Mark said that to me because I really didn’t want to change my name. It did show that he thought we were equals and that we both had our own name and identity and that I didn’t have to give up who I was to get married.”

Jordan Magaziner, associate editor of The Buzz

Magazines, is about to be celebrate her first wedding anniversary with husband Matthew Steinfeld, an attorney. Magaziner intended to change her last name to Steinfeld right after their March 2015 wedding. “It wasn’t an easy decision to come to, as I really love my last name – Magaziner, perfect for someone who works at a magazine. It wasn’t easy to think about changing my name – my identity. I also liked the idea of sharing the same last name, symbolically, becoming our own family. My husband was completely supportive of me keeping my maiden name – or changing it, whatever I decided to do – but I thought it’d be best for me to change it.”

With honeymoon plane tickets purchased in her maiden name, Magaziner decided to put off switching to Steinfeld. “I wanted to start getting used to the idea of having a new last name, so I changed my name on Facebook, thinking that would help. But it didn’t. I still haven’t legally changed my name! Somehow, the idea of actually, legally, changing it and having a completely new identity has gotten more and more difficult.”

Magaziner says the list of “to do’s” in order to legally change one’s name after the “I do’s” is pretty daunting. Once the wedding certificate is in hand, there are some stops to make: the

Social Security office for a new card and the Texas Department of Public Safety for a new driver’s license. Additionally, the name change needs to be updated for so many documents: voter registration card, passport, post office, bank accounts, health, auto and home insurance, doctor’s offices, employers, banks, credit cards, attorney, house of worship, and volunteer and alumni organizations.

These days, anything goes when it comes to playing the name game: Some couples combine their last names, with or without a hyphen, others make new last names out of combined names, and some husbands take their wife’s name.

Davidson, Duckers, Farb Morris and Magaziner all note that the final decision to change – or not change – a last name is purely personal. Davidson adds that one of the perks of being a judge has been the ability to perform marriages. “Every time I perform a wedding I am reminded of the day Sarah and I were married, and it makes me a little happier,” he says. As to what’s in a name, he has some judicial wisdom.

“If the name is something the couple wants to share, that is fine. If it is not, that is fine as well.

A shared name neither adds nor subtracts from the success of a marriage.”

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Tiffiny Gist Photography

KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

A parent’s intuition

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

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was out finishing some holiday shopping when my toddler twins’ school called my cell phone. They were to be there for another hour that day. “That’s odd,” I thought to myself.

I answered and said, “Hello?” It was the school director. My heart started beating quickly. Why was she calling?

“Cash had a little fall on the playground,” she said. She said he was fine but had a gash he would need checked out. I rushed there.

I realized I had to make some game-time decisions. What should I do when I picked him up?

Take him to the doctor or go to the emergency room? Should I veer slightly out of the way and drop his twin sister off at my sister’s house? That would tack on extra time. My husband was calling my cell phone asking if he should leave the meeting he was in and meet me.

I had to follow my mom intuition, which was telling me to drop off his twin sister and go to his pediatrician’s office, and also tell my husband to meet me there.

I am glad I did because they got us right in.

The doctor determined he did not need to see a plastic surgeon to stitch it up. She cleaned it and sealed it with dermabond. We’ll be applying sunscreen to the scar for the next year (one more thing to remember before we leave the house).

A parent’s intuition is, at times, strong and innate. In fact, a research team from The University of Oxford says they have evidence it exists. A region of the human brain called the medial orbitofrontal cortex, part of the brain that involves decision-making, has been found to be responsive around infants only, and not adults.

But is it that, or is it just the simple fact we know we are in charge of their well-being? Either way, a parent’s gut instinct is often right.

Recently, I had some conversations with other Buzz parents about times they had to follow their gut with their kids.

Kelli Calderwood, mom to Amelia and a

team runner for Luke’s Locker, and her husband Christopher, managing partner at Calderwood Guven & Co., followed their intuition when something wasn’t right with little MOM INSTINCTS Savanna Bowman, here with 1-year-old Elizabeth, husband David and 2-year-old Ava, says her child’s cries tell her if something is really Amelia. wrong.

The couple had have cow’s milk.” breathed a sigh of relief with Amelia’s healthy After the diagnosis, Kelli decided to stop workdelivery at 36-weeks gestation. Kelli’s pregnancy ing full-time so she could closely monitor had been touch-and-go for the final four weeks, Amelia’s allergies. “She’s only had one exposure with a diagnosis of polyhydramnios (too much on my watch, and it’s because she ate a kibble of amniotic fluid around the baby). Amelia dog food,” said Kelli. “Our dogs are now egg-free.” arrived, a healthy 5 pounds, 7 ounces, the first Savanna Bowman and husband David granddaughter of the family.

Bowman, associate director at Macquarie Group, Then, suddenly, when she was around 1, she are parents to 2-year-old Ava and 1-year-old became ill. “She started to get sick, vomiting Elizabeth and are expecting a third this June. and diarrhea, but only at night time when she Savanna says she pays attention to her children’s was sleeping,” said Kelli. “She would vomit so cries to determine if something is really wrong. forcefully that it would be all over the room.

She recalled a time last summer, when the The diarrhea would saturate the crib. It was horgirls were playing outside in their front yard. “I rible. During the day, she was fine.” called them for dinner and noticed Ava was cryThe perplexed mom took her into the pediaing,” she said. “At first, I assumed it was her gentrician. The doctor informed her it was a bad eral pre-dinner tantrum, but something was difstomach bug and would eventually pass, but ferent. [I listened] to my intuition.”

Kelli’s parent intuition told her otherwise.

Even with no visible or physical signs of an She thought to herself, “A stomach bug ailment or injury, she packed up the kids and would continue during the day too?” Something headed to an urgent-care clinic. There, she was not adding up. learned Ava had developed a painful condition Kelli said, “After going to the pediatrician called nursemaid’s elbow, a common yet painful four times in one week, that fifth time, I walked injury in toddlers where the elbow joint partially in and said, ‘She has a food allergy. Test her for dislocates and slips out of place. food allergies.’”

“In 30 seconds the doctor was able to correct it, They drew blood and sent it off to the lab. and Ava was immediately back to her normal, happy Not even 24 hours later the phone rang. They self,” said Savanna. “I was so glad I listened to my gut. told her that Amelia’s immunoglobulin A (IgA) Always trust yourself – mothers are usually right levels were elevated for eggs. when it comes to the needs of their children.”

A few days later, the couple visited the Food David says he has learned his wife has good Allergy Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. instincts when it comes to caring for the chilThere, they were told that Amelia had a lifedren. “It’s a team effort raising children, but I threatening food allergy to eggs and anything made think mother knows best.” with eggs. Amelia also had FPIES (Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) to raw soy.

Editor’s note: Was there a time in which you had to “The reason she was getting sick at night is follow your gut instinct as a parent? Share your story by because she was drinking a sippy cup of soy milk commenting below this article at thebuzzmagazines.com. before bed,” said Kelli. “At daycare, she would

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TRAVEL

Holly Hartman

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Fredericksburg: A little bit of Napa in Texas

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indy and Jeff Abrahams flew to Napa Valley last year for their son Kevin’s wedding. It came as a great surprise when, in December, they discovered a similar ambience much closer to home – just a few hours away in the Texas Hill Country.

For those who haven’t been to Fredericksburg, or even those who haven’t been lately, it might be worth adding to your to-do list for 2016. Long the home of a few scattered wineries, the region has become a powerhouse on the national wine scene. The Texas Hill Country – of which Fredericksburg is arguably the capital – is now the third largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the nation. Texas surpassed New York last year to become the nation’s No. 4 wine-producing state.

But don’t think it’s just about Texas-sized quantity – it’s also about quality. The burg was named one of the “ten best wine travel destinations in the world for 2014” by Wine Enthusiast and one of the “10 Best Wine Destinations” by USA Today. The boom has led USA Today to call the area “a mini Napa.”

“I thought it was going to be a small town with not that much to offer,” said Cindy Abrahams, “but the whole city was very lively.”

Despite all the attention, the village, founded

by German pioneers in 1846, has managed to retain a rare Teutonic-Texan blend that has earned it accolades from the likes of Southern Living and Travel + Leisure. The town has maintained its antique, small-town character while growing its tourism offerings.

Photographer Mike Marvins, who recently completed a coffee-table book on the Texas Hill Country, owns a Hill Country home together with his wife Mickey. He’s been coming to the area for 40 years, and remembers when you could walk into a local bakery and hear TexGerman being spoken.

“When I started going there it was still sort of small townish – not a lot going on,” he recalls.

“It had good restaurants and maybe an art gallery or two, and the Nimitz museum, which has now changed, and that’s about it.”

Nowadays, tourists come in by the busloads.

Many are there to sample from the more than 30

wineries on the stretch of highway between Fredericksburg and Johnson City alone. The restaurant scene has exploded, with more than 80 to choose from now – featuring authentic German, Tex-Mex, barbecue and fine dining.

Many of them spend the entire day on the Hauptstrasse – Main Street – browsing the 150-odd retail establishments downtown and shopping until they drop, exhausted, in the Marktplatz, the town’s charming central plaza.

Others leave the driving to sober chauffeurs at the helm of wine tours that do their best to keep tipsy tourists off of Wine Road 290. And still others come to see the National Museum of the Pacific War, COUNTRY HATTER Chris Knight (at right) joined girlfriend Holly Hartman in which has grown from a Luckenbach on a trip to Fredericksburg for Holly’s birthday last year. After a livesmall museum housed in music performance they wandered to the hat shop next door and found the palmleaf sombrero Chris had always wanted – and a little local color with the hat the old Nimitz Hotel maker (at left). into a six-acre campus He and wife Marcee had a memorable stay and a reputation as one of the top military hisrecently and took some time to reacquaint tory museums in the nation. themselves with the new Fredericksburg.

Chuck Bortnick, a Connecticut native who “A big thing that makes Napa so special is has moved back to Houston after some years that some of the wineries are really spectacuaway, has been going to the Hill Country since lar,” said Chuck. “I think people assume if you the ’80s, and has been impressed at the way the go to a winery in Texas, how nice can it be? town has managed the changes without losing And I gotta tell you, I’ve been to some that are its charm. He was struck by the explosion in the pretty nice.” wine industry – and then, by how few They especially enjoyed Grape Creek and Houstonians seem to know about it.

Becker Vineyards, two award-grabbers that typ“It’s funny how many people, when you ask ically find their way to the top of the best-of lists. them if they’ve been to the Hill Country, they’ll Grape Creek boasts a 100-acre estate and say yes, but if you ask if they’ve been to a Texas Tuscan-style villa, while Becker Vineyards in winery they’ll look at you like you’re from outer nearby Stonewall attracts thousands each year space,” he said.

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Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau

to its enormous, stone, tasting room, a reproduction of an 1800s German barn, and fragrant fields of lavender.

The Marvins love Becker so much they’ve signed on as members of the wine club, and one of their favorite memories is when Mickey joined the grape stomp one year. “They give you a T-shirt, and you get in the barrel and stomp around in the grapes, and you step on the T-shirt with your purple feet and make a souvenir,” Mike explained. “It’s hilarious.”

The Abrahams visited Torre di Pietra, another charming Tuscan-styled winery, which often features live music on the piazza and festive activities, like the ugly Christmas-sweater contest the weekend when they visited. Cindy, impeccable planner that she is, packed the perfect ugly sweaters and walked away with a bottle of Torre di Pietra wine.

The Abrahams invited their two grown children and teamed up with Rae and Buddy Gerson to rent a country home on the outskirts of Fredericksburg for a pre-Christmas getaway. They found a farm-style house on the outskirts of town – with cows, a hot tub, a party barn and three televisions to watch the Texans play – on VRBO. Besides a hike they’d planned for Enchanted Rock State Park, they figured they’d spend most of their time in the comforts of their temporary home. But once they got there, they realized there was a lot to do in the town itself.

Carol Yeates was more interested in the shopping; she and her friend Leslie Little went together recently and spent the whole day going up and down Main Street. Grape Creek Winery’s tasting room set the tone for their excursion; the vintner’s actual winery is a few miles away on Highway 290, but like a number of regional wineries, now offers a downtown storefront to take advantage of local foot traffic.

There’s a lot more to enjoy in a Hill Country outing than the wine and the shopping, of course. Some of the most beloved of Texas’ state parks – Enchanted Rock, Lost Maples, Garner and Pedernales Falls, for starters – are

LONE STAR NAPA The Texas Hill Country is now home to more than 45 wineries and vineyards, with more than two dozen concentrated around Fredericksburg and Gillespie County.

within a short drive of Fredericksburg. And the National Museum of the Pacific War is a handson, not-to-be-missed experience, according to Mike Marvins.

“You could spend the whole day in the museum – it’s just amazing,” he said. The six-acre complex is home to the Admiral Nimitz Museum, the George H. W. Bush Gallery, a Japanese peace garden and a Pacific Combat Zone, with flamethrowers and reenactments.

“The museum itself is very hands-on.”

He also recommends the Pioneer Museum on Main Street and the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and National Historic Site, with a living-history farm, part of the state’s official longhorn herd, a spectacular spring-wildflower display and interpretive programs.

Holly Hartman has been going to Fredericksburg since the late ’90s as a private

retreat to escape from city life. She loves leaving the noise of the city without having to give up its creature comforts: fine dining, live music, great shopping. But most of all, she loves the quietude and the natural setting in the cabin where she always likes to stay. As a photographer, it gives her access to some great material.

“It’s a wildlife sanctuary, basically, so I’ve taken lots of wildlife, and lots of sunset pictures.

I’ll try to find a country road I’ve never been down and drive to see things I’ve never seen before.” One of her favorites is from a time she got lost and found herself face-to-face with the perfect shot – a little white wooden country church at sunset.

“I just like to drive and see what I can find,” she said. “But mostly I like to relax – I spend a lot of time sitting on the porch in a rocking chair, looking at the view.”

If you go Getting there: Mike Marvins recommends taking Highway 10 all the way through San Antonio to near Comfort, where scenic route on Highway 87 ends up getting you there in about the same time as the Interstate, but with more peace and beauty.

Where to stay: Chuck Bortnick’s pick: Rose Hill Manor, a historic home near Fredericksburg surrounded by quaint cottages, an on-site restaurant and an expansive view of the rolling hills. “It was spectacular,” commented Bortnick. “I thought I was in the middle of Montana – and the lady who overlooks the place is a great historian.”

Holly Hartman’s pick: The Bed and Breakfast on Knopp School Road. She loves to stay in one of the two historic private cabins surrounded by deer and other wildlife and enjoy the hot tub, sumptuous room-service breakfast and relaxing rural setting.

Where to eat: Carol Yeates’ and Leslie Little’s pick: Cabernet Grill at Cotton Gin Village, housed at an upscale B&B about 10 minutes outside of Fredericksburg, a landscaped replica of an 1880s village with restored log cabins.

Mike Marvins’ picks: The Nest, a chef-owned restaurant in a restored early-1900s bungalow; for German food and beer, the Altdorf Biergarten; and for Texas food and live entertainment, Hondo’s on Main.

Some wine tours: Majesty Tours, George’s 290 Wine Tours, Texas Wine Tours and 290 Wine Shuttle have all earned the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

MORE ONLINE For links to attractions’ websites, see the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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FOOD

by Katie Montgomery Mears, contributing writer

Katie Montgomery Mears

Cooking Buzz Laissez les bon temps rouler Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.

I

had quite a few culture shocks when I moved to Texas almost 14 years ago. I never expected to see trail riders on horses coming down Memorial Drive during the rodeo, and I didn’t understand the cult of Whataburger.

But having grown up just to the east in South Louisiana, my biggest surprise came when I realized that not everyone in the world takes a week off of school and work to celebrate Mardi Gras.

To say that we take the kickoff to Lent seriously in my home state is an understatement.

Since I won’t be able to go home for Mardi Gras this year, I am planning to have a Fat Tuesday celebration here in Houston. I’ll decorate my house with Mardi Gras beads (the bigger, the better) and put on a playlist of Louis Armstrong and the Rebirth Brass Band.

My favorite Mardi Gras recipes, which can all be found in Junior League of Houston cookbooks, are inspired by New Orleans cuisine and restaurants. Nothing kicks off an evening of revelry like the Ramos Gin Fizz from the Star of Texas cookbook. The original recipe from the Roosevelt Hotel calls for 12 minutes of shaking to get the show-stopping fizz, but thankfully, this recipe uses a blender to fluff the egg whites.

Nothing says Gulf Coast cuisine like seafood, and nothing says South Louisiana like an overflowing table of appetizers, so we’ll have the Oysters Gourmet and Crabmeat Remick from the Houston Junior League Cookbook and the Crawfish Phyllo Triangles from Stop and Smell the Rosemary to start. After cooking the oysters with Worcestershire and other seasonings, the Oysters Gourmet are baked in oyster shells for a beautiful presentation. Crawfish will be just coming into season this month, so they will be petite and delicately flavored. Make sure to ask for Louisiana crawfish from the seafood department at your grocery store. And the Crabmeat Remick is a sentimental favorite as the recipe was created by my husband’s grandmother, Jane Mosbacher.

When we sit down for dinner, we will enjoy the Wild Game Gumbo from Star of Texas,

LET'S GET IT STARTED Nothing kicks off a Mardi Gras party like a Ramos Gin Fizz a la Valencia, with citrus, sugar, egg white, milk – and gin.

which reminds me of Herbsaint’s duck gumbo.

We’ve reached the end of duck-hunting season, so this is perfect timing. I love this gumbo because it is hearty, but not too heavy. One quick tip when cooking gumbo: don’t try to rush the roux! You have to be patient with it. In my family, we call our roux a Two-Abita-Roux since it takes about as long to cook as it does to drink two Abita amber beers.

I celebrated my 16th birthday, high school graduation and wedding-rehearsal dinner at Galatoire’s, so it holds a special place in my heart. In honor of those memories, I will serve the Eggplant Stuffed with Crabmeat from the Houston Junior League Cookbook, which reminds me of the restaurant’s seafood-stuffed eggplant.

Barbecued shrimp are a staple at Mr. B’s Bistro, a New Orleans institution, so we’ll also have the Houston Junior League Cookbook’s Barbecued Shrimp over Garlic Cheese Grits.

There’s little chance that anyone will have room for dessert at this point, but part of eating like a Louisianan is finding that last little bit of space and going for it! Some of my fondest memories are of days spent shopping on Magazine Street with my mom and sister and stopping for lunch at the Bon Ton Café. We’ve never left a

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 28

restaurant without ordering dessert, and the bread pudding at the Bon Ton is to-die-for. So there is no other way to end our dinner than with Stop and Smell the Rosemary’s Bread and Butter Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. On the way out of the door, I’ll give everyone a Mother’s Creamy New Orleans Pralines from the Houston Junior League Cookbook to enjoy the next day, just like Brennan’s does when their guests leave.

If you want a bit of New Orleans in your house this Mardi Gras season but don’t want to throw a whole dinner party, then a king cake is the answer! Using the recipe for Coolrise Cinnamon Rolls from Stop and Smell the Rosemary, shape the cinnamon-stuffed dough into an oval ring and bake. After icing the king cake, you can sprinkle it with purple, green and gold sugar crystals.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Ramos Gin Fizz a la Valencia From Star of Texas 3 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons lime juice 1 heaping Tablespoon powdered sugar 6 drops orange flower water

3 ounces gin 2 handfuls crushed ice 1 egg white ½ cup milk Blend all ingredients in the blender for 10 seconds. Serve in chilled glasses. Yield: 2 drinks

Oysters Gourmet From Houston Junior League Cookbook 1 quart oysters, drained Salt and pepper Lemon juice ½ cup butter 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 small clove garlic, minced 1 cup ketchup 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1½ cups soft rye bread crumbs 12 large oyster shells Cut oysters in half; season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Melt butter in heavy skillet and add celery, garlic, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Add seasoned oysters.

Simmer on very low heat for about 20 minutes.

Pile mixture into oyster shells. Sauté rye crumbs in additional butter until toasted; sprinkle over oyster mixture, and dot with more butter. Bake in hot oven, or under broiler, until just browned.

Do not overcook. Yield: 12 filled shells

Crabmeat Remick From Houston Junior League Cookbook 1 pound crabmeat 6 strips bacon, fried crisp and crumbled 1 scant teaspoon dry mustard ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon celery salt A few drops of Tabasco 1 cup chili sauce 1 teaspoon tarragon vinegar 1 ⁄3 cup mayonnaise Heap crabmeat into 6 individual buttered shells or ramekins. Heat in oven until warm.

Remove and top with crumbled bacon.

Combine mustard, paprika, celery salt and Tabasco. Add chili sauce, tarragon vinegar and mayonnaise; mix well. Spread sauce over bacon.

Heat under broiler until crabmeat is warm and sauce is glazed. Yield: 6 servings

Crawfish Phyllo Triangles From Stop and Smell the Rosemary 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1 pound fresh Louisiana crawfish tails, cooked, peeled, coarsely chopped (frozen is okay too) 3 green onions, chopped 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ teaspoon curry powder ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ¼ teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 pound frozen phyllo dough, thawed 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup fine bread crumbs (like panko)

Combine cream cheese, crawfish, green onion, cilantro, tarragon, garlic, curry, red pepper flakes, salt and lime juice in a large bowl. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place 1 sheet phyllo dough on a lightly floured surface. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Repeat with 2 more sheets of phyllo on top of the first sheet. With a sharp knife, cut across horizontally to make 3 rectangles. Cover remaining phyllo with a damp towel while working on the first batch. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of crawfish mixture on a corner of each rectangle and fold up “flag style” to form triangular packages. Repeat with remaining phyllo and crawfish. Place triangles on a greased baking sheet and brush lightly with butter. Bake 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Yield: 24 triangles

Eggplant Stuffed with Crabmeat From Houston Junior League Cookbook 4 medium eggplants 1 cup chopped green onions with tops 3 Tablespoons finely chopped green pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 1 scant Tablespoon fresh thyme 3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 2 bay leaves ½ pound butter 4 slices of bread 2 pounds lump crabmeat 3 eggs, beaten Salt and pepper Bread crumbs Paprika Cut eggplants in half; do not peel. Parboil for 10 minutes. Let cool. Reserve liquid. Scoop out pulp and chop. Sauté onions, green pepper, garlic, thyme, parsley and bay leaves in butter for 5 minutes. Soak bread in reserved liquid then squeeze. Add bread, crabmeat and eggplant to sautéed mixture; mix well. Gradually stir in eggs.

Season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove bay leaves. Fill eggplant shells with mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and paprika; dot with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until browned.

Yield: serves 8

Barbecued Shrimp From Houston Junior League Cookbook 2 pounds raw shrimp 1 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons chili sauce 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dry mustard (mustard powder) 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon salt Juice of 2 lemons 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped Shell and devein shrimp. Combine all other ingredients to make sauce. Marinate shrimp in sauce for 2 hours. Broil, 5-7 minutes on each

side, basting several times with sauce. Yield: 4 as main course; 8-10 as appetizers

Bread and Butter Pudding with Bourbon Sauce From Stop and Smell the Rosemary Bread Pudding: 2 cups half and half 3 large eggs, at room temperature 5 Tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Brioche loaf, sliced and buttered on each side, crusts removed, torn into pieces 1 ⁄3 cup currants or raisins (optional) Bourbon Sauce: 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 Tablespoons bourbon Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Scald half and half in a saucepan.

Set aside. Whisk eggs, 5 tablespoons sugar and vanilla in a large. Whisk in scalded half and half.

Gently stir in bread and currants (if using), submerging bread in liquid. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1½ teaspoons sugar over mixture.

Set baking dish into a hot-water bath ½ inch up sides of baking dish. Bake in water bath 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until center is set and top is lightly browned.

While bread pudding is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add sugar and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and bourbon. Serve over bread pudding. Yield: serves 6

Mother’s Creamy New Orleans Pralines From Houston Junior League Cookbook 1 cup white sugar 2 cups dark brown sugar 1 cup whipping cream 2 cups pecans ¼ cup butter 1 Tablespoon vanilla Pinch of salt Combine white sugar, brown sugar and cream in a large saucepan. Cook slowly, stirring constantly, for at least 15 minutes, until a soft ball forms in a cup of cold water. Add pecans and cook a little longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add butter, vanilla and salt; beat until mixture looks sugary around edges of the pan. To speed the process, put the saucepan in cold water. Place wax paper on wooden or metal surface. Drop candy from spoon onto wax paper.

If pralines “run” when dropped on paper and do not set, they have not been cooked long enough.

Scoop up candy, cook a little longer, beat and try again. Let cool before removing from wax paper. Yield: 3 dozen pralines

MORE ONLINE Ssee this article at thebuzzmagazines.com for more recipes.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 29

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Pre-nups and probate Texas is a community property state. All marital property is presumed community property. That presumption is overcome only by clear and convincing evidence. On death, community property is split 50-50.

Imagine Ward dies, and June marries Mr. Rutherford. June brings considerable assets into the second marriage. Those assets are separate property, but the interest and dividends are community. Time, perhaps decades, pass, and everyone loses track of the original assets and subsequent income.

June dies first, and her will says “all to Wallace and Theodore.” All her assets and all Mr. Rutherford’s assets are presumed community. He keeps his one-half, and Wally and the Beav take the other one-half, or 25 percent apiece, of both June’s and Mr. Rutherford’s assets.

Suppose instead Mr. Rutherford dies first, and his will says “all to Clarence Rutherford.” Lumpy takes 50 percent of both June’s and his father’s assets, and June is left with half her community property and half Mr. Rutherford’s.

These results are fine if June and Mr. Rutherford brought equal assets into the marriage. However, if Mr. Rutherford brought little or nothing to the altar, surprise and anguish can follow.

One alternative is for June and Mr. Rutherford to prepare new wills that leave all to each other, then split what’s left among the kids. Many couples do this, and successfully. However, it’s a unique trust exercise. Little stops Mr. Rutherford from collecting everything on June’s death and then changing his will.

Another alternative is for June and Mr. Rutherford to prepare marital

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 30

agreements that make clear what’s his is his and what’s hers is hers. Artful forms negotiate both divorce and probate, and are all the fun you might expect. Each spouse needs separate counsel. All assets should be disclosed.

For working spouses, both pre- and post-nuptial agreements may be indicated, because federal law allows current but not prospective spouses to waive certain retirement benefits.

Marital agreements are complicated and, if done right, expensive. The best way to save money on a marital agreement is not to do a marital agreement.

If one is needed, do not cut corners. A poor agreement can be worse than none.

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Kevin Long/Gulf Coast Shots

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz I

n the wake of a spectacular senior season, senior quarterback Preston Heard captured major post-season honors as the Houston Private School Offensive Player of the Year. The award was given by the Touchdown Club of Houston at its fourth annual Private High School Awards Dinner.

“Preston is the ultimate gamer,” said Episcopal head football coach Steve Leisz.

“When the game is on the line, you want the ball in Preston’s hands. He’s just a really smart kid and incredible leader.” Another big honor for Episcopal went to Gio Pancotti, who shared the Houston Lineman of the Year award with St. Thomas Eagles senior Charlie Vatterott.

Pancotti, who will play college football at Texas Tech, played in the recent Offense-Defense AllAmerican Bowl on ESPN. As for Vatterott, he was one of two St. Thomas players to receive major awards at the banquet, with Eagles senior David Jones winning the Ironman of the Year award. “Both David and Charlie were a phenomenal part of our program at St. Thomas,” said Eagles head coach Tim Fitzpatrick. “As an offensive tackle, Charlie gave us all-out effort from snap to whistle. He consistently protected our quarterback and made key blocks to spring our running backs.”

Meanwhile, Jones rarely came off the field for St. Thomas, playing defensive back, wide receiver and punter, while also returning punts and kickoffs. “When we needed David on the field, he was out there,” said Fitzpatrick. “It’s a welldeserved honor. David’s a great athlete, excellent student and just a tremendous young man.”

On the topic of prestigious football honors, Stratford Spartans senior safety Fischer Robinson is the recipient of the Greater Houston Scholar Athlete of the Year Award.

The award was also handed out by the Touchdown Club of Houston. “It’s a huge honor,” said Robinson, who shares valedictorian honors at Stratford, where he is ranked No. 1 in his senior class. Robinson is also on pace to graduate with a perfect GPA. “There were some amazing scholar-athlete nominees. It was truly humbling to win this award.”

With 10 starters returning from last year’s

playoff squad, the M e m o r i a l Mustangs girls basketball team is enjoying another successful season.

“We’re playing really well,” said Mustangs head coach Jyusef Larry. “We beat a Cy Falls team that knocked us out of the playoffs last year, so that was a nice victory for our program. This is an experienced team that knows each other’s strengths on the court.”

The Mustangs ROYALTY Episcopal Knights senior quarterback Preston Heard captured major postare especially season honors by winning the Houston Private School Offensive Player of the Year strong at the guard award, presented by the Touchdown Club of Houston. position with the securing a 14th consecutive playoff berth, with dynamic duo of twin sisters Kelsey and Courtney seven district titles along the way. “We have a rockSlattery. “Kelsey is a great defender who does solid program,” said Bruce Glover, who has coached whatever we need on the court,” said Coach the Cardinals to all 13 of those playoff berths.

Larry. “She’s a senior captain and tremendous This year’s team is led by a talented trio of leader.” Meanwhile, twin sister Courtney has juniors, including guard Maxwell Evans, who established herself as an outstanding shooter, averages 20 points, five rebounds and five assists even breaking a school record by connecting on a game. Also, six-foot-six post player Jaden eight 3-point shots in one game.

Pevy, who was a standout defensive end in footThe Mustangs offense is also ignited by sophball, is contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds omore point guard Grace Yochum. “Grace a game. Isaac Allen is averaging 10 points and makes everyone else’s job easier when she’s on three assists a night for the Cardinals. the court,” said Coach Larry. “She really makes “We lost some great players from last year’s everything go for us.” Down low, the Mustangs team, but these guys are really learning their are led by senior post player Amanda roles,” said Glover, “and it has the makings of a McCloskey, who Coach Larry says is the really good season for us.”

Mustangs’ top defender and rebounder. “We’ve been in the playoffs for 19 straight years, but our Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardlast playoff win was back in 2005. Hopefully, this winning co-host and producer of the KUBE is the group that’ll get us that post-season victoSportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 ry,” added the coach. p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school With key victories over Lamar and Westside to sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, open up district play, the Bellaire Cardinals boys please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. basketball team looked to be well on its way to

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 32

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 33

SPORTS

.

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Cheerleaders in training Meg Dellinger and Hannah Summers (top photo, from left), both 4 years old, are regulars and self-appointed cheerleaders at their older brothers’ Southwest Football League games. Like many younger siblings, Meg and Hannah needed a way to entertain themselves during the countless hours they spend at their brothers’ games and practices. Dressed in cheerleading uniforms, the girls go all-out to cheer on their big brothers. Meg attends West University Methodist School and has been a spectator for older brothers Walker and Reid at sporting events since she was only a few weeks old. Hannah, whose brother is Hayden, attends Faith Lutheran Day School and takes cheer classes after school. They can’t wait for next season to entertain the crowd again.

Lacrosse for a cause The Pin Oak Middle School girls lacrosse teams participated in the 2015 CyFair Burning Flower Lacrosse Classic Tournament. In addition to winning many games at the tournament, the girls also made a sizeable donation to the Burning Flower Foundation. The foundation collects stuffed animals for Houston Police to give children to hold for comfort in times of crisis. These donations are made in memory of Julia Briggs, a lacrosse player who previously collected stuffed animals for HPD. Julia passed away from a rare form of cancer, but her passion lives on through the foundation. The Pin Oak girls donated 78 stuffed animals in her memory. The team members are (top row, from left) coaches Nock Nicodemus, John Howard, Brian Smith and Brian Rose; (middle row, from left) Dannielle Tackett, Kiki Jordan, Reagan Jernigan, Kate Manning, Abby Vollrath, Morgan Draper, Abby Konicki, Asia Delasbour; (bottom row, from left) Karson Ludwick, Lindsay Elwood, Tea Arvizu, Hannah Rose, Peyton Howard, Peyton Richardson, Maya Anderson and Miranda Chodzko. Not pictured: Emily Ashman, Grace Beasley, Miranda Chodzko, Victoria Gray, Tessa Johnson, Kaitlyn Metzger, Carson Nicodemus, Cate Nicodemus, Laney Peters, Katelyn Robbins, Sydney Roquemore, Rebecca Rose, Lilly Smith, Lola Somera, Hannah Sullivan, Ka’Lyn Watson, Sarabel Weiss, Skylar Wilkenfeld, Grace Yee and coach Scott Richardson.

Victory at the goal The SBMSA 12U Panthers team (bottom photo) faced fierce competition to win the senior boys division soccer championship. The boys attend various schools,

including Lanier Middle School, Spring Branch Middle School and Memorial Middle School, and several have played soccer together for many years. During the regular season, the Panthers were undefeated, 9-0. They lost in the second round of playoffs, but came back in the finals to win the championship. The Panthers are (top row, from left) Seif Issa, Nathan Garcia, Dylan Garcia, coach Ed Simpson, Zach Snow, Eduardo Sanchez, Eli Anderson, Brady Hoffman, coach Gary Garcia, (bottom row, from left) Gavin Beach, Carson Hesse, Jack Simpson, Ryan Garcia, Alan Diaz, Whit Robertson and Jacob Certa.

Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.

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NEIGHBORS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Helping out

need. During holiday parties, each WUES student decorated four lunch bags and prepared sack lunches for over 2,000 Houston children who live in poverty. Pictured (from left) are WUES kindergarteners Ainsley Mann, Lilly Satchell and Kirsten Moon.

Hall pass

West University Elementary students helped out with the charity Kids’ Meals, which delivers meals to the homes of preschool children in

Some Pin Oak Middle School students, including sixth grader Jack Hanks (pictured), were treated to a party hosted by Cherrydale Farms, for participating in a school fundraiser. Students were allowed to leave their classes and join the DJ party. Students won prizes such as a J.J. Watt

jersey, a drone (which Jack won) and a smart watch. Some of the day's winners included Drew Michael, Luke Ludwick and Austin Courtney.

Two much fun Despite a rainy and cold day, Carter Canahuati, along with friends, family and parents Laura (pictured, at right, wearing black) and Mike,

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celebrated his second birthday. Guests, including mom Allison Parker (pictured, at left, holding son Grey, with son Bennett standing) hopped on a train for rides around the block as they blew their whistles like real conductors.

There was also a train-themed bounce house and wooden trains for the children to decorate.

After all of the fun, all of the children ended up inside gathered around Carter's own train table.

Carter loved his train-themed birthday cake and was excited to blow out his birthday candles after all of his friends and family sang to him.

Happily ever after Ashley Anderson and Chip Cavanaugh were married at St. Michael Catholic Church. Guests celebrated afterward at the Houston Country

Club. Chip and Ashley first met at the age of 6 as opponents on the West University Little League field, although their romance did not unfold until they started dating in 2012. The classic, black-tie wedding embraced the holidays.

Florist Susie Miller turned the club into a winter wonderland with twinkle lights and white, cream and blush arrangements that complemented the greenery. Guests danced to the band Liquid

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Wedding-party members were bridesmaids Elizabeth Anderson, Holly Ashe, Kristen McDanald, Stephanie Massey, Lauren Allen, Caroline Cavanaugh, (continued on page 38)

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(continued from page 37) Stephanie

Bailey, Elizabeth Holstien, Kate Vasseur, Sara Flynn Fletcher, Lauren Sykes and Anne Mangum, and groomsmen were Matt Cavanaugh, Mark Mathe, Thomas Walker, Nick Anderson, David Anderson and Connor Fee.

Join the fun The West University Softball Association spring-season parade and carnival will take place on Feb. 13. on the West University Elementary fields. Georgia Bailey represented her team at last year’s event. The parade starts at 9 a.m., with the carnival afterwards starting at 1 p.m.

There will be bouncy houses, radar to clock pitches, face painting, confetti eggs and vendors.

Chick-fil-A will be on hand to serve lunch, and Dippin’ Dots for something sweet.

Good company

A luncheon was held at the senior center for more than 90 seniors from West University.

Guests, including (pictured, from left) Barbara Page, Murph Watson, Jean Dawson, Ora Asef, Pricilla Williams, Ruth Anne Wissel and Jo Lukens, enjoyed sharing holiday cheer and seeing one another.

Hard work recognized The City of West University announced the 2015 Distinguished Employees and Employee of the Year. City manager Chris Peifer congratulated the employee of the year, Danny Cameron of public works, and distinguished employees Jonathan Graham (public works), Gerardo Barrera (public works, general services superintendent), Anthony Hagan (parks and recreation, recreation specialist) and Craig Orewiler (public works, traffic technician).

A knight to remember Continuing the tradition of Mardi Gras court presentations all the way from 1871, the Knights of Momus, a Galveston Mardi Gras krewe, will present its royal court, King Frivolous CI and his queen at the Knights of Momus Coronation Ball and reception at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. D.J. and Jill Termini will serve as ball chairs. The 23 duchesses were selected by nominees to the board of Knights of Momus.

They will be presented at the Coronation Ball at Paige and Tilman Fertitta’s annual San Luis Salute on Feb. 5. They will also ride in the

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade on Feb. 6. Duchess Laura Mason (pictured) is the daughter of Janie and Todd Mason of Houston.

She is a junior at Southern Methodist University, where she is majoring in civil engineering.

Another duchess, Alexandra Palmer, is the daughter of Kristin and Barry Palmer of Houston. She is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is majoring in finance with a focus on accounting. She is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority.

Back in time Covenant House Texas, coordinated by the CHT Guild of volunteers, is planning its annual gala, themed Vintage Houston, for March 5 at the Omni Houston. The night will include a nostalgic look back at early events and architecture in Houston. The Covenant House Texas helps kids under the age of 21 with shelter, services and programs. Heading up the gala committee this year are guild president Jacqueline Fair and gala chairs June Reeder Leppard, Patti Turner and Marlene

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lem and made school history by finishing it.

They completed it with limited instruction and help from their teacher. The students had an introduction to genetics, including a study on monohybrid Punnett squares, which examine a single genetic trait. A Punnett square is a diagram named after Reginald C. Punnett, who developed the approach in the early 1900s. The diagram is used by biologists to determine the probability of an offspring having a particular genotype, determining physical traits.

Nondorf. Pictured (from left) are Ronda Robinson (CHT CEO), and guild members Beatty Watts and Angela James. For tickets or sponsorships, see covenanthousetx.org.

What are the odds St. Mark’s Episcopal School seventh graders Henry Miller and Daniella Nassar (pictured, from left) completed a complex genetics prob-

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

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 39

ACTING IT OUT Mia Hirshfeld, a fourth grader at West University Elementary School, loves to act and make movies.

KIDS

by Mia Hirshfeld, age 10

Buzz Kidz

Both sides of the camera

I

started acting in first grade. Before acting, I took music lessons, which I did not like doing. One day I exited the door of my music class and saw a flyer for Joy Kids Studio moviemaking classes. My mom soon signed me up and before long I was acting in front of a camera.

I have learned the entire process of making movies from start to finish. In class, we come up with ideas for skits and commercials, and then we write the scripts. After that, we act them out in front of a green screen and add in the different backgrounds that go with each scene. Kids take turns directing the scenes, shooting them with the video camera and acting. We learn how lighting, camera angles and props affect how the movies and commercials turn out.

For the past few years I’ve done many shows

with Joy Kids. In one video that I created called Into the Painting, we got trapped in paintings at an art museum. Something funny about Into the Painting was that the movie Into the Woods came out right after that. Copy cat! Overall, my favorite mini movie I made was probably The Town, where my character was the first person to risk life to get out of an awful town.

Closer to the end of my third grade year, I decided I wanted to do more acting. My mom signed me up for the advanced acting class. One weekend we even got to drive all the way to Galveston to shoot a music video on the beach.

It was so fun to shoot the video on location.

This year I have expanded my interest in acting even more. I played Peppermint Patty in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown with Wildfish

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DINING GUIDE

by Russell Weil, contributing writer

Houston’s best fried chicken

Russell Weil

This Month in Dining

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

Barbecue Inn

HOLLEY'S Reservations fill up quickly for the once-a-month fried-chicken dinner at Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Midtown.

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developed a love affair with fried chicken during childhood. Whether it was handmade with loving care by my grandmother, or eaten at the neighborhood Church’s or KFC, fried chicken with tender meat and a crispy crust was one of my favorite meals.

This comfort food has morphed into a fashionable menu item at some upscale restaurants, like Max’s Wine Dive, which serves a coveted version soaked for 36 hours in buttermilk and jalapeño.

Those looking for the classic fried-chicken experience can still enjoy familiar fast-food spots such as the original Frenchy’s on Scott Street and Popeye’s. Or maybe you have discovered fried chicken for breakfast or brunch, paired with waffles, biscuits, doughnuts or champagne.

I set out to find some of the best fried-chicken spots around town for this month’s Restaurant Listings. If I missed some good ones, send us a note at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or leave a comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com so we can share them with readers – and I can continue my research.

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Fried chicken and barbecue Neighborhood: Garden Oaks In operation at the same north Houston location since 1946, Barbecue Inn’s fryers trump its barbecue pits. A throwback to the 1960s, the homey, inviting space offers counter seating, or you can take a seat in one of the candy apple-red leatherette booths at the family-run establishment. The waitresses, young and old, briskly take your order, informing you that if you order the fried chicken, it will take 25-30 minutes to prepare. This notice is also on the menu and posted on the walls. A classic iceberg salad is served to help pass the time. Once delivered, the half-chicken is presented with a greaseless, cocoa-hued crust that flakes off, revealing flawlessly seasoned meat beneath that is moist and juicy. The lines can be long at Barbecue Inn, especially on the weekends, but the wait is worth it. They also serve very good barbecue; try the tender, fall-off-thebone, St. Louis-style pork ribs. 10:30 a.m.9:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 116 W. Crosstimbers Rd. 713-695-8112. thebarbecueinn.com. $-$$

Dak & Bop Korean fried chicken Neighborhood: Museum District If there were an award for the most inventive fried chicken in Houston, I’d put my money on the Korean fried chicken at Dak & Bop, the sleek, modern Korean café in the heart of the Museum District. Their version is twice-fried to create an eggshell-thin, ultra-crispy crust around a drippingly juicy interior. On my last visit, I enjoyed two wings, two strips and one drumstick for the value price of $10. They have a variety of sauces for dipping, two of which accompany any fried chicken order – I chose Sriracha honey-lime and soy garlic. Extra sauces are available for an additional cost and include buffalo, hot and spicy and a medium spicy option. My side order of kimchi fries were spicy and flavorful with a fourcheese blend, caramelized kimchi, green and white onions, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds and spicy mayo. Side orders include slaw, mac and cheese and other fries. The bar is lively, serving up uniquely creative cocktails. Be patient after placing your order, as each item takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. This place is popular, so expect a wait. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 510 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11:30 a.m-10 p.m. Sat., 1801 Binz St. #120. 713-528-0280. dakandbop.com. $

Frank’s American Revival American comfort food

Neighborhood: River Oaks For upscale fried chicken, the family-run and Zagat-rated Frank’s American Revival near Highland Village does not disappoint.

Reasonably priced, even at $23, the tantalizing buttermilk fried chicken is three large pieces served with whipped potatoes and sautéed green beans. I enjoyed an oversized breast, meaty wing and succulent drumstick. The crunchy crust enveloped some of the juiciest chicken meat I have ever enjoyed. The retro comfortable setting of Frank’s is intimate and relaxed. The service is top-notch, and while there is always a nice crowd in the dark wood, club-inspired dining room, there is rarely a long wait. Frank’s combines comfort and service with great-tasting food, especially the Buttermilk Fried Chicken.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 5-10 p.m. Sat.; 5-9 p.m. Sun., 3736 Westheimer Road. 713-5728600. frankshouston.com. $$-$$$

white meat, came with creole-spiced fries, a glistening honey-butter biscuit and a jalapeño pepper. The chicken has a seasoned crispy texture that tastes as good as it looks. The kick from the punch of the creole seasoning is a nice tease to juicy meat on the inside. The French fries are some of the best fast-food fries I have ever enjoyed, crispy with a tangy creole spice sprinkled on top. There is not a better biscuit around to accompany fried chicken. The sweetness from the honey-butter coating on the outside was mixed with the soft moist inside – nothing dry here. While there are other locations around Houston, the original Frenchy’s is still my favorite. Friendly, efficient service in a no-frills setting makes Scott Street a fried-chicken destination. This building is scheduled to be torn down in 2016, but a new Frenchy’s will rise in its place. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thu.; 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3919 Scott St. 713-7482233 frenchyschicken.com. $

Frenchy’s Chicken Fast-food fried chicken Neighborhood: University of Houston and multiple locations My visit to Frenchy’s original Scott Street location was like taking a step back in time.

Little has changed since its opening in 1969, and that includes the yummy creole fried chicken. At the window, I encountered friendly staff ready to take my order. My three-piece meal, all

Holley’s Upscale seafood and oyster bar Neighborhood: Midtown The best upscale fried-chicken experience in Houston is at a seafood restaurant. Holley’s monthly fried-chicken dinner should not be missed. Chef Mark Holley started this tradition at Pesce, and his followers insisted that he continue it as his own restau- (continued on page 44)

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Russell Weil

LEE’S Stop by in the morning for donuts and come back at lunch for fried chicken, at Lee's Fried Chicken & Doughnuts in the Heights. (continued from page 43) rant. For $50, you get a

family-style dinner, including a massive plate of fried chicken, plus three sides, biscuits and dessert. While expensive for fried chicken, the portions are very generous, and this chicken is good. The high-quality, free-range chicken fried in cast-iron skillets creates a crispy crust and juicy inside with a slightly spicy flavor. Holley’s setting is decidedly upscale with a modern flair, and yet as I sat there eating every bite, I felt very much at home. The warmth comes out in the service and the taste. Reservations are required for the monthly fried-chicken dinner. There is a waiting list, so get on it quickly. The minimum reservation required is six, and the dinner must be pre-paid when making the reservation.

Normal restaurant hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5:3010 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5:30-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3201 Louisiana St.. 713-4912222. holleyshouston.com. $$$

Stop by in the morning for their hand-cut, fermented-before-frying, fluffy doughnuts, such as their “Raised Praline Bacon and Caramel Icing” or “Raised Mexican Chocolate Icing.” But come back after 11 a.m. for exceptional fried chicken.

With a golden, crunchy crust and warm, tender, moist chicken, each bite is pure pleasure. The simple menu includes chicken boxes in several sizes (with accompanying sides), plus wings, chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches. Side dishes are macaroni salad, cole slaw, creamed corn, sour cream mashed potatoes (my personal favorite), potato salad, bacon jalapeño cream gravy and fresh fruit. This place has become quite popular, so come early, and you might even get place to sit on a shiny wooden bench or an iron stool in the snug dining area. But there is good news – a patio is coming soon. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Fried chicken served starting at 11 a.m. 601 Heights Blvd.

713-880-3550. leesfriedchickendonuts.com. $

termilk, and then double dipped in flour and batter. The result is pure comfort-food euphoria. The crunchy crust teams with a tender inside for the perfect marriage of flavors.

Mashed potatoes and slaw along hot pepper sauce-spiked syrup and a peppery cream gravy are included to complement this southern feast.

Chef Travis Lenig has called the fried chicken the best item on the menu, and I agree with his assessment. Liberty’s relaxing and warm atmosphere, with sparkling white tile floors and comfortable seating areas, adds to this Southern experience. Service is friendly and attentive.

Make reservations in advance, as the immediate reservations are a little more difficult to come by. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 11 a.m-11 p.m. Thu.; 11 a.m-12 a.m. Fri.; 8 a.m-12 a.m.

Sat.; 8 a.m-10 p.m. Sun., 4224 San Felipe St. 713-622-1010. libertykitchenoysterette.com. $$

Lucille’s Lee’s Fried Chicken & Doughnuts Fried chicken Neighborhood: The Heights Fried-chicken spots are among the many restaurants popping up lately in the neighborhood. However, they seem to disappear as quickly as they arrive. I believe one entry, Lee’s Fried Chicken & Doughnuts, is poised for a long stay.

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette Southern seafood Neighborhood: River Oaks Served only on Sunday, the Dixie Fried Chicken Supper at Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette is popular with fried-chicken lovers.

The care that goes into the preparation is intensive. The chicken is brined, marinated in but-

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Upscale southern cooking Neighborhood: Museum District Inspired by his grandmother, Lucille Smith, who served her famous chili biscuits at the White House during the Lyndon Johnson administration, owner/chef Chris Williams continues the family tradition by replicating some of her most famous Southern recipes. Located in a renovated

wood-frame house on a quaint street in the Museum District, Lucille’s homey atmosphere is the perfect complement to the Southern dishes served. Chef Williams has created what he calls Yard Bird fried chicken. It is organic and slow fried to perfection. Served with sides of mac and cheese and garden-grown smoked collard greens, as well as a bourbon pickle, this succulent dish is one of the most popular menu items. The seasoned crust glistens around the flavorful and juicy half chicken. Don’t forget to order some of Lucille’s delicious chili biscuits to eat before your chicken arrives, or once it does. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tue.-Sat.; 10 a.m-3 p.m. Sun., 5512 La Branch.

713-568-2505. lucilleshouston.com. $$

Max’s Wine Dive American food and wine bar Neighborhoods: Washington Ave. and Montrose The Austin-originated Max’s Wine Dive is known for its award-winning fried chicken. If you have ever tried it, you know what I am talking about. The well-seasoned flour gives way to a flavorful crispy crust. A 36-hour soaking in buttermilk and jalapeño gives the three-piece chicken plate its signature moistness. A side of honey-chipotle dipping sauce has the right amount of spice and contrast to each bite. Max’s is popular, so expect a wait without a reservation. With the rustic charm of exposed brick, and bottles of wine adorning the walls, the long

sleek bar is popular at both the Washington Avenue and Fairview locations, so sit back, or stand up, and enjoy because the fried chicken is worth the wait. 11 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Thu.; 10 a.m-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat., 4720 Washington Ave. 713644-4949. 214 Fairview St., Ste.2. 713-5289200. maxswinedive.com. $$

Popeyes Fast-food fried chicken Neighborhood: Multiple locations Walking into Popeyes, the American chain of fast-food, fried-chicken restaurants founded in 1972 in New Orleans, takes me back to my college days in Austin when a fried-chicken combo meant gourmet food. The first spicy fried chicken I ever tried, Popeyes continues to serve up reliable Louisiana-style fast food at inexpensive prices.

Topped with a spicy seasoning, the crispy outside, paired with the moist and tender meat has kept Popeyes on the radar of fried-chicken enthusiasts for decades. The sides vary in quality, but the red beans and rice are among the better choices. The batter fries tend to be only fair, but the biscuits possess a nice buttery top and flaky center. Mild or spicy chicken is offered, but I go to Popeyes for the spicy. Hours vary by location. popeyes.com. $

Punk’s Simple Southern Food Upscale Southern cooking Neighborhood: Rice Village

From the moment I walked into this casual Rice Village spot, I felt the Southern hospitality in full force. From the warm staff to the attentive service, I was made to feel right at home at Punk’s. Of course, I came for the crispy, buttermilk fried chicken. Punk’s offers two choices – a half bird/five pieces or a whole bird/10 pieces.

Both choices are served with horseradish mash potatoes, brown gravy, buttermilk biscuit with honey butter, dill pickle and peppery Punk’s sauce. Whole birds are carved up precisely onsite, and then brined in herbs and spices, soaked in buttermilk and coated twice in breading before they are deep fried. The result is a moist, tender and flavorful fried chicken, with just a hint of spice from the perfectly crunchy crust, served with tasty sides, including a dill pickle and sweet biscuits. The portions are generous, so come with a big appetite. Punk’s is a familyfriendly restaurant with an abundance of seating, including outdoors on the welcoming wraparound porch. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tue.-Thu.; 11 a.m-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 5212 Morningside St. 713524-7865. punkssimplesouthernfood.com. $$

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

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Allergy… and immunology Allergies make you more susceptible to getting sinus infections because when nasal tissue is inflamed and swollen, it’s easier for a tiny infection to wall itself off in a space that can’t easily drain. Therefore, the virus that gave you a cold allows one random bacteria to become 2, then 4, then 8, then 16, then millions. That is why allergy treatment often reduces the frequency and severity of sinus infections. Reducing that inflammation lets the infection drain so your body can heal itself. But some patients may also have an immune system that can’t fight off viral or bacterial infections optimally.

In this group, running some blood tests looking for specific antibodies against the most likely bugs to cause sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia can give clues as to how to improve the function of the immune system.

You’ve probably heard of Pneumovax, the pneumonia vaccine that is recommended for those age 65 and older. Pneumovax is good, but not awesome. It immunizes against 23 serotypes (a serotype is basically a “cousin”) of Streptococcus pneumonia (Strep pneumo), but it uses 1970s technology. In 2011, the FDA approved the pediatric pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar-13, for use in adults. Prevnar-13 only has 13 serotypes, but utilizes three different components of your immune system to optimize your ability to fight this important bacteria. Strep pneumo is the No. 1 bacterial cause of sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were also a vaccine for the No. 2 bacterial cause of those three infections? Well, there is! It’s called ActiHIB, and it strengthens the immunity to Haemophilus influenzae Type B. Did

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somebody just say influenza? Is this a “flu shot” or influenza vaccine? No, and no.

Influenza is a virus that gives you “the flu.”

Haemophilus influenzae is a bacteria that some idiot named the flu just to confuse us all. Just kidding. Haemophilus was isolated in the 1890s, and was thought to be the cause of the flu until the influenza virus was discovered in the 1930s.

Would you benefit from any of these vaccines? The best way to find out is through consultation with a board-certified allergist, who can assess if you have an immune deficiency and if your immune system can be taught how to fight bugs more effectively.

Real allergists are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. That last part, “…and Immunology,” is one other distinction that separates us from bootleg allergists.

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

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

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Early testing can set the stage for a child’s success Parents know children aren’t perfect. The occasional missed homework assignment or a squabble with friends is probably nothing to fret about.

But if you suspect your child is grappling with more serious issues, seek professional assessment as early as possible to ensure the best outcomes.

Learn all you can, as soon as you can Promptly identifying academic issues, developmental delays, social difficulties, inattention and oppositional behaviors allows interventions to begin when they can be most effective, preventing lost time and increasing odds for academic success.

“The earlier a child receives help the better, often even before beginning school,” says Michelle Patriquin, PhD, staff psychologist with The Menninger Clinic’s Outpatient Services.

Without proper assessment, Dr. Patriquin says, children may go without the assistance they need – or they may get the wrong type of help.

“One recent study showed that untreated inattention at age 7 is associated with worse academic outcomes at age 16,” she says. “Others show children who have difficulty with interpersonal skills, teamwork and emotion regulation have lower grades. This makes the case for the earliest possible assessment.”

Should my child be tested?

What are some clues your child might benefit from testing? ● Falling grades ● Trouble making friends ● Being bullied – or bullying other children

● Inattention and difficulty focusing ● Talking back ● Not listening ● Delays in developmental milestones “Keep in mind that teachers know what is typical,” she says. “If a teacher says there are problems, you should listen.”

What to expect with assessment Look for a comprehensive assessment with a multidisciplinary team approach. Methods may include observation of social skills or play, classroom-type testing and interviews with parents and teachers. Screenings for emerging mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, sleep problems, medical issues and autistic-spectrum disorders also may be appropriate.

Armed with assessment results, therapists, parents and teachers can design specific modifications for a child.

“Systematic evaluation of a child can make parents feel much better,” Dr. Patriquin says. “When they know where their child is and the path they should take, it’s like a breath of fresh air.”

To make an appointment for a child assessment with Dr. Patriquin or another Menninger clinician, call 713-275-5000.

The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, www.MenningerClinic.com

2504 Bissonnet Street 281.668.8590 www.vbaf.com Family Owned Since 1952

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sponsored by

PETS

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Selecting a pet resort

Neighborhood Tails

713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Louise, age 9 months, Airedale Terrier, Tangley Rd. My name is Louise, but you can call me Ouisie (like the restaurant), or Ouiser (think Steel Magnolias). I arrived from Chicago this summer.

Nobody told me it was going to be this hot, but I think I'll stick around. You might see me around the neighborhood walking. I’m supposed to sit before we cross the street, but I find it convenient to forget. If you drop by, feel free to bring peanut butter-flavored bones or something that squeaks. I like to take a toy in my mouth and parade around the yard like a hockey player showing off the Stanley Cup trophy.

My mom and dad are so proud. Presently, my paws make it impossible for me to use the Internet, but if I could, I would "Like" little kids, sprinklers, small dogs, crossing the Poor Farm Ditch in West U and my mom. Regrettably, I'd have to "Unfriend" squirrels, large poodles and taking a bath.

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

With spring around the corner and summer not far away, everyone will start traveling more. If you are a local pet lover and aren’t taking your canine or feline companion with you, don’t forget to plan ahead. Here are some helpful tips on selecting the best pet resort for your companion. Begin your homework early – many months in advance – since the best places to leave your pet get booked up quickly. Ask your friends and your veterinarian for their recommendations. Then, and most important, take a tour of any facility you are considering. But don’t call to make an appointment. Instead, just drop in (without your pet) during their normal business hours and request a tour. An employee should be available quickly to show you the facility.

If not, this could be a concern. During the tour, ask a lot of questions.

How many staff do you have? What kind of training do they receive? Are any certifications required? How many managers or supervisors do you have? When does your staff arrive in the morning? Leave at night? What vaccinations do you require? And, if this is important to you, can my dog play with other dogs (i.e., doggie daycare)? What is the process for being allowed to play with other dogs? In next month’s Buzz, we’ll finish our checklist of how to select the best pet resort for your companion.

Rover Oaks Pet Resort, 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.662.2119, www.roveroaks.com

The Buzz Magazines 2015 Pet of the Year Harriet Hound

Montego

Congratulations to Aspen for being voted our 2015 Buzz Magazines Pet of the Year. Also, congratulations to our second and third place winners, Harriet Hound and Montego. Each of our winners will receive a prize from one of our sponsors.

Aspen To have your pet considered for 2016, please submit a high resolution photo and 150 words about your pet to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2016 48

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A minute with Maisie

College-prep checklist

Many clients ask me, “What is an amicus attorney, and do I need one?” Your favorite lawyer answer is, “It depends.” An amicus attorney is a lawyer who represents the best interest of your children in a divorce or custody modification lawsuit. An amicus attorney can be agreed upon between the parties or appointed by the Court. The “best interest of the child” is a term of art and can encompass a variety of issues, including the child’s desires and parental involvement, just to name a few. Whenever I am appointed as an amicus attorney, I always talk to the parents and anyone whom the parent identifies as an important person in the child’s life, including the child. This work becomes invaluable for me whenever I represent parents because I can focus the parent on issues important to the amicus attorney, and thus the child. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family law firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements.

Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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

Because of the new, redesigned SAT, current juniors are widely considered the “guinea pig” class.

Juniors already took the new PSAT in October 2015, and now they have to endure the changes in standardized testing without knowing clearly how those changes affect college admissions. College preparation is challenging, stressful and discouraging already, and unfortunately the class of 2017 has it even harder. Let me help with a checklist: • Take a free 2nd SATurday practice test on Feb. 13 at Firat Education to figure out which test fits the best, ACT or the new SAT; • Register for the ACT or new SAT (Feb. 5 is the new SAT regular-registration deadline, and Feb. 23 is the new SAT late-registration deadline); • Take the official ACT (if applicable) on Feb. 6; • Build the first draft of your college resume; • Create an initial list of colleges in which you are interested; • Secure Spring Break college visits; • Start searching for career-oriented summer programs for high school students.

For more customized help with college preparation, please call us or email us. Our professionals develop and execute a customized plan for each student that aligns school academics, standardized testing, and college counseling with college and career goals.

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

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NEIGHBORS

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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

Valentine’s Day, all grown up behance.net/runamokstudios

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or the past nine Valentine’s Days, Martha Kirkwood has hosted what she calls “the high school party you always wanted to go to, but your parents won’t come home and bust this one up.”

Martha, mom to a 15-year-old boy and a 10year-old girl, says, “Valentine’s Day is kind of like the un-holiday. It’s my favorite. Much more than who you love romantically, it’s a celebration of friendship and fun.”

In that spirit, she and her husband Andrew host around 200 friends each year at their “Kirkwood Lovefest.” Martha starts planning for the party before Christmas, setting the year’s theme and designing invitations. “One year it was all heart piñatas, one year was balloon sculptures, one year bubble machines.” Last year, it was papel piquado, the colorful Mexican cut-out paper.

Sounds traditional enough. But Martha is quick to point out, “It’s not a Valentine’s party. It’s a ‘Lovefest’ all about love. You know I just have a crazy mind.” Meaning crazy creative – and also hilarious.

The afternoon before Lovefest, movers transport all the furniture in the family’s living room to the garage. “I put all the couches I can fit in our breakfast room, and that’s the ‘Love Lounge,’” Martha says. A tent in the backyard holds dinner tables.

In the family room, where she puts the dance floor, Martha sets up the “Love Library,” which she describes as “a romantic library of books. It’s funny – the later the night goes, the less reservations people have about browsing through those books.

“But all that has to be boxed and taped up that night and hidden away for the rest of the year because God knows you don’t want to be caught with that!” she says.

Speaking of being caught, this is a grown-upsonly party. The Kirkwood kids get “farmed out with the same friends every year, who of course are coming to the party,” Martha says. But that doesn’t mean the kids don’t have their own fun. “The night before the party, I have a neighborhood Valentine’s party. We order pizza and turn music on.

“Saturday is the grown-up party. The kids are dying to come, but I can’t imagine that’s ever going to happen. Maybe as a college graduation present?”

For Lovefest, Martha hires a DJ and sends him a list of her “must-plays” – think Sister Sledge’s

AT THE LOVESHACK Partiers at Martha Kirkwood's annual Lovefest eschew inhibitions for a Valentinethemed night of fun.

We Are Family, Madonna’s Dress You Up and Chaka Khan’s I Feel for You. Early on, the DJ plays what Martha calls “ambience music. We’ll have appetizers passed.

And then as people finish dinner we crank up the music and dance all night. Late-stayers are there until around 2!”

To get the dancing started, Martha creates a new drinks list every year. “The one that never changes is a sangria called Slut Punch.” On the menu sign she posts, the punch tag line is “order one, be one.” That’s the tamest of the drinks.

“Everyone has to order the cocktails by name,” Martha says. “They’re really funny and tacky and adult-themed. It’s way bad!”

Martha is adamant that everyone is all in.

Invitations read, “Don’t come if you don’t dance,” and she’s serious. “Last year I printed a notepad of party citations,” Martha says. “I walked around the party, and if you weren’t dancing or spent too much time in the backyard, or hadn’t complimented the hostess, or if you didn’t kiss your date,

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I’d issue a citation.” Punishment? “Appear in the court of party boredom.”

“We always, always have an old-fashioned photo booth like the ones that were at the mall,” Martha says. “One year, one of our best friends who is an oncologist took a series of pictures where he unbuttoned his shirt, one button, two buttons, all the way. That year our children had the same first grade teacher, and I photocopied that photo strip and gave it to her. The family was brand-new to Houston, and when they had their parent-teacher conference, the teacher said, ‘I saw some advertising from your office and wanted to show you,’ then she pulled out the photo strip!”

By Sunday noon, when the Kirkwood kids come home, movers have come and gone, and everything except the disco ball hook in the family room ceiling is back in place. What about the hook? “It’s my [year-round] reminder of the fun to come!

“I think when people tell me what a great time they had, the polite thing to say is, ‘Thank you.’

But I have to say, ‘I know, I know. Wasn’t it fun?’”