The West University Buzz - February 2018

Michael and Natalie Mercer

2018 Summer Camp Guide Couples Since College Eating Disorders: A Quiet Crisis

Buzz Baby: First Night Out

by Annie Blaylock McQueen

New Ways to Research Family Roots Dishing With Dai: Houston’s Restaurants Chef’s Corner: Wayne Nguyen Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Picking Battles With Kids

AND

JEFFREY RILEY JAMES WATERS

PERSONALCFO – a knowledgeable and trustworthy single point of contact you can count on.

EDITOR’S NOTE One of our stories this month, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, is about parents’ first date night since baby. I totally related. When our oldest son was born, we were clueless. We read Your Baby & Child by Penelope Leach and followed every word. One night, Andy would not stop crying. I called my dear friend, sobbing.

Cindy was one of those moms who knew how to handle everything. Did we need to take him to the ER, I asked her? No, she said. You just need a break. She urged me to bring him to her house and go on a dinner date with Michael. We rushed through the meal, but, still, it absolutely revived us. This month, you’ll read so many good stories, including Cheryl Ursin’s piece about using DNA testing to research family trees, Andria Frankfort’s story about couples who met in college, and a fascinating Q&A about Houston restaurants between Buzz blogger Haley Kurisky and Chef’s Corner columnist Dai Huynh. I hope you’ll find something you relate to, too. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Deborah Lynn Blumberg Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Suzanne Carlson Hays Haley Kurisky Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Dylan Aguilar

On our cover: Michael Mercer surprised wife Natalie with date night and a babysitter for her birthday. It was their first night out since daughter Madelyn arrived.

Cover photo by Nikky LaWell, lawellphoto.com

Dr. Audrey Boutros 6750 West Loop South, Suite 150, Bellaire, TX 77401 713-218-8338 • boutrosortho.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 4

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions The Christmas-light house Thank you, all! We’re happy to be in Wimberley, but we will always be grateful for the days we spent in Bellaire, and the smiles we gave to everyone who saw our work over the years at Christmas time.

John and Shari Greer Editor’s note: Karen Vine Fuller shared the story behind John and Shari Greer’s Christmas tradition in, Holly St., Lit with Memories, published on our Buzzworthy blog, Dec. 21, 2017. You may have seen the Greers’ home on Holly Street, right across from Bellaire High School. It has been lit up with memorable, themed Christmas decorations and lights for the past 28 years. The Greers moved to the Hill Country after their home flooded during Harvey. Thank you to the Greer family for all that you did for our community for so many years, and thank you to Karen Vine Fuller for sharing your tribute with The Buzz. The Greer family also was featured in Deck the Yard and Boughs of Holly by Cindy Gabriel [The Bellaire Buzz, December 2003]. Get a link to that article and read the tribute by Karen Vine Fuller at thebuzzmagazines.com/buzzworthy.

Thanks for the memories Great article [Holly St., Lit with Memories, by Karen Vine Fuller, Buzzworthy blog] and great memories. So glad to hear the update on the family and some of the history behind the creations. They will be missed, but they have certainly earned this new chapter in their lives. Thanks, Karen, for the update!

Mark deTranaltes

And another fan We would walk over to Holly to view this wonderfully decorated home.

Always drove evening visitors by to share the joy. Folks like the Greers helped make the Christmas season bright. Thanks, Greer family, for the many splendid years of Christmas memories.

Debbie Williams

From one Buzz writer to another What a treat it was to read Tracy Barnett’s Travel Buzz article about Susan Tallman’s walk on the Camino de Santiago [Solo trek leads to letting go, January 2018]! Such a beautifully written article about a one-of-a-kind stellar teacher! Susan taught third grade to two of our children, and she is a wonderful teacher. It was so nice to get to read about her incredible solo walk in Spain. Thanks to Tracy Barnett for telling Susan’s story – what a terrific way to start 2018 with this lovely article.

Jennifer Oakley

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 6

And now it’s Jennifer’s turn Jennifer Oakley got it just right in her January “Iron Men” article [Iron Men: Tackling extreme races together, January 2018]. It’s a “buddy story,” not so much about sport as about the motivating powers of great friends all moving in the same direction. We got a collective chuckle out of that uncharacteristically intense bike picture on the cover, but each of us teared up a little the first time (or first few times) we read the story. Many thanks to Jennifer for such a well-written account of our collective 15-year bout with temporary insanity.

Jeff Cotner, Scott Humphries and Shane Merz

Special story Thank you on behalf of over 9,900 Special Olympics Texas athletes and their families in the greater Houston area for your cover photo and article on Katherine Richards [Meet a Neighbor: Katherine Richards by Angie Frederickson, January 2018]. We appreciate The Buzz showcasing the abilities of our athletes, and Katherine is a dynamic example through her fearless Over The Edge experience, her athletic accomplishments and her community service.

Joan Jarrett, Special Olympics Texas 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.

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 7

NEIGHBORS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Shaking The Family Tree New ways to research your roots

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f you think tracing your family tree is a sedate hobby involving trips to town halls and churches to dig up dusty, old records, guess again.

With DNA testing, digitized records and social media, the ability to investigate all the branches of your family tree has exploded.

And the change has been greatest for the people with the least amount of information, even no information at all, about their biological families, such as adoptees and “foundlings,” people who were abandoned as infants. Most such people are able to find their biological parents within a year of taking a DNA test, says CeCe Moore, a genetic genealogist (a genealogist who analyzes DNA results) who consults for the PBS television show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Joe Cook, a 52-year-old Houston aerospace engineer, always knew he was adopted, and when he finished college, his parents told him the rest of the story. His biological mother had left him, age 1, and his brother, 3, with a babysitter and disappeared, leaving a note behind asking that the boys be put into foster care. A police investigation at the time didn’t locate her. And neither did years of searching

by Joe in the days before DNA testing.

Last Christmas, Joe bought himself a genealogical DNA test. By May, after matching information with his paper trail, contacting people who popped up as second cousins through his DNA results and working with a “search angel,” a genealogist who works for free with people searching for their families, Joe tracked down his birth mother.

Frank Billingsley, weatherman for Houston’s KPRC, recently wrote a book called Swabbed & Found about his search for his biological parents.

Billingsley, 57, who was adopted, got his first DNA results back in February of 2014. By June, after also having done detective work with the aid of search angels, he was in contact with both of his birth parents.

What’s it like to be on the other end of that call? Elisabeth Morris, the 52-year-old executive director of the UOS Goldberg Montessori School, knows. She was out walking her dog last Valentine’s Day when she got a message WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 8

A NEW BROTHER! Elisabeth Morris (at right) invited her newly discovered half-brother to her family's annual reunion on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The first time she ever heard from him was last Valentine's Day, when he sent her a surprise message on Facebook.

through Facebook. A man typed, “I don’t know how to start this message but I think I am your half-brother.” Elisabeth called him back immediately. Her half-brother, and that is who he turned out to be, “was unbelievably kind to message [my brother and me] and not our dad,” Elisabeth points out. “My dad’s 80, and my new brother couldn’t know, psychologically, physically, how he was.”

Elisabeth knew, though. “I called my dad and said I wanted to talk about my brother. I have a brother; my dad thought I meant him. I said, ‘No, there’s a new one.’”

Elisabeth’s father, to the family’s surprise, had taken a DNA test. He’d always been interested in family history, Elisabeth explains, though she wonders whether he knew, even subconsciously, that he might have a child out there and made his DNA available in case that child, now an adult, ever looked for him.

Elisabeth’s half-brother, who lives in North Virginia, had bought DNA tests for his whole family for Christmas. However, his results, to his surprise, showed that he didn’t match his family members the way he should.

It turned out that his mother and Elisabeth’s father had had a relationship, which resulted in

a pregnancy, when they were young. The pregnant young woman went back to an old boyfriend, married him quickly and never told anyone her child’s true parentage. This is known, in genealogical speak, as a “nonpaternal event” or NPE, and happens, according to Family Tree DNA, 1-3 percent of the time.

Family Tree DNA, the first company to offer genealogical DNA tests, was founded by Bennett Greenspan, a Bellaire resident, in 1999.

The other best-known DNA-testing companies are Ancestry, 23andMe and MyHeritage.

Getting your DNA tested is simple. You order a kit. Basic ones, which include the ability to find family members, cost $70-100. When it arrives by mail, you either spit into a vial (Ancestry, 23andMe) or scrape the inside of your cheek (Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage) and mail it back. In 6-8 weeks, the company emails you a link to your DNA analysis.

These companies offer two types of information: estimates of your ethnicities and the matches they have found between your DNA and other people in their databases. (As a separate product, 23andMe also offers tests that show whether you have a genetic propensity for certain diseases, such as (continued on page 10)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 9

FAMILY RESEMBLANCE Frank Billingsley (at right) with his biological father, Phil Shapiro, the first time they met, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 2014. (continued from page 8) Alzheimer’s.) The ethnic-

ity information, showing that you are 25 percent Scottish, for example, is close but not precise.

Also, countries’ borders don’t match up perfectly with DNA, of course, not to mention that through history, borders change and populations move. That’s why genetic testing has shown that 0.5 percent of the world’s population is related to Genghis Khan, though most of these people are not Mongolian.

Since 2013, the companies have also been able to match your autosomal DNA against those of other test-takers. (Autosomal DNA are the other 22 pairs of chromosomes, other than the X and Y sex chromosomes.) Currently, in total, close to 10 million people have taken these tests, according to Moore. The information can be complex to understand. For instance, if someone shares 25 percent of your DNA, they could be a grandparent, or they could be a first cousin. This is when searchers turn to the “paper trail,” such as obituaries that can be unearthed with Google searches and in archives such as FamilySearch, the largest collection of genealogical and historical records in the world, much of it online, maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, here in Houston.

“You look for where the timing is right and they’re both in the same location at the same time,” says Cook. Billingsley was stumped for a while until he figured out that, in his family tree, brothers from one family married sisters from another, which made their children’s DNA look more like that of siblings than first cousins.

And that’s where “search angels” can save the day. “Search angels” are professional or amateur

genealogists, people who have often traced their own family trees, who volunteer to help searchers.

One of Billingsley’s was a distant relative he connected with because they matched. Others can be found in Facebook groups, such as “DNA Detectives” and “Foundling Finders,” that provide communities for searchers to ask questions and share information. “DNA Detectives” currently has almost 70,000 members.

Mary Ann Smith, a professor and associate dean for student affairs at The University of Texas School of Public Health, didn’t use DNA testing to track down her bio-parents but she did have a search angel. Smith was raised by her dad, who had served in the military in Japan, and her mom, who was Japanese, in Del Rio, Texas. She knew she was adopted, however, from another American dad/Japanese mom couple. All she had were their names.

She asked a question on an Internet forum about how to start searching for her biological mother in Japan. A stranger, from Japan, wrote that maybe he could help. She didn’t think he could but eventually gave him her biological mother’s name. He soon replied with contact information, including that Smith’s biological mother owned a coffee shop. When Smith went to Japan to meet her bio-mother, a happy trip, she tried to meet the man who had helped her.

“I never could get him to, though,” she says.

What’s it like to make the call to long-lost family members? “It takes nerves of steel,” says Cook, who had to write dozens of letters and make dozens of phone calls to track down his biological mother’s identity – and then had to call her.

“Adoptees could be walking into a bed of roses or a chainsaw” when they make that call,

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says Bennett Greenspan of Family Tree DNA. Marci Purcell, president of Support Texas Adoptee Rights and an adoptee who contacted her own biological mother, says research has shown that most birth parents who put children up for adoption say they would like to be found by their adult children. No matter what the reaction was, though, “I’ve never met anyone who’s searched and found their families who regretted it,” she says.

Joe Cook says of his biological mother, “Well, let’s just say closure occurred.” She, still consumed by guilt and shame, can’t allow herself to have a relationship with him; however, her husband and Cook’s half-brother were happy to meet him. Despite her reaction, Cook says, once he found her, “Where I kind of felt rejected all my life, all that feeling went away.”

Billingsley’s biological mother at first reacted with denial and anger. Now, however, he has a relationship with her and his biological father and has even put them on the phone together.

“They talked for an hour,” Billingsley says.

Smith maintains contact with her birth mother, who still doesn’t tell her friends in Japan that she had a child with an American out of wedlock and gave her away. Smith’s biological father passed away before she could meet him, but she has met his large family, most of whom live in South Boston, and often goes to football games with one of her half-brothers, who is also a professor and lives in Arkansas.

And when Morris came back to work after that Valentine’s Day weekend, when she got the call from her half-sibling, colleagues asked her what she got for Valentine’s Day. “I told them,” she says with a laugh, “a new brother!”

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Mark Beaudoin

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Eating Disorders A quiet mental-health crisis

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hen Nate Nahmias was a teenager in Tulsa, he decided he wanted to make some changes. “I was kind of a pudgy kid,” the chemical engineer says. “So when I was about 16, I decided I was growing up and I was going to change myself.

“I started researching nutrition, how to work out. I wanted to find the most efficient way to shape up. So I started counting calories.

Meticulously counting. So if I didn’t know exactly what was in the food, I just didn’t eat it.

Then it became a problem.”

That’s when Nate, like an estimated 30 million other Americans, began battling an eating disorder. “Slowly but surely, I started figuring out ways to hide the fact that I wasn’t eating everything. Eventually I got to the point where I was hardly eating and was in the gym every day. At some point, I started to look good, and I got reinforcement because people noticed. Then it became, ‘I can’t stop this because it’s working.’

So I kept going and going and going.”

According to the nonprofit National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), anorexia nervosa is the No. 1 killer of any mental illness, causing heart failure, osteoporosis, muscle loss, dehydration resulting in kidney failure and dry skin and hair loss. Those suffering from the complex psychiatric and medical illnesses that are anorexia and other eating disorders are preoccupied with body image, weight and food.

“People are insensitive,” says Catherine Wile, a staunch NEDA supporter and tireless volunteer whose daughter battled an eating disorder.

“They think, ‘Oh, just start eating. If you are a heroin addict, you learn not to take heroin. Or for alcoholics, you don’t drink. But if you have a problem with food, it can take years to get over it because you need food.

“There is such a stigma about talking about eating disorders,” she says. “People are ashamed of it. They don’t want to talk about it, and they don’t understand. People call me all the time for advice, but it’s always in confidence.”

Catherine and Nate are working to do something about that. This past fall, along with Priya James and honorary chair Deborah Duncan, they co-chaired a NEDA walk at Discovery Green,

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Catherine Wile, Priya James and Nate Nahmias chaired the 2017 NEDA Walk in November, which brought out 200 walkers and raised more than $26,000.

with a goal of raising money and educating people. And, they’re working to start a conversation.

“This is the second generation in my family that suffered from eating disorders, and I want it to stop with this generation,” Catherine says.

“Two of my sisters struggled, but back then we really didn’t know what it was. There weren’t really therapists who helped with it. When our daughter got sick as a junior in high school, she came to us and said, ‘I have something important I want to tell you.’ I couldn’t imagine. I was worried she was going to say she was pregnant.

But she said she had an eating disorder, and I was totally surprised. We used NEDA as a source to guide us to the treatment she needed, and now she is fully recovered and leading a healthy, productive life.

“When people see others have gone through this and survived, when they hear positive stories of hope, it makes asking for help easier.”

Priya, a NEDA volunteer and new mom who previously worked in fashion marketing and

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 12

public relations, says, “What triggered [my eating disorder] was breakups with boyfriends in high school. I felt I wasn’t good enough. People think eating disorders have to do with being thin, but they also have to do with control.

When you feel like parts of your life are out of control, you can control what you eat.”

While she didn’t receive intensive treatment, or “hard-core therapy,” as she calls it, Priya benefited from working with a therapist for depression. “My parents came from India,” she says.

“There’s always been a stigma there about mental-health issues, and they didn’t really understand what was going on.

“Then I grew up and got married. But I relapsed. I had lost about 30 pounds in a month.

My family and close friends didn’t realize anything was wrong because I would just say, ‘Oh, I already ate,’ when I was with them. Others started complimenting me on my weight loss. I’d go all day and eat one Cutie orange. Even though I was tired all the time, and (continued on page 14)

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Just keep swimming As the New Year becomes a distant thought, hopefully the resolutions you set out to achieve this year are still within reach. When it comes to health habits and fitness goals, too many times I see a quick drop off within the first few weeks. Unfortunately, by mid-February, just like the excitement of a new year, those goals and ambitions are in the distant past, restocked on the shelves for the following year. However, while I await your questions and requests (please continue to submit them via email to david.boettcher@pledgetofitness.com), I have a solution to keep you accountable and to help push you through this major resolution speed bump we will call “the entire month of February!” It may seem childish or silly, but to help you get past those February blues, remember to “just keep swimming” (said in my best Dory/Ellen DeGeneres voice).

Through all the adversity encountered throughout our lifetimes and all the headaches of the daily grind, the most important thing you can do is to just keep swimming (whatever swimming may mean to you). Swimming could potentially be referring to you pushing forward on that big project at work, or believing in your abilities and skills as you look forward to starting a fresh career in the new year. Maybe swimming is referencing staying consistent on adopting healthy eating habits despite not feeling any immediate changes or continuing to show up at the gym on a consistent basis despite the number on the scale not budging. Remember, at some point along the way you will get to where you are meant to be, and at some point those habits get easier (trust me), and at some point you will look back and realize how far you’ve come. All the obstacles you’ve endured along the way will be dis-

tant thoughts, and those resolutions will be right within your reach. Whatever your goals, ambitions and aspirations may include, remember to continue pushing through. I know I have said in previous articles, but showing up and continuing on is most of the battle.

Think about the journey Dory went on through Finding Nemo and then again in the sequel. Who’s to say this isn’t a representation of whatever resolution you set forth on January 1? Just keep going, because you never know where it will take you, you never know who you will meet, and you will never get to see your success if you turn around or give up now. Continue to push on, continue to give it your all, and best of luck on your journey through 2018. So despite whatever road bumps you may encounter, you can achieve all of your new (or old) goals if you just keep swimming. Also remember if you ever need a hand (or a fin), let us know. Even Dory didn’t find Nemo by herself!

David Boettcher, Team Member, Pledge to Fitness and Director of Education for the National Personal Training Institute, 4665 Southwest Fwy., Suite 209, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.401.2841, www.pledgetofitness.com

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Mark Beaudoin

WALKING FOR ED Jenni Schaefer, Deborah Duncan, Amelia Coffman, Nate Nahmias, Catherine Wile and Priya James (from left) participated in the 2017 NEDA Walk at Discovery Green to support individuals and families dealing with eating disorders. (continued from page 12) I knew I’d relapsed, I was

like, ‘Keep on going, you’ll look better.’

“Then I found out I was pregnant and realized I needed to eat three meals a day to give my baby

Noticing a problem Some types of eating disorders Anorexia nervosa: self-starvation and excessive weight loss Bulimia nervosa: binge eating followed by compensatory behavior like self-induced vomiting or restriction Binge-eating disorder: recurrent binge eating Warning signs Preoccupation with weight, food, dieting, body image Secretive or extreme ritualized eating habits Withdrawal from usual friends and activities Evidence of binge eating, such as the disappearance of large quantities of food Evidence of purging, such as frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, fasting, or diet-pill abuse Compulsive or excessive exercising Discoloration of teeth Depression, anxiety, irritability Resources Nationaleatingdisorders.org NEDA Helpline: 800-931-2237 info@nationaleatingdisorders.org

nutrition. After that, I haven’t relapsed too much, but I’ve struggled with baby weight and still have thoughts about restricting. If I eat out with someone – and I’ll eat a lot with other people – or if I indulge in ice cream, which I love, I’ll restrict the rest of my day because I’ll feel uncomfortable and fat and guilty. Then I have to tell myself I need to eat and it’s okay to eat.

When I have these lapses, which aren’t full relapses, I look totally fine. Other people don’t know that I haven’t eaten all day.”

Jody Radoff is a clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, trauma and depression. “When you realize that a person is no longer at peace with food, that their relationship with food has developed rules, there is a problem,” Jody says. “There’s so much societal pressure to achieve this thin ideal that, in some ways, we can assume that everybody is challenged by the current all-or-nothing thinking around diet and health. Compulsive behavior, whether that’s exercising or removing macro-nutrients from our diet, encourages a disordered relationship with food and our bodies.

We’re confusing healthy with skinny, and we’re ignoring the fact that we have diverse bodies.

“A lot of people would say that eating disorders start with a diet,” Jody says. “But you have to look at the underlying issue that spurs those ‘I’m not good enough’ thoughts. What I often tell people is that every person I treat has a different issue. Everyone I meet is just trying to feel better, and this is the vehicle they’re using.

Society says, ‘If you’re thin, you’ll be happy.’

They get told how wonderful they look. But it doesn’t fix the underlying ‘I’m unlovable.’”

Eventually, Nate Nahmias’ eating disorder

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spiraled. “Ironically,” he says, “I worked at a pizza place [in high school]. I remember getting off a shift in the middle of summer. I was so beat down tired I laid down outside next to my car and called my mom and said, ‘I’m so hungry.’

We went and had a big meal, and I actually tasted food, not protein bars. It tasted so good because I was starving and everything tastes good when you’re hungry. But I hadn’t been full in months, and it scared me. So I started to get rid of it.” A new cycle of bulimia had begun.

“At some point, I finally agreed to go into treatment,” Nate says. “Most inpatient centers didn’t accept men, so I went to a residential program in Wisconsin.” With hard work and a lot of therapy, Nate recovered and went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University. “I had a lot of people telling me I’d never go to college.

But I went and joined a fraternity and learned how to be social again.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get that bad again,” he says, “but I do still hear that voice in my head every once in a while. If something happens, it’s a coping mechanism. If I skip dinner now for whatever reason, I have weird thoughts about that – what’s wrong, why did that happen? It’s still there for sure.

“I’m still very much somebody who likes to work out and eat healthy, but I believe I’ve learned to do it in a healthy, controlled way, so it’s not affecting my life and relationships.

“What I want to do now is help people. Even now, I have trouble saying I had an eating disorder. It sounds wrong because people don’t talk about it. All that disease wants to do is make you feel as alone as possible. For people who are struggling, I want them to not feel alone.”

DINING

by Haley Kurisky, contributing writer

Dishing With Dai Restaurant columnist grades Houston

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How do you think Houston became a culinary capital? Do you think our diverse population has something to do with it?

Houston, indeed, is an ethnically diverse city.

I once did an article on dining around the world from “A” to “Z” in Houston back in the early ’90s – we’re talking about the early ’90s here – and I still was able to find a country for each letter of the alphabet. Here we are in 2018, and we’re even more diverse. I can’t imagine the number of restaurants I would highlight today.

When you get such a combination of immigrants, the food scene is guaranteed to be all over the map and just plain good. Houston back in the ’70s was just getting its footing on the food scene. When the ’80s rolled around, you had chefs like Robert Del Grande of Cafe Annie successfully marrying Tex-Mex and Mex-Mex with Gulf Coast sensibilities and ingredients. It was explosive, and the birth of Southwestern cuisine, which Robert helped create, put Houston on the culinary map, finally.

The ’90s were a steady buildup, with young chefs just beginning to spread their creative wings.

Meanwhile, the Food Network added glamour

Dylan Aguilar

hen people think of U.S. destination cities, places like Chicago, New York City, or L.A. often come to mind, but Houston has been popping up more often, especially when it comes to restaurants.

I’m a sociology student at Rice University, where I took the course “Houston: The Sociology of a City,” with Dr. Stephen Klineberg, founding director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, a think tank that focuses on urban issues and policy.

As part of a project for his class, I talked with Dai Huynh, who writes our popular monthly column Chef’s Corner – someone who knows the Houston scene well.

Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime Houston-based restaurant and travel writer. She has a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute LeNôtre and previously was a food writer for the Houston Chronicle. She currently is working on a book, tentatively titled The United States of Vietnam.

BAYOU CITY VIETNAMESE Counter clockwise (from left): Vietnamese egg rolls, grilled chicken rice bowl, pork with vermicelli noodles and grilled beef banh mi at Viet Noms Noms.

and sizzle to the kitchen. Suddenly, it was cool to be a chef, and Houston, like the rest of the country, started to cultivate its own star chefs: Charles Clark of Ibiza, Lance Fegen of Liberty Kitchen, Hugo Ortega, etc.

But it wasn’t until 2008 when things started to really boom for Houston again after a culinary lull.

Suddenly, you had the likes of Chris Shepherd, Justin Yu, Ryan Pera, Rebecca Masson, Ronnie Killen, and others exploding onto the scene.

Houston also has relatively cheap commercial and residential rent, and no state income tax, which means cooks and chefs can afford to relocate and open restaurants more easily in the Bayou City. Houston’s zoning laws are more permissive, and more importantly, while the rest of the country was going through the Great Recession circa 2008, Houstonians had cash to spend. This helped attract chefs and notable restaurants, like Nobu and Yauatcha.

What put Houston on the map as a “foodie”

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city?

Good press helps. Lots of it. Back in 2015, the Washington Post declared Houston one of the top 10 food cities, at No. 5, with Tom Sietsema writing that the city he knew least had surprised him the most: “Houston, where have you been all my (food) life? Your best Vietnamese cooking returns me to Saigon, and some of your Chinese menus rival those I’ve dipped into in Beijing.” He ended with this: “If L.A. and New Orleans had a baby, it might be Houston.” And that is so true!

It caught lots of national attention and confirmed the reason why, after three decades, Chris Shepherd of Underbelly got Houston its second Best Chef Southwest James Beard Award in 2014. Justin Yu followed in 2016, then Hugo Ortega in 2017.

Why do cities like New York still get more food press than Houston?

Most food-magazine writers live in or around New York or on the West Coast, where most

Dylan Aguilar

FLAVOR OF HOUSTON Over egg rolls, Rice University student Haley Kurisky, who blogs for The Buzz online, and Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh discuss Houston’s restaurants at Viet Nom Noms, 5221 Bellaire Blvd.

reporters love to visit. I’ve never met a reporter who was dying to come to Houston for a vacation. I love you, Houston, but nobody comes to you for the scenery. People come to Houston to work. How boring is that? And so, this city of ours lacks the razzle-dazzle that cities like New York, San Francisco, Seattle and even Portland have.

How have Houston restaurants changed over time?

Where do I begin? Restaurants change with the pulse of the city. In other words, they are dictated by local tastes.

Take Hugo’s restaurant. There have been others before Hugo’s who served authentic Mexican dishes, but all failed – even the founders of Fonda San Miguel flopped in Houston. They opened their first restaurant in Houston in 1972, and it quickly closed. The owners moved their concept to Austin in 1975, and it became a hit.

So, back in the ’70s and even the ’80s, Houston was all about Tex-Mex. It wasn’t until the 2000s that Houstonians started to embrace authentic Mexican and were willing to pay for it. The reason? More people have traveled outside the country, and they came home craving the foods they savored abroad.

These days, you rarely need to educate diners.

They know it all, and I think that’s partly the reason for the restaurant boom. People get dim sum.

They get dosas and idlis, savory Indian pancakes and rice cakes, for breakfast. Have you been to the Flying Idlis? I’ve been waiting for a decade for this kind of restaurant to open. It only serves idlis

and dosas, and it’s packed in the morning.

Without a doubt, the Internet plays a part as well, but I simply think people are just more adventurous, and that allows chefs to experiment.

Are restaurants serving the same types of customers?

Yes and no. I think most full-service restaurants opening these days cater to professionals in their 20s and 30s. Are there too many of these restaurants? Yes, I think so, because they seem to come and go. Although young professionals are willing to spend, they’re limited by how much they can spend. So, in some ways, you’re catering to a limited resource.

I think the more financially successful restaurants are counter-service eateries that are a tad hip – not overly so – and cater to young professional as well as families. Look at Adair Kitchen, Local Foods, Tiny Boxwoods and Dish Society. They may not get the press coverage or the kudos, but at peak hours, they have people lining up outside.

And there is always a place for the mom-andpop holes in the wall. These cheap-eat places are the culinary foundation of Houston. I wish they would get more coverage, like they once did. If you really want to feel the pulse of Houston, you go to these places, like Bombay Sweets, HK Dim Sum, or Arco Seafood.

Back to your question: Are restaurants serving the same types of customers? No, I don’t think so. Houston is just too diverse.

Which cities inspire Houston? Who has a similar cuisine/culture?

Houston dances to its own rhythm. It always has. It’s a delectable stew of cuisines and cultures that few U.S. cities can match, other than New York City and Los Angeles.

Is Houston establishing a specific “Houston” style of cuisine?

Funny you should ask this. I’m actually working on a book that addresses this, at least from a Vietnamese perspective, so let’s start with that.

Houston is one culinary mash-up after another.

What I mean by that is the evolution of core cuisines in Houston. I’ll talk about what I know best: Vietnamese-Cajun. Just visit Crawfish & Noodles on Bellaire Boulevard to see how the melding of cultures works in Houston. Here you have a communal setting with people sucking on crawfish heads seasoned with fish sauce and Vietnamese herbs.

Then you have the myriad of Gulf Coast dishes around town seasoned with spices from immigrants who have shaped this city: Pakistanis, Indians, Peruvians, Russians, Ethiopians, etc. You’ll even find fish sauce added to provide that little je ne sais quoi to sautéed greens at the cafeteria kitchen at Treebeards.

Chris Shepherd loves to use Vietnamese and Korean spices. I guess you can call some of his creations Gulf Coast Asian. The neat thing about this is that the chefs really have a better grasp on these ingredients, and the marriages that come together on plates these days are effortless, not forced, like it was in the early 2000s, when chefs were just learning how to fuse ingredients and cultures together.

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NEIGHBORS

Couples Since College Sweethearts through the years

W

hen Karen Frumovitz was a University of Pennsylvania freshman from New York, she never dreamed that a boy down the hall from California would become the foundation of her whole life. But that is exactly what happened when the couple, who have been married now for 20 years, found each other.

“We happened to live in the same hall freshman year,” remembers Karen, a project coordinator at the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine, who is as friendly and outgoing as her husband Michael. “The first week of school, my door was open, and Michael popped in to ask if I would hold his sweatshirt while he went out to play something in the quad. I said yes.”

Such was the beginning of a close friendship, as the two became part of a tight group of friends on the same hall. “We liked each other,” Karen says, “but we were always dating other people.”

Until the first week of sophomore year. “He asked me out, and we went to this Italian restaurant that seemed like such a fancy place. I’m sure in reality it was not.”

From that night, the couple stayed together through their senior year. “After graduation, I went to law school [in Michigan], and he was taking two years off before medical school [in California].” Michael is a physician in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“It was his idea that we should break up and see other people then, so that’s what I did,” Karen says. “Then ensued what we called ‘The Dark Period,’ when we really didn’t talk at all.”

Michael explains, “I didn’t expect to end up marrying her and being together for the rest of my life. My older son will be 18 this summer.

[Son Alex is 17 and Jonathan, 15.] I just turned 18 when Karen and I met. I can’t imagine making that decision at that age. We needed some time after college.”

It was time well spent. During The Dark Period, or The Lost Year, as they sometimes call it, “I realized how special what we had was and that she was the woman I wanted to marry.”

lawellphoto.com

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

“There was really a lot that could have prevented us from getting together,” Karen says. “I definitely believe in what was meant to be.”

Aimee and Ken Verheeck share a similar meet-cute story. “Truth be told, we were really good friends, and I was dating one of his friends,” Aimee, a dedicated tennis player, gregarious and bubbly, says of their early years at Ole Miss. “Ken was in our friend group, and he’s going to kill me for telling this, but I would set him up with sorority sisters of mine for parties. PENN CONNECTION Karen (wearing Michael’s college sweatshirt) and Michael Frumovitz went to Penn and wound up marrying. The first week of school, Michael They would usual- asked if she would hold his sweatshirt. She never gave it back. ly go out once. has been known to wear a special (read: eye“Then one of my friends said, ‘If he’s so great, catching) Ole Miss vest and dress pants he had why don’t you go out with him?’ It was the end custom-made. “He’s worn it to all kinds of of my junior year, Ken’s senior year, and I wantgames, and obscure press will start following him ed to take a friend to a Pi Phi party. I thought, around,” Aimee says. “I had to ban the suit for a ‘That’s easy, I’ll just take Ken.’ We ended up little bit because I was like, ‘Can we not wear it having a really nice time.” every single time?’

Ken, a partner at PwC whose mother and “We still have season tickets for football,” father are also Ole Miss graduates, says, “When Aimee says. “And we have the same tailgate she asked me to go to that sorority function, it group. The guy I was dating when I met Ken just felt comfortable. In that moment, I knew ended up marrying the girl he started dating there was something special here.” after me, and they’re in it.”

Aimee and Ken have been married 24 years Ken adds, “I’ve been with her over half my life. and have three children, Buster, 16, Andrew, It’s been fantastic.” His only misgiving: “It would 13, and Maddie, 6. The groom’s cake at their be nice if she had gone to a school that won more wedding replicated the Ole Miss spirit flag. [football games], so when Ole Miss is not doing A testament to the Verheecks’ dedication to well, we don’t have all of our eggs in one basket.” their alma mater (and to Ken’s fun nature): Ken

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2018 Summer Camp Guide W

hen we think of camp, so many images pop into our minds. Crackling campfires and sticky s’mores. Silly songs and stories. Chilly lakes and The Blob. Hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, playing. And above all, learning new skills, discovering new interests, gaining sometimes-lifelong friendships and occasionally marriages.

Buzz-area residents are fortunate in that Houston is home to many types of camps, programs and classes to choose from, including specialized sports, arts and educational programs for all ages. Additionally, many overnight camps are located just a car or bus ride away. Choosing the right camp for your child depends on your child’s personality, interests, summer schedule and other factors.

This guide is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all camps. Instead, our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each camp and program, as a starting point in the research process. You can also view this directory online, where you will find links to camps’ websites.

3D Engineering for Youths Est. 2016 Ages: 9-18 Co-ed • Day camp 9525 Katy Freeway, Suite 225, Houston, Texas 77024 832-464-5884 • tan.le@3dcadmasters.com • www.3DCADmasters.com Camp Director: Tan Le Join us for a very special camp to learn 3D CAD software. This customized and unique program introduces students to 3D CAD modeling software in the context of engineering applications, which will translate into the college years. This software teaches spatial-visualization ability and is used by engineers, architects and medical professionals.

A.D. Players Theatre Arts Academy “Superhero Summer” Est. 1992 Ages: 5-18 Co-ed • Day camp 2613 Saint St., Houston, Texas 77027 713-439-0181 • theatreartsacademy@adplayers.org • www.adplayers.org Camp Director: Melody Torno Nurturing the mind, body and spirit of the artist.

Alodia Basketball Academy Summer Camps Est. 2008 Ages: Incoming 3rd-9th grade Co-ed • Day camp University of Saint Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 281-255-2552 • camps@alodiaconsulting.com • alodiasports.com Camp Director: Taylor Schippers Developing the next generation of leaders through sports! Alodia Basketball Academy provides camps at great values with low coach to camper ratios: shooting camps (2,000 shots in 4 days), competition camps (12 games in 4 days), and total player camps (elevating a player's overall game).

Basketball University Spring and Summer Youth Skills Camp Est. 2004 Ages: 10-18 Co-ed • Day camp FilHoops Gym, 10131 Emnora, Houston, Texas 77080 832-453-4562 • info@BasketballU.org • www.Basketballu.org Camp Director: Rhossi Carron Basketball University will host its Spring Break Skills Camp, March 12-15 @ FilHoops Gym. Open to youth athletes ages 10-18, this camp is designed to promote skill development, performance enhancement, and increase basketball IQ during the off-season. Basketball University's Spring Break Camp is only $140 per youth athlete. The Skills Camp is also available during the Summer Sessions. Check website for dates and times.

Camp Balcones Springs Est. 1993 Ages: 7-17 Co-ed • Overnight camp WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 20

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104 Balcones Springs Drive, Marble Falls, Texas 78654 830-693-2267 • info@campbalconessprings.com • www.campiscool.com Camp Director: Christine Baskin At Camp Balcones Springs our mission is to change lives for the better through fun, relationships, and spiritual impact. We aspire to bring solid values from the home to the camp and provide campers with the attention needed to build self-confidence and help them reach their full potential in one of Texas’ most beautiful settings.

Camp BYDS Est. 1949 Ages: 15 months-5th grade Co-ed • Day camp 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • camp@byds.org • www.byds.org/student-life/camp Camp Director: Karla Morales Sports and traditional summer camp activities offer an unforgettable summer at Beth Yeshurun Day School. Choose from a wide variety of weekly enrichment camps for children ages 15 months through 5th grade. Multifaceted enrichment programs include computer skills, strategic games, classroom learning reinforcements, and innovative problem solving, plus dance and creative movement, music classes, and a variety of sports. Our summer camp follows the highest standards of safety and security, and our low staff-to-camper ratio ensures each child receives individualized attention. We aim to provide a captivating environment with activities and programs that keep your child interested, engaged, and having fun while making new friends, learning important social skills, and continuing to develop Jewish values.

Camp Cho-Yeh Est. 1947 Ages: 6-16 Co-ed • Overnight camp 2200 South Washington, Livingston, Texas 77351 936-328-3200 • jennj@cho-yeh.org • www.cho-yeh.org Camp Director: Garret Larsen Camp Cho-Yeh’s vision is to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders by cultivating faith, nurturing community, and forging character of girls and guys ages 6-16. Campers unplug from technology and are challenged to grow in independence while away from the comforts of home. Featured activities include High Ropes Adventure Park, Zip Line, Climbing Tower, Paintball, Giant Swing, Crate Stacking, Banana Boating, Water Zip Line, Blob, Archery Tag, Pool and Wet Bubble, Jumping Pillow and Mud Course. 1 and 2 week options available.

Camp Holy Spirit Episcopal School Est. 2006 Ages: 3-14 Co-ed • Day camp 12535 Perthshire Road, Houston, Texas 77024 713-960-8989 • Houston@kidventure.com • www.kidventure.com Camp Director: Michael Valka Holy Spirit Episcopal School offers an exemplary education for infants through grade eight that develops the whole child while achieving academic excellence in a dynamic Christian-based environment. This year, Holy Spirit is proud to offer a summer program through Kidventure, helping aid its mission in leading children towards a happy, healthy and responsible lifestyle.

Camp Olympia Est. 1968 Ages: 6-16 Co-ed • Overnight camp 723 Olympia Drive, Trinity, Texas 75862 936-594-2541 • campinfo@campolympia.com • www.campolympia.com Camp Directors: Debbie Stubblefield, Administrative Director; Cody Mauldin, Director of Boys’ Camp; Michelle Mauldin, Director of Girls’ Camp Camp Olympia is dedicated to having fun together, helping people grow in body, mind, and spirit. Established in 1968, Camp Olympia is a private, overnight Texas summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-16 offering one, two and three-week sessions. Camp Olympia blends its rich camping history and experience with its continual growth and exciting additions, making it a nationally recognized summer camp.

Camp Young Judaea-Texas Est. 1952 Ages: 6-15 Co-ed • Overnight camp 121 Camp Young Judaea Drive, Wimberley, Texas 78676 713-723-8354 • info@cyjtexas.org • www.cyjtexas.org Camp Director: Frank Silberlicht

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Since 1952, CYJ has provided life-changing summers to thousands of children! We offer a fun, supportive environment where campers can explore, challenge themselves, and develop their passions. Here, kids of all abilities, backgrounds and denominations can strengthen their Jewish and Zionist identities, all while surrounded by beautiful facilities and expert staff. Our activities range from every kind of sport to arts to a waterfront to a ropes course and everything in between, including camp essentials like s’mores at the campfire, Maccabia (color war), sports tournaments, and overnight campouts with our Scouts. Beginning with incoming second graders, we have 10-day and 3-week programs that build on one another, with increasing opportunities for leadership and responsibility within camp, as well as excursions outside of camp. CYJ is a place where kids can be kids, where lifelong friendships are born, and where campers can be themselves and know they belong.

FAYcation Summer Program Est. 1991 Ages: 3-11 Co-ed • Day camp 105 N. Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-681-8300 • ebenton@thefayschool.org • www.thefayschool.org/FAYcation Camp Director: Emily Benton The FAYcation Summer Program offers participants a variety of enriching opportunities in line with the mission and values of The Fay School.

Children will learn and grow intellectually, physically, socially, ethically, and artistically while developing self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning in a secure, enriching, and academically challenging environment.

Gerry and Greta’s Art Camp Adventures Est. 2009 Ages: 1st-5th grade Co-ed • Day camp 10371 Stella Link, Houston, Texas 77025 713-817-0177 • gerryandgreta@gmail.com • www.artcampadventures.com Camp Directors: Gerry Melot and Greta Bernitz Gerry and Greta’s Art Camp is a great way to expose campers to art history, different styles of art and art materials in a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

The projects are creative, designed to be easy for the youngest campers, yet challenging for the older ones. We provide a daily morning snack and daily play time in the bounce house. The small camp size ensures every camper receives lots of attention and guidance.

Houston Camera Exchange – Kids Camp Est. 2017 Ages: 14 and older Co-ed • Day camp 5900 Richmond Ave, Houston, Texas 77057 713-789-6901 • info@hcehouston.com • hcehouston.com Camp Director: Sharlie Douglass HCE Kids Camp is designed to help a new generation learn the basics and enjoy all kinds of photography. Cameras will be provided for hands on applications of exposure, composition and live shooting.

Houston Elite Cheer Summer Camp Est. 2013 Ages: 3-15 Co-ed • Day camp (all day or half day sessions) 1800 Sherwood Forest Street, Ste. B2, Houston, Texas 77043 713-464-1445 • houstonelitecheer@yahoo.com • houstonelitecheer.com Camp Director: Lauryn Arntz Join HEC for a jam packed week of exciting and challenging activities. Summer camp will include gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling, arts and crafts, water balloon wars, obstacle courses and more! Our goal is for campers to have loads of fun while promoting fitness.

Incarnate Word Academy Volleyball Camp Est. 2002 (camp); 1873 (school) Ages: 6th-8th grade All girls • Day camp 609 Crawford Street, Houston, Texas 77002 713-227-3637 • kobrien@incarnateword.org • www.incarnateword.org/camps Camp Director: Coach Rick Perez Experience team-building fun at Incarnate Word Academy’s Falcon’s Nest! We offer volleyball camps for middle school students who want to develop leadership skills, practice athletic fundamentals, and connect with other students.

J Camps Est. 1960 Ages: 3-16 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 22

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Co-ed • Day camp 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 713-551-7208 • jcamps@erjcchouston.org • www.erjcchouston.org Camp Director: Anna Shabtay J Camps is your home for the summer. With a wide array of camp options, we have something for everyone ages 3-16. Traditional camps, as well as specialty, sports, art, dance, theater, tennis and gymnastics camps, are available throughout the summer. We have well-trained, experienced and caring staff working with the campers in a low camper-to-staff ratio.

Kidventure Day Camp Est. 1994 Ages: 3-14 Co-ed • Day camp 2501 Central Parkway, Suite B2, Houston, Texas 77092 713-960-8989 • houston@kidventure.com • kidventure.com Camp Director: Mike McDonell Welcome to Kidventure. Our mission is to help build the lives of kids, provide them with opportunities to grow strong, and demonstrate that they can make a real difference in the world. For 24 years, we have chosen to do so through the power of camp. Whether you’re playing sports at our summer day camp, ziplining at our overnight camp, or problem-solving at our after-school program, everything we do is purposeful. Alongside the most dedicated and passionate team of counselors, your child will not only enjoy the time of his or her life, but be learning the kind of lessons that will serve them well the rest of their lives.

Kidventure Overnight Camp Est. 1994 Ages: 8-18 Co-ed • Overnight camp 515 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. Austin, Texas 78746 512-263-8992 • overnight@kidventure.com • kidventure.com Camp Director: Renee Hiene For 24 years, Kidventure’s Overnight Camps has been an experience like no other. Now, we’ve expanded our offerings and will be serving our families and their kids from ages 8 to 18. Because the greatest lessons we learn at overnight camp are the ones we take with us for the rest of our lives. Welcome to Kidventure.

Marine Military Academy Summer Camp Program Est. 1965 Ages: 11-18 (if not yet graduated from High School) All boys • Overnight camp (4-week session) 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-423-6006, Ext. 861 • admissions@mma-tx.org • www.summer-camp-mma.com Camp Director: Sgt.Maj. Ford Kinsley, USMC, Ret. At MMA Summer Camp you work hard and play hard, you’ll be in constant motion. Every day, you’ll participate in challenging but exciting outdoor activities that build discipline, teamwork and confidence. As you have fun, you will also learn how to focus, problem solve and overcome your fears. No other camp will strengthen your body and mind like MMA Summer Camp! At MMA Summer Camp, space is limited. You are not!

Power Camp Est. 1999 Ages: Entering pre-K/4 through entering 7th grade Co-ed • Day camp (before and after care offered 8-9 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m.)

4417 Bellaire Boulevard (at Bellaire United Methodist Church), Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-666-2167 • powercamp@bellaireumc.org • belllaireumc.org Camp Director: Tricia Craft Power Camp is a Christ centered summer day camp ministry of Bellaire United Methodist Church for children entering pre-K through the seventh grade. Our mission is to provide a positive Christian environment which includes education, recreation, and fun, while also providing a safe sanctuary for children in and around our community. We strive to create a caring, loving atmosphere where children are nurtured in faith and guided in personal and spiritual growth. Activities include Bible lessons, mission projects, swimming, weekly field trips, athletics/gym, games, art, crafts, cooking, science, theater arts, music and cooperative challenges.

St. John the Divine Vacation Bible School Est. 1943 Ages: 4 through 5th grade Co-ed • Day camp 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77019 713-622-3600 • children@sjd.org • sjd.org/vbs Camp Director: Deanna Lawson St. John the Divine Vacation Bible School is here to assist families in introducing their kids to Jesus Christ, to plant the seed of God's Word into their hearts, to model the love of Jesus through a team of caring volunteers, and to nurture and shepherd them into a lasting relationship with God. Join us this summer for Vacation Bible School 2018, July 30-August 2. (continued on page 24) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 23

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Star Daze Est. 2006 Ages: 4 (potty trained)-12 Co-ed • Day camp 10516-G Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77043 713-464-1996 • frontdesk@starsgymtx.com • www.starsgymtx.com Camp Director: Danielle Ellington At Stars Gymnastics we offer a fun and safe environment for girls and boys ages 4-12 to spend an active day learning gymnastics and participating in group games and activities. Note: Stars is not a licensed childcare facility. We are a sports training facility.

Summer at St. Mark’s Est. 2015 Ages: Rising pre-K through rising 8th grade Co-ed • Day camp 3816 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025 713-667-7030 • hmcwhinnie@stmes.org • www.stmes.org/summer Camp Director: Hazel McWhinnie The community of St. Mark's Episcopal School celebrates the uniqueness of each child. We are stewards of our students' intellectual curiosity, faith, and passion for discovery. We cultivate joy, playfulness, and growth in a child-centered environment.

Summer@STH Est. 2009 Ages: 6th -12th grade Co-ed • Day camp 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 281-757-4005 • summer@sths.org • summer.sths.org Camp Director: Gail Calkins From our middle school academic, enrichment and sports camps to our high school academic and enrichment classes, our mission is to provide an experience which sparks curiosity and ignites passion while improving core skills through a wide range of fun yet challenging activities in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, in the computer lab or in the film room. Enhance your skill set, explore what you truly love doing, all while meeting new friends – Summer@STH!

Treasure Island at St. Mark Lutheran Est. 2008 Ages: 4-11 Co-ed • Day camp 1515 Hillendahl Blvd., Houston, Texas 77055 713-468-2623• camp@stmarkhouston.org • gostmark.org/camp Camp Director: Brenda Palacios Our camps engage children in active and instructional ways. Each week includes field trips, educational guests, pool/splash days, library time, computer lab, art and lots of fun!

Uptown Dance Summer Camps Est. 1999 Ages: 3 and up Co-ed • Day camp 7417 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, Texas 77055 713-686-0334 • info@uptowndancehouston.com • www.uptowndancehouston.com Camp Director: Beth Gulledge-Brown Our school was established in order to bring the highest quality of dance training to all our students. We are interested in training dancers of all ages and levels to bring them to their full potential as dancers, foster a lifelong love for and appreciation of dance, and provide a quality performance experience that instills confidence and poise. This summer we offer a wide variety of programming: June Dance Intensive for intermediate and advanced dancers, June 4-23; Bournonville Ballet Intensive for advanced dancers, July 16-28; and Children’s Dance Camps ages 3-7, dates TBD. Please visit our website for details, dates and times.

URJ Greene Family Camp Est. 1976 Ages: 7-17 Co-ed • Overnight camp 1192 Smith Lane, Bruceville, Texas 76630 254-859-5411 • gfc@urj.org • www.greene.org Camp Director: Stefani Rozen At the URJ Greene Family Camp, we provide opportunity to grow and learn at the same time. It is an unforgettable religious, cultural, recreational WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 24

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and emotional experience. At GFC, nature, community, Judaism and fun are in tune with one another. Programs include the arts, individual and team sports, adventure and water activities. Campers gain new skills, improve upon strengths and build community with fellow campers and our exceptional staff. Transformative experiences at camp inspire kids to bring camp home to their daily lives, applying what they learn here to better themselves, their communities and the world.

West U Baptist Church – Super Summer Stuff Est. 1997 Ages: 2 months-13 years Co-ed • Day camp 6218 Auden, Houston, Texas 77005 713-668-2319 • abby@cpointchurch.org • www.wubc.org/sss Camp Director: Abby Bergstrom Super Summer Stuff is a high energy summer day camp at West U Baptist Church. We offer exciting field trips and have fun programming throughout the summer for a wide age range. Every week has a different theme that teaches and instructs as well as helping to build basic skills. Friendships are made, learning is encouraged, and we have a ton of fun!

Westbury Baptist Church Day Camps Est. 1989 Ages: Finished Kindergarten through 6th grade Co-ed • Day camp 10425 Hillcroft Street, Houston, Texas 77096 713-723-8136 • daycamp@wbchouston.org • wbchouston.org Camp Director: Erick Salazar The Westbury Baptist Church Day Camps are recreation-oriented camps for children who want to have a great summer of playing, experiencing and making new friends. We strive to help children learn about themselves and God and to provide a safe environment for childcare needs. Camps are available for the winter, Spring Break and summer. Visit our website for details on dates and times.

Westbury Soccer Club – World Cup Soccer Camp Est. 1978 Ages: 5-14 Co-ed • Day camp Bayland Park, 6400 Bissonnet St., Houston, Texas 77074 president@westburysoccer.org • www.westburysoccer.org Camp Directors: Bryan Lewis Westbury Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer club and the oldest in Houston. We build well-rounded players, focusing on the development of the individual as a student-athlete and as a citizen, promoting teamwork, commitment and sportsmanship. Don’t miss your opportunity to train and play with World Cup players at our summer camps. Dates TBD. Spots are limited.

YMCA Camp Cullen Est. 1975 Ages: 7-17 Co-ed • Overnight camp (also, family camps and corporate events) 460 Cullen Loop, Trinity, Texas 75862 936-594-2274 • kelly.reffett@ymcahouston.org • www.ymcacampcullen.org Camp Director: Andrew Hood Located along the shores of Lake Livingston, YMCA Camp Cullen offers campers the experience of a lifetime. Campers take part in a wide range of activities including water sports, horseback riding, a ropes course, nature exploration, drama and so much more. In addition to the many fun activities available, sleep-away camps teach the character values of the YMCA, caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith, to hundreds of children each summer.

Yorkshire Academy Summer Program Est. 1984 Ages: 24 months-6th grade Co-ed • Day camp 14120 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079 281-531-6088 • darnell@yorkshireacademy.com • www.yorkshireacademy.com Camp Director: Lori Darnell Yorkshire Academy offers “one stop” summer camp shopping for ages 24 months-6th grade from June 4-July 27. Yorkshire’s weekly camps include academics, over 50 enrichment programs, theme-based options for our little ones and full-time care. The unique element of its program is flexibility: camps are offered for half day, full day, and full-time care. In addition, a student can enroll in an academic camp in the morning and an enrichment camp such as chess, yoga or engineering in the afternoon or vice versa. This is a community-wide program that attracts campers from beyond just West Houston and Katy.

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KIDS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Parents’ first night out

Buzz Baby is a column about life with little ones.

Writer Annie McQueen has three children under the age of 4.

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ew parents Ryan and Tova Farrar were getting dressed for a date night. Tova, an outgoing stay-at-home mom, carefully selected her son Liam’s favorite pajamas.

She laid them out on the bed, along with his favorite book, bottle and bath towel. Tova’s parents, Linda and Philip Boyko, pulled up outside of their house.

It was Ryan and Tova’s second wedding anniversary, and the couple had decided it was time to take the plunge – time to leave their baby Liam, then 2 months old, for the first time.

Ryan, co-owner of F&G Landscape Design, said the couple went over every small detail of Liam’s routine for Tova’s parents. “I found myself explaining to her the position of the cold and hot water,” said Ryan, laughing. “I had to just walk away.”

The couple made it out the door without any incident or tears and caught a matinee show of the movie Coco at Edwards Cinema, followed by dinner at Américas River Oaks.

“When we sat down [at dinner], we debated whether we should call to check in,” said Ryan.

A text message came in from Linda. “It may have insinuated that he had a stomach ache.

Tova was packing her purse up,” said Ryan. The couple sat quietly. “We kind of came full circle.

We decided that we were overreacting and that it was totally no problem at all.”

After the initial worry tapered off, they relaxed and ordered dinner. During dinner, they even played a fun game – a question-and-answer couples game that Tova’s friend had emailed to her (“36 Questions on the Way To Love” from The New York Times). Tova pulled the questionnaire up on her phone, and they took turns discussing their answers. “It was a really special little reconnecting moment for [us]”, said Tova.

Liam, born in June 2017, is the first grandchild of the Boykos and fourth of Ryan’s parents, Maggie and Dale Farrar. Tova said having both sets of grandparents close has been a luxury.

Many veteran parents say that when it comes

time to exit the house for that first night out, it’s best not to sneak out.

“It might seem easiest to sneak off while your baby is asleep or distracted in another room, but this could make your child fearful you’ll disappear without notice at any time,” Rachael Moshman writes on the website Care.com.

“Something as simple as words or actions repeated each day, such as ‘I’ll see you later’ or a kiss on the forehead, will help prepare your baby for your departure.”

SUSHI AND A SITTER Michael and Natalie Mercer (holding daughter Madelyn) Her advice also had dinner at Uchi for their first night out since having Madelyn. Michael’s aunt and includes leaving uncle, Cathy and Casey Keirnan, were the babysitters. detailed instruca little crazy, but I feel like that’s something all tions for the sitter, and of course, emergency new moms do.” information and phone numbers.

Natalie and Michael arrived at Uchi and were Natalie Mercer, principal’s assistant at The enjoying the night, but the conversation kept Fay School, and her criminal-attorney husband drifting towards Madelyn. “It’s funny how you Michael, welcomed their first child, daughter can’t wait for a night out alone, and when you Madelyn, in July 2017. Michael planned a fun finally get one all you want to do is check on the night out for Natalie’s birthday this past August. sitter and talk about [the baby],” said Natalie. “[He] surprised me and took me to Uchi,” “We kept asking them for pictures and [asking Natalie said. “It was extra special because I had questions like] “What is she doing now?” and been without sushi my whole pregnancy.”

“How did she go down?” I think finally they They recruited Michael’s aunt and uncle to were like, “Stop texting us and have fun. She is be Madelyn’s first babysitters. Natalie said on perfectly fine.’” The couple arrived home after one hand she felt ready, but on the other, not so their dinner date to a sleeping baby. much. “I was pretty anxious the first time I left her, even though I knew she was in great Editor’s note: What is your advice for leaving baby hands,” she said. “Of course I left a ton of for the first time with a sitter? Share your tips or stoinstructions, what to do if she cries, and how ries under this article at thebuzzmagazines.com. much to feed her. They probably thought I was

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Lindsey Hurst

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by Suzanne Carlson Hays, contributing writer

The Junior League of Houston

FOOD

Cooking Buzz Dinner for your Valentine Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.

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fell hard for Texas hospitality 17 years ago and have been indoctrinated in all things Southern since. And as any good Southerner, transplant or not, can assure you – nurturing our relationships and nurturing our bodies is a natural pairing.

Meals prepared with love sew together ordinary days that create life’s defining moments: toasting achievements, deepening friendships, falling in love and celebrating births. There is one meal I take extra care in preparing every year – the one for my Valentine.

If “the way to his heart is through his stomach” is true, what a miracle that my beau proposed.

One part of Southern hospitality that took me a while to master was cooking elegant, celebratory dinners. I am thankful that the recipes in the Junior League of Houston’s cookbook, Peace Meals, render beautiful meals with little effort.

The Duck Breast Confit adds grandeur to Valentine’s Day dinner. While preparation is required, this dish’s final presentation remains straightforward, becoming more extraordinary with a bold, red wine. Malcolm Rowland, the Junior League’s Tea Room general manager, recommends the La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, with its notes of blueberry and violet framed by baking spice and conifer and on the palate, brambly fruit, espresso, vanilla and black tea.

The Chocolate Molten Lava Cake from Peace Meals, served in ramekins, is perfect to round out the evening. Topped with whipped cream and berries or ice cream, each bite is rich and decadent. I like to dust hearts with powdered sugar on each cake.

No matter the dish, preparing your meal with care may be the greatest expression of love for your Valentine this year – as honest and pure as sweet tea.

Duck Breast Confit

1 teaspoon coarse salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 Tablespoon herbs de Provence 4 boneless duck breasts with skin (1½ to 1¾ pounds) 2 Tablespoons butter 3-4 large carrots, peeled and coarse- ROMANTIC MEAL The Duck Breast Confit adds grandeur to Valentine’s Day dinner, ly chopped even more so with a bold red wine.

3 leeks, coarsely ¼ cup sugar, plus additional chopped 4 ounces Scharffen Berger or other bitter1 large fennel bulb, coarsely chopped sweet chocolate (at least 60 percent pure cocoa) ¼ cup golden raisins 2 eggs This recipe requires advance preparation.

2 egg yolks Combine the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the olive 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour oil, the salt, pepper and herbs de Provence in a Powdered sugar to finish large resealable plastic bag. Add the duck breast; seal and marinate in the refrigerator for several Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly butter the hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F inside of four 3-inch ramekins. Sprinkle the inside and remove the duck from the refrigerator. Heat of the buttered ramekins with additional sugar to the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large coat, discarding the excess; set aside. Melt ½ cup pan over medium and add the butter and melt. of the butter and the chocolate in a double boiler, Add the vegetables, stirring to coat. Cook the stirring occasionally; remove from heat when meltvegetables slowly, stirring occasionally and ed. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, yolks scraping the bottom of the pan as the vegetables and the remaining ¼ cup of sugar until light and begin to brown (add a bit of water as necessary thick. Add the melted chocolate mixture, stirring to prevent browning too fast). Cook for 20 minto combine. Whisk in the flour until just comutes; then add the raisins. Cook about 10 minbined. Divide the batter equally among the preutes more or until the vegetables are well pared ramekins and place on a baking sheet. Bake caramelized. While the vegetables are cooking, until the sides have set but the centers remain soft, prepare the duck. Heat a heavy skillet or grill about 9 to 12 minutes. The cakes may not appear pan over high. Sear the duck, skin side down, fully cooked, but do not overcook to maintain a for 3 to 4 minutes or until the skin begins to soft center. Remove the ramekins from the oven. brown and releases its fat. Place the duck, skin Run a knife around the edges of the cakes, carefully side up, into an ovenproof baking dish and bake invert onto dessert plates, let sit for 10 seconds and for about 10 to 15 minutes for medium. Serve lift the ramekins. (Lava cakes can also be served the duck breasts whole or sliced with the vegdirectly in the ramekins.) Dust with powdered etables. Serves 4. sugar and serve immediately. Serves 4.

From Peace Meals ½ cup balsamic vinegar 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 28

Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes From Peace Meals ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus additional

Editor’s note: To buy a Junior League of Houston cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713.871.6608.

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DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Wayne Nguyen Quy Tran Photography

Find out about your favorite chefs in our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews chef Wayne Nguyen.

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t’s difficult for me to write about Vietnamese food. I’m a harsh judge. It’s a topic dear to my heart, and I want to be sure my friends and readers experience the best examples of my homeland. And so, after two decades, I can count on one hand the number of stories I’ve written on Vietnamese chefs and restaurants. Now, I’m excited to add one more to the roster: Chef Wayne Nguyen of Maba Pan-Asian (510 Gray St.).

After tasting the self-taught chef’s pan-seared whole tilapia seasoned with minced lemongrass and served with garlicky water spinach, I thought, “Here is a cook who understands the balance and core flavors of Vietnamese food.”

The 48-year-old toque is so well versed in the cuisine’s nuances that he can reinvent traditional dishes without corrupting them. An example is the Pho Fries, alluring, crispy French fries seasoned with pho spices – cinnamon and cloves – and judiciously enhanced with droplets of hoisin and Sriracha.

I was also excited about the reasonable prices at the year-old Maba. Appetizers are $4 to $9 while entrees are $8 to $18. So often well-crafted interpretations of Vietnamese dishes are accompanied by triple dollar signs, as if paying more makes the cuisine more than it is: simple home cooking that brings back memories and good times. At least it does for Chef Wayne, a retired financial specialist who reminisced about Lunar New Year in Vietnam and how he taught himself to cook and speak English watching Martin Yan and The Frugal Gourmet.

Will you and your wife, Tammy, close the restaurant to celebrate Vietnamese and Chinese New Year on Feb. 16?

The restaurant will be open as usual.

Traditionally, it’s not lucky to close on New Year’s Day. Traditional thinking is that whatever happens on the first day of the new year sets the pace for the rest of the year. That’s why the day before Tet, houses are swept and cleaned to set the stage for attracting luck and good fortune.

Aside from the red envelopes filled with

CHEF WAYNE NGUYEN Maba Pan-Asian Diner is the creation of chef-owner Wayne Nguyen and his wife-and-business partner, Tammy. Chef Nguyen taught himself to cook and speak English watching Martin Yan and The Frugal Gourmet.

money gift, what do you remember about the Lunar celebration in Vietnam?

My older brother and I are close in age. I remember my mother spending extra money to buy us brand new outfits. I felt like the whole country was celebrating. And I remember going to the temple, and I remember lots of food. My grandmother and mother would spend all day cooking. As part of the ceremonial offering, you would always have coconut, papaya and mango on the altar. In Vietnamese, the name for those fruits combined to convey your hope that there will be enough food and money to sustain you in the new year.

Speaking of fruits and vegetables, you take a very minimalistic approach to them. Their natural flavors shine through.

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I go shopping every day for my vegetables. I find the freshest available, and to do that you really need to spin them around to make sure. I can order from a grocery supplier, but often you get these beautiful vegetables on top, but in the middle, they’re bruised or wilted. So, I like to go to 99 Ranch Market (1005 Blalock Road) and Viet Hoa (8300 W. Sam Houston Parkway South). Every time I go to 99 Ranch, I feel like I don’t know enough and I’m walking into a library. You find these ingredients from all over Asia – different condiments, different vegetables. You get fresh seafood – fish, lobster, crab, and you get to pick the one you want.

Is Lunar New Year a good time to explore the Asian markets and Chinatown down the long stretch of Bellaire (continued on page 32)

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Quy Tran Photography

TRY THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS Maba Pan-Asian Diner's signature brussels sprouts are seasoned with spicy hoisin, cilantro, bacon and onion. (continued from page 30) Boulevard?

Oh yeah, it’s so festive and lively. The stores are decorated in gold and red. Everybody is out shopping.

You hang out in Chinatown. Where do you go and eat? It’s like a maze, with so many choices. Anything new to try?

I always end up at the same spots. But recently I discovered Uyghur Bistro (9888 Bellaire).

It’s a cross between Chinese Szechuan and the Turkic people, who are predominantly Muslim and live in northern China. They have kebabs, but also these hand-pulled noodles that I like.

Another place I like is Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot (8488 Bellaire). Their spicy hot pot is theirs alone. You go to any hot pot places and it is usually simple chicken broth, but here they add all different kinds of spices. And there was a time when I would go to Pho Binh (10827 Bellaire) three, four times a week. But only the location at Bellaire and Wilcrest. There are several Pho Binhs, but the one near Wilcrest is best.

I don’t know how every location can taste different, but it does.

For ramen noodles, I go to Tiger Den (9889 Bellaire, Suite D-230). Mala Sichuan (9348 Bellaire) is always so consistent. They have this delicious Mala Pot Roasted Whole Tilapia that has won awards and a kung pao chicken that is very solid. When I go with my wife and our daughter, we’ll order six or seven dishes, and they’re all consistently good. That’s tough to find in Chinatown or anywhere, really. I’m a hawk when it comes to consistency, and I’ve

been known to make my guys in the kitchen cook a dish over and over again.

The college crowds love Timmy Chan’s fried chicken wings and Sinh Sinh. Your inlaws own those, right?

I almost hate to talk about them because it feels so self-promoting, but yes, my in-laws own both. Timmy Chan’s (13211 Bissonnet) is cheap with big portions. It tastes good for the price, and the fried chicken wings can’t be rivaled. At Sinh Sinh (9788 Bellaire) people line up for the barbecue pork. During New Year’s, they can’t make enough. I think they have the best Chinese barbecue. They manage to get the skin so crispy. I don’t know how they do it. And the geoduck clam is great, but I also like the whole lobster. I order the biggest one, and get it two ways. Part of the lobster is cut into sashimi, and the rest is stir-fried with noodles.

Your family immigrated to San Francisco in 1981. Your food echoes the simple approach favored by Bay Area chefs. It’s an overused word, but your cooking is “clean.” You also have a strong grasp of the core building blocks of Vietnamese cooking. Here, I’m referring to the contrasting flavors and textures: the sweet with the salty and bitter, and the fresh, crunchy herbs against a warm backdrop of steamed rice and crispy shallots.

My experience with Vietnamese food has always been in America. But the fresh produce and balanced flavors are more than San Francisco. Being Vietnamese, we cooked a lot at home. When we went out, it was to a small

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 32

mom-and-pop restaurant. That’s why I called the restaurant Maba, which means mom and pop, who would always feed you the freshest food and the best that they can afford. I wanted to maintain that.

Have you been back to Vietnam?

We escaped Vietnam by boat after our fifth attempt. But no, I’ve never been back to Vietnam. Never. My parents and brother have been back. But for me, not all my memories were good ones, and there were always other places to visit. Also, partly, I had a little sister, and on one of those unsuccessful attempts, she was killed.

As a boy, you watched your grandmother prepare family meals. What else did you do to teach yourself to cook?

I learned from my mom and grandmother how to get pan-seared fish perfectly crisped. But when we came over here, we were immigrants, and my parents had to work a lot. So, I oversaw the cooking. I made Rice Krispies Treats at 11.

So, while other kids were watching cartoons, I was watching Great Chefs on PBS and The Frugal Gourmet, Jeff Smith. I learned my knife techniques from Martin Yan. With a butcher knife, he would cut a cucumber paper thin. I learned to do that as a kid. I would see something on TV and I would try to replicate it. So, it was never one lesson but little sessions through the years that taught me about cooking.

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

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Estate tax changes On December 22, President Trump signed H.R. 1, informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It includes a big, but temporary, reduction in transfer taxes.

From 2011 through 2017, the first $5 million (plus an inflation adjustment) of property transferred by U.S. citizens and residents was exempt from estate and gift tax. Additional transfers were taxed at rates of up to 40 percent. Certain generation-skipping transfers were (and still are) taxed at substantially higher rates.

New Public Law 115-07 does not eliminate the estate tax, the gift tax, or the generation-skipping transfer tax. Instead, it temporarily doubles the exemption amount to $10 million. With the inflation adjustment, U.S. citizens and residents may give or leave a total of $11.2 million. That’s $22.4 million for a married couple. The doubled exemption amount applies to estates of decedents who die in 2018 through 2025. The tax rates are unchanged.

After 2025, the exemption provisions of P.L. 115-07 expire, and the tax-free amount reverts to $5 million, but with adjustments for inflation after 2011. Even assuming no further inflation, the exemption in 2026 will be $5.6 million.

There are two ways to exploit the generous but temporary doubling of the exemption amount: die or give away millions, and before 2026.

Because the changes are temporary, I don’t recommend my clients change their wills and trusts. Single individuals leaving as much as $1 million per child should still include descendants trusts.

For couples worth $2 to $5 million, I still recommend spouses leave all to each other, and the remainder to the children, subject to tax-planned descendants trusts.

For couples worth $5 to $10 million, each spouse still needs tax-planned trusts for transfers to the surviving spouse, as well as descendants trusts for children.

Those with the resources to give away $5-10 million don’t need to revise their existing wills and trusts, but might consider limited partnerships or new gift trusts. However, visit your financial advisor first, not your lawyer. A major gift makes no sense if you cannot afford it.

When I was born, the exemption amount was only $60,000. That number still applies to taxpayers not domiciled in the U.S. that gift or leave U.S. assets. Estate tax reform does not extend to nonresident aliens.

This article was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by the taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.

We write wills and go to probate court. We offer no-obligation initial interviews for estate planning and administration, so it costs nothing to hear specific recommendations that suit your needs. Foreign nationals and international families welcome.

Russell W. Hall, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 6750 West Loop South, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, www.rwhpc.com

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SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz B

efore a national television audience on ESPNU, all eyes were on Lamar Texans defensive back Anthony Cook as he announced his choice to play college football for The University of Texas. Cook, who is rated among the nation’s top five prospects at this position, had narrowed his finalists to LSU, Ohio State and Texas before selecting the Longhorns in a suspense-filled announcement at his high school gymnasium.

With his family alongside, Cook pulled out a UT cap to unveil his decision as classmates and teammates cheered. “Ever since Texas started recruiting me, UT felt like home,” said Cook. “I even tried to rule them out a couple of times, but UT always came back to the top.”

Cook’s decision was meaningful as well for Lamar teammates D’Shawn Jamison and Al’vonte Woodard, who also officially committed to the Texas Longhorns during the early signing period. Jamison is also rated among the nation’s top defensive backs, while Woodard is among the state’s top receiving prospects. “I felt like my heart was going to jump out when Anthony said he was going to UT,” said Woodard. “We’re going to live our dream of playing college football, and we’ll be doing it together at Texas.”

The Lamar trio joined several of the area’s top football recruits in signing with UT, helping give Texas a recruiting class ranked as high as second best in the country. “A lot of Houston guys are realizing that something special is happening at UT,” said Cook. “I feel like within the next three years we’ll be winning a national championship.”

In basketball, the Bellaire Cardinals were off and running to another successful season with victories in eight of their first 12 games. The early-season victories included a third-place finish at the HISD Basketball Tournament, highlighted by a thrilling one-point victory over the

HOOK ’EM Lamar Texans standout defensive back Anthony Cook (center) announced his intention to play for the Texas Longhorns before a national TV audience on ESPNU. Also, committing to UT were defensive back D’Shawn Jamison (left) and wide receiver Al’vonte Woodard.

highly ranked Yates Lions in second-round play.

“That was a really nice win for us. We’re not a big team by any means, but our kids play hard and fast,” said longtime Cardinals head coach Bruce Glover. “Our guys also communicate really well on the court, and off the court they’re really good in the classroom.”

Leading the Cardinals’ fast-paced attack is junior point guard Adrian Ragland, who Glover calls a team leader and great defender. Junior guard Douglas Young is the team’s leading scorer with an average of 16 points a game, while another junior, Zach Harris, is second in scoring. In addition, 6’5” post player Marcus Cooper leads the team in rebounding, while Louisiana transfer Latrell Alford has been a key addition to the team, says Glover. “We don’t have the heralded type of recruits like we’ve had in the past,” said Glover, “but this group is especially fun to work with on the floor. There aren’t any egos in the lineup.”

The New Year began with great promise for the Memorial Mustangs’ boys basketball team, which owned a 12-9 record through the first half of the season. “Our team has played really well on both ends of the court,” said Mustangs head coach Dave Lay. “It’s also a very unselfish group.”

In non-district, the Mustangs traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where they went 2-1 at the Cactus Jam Basketball Tournament, highlighted by an impressive victory over a highly touted Lakeside

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 34

High School team from Washington State.

Also, at the Clear Lake Basketball Tournament, Memorial beat a perennial-powerhouse Clear Lake Falcons team in overtime on the Falcons’ home court. “It really got us believing that we can beat anyone. I think we surprised a lot of people including ourselves with that big victory,” said Lay. Leading the way for Memorial has been the senior-guard tandem of Kevin Cowell and Connor Gartner. “Both of those guys are solid players who really get after it on the court. They’re kind of like bulldogs with their attacking play.”

Lay also praised the sophomore tandem of Ethan Taylor and Grayson Buehler. “Ethan is an exceptional point guard, while Grayson is a deadly shooter who at 6’5” can play multiple positions.”

Lay added that 6’8” senior post player Aaron Janecek, senior guard Colby Mullins and senior Henry Gissel have all been major contributors.

“Henry is, pound for pound, the best rebounder we’ve had in this program, while Aaron is a shot blocker who can also hit three pointers, and Colby comes in and give us instant offense.”

Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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Need a trust company?

Have you ever thought about setting up a trust? If so, the choice of a trustee is not something to take lightly. It’s a serious relationship that should be built to last. As with potential spouses, be very careful with whom you partner.

A trust is when a third party (a “trustee”) holds and administers assets such as stocks, bonds and real estate for you. While the trustee is the legal owner, you retain control. The trustee acts as a fiduciary, following your instructions on how to manage the assets and distribute the proceeds.

Depending on how it is structured, this can create a number of benefits compared to holding assets in your own name, especially when it comes time to divide your estate. A trust can protect assets from divorce, lawsuits and estate taxes that might apply if the assets were held in your name.

For example, say a business is placed in trust by a widower who then remarries. Generally speaking, that business will not be considered common property and will not be subject to division if the remarriage ends in divorce.

A trust can also discourage infighting among heirs.

Imagine a couple passing away and leaving four children as heirs. Those four may have very different ideas on what to do with the assets. Should they sell the family business? Should they liquidate or divide real estate? Such disagreements can turn nasty and become lawsuits, even if the siblings got along well in the past. If a quality trustee serves as executor, however, it may short circuit potential conflict. As an impartial third party, the trustee’s only bias should be ensuring that the decedent’s wishes are followed.

If you want to set up a trust, there are hundreds of independent trust companies that will perform the service for a fee, typically a percentage of the

assets placed under trust. Choosing the best company for you is not always easy, but it is important. A trust can last long after you’re gone. By that time, your descendants may have little interest in monitoring the trust to make sure everything is done according to your wishes. Picking the right trust company will eliminate or minimize problems.

We performed an extensive review of the myriad of trust companies available to identify options we consider best-in-class for our clients.

They may be right for your needs as well.

We began with a list of 30 of the most elite trust companies in America. Then we applied our own screening criteria.

We looked for trust companies that have a long, stable history, no conflicts of interest, are easy to work with, assign a dedicated trust officer to you, and have competitive fees, clear reporting and the latest technology.

Those are the qualities we know align with our clients’ needs. The specific choice that is right for you will depend on your own unique situation. The main point is, don’t take the selection lightly. It’s called a trust for a reason.

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

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 35

SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

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

Siblings Nadia, Shiv and Dalia Khera (top photo, from left) were big winners at the Bay Area Racquet Club Junior Open. Nadia and Dalia, St. John’s School sixth and seventh graders, played as partners and won first place in the 14-and-under doubles division. Nadia and Dalia also finished in first and second place in the 12-and-under singles division. Younger brother and West University Elementary fourth grader Shiv won third place in the 12-and-under division. All three players train at Chancellors Tennis Academy, where they practice 8-12 hours each week. Nadia is classified as a super champ, the highest level of junior competition in the state; both Dalia and Shiv compete at the champ level, which is the second highest level of competition. The Khera siblings began playing tennis at age 6 and have aspirations of playing in college, the Olympics or the professional level.

Undefeated at the goal The United Church Athletic League’s (UCAL) third/fourth-grade River Oaks Baptist soccer team (middle photo) gathered before a game and got ready to meet their opponents. The girls won every game during the season and are the UCAL champions. Coaches Emily VanHoutan and Patrick Burk credit the players’ teamwork and sportsmanship for leading them to the championship title. The undefeated soccer players are (top row, from left) Lyla Perdue, Elizabeth Brantley, Fields Burk, Ellis Jordan, May Jones, Josephine VanHoutan and Lily Black; (bottom row, from left) Georgia Rothwell, Malin McCord, Georgia Webster and Audrey Yard.

Not pictured: Kaylee Callendar.

Running the distance Pershing Middle School eighth graders (bottom photo) display their first-place trophy from the HISD middle-school cross-country zone championship. The event took place at Herman Brown Park, and the Pershing Pandas had great success. In addition to the eighth-grade boys’ first-place win, the eighth-grade girls and seventh-grade boys teams each finished in third place, and the seventh-grade girls won second place. The zone-champion eighth graders are (top row, from left) Braden Burgan, Max Salmeron, Sergio Merlos, Diego Montesinos, coach Joaquin Ortiz, Roman Williams, Mark Cheek, Janak Abraham, Ben Grantham and Collin Crockett; (bottom row, from left) Joseph Capelli, Crockett Tucker and Elias Shehadeh.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 36

Buddy Cox

Court champs

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Dust-mite tablets Dust mites are the small creatures that make many people allergic to dust.

They love heat and humidity, so they feel right at home in the Houston area.

Since dust mites are such a common cause of allergy in this area, it’s exciting news that a new form of allergen immunotherapy is now available for dust mites. Odactra is the name of a tablet to be placed under the tongue once each day to desensitize an allergic individual to dust mites.

As opposed to allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy tablets (SLIT) have two main advantages: 1. They are designed to be taken at home, so no trips to the doctor’s office just for a shot.

2. No needles – just place the tablet under your tongue for two minutes, then drink water to wash it down (most common side effect of SLIT is itching of mouth and tongue).

On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages of using tablets as compared to allergy shots.

1. Tablets aren’t as effective as allergy shots (although they are clearly “better-than-placebo”).

2. Tablets are more expensive than allergy shots. Pricing is not yet available for Odactra, but similar tablets for ragweed (called Ragwitek) cost about $290/month on GoodRx.com. Coupons are available to reduce the out-ofpocket cost to $25/month, but the maximum value of the coupon maxes out well before you fill your monthly prescription 12 times for the year. This may be ok for ragweed, which is seasonal, but dust mites cause allergy symptoms 24/7/365.

3. Allergy shots can be used in patients of any age, but Odactra is only FDAapproved for ages 18-65. This doesn’t mean it won’t work in younger or older folks, just that insurance won’t cover it.

4. SLIT desensitizes you to only that one allergen. Tablets are now available for ragweed, grass pollen and dust mites. But if you are allergic to dust mites, cats, molds and oak pollen, the tablets won’t treat all your allergy symptoms. If you’re allergic to dust mites, ragweed and grasses, you could treat all three but that would mean three different tablets, at a cost of nearly $900/month.

Although SLIT tablets don’t work as well as allergy shots, they are a good option for allergic patients who cannot or will not take allergy shots due to fear of needles or frequent travel.

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

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

nurturing young minds emphasis on individuality

respect for students

focusing on academics

Alexander-Smith Academy An extraordinary college preparatory high school

713/266-0920 • www.alexandersmith.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 37

ON THE COURT Kevin McKenna (shooting the ball here), a freshman at Lamar High School, loves basketball. This photo is from an eighth-grade game where he had 35 points.

KIDS

by Kevin McKenna, age 15

Buzz Kidz S

Love for the game

ince I was little, I loved sports, especially basketball. In fact, my dad used to work for the Houston Rockets in their public-relations department, and my first word was “ball.”

I played several sports but didn’t become passionate about basketball until third grade, when I met 2007 NBA MVP and 2011 NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks. He was my favorite player, and the opportunity to meet him inspired me.

I practiced all summer going into fourth grade.

By the time basketball season started, I was one of the best players on the St. Michael’s parish team. I experienced what it was like to lead a team to success. That summer, I participated in the Notre Dame Basketball Camp for the first of four times.

As a fifth grader, I met NBA superstar Kevin Durant and joined my first AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball team, TNBA. My most memorable experience was when hometown hero James Harden came to watch one of our team’s games from the bench.

At Lanier Middle School, I made the seventh-grade team, leading the team in scoring through the first month before everything turned for the worse. I broke my foot in a fall against Pershing and missed most of the season.

Our team had a losing record. I came back stronger, and during my eighth-grade season, I averaged 19 points and was honored to win the MVP award. We earned a winning record.

Unfortunately, I broke my foot again this past August, which required surgery and long rehabil-

itation. This sidelined me for Lamar High School freshman team tryouts. Fortunately, my commitment during Lamar’s conditioning and open-gym sessions during the summer earned me a place on the team. Now I am working daily to return to my pre-injury form. I hope to finish my freshman year on a positive note and put myself in a position to contribute to Lamar basketball in years to come.

In addition to playing, I work as an intern – rebounding for players and handling equipment – for the Houston Rockets ball crew.

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

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No trip charge. No hidden fees. No exceptions.

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 38

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Protecting your kids after you’re gone On Oct. 14, 2017, the Deyo family was in a tragic car and motorcycle accident in Houston. Parents Travis and Marcy died before their Saturday date night had even begun. Their family was thrown into a nightmare.

This is a true story. Travis and Marcy left behind five children. The 2 year old walks around asking for Mommy. Sadly, this happens more often than we’d like to think about. This also happened to parents Mel and Casey Barber several years ago in California. Mel and Casey had talked about naming guardians to provide the care of their children and the money they’d leave behind. They never got around to it. They likely thought their family would take care of their children and their money, with love and grace, if anything happened.

That’s not what happened. After the accident, CPS took the children.

Since then, thousands of court documents have been filed by nine lawyers, and tens (or even hundreds) thousands of dollars later, they will live with their Aunt Janine, and their money will be managed by someone charging $100/hour until they turn 18.

Is that what they wanted? If they had known what would happen, they would have done everything they could to protect their kids. If only they had known how easy it would have been to take care of it.

Learn from their experience! It’s easy to protect your family and your assets with our guidance.

Don’t be one of those people who think they know what to do and leave their loved ones with a complicated mess. Most lawyers don’t even know what’s necessary to keep your kids in the hands of people you know and trust.

By consulting with an expert Personal Family Lawyer, you can relax and rest assured your kids will never be taken out of your home or raised by anyone you wouldn’t want. Only a Personal Family Lawyer guarantees your family and your assets will stay out of court.

Readers of The West University Buzz who own their own home and have minor children can meet with a Personal Family Lawyer absolutely free for a personal Family Wealth Planning Session (normally $750). If you already have a plan in place, but want to make sure it adequately protects your kids (most don’t!), ask for your free plan audit (normally $950).

To schedule your free Family Wealth Planning Session, call 713-489-5900 or email us at info@WeygandtLaw.com. Be sure to mention The West University Buzz. When you schedule your session before April 30, 2018, you will receive a free book (while supplies last) that reveals the No. 1 secret to keeping your money and your kids safe, and $250 off any comprehensive planning.

Weygandt Law, PLLC, David W. Weygandt, 440 Louisiana Street, Suite 900, Houston, Texas 77002, 713.489.5900, www.WeygandtLaw.com

Create a buzz for your biz.

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

To advertise in The Buzz Magazines, contact us at 713.668.4157, ext. 11 or advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 39

sponsored by

PETS

Neighborhood Tails

713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Duchess, age 6, Weimaraner Mix, Dryden Rd. My name is Duchess. I am a 6-year-old female Weimaraner mix. Sadly, my previous owner took me to the shelter because I ate chickens at the farm. Now, I am glad to be in this new beautiful neighborhood with a loving family. I really enjoy walking and running whenever my family is available to go out. I am very friendly with kids and other dogs, and I am still learning not to chase the squirrels. I am very athletic, and the kids taught me to catch a tennis ball when they throw it my way. I also follow some simple commands like sit, shake, high five and stay/go. I really enjoy affection, even from strangers, so do not hesitate to pet me if you see me out in our streets. Thanks for reading my note to learn a little bit about a new “tail” in the neighborhood.

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.

Another reason to celebrate with a portrait… when the braces come off.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 40

The Buzz Magazines 2017 Pet of the Year Contest Winners

First Place Winner Captain James T. Kirk

Second Place Winner Rita

Third Place Winner Pippa Louise

Congratulations to our 2017 Buzz Magazines Pet of the Year winners!

As always, competition for Pet of the Year was fierce with more than 130,000 votes cast on our website. Thank you to all who voted.

Thank you to all of our contest sponsors for your support. Our first, second and third place winners have each received prizes from our sponsors.

To have your pet considered for 2018, please submit a high-resolution photo and 150 words from your pet’s perspective to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

www.vbaf.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 41

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Love your smile!

A minute with Maisie

Love is in the air during February, and loving your smile should be no exception. At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, it’s our goal for all of our patients to love their smile. One change that can boost your confidence and help you love yourself more is orthodontic care. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and you should be proud to show off a confident smile!

Many adults struggle with crooked teeth or a bite that is slightly off. They may even believe that braces are just for children and teens. What they don’t often know is that tons of adults get orthodontic treatment, and in many cases, there is no need to wear metal braces anymore. In fact, most adults choose Invisalign because it is clear alternative to metal braces. Invisalign is so easy to use, and you can even eat and drink what you want. Bellaire Family Orthodontics is proud to be a Top 1% Provider for Invisalign, so you can ensure you have the best and most experienced treatment.

No matter the age, if you are ready to love your smile, Bellaire Family Orthodontics is here to help. Call 713-766-1921 today to schedule your free smile consultation!

Dr. Vladimir Tabakman and Dr. David M. Wadler, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 105, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.766.1921, www.rocknbraces.com

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

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

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

Sponsored by

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 42

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Stepping into a healthy 2018 Anti-inflammatory diet When making your New Year’s resolutions, remember to include exercising your feet. Exercising your feet on a regular basis not only improves overall foot health, but may also reduce the risk for injury.

Walking is the best overall foot exercise.

Before walking or doing any other type of exercise, take a few minutes to warm-up and stretch, therefore strengthening the muscles in your feet. Start out slowly, aiming for 20 minutes three times a week and gradually increasing. If you’re not wearing the proper shoes for exercise, you’re leaving your feet vulnerable to injury. Get your shoes properly fit and pay attention to their shelf life. Most good running shoes last 300-600 miles. Make sure your shoes provide enough support, but allow your feet to breathe.

Always walk with your head up and your back straight while swinging your arms freely. If you encounter pain in your feet when exercising, don’t try to self-diagnose your problem. Ignoring your pain could make it worse and/or put added stress on the other muscles in your body. Be good to your feet, and they will be good to you! Don’t hesitate to bring your foot pain or other foot ailments to us for relief. Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year!

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

Chronic pain secondary to inflammation affects 116 million American adults. Chronic inflammation includes conditions like osteoarthritis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, celiac disease and even heart and lung disease. Also, a 2015 study in JAMA Psychiatry found that people with depression had 30 percent more brain inflammation than those who were not depressed.

When health experts speak of an “anti-inflammatory diet,” this kind of low-grade, chronic inflammation is what they typically hope to help. A good amount of research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet can ease chronic inflammation symptoms. Here are some tips: Eat the rainbow: Consume eight to nine servings of different vegetables each day. Eat dairy products in limited quantities. When choosing grains, stay away from simple carbohydrates with refined sugar. Opt for whole grains like barley, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and brown rice. Avoid red meat. Get the natural omega 3s from olive oil, avocados, wild salmon, herring or tuna.

Eat certain spices like ginger, rosemary, turmeric, cloves and nutmeg. Drink green tea, honey and have plenty of berries, especially blueberries. Have red wine in moderation, and feel free to indulge in some dark chocolate.

And remember, stress increases symptoms of chronic pain, so try practices like mindfulness, meditation and yoga to bring you inner peace.

Bhardwaj Health, Primary Care Physicians, Rishi Bhardwaj, M.D. and Manoj Bhardwaj, M.D., 6800 West Loop South, Suite 228, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 832.412.1600, www.BhardwajHealth.com

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Brad Ottosen

NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Mon amour

Romain/WESHOOT Paris

Emily Vidor and Mark Porter arrived in Paris on Thanksgiving early in the morning. Mark told Emily that he wanted to visit The Trocadéro near the Eiffel Tower the next morning to take a “selfie” photo with the sunrise in the background (he told her he had read the sunrise and backdrop were amazing at that hour). Emily didn't think much about it – at first. “As we were getting ready that morning, Mark kept changing his outfit,” she said. “He would put on a different sports coat with a different sweater underneath and ask me what I thought.” As Emily was getting ready, she put on a hat, but Mark asked her not to wear one.

That’s when she started getting suspicious, and also nervous, that something was up. In a taxi on the way, they got stuck in traffic. They arrived a little after 9 a.m., and the area was

already busy with tourists taking pictures. They stepped towards the middle to take their selfie, but nothing else happened, so Emily asked Mark if they should get breakfast. Mark led Emily to a different area. She started looking around with her back turned away from Mark, peering at the Eiffel Tower and taking some photos. That’s when she heard the words come from a shaking, familiar voice: “Emily, I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” Emily turned to find Mark down on one knee. Emily said “Yes!” and a photographer that Mark had arranged popped out of the bushes. Mark had been emailing with the photographer all morning about the weather and exactly where to stand. The excited parents are Emily’s dad and mom, Bill and Kim Vidor, and Mark’s mother, Helen Porter. The couple is planning a wedding in San Miguel de Allende.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 44

Ringing in 2018 Ella Markovsky threw a New Year’s Party with flair. Pictured (from left) are Aiden Ortiz, Rich Ortiz, and Ella and Kristina Markovsky.

Everyone was a star at the Hollywood-themed production, which started at 10 p.m. As guests arrived on the red carpet, “news reporters” commented favorably on their stylish “designer”clothes (no matter if they were designer or not). Ms. South Texas Anastasia Semenova was stunning in white and didn’t need her crown to stand out. About 400 partiers celebrated under multi-colored confetti as they danced the night away. Steven Andrade from New York performed as a (continued on page 46)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 45

Support for Twain families

Ramsey Howell and Emily Yardley met for their annual holiday dinner, hosted at Yardley’s house in West University. The group chose not to exchange gifts since they were so busy with their young children's holiday activities, but rather opted for a gift-free night of catching up over dinner and wine. They all graduated from Memorial High School in 2000.

Anthony Rathbun

remarkable Cher.

Aiden Ortiz, Ella’s 13-year-old son, selected and played the music.

(continued from page 44)

© 2016 Joseph Reuss

Sky’s the limit

Mary Atherton, Claire Reeves and Suzanne Kobza (pictured, from left) are co-chairing Mark Twain Elementary’s annual auction, Huckleberry Bash, on Feb. 16 at the Ballroom at Bayou Place.

In celebration of this year’s Neon Night theme, parents and school community members are encouraged to rock their best ’80s gear; prizes will be awarded for the best male and female costumes.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mark Twain families affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Tickets and T-shirts are on sale now, and various levels of sponsorship and underwriting are available. See www.501auctions.com/huckleberrybash.

Exchanging presence Friends (pictured, back row, from left) Ashley Mandola, Kourtney Cyrus, Kimy Talbert, Charlotte Hedrick, Emily Sweeney, Lauren Allen, (front row, from left) Brittany Zeplain,

Sky High Foundation, a non-profit that hosts fundraising events for children fighting pediatric cancer and other serious conditions, hosted its first holiday carnival at Texas Children's Hospital. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were on hand to greet the children, along with Santa's elves bearing gifts for all the girls and boys.

Pictured (from left) are Kristina Gutierrez (dressed as a soldier), Donae Chramosta, a Texas Children’s patient, and Shauntae Pierce. Sky High also brought a gift for the hospital – $725,000. The hospital will name a wing the Sky High for Kids Tumor Biology Center. Founder Brittany Hebert and her team's total donations for 2017 reached $2.5 million. They are planning more events in 2018. See skyhighshoot.org.

Ishwaria, Ari and Vivek Subbiah, joined cochairs Ting and John Bresnahan and Erin and James Stewart at The Briar Club for the Houston Symphony’s 2017 Magical Musical Morning: Enchanted Holiday. Nearly 270 guests enjoyed music by pianist Mary Box while they dined on breakfast tacos, fruit and doughnuts.

Children enjoyed cookie decorating, holiday crafts, magic tricks and visiting the symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo. There was a long line to meet Santa Claus, too. The event raised more than $53,000 for the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Programming.

Feeding the hungry

Musical morning The Houston Symphony’s youngest supporters and their families, including (pictured, from left)

West University Elementary School students will participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring through Feb. 4. It is a national movement to fight hunger that takes place around the (continued on page 48) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 46

Watch Their Smiles Grow

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

Proudly serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders since 2008 • Early Childhood Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program • One-on-One ABA Therapy • Diagnostic and Psychological Services • Parent Training Services • Serving children 12 months - 6 years old All services by appointment only • Health insurance accepted 5959 West Loop South, Suite 202 Bellaire 77401 832-632-2177 ext. 105 • www.thereasonforhope.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 47

time of the Super Bowl.

WUES PTO has organized the collection as a school-wide service project. During the last 11 years of participation, WUES has donated a total of 14,700 items and 246,300 pounds of food. Last year, it donated 57,320 pounds of food. All food items collected are donated to the Houston Food Bank. To donate canned or boxed food items, send your donation to WUES with a student.

Pictured are chairs (previous page, from left) Danielle Mansour and Courtney Tsao.

(continued from page 46)

B-I-N-G-O Everyone in the community is invited to the Pershing Middle School Family Bingo Night on Feb. 2. The bingo night will take place in the school cafeteria at 3838 Blue Bonnet Blvd. from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be a great way to enjoy some family time and have fun while supporting Pershing and education – plus, you win prizes.

Lamar takes on the Big Apple Thirty students from Lamar High School’s

aquatics team travelled to New York City to compete in the New York vs. Texas rivalry swim meet against Xavier High School. The biannual tradition has become a much-anticipated event for the team. The team is led by LHS head coach S. R. "Mac" McDonald. Team members included sophomore girls (pictured, from left, from back to front) Madeleine Baird, Annika Long, Lucy Stickney, Elizabeth Fisher, Susana Flores, Abby Thorne and Abbie Childs.

Jewish fortune cookies – which had funny phrases inside like “Have you called your mother?”

Some new non-Jewish friends who don’t have

Christmas Chinese dinner Kelly and Jay Gerstenhaber started a tradition five years ago with friends and family. They celebrate Hanukkah, so they decided to host a party on Christmas day called JEWbilee. The party is a gathering to nosh, schmooze and enjoy a little booze. The first year they hosted the party, they had about eight guests attend, but this year, the number grew to 46 guests including Celine Hecht (pictured, at right). They catered Chinese food, had Chinese-themed decorations and set up a full bar. They offered

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ FEBRUARY 2018 48

anywhere to go for Christmas have joined in on the fun too. The cake was a Chinese to-go box.

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 2018 49

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch M

Picking battles

y daughters want double ear piercings.

I am not a fan. Yes, I grew up in the ’80s, and many friends had them (still do, although only a few continue to use the second hole). So I get that it’s yet one more trend that has come back around. Still, two holes in their ears is not what I want to see on my girls.

After a couple of years of back-and-forth with them about whether double piercings were going to happen in our house, I got exasperated and drew my line: “When Mrs. Smith (my close friend, name changed, whose girls, names changed, are close with mine) lets her girls get double piercings, I’ll let you do it.” And we all know where this is going.

“Today is the day!” was the greeting I got when answering a call from my oldest daughter recently.

“It is?” I asked curiously. “The day for what?”

“To get my ears double-pierced! Amy’s mom let her!”

I had neglected to tell Mrs. Smith that I had used her as a benchmark. She caved, and she didn’t even know that she sold me out in the process.

I wasted no time calling Mrs. Smith immediately after hanging up the phone with my vindicated daughter. “What got into you?” I halfshrieked, laughing but not.

“I just decided that I’m trying really hard to instill my values in my kids, and sometimes I overdo it and have to step back,” my friend said.

“If she wants to walk around with two earrings, who am I to say? I’m pretty lucky if that’s the worst she’s doing.”

A few days later, we all wound up at lunch together. So I asked 17-year-old Amy to chime in. “I asked my parents about it incessantly for like two years,” Amy said. “They told me I would never be able to work in a law firm with two earrings. But then I got my ACT score, and my dad was so proud. They realized I work really hard. He was like, ‘What do you want?’ and I was like, ‘Earrings.’” He said yes. She won that battle.

Battle-picking for parents of children of all ages is paramount. Today I was at Central Market, traversing the aisles throughout the

store near a young mom and her little girl.

Everything was a battle between these two. Stop touching the broccoli!

Don’t put that jar in your mouth! I’m going to have to put you in this cart if you can’t stay by my side!

All I could think was that this woman – and the little girl – had a long road ahead.

Another dear friend, who asked to be nameless, an officer of a charitable foundation and mom of two teenagers, said this over a glass of wine: “That’s the biggest rookie mistake you can make. You have to prioritize what you really care about, or everything becomes a battle of wills. The strategy should be to cede complete control on the things you don’t care about, cede partial control over what you’re willing to compromise on, and non-negotiables LET IT GO Sometimes, it's just not worth the fight. are just that. If it’s a their hair pink or wear something you don’t like, coat-and-tie affair, you wear a coat and tie. No do you really want to put your relationship at permanently altering your body until you’re 21. risk over how they do their hair? Is it worth it?

[She disagrees with Mrs. Smith’s earring cave.]

“You need to have some separateness and You’ll have so much more harmony in your realize that the child’s purple hair is not a reflechouse.” tion on you. If that’s your rule – we are not going But how do we determine the non-negoto have different colored hair as long as you’re tiables? in my house – okay. But look at the reasons. Is “Any kind of irresponsible behavior is someit because the parents are embarrassed or think thing you have to go to battle on,” says Elissa friends will think they’re doing a bad job?

Varadi, a mother of two and psychotherapist Figuring that out is the work for the parent.” who has seen countless families and teens in her Then I guess I’ve got some soul searching to 30 years of practice. “Establish your rules, do on double earrings. Wonder if I can stretch whether it’s having friends over and not drinkthat out for a few years? ing, curfew, whatever. But if a child wants to dye

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