The West University Buzz - June 2015

Casey and Jessica Holm

Wedding Stories

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld

Mini (Honey)Moons Bridal Brunches Class of 2015 Involved Grandparents Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Online Neighborhood

EDITOR’S NOTE Have you ever had a severe case of the giggles? I got mine in the middle of our wedding ceremony. We were married in Carmel, Calif., under a perfect sunset. All the planning had come together. I looked over at my dad and there was a fly buzzing around his ear. He kept swatting at it, but it would not leave him alone.

My friends thought I was crying because my veil was bobbing up and down. Husband-to-be Michael gave me a look like, “What's wrong with you?” Which made it worse. I did finally pull myself together. And 26 years later I still get the giggles. And Michael still gives me that look. Why am I remembering this story? I think it’s because this month’s issue highlighting weddings and high school graduates makes me think about important, sometimesstressful ceremonial occasions. Now that I’ve made it through just about every kind of ceremony there is, I’ve realized that the best thing to do is just let go and laugh at your imperfections, and let joy, if you’re fortunate enough to feel it, bubble on up. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Cheryl Ursin Alexis Daily, Christina Frederick Megan Hundahl Streete Russell Weil Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Darsey Swaim Helen Hamilton Michele Luke

On our cover: Casey Holm and Jessica Sowers grew up in West U and first met at West University Elementary. They tied the knot in Washington, D.C. with family and friends.

Cover photo by Kelli Elizabeth Photography, kellielizabeth.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2015 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 4

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions From plane and train to page Wonderful article about the Mother/Daughter travels [Travel Buzz: Like mother, like daughters, by Tracy L. Barnett, May 2015]. Friends from Alaska to Argentina, Norway and many in between have read it and sent greetings and comments on the quality of the writing and photos. It is an honor and pleasure to be in one of your stories, and I now realize how much effort goes into each of them.

I reread previous travel articles and had missed Tracy’s fabulous December article about her trip with her father to Mexico. Also noticed a delicious recipe I will try soon. Thanks for a fine locally owned, focused and operated publication.

Terry L. Elizondo Editor’s note: Thank you for the kind words. We are glad you took the time to share your family’s inspiring tales and that you had a chance to work with our delightful, expert Travel Buzz writer, Tracy L. Barnett. To read more of Tracy’s stories, go to thebuzzmagazines.com and click on Travel.

Editor’s note: Who would have thought that an article about a small Greek island would touch such a nerve in our community? This story by veteran news writer Cathy Gordon – who won our hearts when she told us how, at Texas A&M long ago, she took notes for classmate Lyle Lovett while he wrote lyrics – has been especially popular, judging from the feedback. Thanks for writing us and for reading The Buzz.

Photos and words captured Greek island A big thank you to you [editor Joni Hoffman] and [publisher] Michael [Hoffman] for allowing Larry and me the opportunity to share our lifechanging Patmos, Greece, Easter-travel experience with The Buzz readers. So many of our friends and relatives responded with such enthusiasm to Cathy Gordon’s vivid and heartfelt glimpse into a part of our world – not to mention photographer Michael Hart creating interest by capturing the beauty of the religious artifacts. Working with The Buzz staff was a most memorable experience. We look forward to enjoying future Buzz stories.

Carol Senkel 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.

We’re going to Disneyland We have been avoiding Disney for all the same reasons [Here We Go: Doing Disney with a disability, by Michelle Casas Groogan, May 2015]! We’d been considering Disneyland in L.A. (we know people there) for a couple years. Thanks for pushing us to probably bite the bullet this summer!

Catherine Burch Graham Editor’s note: Have fun on your trip! We want to thank writer Michelle Casas Groogan, as well, for so helpfully detailing her Disney adventure with her family, including 11-year-old son Garrett, who has autism.

Patmos story close to home I was deeply touched by the article about the island of Patmos [Patmos Paradise: Easter on the sacred Greek isle, by Cathy Gordon, April 2015]. It was a beautifully written article about a beautiful place that I have a strong connection to because my late mother is from there.

Imagine my surprise when I flipped through my Buzz, turned the page, then saw an almost identical family heritage. I discovered it just before Greek Orthodox Easter, so it meant even more. Thank you for the article and reminding me of the special family memories.

Mary Cramer WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 6

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Know an interesting neighbor to profile.

• Participate on Facebook trading or information groups.

• Have pets with unique or strong personalities.

• Had a positive or not-so-positive experience with a loved one in hospice.

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

• We also provide swim plugs, sleeping plugs, shooting plugs, etc. Contact us for your hearing protection needs.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 7

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

More than Grandparents Jordan Scheiner Photography

A second set of parents

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or sisters Ellyn Haikin Josef and Jennifer Haikin Zach, grandparent involvement in their children’s lives was guaranteed years before either thought about having children.

“When we were babies, my great-grandparents, my grandmother Sally’s parents, would help my mom with bath and bedtime every night while my dad was working,” Ellyn says.

“They would keep us when my parents and grandparents would travel together.”

That level of engagement set the tone for four generations of multi-generational parenting.

The girls’ grandparents, Sally and Bernie Fuchs, followed suit. “Growing up, we lived around the corner from my grandparents [their mother, Roslyn Fuchs Haikin’s parents],” Ellyn remembers. “My grandmother was such a phenomenal cook that Jennifer and I would figure out what she was making for dinner and we would just leave our house and go over there.

We would have dinner with them a couple of nights a week, if not more.”

But dinner was just the start. As children, Ellyn and Jennifer were always in different schools. And because they were four years apart, their extracurricular schedules differed significantly. Each afternoon, both were dismissed from their respective schools – Ellyn at St. John’s, and Jennifer at Shlenker, St. Francis and then Episcopal – at the same time.

“My grandmother would pick one of us up every day after school, which was a huge help to my mom,” Ellyn says. Sally even dressed up as Raggedy Ann for Ellyn’s St. John’s class, one of many contributions as a volunteer for her granddaughters’ schools.

Beyond school, Sally and Bernie went with their daughter Roslyn and son-in-law Ricky Haikin to “every visiting day at camp, every parents’ weekend at college, every graduation.

There was no day-to-day or life-cycle event they missed,” Ellyn says. “[My grandmother] was 42 when I was born, so we just had another set of parents. There was no distinction. That was for better or worse: They didn’t get the grandparent best behavior like others did, because they were just our other parents.”

Jennifer says, “We didn’t have the grandparWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 8

SPECIAL BOND Bernie and Sally Fuchs (center, seated) set the tone for an exceptionally close family, including (standing, from left) Roslyn Haikin, Ron Zach, Ellyn Josef, Adam Josef, Jennifer Zach, Ricky Haikin, (seated, from left) Hudson Zach, Ryan Josef, Avery Josef, Harper Zach and Hogan Zach.

ents who said, ‘Oh, you’re perfect and wonderful.’

I’m 36 and still get told to put makeup on. Now my grandparents call my kids and ask what they made on their tests. There’s an expectation there that some grandparents don’t necessarily have.”

Now that Ellyn and Jennifer have five children between them, ranging in age from 3 to 10, Sally and Bernie – along with Roslyn and Ricky – continue to be present for every occasion in their great-grandchildren’s and grandchildren’s lives.

“It’s seamless,” Ellyn says. “My mom picks up some of the five at school a couple times a week, whether we need it or whether she wants it.” All five attend The Shlenker School. “My mom is just as involved at school as most parents, and more so than some,” Ellyn says. “Because I work full-time [as pro-bono counsel at Vinson & Elkins], sometimes we need a parent. When I can’t be there, there’s no distinction between my mom and dad and me.”

As she shared her family’s stories, Ellyn said, “Right now I’m watching my dad walk between two Little League games. Four out of the five grandchildren are playing Little League, and my dad made a spreadsheet schedule so that he could come to all the games.”

Ellyn’s and Jennifer’s father, Ricky Haikin, says, “It’s all about the priority we placed on family ahead of everything else and on impressing on our children and now our grandchildren how important that is.

“It’s a natural thing, there’s no resistance. It’s just the way it is. We’re part of our grandchildren’s daily lives. We get to spend incredible quality time with our grandchildren, and they get to spend incredible quality time with their grandparents.

They’re learning how important family is.”

Ellyn echoes her father’s sentiment. “You get out what you put in,” she says. “The most significant thing is the bond we have. When you put in all that effort, you get it back exponentially.

Just a few years ago was the first time we had ever taken a family trip without my grandparents. It’s not an obligation. We just truly want to be together. I think it’s because of the effort and time that my grandparents and then parents put in.”

Jennifer agrees. “For me, my grandparents completely influenced my upbringing and my person. Now my kids have that relationship with their grandparents, and that has trickled down as traditions and appreciation for family. I feel like I’m already instilling that in my children.”

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NEIGHBORS

by Alexis Daily, contributing writer

Class of 2015 Where are they headed?

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rand-new high school graduates are preparing to set out, going on adventures, getting jobs and heading for college.

We asked graduating neighbors about their plans. What do they hope for the future? What advice would they give their kindergarten selves if they could?

To find out where more local 2015 graduates are going to college and what they will study, check out – and contribute to, if you haven’t yet – our annual database of college-bound Buzz-area seniors. See thebuzzmagazines.com and click on the blue box labeled Class of 2015: Where Are You Headed?

Mark Cox – Roberts Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School Experience has taught Mark that while in kindergarten, he should have taken advantage of naptime. In a few months, Mark will start his college career at Texas A&M University in College Station with plans to major in biology.

He said he is most excited to attend Aggie football games and yell in support of the team in the student section.

Jill Caress – Roberts Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Lamar High School Jill would advise her kindergarten self never to steal people’s toys and to have fun as a kid.

As she prepares to move to College Station to start school at Texas A&M University as part of the Blinn TEAM program, she said she hopes she makes friends with people in her building.

Additionally, she will take her own advice to have fun in college while also getting a good education.

Morgan Dickson – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. Agnes Academy Morgan, who wanted to be a ballerina dancer when she was younger, would tell her kindergarten self to do everything with a smile. In the fall, she will be attending Texas A&M University (“Gig ’em!” she said) to study communications. While at school, she’s most excited to meet new people and cheer on the Aggies at football games. Sounds like she’ll be smiling often.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 10

Mark Cox Ross Ackerman – The Parish School, The Briarwood School Ross will start the next chapter of his life at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, to pursue a degree in geosciences. Ross would tell his kindergarten self that life is all about experiences and that he should take every opportunity presented to him, even if he thinks he will fail. As he prepares to start college, Ross will use this advice himself and try rowing crew, something his aunt participated in during her collegiate years. “Not only is it the epitome of New England lifestyle, but it also seems like a very adrenaline pumping and unique sport unlike anything here in Houston,” he said.

Amberlea Tribble – River Oaks Baptist, Alexander-Smith Academy Amberlea would assure her kindergarten

self that waking up at six in the morning on Saturdays for horse shows eventually pays off.

Additionally, she would tell her past self that hard work pays off in the end – and it certainly did. In the fall, Amberlea will begin her career at The University of Texas at Austin, joining the business honors program. She hopes she discovers new interests and makes friends for life.

Caroline Mitchell – Grace Elementary School, Grace Middle School, Houston Christian High School Caroline would tell her kindergarten self not to worry about the inevitable awkward phases of life and that things will get better as she gets older. She will start college at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with plans to major in (continued on page 12)

Jill Caress

Morgan Dickson

Ross Ackerman

Amberlea Tribble

Caroline Mitchell

Julie Baker WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 11

Jacob Padden (continued from page 10) kinesiology.

Caroline hopes to get involved in Greek life when she rushes in the fall and attend as many sporting events as possible.

Julie Baker – St. Francis Episcopal Day School, Houston Christian High School As an elementary education major at Baylor University, Julie’s advice to her kindergarten self would be dance a lot and learn fractions.

While she’s in college, Julie wants to attend as many football games as possible and cannot wait to run and be a part of the Baylor Line.

to attend Baylor University as a film and digital media major, Adam said he hopes he makes friends not just for the next four years, but for life.

Sara White – River Oaks Baptist School, Second Baptist School “Don’t put the rocks in your pockets,” Sara would tell her kindergarten self. “The rocks will still be there tomorrow during recess.” Since those early days on the playground, Sara has decided to attend the University of Mississippi and study communications. When she starts school, she said she is most excited to give back to the community and make lifelong friends in Greek life.

Jacob Padden – Roberts Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School Jacob would tell his kindergarten self to cherish childhood and enjoy every minute of it. He’s looking forward to enjoying every moment at Georgia Institute of Technology when he starts in the fall and plans to study industrial engineering. He’s most excited to watch the Yellow Jackets beat the Bulldogs in football.

Brett Kleiman – Robert M. Beren Academy If he had the opportunity, Brett would remind his kindergarten self to have fun, never give up, and believe in himself. Brett will move to Atlanta to study political science at Emory University. He says he hopes to get involved in student government and other unique organizations on campus.

Adam Kobs – First Baptist Academy, Houston Christian High School After experiencing the lack of sleep during high school, Adam would encourage his kindergarten self to enjoy naptime while he can. As he prepares

Jared Lehmann – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Carnegie Vanguard High School Jared would tell his younger self to have fun and not to grow up too quickly. At California

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 12

Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Jared wants to pursue a major in aerospace engineering. While in college, he plans to follow his own advice, hoping that one day, he and his friends will skip class, spend the day at the beach and on the way back, stick a piece of gum on the wall of the locally famous bubblegum alley downtown.

Morgan Jones – Askew Elementary School, The Monarch School, The Briarwood School “Whenever you get the chance, run long distances at Terry Hershey Park, with your parents, of course,” Morgan would tell his kindergarten self.

“Trust me, it’s a satisfying future.” As Morgan prepares to attend Trinity University in San Antonio, he wants to join a club with a focus on public speaking so he can improve his people skills.

Sophie Belton – St. Thomas More, St. Agnes Academy Sophie wanted to be an astronaut or the president of the United States when she was younger. She would tell her kindergarten self to take risks, speak up, and have fun. Now she is off to study mechanical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and hopes to get a certificate in business and public policy. During college, she’d love to intern for a senator at the Texas State Capitol.

Adam Kobs

Sara White

Brett Kleiman

Jared Lehmann

Morgan Jones

Sophie Belton WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 13

NEIGHBORS

Online Neighborhood Sharing and shopping on Facebook This is the first in a series of articles on community Facebook groups.

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hare, tag, tweet or follow, “Like” it or not our communities are formed more by our online activities than by our zip codes. Or, in some cases, by both.

I recently moved back to Houston after almost 20 years away. Everywhere I turned, Houstonians were directing me to online Facebook groups. So I decided to turn to the Internet instead of the country club to get reconnected. I had no clue what I was getting into.

In addition to “Friending” individuals, you can join various Facebook groups. There are groups for kids’ clothing, lost pets, crafters, man caves, real estate and lovers of Houston food.

Some are further narrowed, limited to people who live in your physical neighborhood. It didn’t take long for me to get hooked.

When I searched for groups in The Buzz’s communities, I found hundreds, most for either trading/selling or information exchange. The trading and selling groups are like online garage sales. Using your phone or computer, you post a photo of an item you want to sell and browse others’ items to purchase. In information groups, members share insight and advice. For example, “Looking for a ballerina cake for my child’s party.

Any suggestions?” or “Need a reputable tree trimmer. Has anyone had good luck with someone?”

I started by clicking “Join” on the page and then being accepted as a member by a moderator. (Moderators make and enforce rules, sometimes banning participants if necessary.) In trading groups, potential buyers type “Interested” in the Comments, and the buyer/seller work out details of meeting. This is not an auction, like Ebay; instead, the first to type “Interested” gets first dibs.

I quickly became obsessed. I sold a rug, fabric, baby items and a mattress. In my first few months, I not only gained back valuable space in my garage, but also over $2,000 in sales.

Robin Lutz is the administrator for the West University Trading Facebook group, whose membership has increased 25 percent in the past 5 months, with over 5,100 members. “I want to WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 14

lawellphoto.com

by Megan Hundahl Streete, contributing writer

help bring people together,” says Robin, a retired IT executive.

“These sites are a wonderful way for our communities to interact. I have lived in this neighborhood for 27 years, and had it not been for these groups I would have missed out on meeting my favorite friends.”

Katie Bennett, who is originally from Alabama, modeled her local groups after similar ones in her hometown of Birmingham. “I started FACEBOOK FRIENDS When Walker Johnson was seriously injured in a baseball game, members of the Memorial Information Trading Facebook group supthese because I saw how ported him and his mom Christy by filling their yard with baseballs covered in useful location-based supportive messages. social-media groups are flood their front yard, each one bearing a handin other cities. You can feel lost in a city the size written message. of Houston.”

“I was overwhelmed with the support from One of Katie’s groups, Memorial Area this online community,” said Christy. “I turned Trading, quickly blossomed to over 10,000 to MIT in a moment of shock and can say the members. Due to its popularity, Katie now keeps response supported us through this crisis.” a tight rein on who she accepts as new members.

The Johnsons started a non-profit organizaThe trust that members have for each other is tion called Walker’s Warriors to place defibrillastaggering. Strangers ask other strangers online tors at Houston baseball fields. Many MIT memfor advice ranging from their child’s health conbers have contributed to the $6,000 raised so far. dition to family dilemmas and vacation spots.

For those looking to join online neighborChristy Johnson, a sales consultant at A hood groups, both Katie and Robin encourage Perfect Fit resale boutique, leaned on a newbies not to give up if they aren’t immediately Facebook group, Memorial Information Trading, accepted into one particular group. Search for after her child’s near-death experience. other groups in your neighborhood or consider A few months ago, her 13-year-old son Walker starting your own group. was pitching a baseball game and was struck with Many people have said that social media is the a ball. His heart stopped, and he was rushed to death of real person-to-person contact. As I watch the hospital. A few days later, worried and needthese members interact and see new kinds of coming support, Christy turned to the Memorial munities emerge, I could not disagree more.

Information Trading (MIT) group. She explained what happened and asked for prayers.

Editor’s note: Writer Megan Hundahl Streete has Her post received over 1,000 “Likes” and over been a senior producer for CNN news shows and a 200 written responses. After Walker returned creative consultant for TV producer Shonda home, strangers from the group dropped food Rhimes. She currently works in client communicaand notes of support on the family’s doorstep. In tions, including marketing and social media. a special tribute to Walker, baseballs began to

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Spending tips for grads Another graduation season has passed. Thousands of 20-somethings – the millennial generation – are entering the workforce, excited about new freedoms, a new journey and shiny new paychecks. Along with the excitement, however, come responsibility and new decisions about spending.

I recently read the article 6 Things Recent Grads Should Spend Money On by Samantha Sharf, and it got me thinking. Sharf reports that the spending habits of today’s grads were impacted by the recession they experienced as they were coming of age. She cites Kristen Euretig, a financial planner specializing in young clients, who says this generation’s conservative spending tendencies “resemble what you would expect to see from a Depression-era client.”

In other words, these are some pretty serious-minded, level-headed young people. Sharf advises them to spend on six important things as they embark on their adult lives. Some of the items, such as building emergency and retirement funds, are predictable. All are valid and practical. To them I would add four more that young people might not typically think of.

1. Network: Investing time (and membership dues) in professional, social and civic organizations can build relationships that pay off for a lifetime.

Get involved with groups whose focus aligns with your personal or professional goals. Learn how to communicate in high-touch, old fashioned ways, such as by hand-written notes.

2. Home: Think about and save for your first home or other large “ROIpotential” purchase. This may seem to belong on the “someday” list. But it’s never too early to start saving for your first home. And the earlier you can buy a home – even a small one – the sooner you can start building equity

and taking advantage of the mortgage interest deduction on your taxes.

3. Auto: Put money aside for car maintenance. Unless you depend on mass-transit, your car is as much an “appendage” as your cell phone.

Spend the money to keep it healthy with all needed maintenance. Don’t neglect the interior or body, either.

You’ll appreciate the value it retains when it’s time to trade it in.

4. Remember: Life’s a marathon, not a sprint. This tip isn’t as much about how to spend money. It’s about keeping money in perspective. Don’t let the expenses of adult life cause you to focus only on the job with the biggest salary. What you really want is the career with the deepest fulfillment. You can build a low starting salary into a remunerative career, especially if it involves something you enjoy. Make sure you finish your career marathon with a smile on your face and not in a cloud of burnout!

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 JUNE 2015 17

Wedding Stories

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Chris Bailey Photography

Memories from the big day

I DO Lauren Baughman’s wedding party included (from left) Emily Brents, Katy Odom, Anna Domning, Samantha Sebastian, Heather Gates, bride Lauren, Kimberly Horowitz, Blair Barrett, Jackie Sibley, Ali Gray and Sarah Watts.

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wasn’t nervous about marrying Matt. We’d already been together for more than seven years, and, as corny as it may sound, we both knew within six months of dating that we would marry each other one day, even though we were still in college at the time.

But I was nervous about tripping down the aisle. Or falling up the aisle. I worried about stumbling during our first dance. (Notice a common, klutzy theme here?) I envisioned fainting while reading my vows. The scenarios of embarrassing situations played out in my mind for months during our engagement. However, I was determined that, no matter what went wrong, nothing would ruin our weekend. And thankfully, nothing like that happened in real life. Our wedding weekend, except for a few minor snafus that I didn’t even learn about till later (thanks to my detail-oriented wedding coordinator) was perfect.

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The real reason I was able to stay calm, despite my pervasive fear of tripping and ripping my dress, was because of my bridesmaids. These girls, some of whom I’ve known since elementary school, demanded that I drink lots of water – through a straw, so as to not mess up my lipstick – and eat a substantial amount of food.

They put my shoes on for me so I wouldn’t have to bend down in my dress. They made sure I had everything I needed and, more importantly, that I laughed all day long. They goofed around, making me (and our hair stylists and makeup artists) laugh, and made the day, which had felt so full of pressure, feel light, like the fun, joyful day it should be.

The process of planning and executing a wedding is made up of tiny details, all of which feel so significant. And at the end of the day, it generally comes together the way it should. No mat-

ter what happens – even if I had tripped down the aisle – the most important thing is marrying the person you’re meant to marry and enjoying the moment with your best friends and family.

I returned from our mini moon (see this month’s Travel Buzz column on mini honeymoons on page 26) in Wimberley at Blair House Inn and got back into the wedding spirit all over again by asking Buzz residents to share highlights of their recent weddings with me.

Lauren Baughman + Barrett (March 28, 2015)

Max

Lauren, who works in public relations, met Max Barrett, an investment banker, at a party that mutual friends hosted several years ago. At first, Lauren “didn’t give him the time of day,” but things changed and they started dating. One night, they went to a black-tie gala, and, after-

Chris Bailey Photography

Chris Bailey Photography Chris Bailey Photography

CHEERS Top photo: Max Barrett’s wedding party included (from left) Daniel Arnoldy, Tim Neuhaus, Jason Arnoldy, Pat Hillegass, Andrew Sheedy, Brad Dinerstein, Chris Joseph, groom Max, Daniel Zeplain, Davis Bonham, Douglas Constantiner, Edward Shipper and Scott Arnoldy. Bottom photos: Lauren and Max Barrett married at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and then headed to River Oaks Country Club for the celebration.

ward, he “kidnapped” Lauren, not letting her ask questions about what they were doing next. (“I ask a lot of questions – I’m not very go-with-theflow,” she laughed.) They ended up at Ruchi’s, a now-closed Mexican restaurant where they used to hang out a lot when they first started dating. Max had rented out the space and filled it with flowers and a mariachi band to set the scene for a celebration with friends and family as he proposed to Lauren.

The wedding day, for Lauren, started off with relaxing at her parents’ house in River Oaks

with her bridesmaids as they got their hair and makeup done and sipped on champagne and rosé. Max enjoyed lunch with his groomsmen at Brooklyn Athletic Club and then got ready at his mom’s house in River Oaks, just a mile down the road from Lauren’s parents. A boys’ choir sang during the traditional ceremony at St. Luke’s Church. Then, guests headed to River Oaks Country Club, which was decorated with big, white flowers with lots of leafy greens.

Lauren particularly loved the chandeliers in the ballroom, decorated with green foliage. Each

chandelier had 100 candles dropping from it.

There were several symbolic pieces throughout the ceremony and reception, including the cake topper on their wedding cake, which was the same one that topped Lauren’s parents and her sister’s wedding cake. Throughout the wedding day, Lauren wore her grandmother’s hair pin, which was her “something old” and her way of honoring her.

The food was catered by River Oaks Country Club, with several stations, including beef, fish, chicken, pasta and veggies. (continued on page 20) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 19

Blue Glass Photography

Blue Glass Photography Blue Glass Photography

(continued from page 19) After dancing had been in

full swing for hours, the couple brought in Whataburger taquitos and honey butter chicken biscuits, which had personalized labels on the wrappers that said: What-a-wedding.

Vendors + Venues Rehearsal dinner: Max’s mom’s backyard, catered by Elizabeth Swift, with an island theme in honor of the couple’s St. Lucia honeymoon; Venue: The St. Regis; Day-of wedding coordinator: Allison Williford of Soiree Bliss; Wedding gown: Casa de Novia; Groom tux: Wayne Jones Custom Suit & Shirtmakers; Groomsmen tuxes: Jos. A. Bank; Flower girl dress: Jenny Kim; Ring bearer tux: Tuechild; Florist: Events In Bloom; Band: Tenacity; Cake: Who Made the Cake; Photographer: Chris Bailey; Videographer: Cakewalk Films; Registries: Neiman Marcus, Bering’s, Williams & Sonoma; Bridesmaid gifts: Monogrammed GiGi New York clutches; Groomsmen gifts: Monogrammed Smathers & Branson belts; Rings: Herfort Diamond Ring Factory (engagement ring), Deutsch & Deutsch (wedding band); Getaway car: Monarch British Limousines; Honeymoon: St. Lucia

Michelle Benson + Soyyar (April 17, 2015)

DESTINATION WEDDING Top photos: Michelle Benson and Alfred Soyyar married at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Bottom left: Fifty close friends and family were present for the ceremony and reception, including Michelle’s matron of honor, Salena Wang, and Alfred’s best man, George Bohnisch.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 20

Alfred

Michelle and Alfred initially became friends during college at the University of Houston.

Years later, they became friends on Facebook and started dating soon after.

Napa Valley was one of the first vacations they took together, so they decided to go again as an anniversary trip. Michelle thought they were at a vineyard for a wine tasting when a man asked if they would be interested in a horse and carriage ride through the vineyard. They said yes

Kelli Elizabeth Photography Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Kelli Elizabeth Photography

MEANT TO BE At left: Jessica Sowers and Casey Holm first met at West University Elementary. Bottom right: Casey wrote these love letters to Jessica in fourth grade. Top right: The couple married at The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., but tried to infuse a Texas twist into their wedding, such as these cowboy and cowgirl cake toppers.

and, toward the top of the vineyard overlooking the valley, Alfred proposed.

They decided to get married at The RitzCarlton, St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, as they had visited the year before and loved it.

“We loved the views and surrounding islands,” Michelle said. “The hotel was breathtaking.”

They kicked off the wedding weekend with a rehearsal dinner on the beach, including a steelpan band and a fire dancer. The ceremony took place on the hotel’s cliff-side gazebo, draped with white sheer drapery with floral sprays on each side. The celebration went inside for the reception, decorated with tall, floral centerpieces and white, sheer drapery throughout.

Festive Caribbean dancers started the party after Michelle and Alfred said their “I dos.” The guests totaled 50 close friends and family members, including Michelle’s matron of honor and her husband’s best man, his cousin. The adventure continued for their honeymoon, as they traveled to the Maldives for their honeymoon and stayed in an overwater bungalow.

Vendors + Venues Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas USVI; Wedding coordinator: Kaley Houdyshell; Wedding gown: Winnie Couture; Bridesmaid dresses:

David’s Bridal; Groomsman tux: Macy’s; Florist: East End Flowers USVI; DJ: Eric Snow; Photographer: Blue Glass Photography; Videographer: Chris Bramley; Registries: Bed Bath & Beyond and Crate & Barrel; Bridesmaid gifts: Robes from Plum Pretty Sugar to wear while getting ready for the wedding; Groomsmen gifts: Cuff links; Rings: Nacol & Co. (engagement ring); David Yurman (wedding band); Honeymoon: Maldives

Jessica Sowers + Casey Holm (Sept. 27, 2014) Jessica and Casey first met in kindergarten at West U Elementary. It took a few years (read: fourth grade) before Casey discovered he had a crush on Jessica and wrote her “love notes” in Mrs. Williams’ class. The two stayed in touch, as he went on to Pershing Middle School and Lamar High School and she went to St. John’s School for middle and high school. They dated on and off, but it wasn’t serious until 2011. They remained long-distance for a few months until Casey joined Jessica in the Washington, D.C., area, where she had moved for graduate school.

Not too long after, the two traveled to New York together to visit Colgate University, where

Jessica had attended college, for homecoming.

On their trip, they visited Willow Path, a treelined pathway on campus. Legend has it that the person you kiss on this pathway is who you’ll marry. Turns out the legend came true for them because, in May 2013, Casey gave Jessica a bouquet of flowers with a postcard of Willow Path.

On the back, it said, “Will you marry me?”

Jessica, now a clinical psychologist, and Casey, who’s the CFO of a chiropractic company, chose to get married in Washington, D.C., where they currently live, though they made sure to give their wedding a Texas twist, such as including local favorite Tito’s Handmade Vodka in the gift bags. Jessica wanted an all-white, romantic, classic wedding, so there were white flowers everywhere, plus touches of ivories, gold and champagne to accent. Jessica said a lot of people had advised her not to worry about small details; however, “I’m a very sentimental person, so the details were very important to me.”

On the morning of the wedding, she gave Casey a charm to put on the inside of his jacket that had a picture of his grandfather, who passed away, and a picture of his best friend, who’d passed away in a car accident. She also gifted him a signed photograph of (continued on page 22) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 21

J. Cogliandro Photography

J. Cogliandro Photography J. Cogliandro Photography

PERFECT MATCH At right: Brittany Bloom and Brad Dinerstein were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Top left: Brittany’s wedding party included (from left) Jenny Sangalis, Lauren Lestin, Leila Ladjevardian, Whitney Wolfe, Kate Wilson, bride Brittany, Gracey Winters, Brooke Grisebaum, Ashley Bush, Julie Petry and Victoria Pappas. Bottom left: The centerpieces included elegant arrangements of flowers in shades of blush pink and ivory, surrounded by candles. (continued from page 21) Andre Johnson wishing

them congratulations. “The whole weekend was especially sentimental for us because we’ve known each other for so long and there were so many people there who’ve known us our whole lives,” Jessica said.

Vendors + Venues Rehearsal dinner: La Chaumière; Venue: Fairmont Washington, D.C.; Wedding gown: Town Shop Bridal; Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaid; Groomsmen tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse; Florist: Distinctive Floral Designs by Alison de Wit; Band: Mutual Fun Band; Photographer: Kelli Elizabeth Photography; Videographer: Sweet Start; Party favors: Homemade, knotted “wish bracelet” for each guest that said, “Thanks for helping us tie the knot”; Registries: Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel; Bridesmaid gifts: Robes from Love Ophelia, plus a framed photo and a jewelry dish with their initial; Groomsmen gifts: A golf game WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 22

and a golf accessory; Rings: Mervis; Honeymoon: Antigua

Brittany Bloom + Brad Dinerstein (Sept. 6, 2014) Brittany had just moved back to Houston to attend law school at the University of Houston Law Center after graduating from Southern Methodist University. Mutual friends had set her up on a blind date with Brad, an apartment builder and developer based in Houston. “Brad is nearly five years older than me, which seemed really old at the time,” said Brittany. So she cancelled on him, more than once, but Brad remained persistent and asked again. Brittany’s mom insisted that she meet him for a first date and, thinking Brittany would not show up again, actually showed up at the restaurant, RDG + Bar Annie, on their first date. “She introduced herself to him on our first date,” said Brittany. “He probably

thought I was crazy.”

Even after that first experience, the two started dating, and two years later, Brad bought a house to tear down and told Brittany he needed to show her something he was planning to salvage and reuse for the next house. When she walked in, she saw that he had spray painted on the wall: “Will you marry me?” Shortly after, he led her to his parents’ home for a surprise celebration with family and friends.

The two were married at The Houstonian Hotel. Brittany wore her grandmother’s original wedding ring for the ceremony. The color scheme was blush pink, metallics and ivory, and the room was decorated with tons of flowers, including a ceiling piece with roses and orchids hanging above the dance floor. “There were over 350 people there, but we tried to make the room and reception feel as intimate as possible,” Brittany said.

Kelli Elizabeth Photography Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Kelli Elizabeth Photography

LIKE A DREAM At left: Jordan Magaziner and Matthew Steinfeld made sure to include their dog, Yogi, in some of their wedding photos during their “first look” before the ceremony. Top right: The chuppa, decorated with white, sheer fabric and topped with white flowers with green accents, was lit up by a crystal chandelier.

Bottom right: Jordan’s wedding party included (from left) Jennifer Caplan Barks, Lisa Paquette, Rachel Dodkowitz, Teresa Sisro, Amy Alexander, bride Jordan and groom Matthew, Sasha Bloch, Alli Gold Roberts, Carla Brun, Michelle Goldberg and Sara Steinfeld.

The seated dinner featured steak and lobster, and the wedding cake by Susie’s Cakes was white with raspberry filling. Instead of a groom’s cake, Brad opted for a bananas foster station. For guests craving salty treats after all the dancing, they offered late-night burgers and truffle fries.

The bride and groom exited the celebration in Brad’s father’s 1966 Corvette before honeymooning in Maui.

Vendors + Venues Rehearsal dinner: St. Regis; Rehearsal dinner décor: Plants n’ Petals; Venue: The Houstonian Hotel; Wedding coordinator: Jennifer Hobson, Keely Thorne Events; Wedding gown: Ivory Bridal; Florist: Wedding Flowers by Lisa; Band: Big Blast and The Party Masters; Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections; Photographer: J. Cogliandro; Paper products and photo booth: Joan Lebow; Registries: Williams & Sonoma, KuhlLinscomb, Bering’s; Honeymoon: Maui

Jordan Magaziner + Matthew Steinfeld (March 14, 2015) I remember a moment right after we got engaged. My mom said, excitedly, “I’ll call the rabbi!” and I said, casually, “That’s okay. I’ll call the rabbi.” And she was silent. We had entirely different ideas of who was supposed to do what.

My dad called himself “Switzerland,” and my now-husband, busy with law school, mostly

wanted to show up to the wedding without knowing too many details. Later, my mom and I agreed that having a wedding coordinator was the best decision we made. Our coordinator, Resha Zazueta from Something to Celebrate, made the wedding planning process go smoothly (or as smoothly as can be when a mom and daughter have such different styles and ideas) and helped us execute a vision that we both ultimately loved and truly made us both happy.

The ceremony was decorated with lots of white, romantic flowers with touches of green.

The chuppa had white, sheer fabric and was lit up by a crystal chandelier, and the aisle was lined with stands of white flowers with some subtle crystals coming down. We had written our own vows and worked closely with Rabbi David Lyon and Cantor Daniel Mutlu from Congregation Beth Israel on our ceremony, which felt personal and intimate, especially as songs that were meaningful to us were performed by the pianist.

Better Together by Jack Johnson played as our wedding party walked down the aisle, I’m Yours

by Jason Mraz played as I walked down with my parents, and Rather Be by Clean Bandit played as Matt and I walked down together.

We tried to infuse our wedding with beautiful décor but also incorporate what’s special to us; for example, the table with the place cards was decorated with a cherry blossom, symbolic of

Washington, D.C., where Matt and I met during college. Our white wedding cake also had sugar cherry blossom flowers down the sides, though Matt loved his groom’s cake shaped like Yankee Stadium even more. (He grew up in upstate New York and is a big Yankees fan. I still root for the Astros.)

The reception was decorated with four, tall columns made up of white flowers surrounding the dance floor and the band played lots of fun, modern tunes, which kept guests dancing past midnight.

Vendors + Venues Venue: Hilton Post Oak; Wedding coordinator: Resha Zazueta from Something to Celebrate; Wedding gown: Winnie Couture; Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal; Groomsmen tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse; Florist: Wedding Flowers by Lisa; Band: The Pictures; Cake: For Heaven’s Cake; Photographer: Kelli Elizabeth Photography; Videographer: Click; Registries: Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, KuhlLinscomb; Bridesmaid gifts: Monogrammed zipup hoodies from American Eagle and personalized clutches from Etsy; Groomsmen gifts: Cufflinks from groomstand.com; Rings: Charde Jewelers (engagement ring) and Shaftel Diamond Company (wedding bands).

MORE ONLINE See more wedding photos at thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 23

FOOD

by Christina Frederick, contributing writer

Cooking Buzz

Grab-and-go bridal brunches

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

I

t’s wedding season, and nothing is more exciting than the actual wedding day. Until then, the parties leading up to the big day are managed by your friends and family, but on your special day, the roles are reversed. It’s now your job to host your loved ones as a special thank you for their support.

One of my favorite trends is the wedding-day bridal brunch. Often, bridesmaids live in multiple cities, making it hard for them to get together for every shower, or the bachelorette party.

Instead of asking your friends to make yet another trip for one of these events, you can honor them on your special day with a casual, graband-go bridal brunch.

Between getting hair and makeup done and trying to spend time together, it is important for everyone to eat. A brunch menu can cover breakfast and lunch to make sure everyone will be happy until dinner.

I love the fruit- and nut-filled Raspberry White Chocolate Muffins, Almond Polenta Muffins and Apple Pecan Muffins in the Junior League of Houston cookbook Peace Meals.

These can be made a day or two before the wedding. Mini muffins are perfect for brunch, but consider a mixture of small and standard sizes so guests have a choice.

Another recipe from Peace Meals is Cinnamon Pear Scones. Once you create the base dough, you can change out the cinnamon and pears with a multitude of options. Consider combinations such as pecans and orange zest, lemon zest and blueberry or even a savory option like cheddar and smoked bacon.

Peace Meals is also home to my favorite granola recipes, Cherry Almond Granola and Peanut Butter Granola. They both pair wonderfully with yogurt and fresh fruit. As a bonus, granola can be placed in small bags for wedding-party members to take to the wedding location as a snack.

If you don’t want to cook, you could buy some items at the Pantry at the Junior League of Houston. Good options include the Breakfast WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 24

Sausage Tart and Quiche Lorraine; they are frozen and can be heated when needed.

And the famous Orange Rolls are always a popular choice.

No brunch is complete without beverage options, from the traditional mimosa onward.

The Pomegranate Peach Smoothie from Stop and Smell the Rosemary is a fun spin on a traditional fruit smoothie. Pomegranate juice adds a fun, refreshing surprise.

A punch for the blushing bride is the CINNAMON PEAR SCONES This tasty scone recipe pairs the sweet, spiced flavors of cinnamon and pear, but consider a savory version as well, such as Peach Champagne cheddar and smoked bacon.

Punch from Peace together the remained cup of sugar, the baking Meals. It’s the perfect bubbly-pink punch to powder and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cinmake the night before the big day. Serve in a namon and the salt in a large bowl. Using a fork, punch bowl and add mint leaves to float on top. mix in the 1 cup of butter. Add the cream and You can also prepare this punch as a mocktail by mix by hand (up to 3 total cups of cream can be leaving out the champagne. added until the dough is sticky). Add the cooled pears to the dough and gently fold in by hand.

Cinnamon Pear Scones Form the dough into 4-inch discs and place on From Peace Meals the prepared baking sheets. Bake the scones for 1 cup (2 sticks) plus 3 tablespoons unsalted about 30 minutes or until light golden brown. butter, softened, divided For smaller scones, form the dough into 30 21 cup peeled and diced fresh pears inch discs and reduce baking time to approxi1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided mately 18 to 20 minutes. Melt the remaining 2 2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon cinnamon, tablespoons of butter and brush the top of each divided scone; generously sprinkle the scones with addi8 cups all-purpose flour tional sugar. Makes 15 large or 30 small scones.

3 tablespoons baking powder 1 tablespoon salt Editor’s note: Junior League member Christina 2½-3 cups heavy whipping cream Frederick, a wedding and event planner, owns Christina Leigh Events. To buy a Houston Junior Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line bakLeague cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608. ing sheets with parchment paper. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the pears, 1 tablespoon of the For other recipes mentioned in this story, see sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and sauté thebuzzmagazines.com. until the pears are softened. Set aside. Mix

MORE ONLINE

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 25

TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz The mini (honey)moon

M

aybe it’s taken all you’ve got to just tie the knot, and Bora Bora or even the Riviera Maya are a little out of reach.

Maybe it’s just the timing that’s off; you’d rather plan your escape to the tropics when it’s cold and gray at home, or when it fits in a little better with other life events. Whatever the reason, many couples are opting to delay their honeymoon. But as three Buzz couples learned, that doesn’t mean you have to jump right back into business as usual.

Enter the mini-moon: a quick escape a little closer to home.

For Leslie Carrigan Simmons and Charles Simmons, it was clear from the outset that they wouldn’t be able to do the Bora Bora honeymoon they had planned right away; Charles was finishing his first year of his MBA with an internship and couldn’t go too far until that was finished. Instead, they stayed closer to home and put their energies into an all-out kind of wedding: a full Memorial Day weekend at Barton Creek Resort and Spa. They began with a big welcome party on Friday night and held a golf tournament for the guests on Saturday, followed by a rehearsal dinner. They culminated the gathering on Sunday with a picture-perfect wedding and a party that lasted until 1 a.m. – after which a limousine whisked them off to a getaway at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

In retrospect, they say, it was the best thing they could have done. “We were there Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night, visiting with over 600 guests and eating too much and drinking too much and hardly sleeping at all, and the last thing we wanted to do was get on a plane at 5:30 a.m. and travel 12 hours to wherever,” said Charles.

There would be time enough for that 12-hour trans-Pacific flight later. For now, they slept in as long as they wanted to, ordered room service and just relaxed.

“It ended up raining the whole first day, which we really loved,” said Leslie, who works in interior design. There was no temptation to go out and do anything other than just relax and enjoy the views of Lake Austin from their lakefront suite.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 26

LOVE BUG Debbie and Arturo Karakowsky escaped to La Cantera Hill Country Resort for their mini-moon, where a golf cart was essentially their car for three days.

“The first whole day we sat in big comfy robes on our beautiful porch looking at the water,” Leslie recalls. “We ordered all three meals from room service and just literally sat on the balcony with a glass of wine and watched the storm.”

After 24 hours of doing nothing at all, they took advantage of the spa, getting three different types of couples massages and then a good workout in a spinning class. Finally the skies cleared up long enough to enjoy the lake, so they got a pair of kayaks and kayaked down Lake Austin.

The resort is tucked away on a peaceful side of the lake, giving it a private feel, Leslie said.

The delayed honeymoon was Charles’ idea.

“I never dreamed of not going on my honeymoon right after my wedding – but the way we did it was perfect. I wouldn’t change anything,” Leslie said. The mini-retreat gave them a chance to reflect on the whirlwind they had just passed through and look ahead to what would come next.

Three months after the actual wedding, the Bora Bora retreat was like a dream: over-thewater bungalows, a romantic sunset cruise, a surprise encounter with Jennifer Aniston. There was time to think about what they wanted and plan it out, and even after the 12-hour flight, there was energy to do it all: snorkeling in the

coral reef right outside their door, paddle-boarding, parasailing, swimming, jet-skiing, taking an ATV to the top of the mountain to gaze out at the infinite variation in shades of blue that surrounded them.

“If we’d gone right after the wedding we’d have been completely exhausted and wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much,” said Charles. “The way we did it, we were well rested and really looking forward to it. We had full energy and were able to do everything we wanted.”

Like the Simmons, the Karakowskys weren’t ready for a big honeymoon after their January 2008 wedding, but for different reasons. Debbie and Arturo met as counselors at a summer camp when they were just 18, and their story went like a lot of summer romances. The two became fast friends and a few years later began dating; a year later, they were engaged, and started dreaming of the big traditional wedding. But there was a twist. Arturo was a Mexican citizen, and Debbie was a law student in Austin. They immediately began the drawn-out and costly visa process that would allow Arturo to live and work in the U.S. “It was a really crazy time for us, “ recalls Debbie, now an attorney with the litigation boutique Yetter Coleman LLP. “We were only 23, I was in the middle of law school exams, Arturo

MAKING THEIR ESCAPE Charles and Leslie Simmons were whisked away in a limousine from their three-day wedding at Barton Creek Resort to their mini-moon at Lake Austin Spa.

was finishing school and getting his professional licenses, we were both entrenched in our job searches, trying to plan a large wedding, living in different countries, and then on top of all of that, we were trying to navigate the immigration process.”

But the challenges just made them stronger.

Arturo’s visa process proceeded on time, and the two made it to the chuppah as scheduled, in January – but Arturo couldn’t leave the country until March, when his visa would be finalized, so the tropical beach would have to wait.

“Instead of a big trip to an exotic country, we needed to stay local so we figured we might as well take it easy and stay in Texas,” Arturo said.

So the couple chose a quick, uncomplicated getaway before plunging back into the thick of things. After the wedding they headed west on I-10 to La Cantera Hill Country Resort, just outside of San Antonio.

“It was actually exactly what we needed – relaxation, recovering from the wedding, down time, reading, enjoying each other,” said Arturo.

It was off-season, and they had the place virtually to themselves. It couldn’t have been more peaceful.

“We had a beautiful casita, and there was nobody else in the village – it was silent. We literally slept for three days,” said Debbie. “A lot of people jump on a plane after their wedding and fly to Bora Bora; I woke up the day after my

wedding and literally didn’t have a voice. I couldn’t imagine grabbing a big suitcase and flying 20 hours to a faraway destination.”

Arturo enjoyed the short breather for other reasons, too; he was in the middle of getting the licenses he needed for his work as a financial advisor. “It was intense – if you fail, you lose your job,” he said. “So Friday of the week before, I drove to Austin to get married; then Monday morning we headed to La Cantera for two nights. I was in the middle of my training – so the final morning of our mini-moon, I put on my suit and headed back to work.”

Come Spring Break, both of them would have a little more time to jet off to an all-inclusive resort on Saint Lucia, but despite the glistening sands and placid Caribbean waters, their Hill Country retreat still stands out as one of their best memories.

But nobody beats Kristina and Neville Ramroop for close-to-home convenience for their post-wedding retreat. They knew they’d be headed to Neville’s homeland of Trinidad for their big wedding with the family and a real tropical honeymoon a few months later. Their Houston wedding was in March on a yacht in Kemah, where they were married by the captain and danced the night away with an on-board DJ. Several family members had flown in from Trinidad, so they enjoyed each other’s company until Monday, when the Trinidad Ramroops

boarded a plane and the Houston Ramroops took a week off and spent it relaxing and playing like kids in a mini-moon staycation.

“It was just me and him and spending time with each other,” said Kristina. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world – you sleep late and wake up in your own bed, and you could do anything or nothing if you wanted to.”

Some nights they went out for late-night movies and dinner at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema; other nights they played Top Golf until they closed the place down.

On Friday night they treated themselves to the romance package at The Houstonian, with champagne, strawberries and breakfast in bed.

They swam in the heated pools, enjoying the forest-like ambience. “You’re in the middle of the city and don’t even know it –you’re surrounded by the trees and completely secluded,” said Kristina. “You wouldn’t know you’re a block and a half from the freeway. It’s like an escape within an escape.”

The best part of their staycation-mini moon, Kristina said, was the sense of freedom. “What I liked about was that we planned it as we went.

With Top Golf, it was like an hour before: ‘Let’s go play golf.’ With The Houstonian, it was the night before. You don’t have to have something planned every day,” said Kristina. “I had enough stress trying to put a wedding together. This was exactly what we needed.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 27

NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

When the fourth arrives Tiffiny Gist Photography

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

S

ince I became a mom last summer, I’ve gotten really good at multi-tasking. I recall a moment in our kitchen. I was rocking my daughter in her rocker with my foot, holding my son (her twin) and feeding him with the bottle propped under my chin, on the phone with their pediatrician’s office – while feeding the dog.

Most moms are notoriously good at multitasking, and they seem to get better as each kid comes along. This month, I dedicated Buzz Baby to moms who have four little ones.

Mom-of-four Mary Kathryn Aston recently found herself on her 6-year-old daughter Caroline’s school field trip at the Houston Zoo. She brought along Caroline’s third and newest baby brother, 5-week-old Davis.

“That’s the biggest challenge with having four is that there is just not just enough mommy to go around. I have an incredible amount of mommy guilt,” said Mary Kathryn.

While most new, first-time moms are home in pajama pants, trying to figure out how to nurse, moms of four don’t always get that luxury.

“Caroline was like, ‘Oh Mom, aren’t you going to come on the field trip?’ So I nursed my way through the field trip because I do not want to say no to anyone,” said Mary Kathryn.

Mary Kathryn and her husband Brian, a natural gas broker, have dated since the ninth grade. She attended Stratford High School, and he was at Bellaire High School.

“We always wanted number four. Even before we got married. We just weren’t planning on it at that moment,” Mary Kathryn said, laughing.

As far as the older siblings, Thompson, 4, Brooks, 2, and Caroline, adjusting to life at home with a new baby brother is going all right.

“Caroline is obsessed. I might as well been a surrogate for her. If I wasn’t nursing, I don’t think I’d ever be allowed to hold him,” Mary Kathryn said.

“Brooks is the one that when he [Davis] came home, he kicked the baby swing and said, ‘I WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 28

FOUR IS FUN Mary Kathryn and Brian Aston always wanted four kids. They, along with (from left) Brooks, 2, Caroline, 6, and Thompson, 4, welcomed baby Davis in March.

don’t like that baby. Get that baby out of here.’”

Now, she says, he says, “I love my baby. That’s my baby.”

“But the holidays [when the kids are grown] are going to be so fun. I’m so excited for those times. Hopefully we’ll have a full house,” said Mary Kathryn. “Even if someone can’t make it, there are three others who can.”

Stay-at-home mom Leslie Mathers and her husband Jason, owner of Monarch Landscape Management, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 15 years. They weren’t exactly planning all along on having a fourth baby, but say it’s been a blessing to them.

“I remember the day I found out. I was so surprised. My husband was in a meeting with his employees and could not answer the phone so I sent him a text,” said Leslie. “He was so excited and came home to give me a kiss.”

Don’t be so quick to give away all those baby items and clothes, warns Leslie. “I was so nervous because it had been six years since I had a baby, and we did not have [any baby gear]. I had given everything away so we were starting over.”

To throw a little more in the mix, the family was in a temporary home as they remodeled their home. “I thought to myself, ‘How am I going to

do this?’ We actually moved into our home two weeks before her arrival,” said Leslie.

They welcomed Helen Monroe eight months ago, along with with older siblings Addison, 11, Jack, 9, and Ella, 7. “They fell in love with her the moment she arrived. I can’t imagine life without her,” said Leslie.

Ashley Mandola, a real estate agent, and her husband, Dominic, owner of Ragin Cajun and L.A. Bar restaurants, had their fourth child, Anna, in November. Anna was welcomed by older siblings Ryan Elizabeth, 6, Dominic, 5, and Gia, 3. Ashley and Dominic had always wanted four children.

Although most times are fun, having four kids can get hectic and, well, messy. “I remember one day I was unloading groceries. It was raining outside,” said Ashley. “My kids discovered dog poop [an accident in the house]. It was all over the walls. All over them. I was on edge that day. Once I got through it, I was fine. You just gotta let go.”

She reminds other moms to enjoy this time that flies by. “It’s like one day the back door blows open, and children come in. The wind blows through the house, which is where we are at. Then the wind opens the front door, and the children will go out.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 29

SPORTS

.

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz D

espite graduating five senior starters who are now playing collegiate softball, it was another magnificent season for the Bellaire Cardinals softball team.

After defeating Cinco Ranch in the bi-district playoffs, the Cardinals raised their record to 25-6 on the season. Bellaire was 14-0 in district to win its 17th district championship in the last 18 seasons.

In the bi-district victory over Cinco Ranch, junior Destiny Barclay connected on three home runs in game two of the series, including a grand slam in the ultimate 10-2 victory. “Three homers in a playoff game is remarkable,” said Cardinals head coach Brien Tuffly.

The hard-hitting Bellaire lineup featured several players with battling averages well over the .400 plateau, including junior third baseman Julissa Duenas, junior shortstop Beth Castillo, senior centerfielder Kaelyn Kringle and second baseman Maegan Hollins. In addition, freshmen Jolie Doung and sophomore Chelsea Baxter not only hit above the .400 mark, but both put forth sensational seasons on the pitching mound, with 0.90 and 1.1 ERAs, respectively.

At Memorial, the Mustangs softball team won its first district championship in over a decade by going 12-0 in district. With a bi-district playoff victory over Cy Falls, the Mustangs raised their overall record to 23-5 on the season. “The really big thing about this team is that the girls hit the ball extremely well. We had 34 home runs in the regular season, which is pretty extraordinary,” said Mustangs head coach Stephanie Mosley.

The biggest homer of the season undoubtedly took place in game one of the bi-district playoff series versus Cy Falls, when sophomore Kaleigh Stallings hit a walk-off, game-winning, threerun homer in the Mustangs’ dramatic 8-7 victory. For the season, Stallings boasted a lofty .632 batting average, with nine home runs.

Other big bashers for the Mustangs included Emily Ellis with a .576 average and 10 home runs, Kara Kennedy (.518 average), Kayla Keeling (.475 average/9 home runs) and Jenny Drago (.453 average/4 home runs).

For the first time since 2006, the Kinkaid Falcons are Southwest Preparatory Conference WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 30

baseball champions.

Kinkaid won the crown by defeating Dallas St. Marks 5-3 in the title game of the SPC tournament. The Falcons also beat St. Andrews and Episcopal by identical 6-3 scores at the tournament.

“It’s a very intense single-elimination tournament, so there’s an immense amount of pressure,” said Falcons head coach Steve Mass.

“I’m really proud of our guys.

They’re an extremely hard working and deserving group of FLEXING THEIR MUSCLES Travis Tolliver and Georgia Wahl led the way for Episcopal at the SPC track and field meet. Led by Tolliver’s four gold medals, the players.”

Episcopal boys won their third straight SPC title, while Wahl broke a pair of Pitchers Will Gaus school records to lead the Episcopal girls to a second-place finish. and Michael Goldack Booker won the 400 meters while also running both had great seasons capped off by victories in the anchor leg in the Knights’ two relay victothe SPC tournament. Gaus, the winning pitcher ries, while Joel Latson and Jaylen Waddle ran in the win over St. Andrews, had a 9-1 record on the winning relay teams. “Our guys simply on the season. Goldack was 7-3 on the season, performed incredible. In a championship meet, highlighted by a victory over Episcopal in the you want to perform at your best, and that’s SPC tournament. what they did,” said Episcopal head track and Falcons third baseman Neal Bhatia, who led field coach Marc Klinkerman. the team in hitting with a .383 average, drilled a Meanwhile, the Episcopal girls finished sectwo-run homer in the championship-game vicond at the SPC meet. Georgia Wahl set school tory, while first baseman Joe Beeler hit a sparkrecords in winning both the high jump and ing .500 for the tournament. “Joe was trementriple jump, while also finishing second in the dous,” said Maas. “He was our most influential 300-meter hurdles and third in the long jump. leader this season.” Defensively, Maas had high Twin sisters Devina Schneider and Jahnavi praise for junior catcher Matthew Cox. “He’s Schneider were outstanding, with Devina winone of the best defensive catchers I’ve ever had.” ning the 800 and 1600 meters, and Jahnavi grabFor the third consecutive year, the Episcopal bing gold in the 3200 meters. She also finished Knights ran away with the SPC boys track and second to her sister Devina in the mile run. field championship. The Knights were led by a spectacular meet from Texas Longhorn signee Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy AwardTravis Toliver, who finished first in the high jump winning co-host and producer of the KUBE and pole vault, while also running on the Knights’ SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 winning 400- and 1600-meter relay teams. p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school Episcopal’s Jack Neary won the shot put with sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, a school-record throw of 58-3, which was the please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. fourth best overall throw in the state. Jordan

SPORTS

.

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Court champ

Swim-bike-run Twelve-year-old Colin Crane participated in the Houston Kids Triathlon. The annual event is the largest kids’ triathlon in the country, and is held at the University of Houston. Colin was among this year’s 2,600 participants. The event is divided into two age categories, and he raced in the senior group with a 200-yard swim, six-mile bike and one-mile run.

Colin finished in second place in his age group, missing first place by only three seconds. Biking was his favorite part of the race, and he averaged 20.5 mph. Competitive biking runs in the family, as Colin’s father is an accomplished track cyclist with some national titles. Right now, Colin doesn’t have immediate plans for more triathlons, but he definitely wants to compete in the same event again next year.

Champion Image

Andrew Sall (top photo), 13, won the USTA Katy ZAT Boys 14 Singles division. He is a seventh grader at River Oaks Baptist School, where he competes for the school’s combined seventh- and eighth-grade team. Andrew was among four players selected to represent the team at the competition, and the tournament win qualified him to advance to the championship level. Andrew began taking tennis lessons at age 6 and started competing in junior team tennis at age 10. He practices six to eight hours each week, depending on his other sports’ schedules. In addition to tennis, Andrew also plays basketball and runs cross country and track for his school.

A perfect 10 Annunciation Orthodox School student Natalie Sheffey, 8, competed at the South Texas state gymnastics meet in Galveston. She scored a perfect 10 in the Level 7 double-mini trampoline event, and she is the reigning Level 6 Junior Olympic National Champion on double-mini trampoline.

Natalie earned qualifying scores in three events to compete at the upcoming Junior Olympic National Championships, which will be held in Fort Worth in July. This is Natalie’s fifth competitive season of trampoline and tumbling with Gymnast Factory. Her younger brothers, Joshua, 7, and Zachary, 4, compete at Gymnast Factory as well. In addition to gymnastics, Natalie also enjoys soccer, tennis and dance.

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 SportsBuzz, 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.

Get More Buzz. Online.

Your community. Your neighbors. Your friends. You. WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 32

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NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Let the good times roll

Renee Klimczak, Laura Guerra, Jennifer Randle and Flor DiMassi (pictured, from

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 34

left) dodged dreaded rain and instead enjoyed good times, friends and boiled crawfish at the Louisiana State University Alumni – Houston Chapter Crawfish Boil at The Firehouse Saloon. Every year, the friends attend together and usually sponsor a table to invite special friends, clients or visitors. In true Tiger spirit, they, along with hundreds of fellow LSU fans, raised their beverage of choice as the fight song came on the loud speakers. The party is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Houston LSU Alumni chapter, with funds raised going to Houstonarea LSU students.

Olé, Annabel To celebrate the first birthday of Annabel Heins, parents Alex and Anthony (pictured) decided to host a fiesta at home. Proud grandparents Connie and Joe Magliolo, Linda and Richard Bischoff, and Cyndi and Willie Heins attended, along with Annabel’s great grandparents, Elvie Bischoff and Suzie and Paul English, her Aunt Patrice and Uncle Jonny Heins, her Uncle Lee Bischoff, her cousins, close friends and neighbors. The festive decorations came from party

store Emerson Sloan, and the smash cake (a “mini” cake babies are given to eat all on their own at their first birthday party) was made by Petit Sweets. Mini cupcakes from Celebrity cupcakes sprinkled the table. Guests enjoyed tacos and fajitas, catered by Don Julio.

Support for Ava When 7-year-old Ava Blencke (pictured, from left), who has cystic fibrosis, had a flare up and

was hospitalized, her West University softball team, the Hurricanes, stepped up to show their support. The girls missed their teammate and made helmet stickers with her name and jersey.

Ava was cleared to return the last week and came to practice right before the post-season tournament. Ava’s key base hits helped propel her team all the way and win the freshman championship. Pictured are teammates during playoffs, (from left) Gracie Lutz, Camille

Thrash, Avery Knupp, Ava Blencke, Ellen Moore, Brett Selldin, Caroline Raynes, Greer Fuselier, Layla Knott and Langdon Chu.

On the hunt

The 2800-2900 block of Tangley has a fun tradition: an Easter egg hunt for the neighborhood kids that started nine years ago. The Easter bunny comes overnight and decorates the yards with eggs.

At 7:30 sharp Sunday morning, the kids assemble on the Eikenburg family’s front porch to await the hunt. Families provide coffee, donuts and kolaches to enjoy while the children hunt. Pictured are (from left) Anya Bishnoi, Grace Chumpitazi, Beckett Ferer, Zach Ferer, Raj Bishnoi, Gabriella Chumpitazi and John Eikenburg.

Field of dreams Hundreds of Challenger Little Leaguers headed to Baylor Ballpark in Waco for the 2015 Shriners Hospitals for (continued on page 36)

Healthy Smiles Need More Than Bubbles

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 35

(continued from page 35) Children Baseball Classic

sponsored by Blue Bell Ice Cream and Elite Sports Medicine of Waco. The event provided kids with physical and mental challenges with the opportunity to live a Division I-college baseball experience, including taking the field with the Baylor baseball players and coaches and hearing their names echo throughout the stadium’s P.A. system. It was all free of charge, thanks to founder and event chair Dustin Johnson, along with the Baylor University community.

Participants included Joe Bassham, John Gravin, Will Fleming, Mark Kubena, Adner Vasquez, Lane Joseph, Keith Thomas, Gianni Casebere, Brandon Alexander, Dylan Alexander, Noah Alexander, Heather Jo Thomas, Luigi Garcia, Morgan Kubena, Nicholas Hennings, Rebecca Hinds, Andrew Emerson and J. Carter Berg.

Happy birthday, Rita A birthday celebration broke loose during Thursday Free Play Mah Jongg at the West University Senior Center when Mah Jongg enthusiast Rita Welsh turned 95. West University resident Delrina Sides hosted the party, with a cake from Moeller’s Bakery, and the women all decided to wear festive hats. Pictured celebrating are (from left) Sides, Ellen Levin, Welsh, Linda Courtney, Pearl Goldman, Pam Butler, Susan Rosenblum, Martha Valentino,

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 36

spondents celebrating a great year are (back row, from left) Mark Cox, Matt Gregg, Scott Kennedy, Erin Rice, (front row, from left) Emily Hallmark, Cyrus Pacht, Grace Armstrong, Mackenzie Ward and Sena Sarikaya. To hear student correspondents tell

Cath Sharp, Barbara Grannis and Natalie Brier. Mah Jongg is a Chinese multiplayer tile game. The free class meets every Thursday at the senior center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There are also Mah Jongg lessons on Fridays at 9 a.m. Call 713-662-5895.

Reporting live The Buzz Magazines’ School Buzz blog launched last fall and, since then, nearly 50 local high school students have taken the opportunity to showcase what’s going on at their schools.

They’ve covered academics, arts and theater, clubs, sports, fashion, school trips, school news, student opinions and more. The Buzz celebrated the successful first year of School Buzz at Island Grill. Students from different schools got to know each other over strawberry smoothies, hummus and pita chips, burgers and fries, and, as a party favor, bundtlet cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Some 2014-15 School Buzz corre-

what it was like to contribute to the blog this year, see their video at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Or, are you in high school and love to write and take photos? Go to The Buzz website and look for School Buzz.

The road to recovery Kathy Butler, Laura Levenson, Melinda Berkman and Becky Hunter (pictured from left) were among the 400 supporters at The Hope and Healing Center and Institute’s 4th Annual Chrysalis Occasion Award Luncheon on April 21. The event was held at the Baby Parish Hall at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. Carroll Ray and her husband, Hugh, were this year’s luncheon chairs, and honorary chair was the Rev. Dr.

Jenny Antill

Jim Jackson. The luncheon paid tribute to founding executive director Dr. Scott Basinger, who retired at the end of December. The keynote speaker and Chrysalis Award recipient was documentary filmmaker Greg Williams. Greg, in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs since the age of 17, is a healthpolicy advocate and documentary filmmaker.

The institute was established to provide a comprehensive program of awareness, prevention and recovery for individuals in all stages of life.

See hopeandhealingcenter.org.

BEAR luncheon inspires Supporters of the nonprofit organization BEAR (Be A Resource for CPS Kids) gathered at River Oaks Country Club for a luncheon. They included (pictured, from left) BEAR director Bernadette Cashin, co-chair Katy Burton, Jim “Mattress Mack” MacIngvale, co-chair Mary Jane Gallagher and emcee Lisa Malosky. MacIngvale, owner of Gallery

Furniture for 33 years, shared his story of coming to Texas with $5,000 and a pickup truck. BEAR was founded in 1997 by a group of concerned people, with a budget of $7,000. Now the budget has grown to more than $1.5 million. The mission of BEAR is

ically includes a student, teacher or alum presentation of some kind. There were also campus tours with current student ambassadors and, then, grilled hot dogs, beer and hanging out outside.

Pictured are (in back, waving) Hannah Low, (back row, from left) Phillip Kobernick, Kevin Goldberg, Joel Henderson, Stephen Uzick, Felix Digilov, (middle row, from left) Jessica Shafer, Amanda Johnson, Ali Bamberger, Stephanie Finger, Tracy Eisenman, Melanie Holzband, Julie Lascar, Sarah Gass, Ariela

to offer hope and help for abused and neglected children in Harris County and support of the caseworkers who protect them. For information, contact Cashin at bernadette.chasin@dfps.state.tx.us.

10 years later The Emery/Weiner School’s “Pioneer Class” – the first graduating class, the class of 2005 – had its 10-year reunion this spring. They kicked off the reunion with cocktails at Ciao Bello on Saturday night. Then they returned to campus on Sunday morning, along with the classes of ’06, ’07 and ’08, for brunch. Activities Sunday started with bagels and coffee, then a recreation of ma’amad, a daily morning program at Emery that typ-

Emery, Hannah Morris, Tiffany Clark, Jamie Davis, Stacie Edelman, Lindsay Caplan Rockoff, Becca Brunton, (front row, from left) Abbie Kamin, Ariel Mucasey, Emily Freedman and Alex Roberts.

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 photos and videos, plus upcoming-event listings, on thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 37

HOME RUN Friends Jacob Weber, a seventh grader at Pin Oak Middle School, and Noah Diano, a seventh grader at Pershing Middle School, (from left) shared their bar mitzvahs and community-service project.

KIDS

by Noah Diano, age 12, and Jacob Weber, age 12

Buzz Kidz

Teaming up with an old friend

W

e have been friends since we were 5.

In third grade, our parents decided we should have our bar mitzvahs together. In fifth grade, we were given our dates: Feb. 27-28, 2015. Yes, we studied and planned for two years! We celebrated our bar mitzvah together in February and had a blast.

Part of our preparations was to do a mitzvah project (a good deed) in our community. We both played for West U Little League Baseball last year and volunteered for the Challenger program. The West University Challenger Division is a program for girls and boys ages 5-22 who are mentally and/or physically challenged. We assist them by acting as guides for the blind, pushing wheelchair-using players around the bases, and helping the Challengers bat or field the ball.

We thought it was fun and a good cause so we decided that would be a great mitzvah project. We discussed it with our moms and Kirsten Leach, the Challenger coordinator, and they agreed. Once we had our charity selected, we needed to figure out how we were going to raise money. We decided on a lemonade stand/bake sale.

The first thing we did was email our families and friends to let them know about our mitzvah project and how they could support our cause.

In preparation, we baked cookies and brownies, with some help from our moms. We made posters, set up a table at the Southside Place City Hall and talked with family, friends and others from our community who came and supported our cause. It was a great day.

We raised over $2,500! The money will be

used for uniforms for the kids, maintaining the fields, equipment and trophies. One kid from every team gets a $200 grant for school, therapy or doctors’ appointments.

We were so happy that we could help kids play baseball who might not have had a chance to play otherwise. We found it rewarding to see how these boys and girls, regardless of their own disabilities, were excited to play baseball. We are proud of ourselves for raising money for such a good cause.

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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Afrin vs. Flonase In 2014, Nasacort became available without a prescription. Nasacort is the inhaled nose spray of triamcinolone, a corticosteroid (steroid). You may have heard of injectable triamcinolone by the name Kenalog. Nasal steroids are the first drug of choice for prevention of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). This class of meds is totally different from the other nose sprays available OTC, such as Afrin, Vicks Sinex or Dristan. Those decongestants provide rapid but temporary relief of nasal congestion. The problem with the nasal decongestants is that the more you use them, the less well they work. In fact, continual use leads to a physical dependence, or addiction.

Nasal steroids, such as Nasacort, Nasonex or Flonase, are a different type of decongestant. They work by preventing the inflammation that leads not only to congestion but also the nasal itching, sneezing and runny nose. If you wait until you have a stuffy nose, they are no more effective than salt water. If you use them on a regular basis, they can prevent not only congestion but also nasal itching, sneezing and runny nose.

Is it safe to use nasal steroids long term? After >25 years of use, we think so. These are microscopic doses of steroids that are effective only because they are applied directly to the target organ (i.e., the nose). Nasacort contains 55 micrograms (55 mcg) of triamcinolone. Meanwhile, your adrenal glands produce 5 milligrams, or 5,000 mcg, of cortisol each day. So a couple sprays of Nasacort in each nostril is inconsequential, unless you are taking additional types of steroid.

Like Claritin going OTC in 2002 being followed by Zyrtec in 2007 and then Allegra in 2011, Nasonex will probably be the next nasal steroid to go

OTC, probably after it goes generic in a year or so. For patients with high co-pays, it may be less expensive to buy name-brand Nasacort OTC than to get the generic as a prescription; plus there’s a $4 coupon on their website.

If you use a nose spray regularly, there are three important facts in the user’s manual: 1. Even though Nasacort has been proven effective at 2 sprays each nostril once each day, it works better if you use 1 spray twice each day.

Once a day works “better than placebo,” but it’s rare we have a patient come in saying he or she wants to feel “better than placebo.”

2. Inhale the nose spray SLOWLY & DEEPLY, so it gets distributed over a wide area inside the nose.

3. Aim the spray AWAY from the nasal septum in the middle. Aiming laterally reduces the chance of getting a nose bleed.

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.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 39

DINING GUIDE

by Russell Weil, contributing writer

This Month in Dining

Local beer and good eats

Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Buzz dining contributor Russell Weil is a native, second-generation Houstonian who loves the history of his hometown and all things burger.

Author of the blog Eat More Burgers, Russell enjoys finding new dining spots with his monthly “Burger Buddy Adventure Group.” Russell also is a longtime docent at Holocaust Museum Houston and a project manager at the technology-communications company ContentActive, where many of his clients are nonprofits, including the United Way, Houston Food Bank, Houston Restaurant Weeks and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Check out his blog at eat-more-burgers.com. Regular Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh will return in a couple of months.

HUGHIE’S TAVERN & VIETNAMESE GRILLE The spicy and flavorful Banh Mi Burger pairs well with Southern Star Buried Hatchet Nitro Stout.

A

lthough craft beers entered the Houston scene more than 20 years ago, it’s only in the past five years that the local-brew movement has exploded here. Joining Houston’s 21-year-old brewing company, Saint Arnold, in recent years have been other local breweries, also receiving national attention, among them Karbach, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, Lone Pint, No Label, Southern Star and 8th Wonder.

Many of Houston’s bars, taverns and restaurants pair their local, national and international craft beers with delicious food. I recently stumbled across a few new finds that have quickly become my favorites, and re-visited legendary taverns that are Houston institutions.

As I was conducting my “research,” I encountered knowledgeable bar staff who educated me on the beers they served. At D&T Drive Inn, 1307 Enid Street in the Greater Heights, the bartender offered the perfect suggestion of the homemade pimento cheese plate to go with my Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro. At Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Company, 1221 W 11th St. in the Heights, I was offered samples of several beers to pair with my Stilton Burger.

At Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave. just north of downtown, the Newery – as some staffers still name the historic brick warehouse they’ve called home for five years – now serves lunch, with prime rib dip and jerk chicken emerging as the most popular menu items.

I always enjoy hearing about favorite spots. You can email me at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or share your favorites in the Comments under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 40

Beer Market Company Craft beer and food Neighborhood: Memorial Heights A recent addition to the Houston craft-beer scene, Beer Market Company offers over 365 beer varieties from around the world. With over 30 flat-screen TVs throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces, Beer Market has a sportsbar feel. But, with 24 taps ready to go, including local Karbach and St. Arnold offerings, this place is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Salads, burgers and tacos for lunch and dinner give way to chicken waffles, short rib eggs benedict and strawberry-banana crepes for Sunday brunch. For those who want to go beyond a beer, they offer a full bar specializing in craft cocktails, including the Moscow Mule (vodka, a spicy ginger beer and lime juice served in a tin cup). 11 a.m-midnight Sun.-Sat. 900 Studemont St., Suite 900, 713-426-9035. beermarketco.com. $-$$

Cottonwood New American food and spirits Neighborhood: Garden Oaks From the owners of Raven Grill comes Cottonwood in Garden Oaks.

Part bar, part pub, part band venue, along with an excellent patio (fire pits, games, live music), Cottonwood offers 30 craft beers on tap. From Nitros (where the addition of nitrogen makes smaller bubbles and a creamier experience) to hoppy India pale ales, their list is impressive. (512) Brewing Company out of Austin is represented, as is local favorite 8th Wonder.

Their Squirrel Master Burger sports a poblano-stuffed Angus patty, thick layer of creamy pepper jack, crispy bacon and a fried egg dotted with bright green flecks of fresh jalapeño. Besides salads and sandwiches, Cottonwood also offers a Sunday brunch featuring Tres Leches French Toast. 4 p.m.midnight Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat. 2422 N. Shepherd Dr., 713802-0410. cottonwoodhouston.com. $-$$

Crisp Gastropub Neighborhood: Houston Heights This Heights-area gastropub, serving updated comfort food and craft beer on tap, is hidden among the myriad of townhomes being built on the surrounding streets. With a 5,000-square-foot patio/garden, Crisp is a good place to dine or have drinks outdoors after work. Their menu specialties include a stone deck-fired pizza, plus over 100 wines and 24 craft beers on tap. In addition to their pizza offerings, I suggest trying their rich Baked Texas Goat Cheese & Marinara Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce with Soft Garlic and cheesy Drunken Garlic Bread. Crisp’s half-pound burger with Angus beef is also very good, as are the homemade rosemary and garlic fries. 11 a.m.-1.p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11a.m.-midnight Fri., 10 a.m.-midnight Sat.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 2200 Bevis, 713-360-0222. crispheights.com. $$

D&T Drive Inn Beer garden Neighborhood: Houston Heights This updated icehouse, near Cavalcade and Interstate 45 in the Greater Heights, is a popular neighborhood bar with a knowledgeable staff serving 50 beers on tap. D&T originally opened in 1959, and the current owners have continued the neighborhood bar with the addition of an inventive kitchen. D&T’s food menu has snacks and sandwiches, as well as daily specials, including Tuesday steak night. I had been told by several friends to try their homemade pimento cheese served with Ritz crackers, so I thought this would be the perfect pairing with my creamy and full-flavored Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro. The pimento cheese possessed the right amount of sharpness along with a slightly spicy kick. On my next visit, I have my eye on the Grilled Brie Sandwich with pickled grapes and ham. With plenty of indoor seating, as well as front and rear patios, and flat screen TVs, D&T Drive Inn could be my new happy hour spot to hang out with friends, watch a game, and enjoy beer and food after work. 3 p.m.-midnight Mon.-Fri., 12 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat.; 12 p.m.-midnight Sun. 1307 Enid St., treadsack.com/dtdriveinn. $-$$

The Ginger Man Pub Neighborhood: Rice Village Nestled in Rice Village, The Ginger Man has been serving fine beer since 1985. This Texas chain offers over 50 beers on tap from around the world. This quaint Rice location, with its outdoor patio, is a Houston favorite. Settling in on the front patio with a half-pint of (admittedly nonlocal) Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, I chose to pair my libation with their Pesto Cheese sandwich – Gouda, Provolone and sharp cheddar cheeses, roasted red peppers and pesto on a French roll. While the sandwich was slightly undercooked, with the cheese not fully melted, the taste was pungent and flavorful. Other traditional pub-food items include bratwurst and a jumbo warm pretzel served with mustard. This is a great place to relax and take in the scenery on a Saturday afternoon. 2 p.m.-2 (continued on page 42)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 41

Petrol Station Gastropub Neighborhood: Oak Forest This Oak Forest gastropub is a favorite of locals who enjoy a neighborhood spot serving a good selection of local beers and breweries by knowledgeable bartenders. Located on a quiet neighborhood street, Petrol Station also offers delicious and creative food. I am a burger guy, and I know first-hand that Petrol Station can claim burgerbragging rights. Other items include their brown ale-infused “Drunken Reuben” sandwich, a smoky mac and cheese, fish tacos and muffaletta.

This converted 1940s-era service station has been neatly outfitted in a streamlined industrial look.

You can choose to eat inside, or enjoy their awesome patio seating. 5 p.m.-midnight Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat., noon-10 p.m. Sun. 985 Wakefield Dr., 713-957-2875. $-$$

Revelry on Richmond D&T DRIVE INN The homemade pimento cheese and Ritz-cracker plate hit the spot with a creamy pint of Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro. (continued from page 41) a.m. Mon- Fri.; 1 p.m.-2

a.m. Sat & Sun. 5607 Morningside, 713-5262770. thegingerman.com/Houston $-$$

Graffiti’s at Union Street Burgers, steaks and chops Neighborhood: First Ward I stumbled upon this nostalgia-filled, Washington Avenue-area, counter-service find.

From old signs and posters on the walls to Astrodome memorabilia at the tables, this place felt like going back home. The craft-beer selections are from local favorites such as Lone Pint, Saint Arnold and Karbach. I got to know my Lone Pint Zeno’s Pale Ale, with hints of citrus and pine, and chose the 409ER – a classic burger with smoked cheddar, mixed greens, housemade pickles, tomato, grilled onions and bacon chunks. Other comfort-food options include chicken fried steak, pork chops, rib eye steak and fried chicken. Service was a little slow when I went, but, since they make everything from scratch, including the bread and grinding the mixture of choice chuck with brisket and short rib, I figured some patience was in order. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 2003 Union St., 713-8697000. grafittisburger.com $-$$

Hay Merchant Craft food and beer Neighborhood: Montrose Located on lower Westheimer, which was named for the German immigrant and hay merchant Mitchell Louis Westheimer, this craftfood and beer establishment in a rustic setting is a popular spot. Their website proclaims that “beers are always served at the proper temperature, with the correct pressure and gas mix, in appropriate glassware, and by folks who know what the hell they’re talking about.” In addition WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 42

to nearly 100 beers on tap, the food served is darn good as well. I paired a pint of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale with their Citrus BBQ Pork Buns – fish sauce, iceberg lettuce, smoked pork, tomatoes and cilantro on a fluffy steamed bun.

Other food offerings include a warm pretzel with “redneck cheddar cheese dip,” Texas chili with cornbread, and the “Cease and Desist” burger served with hand-cut fries. Be prepared to wait if you have a large party. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.Fri; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sat. & Sun. 1100 Westheimer Rd., 713-528-9805. haymerchant.com. $-$$

Hughie’s Tavern & Vietnamese Grille Vietnamese-American tavern Neighborhood: Lazy Brook/Timbergrove I recently noticed a little dive called Hughie’s Tavern & Vietnamese Grille while driving down W. 18th Street near Ella Boulevard in the Lazy Brook/Timbergrove area. As I walked in the door of this former Dairy Queen with a cozy pub setting, I saw numerous blackboards filled with the day’s offering of craft beers. The owners came to this country in the early 1980s after a long scary journey from Communist-torn Vietnam. They created a unique hybrid of classic Vietnamese cuisine with an American twist, adding in over 20 craft beers on tap from local favorites such as Lone Pint, Buffalo Bayou and Karbach breweries. They serve authentic Vietnamese dishes such as banh mi sandwiches and vermicelli bowls. Hughie’s for lunch is quite a treat. I suggest pairing their Banh Mi Burger, freshly ground chuck patty topped with crunchy Vietnamese vegetables, with a half-pint of Southern Star Buried Hatchet Nitro Stout. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.Sat. 1802 W. 18th St., 713-869-1830.

Hughiesgrille.com. $-$$

Sports bar Neighborhood: Montrose This popular and inviting Montrose area sports and craft-beer bar has an impressive beer and food hamburger menu. With 40 specialty craft beers on tap, Revelry is particularly popular on game day, which is just about every day. Along with offering options from local breweries such as 8th Wonder and Buffalo Bayou, Revelry on Richmond offers up some delicious food, which includes Saint Arnoldbraised short ribs as well as my favorite, the Big Kidz Grilled Cheese (Gruyere, Gorgonzola and Fontina cheeses served on Texas toast, lightly battered and deep fried), as well as some of the best burgers Houston has to offer. Revelry also offers creative fries, my favorite being the Parmesan Truffle. Happy hour & dinner Mon.-Sat. 1613 Richmond Ave., 832-538-0724. revelryonrichmond.com. $-$$

Saint Arnold Brewing Company Craft brewery Neighborhood: Near Northside No beer-with-food research would be complete without including Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Texas’ oldest craft brewery, on the list. A rich part of Houston history, the brewery’s building is a 1914 brick warehouse repurposed into a party-popular beer hall with rows of picnic tables, a view of brewing tanks and a wood-paneled bar offering beer on tap. Long attracting a large following for tours and special events, Saint Arnold started serving weekday lunches two years ago. I ordered a flavorful quarterpound Bishop’s Burger, and my server suggested I pair this with their most popular beer, Saint Arnold Amber Ale. The fruity flavor of the beer was a nice contrast to the salty, spiced taste of the burger. Equally as fun as enjoying my lunch in a brewery was the people watching of those who were enjoying a beer for lunch. Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.- Fri. 2000 Lyons Avenue, 713686-9494.saintarnold.com. $-$$

plete the perfect burger haven. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Tues.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11a.m.4 p.m. Sun. 1420 Edwards St., 713-227-4893. stantonscitybites.com. $-$$

Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co.

GRAFFITI’S AT UNION ST. Try the 409ER Burger with a Lone Pint seasonal.

Stanton’s City Bites Burgers Neighborhood: First Ward This First Ward hamburger haven is second generation-owned by the family of the late Art Fong, and its burgers are deliciousness defined.

The meat (chuck) is ground daily on site with

brisket for a sweet taste to balance out the salty flavors of the burger. Along with some of the best burgers in town, Stanton City bites offers delicious crunchy egg rolls and crispy fried pickles. From Saint Arnold to Shiner, thirsts are quenched with their endless bottled-beer selection. Folding tables and old wooden floors com-

Tavern Neighborhood: Heights Situated in a small Houston Heights strip center, Witchcraft Tavern has a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, with dishes such as truffle fries, seared scallops, burgers and salads. I felt right at home. It offers over 20 beers on tap, including Karbach, Buffalo Bayou, and Austin’s (512) Brewing Company. I ordered a half-pint of 8th Wonder’s Alternate Universe. This German ale has a mixture of a malty backbone with a balanced hop bite – smooth and flavorful. I paired this with their Stilton Burger, topped with candied bacon, sautéed mushrooms, balsamic onion and Stilton blueberry cheese. This was not an easy decision considering they also offer short ribs, fried chicken and a Vietnamese charred salad. So, I guess I’ll have to go back. Lunch & dinner Mon.Fri.; brunch & dinner Sat. & Sun. 1221 W 11th St., 832-649-3601. witchcrafttavern.com. $-$$

MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for all reviewed restaurants. Use our restaurant finder to search by area, cuisine and price.

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sponsored by

PETS

Neighborhood Tails

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Resist urge to go barefoot 713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Ellie, age 3, Golden Retriever/Chow Mix, Colquitt St. Howdy! I am Ellie. I was rescued from a couple in San Antonio who didn’t want me. I love to spend my days chasing squirrels and my nights dreaming about chasing squirrels. In February, I decided to go on an epic squirrel hunt. I snuck out and chased squirrels until I was very lost.

Apparently, an epic squirrel hunt was a bad idea. After four freezing, rainy days on the streets, I was sure I’d never find my home. One morning a fireman from the South Main Fire Department rescued and returned me to my home. I’ve never been so happy! While I was missing, I was hit by a car and needed surgery. Since then, I have made a full recovery. I am back chasing squirrels, and I am as fast as can be. Now I love to be with my family more than ever. I will never leave them again!

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.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 44

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The risk of injury and infections increases when a person walks barefoot outdoors.

Injuries such as sprains, fractures, cuts and puncture wounds, as well as several kinds of infections, can occur. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lurks in warm, damp areas around pools and locker rooms. It’s a good idea to wear some type of pool shoes in these areas.

Plantar warts can occur when a virus invades the skin through a tiny cut or scrape.

During the warm weather children love to run barefoot through the grass. Fire ants are very prevalent in Houston and can be difficult to see until it’s too late. Diabetics should never go barefoot, even indoors, since lack of sensation associated with the disease puts them at a greater risk for injury or infection.

Shoes can protect our feet from many types of problems. Always be sure your shoes fit properly. Most everyone develops some swelling in the feet by the end of the day. If you wait until later in the day to shoe shop, you will be more likely to avoid getting shoes that are too tight. No two feet are the same. One foot is usually slightly larger than the other foot. Buy the shoe size that fits the larger foot.

To protect your feet, always remember your shoes!

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

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Computershare If your employer is publicly traded and you own stock in the company, you may be acquainted with Computershare, one of the largest share registry providers in the world. Computershare manages direct stock purchase plans that let employees and often the public buy company shares without using a broker or paying commissions.

Employees and other investors own their shares directly with the company as registered shareholders rather than through a broker or other intermediary. Computershare manages the program at no cost to the shareholders. Dividend investment plans are usually included.

The low cost is attractive. For employees, payroll deduction programs encourage investment throughout their careers, sometimes spanning decades. In my practice, I see retirees with enormous sums in Shell, Exxon Mobil, or Chevron stock at Computershare. A buy and hold strategy has served these people well.

Computershare is relatively new to the U.S. Founded in Australia in 1978, it bought Equiserve in 2005 and acquired Shareowner Services from Bank of New York Mellon in 2012.

Computershare’s foreign roots still show. Log in to a U.S. account, and you can’t download forms without being redirected to the Canada Investor Centre. Read their beneficiary designation form, and you will discover that the laws of Ontario apply. That’s an awkward choice of law unless you plan to renounce your U.S. citizenship and retire to Toronto.

Computershare’s approach to powers of attorney is little better. If you’re still logged in, look at the Account Update/Inquiry Form. Your agent gener-

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ally can’t do anything without a “General Power of Attorney” that’s less than six months old. In other words, you have to sign another form every six months, or your agent is shut out. The one exception: Your attorney must certify that “the document is still in full force and effect and the grantor is still alive.” Will your attorney do that? I won’t.

If you’ve retired or are no longer participating in a stock purchase program, consider moving your Computershare holdings to a broker. A discount broker might actually charge more than a full service broker. I’ve asked several financial advisors, and every one has agreed to hold such transfers in an unmanaged account, without charge, as a courtesy to existing clients who want to hold those shares indefinitely. In each case, the client was then able to designate beneficiaries and designate agents, giving family easier, less expensive access to their holdings on death or disability.

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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You’re not covered

A minute with Maisie

If you think you already have coverage to help pay for long-term care, you may want to think again. With long-term care averaging around $45,000 per year for limited home care, and $85,000 for facility care, it’s critical for aging baby boomers to know the facts.

Medicare is a government program which primarily covers you for hospital and medical care, but only covers 100 days of skilled nursing care once you have satisfied a minimum hospital stay. Medicaid covers nursing-home care and some limited home care, but you’ll have to spend down your income, savings, and retirement assets, which could leave your spouse in trouble.

The Affordable Care Act doesn’t address long-term care, and disability insurance only replaces about 60 percent of your prior income, which may no longer cover even your regular bills.

Self-insuring may be an option if you have assets over $2 million, but there’s a lot to consider. Will liquidating assets reduce the income available to your spouse? What about potential market risk or additional taxes that might become due?

Why not purchase a long-term care policy that will provide immediate income to pay for care? It’s a smarter way to cover your risk and protect your assets. Let us show you how by contacting us today!

MyersYounger LTC, 2537 S. Gessner, Ste. 207, Houston, Texas 77063, 713.661.7118, myersyoungerltc.com

Many clients ask me, “Can someone be married without a formal ceremony?” The Texas Family Code provides that an informal marriage, or “common law marriage,” is possible if the parties live together as husband and wife, hold themselves out as husband and wife, and agree to be married. If one party denies the existence of the informal marriage, the parties can litigate these facts and are entitled to a jury on this issue. While there can be an informal marriage, there is no mechanism for an informal divorce. Therefore, if you think you may have entered into an informal marriage, seek the advice of counsel as it does require a formal divorce in order to dissolve the marriage.

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 and 2013.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 45

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

Letters from camp

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ummer camp. We research, we prep, we pack, we pay (!), and then we send our darling children off to be managed by strangers for weeks at a time. It’s scary and awesome all at once. For us and our kids. The terror of untethering a 10 year old and sending him or her alone on an airplane across the country (or on a bus up I-10) to be picked up in a van by a Chaco-wearing college student likely in need of a shower cannot be underestimated.

A few days, though, and somehow the temporary routine without children settles in. But then they hit us – the letters from camp. The very first one I ever received, no lie, read, “I am crying as I write this…” Off I went, that first time, into a tailspin so unfortunate that my then-husband said if I couldn’t pull myself together my daughter could not go back to camp. Another letter, from my second daughter’s first trek beyond my grip: “Mommy, please come pick me up now. I MEAN IT.” Verbatim.

A friend’s daughter amplified her own dramatic request. This little girl was at the same camp her mom had attended and loved, but she wasn’t loving it. So she sent a letter, arranging a time and date during rest hour when her parents could sneak in and rescue her. “She had a detailed, hand-drawn map of exactly where we should collect her at the pier by the river,” her mom remembers. “We did not receive this instructional letter until we had returned home from a trip, and the date had come and gone. Poor thing. Her daddy would have sent in a special-ops team to rescue her…. He couldn’t stand summer camp either!”

There was no second year for this camper.

During his first year at camp, Andrew Byrd wrote his parents, “I really miss you. I want to stay 2 weeks [instead of the full three]. If I go to Katy’s [his older sister’s] cabin I will be kicked out of camp forever. I’m scared of the lake swim.

I have to do it. I can’t say no. I am so homesick.

I feel unsafe here. I HATE it here … I will die here.” To make his point, Andrew signed the letter, “Love,” but crossed that out and re-signed it, “From, Andrew.” He also gave his letter a ransom-y feel by using colorful letter stickers in place of random characters in the prose.

More angst, but not the homesick kind: A 14 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2015 46

behance.net/runamokstudios

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SPECIAL OPS While many parents would send in troops to rescue their children from anything, by the time homesick letters from camp hit our mailboxes, the kids usually are over their fears and having fun.

year old who must remain anonymous wrote his parents, “Yesterday we had the dance because the 4th is Friday. At the dance, I realized that I don’t just wanna be friends with Jennie and that it was too late to change that because she is already dancing and talking with someone else.

I think I know what heartbreak feels like now.

It’s a flurry of anger, envy, and need that rises up in your chest and flies around in your head. Also we were eliminated from basketball yesterday.”

Of course, the letters aren’t all doom and gloom. This is summer camp after all. Grace Evans, when she was 8, used craft time to make a button that read, “Kelly and Scott Evans are the BEST Parents EVER!” She sent the button home in a letter, and Kelly says, “I immediately pinned it on my bulletin board to get me through those trying parenting times!” Kelly is proud that no prompting was reported – Grace “was just suddenly overcome by the awesomeness of her parents.”

And then there are the letters sent from home to our campers. When Holly Yeager was

8, she wasn’t ready to be shipped off, but her sister Melanie Kate was attending Camp Ozark.

Holly sent a newsy letter to her big sister, full of gossip that their principal was having a baby (!!), that the family was going swimming with their neighbors and that Holly’d had a playdate.

At the end of the letter, Holly attached a bracelet she’d made for Melanie Kate out of neon pipe cleaners, along with what her mom describes as “a bit of our cat’s food taped in the middle with the caption, ‘Eaten food from Snow.’” The cat’s name was Snowflake.

My personal favorite letter came just last summer from my younger daughter. She wrote, “I just wanted to say, the girls in my cabin use bad language, and I realize why you say no bad words. It’s annoying, and sounds bad. Love you!”

Victory.

Editor’s note: To share your own memorable camp letters (names can be changed to protect the innocent), comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.