The West University Buzz - June 2016

Class of 2016: Where are They Headed?

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld

Restaurant Road Trips Battling Addiction

Peyton Ross, Madeline Graham and Sam Bastian

Cleburne Before and After the Fire Grocery-Store Dining Chef’s Corner: Randy Evans Houston, TX

What to Read This Summer

Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Breakfast for Guests

PUBLISHER’S NOTE This month’s issue showcases our annual Where Are They Headed? story on graduating high school seniors. These young adults started school roughly the same time as our magazine got its start. Many have appeared in The Buzz because of their interests or accomplishments – or their families’. I’m feeling a little sentimental about it all, although that may also have something to do with the fact that our youngest son, Matt, just graduated from college and is heading off to Los Angeles, just as I did (except with his cell phone), to find a career and a new life. For the first time in 18 years, Joni and I will not have a kid in any school. Also, this summer will mark my 40th high school reunion, where I’ll see familiar faces, and notice who is missing – which brings me to another story I hope you read in this issue, Cathy Gordon’s article about young Buzz residents who battle drug addiction. Just as we celebrate our high school graduates, we salute those marking other kinds of momentous undertakings – and we wish joy to them all. michael@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

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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 Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Alexis Lehman Faust, Russell Weil Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Darsey Sharp Amber Lewis, Michele Luke Helen van Rensburg

On our cover: Peyton Ross will head to Louisiana State University, Madeline Graham to The University of Texas at Austin and Sam Bastian to the University of Michigan.

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

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Cancer story hits home Just a quick note to comment on the consistently high quality of the magazine. I have a lot of time on my hands these days and read a lot, and am generally disappointed at the amount of grammar and spelling errors, as well as poorly written articles that make it to print, but not with this magazine. Your publication is always top notch. Thank you!!

I recently read, for example, the article “Facing Cancer” [by Jennifer Oakley, May 2016] and found it especially resonated with me as a cancer patient. Although I have come close to death on at least five occasions in the past one and a half years, it appears I am beating a very difficult cancer as I have entered the small group of 20 percent of survivors with my attributes after 1.5 years. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the name of my cancer. Unfortunately, I and my family know too much about AML cancer, but ,[and] as the father of three small children (ages 4, 6.5, and 6.5), I must, and will be victorious over this evil illness. I credit almighty God for bringing me this far and hopefully to a successful conclusion by year-end. So you see, I appreciated reading this success story in your magazine.

Eric Zoerb Editor’s note: Because of this story, Eric reconnected with an old friend from St. Thomas’ Episcopal School, Cheryl Laird, who is our Buzz associate editor.

Thank you so much for your letter, Eric, and we wish you health. Jennifer’s stories have resonated with many readers whose lives have been touched by cancer. Each of the four Buzz magazines featured a different cancer survivor, so if you haven’t read the other ones, you can find them at thebuzzmagazines.com.

– for anyone to visit. I am a probate lawyer, and I know what happens to boxes of letters and papers and old pictures. If you want to share anything with the present generation it has to be on the Web. Dale Illig

Feels for foodie-kid story Many many thanks for all of the effort spent on the Foodie Kids piece [Foodie Kids: Grown-up palates, by Andria Frankfort, May 2016] and for portraying all of the kiddos so well! We are thrilled with how it turned out and love that you have shed some light on the possibilities to feed our kids well by educating and engaging them.

Tama Klosek

On the other hand I believe the word Andria Frankfort meant to use in the title of her Foodie Kids story is "palates," not "palettes."

Katherine Wallace Editor’s note: Thank you for reminding us that this was a story about food, not painting. We’ve corrected it at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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.

Mom would be happy Thank you for the wonderful article about my mother, Miss Lillian [Miss Lillian’s Legacy: Beloved gardener’s plants live on, by Andria Frankfort, April 2016].

The habit of giving away flowers was one of her signature traits. And so it was on her birthday that she had to give away the sweet-smelling gardenias on the bush in her backyard. When Gigi Shapiro called me to tell me that the gardenia bush was still alive and well I could hardly believe it.

The Buzz has really told this incredible story so well. And I think those who read it will understand that this story is the story of a minor miracle.

That Melissa the new owner has moved it to the front yard for all to see and that Melissa is excited to have this legacy of my mother's incredible life in her garden. I am so glad that we were not able to move the gardenia bush off of the lot. It belongs on the land my mother so loved and tended.

It belongs to Melissa.

I truly believe that if you had not started writing this story none of this would have happened. So I am deeply indebted to The Buzz for saving this gardenia bush and in the process saving an enduring legacy of Miss Lillian.

When my mother died I really wanted to share some of her stories and pictures and memories, so I built a website – www.lillianillig.com/members WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 6

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Had a teacher who inspired them.

• Have a travel story to share.

• Like to cook healthy, easy meals.

• Have a unique passion or hobby.

• Know an interesting neighbor to profile.

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

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Cleburne Community Before and after the fire

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y now most Buzz readers likely have heard about the fire that destroyed Cleburne Cafeteria, West U’s landmark restaurant, early the morning of Tuesday, April 26. That Cleburne’s owner, George Mickelis, got a call just after midnight that his restaurant’s smoke alarm was triggered. That firefighters fought for three-plus hours and then, with the ceiling on the verge of collapsing, the fire captain honked his horn, signaling for his team to evacuate.

That everyone, thankfully, got out safely.

But this isn’t a story about what happened to Cleburne on April 26. This is a story of what happened before and after.

Before Nick Mickelis immigrated as a young man to the United States from Greece in 1948 with $2.50 in his pocket and a piece of paper with the word “Houston” written on it. He had family here, a brother, waiting for him. So officials put him on a train to Houston. Nick couldn’t speak English.

By 1952, Nick had married his wife Pat, and, together, they bought Cleburne Cafeteria from “two little old ladies who were tired of running it,” according to son George, who was born in the Mickelis family home over the original cafeteria on Cleburne Street. Nick died in 1989, and Pat, now 91, still eats at the restaurant every day.

Over the years, Cleburne became “more than just a place to eat,” says George’s dear friend Mike Grivon, owner of Swiss Garage. Mike says that George, like his father, “loves being a cafeteria man.

He knows all his customers. He serves so many of them six days a week.” Mike himself eats there five days a week. “So I’ve seen a lot of this firsthand.

“I’ve seen people come in wheelchairs and tell George, ‘I wanted to eat at Cleburne one more time.’ I’ve seen George deliver food to people when he’s noticed they haven’t been in for a while. He’ll tell you, ‘I love my customers.’

And he really loves them.

“Years ago I used to tell him, ‘You need to close on Christmas,’” Mike says. But when Nick had the original Cleburne, he went in one Christmas morning to check on something – “an icemaker maybe,” Mike says. A man, alone, WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 8

knocked on the door and asked Nick if the restaurant was open. He said no, but that he would cook for the man.

Twenty minutes later, someone else showed up. Then someone else.

Within a few hours Nick was cooking for a handful of people, all with nowhere else to go on Christmas. From that moment, Nick – and then George – vowed to be open on Christmas.

After “I was there around 4 that morning,” says Frank N. Demeris, REBUILDING COMMUNITY George Mickelis (right) has already begun plans to rebuild his beloved Cleburne Cafeteria, thanks to moral support from thousands George’s close friend of friends and customers, including his dear friend Mike Grivon. and owner of Charlie’s vowed that he would use his God-given talent Bar-B-Que. “It was already demolished.” to paint.”

“Then around 7, just when the sun was comAround 70 of Nick’s paintings hung at ing up, here comes Johnny Carrabba, and Gary Cleburne; most were lost. “That’s the tragedy,” Moss with Moss Landscaping, and Greg Frank says. “We snuck in the building when we Thompson with Thompson and Hanson. We’re got daylight to see what we could save. Most were all talking about George’s employees, and that scorched, or the oil had melted off the canvas. we have to do something. So Johnny says, ‘I’ll “But there was one painting of the Virgin take four or five,’ and others were like, ‘I’ll take Mary and Jesus. It was buried in the corner, protwo or three,’” trying to ensure the employees’ tected by a piece of metal. It was wet. Some livelihoods. “Shipleys is sending doughnuts and employees and I worked for three hours to coffee, Buffalo Grille and Vincent Mandola are unbury it. It wasn’t scratched, not burned. It just sending lunches. We’re all restaurants competdidn’t seem possible, but we saved it.” ing for the same dollar. But I saw something I’ve With his foundation of support, George never seen before.” promises to rebuild. “I’ve got to keep these George says, “I’ve gotten prayers and support employees,” he says, “because I want the same from the entire city.” In five days, he received chicken and dumplings some of the same people more than 1,385 texts and emails. “I didn’t know have been making for 30 years. that many people knew my number,” he says.

“For all these years, people have come to us Besides the restaurant itself, George feels the when they’re down and when they’re happy. loss of most of his father’s paintings, which hung We’re here to serve, and we will do it again.” inside. “When my father lived on the island of Patmos,” George says, “he would make paintEditor’s note: At the time of print, the cause of brushes with hair from horse tails and paint from the fire was still under investigation. berries. When he could afford paintbrushes, he

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NEIGHBORS

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Alex Aultman

Class of 2016 Where are they headed?

T

hey made it. High school is done.

Conquered. History. For many, the next step is college – an academic escape and adventure, a chance to learn, and learn how to be an adult, the next step in a life journey.

Once again, as part of an annual tradition, we asked our graduating neighbors to share their college plans with us. What are they most looking forward to? What advice would they give their kindergarten selves if they could?

To find out where more local 2016 grads are heading to college, check out – and contribute to, if you haven’t yet – our annual database of college-bound Buzz seniors at thebuzzmagazines.com. New this year, seniors can send messages to other seniors through our site to congratulate each other, keep in touch, or ask questions about college.

Congratulations, Class of 2016.

Valerie Herrscher – St. Thomas’ Episcopal School This fall, Valerie Herrscher will study kinesiology at Texas Christian University, and she hopes to be a physical therapist. She’s excited to explore a new city and make lifelong friends.

She would advise her kindergarten self to take advantage of naptime. She said the funniest moment from high school happened on a school trip to Greece and Italy, when a classmate was pranked into believing that Grecians used pesos, and she kept asking at the stores how many pesos things were.

Madeline Graham – River Oaks Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School “Put yourself out there,” Madeline Graham would encourage her kindergarten self. “Try new things and meet new people.” Madeline will be taking her own advice when she starts college this fall at The University of Texas at Austin, where she’ll study neuroscience and participate in the Plan II Honors program. She’s most looking forward to the diverse course options and hopes to one day work in the medical field and help people.

Jillian Bass – The Kinkaid School Jillian Bass is most looking forward to being WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 10

Valerie Herrscher in a new environment with new people in a new city while at Chapman University, where she’ll study history. Her dream job is to one day become editor of a fashion magazine. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, she would say: “Make friends with boys, in addition to girls, because they can be great friends later on in life.”

Eli and Isaac Winter – West University Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Carnegie Vanguard High School Eli and Isaac Winter have been together since birth but will be heading to different colleges this fall. Eli will attend the University of Chicago, and Isaac will study English/history at Lake Forest College near Chicago. Eli says he’s looking forward to “everything but the wind and the winter,” including Chicago’s music scene, deep-dish pizza, and just being at the University of Chicago. Isaac says he’s most looking forward to the “community aspect” of college and to start learning how to fend for himself in the real world. Eli isn’t sure what he would tell his

kindergarten self (“there’s a lot of advice,” he said) and Isaac would tell his younger self to be carefree and have adventures. Also, “dare to be different,” Isaac would say.

Amanda Barsky – West University Elementary School, The Emery/Weiner School Amanda Barsky would advise her kindergarten self to “try everything at least once, except for the things you know you don’t like.”

She’s looking forward to starting college at Washington University in St. Louis and is excited to explore the city, take new classes and meet new people. Her dream job would be to become editor at a publishing company one day.

Looking back on high school, she said her favorite memories are from school trips.

Peyton Ross – West University Elementary School, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Thomas High School Peyton will study business at Louisiana State University. His dream is to be CEO of a large company. He’s most look- (continued on page 12)

Al Torres

Jillian Bass Tasha Gorel

Madeline Graham

Lauren Schoen

Freeman Photography

Eli and Isaac Winter

Amanda Barsky

Peyton Ross WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 11

Freeman Photography

Sam Bastian (continued from page 10) ing forward to having

independence in college, including not having to be home at a certain time. He would advise his kindergarten self to go with the flow and not get stressed out. While in kindergarten, he had many good friends, though they all went to different middle schools. He said he also has a great friend group in high school, too, and although they’re all going to different colleges, he knows his friendships are lifelong.

Sam Bastian – West University Elementary School, Annunciation Orthodox School, Strake Jesuit “Work hard,” Sam Bastian would advise his younger self. “It pays off. Throughout all the experiences of my life, I have found that I get the most out of things that I put a lot of effort into.” He’ll be working hard at the University of Michigan, where he’ll study business administration. He’s looking forward to football Saturdays, with Jim Harbaugh as head coach.

Jared Burch – River Oaks Elementary School, Presbyterian School, Episcopal High School “Everything is going to work out,” Jared Burch would tell his younger self. He’ll head to Baylor University this fall to study business and is most looking forward to attending Baylor basketball games. After reflecting on high school, he said the funniest moment was when he performed a stand-up comedy routine with a friend WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 12

in front of the entire school. His dream job would be to become a stand-up comedian.

Paul Labanowski – West University Elementary School, St. John’s School Paul Labanowski will head to the University of Michigan this fall to study finance. His dream job would be to become a hedge fund manager.

He’s most looking forward to college for the change in scenery. If he had the opportunity, he would encourage his kindergarten self to read more often.

Lizzy Fallon – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. John’s School, Episcopal High School If she could, Lizzy Fallon would reassure her younger self that waking up at 5 a.m. every weekend for soccer games when she was little, and traveling throughout the country for field hockey every weekend when she got older, would be worth it one day. She will head to Columbia University this fall and plans to study political science. She’s most looking forward to living in New York City, and her dream job would be to become a lawyer one day.

Sarah Drew – Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart “Don’t be shy to make friends,” Sarah Drew would tell her kindergarten self. She will study engineering at the University of Oklahoma.

Looking back at high school, she said her engineer-

ing class during her junior year changed her life.

“That class helped me get out of my comfort zone and made me realize that I want to be an engineer.”

Camryn Mitchell – River Oaks Elementary, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Camryn Mitchell will head to the University of Southern California to study communications/journalism, which she hopes will set her on the path to a dream job as an entertainment broadcast journalist. She’s looking forward to experiencing what it’s like to live on her own in college. Camryn would advise her kindergarten self not to let the little things matter.

Kate Ham – River Oaks Elementary, Annunciation Orthodox School, The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Kate Ham is undecided about her major in college, but is most looking forward to life at Stanford University because she’ll have “the opportunity to take renowned classes in a wider variety of subjects.” She would advise her kindergarten self to enjoy herself and explore because “childhood goes by more quickly than you think.”

MORE ONLINE See this story online at thebuzzmagazines.com for more graduating seniors. Plus, learn which teachers inspired these graduates along the way.

And remember to share your own graduate’s information in our database.

Margaret Rotan Photography

Paul Labanowski

Lizzy Fallon

Sarah Drew Martin de la Torre

Kaye Marvins Photography

Jared Burch

Camryn Mitchell

Kate Ham WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 13

FOOD

by Russell Weil, contributing writer

Restaurant Road Trips Culinary adventures near Houston

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Luciano Rodriquez

he New York Times recently referred to Houston as “one of the great eating capitals of America.” That’s no surprise to locals. However, sometimes we forget the dining gems hidden in small towns just a short road trip away.

Brenham: 96 West Traveling northwest on Highway 290, the landscape begins to change in Chappell Hill, with green hills and ranches greeting drivers just east of Brenham. While known for Blue Bell ice cream, historic Brenham is also home to 96 West, a tapas/fusion wine and craft beer restaurant on the downtown square.

The sleek interior of cedar wood, steel and leather feels like a trendy bar on Austin’s 6th Street, but 96 West’s friendly service and modern comfort food create a hometown feel.

A meat lover’s cravings are fed with simple offerings such as Flat Iron Steak and mashed potatoes or barbecue pork flanked with mozzarella and provolone cheeses. But for the more widely branching palate, 96 West does not disappoint. Start with the tapas offerings, such as the Home Sweet Farm Market artisan cheese plate and Texas Akaushi beef sliders, paired with wine; the Cabernet house wine is especially smooth.

From there, try the 8-ounce airline chicken breast, a breast with the drumette attached, stuffed with spinach and artichokes. The tart artichoke complements the silky spinach to create a balanced stuffing. And, for dessert, consider the Meyer Lemon Pound Cake. Made with local Meyer lemons and cornmeal from the family-run Richardson Farms near Cameron, Texas, the cake celebrates tart and sweet. Craft beers, flatbreads, soups, salads and a Sunday brunch round out the experience at 96 West. 4 p.m.-11 p.m.

Wed.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., 103 South Baylor St., Brenham, 979-421-8388. 96west.com. $$

Burton: Brazos Belle About 15 minutes farther north from Brenham in the rolling hills of Burton is Brazos Belle. Since 1993, this authentic CountryFrench restaurant has thrived in the former cotton-farming town in Washington County. Chef WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 14

HEADED TO HUNTSVILLE The Collard Cabin, built in 1834, is the setting for fine road-trip dining at The Homestead on 19th.

Andre Delacroix and his wife Sandy welcome weekend diners to try his classic French techniques emphasizing lighter ingredients like herbs and red wine over butter and heavy cream.

Brazos Belle’s setting is reminiscent of a quaint country farmhouse outfitted with wooden, small tables and French-inspired community tables. Walk up the steps to a long front porch that was originally the first home to the Burton Farmers Cooperative. That farming tradition continues, as Chef Delacroix grows his own herbs and seasonal vegetables. He frequents area markets each week to hand select vegetables grown locally.

Their menu is classically simple and reasonably priced. I suggest ordering their Steak au Poivre Vert. My center-cut of filet mignon was tender, with a perfect deep red center of medium temperature. The chef makes his own peppercorn sauce. A nice choice of salads and appetizers is offered, as well as an ample wine selection.

If you are a fan of spicy foods, try the French Country Pâté served with Dijon mustard.

Desserts include chocolate mousse with fresh orange sauce and peach melba topped with Blue Bell ice cream.

Brazos Belle is open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so this is the perfect restaurant road

trip, especially when combined with an afternoon of antique shopping at some of the area treasures. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sun., 600 Main St., Burton, 979289-2677. brazosbellerestaurant.com. $$-$$$

Richmond: Italian Maid Cafe If driving south is on your horizon, the family-owned Italian Maid Cafe in historic downtown Richmond should not be missed for lunch or dinner. The quaint café, housed in a turn-ofthe-century building, is decorated with a traditional and casual Italian flair. Wine bottles and local memorabilia adorn the walls, but the food is the real attraction here.

Try some pasta dishes, such as eggplant parmesan layered with homemade ragu (meat-based sauce) or the beef lasagna with just the right amount of red wine and ragu. Homemade garlic bread is presented to the table as soon as you are seated. All desserts are made from scratch by Chef Alex Ciocca. Try the Italian cream cake. Be sure to ask your server about the daily dessert selections.

To walk off your meal, enjoy a stroll around the downtown antique shops and other local stores. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Wed..; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.Sat., 300 Morton St., Richmond, 281-344-8955. italianmaidcafe.com. $$ (continued on page 16)

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Rhinocort drops from $200 to $20 Funny thing about drug prices in the U.S. By far, we have the highest prices on brand-name prescription medications, but generics are often cheaper here than in other first-world countries. For prescription generics, we can thank Walmart, whose $4 per month on many generics completely changed the conversation. Target, HEB, Randalls and others will match Walmart’s prices.

For non-prescription (OTC) meds, much credit goes to Perrigo, the generic drug company whose fexofenadine is sold as Wal-Fex at Walgreens, AllerFex at Costco, CVSHealth Allergy Relief at … well, you get the picture. If you want generic Allegra, it’s coming from Perrigo. When Costco puts it on sale twice a year, each tablet costs only 18 cents. If generic Claritin or Zyrtec work for you and don’t make you sleepy, they can be had for less than 5 cents.

On the other hand, brand-name medications routinely raise their prices far above the rate of inflation. An EpiPen cost about $35 in the 1980s; now a twopack of EpiPens (they are no longer sold as single units in the U.S., but are in Canada and the U.K.) costs over $550. Granted, if it’s covered by your insurance and you either don’t have a deductible for prescription meds or have met that deductible, your copay may be as low as $0 if you bring the coupon available on www.epipen.com. Those without insurance can’t even use that coupon!

Back to Rhinocort … this nose spray was never that popular in this country.

It ran a distant fourth to Flonase, Nasonex and Nasacort when all were prescription and brand name. But Rhinocort did have unique advantages – it’s the only inhaled corticosteroid that is FDA Pregnancy Category B; all the others are Category C. Plus, Flonase causes nosebleeds in about 10 percent of

patients who use it. One of its preservatives, phenylethyl alcohol, can dry out the nasal tissue and make it bleed. Rhinocort doesn’t even have benzalkonium chloride, a preservative in Nasacort.

When it lost its patent protection, the rights were sold to Johnson & Johnson, who already markets Zyrtec. JNJ even redesigned Rhinocort’s logo in the familiar green and orange Zyrtec font.

Goodbye, rhinoceros and butterfly. A one-month supply (120 sprays) of Rhinocort now costs $18.64 at Walmart. And don’t forget to print out its $4 coupon from www.rhinocort.com. For you, $14.64. I’ll bet your copay for generic Flonase is higher than that.

In summary, we have the most expensive and the least expensive medications. By working with your doctor and your doctor’s team of professionals, you won’t be priced out of the market by the medicines necessary to keep you healthy.

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.

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96 West

BRENHAM BOUND Meyer Lemon Poundcake is a sweet and tart highlight of a culinary roadtrip to 96 West in Brenham.

El Campo: Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse

(continued from page 14)

Continue your drive a little deeper south and stop at Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse in El Campo.

For many, this one stop for food, gas and gifts is a destination. Opened in 1974 as a grocery store

by Mike and Betty Jo Prasek, this large local country store specializes in smoked products.

Prasek’s is also a bakery, specialty meat market, gift shop, ice cream parlor and restaurant.

Daily lunch specials at The Big H Grill are the big draw, served in a cafeteria-style setting.

Pumpkin Seed Crusted Chicken, tender and juicy with a crunchy crust and butter sauce, is served with Prasek’s sausage jambalaya. Prasek’s sausage, smoked using the same family recipe for over 40 years, offers a spicy taste and crispy texture. You might try their version of King Ranch Chicken. Gourmet sandwiches include pork served with sweet potato fries or an Italian sub sandwich. But it was the barbecue plate of tender meats that I devoured. Burgers, steaks and salads round out Prasek’s huge menu. Before leaving, browse the store for goodies such as peppered turkey jerky, Pigs in a Blanket and other smoked treats, sweets or regional souvenirs.

For those of you who want to enjoy Prasek’s locally, Houston’s River Oaks Doughnuts, 2601 Westheimer, features Prasek’s sausage in their WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 16

tasty kolaches. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., 29714 US-59, El Campo, 979-5438312. praseks.com. $

Huntsville: The Homestead on 19th Road tripping north on the I-45 corridor toward Dallas generally bypasses the many small towns along that route. However, should you venture off to U.S. 75 (the old Dallas highway), you will be detoured through the charming and quaint centers of towns such as Buffalo, Fairfield, Madisonville, Centerville and Huntsville. The Homestead on 19th is located in the center of Huntsville adjacent to Sam Houston State University. Housed in one of Huntsville’s oldest surviving homes, and a local favorite since 1995, The Homestead specializes in fresh seafood and steaks served with whiskey butter. The cabin was built in 1834 by German immigrant and Texas Revolution soldier Lemuel Collard. This casual and historic setting, with friendly service, is a gentle reminder that we are deep in the heart of Texas.

At dinner, the quality steak offerings include a traditional tenderloin filet and a creative mozzarella- and garlic-stuffed filet. One of the chef’s specials is a bone-in, honey mustard-glazed pork loin chop. Leaving the bone in creates a tender

experience, and the honey-mustard glaze brings just the right amount of sweet flavor to the perfectly prepared loin chop, accompanied by apple demi-glace, applesauce, mashed potatoes and sautéed seasonal vegetables.

This comfort food is worth the drive. The Homestead also hosts cooking classes, as well as special dinners, including an annual Messina Hof Vintner’s Dinner. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; dinner served at 5 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1215 19th St., Huntsville, 936-291-7366. homesteadon19th.com. $$-$$$ These are just a sampling of some dining destinations a short drive from Houston. Other popular ones to consider are Royers Cafe and Royers Pie Haven in Round Top and Volare Italian Restaurant in Brenham. The Inn at Dos Brisas in Chappell Hill is the only Forbes 5-star restaurant in Texas that is not in a major city.

MORE ONLINE No road-tripping story would be complete without Galveston. See the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for a link to Andria Frankfort’s Going to Galveston: BOI Buzz residents share fave spots, from July 2015.

We’d love to hear about your favorite road-trip restaurant. Email info@thebuzzmagazines.com or leave a comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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When irritability becomes a problem We’ve all experienced irritability – from childhood through adulthood, it’s sometimes a part of life. But when it seems to be something that’s happening on a regular basis, a mental health professional’s help may be needed.

Common symptom Irritability is a common symptom among many psychological issues.

From autism, anxiety, depression, anger management, sleep disorders and more, irritability also cuts across all age groups. It’s one of the primary symptoms of depression and anxiety, often indicating that something is going on that needs to be addressed with a professional.

“Irritability, in part, is related to difficulties with emotion regulation,” said Michelle Patriquin, PhD, staff psychologist with The Menninger Clinic’s Outpatient Services. “Stressors, which include stress at work, marriage problems, parenting challenges or struggles coping with a medical diagnosis, among others, can decrease an individual’s threshold for managing their emotions, leading to irritability. Therapy that focuses on understanding emotions and developing effective coping skills can be really helpful in improving irritability.”

When is help needed?

Since irritability is part of the human experience from time to time, how do we know when it might be a symptom of a more significant issue?

“If the irritability lasts for more than two weeks, or if it interferes with family or work relationships, it’s time to seek professional help,” said Dr. Patriquin. “And if it affects you at both home and work, then it’s definitely

time to address it.”

Working with a professional A mental health professional can help you identify the underlying psychological factors that are driving you to react to different situations or people with irritation.

Working with such a professional can also help you: • Develop skills in emotion-regulation techniques that can target the irritability, and • Discover ways to avoid the emotional explosions that irritability often leads to.

“Many people find themselves asking, ‘Why can’t I get my reactions under control?’ or ‘How can I stop having these kinds of emotional responses?’” said Dr. Patriquin, who is also an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “The good news is that with the help of an experienced therapist, they often can successfully address the issues driving this behavior.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Patriquin or another clinician with Menninger’s Outpatient Services team, call 713-275-5779.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 17

NEIGHBORS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Breaking the Chains How two Buzz residents battled addiction

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he epidemic has grabbed communities by the lapels.

Overdose deaths among teens and young adults have skyrocketed during the past decade, more than doubling in ages 12 to 25, according

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t’s 3 a.m., and Memorial High School junior Austin Berry is passed out behind the wheel from a night of drinking, foot on the brake, car in drive.

“Get out of the car,” orders a Hunters Creek policeman.

Austin stumbles from his Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had come to rest in the middle of the road fronting Hunters Creek Elementary, the spot where he slipped into alcohol-induced oblivion.

“You’d think it would be a sobering moment,” says Austin, “but it didn’t really faze me. I was arrested and taken to the Bunker Hill jail till my dad picked me up, really pissed. But hell no, I’m not thinking I have a problem. This is a fluke.”

Austin’s tangled journey of addiction began as a teen and progressed into adulthood, with cocaine and prescription pills the likes of Xanax and the narcotic OxyContin keeping company with booze.

“That was my existence,” says the 28 year old, now sober and a regional marketer for The Last Resort Recovery Center in Smithville, Texas, a 90-day clinical treatment and recovery center for young men.

“Growing up in Memorial, it was just part of the culture,” Austin explains. “Kids don’t have to work; they have plenty of money. It’s easy to get drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol made me feel like I fit in.”

Karen Berry, who had a front-row seat to her son’s nightmare, puts it bluntly. “I think we’re looking at a whole generation that has entitled their kids. We worked hard to get our first cars and put ourselves through college. We wanted to give our kids something better. We did them a huge disservice. We gave them too much.

“I can’t tell you how many funerals I’ve been to, young adults in their 20s,” she says. “I can’t fathom it. My heart breaks for those moms because their kids didn’t make it.”

ABYSS OF ADDICTION Teens who begin dabbling with drugs often tumble into a hole of full-blown addiction that continues into adulthood.

to a report by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse. It’s in large part due to the nation’s epidemic of prescription drug abuse. Ages 18 to 24 are the biggest abusers of prescription opioid pain relievers, ADHD stimulants and anti-anxiety drugs.

“One of the things we’re seeing is a continual abuse of prescription medications like Xanax,

Ativan, medications like OxyContin and things along those lines,” says John O’Neill, director of addiction services at Houston’s Menninger Clinic. “What young adults don’t seem to understand is that when you mix those with alcohol, you’re creating a very deadly blend. I can walk into 90 percent of America’s households and find something to get high off of with-

istockphoto.com/Jayesh

DRAGGED OUT ON DRUGS Addiction takes its toll on mind, body and soul, say counselors who urge families to observe their teen’s behavior for signs of drug or alcohol abuse.

out much problem.”

Austin, a mediocre student, discovered alcohol at 14. Marijuana was added to his “feel good” arsenal at 15. He soon graduated to cocaine. “I was at a friend’s house. I laid down on the bed and felt tingly from toes to chest and thought, ‘Wow! This is what I’ve been looking for.’ All my worries, poof!”

By his senior year he was snorting coke every night. He was kicked off the Memorial High School golf team for not attending practice, but didn’t care. He stole from his parents, skipped school and viewed upcoming college as a giant party. “My parents had rules, but I was sneaky. I was the chameleon and played whatever part I had to play to deceive, connive and get my drugs,” he says.

He was accepted to the University of Alabama with a 2.8 GPA and 1200 SAT, declaring business as his major. His first day a dorm mate introduced him to OxyContin. “He chopped it up, and we snorted it in his dorm room. I felt like Superman.”

Austin was hooked, living only to score pills.

When he went without, withdrawal meant sleeping days at a time. Going to class? “Hell no.”

He emerged from the semester pale, several pounds lighter with sunken eyes, lying to his parents about grades. Eventually he was suspended.

“So many things happened after that,” he says. “All bad.” He was arrested for a DWI on his 21st birthday, quickly learning to “game” the

probation system. Terms of probation required that he blow into a police-monitored breathalyzer in his car before starting it. He’d drink at night, making sure he waited long enough “so it wouldn’t blow hot,” landing him an automatic 90 days in jail.

He binged on pills, stopping five days in advance of scheduled urine tests so he’d test clean. He hibernated in his apartment, leaving only to meet his drug dealer. “Had him on speed dial.”

Austin vividly recalls his dad’s loving, but hardline ultimatum: “Come live with us and get clean. But if you use again, you’re out on the street. Go join the Navy or something because you’re not coming home.”

Still, Austin rejected the (continued on page 20) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 19

Warning signs and what to do Addiction. Male, female, young or old, its face is the same. It divides, ruthlessly excising friends and family. Those in its grip abandon morals when it comes to obtaining drugs or alcohol, whatever the substance of choice. It’s all about how to get it, where to get it.

And when can I do it again?

“When it comes to substance abuse, if parents suspect it, I would encourage them to have a direct conversation with the child to start things off,” says John O’Neill, director of addiction services at Houston’s Menninger Clinic. “Sit down and talk to them openly. You may be surprised that some kids might tell their parents what’s going on. Some lie. It’s a mixed bag.”

Pay attention to certain signs that could indicate a drug or alcohol addiction, he says.

Your child doesn’t make eye contact.

Their behavior radically changes; an overall sense of moodiness.

They don’t want to introduce you to their friends.

Grades are slipping.

They lose interest in hobbies and things they once enjoyed.

They start withdrawing.

They become angry easily, sneaky and dishonest.

There’s a disruption in their sleep and eating patterns.

They seem to hang onto certain items, such as a backpack.

At the same time, be aware of your home environment. Are you reducing access to alcohol? If there are prescription drugs in the house, make sure they are under lock and key and not accessible.

“Not just for your kids, but for your kid’s guests,” O’Neill advises. “If you get to the point where you have questions and aren’t sure (continued from page 19) offer

until his dad’s caveat, “Okay then, call your mom and tell her you’re never going to see her again.’’

“That did it for me,” Austin says. “I love her so much. I caved.”

Sobriety didn’t come easy, and he relapsed plenty, not fully following the tenets of a 12-step substance-abuse recovery program. But eventually he embraced sober living, climbing out of the abyss. He remembers the day, Sept. 16, 2012, a Sunday.

He had borrowed money from a friend and was on a three-mile jaunt to the dealer, on foot, when he came to a lake. “I thought, ‘Shit, I’ve got to walk around this thing.’ Then boom, it hit me. This was my life. I’m behind on rent, and I’m going to be homeless, and I’m out looking for drugs. For whatever reason, that was my moment of clarity.”

He caught a cab home, attended a 12-step meeting the next day and committed to a life of sobriety. These days he’s engaged to be married and dedicated to helping others beat their addiction demons.

“Life can go sideways on you,” he says. “You can’t do it alone.”

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lived for drugs,” says a former Bellaire High School student, 29, who wishes to remain anonymous. Sober 10 years, he’s now happily married and enjoying his dream job as a sportscaster in a large Texas city.

His memories of teen years into young adulthood are freeze-frames of drug-induced

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what’s going on, it’s time to reach out to a professional. There are a lot of wonderful professionals in the community who can help.”

Providing an alternative peer group for teens is absolutely crucial, says Joe Parker, a licensed clinical dependency counselor in Bellaire. He sees addicted teens and young adults through his private practice and alliance with the Houston-area Cornerstone Recovery, a charitable organization that raises funds for its Outreach and Adventure Learning Program.

The program provides a fun, sober environment for teens where they can build healthy relationships and self-esteem. It also teaches parents how to drive their teen’s recovery and take back control.

“Two key components create magic for people in recovery,” Parker says. “One of them is a positive peer group. You’ve got to have real friends who actually see you and love you and encourage you to grow in your recovery, to work your 12-steps, embrace the principles and who won’t put up with your BS. They push you to be better. That means more than anything mom or dad or a counselor or teacher has to say for sure.

“The other element is family support,” he continues. “It’s one of the things we work hard to implement with our families because addiction isn’t just an individual disease. It’s a family disease. We help the family to work the 12-steps too.”

Parker stresses how important it is to watch your child’s behavior.

“That tells you everything you need to know,” he says, cautioning parents to not stick their head in the sand. “Denial is a very real thing, and it can be difficult for parents to deal with it. I see parents almost daily breaking through that.”

moments, including snorting cocaine for the first time off of his desk in Spanish class. “A kid just offered it to me.”

Intrigued, he purchased coke from a student the next day. “I snorted a pretty big line, put my headphones on, took my dog out and skipped down the street like I’m on top of the mountain.”

He came from a loving, Irish Catholic family.

An empathetic kid, he loved animals, his mom and dad. But he also had a rebellious, antiauthority streak and didn’t do well in school.

“I wanted people to think I didn’t care what they thought about me, but I cared deeply. I was the perfect storm for taking weed or alcohol when it was offered to me.”

He began drinking in eighth grade. “The feeling I got from it is what separates me from a normal drinker. It fundamentally changed my perception of the world.”

Recreational fun turned into full-blown addiction with cocaine, Ecstasy, Xanax and all manner of pills making up his drug cachet. He stole money from his parents, skipped class and took drugs every chance he could. A three-day methamphetamine and acid-induced weekend bender with friends is particularly memorable.

“It was weird, like we had a shared hallucination where we were in a river and a hundred dead people were walking toward us,” he recalls.

His parents sent him to a small liberal arts college in a dry county in Arkansas, “thinking that would solve my problem.” Meanwhile, he was loading up on Xanax and meth to enhance his higher learning experience.

His stash didn’t last long, and he started detoxing and sleeping for days, not going to class. He recalls vandalizing a campus flowerbed while drunk and getting caught. “Then college threw me out.”

Nevermind that. Christmas break was here, and he was onto a giant party with Bellaire buddies. He overdosed on the prescription pain drug Fentanyl. A machine breathed for him for four days. Miraculously, he emerged from the hospital stay with no brain damage.

If not for a female acquaintance who left the party to call 911, “I’d be dead,” he says. “All my so-called user friends didn’t want to call police.

Too worried about getting in trouble.”

A family intervention led to the Betty Ford Center, where he went through the motions, not really committed to sobriety. He went to another treatment center for young adults where he was introduced to Alcoholic Anonymous 12step meetings. But he didn’t fully embrace the program and slipped back into old ways.

He remembers the day he was “struck sober.”

His girlfriend, now wife, had broken up with him, and he was miserable. He was tired of his lies. Marinating in misery.

“I poured out this gin I was drinking at the time. That was my God-given sobriety date. I was so revolted by myself. Stopped on a dime.”

These days he’s in love with sober living and helps others beat their insatiable dependence on drugs and alcohol. “I feel so fortunate that I received God’s gift, the desperation to quit,” he says. “That was my saving grace.”

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Starting a retirement business Some retirees are perfectly happy to spend their days on their favorite golf course, at their best fishing spot or looking after the grandkids. But others may long for a less “retiring” retirement. If that describes you, then you may want to consider starting a business in or near your retirement years.

It’s increasingly common. The Kauffman Index of Startup Activity survey found that 25.8 percent of new entrepreneurs in 2014 were between the ages of 55 and 64. That was the highest of any age group except 45-54 (26.6 percent), and up from just 14.8 percent back in 1996.

What kind of business might a retiree start?

Any kind you can think of, perhaps one that involves a passion. One of my clients recently bought some acreage in the Texas Hill Country and completed the rigorous requirements to become a Master Gardener. Now he runs his own nursery. Another of my clients had always pursued woodworking as a hobby. After retirement, he fell into serving as a liaison between friends who were building a home and their contractor. He inspected the framing, carpentry, roofing, etc. He then decided to turn that into a business, and now he’s busier than before he retired, but loving it!

For other ideas, you might put your wealth of past experience to work as a consultant or a professional speaker. You could grow or make something to sell at farmers’ markets. Franchising is another possibility – partnerships can be arranged so that you don’t have to do the bulk of the work yourself.

In addition to being exciting, fulfilling a passion and keeping you busy, a business can bring the added benefit of supplementing your retirement income (or stretching your savings), but only if it’s successful. You don’t

want to create a money-losing venture that will gobble up your retirement funds. You also probably don’t want something that will pull you into a stressful grind that you don’t enjoy.

The best general advice is to not use money that you can’t afford to lose. A new business is far riskier than anything else that should be in your portfolio. So start small, and work from home if possible. Be realistic about expectations. For instance, many dream of starting a winery. But in terms of making much money at it, the competition is numerous and fierce. As with most things, success takes time, so patience is also important.

Before taking the plunge on a business, you may want to try a part-time or intern position at a similar type of business, especially if it’s something new to you. A career counselor may be able to help you explore possibilities.

Most importantly, seek quality, unbiased advice from people you trust. This is just the kind of situation where you need to have a sounding board who can listen to your ideas, go over your business plan and point you to others who can help.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 21

KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Surviving a summer pregnancy

Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies from the perspective of a first-time mother.

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ast summer, a 6-months-pregnant mom found herself in a hot and sticky mess.

Sophie Magness was stuck at Hermann Park with no stroller, two young toddlers and very pregnant – and she was running late to pick up her daughter at school.

The day started out with a fun idea. She would take her then-2-year-old son Beau and 13-month-old son Zane to the Children’s Museum on a Monday school holiday.

There was only one problem. “I forgot the museum is closed on Mondays,” said Sophie, a public relations manager at Magness Orthodontics. “So instead, we decided to ride the nearby Hermann Park train.”

The group walked together over to the North train stop near the Miller Outdoor Theatre hill and, after only a short wait, boarded the train and enjoyed a leisurely train ride. “My brilliant plan was to pay the fare at the zoo station and get right back on the train to come back around to our original stop,” said Sophie. “When I saw the line at the zoo station to board the train I knew I was in trouble.” They were already late to leave to pick up her daughter at school by this point.

Sophie said she begged the conductor to take cash for tickets and let them stay on the train.

But her begging didn’t work.

“We got out of line and started walking” towards the car parked near the Museum of Natural Science, said Sophie. “I am sweating profusely now, tired and trying to rush my two toddlers across Hermann Park. To top it off, the baby needed a new diaper and my toddler needed a potty break, so we stopped to use the Miller Outdoor Theatre restrooms.”

Sophie said she was completely prepared to ask a perfect stranger to help get to their car at this point. “But when I emerged from the bathroom, to my amazement and relief, there was a zoo rental stroller sitting there, alone, unattended, calling my name,” said Sophie. “I have no idea how it got there except that it was sent from Heaven.”

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stroller. Once it was clear it was abandoned, she loaded the boys up and rolled them to the car.

Pregnancy can be physically tough no matter what time of the year.

Mix some summertime heat with a large baby bump, and you’ll most likely get one uncomfortable mom-to-be.

Sophie recalled that during her summer pregnan- STAY COOL Mom-of-two Allison Laird (pictured, with son Ford), said she stayed near cies she always water during her summer pregnancy with daughter Austyn. kept a tall glass of a big celebration. “We had a party for 50-plus water by her side and planned indoor activities. people at Colonial Park Pool for which I way“My favorite summertime outfits included these over-decorated for,” she said. “It was a Pinterest adorable T-shirts by Mamagama Maternity,” she pinup for sure. I was literally climbing trees to said. “I had one with a big beach ball, a fish bowl hang ship flags and lugging in beverage tubs. I and a Captain America shield. They always couldn’t help myself.” made people laugh.”

Allison advises other expectant moms to Allison Laird, a mom of two and a Lagree carefully select their maternity attire during hot Fitness instructor, said she spent her summer months. “Maxi dresses are a cute way to dress up pregnancy keeping up with her then 2-year-old your baby bump while staying super cozy and son, Ford. “Every single day with Ford was spent hiding swollen ankles,” she said. “I suggest pairout and about,” said Allison. “At the park, zoo, ing it with a nice pair of moisture-wicking bike Galveston beach, museum, library, farmers marshorts. Knee-length [shorts are] ideal. That’s ket and a lot of time at Colonial Park Pool.” right, just like the ’80s because chafing, friends,” Allison said they traveled by bicycle to their she said, laughing. “That skirt is cute but there’s neighborhood stops until she was about 35 no air circulating under there. Be advised, and weeks along in her summer pregnancy with maxi with caution.” daughter Austyn (now 2). “I was large,” said Allison’s husband Matt was also on call for Allison. “And between the basket full of pool frozen treats. “All I remember is going to get gear and a 30-pound toddler, the bike became Icees every single day,” he said. too hard to unload.” They just drove to the pool at that point.

Party planning can be a lot of work for anyFor more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com for one, let alone a pregnant woman who feels the writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, “Mommy heat times two. “I love parties,” said Allison.

Moments.” If you have stories to share, leave a comment Ford turned 2 when she was 36 weeks along with online or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Austyn, but that didn’t stop her from throwing

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TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz Spanish sojourns

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pain is so much more than a country. It’s a way of being in the world, a presence that evokes passion and drama and intricate, overwhelming beauty. Nowadays upwards of 64 million people visit this singular peninsular nation to explore architectural treasures like the Alhambra, the Alcazar and the surrealistic, boundary-breaking work of Antoni Gaudi; to witness the flamenco dancers whirling and stomping their way across the tablao; and to join the river of humanity that tests its mettle every year by running alongside a herd of charging bulls.

Francyne and Kevin Jacobs – he, an attorney, and she, a cantor at several local synagogues – went in search of a lesser-known side of the country, what Francyne referred to as “Jewish Spain.” For Carol Lester, who went with her two daughters, it was a time of self-discovery, as well, with her daughters setting the itinerary. And Candido Alvarado, who traces his roots to Spain, finally completed his lifelong dream of running with the bulls.

Candido’s first trip was in 1977, when he went with his soon-to-be-bride, Carol Alvarado, now a dentist. They went to Madrid, to the Riviera, to Monaco, to Gibraltar – and they were entranced.

“We fell in love with Spain as a country, with the people, the culture, the food – we just thought it was fantastic,” said Candido. Carol fell in love – with Spain and with the man at her side.

As much as they loved it, their romance with Spain was destined to be a long-distance relationship for a quarter century – but Candido never forgot a long-held dream to return.

Inspired in part by Ernest Hemingway’s descriptions in The Sun Also Rises, he wanted to participate in the millennial tradition of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.

A badge of courage “I’d been putting it off, putting it off, and as you get older you realize you don’t have forever to do these things,” said Candido. “So in 2005, at the age of 55, I did complete the run – all the way to the bullring.”

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SEEDS FOR THOUGHT Francyne Jacobs had ample opportunity in Spain to reflect on the meaning of the pomegranate in Jewish tradition as she saw the plant growing and the design repeated in many places – here, in the town of Granada, which means pomegranate. Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, in the Torah.

life – and for both of them, a rendezvous with their old Iberian flame.

The years rolled back as they made their way north on the high-speed freeways from Madrid through the rugged landscape of the Pyrenees.

“Suddenly we pulled into a magical little town that pops up out of nowhere, this Spanish medieval town,” said Candido of his first impression of Pamplona. “We were sitting around the plaza and then the cannon goes off… all the kids are having time of their lives pouring wine all over themselves – and they were just getting started.”

A rowdy tradition dating back to Medieval times, the festival occurs every July and draws upwards of a million people from all over the world. Every year an estimated 200 to 300 people are injured every year, and 15 have died since the event began keeping records in 1925.

“Of course, it’s dangerous,” Candido responded. “It’s one of the macho, idiotic things that men do; it’s man versus beast and hopefully you’ll survive.”

His wife tried to talk him out of it, to no avail.

So they set a rendezvous point for after the run.

“You hear the cannon go off, and there are thousands of people in the small streets…. Then all of a sudden the crowd starts to move.” It was

all over in a few minutes but it seemed to last forever. Candido thought he was far ahead of the crowd but when he stopped, a bull went flying by and he jumped into a cubbyhole of a building to take refuge before jumping back out into the melee.

“Out of all those people probably a quarter of them made it to the bullring; most drop off to the side and stop running. You’ve got to be pretty agile to avoid the steers and the people and, of course, the bulls.”

Back at the rendezvous point he found Carol.

“She said, ‘God, that’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen – are you going to run tomorrow?’

I said, ‘No!’” “It was an experience that was once in a lifetime – it’s priceless, honestly,” he said. “It was a very personal thing for me to accomplish… it’s one of the highlights of a male who accomplishes it, and probably a female too – kind of a badge of courage.”

Trail of the Sephardim For the Jacobs, the experience was much more introspective. While their own family heritage traces back to Eastern Europe, they still felt a connection with the tragic story of the

AFTERNOON AT THE ALHAMBRA Natalie, Teresa and Carol Lester (from left) take a break from their awe-inspiring tour through the Alhambra fortress complex and palace in Granada, Spain.

Sephardic Jews. Spain had one of the largest Jewish communities under Muslim rule. But with the rise of the Roman Empire, Spain was pressured to convert or eliminate them; the end came in 1492, with the Alhambra Decree, ordering the expulsion of practicing Jews from what is now Spain. Those who stayed had to convert to Christianity, or face the Spanish Inquisition.

“There were lots of ‘marranos’ who kept the Jewish traditions secret and stayed in Spain – there are those who say, ‘My grandmother or my great-grandmother always lit candles on Friday night and I never knew why; and then it turned out I had a family history of Judaism.’”

A number of tour groups offer specialized Jewish heritage tours, but Francyne charted her own course. They started in Seville, the capital of the traditional Andalusia region, where they explored synagogues and old Jewish quarters.

They took in a flamenco show there and marveled at the Moorish architecture of the Alcazar; then they took a day trip to Cordoba, home of the Grand Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Then they headed for Granada, where they witnessed the Arabian Nights grandeur of the Alhambra; they were lucky enough to stay at the Parador Granada, which is part of the palace complex, and went for a run before the crowds arrived.

In Madrid, they took in the Prado as well as the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica, and took a side trip to Toledo, whose Jewish quarter is considered one of Europe’s most important. (For those who would like to explore a bit of Jewish Spain on their own, see

http://worldjewishheritage.com/spains-top-10must-see-jewish-quarters-2/.

Mother-daughter trip with a twist Carol Lester is the mother of four daughters, and she loves to travel. So naturally when Daughter No. 3, Natalie, invited her along on a trip to Spain, she quickly agreed. Ultimately it ended up being a mother-daughters trip: Carol, Natalie, and Teresa, Daughter No. 4.

Natalie, 24, the instigator and planner, had been out of school for three years and has a goodpaying job. Teresa, 21, had just graduated, so Carol agreed to help her with some of her trip expenses.

“But this wasn’t a trip for a mother to take her daughters to Spain – and that affected everything,” Carol said. “The budget was their budget, not mine – so I had an experience like I haven’t had in a long time. My husband and I are used to eating in nice places and staying in nice places; this was not like that. We would go miles out of our way to save a few dollars on tapas and sangria. It took a lot of control on my part to not take over.”

So the trio ended up tripping around five Spanish cities and Morocco backpacker-style, with the help of Air B&B (airbnb.com).This made for a more “local” experience – staying in neighborhoods, shopping at the local market, chatting with the neighbors.

They dined, slept, moved around and entertained themselves on the cheap – above all, people-watching. “In Spain people work, then go home and relax, dress up and go out and just stroll down the tiled streets,” Carol explained.

“It’s a national pastime they take very seriously.”

They had a packed itinerary and only a week, so they “blasted through it,” Carol said: Madrid, with the “fabulous and beautiful, must-see” Prado, and the Parque del Buen Retiro. Seville – like the Jacobs, they visited the Alcazar, a royal palace renowned as one of Spain’s most beautiful. A flamenco performance – but this is where Carol drew the line.

“We went to a hole-in-the-wall bar and saw a horrible flamenco performance, and I said, we’re going to have to do this again, and we’re going to do it right.” So she broke her rule and found a top-rated show with a flashy-costumed couple stomping their heels into a blur to a Spanish guitar rhythm. “That was one thing I just couldn’t let stand. It had to be right.”

In edgy and hip Barcelona, they walked its imminently strollable Las Ramblas, and took in Gaudi’s influence everywhere – sea-themed Casa Batllo, Parc Güell, and most epic of all, La Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family) – a massive cathedral under construction since 1892, and slated for completion in 2030.

Finally, they went to Málaga on the Costa del Sol and on to windy Tarifa, where they took a ferry to Tangier, Morocco, for a quick dip into the Arab world. Camel rides, tea and hospitality, shopping for pashminas and oriental rugs – it was all a splendid and unforgettable whirlwind.

“While the rooms and food were downgrades to my typical travel, their fast pace was a physical upgrade for me. But I think I kept up, and was excited and happy to be there, just like they were,” said Carol, still smiling at the memories.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 25

The Junior League of Houston

FOOD

by Alexis Lehman Faust, contributing writer

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

W

hen you’re a guest in someone’s home, it’s a wonderful sensation to wake up to the delicious smell of breakfast cooking. It’s been more than 20 years since I stayed on my grandmother’s farm, and I can still remember the scent of her homemade cinnamon rolls drifting from the kitchen into the purple bedroom where my sister and I slept.

When my family visited each summer, the grandkids anticipated these rolls with an enthusiasm usually reserved for Disney World. And what a production these rolls were! My grandmother would be awake at 5:30 a.m. to start preparing them. I’m not a morning person at all, but the faintest scent of the rolls in the oven was enough to make me leap out of bed by 7 a.m.

With school out and travel season in peak, chances are you’ll be hosting out-of-town family and friends at your home this summer. Your days may be packed with activity, which could involve lunches and dinners out. However, breakfast is your time to shine as a host. Instead of the usual hurried morning routine, your guests can relax while enjoying food and conversation in their pajamas.

A breakfast spread can be delicious and impressive without unnecessary stress or waking up before sunrise. Let’s start with beverages. In addition to coffee and tea, I’m a huge fan of smoothies in the morning because they can pack such a nutritious punch. The Sunshine Smoothie from Peace Meals has three benefits: it’s a refreshing antidote to muggy Houston mornings, it delivers a healthy serving of fruit and yogurt, and it’s easy. Drop six ingredients into a blender and mix. Freeze the mango and peach slices overnight so the smoothie is cold upon serving. For a fancy touch, add a peach slice to the rim of each glass.

For a main dish, I recommend the Herbed Eggs with Sautéed Arugula from Peace Meals.

It’s a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing twist on classic scrambled eggs. It even helps you incorporate some extra greens into your day. Like the WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 26

smoothie, it’s pretty easy to prepare.

The most difficult part of the preparation is refraining from eating all the garlic-and-herb cheese before you add it to the eggs.

The eggs pair well with hash browns or grilled potatoes, toast or bacon.

Now for dessert – because every special meal served for guests needs something sweet to SOPHISTICATED SCRAMBLE Morning eggs get a guest-worthy garlic-and-herb finish it off. upgrade in Herbed Eggs with Sautéed Arugula.

Although I never small bowl, mix together the feta, mascarpone wrote down the recipe for my grandmother’s legand tarragon. Melt the butter in a large heavy endary homemade cinnamon rolls, I find the skillet over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook Coolrise Cinnamon Rolls from Stop and Smell until almost set, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, the Rosemary to be a tasty alternative. This heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium. recipe requires some advance preparation.

Add the garlic and arugula, and sauté until the However, you can make the dough and cinnaarugula is wilted; set aside. Add the cheese mixmon mixture up to 24 hours before serving. ture to the eggs and stir until the cheese is melted Then refrigerate until you are ready to bake and the eggs are softly set. Divide the arugula them and make the icing. Drizzle the icing over among 4 plates and top with the eggs. Garnish the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. with additional tarragon. Serves 4.

Happy hosting.

Herbed Eggs with Sautéed Arugula From Peace Meals 10 eggs ¼ cup milk Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper ¼ cup garlic and herb feta cheese ¼ cup mascarpone cheese 1 Tablespoon minced fresh tarragon, plus additional 1½ Tablespoons butter 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 garlic clove, pressed 4 to 6 cups arugula Whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. In a separate

Sunshine Smoothie From Peace Meals 2 cups frozen mango chunks 2 cups frozen peach slices 1 to 1½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice 6 oz. low-fat vanilla yogurt ¼ teaspoon almond extract ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Combine the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately. Serves 2 to 3.

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for the Coolrise Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 27

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz A

s the St. Thomas Eagles entered the TAPPS 5A baseball playoffs, they did so off the best regular-season record in school history. St. Thomas went undefeated through its first 28 games, before ending the regular season with a 28-1-1 record. The Eagles’ only defeat took place in the second-to-last game of the season.

“That kind of unbeaten streak is something you don’t ever imagine,” said Eagles head coach Ryan Lousteau. “We have a talented core of senior leaders. Obviously, you want to come out and win every game, but our winning streak was pretty incredible.”

“Our team chemistry is just amazing,” said senior pitcher Paolo Cannatella. “For us to go undefeated through the first 28 games is phenomenal.” Second baseman Alex Carnegie echoed those sentiments. “We’ve been playing together in the same baseball system for several years. We all kind of have the same mindset out there on the baseball field.”

On the mound, the Eagles boasted a dynamic duo in senior lefties Matthew Ashbaugh and Cameron Cash, who shut down one opponent after another all season long. “We’re throwing strikes, but our hitters and defense have had our backs,” said Ashbaugh. At the plate, players such as Nolan Lundholm, Philip Matulia, Owen Meaney, Brandon Campos and Carnegie carried a big stick all season long. “I’m just enjoying the ride,” added Ashbaugh. “It’s been awesome to be part of this team.”

In tennis, St. Agnes Academy won a fourth consecutive TAPPS 5A State Championship, including a fourth straight individual title for Tigers senior Racquel Lyn. Lyn, who is ranked among the top 30 players nationwide in her age group, will play college tennis at Dartmouth.

“She simply dominated every match this sea-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 28

son,” said Tigers tennis coach Tom Caine. “Racquel is extremely disciplined, and she’s CHAMPS AGAIN Led by four-time state singles champion Racquel Lyn, St. Agnes inspired her team- Academy won its fourth straight TAPPS 5A State Tennis Championship. Pictured (from left) are Lyn, Kendall Couch, Jennifer Mathieu, Taylor Ysaguirre, Natalia Nassar and mates to be their Christina Watson. very best.

Nguyen posted the team’s best overall score “Amazingly, she hasn’t dropped a set in district over the 36 holes with an eight-over-par 154 or state in all four years at St. Agnes.” score. Sophomore’s Lindsay Riddle and At state this season, it was nearly an all-St. Courtney Bryant, as well as junior Erin Xu, Agnes final in both singles and doubles. Tigers rounded out the Mustangs’ fivesome at state. sophomore Christina Watson advanced to the “Our nerves kind of got to us on Day 1, but state final for the second straight year before the second day we had a goal to shoot an overall falling to Lyn in the state-championship match.

301 and ended improving our score by 15 On the doubles side, the Tigers duo of Taylor strokes,” said Paulk. Paulk was also thrilled to Ysaguirre and Natalia Nassar captured their see her team finish ahead of a Clements Rangers second straight doubles championship. The team that had won the regional title just two Tigers’ second doubles tandem of Jennifer weeks earlier. “Clements was the top team in the Mathieu and Kendall Couch advanced to the Houston area this year, and for us to beat them state semifinals, where they dropped a heartat state was one of our goals.” breaking three-set match.

Also in golf, after winning its first-ever district “All six of our girls are so-called Super championship, Duchesne Academy finished Champs, which is the top category in the sixth overall at the TAPPS 5A State Golf USTA rankings for their age group,” said Caine.

Tournament. It was the team’s first berth at state “We’re only losing two seniors, so the future also in 15 years. The Chargers were led by freshman looks really bright.”

Danielle Talley, who shot a pair of 82s to finish The Memorial Mustangs girls golf team fintwo strokes out of the top 10. Freshmen Joanna ished fourth at the UIL 6A State Golf Kass and Meghan Pennington, as well as junior Tournament, marking the team’s best showing Lauren Valentine and sophomore Camilla in school history. Junior Madeline Burleson Valente, also made up the Chargers’ state-tourfired a one-over-par 73 on the second day as nament team.

Memorial came on strong to capture fourth place. “Madeline is our No. 1 golfer,” said Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy AwardMustangs golf coach Holly Paulk. “She has sevwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE eral major colleges already looking at her, and SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 even played in the big Annika Sorenstam tourp.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school nament, which features the nation’s top 72 sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, youth golf players.” please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

At state, Mustangs sophomore Tiffany

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 29

SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Softball ready Cole Johnson (top photo), 13, is ready to make a catch for the Pershing Middle School softball team. The seventh grader is a lefty catcher who also plays first base and center field. Cole began playing softball at age 5 and has played on 18 different teams, including teams with the West University Softball Association. Her favorite position is catcher, but she goes where the coach needs her and she recently pitched during a game. She is not a pitcher, but gladly accepted the coach’s challenge and gave it a try. In her first game on the mound, Cole was so excited about pitching strikes that she jumped up and down with each one. She struck out three batters in a row.

Breaking in the new field Jack Edwards and Caden Biedermann (middle photo, from left) represent the Astros and the A’s in the inaugural game on Bellaire Little League’s (BLL) new field, Furler Field. In the season opener, the teams squared off on the newly opened field. Both teams had one home run and the A’s won 10-4. BLL acquired the field at Mulberry Park, named in remembrance of Elizabeth Furler, the first female president of the Bellaire Optimist Club. As a result of her efforts and dedication, Mulberry Park originally housed the first Bellaire field used exclusively for girls’ softball. Today, BLL players are enjoying the field. A’s team members are manager Bobby Bazarsky, Milan Narayan, Taylor Bazarsky, Caden Biedermann, Daniel Leibman, Raphael Hananel, Christopher Means, Jase Schmalz, Lawton McLemore and Jake Beasley. The Astros are manager Paul Posoli, Luke Mandola, Charlie Mullen, Jack Edwards, Will Spires, Hayden Deutsch, Ashton Lassiter, Logan Rhoades, Ethan Weinstock and Nate Hardison.

All-star athletes Trinity Curry (bottom photo), a basketball player at Pin Oak Middle School, was one of three athletes recently honored as an all-star athlete at the annual sports banquet. The 6-foot, 4-inch Lady Chargers basketball player says her favorite memory was scoring 14 points in one game. She will attend The Kinkaid School in the fall and play for its basketball team.

The other two all-star honorees (not pictured) are seventh grader Kat Kelly, who plays baseball, volleyball and basketball, and eighth grader Dylan Campbell, who plays football, basketball, baseball and track. Dylan credits his coaches for teaching him discipline in each of the sports he plays.

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

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Dave Rossman

NEIGHBORS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town Talent brings smiles

some West University seniors. The National Charity League is a non-profit national organization for daughters and mothers that promotes community involvement through philanthropic and volunteer service. Pictured is NCL member Michaela-Christina Skaribas’s brother, Michael Skaribas. Both Michael and Michaela are students at St. John’s School.

A sophisticated soirée The National Charity League put on a variety show full of musical performances and more for

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 32

Miles Smith and Robin Angly (pictured, from left) mingled, along with more than 70 guests, at Bulgari for an evening of philanthropy and fun to celebrate the 2016 Houston Symphony Ball.

Stephanie Von Stein, Bulgari Houston director, began the evening by welcoming everyone, followed by speeches from 2016 ball chairs Jana and Scotty Arnoldy. Led in a toast by symphony executive director/CEO Mark C. Hanson, attendees toasted Sybil Roos, one of the ball’s three honorees. Sybil is the recipient of the Ima

Hogg Philanthropy Award for her years of generosity and dedication to the symphony.

What a ball

Harris, Molly Stone, Diane LeMaire, Dee Darby, Jackie Eubank, Emily Essaye, Scarlett Coffman and Ashley Peterson.

Teach them early

Mike Charlton

It was a record-breaking year for the annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, which raised over $2.25 million for the American Cancer Society. Around $900,000 was raised on the auction alone. Some of the key auction items were children's quilts

that raised $100,000, an in-home dinner with Johnny Carrabba and one with Bryan Caswell, a steer, a J.J. Watt jersey and some donated trips.

Over 1,000 guests enjoyed Southern food from Caswell and Co. Catering while listening to the Eli Young Band and enjoying pig races, midway games, a wine pull and casino. Ball co-chairs were Lauren Maloy and Allison Flikeski.

Auction chairs were (pictured, from left) Disney

Bellaire Young Mothers hosted a St. Jude's Trike-A-Thon event at Colonial Park. The event taught young children bike safety rules (such as ride with a helmet, don't ride in the street, watch where you are going, be careful in driveways) and then ended with a short bike ride around the park. Police Officer Katie Wilson (pictured) came to meet the children and hand out their bike licenses. Through the event, the group raised (continued on page 34)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 33

(continued from page 33)

$400 directly for St. Jude's. Pictured are (from left) are Corrine Prevatt, Miyah Dessap (receiving bike license), Daniella Hughes, Babette Hughes and Addison Gubitz (in the background).

90 years and counting Karen Yeager, Kristine Martinez, West University Elementary students Austin Little and Jackie Newman and WUES principal John Threet (pictured, from left) broke ground for a time-capsule burial at West University

Elementary's 90th Celebration. School tours were given, and the entire school sang happy birthday to the school with their party hats donned. The time capsule will be opened in 20 years. Each grade put something that symbolizes their grade in the time capsule. Kindergarten placed a DVD of their musical-ocean program along with a bound book with writing from several students.

The school choir performed, and many alumni were in attendance. The week leading up to the celebration included activities for the students, including dressing up as a 90 year old, crazy socks

day and school spirit day. Fundraising pavers were sold and are still on sale now.

Award-winning

The City of West University Place was honored with the Texas Recreation and Park Society's Gold Medal Award for Excellence. State Rep. Sarah Davis presented a resolution to City Council in recognition of the award. Pictured (from left) are council members Mardi Turner and Burt Ballanfant, Mayor Susan Sample, Davis, council member Brennan Reilly and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kelly. The criteria for the award includes excellence in management, facilities, master planning, programming, operations and maintenance. The most significant acknowledgement was that West University Place had effectively re-built or renovated all of its parks and recreational facilities within a matter of a decade, setting it far apart from the competition.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 34

Nicodemus worked with her team, the board and vendors to plan the night. The goal each year is to raise additional funds needed to make WUSA a good experience for the 600-plus players.

Kim Coffman

A home run

Park play date

The West University Softball Association held its annual auction at the Southside Place Clubhouse. Pictured (from left) are event chair Megan Nicodemis and head of decorations Tracy Pesikoff. With music by DJ Duke, decor

by Successful Events and catering by Goode Company, the evening was festive in line with the theme, Solid Gold. Event chair Megan

A group of moms enjoyed a sunny afternoon at Huffington Park. Seated under the park’s shady Oaks are (pictured, from left) Liba Stern, Lisa Zadok and Julia Jacobson. Their children, Oliver Stern, Talia Zadok and Jack Jacobson, ran around the park as the moms visited and watched them play. The friends meet with their children each Thursday, picking a different place each time. They met through their children’s preschool, Beth Yeshurun.

On the catwalk Fashion, fun and fabulous weather made the day for the 250 guests that celebrated Boys & Girls

Harbor’s annual children’s fashion show and luncheon at the Houstonian Hotel. This year was themed More Than You Can Imagine, as a play on the honoree Vicki Rizzo’s storefront.

Many of the guests, wearing spring attire, had their children with them to model in the show.

Celebrity models included Len Cannon, Brian Ching, Mike Chabala, Deborah Duncan, Garrett Graham, Mia Gradney (who also served as emcee), Donovan Greer, Randy McIlvoy, Dana and Taft McWhorter, Peter Remington and Jessica Willey. Chairs Leisa Holland Nelson and Roz Pactor (pictured, from left, with Rizzo in center) enjoyed the event.

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

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 35

CODING CLUB Emily Buergler, a senior at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, loves to code and co-founded Duchesne’s first programming club.

KIDS

by Emily Buergler, age 17

Buzz Kidz

Coding games – but first, peanut butter

P

rogramming games is my favorite hobby. I always wanted to be a part of a group of programmers so we could share tips and team up. In my junior year, I finally got my chance. The day that the paperwork for registering a school club was due, I recruited my friend, Kelly Tatum, and we founded Duchesne Academy’s first programming club!

Our club started out with seven members. At our first meeting, we did a peanut-butter-andjelly demo to teach members general concepts about programming. The person speaking would have to tell my friend Kelly (the robot) exactly what to do, or else the sandwich would not be made how they intended! For example, when one person said “put the peanut butter on the sandwich,” the peanut butter jar would land ka-

plop on top of and crushing the bread. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and it set the tone for the rest of the year.

After brainstorming, we decided our first project would be “Duchesne Dash,” a game where the player would guide a young girl by using arrow keys to help her navigate the halls of Duchesne, dodging students, stacks of textbooks, banana peels, and teachers on the lookout to give her a demerit. The player would have to arrive at class on time or risk earning a detention. Over time, the girl representing the player grew older, and the player could change her outfit or hairstyle. Although my club mates enjoyed working on the game and coming up with more ideas, it was impossible to finish in a year. The schedule only afforded our club about half an

Design

hour once a month, so we had to bench the project after a year.

This past year our club promoted the Hour of Code by putting up inspirational programming posters over the school halls. We also encouraged people to attend the annual Science Hack Day. Next year, after I’ve graduated, the group will morph into a Girls Who Code Club, joining it with a national network.

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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DINING GUIDE

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Eating out at the grocery store

H-E-B

This Month in Dining

TABLE 57 There's a little something for everyone, including sweet potato hash with salmon, at Table 57 at H-E-B.

T

hese days, in-store dining is something my family does weekly. We’re not the only one who has embraced this upward trend of shopping and dining. This grocery segment has increased nearly 30 percent since 2008, according the NPD Group, a Chicago research firm that tracks groceries and restaurants.

Grocers, including H-E-B, Central Market and Whole Foods, have upped their shelf-to-table offerings, and choices abound, from foodie haven Revival Market (550 Heights Blvd.) to Jerusalem Halal Meats deli (3330 Hillcroft), with its juicy chicken and beef shawarma sandwiches. And for Central Americans, a breakfast of sweet corn tamales and cinnamon coffee tastes like home at Fiesta Mart (6200 Bellaire). There are restaurants and counter-service offerings that flank Hong Kong Food Market “4” (11205 Bellaire Blvd.), where Vietnamese gather for steamed pork buns, baguettes stuffed with pate, jalapeño and cilantro, beef pho, and freshly squeezed sugar cane. Here are other grocery stores where you can shop and dine.

Super H-Mart ( 1302 Blalock Road) is a Korean mega-mart that’s a destination not only for the Korean community, but also chowhounds who storm the killer food court inside. The plus-handful of options include Daddy N Daughter, a perennial personal favorite, mainly for the gigantic gorgeous bowl of jjambbong seafood noodle soup, chock full of spices, octopus, mussels, seaweed and shrimp.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 38

For $15, it’s plenty for two people. Another favorite is Yori Yori, known for its barbecue short ribs and stir-fried clear noodle.

99 Ranch Market (1005 Blalock Road) is the store of choice for many to stock up on Asian pantry staples. While the sheer number of frozen-dumpling offerings is impressive, the highlight is the affordable, quick-service eateries, from chicken pho soup at Pho Quynh to salt toasted shrimp at L.A. Crawfish. Towards the back, there is a steam table with stir-fry vegetables and meats, but the main attraction is the dim sum – from cushiony pork buns and fried taro roots to steamed xiu mai dumplings.

H-E-B (5898 San Felipe) is officially in the “grocerant” business with five restaurants, including Houston’s Table 57. Here, shoppers don’t have to settle for a run-of-the-mill deli counter when on the hunt for meat. Instead, they dine on stellar barbecue brisket, pulled pork, grilled salmon and chef-composed entrée salads, such as the lemon-pesto grilled tuna with kale and marcona almonds. Even the turkey is smoked in-house, and so a stack is more than a sandwich at Table 57 with its full-service cocktail and wine bar.

Phoenicia Specialty Market (1001 Austin Street) is the offshoot of the original Westchase location, where you can spend hours upon hours exploring imported goodies from the Middle East. The downtown location places emphasis less on the shopping experience and more on the dining, with a terrific selection of skewered meats at the hot-lunch counter along with the full-service MKT Bar for fish and chips and a cold brew.

Asia Market Thai Lao Food (1010 W. Cavalcade Street) changed owners, and the food has gotten better. The tables of Thai diners attest as much. Large groups of downtown workers gather for sticky rice and fried pork sausages.

Platters of crispy fried fish, and even more sticky rice with fried quail, crunchy papaya salad, pad thai noodles, fish soup and beef stew are shared among friends, who after a hearty lunch will head straight to the refrigerator section of this tiny market for Thai and Chinese sausages to take home.

Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Buzz Dining Guide columnist Dai Huynh (D.H.) is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime Houston-based restaurant writer. Contributing reviewer Russell Weil (R.W.), a Houston native, is the author of the blog Eat More Burgers, eat-more-burgers.com. Their visits to restaurants in the Dining Guide were anonymous, and they paid for their meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too. Write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Antica Osteria Regional Italian Neighborhood: Southhampton Antica Osteria, in a vintage brick house, attracts an eclectic mix with its warm, old-fashioned feel.

There are Turkish movie stars, socialites, ingénues, young lovers, media types and, even, parents with

well-behaved children. The attractions are the well-prepared pastas; spaghetti carbonara lush with cream and pancetta makes the strongest impression, along with abundantly friendly service and a homey vibe. Every meal begins with complimentary bruschetta and ends with a gracious smile. In between, there are simple, satisfying antipasti.

Many customers order pastas as their entrées, but for those who must have meat, consider the deftly prepared osso buco – an occasional special – or the grilled angus fillet. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 2311 Bissonnet, 713-521-1155. anticarestaurant.com. $$$ – D.H.

Bramble New Southern American Neighborhood: Briargrove When a restaurant fits a chef like a glove, everything comes together effortlessly like it does at Bramble, Randy Rucker's latest Gulf Coastinspired venture and, so far, his best foot forward.

Here, he effortlessly melds Southern classics with modern techniques, creating an enticing menu that is out of the ordinary and yet familiar. Take his beef tartare with a dash of miso. Who would have thought? And yet, that bit of fermented soybeans adds a je ne sais quoi that makes you want to take another bite and another bite. Crunchy peanuts give this dish a surprising crunch. Not always available, but if the dinosaur-sized seared beef short rib shows up, order it. Lunch Mon.-Fri. & dinner Mon.-Sat. 2231 S. Voss Road, 832-819-

0322. restaurantbramble.com. $$$ – D.H.

Coltivare Pizza & Garden Italian and American bistro Neighborhood: The Heights The same team who brought us the popular Revival Market created another Heights favorite with Coltivare. The garden-fresh, Italian-influenced eatery is popular for its inventive menu of small plates and salads, but the pizza is the real reason I recommend a visit. The Meyer Lemon, for example, with lemon, olives, goat cheese and rosemary, is an inspired mixture of citrus and spice for a unique pizza unlike any other. Fresh salads feature local strawberries, sugar snap peas, hazelnuts, red cabbage, yogurt with aged balsamic and mint. Later, try the chocolate rum cake topped with pistachio buttercream and salted caramel ganache. This is quite a popular spot, and seating in the rustic dining room and patio area is tight. Try to get there at opening time. Or find a spot at the bar and enjoy a craft cocktail until your table is ready. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon. Wed. & Thurs.; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Sun. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713637-4095. coltivarehouston.com. $$ – R.W.

Cottonwood New American food and spirits Neighborhood: Garden Oaks From the owners of Raven Grill comes Cottonwood in Garden (continued on page 40)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 39

H-E-B

Chef’s Corner: Randy Evans

CHEF EVANS Our Chef's Corner expert this month is Randy Evans, H-E-B director and executive chef for restaurants.

Find out where the experts eat, with our new Chef’s Corner column. Every month, chefs reveal their personal recommendations.

From bargain Columbian eateries to high-end restaurants, you’ll learn where they go and what they order. To kick it off, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviewed chef Randy Evans, who garnered countless fans during his tenure at Brennan’s of Houston and Haven.

After closing Haven, Evans became director and executive chef for H-E-B restaurants. In between tweaking menus for Table 57 (5895 San Felipe) and True Texas Barbecue (9710 Katy Freeway), he hunts down good grub during his visits to Houston. Last year, the Houstonian moved his family to a five-acre homestead in Boerne to (continued from page 39) 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. $-$$ – R.W.

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be near H-E-B headquarters in San Antonio.

What do you miss most about Houston?

I miss good Southern fried chicken. I have been on the hunt [around San Antonio], but no luck so far. I still go to Barbecue Inn (116 W. Crosstimbers Road) for fried chicken. It’s one of my favorite places growing up on the North Side. We went there for fried shrimp, chicken fried steak and fried chicken. I didn’t try their barbecue until I was in my 30s. It’s good, but I still go there for the fried food – the right balance of crunch, salt and moisture.

What’s another must-visit when in town?

I always try to hit Underbelly (1100 Westheimer), to see Chris (Shepherd), eat great food and shoot the bull. When people think of Chris, they think about the best meats. But one of the best things Chris does is seafood. Fish, especially. People don’t talk about it.

Maybe it’s because of the giant meat case. Chris buys whole animal, but he buys whole fish as well, and he really does something special with it each time. Last time, I had this Vietnamese snapper dish that had this great sweet-and-sour tang. The thing about Chris is that he takes all those flavors from Chinatown and makes it his own.

Any new discoveries?

A place I went recently that was really good was Southern Goods (632 W. 19th Street) in the Heights. I like seeing people use underutilized cuts, and Southern Goods smokes this beef belly, and then roasts it with this wonderful crunchy glaze. It’s nice, served with creamy grits. Order that with really good fried green tomatoes.

They sandwich the gooey mozzarella between the fried tomatoes.

It’s refreshing.

What is your last stop before heading back to Boerne?

Sushi in Boerne is slim to none. So I usually run into Kata Robata (3600 Kirby) for a fast bite. Otherwise, if I have time, I kill it, especially if my kids are with me. It’s one of their favorite places.

My eldest, 9, loves the maguro, hamachi and the special rolls. My 6 year old loves the scallop with soy paper and spicy mayo. My wife and I will have an ice chest, and we’ll take home cold ramen, hamachi and snapper; we load up. Mainly, we go there for traditional sushi. The rice is amazing, balanced and served at about 98100 degrees, with a nice tart acidity that brings out the freshness of the fish. Recently, we had sushi in Boston. Afterwards, my kids looked at me, “Really? This is sushi?” Kata has ruined sushi for my kids. We can’t eat anywhere else.

Neighborhood: Museum District If there were an award for the most inventive fried chicken in Houston, I’d put my money on the Korean fried chicken at Dak & Bop, the sleek, modern Korean café in the heart of the Museum District. Their version is twice-fried to create an eggshell-thin, ultra-crispy crust around a drippingly juicy interior. On my last visit, I enjoyed two wings, two strips and one drumstick for the value price of $10. They have a variety of sauces for dipping, two of which accompany any fried chicken order – I chose Sriracha honey-lime and soy garlic. Extra sauces are available for an additional cost and include buffalo, hot and spicy and a medium spicy option.

My side order of kimchi fries were spicy and flavorful with a four-cheese blend, caramelized kimchi, green and white onions, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds and spicy mayo. Side orders include slaw, mac and cheese and other fries.

The bar is lively, serving up uniquely creative cocktails. Be patient after placing your order, as each item takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. This place is popular, so expect a wait.

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11:30 a.m-10 p.m. Sat., Happy hour: Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. 1801 Binz St. #120. 713-5280280. dakandbop.com. $ – R.W.

Saltillo Mexican Kitchen Mexican Neighborhood: Near Bellaire Fans of La Casa de Caballo will be happy to hear that it has immigrated near the city of Bellaire and rechristened itself as Saltillo. Many of the old favorites remain, including the 4 pound-plus ribeye cap ($190) large enough to share with five of your BFFs, or for a smaller group of four, there is the 3-pound top sirloin ($80). Saltillo is smaller in size but in many

ways with more charm. We like, too, the threecourse lunch specials for $20. Try the tasty trio of tacos. Lunch Mon.-Sun. & dinner Mon.-Sat. Happy hour: Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m. 5427 Bissonnet St., 832-623-6467. saltillomexicankitchen.com. $$$ – D.H.

South Coast Grill Gulf Coast cuisine Neighborhood: Downtown Satisfying food can be such a good trip down memory lane. Rechristened and revamped, the restaurant formerly known as Massa's Seafood Grill provides that and more. Marching proudly into the next era of Houston dining, owner Joseph Massa continues to honor his family’s 72year-old tradition of good, solid Gulf Coast seafood and Creole specialties. Fewer and fewer restaurants are doing Gulf Coast cooking right these days, which is why of late we find ourselves delving into Massa's spicy grilled catfish with red beans and rice. Try, too, the pecan-crusted rainbow trout lovingly doused with lemon buerre blanc and served with potatoes au gratin. The composition pairs beautifully with a crisp sauvignon blanc. Although a recent addition, the shrimp and grits with blackened shrimp is another crowd favorite. Open lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. & Sat. for dinner. Happy hour: Mon.-Fri, 4-7 p.m.

1331 Lamar, 713-655-9100. southcoastgrill.com. $$-$$$ – D.H.

Super H Mart Korean food court Neighborhood: Spring Branch A handful of family kiosks and tables line the right side of this mega Korean supermarket, where shoppers dine on homey dishes, from crispy fried Korean chicken and bibimbap to oyster pancakes. The centerpiece is Daddy & Daughter, with its nourishing, briny seafood noodle soups. It’s also praised by Koreans for the comfort dish jajangmyeon, noodles tossed with pork and an unctuous sweet, salty black bean paste. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 1302 Blalock Road, 713-468-0606. hmart.com. $ – D.H.

Tony’s Upscale Gulf Coast Italian Neighborhood: Upper Richmond High ceilings and an elegant backdrop provide a cinematic setting for star sightings, anniversaries, birthdays and engagements over fresh flowers, Riedel glasses and Christofle flatware. Life unfolds under the watchful eye of consummate restaurateur Tony Vallone, whose contemporary Italian menu sparkles with deftly prepared seafood and homemade pastas. For an overview of this posh Houston landmark, explore the nightly tasting menus, starting at $95 for five courses. Lunch can be a bargain, even at Tony’s, with a three-course menu for $23, or $29 if you opt for the char-grilled hanger

steak with salsa verde as your main course. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. & dinner Sat. 3755 Richmond, 713-622-6778. tonyshouston.com. $$$$ – D.H.

Underbelly Upscale Texas eats Neighborhood: Montrose Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd’s menu is a touchstone of the nose-to-tail movement. The Oklahoman is known to haul a whole hog through a roomful of diners, and his passion is mirrored by a striking woodcutting of a snout at the entrance. Family-style offerings include a pork roast with smoky sweet cornbread. Another piglet rendition is spicy kimchi stew. Shepherd shares his fondness for Asian cuisines with sweeping touches here and there – all of which are satisfying against an airy, modern, Texas Hill Country setting, with maple wood communal tables, fresh wildflowers and a wall of homemade preserves. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Thurs. & dinner Fri.-Sat. Happy hour: Mon.-Sat., 3-6:30 p.m.; 10 p.m.-midnight. 1100 Westheimer Road, 712528-9800. underbellyhouston.com. $$$ – D.H.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 41

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Orthodontics times three

College-prep checklist

When people want a beautiful smile, they need to be very selective with the orthodontic provider they choose. Things people usually look for are experience and reputation.

Having had a practice in the Bellaire area for over 40 years, the three doctors at Bellaire Family Orthodontics have that magical combination of experience, as well as youthful ideas and creativity.

You can always be assured that the doctors at Bellaire Family Orthodontics utilize the newest technologies and advances in the field of orthodontics, such as the high tech Damon Braces System. This system minimizes discomfort and can reduce treatment time. The practice is also a top 1 percent Elite Preferred Provider for Invisalign, meaning you can feel safe that you are getting beautiful results in less time and more comfortably than ever imagined.

After coming to Bellaire Family Orthodontics, a patient never has to worry about getting a second opinion, for the three doctors all evaluate the patient’s needs, and together they formulate what they call a super plan. If you are in need of orthodontic treatment and want the expertise of three doctors at one time, then Bellaire Family Orthodontics is the office for you. Call 713-667-6000 for a complimentary consultation, and we would love to see you.

Dr. David M. Wadler and Dr. Vladimir Tabakman, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 105, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.667.6000, www.rocknbraces.com

Say hello to the summer! Cherish this moment and enjoy at least the first or second half of June. Clear your mind, go to the beach, hang out with your family and friends, catch up on your favorite movies, and stay active with outdoor activities. When you’re done, get to your nearest non-profit organization and volunteer.

You need to clock in at least 40 hours of volunteer service this summer – line them up now.

Here’s your June checklist: • Take a FREE 2nd SATurday practice test on June 11 at Firat Education.

• Take the June 4 SAT and/or June 11 ACT. • Take the June 4 SAT Subject Tests (at least two recommended).

• Visit colleges close to home.

• Begin your internship/job and volunteer activities.

• Begin meeting your college counselor for college-admissions planning.

• Build your own summer program with Firat Education.

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

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

Successful depression treatment when other approaches don’t work Brain Health Consultants is Houston’s premier private program devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Whether it’s new symptoms or years of suffering, we provide personalized solutions.

NOW OFFERING: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) • FDA approved non-medication alternative • No weight gain or sexual side effects • 37 minute outpatient office procedure per session • Go right back to your activities after each session Ketamine • In-office administration by experienced physician/psychiatrist • Psychiatric evaluation and oversight before, during and after drug administration • Often effective in 2 to 24 hours, even in difficult-to-treat depression

Lauren B. Marangell, MD and Rayan K. Al Jurdi, MD Board Certified in Psychiatry

by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 42

24 GREENWAY PLAZA, SUITE 2020 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77046 (59 AND WESLAYAN)

713.489.5000 www.BrainHealthConsultants.com

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A minute with Maisie

Summer health tip

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, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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

As summer-camp season begins, ensuring your children are healthy is not just a good idea – it’s usually a requirement. Scheduling a spring or summer physical for everyone is a great way for today’s busy families to beat the back-to-school rush and make everyone’s health a priority. “We specialize in treating all ages and stages,” said Dr. Lakshmi Puppala, a Houston Methodist Primary Care Group family medicine physician. “Our services include everything from well-baby visits, pap smears, sports physicals and immunizations to treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disease. We oversee the entire family’s health and well-being for a lifetime.”

Research shows that having an established primary care physician improves long-term health. Family medicine physicians provide continuity of care, referrals to trusted specialists if needed, and act as the “medical home.” That’s why we want to make sure that you have the information and resources you need to make the healthiest choices for you and your family both today and into the future. To find the right primary care physician for your family, schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/pcg or call 713.394.6638.

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, 7575 San Felipe St., Suite 155, Houston, Texas 77063, 713.394.6638, houstonmethodist.org/pcg

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 43

sponsored by

PETS

Neighborhood Tails

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Baby on the way?

713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Molly, age 6, and Hannah, age 10, Golden Retrievers, Dunstan Rd. We’re the Golden Girls. I’m Molly (on the top), and the cute thing below me is my adopted big sister Hannah. We’re rescued Golden Retrievers. I’m a Southern belle from North Carolina – Mom adopted me four years ago while she was going to Duke for grad school. And, yes, we’re huge Blue Devils basketball fans. We moved to Houston in 2014 for something called a “job.” Last June, we drove to meet Hannah, who came from San Antonio via Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston, and she has become my best friend. We love going for walks on the Rice Loop, riding in the convertible with the breeze blowing through our fur, getting treats, chasing each other, dining al fresco in Rice Village and opening our monthly BarkBox. So. Many. Treats. Mom and Dad take us everywhere, and we love meeting new friends – especially tiny humans who like to pet us. Say hello if you see us out walking! And stay golden.

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.

A new baby in the family is an unmistakable blessing, and the anticipation of that arrival creates lots of excitement and preparation.

Often, however, little thought is given to how any canine members of the family will react to the new baby.

But there is good news. Many proactive steps can be taken ahead of time to help things go smoothly. Preparation – for you and your pet – makes all the difference in the world. Jennifer Shryock, a mom, certified dog-behavior consultant and owner of Family Paws LLC in North Carolina, has created a program called Dogs & Storks to help families prepare their pets for a new arrival. Jennifer says, “By addressing concerns or behavioral challenges up front, families can set proper expectations and practice new routines well before and after baby arrives.” Using a network of licensed dog trainers and behavior-modification experts, the Dogs & Storks program teaches families how to set up their home environment for safety, how to read the subtle body language of their canine companions, how to handle concerns about pet jealousy and acceptance of the baby, and fun ways to include our dogs in the daily activities surrounding a baby. If your family is expecting a new baby, don’t wait until your world changes dramatically to try to create a positive environment that includes your pet. Find a local dog trainer with the knowledge and experience to guide you and your furry friend through the excitement of change – before it begins.

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

Smile

s

GONE WILD! Free Slim Sonic Toothbrush with this ad! $15 Value (New Patients Only)

West U 5311 Kirby 713.360.6432 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 44

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IRA qualified charitable distributions “Qualified charitable distributions,” (QCDs for short), are the technical term for IRA charitable rollovers. They let older taxpayers transfer IRA funds directly to charity, and get credit towards minimum required distributions, all without taking the gift into income.

The concept has been around since 2006, but Congress let the law lapse and then renewed it so often, and so haphazardly, that it amounted to elder abuse. It’s now permanent, and worth understanding if you are 70½, or might inherit from someone who is.

QCDs are not really rollovers. The charity does not participate in the IRA. Instead, funds are distributed from the IRA, directly to the charity.

In contrast, without the QCD, the funds are distributed to the taxpayer, who then transfers them to the charity.

Bad things happen to the taxpayer’s income without the QCD. The distribution increases adjusted gross income, which can increase taxes on Social Security benefits, defeat current deduction of charitable contributions, limit itemized deductions, and increase Medicare insurance premiums.

The QCD income exclusion is limited to $100,000 per IRA owner per year. QCDs may be made from IRAs only. SEP or SIMPLE IRAs don’t work. The donor must be 70½. If that day falls on December 31, a transfer September 30 doesn’t qualify. Public charities such as churches, hospitals, museums, and educational organizations are eligible. Donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not. Decline any thank-you gift, because a quid pro quo can disqualify the entire transfer.

Some tips: Ask the charity the exact name for the check, let them know

a QCD is intended, and request written acknowledgement with confirmation that there was no benefit provided.

Instruct your IRA custodian to make the transfer directly to charity. If the custodian sends a check payable to you, return it. Do not endorse the check to charity.

If you already make regular, significant donations, QCDs are an effective way to minimize the cost. Enough pitfalls and opportunities exist that a CPA should be consulted for larger gifts. For help reporting QCDs, see IRS Publication 590-B. This article was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by the taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.

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

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

Drs. Sutherland, Albers & Pagel are pleased to annouce the opening of their new location in the Three Allen Center.

Conveniently located across from the Allen Center visitor parking garage on Clay Street.

Valet service is available.

We offer early and lunchtime appointments.

Three Allen Center 333 Clay St., Suite 100 • Houston, TX 77002 713-658-9591 • downtowndentist.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 45

NEIGHBORS

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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

What to read this summer

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ JUNE 2016 46

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t’s been five years since our inaugural Buzz summer reading roundup. And in those five years, we’ve cited recommendations from men, women, teenagers, children and even authors. What haven’t we included?

Recommendations from a couple. Until now.

Meet Samantha and Gil Melman, two of the most voracious readers I know, who happen to be married, and whose book endorsements never disappoint. If Gil tells me to read a book, I read it. And generally it becomes my favorite book for some time after. How the two of them – parents to three children in elementary, middle and high schools, he a lawyer – manage to read as much as they do is baffling. But lucky for us they do, and they’re happy to share what they like.

“My favorite book of the year,” Gil says, “is Fates and Furies,” by Lauren Groff. “I didn’t like it at first,” Samantha says. “It was kind of serious.

But it snuck up on me. It’s heavy-handed, reminded me of Donna Tartt (author of Goldfinch). Very highbrow. But I kept reading and was awed by the prose.” The story of a marriage, told through the husband’s perspective and then the wife’s, Fates and Furies is about secrets and what happens when truths come to light. The New York Times Book Review says, “Groff is a writer of rare gifts…[she] delivers with comedy, tragedy, well-deployed erudition and unmistakable glimmers of brilliance.” Amazon editors picked Fates and Furies as the No. 1 book of 2015, and its award list is extensive.

Gil says Fifteen Dogs, by André Alexis, is “the most unique thing I’ve read in a long time. Easy to absorb and get through.” Samantha had just started this book when we wrote this story, but she said she was going through it quickly and enjoying it. “A Canadian author writes about 15 dogs who are given the ability to think like humans,” Gil says. “The book…is way more interesting than it sounds. Think Animal Farm meets Kerouac’s On the Road.” Kirkus Reviews called this short, 160-page novel an “inventive romp through the nature of humanity.”

The Orphan Master’s Son: A Novel, by Adam Johnson, was named one of the best books of 2012 by numerous publications. Gil says, “This one is great, but it’s a hard read.” Winner of the

SUMMER READING It's summer – time for kids to run outside and grown-ups to find a good book.

Read on for a good start.

Pulitzer Prize for fiction, the story explores the intimate and human side of hidden, inner North Korea. “Yeah, Gil wants me to read that one,” Samantha says. “I guess I’ll be reading it. He’s just so good – he knows exactly what to read. He read this one before it was awarded the Pulitzer.”

Samantha calls The Girl On the Train, by Paula Hawkins, “excellent, excellent. It’s good and easy, and from the very first page I could tell I liked it.” Gil calls it a “poor man’s Gone Girl, but a page turner nonetheless.” USA Today named the mystery – a story of a routine commute into London gone awry – its Book of the Year.

Author Anthony Doerr won the Pulitzer Prize for All the Light We Cannot See, his story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose lives intersect during World War II. “One of the better books of this decade,” according to Gil, the book is “kind of cool because it touches on the Holocaust but it’s not about the Holocaust,” Samantha says. “You see a different perspective of World War II, which is interesting. It tells the regular French people’s perspective, not necessarily those who were collaborative with the Nazis. And it’s beautifully written.”

For something “ridiculous and kind of stupid

but funny and fun,” Samantha recommends Crazy Rich Asians, by Kevin Kwan. It’s the story of an American woman who travels with her boyfriend to his hometown of Singapore, only to learn that he might possibly be the country’s most eligible bachelor. “True garbage,” Gil says.

“But hey, maybe that’s what you need in the summer. Title says it all.”

“I read a lot of what I’m hearing in pop culture,” Samantha says. “When I hear people commenting about something, I have to read it so I can be part of the conversation. A lot of times Gil thinks it’s too lowbrow. But if everybody is reading it and it’s a thing, there must be something to it. He’s snobbier than I. To that I just roll my eyes.”

But Gil is confident in his choices: “I should be a book reviewer,” he said, following our interview. “That was the most fun 10 minutes I’ve had all week.”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links to past summer reading recommendations. Also, share your favorite reads with us too in the comment section online.