The West University Buzz - October 2024

Jake Rodriguez and Kate Burke

A ‘Humerus’ Halloween Adventures in Iceland Chef’s Corner: Levi Goode Neighborhood Halloween Parade

School Buzz 2024-25

by Caroline Siegfried

Sunday Night Dinners

Houston, TX

Holding Hands

Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Buzz Reads

EDITOR’S NOTE Meet our 2024-25 School Buzz correspondents. Every fall, we kick off our School Buzz program with a photo shoot. These bright and busy high schoolers have a lot on their plates – some had even taken the SAT earlier that day – but that did not stop them from showing up with all the write stuff. Pun intended. These students all expressed a passion for writing, and they’re excited to report on their schools this year. Like many of our stories, this program was inspired by a coffee-shop conversation 11 years ago, and I am grateful it is still brewing strong. Also in this issue, Cathy Gordon spotlights a fascinating heart surgeon who saves lives by day – and works diligently to get our blood pumping with his magically detailed skeletons on Halloween night. We met multi-talented inventor Billy Cohn through “Hallo-Queen” Mia Parker (who was featured in our Oct. 2022 issue for her hand-crafted, hilarious Halloween scenes). Mia mentioned that she knew another Buzz resident who goes over-the-top for Halloween, and put me in touch with Billy, who wowed us with his life-saving inventions and magic tricks (metaphorically and literally).

She described Billy as “inventive, musical, funny, magical, and will save countless lives with his artificial heart. He is the modern-day da Vinci!”

Yes, there’s a lot of creativity and magic within these pages – and within our communities. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

Contributing Writer Account Managers

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Caroline Siegfried John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett, Sharon Albert Brier, Cindy Burnett, Andria Dilling, Angie Frederickson, Todd Freed, Cindy Gabriel, Cathy Gordon, Michelle Groogan, Dai Huynh, Annie Blaylock McQueen, Pooja Salhotra, Cheryl Ursin Ben Portnoy Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Jo Rogers

On our cover: Jake Rodriguez and Kate Burke (from left), sophomores at Kinder HSPVA and Emery/Weiner, are two of this year’s School Buzz reporters. Special thanks to The Emery/Weiner School for allowing us to photograph on campus.

Cover photo by Michael Hart, hartphoto.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 © 2024 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 4

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Sharing the joy Thank you to the entire Buzz team for the great article, photos, and the opportunity to share with so many about my baking hobby and passion [On a Roll: Discovering the joy of baking by Andria Dilling, Sept. 2024]. It’s remarkable how many friends have reached out to congratulate me, and many commented on their own aspirations to identify and pursue a hobby at this stage in life that brings them joy.

I was also touched by one out-of-state friend who asked if I could prepare a pastry gift basket for his graduate school classmate who is currently battling health challenges in the Houston area. I was happy to oblige and share some baking joy.

Jonathan Quander

From a Houston historian I wanted to let you know how honored I felt when one of my books, Historic Photographs of Houston, was included in the July issue [Houston Reads: Books for the city’s natives and newcomers by Cindy Burnett, July 2024]. I have long been a reader of your publications. I eagerly await the Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz each month as I lived in neighboring Briargrove for 52 years and still live nearby.

Last month’s article brought back memories of being interviewed 21 years ago [for a feature in former neighborhood magazine Uptown Tales]. I remember meeting Marks Hinton in the building there on San Felipe – one that I pass almost every day. Marks and I were among the founders several years ago of an organization supporting the Historic Research Center of the Houston Public Library, which is still in existence.

Enclosed is a copy of Uptown Tales 2003. I will continue my monthly trek to Walgreens to be sure I have the current Buzz, which I enjoy so very much with its news of the neighborhood’s residents.

Betty Chapman Editor’s note: Betty, thanks for sharing the copy of Uptown Tales and for your kind words about The Buzz! And in case any readers didn’t know: The Buzz has magazine racks at some local Walgreens. We can’t guarantee copies will be left on the racks, but you might be able to find The Buzz if you’re looking for the current issue.

hospital for only six days and up and about at seven weeks. When I had my surgery, I was in the hospital for three weeks because I had two separate spinal fusion surgeries. I was restricted to bed for six months post surgery.

I simply wanted to send this to you as a letter of encouragement. I am sure that you will also live a full life.

Best wishes for your continued recovery.

Gary Smith

Omissions in The Buzz Private School Directory We received multiple comments from readers asking why certain schools were excluded from the Private School Directory (Sept. 2024). As noted at the top of each page, the Private School Directory is a Special Advertising Section and is not an article. It includes those schools which have chosen to participate. Any schools that have questions about being included in next year’s directory should contact advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com.

View the directory at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory.

Email us at mailbag@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters or emails addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use for publication. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.

Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who:

Looking back and forward To Savannah Radoff [who shared her story of spinal fusion surgery due to idiopathic scoliosis in Buzz Kidz, The Bellaire Buzz, Sept. 2024]: My name is Gary Smith and I am 74 years old. Like you I was diagnosed with scoliosis at about the age of 10. By the time I was 13, it had rapidly progressed to the point where surgery was required.

I wanted to let you know that I was blessed to have had the surgery. I have led a full and active life. The surgery has not kept me from doing anything I wanted to do over the years. I swim, snow skied, and played tennis.

I still go to the gym almost every weekday.

It is amazing how the medical technology has changed. You were in the WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 6

• Have special holiday or New Year’s traditions.

• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.

• Have a milestone life event to share.

• Have a sweet multi-generational story.

• Have a compelling travel tale.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 7

NEIGHBORS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

A Sweet Halloween Tradition Trick-or-treating together

S

ince the late 1990s, the neighborhood of Nottingham has held an annual Halloween parade for families, which is a highlight of the season for residents of all ages.

The idea was born around 1997, by a group of residents in the neighborhood during one of their neighborhood women’s club meetings. By 1999, the parade plan was hatched.

Each year on Halloween, families, dressed head-to-toe in costumes, line up at the east end of Pinerock Lane. Children eagerly wait for the start of the parade, and as soon as the “go” is announced, they proceed to walk down the street in droves, trick-or-treating down the block together. Neighbors stand out front passing out candy.

The first year of the parade, it was a small gathering, recalled longtime resident Dianne Brody. It has since grown to become a favorite tradition. The parade consists of walking from one end of the street to the other – trick-or-treating in unison with all the neighborhood kids.

Neighbor Ann Walker was president of the women’s club at the time the parade started to take root. She, along with her husband Steve, and their two kids, Sam and Stacy, enjoyed the parade year after year. Stacy now has a son, Aiden, who participates as a second-generation paradegoer, and a baby, Jett, a future parade participant.

Anne and Scott LeBaume offered their yard on the west end of Pinerock Lane to be the end point for the one-block parade.

Lindsey and Matt Thomas moved into their home, the corner house of the street, three years ago with their four daughters. It turned out this isn’t just any house; it is known as the “Halloween house” among residents, as it’s the starting point of the parade – especially those who were there for the early days of the tradition.

“We bought our house three years ago and were quickly informed by several neighbors that we bought the ‘Halloween house.’ We did not know just how lucky we were,” she said.

Each year, families – children and parents and grandparents – decked out in their Halloween costumes, gather in front of the Thomas’s home, which marks the starting point of the parade route. Neighbors then walk the block together, before heading off to trick-or-treat throughout WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 8

the rest of the neighborhood.

"The parade is a longstanding tradition in our neighborhood that was established almost 25 years ago, shortly after the Nottingham Women's Club was formed,” Lindsey said.

For their family, and their four girls, twins Mimi and Cate, 8, Lucy, 6, and Emmy, 2, Halloween is not just about the parade. It is a day to make lifelong memories with neighbors and their community. “My family likes to prepare a big pot of chili for friends to meet back at our house for a quick HALLOWEEN READY Nottingham neighbors gather every year for a dinner before heading Halloween parade, a tradition more than 24 years in the making. Pictured (from back out to trick-or- left) are Ellis Williams, Cate and Mimi Thomas, and Eloise Taylor. treat,” Lindsey said. or treat,” she said. Neighbors would bring a dish, Over the years, the Thomas family has and the kids would eat dinner in their yard after embraced their home’s reputation, even setting the parade. “We started with one table and up a spooky tent in their front yard where they ended up adding as many as five tables as neighhand out candy. On Halloween, there are hunbors brought along their goodies,” she said. They dreds of residents walking west on their street to set up spooky decor, decorated tables, food, and kick off trick-or-treating. adult beverages.

“We learned the hard way to buy way more The tradition has continued all these years, candy than you think you will need, when we and today, even without young children in the ran out within an hour the first year,” she said, house, Dianne and her neighbors still come laughing. Now, the Thomases are prepared for together on Halloween night to keep the spirit the crowds, and their daughters eagerly look forof the parade alive, passing out candy together ward to the parade. “It is truly a special event to the next generation. that makes me appreciate our tight-knit neighFor families like the Thomases, Walkers, borhood every year,” she said.

Brodys, and many others who helped the parade In the middle area of Pinerock, Dianne has witbecome what it is today, Halloween is not only nessed the parade evolve over time. She offered about costumes and candy – it is about an annuher home as a gathering point once her three kids al tradition that has brought joy to their families. were older, and she was a “trick-or-treater empty Halloween can be more than just a spooky nester,” as she affectionally called it. night of costumes and candy – it can also serve Dianne moved into the neighborhood in as a chance to connect with neighbors, just as 1993. “Our house became the ‘after-parade gaththe neighbors of Nottingham do every year. ering house’ once our kids were too old to trick

Exceptional Care, Unmatched Value Your Choice for Home Care in Houston

Proudly serving Houston families for over 15 years.

713-686-2233 • Call 24/7 • encorecaregivers.com

Revolutionary Treatment for Arthritis and Tendonitis Proven results using low dose radiation targeted at the painful joint

Sanjay Mehta, MD, DABR Board Certified Radiation Oncologist Two locations to serve you: 9150 S. Main St., Suite A-3, Houston, TX 77025 • 713.630.8181 2610 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. South, Houston, TX 77042 • 713.343.6750 www.sjmctx.org WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 9

by Ben Portnoy, contributing writer

I Want to Hold Your Hand I think you’ll understand

M

y wife and I were on a cruise last summer on one of those huge ships that house several thousand passengers. My wife has a little trouble walking, and she sometimes uses a cane. We got off an elevator on the ship and headed toward our room. I was holding her hand as we walked since she had left her cane in our room, and a woman coming toward us stopped us and said, “This is so sweet. You just don’t see people your age holding hands much.”

So that you can put this in the correct context, I will reveal that my wife and I are in our late 70s.

The incident made me think a bit about holding hands. I really do not see many people of any age holding hands. I occasionally observe younger couples close together, usually holding more than hands. I have a college friend who charmingly always holds his wife’s hand as they walk together. I recall my initial surprise many years ago when I was in France and saw many women walking together holding hands. I have not been to France for years, so I do not know if that is still the custom. I hope it is. It’s nice – holding hands.

I got interested and Googled “Holding Hands.” The first thing that came up was a selection of pictures of people holding hands, and these photos were mostly taken from the rear. Why? That’s a question for another time, but you might think about it.

One Googled selection came from Reddit at their site r/CasualConversation. The lead entry was: “I always wonder when someone feels close enough to hold your hand, especially when it involves two people that could possibly be attracted to each other or are considered just friends... I just don’t feel comfortable holding just anyone’s hand. I think you have to be in a certain level to do that. …Maybe I am overthinking things as usual…What do you think?”

There were many answers to this query, and I will record a few of them. One person who went by artavenue, who was clearly familiar with other parts of the world, wrote: “Depends on your culture, too. In some Arabic countries a dude will grab another dude’s hand when the[y] walk and talk.”

Actually, I found several references to an occasion when President George W. Bush met

istockphoto.com/portfolio/TinaSova

NEIGHBORS

with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. They talked as they held hands. Well, we are not in Saudi Arabia, and people in same-sex relationships in our country might avoid holding hands in public unless they feel quite secure in proclaiming their status.

Another entry writ- IT NEVER GETS OLD Writer Ben Portnoy (not pictured) explores the custom of holding hands, within couples or friends, in various cultures, and even ten by someone identi- amongst animals like chimps. fied as redsleeve stated: “I can also read that chimpanzees and otters hold think that’s intimate. When I first started dating my hands. The article doesn’t delve much into current bf, I didn’t want to hold hands so much. But otters holding hands, but it does explain that when the affection settled in, holding hands became chimps often hold hands. The implication is a thing. It’s like me allowing him to initiate touching that as our closest relatives in the animal kinga part of me in public. Well, that came out funny, dom, maybe we inherited hand-holding from an but you know what I mean?” ancestor common to us and the chimps. Who Yes, it did come out funny, and I think we all knows? I guess we will have to forget about otters know what she meant. That brings me to my without further information. favorite comment presented by someone who So, this brings us back to holding hands with goes by TacoALPastorSupreme. Taco writes: “I another person. Check out folks in shopping think hand holding between adults is very intimate. centers, airports, stadiums, or other public gathWhen I was a teen, I think I considered holding hands erings. Usually, observing a couple walking as the first step in a romantic relationship….” She along holding hands is a lovely sight. I find it concludes that, as an adult, she realizes that she’s charming. And I’ll end by reporting a sighting I been intimate with more men than she’s held made at a Walmart in Gatesville, Texas, as my hands with. wife and I were driving to Santa Fe two summers As I researched further on the subject of ago. We had stopped there for some item we hand-holding, I noticed that many entries cited needed, and as we were walking out, I glanced a Professor James Coan who studied this topic. to my left and saw a handsome man holding He found that hand-holding has a relaxing hands with a tall, slender, very attractive woman effect on people. Blood pressure is lowered, and in tight calf-length jeans and tennis shoes. I there is a release of oxytocin, a hormone that’s smiled at the loving image, and then I noticed known as the “love drug,” as it’s responsible for on each of the woman’s heels there was a tattoo some of the positive emotions we feel. Professor that read…well, let’s just say it used an obscenity Coan reported that studies were conducted on in two words to imply Get lost. people who were expecting to receive an electric What do we learn from this rambling narrashock, but their level of anxiety was decreased tive? Is there a lesson or some anthropological if they were holding hands with someone while data imparted above? Probably not. And I they were about to receive the shock. The artibelieve there is little ethical guidance gained cle didn’t reveal whether the person holding the from this information, but we are able to consubject’s hand was shocked, too. clude that it is a good thing that chimpanzees In this article (The Cultural History of Holding do not get tattoos.

Hands by Devrupa Rakshit, May 21, 2022), you

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 10

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 11

NEIGHBORS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Magic, Music, Medicine, More And this inventor’s ‘humerus’ Halloween hartphoto.com

Z

ombies, vampires, and superheroes swarm shortly before dusk, as if armed with a tactical terrain map. Porch to porch they advance, pillowcases and bags thrust open wide, like baby birds. Past flower beds transformed into graveyards. Shrubs shrouded in gauzy cobwebs.

And look, a green-faced witch had a mishap with a tree, her broomstick stuck in its trunk.

It's spooky season. Time for fun-size peanut butter cups and a good scare. Trick or Treat!

Up the street, Billy Cohn is all in. No bones about it – well, lots of bones in this case.

Halloween is his favorite holiday.

“More so than any other holiday, it fosters creativity and expression,” says the Bellaire inventor, 64. He’s been chopping up large, plastic skeletons in his garage workshop for weeks for a boney whirl-a-gig that’s sure to mesmerize and baffle a few.

Because when the night falls and the hordes assemble, creaky, creepy skeletons will break through the Cohn family lawn and fly into the ether, thanks to Billy’s hand-crafted, 120-pound, fast-spinning, strobe-lit zoetrope that gives the illusion of movement.

An animated skeletal spectacle.

He’s talking about his contraption like a giddy kid on the first day of summer break, his sheepdog Andy at his side. Andy has tricks of his own.

“Andy, Annndy! Sit!” he instructs the wooly bear of a dog. Not just sit sit. But hoist his shaggy tuchus onto a dining room chair kind of sit.

Good boy!

“My favorite thing to do is just drive around with Andy in the car. He sits there like a proper gentleman,” he says of the dog, who’s now off to investigate other things in the house.

They’ve got matching energies, dog and owner. Happy, busy. Up to something.

Billy is always up to something.

“I’m a hedonist, for real,” quips the father of five grown children, and husband to Shaun, the second pea in this pod. “We all love Halloween.

We love fun stuff. I just want to do fun stuff that’s entertaining to me. For me, I’m super lucky. I have a need to create. I get to do things I love all the time.”

Not just spook-tacular things. Things of the

BANDSAW TO BONES Inventor Billy Cohn fractures skeletons in his garage workshop, part of his grand plan for Halloween night. Chopping them at certain points, in slightly different integral sections, and arranging each of the skeletons just so, makes them appear as if they’re flying off from the ground, thanks to Billy’s fastspinning zoetrope, lit by a strobe light.

heart, too. Because Billy is that inventor, cardiothoracic surgeon and engineer William Cohn, widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the continuous-flow, totally implantable artificial heart.

The device has been implanted in a few patients now as part of an FDA-approved, first-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 12

in-human early feasibility study to assess its use as a bridge-to-transplant solution for those with severe heart disease.

“Turns out 200,000 Americans die every year of heart failure. We transplant about 3,500 because that’s all the donor organs that we have,” Billy explains. “The (continued on page 14)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 13

hartphoto.com

hartphoto.com

A TAIL OF TWO SPINS Top left: Tail-wagging sheepdog Andy is anything but sheepish when it comes to taking a spin in the car with owner Billy. Bottom left: Skeletons from past Halloweens spin on a zoetrope, a contraption that makes them look as if animated, in fluid motion, at night. Right: No bones about it, the inventor, well-known for groundbreaking medical devices, is a lifelong Halloween enthusiast. (continued from page 12) ambition is that this

device will be used eventually instead of an actual heart for a transplant.

“It’s cool. We’re changing the world,” he says matter-of-factly.

Halloween zoetrope. Artificial heart. A bevy of other medical devices under his belt, too. All spun from a flurry of schematics in his head.

A workshop in his garage tells the tale, ground zero for medical inventions and skeleton chopping. Breakthrough medical devices started here, Billy slaving into the night on iterations of prototypes. “I know it looks humble and a bit kludgy, but some of the stuff that has come out of here has been really impactful,” he says, of the hodgepodge of materials and objects on every surface. Artifacts from an inventive mind.

“We used to call him Bizzy. He was a flurry of activity even back then,” quips Billy’s older brother, John, also no slouch. The IBM Fellow Emeritus held the most senior executive technical rank while there. He now invents things for an electric aerospace company. He holds patents galore and, like his brother, is drawn to fun.

Like his 2009 self-propelled mobile Ferris

wheel with 20-foot diameter drive wheels for Burning Man, a hotbed for creators. The festival attracts tens of thousands to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert each year. Billy couldn’t resist driving that thing.

“Oh man, that was fun!” he says, quickly producing a video of him at the wheel of his brother’s contraption.

Billy was 18 months old when his family moved to Houston. He, John, and sister Mary had childhoods filled with inspiration, thanks to energetic, creative parents and a city that was coming into its own through medical advancements and its space program.

“Our parents were both incredibly playful in a goofy, fun sort of way, and kind of looked the other way when we would do shady stuff, like blow things up in the backyard,” John says, with a laugh. “We went to school with some of the astronaut kids. I remember astronaut Ed White coming to our house. So, it was this atmosphere of big scientific achievements. We were exposed to that, and Billy got all the charm and the music genes to boot.”

Yeah, Billy’s the one sliding that trombone to

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 14

funky tunes at The Continental Club, as a member of the band, Disco Expressions. He took up the instrument at Spring Branch Junior High, pursuing it in marching band at Memorial High School, as well as playing in a combo during teen years. He’s in another band, too, an alloriginal group called the Texas Turbines where he jams on bass guitar.

“No matter what the gravity of anything… all these amazing medical things he does, he is always playful,” says John. “He has this insatiable curiosity and just can’t sit still. He has so much horsepower that he can get the serious stuff done and the just-for-the-heck-of-it fun stuff.”

Todd Thrash knows a bit about this. He’s known Billy and family for years, a friendship cemented through their kids’ Cub Scout and Boy Scout days.

“I don’t think the man sleeps,” Todd deadpans. “And have you seen him do magic?”

Yes. Billy’s been perfecting close-up magic for 35 years.

“I’ve got a guy who is a real magician, and he took me under his wing, taught me some cool stuff,” says Billy, rolling up (continued on page 16)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 15

hartphoto.com

TROMBONE FUNK & DOG UP FRONT Left: Billy performs trombone in the band Disco Expressions at The Continental Club in Houston. Right: His favorite thing to do is ride around in his car with Andy, a proper English gentleman, who rides shotgun. (continued from page 14) his sleeves to show he’s

hiding nothing. He proceeds to turn $1 bills into $100 bills before closeup baffled eyes, a nifty trick he keeps close to the vest.

Magician. Musician. Medical Device Man. “He loves doing the magic,” Todd says. “He told me that back when he was doing a lot of traveling on planes, doing a lot of surgeries, going to other countries, others would just zone out on inflight movies. But he’d read and watch DVDs and stuff about how to do magic tricks.

“We block out every Halloween to spend at the Cohn’s house,” he adds. “It’s incredible the things he comes up with.”

Billy’s youngest son, Chris, 24, would agree.

He loves his dad’s “one-man-band approach to DIYing everything,” he says. Halloween was always a blast for him and siblings Ben, Elizabeth, Billy, and Robert.

“Growing up, my dad always went above and beyond in the art department, making us custom props and costumes. He’s very intentional with his design choices to capture the essence of whatever it is he’s making to ensure the wow factor,” Chris says. “I felt proud knowing that my costumes would get appreciation not only from my friends, but from their parents and our teachers.

“My dad is a total Renaissance man,” he continues. “I’ve always admired the ‘lone-inventorin-the-garage-working-into-the-night’ archetype he embodies. There’s a certain optimistic

bravery there that resonates with me. I’ve only recently started flexing that inventor muscle but have really been getting into it!”

Neighbor Debbie Lapin isn’t surprised that Billy’s talent extends to his offspring.

“Billy’s always tinkering in his garage,” she says. “He’s invented some pretty amazing things in the medical field that are used worldwide. But it’s funny, if you were to ask him what he was, I think he would say musician before he would say doctor or medical device inventor. I think playing music is pretty high on his list.”

She and urologist husband Stephen, who has known Billy since grade school, look forward to watching his Halloween antics this year. “Every year it gets bigger and better. As an inventor, he starts thinking about things way in advance,” she says.

Whatever he does, lots will see it. About 1,100 trick-or-treaters graced the Cohn’s property last year, according to captured frames from a mounted camera.

“Our neighborhood is crazy, so many people everywhere that you can’t get through,” Debbie says. “I bought 1,500 pieces of candy last year and gave away one piece to each person, and I ran out. I think I need 2,000 pieces this year. There are a lot of great Halloween decorations out here, but a lot of our kids have grown, so we don’t quite go all out anymore. Billy still goes all out.”

This day, Billy points out his latest project. A 2003 BMW convertible that he’s retrofitted to run

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 16

off a conventional radio controller. “I’ve integrated 3D printed parts into it and linear actuators, and a high torque gear motor working with 3D printed gears to control the car with the radio,” he says in geeked-out fashion. “It’s pretty simple.”

Why? “Andy and maybe a few of his dog friends will sit in the car. I’ll try to train him to put his paws on the steering wheel to make it look like he’s driving. That’s the goal for next year’s Art Car Parade.”

As if on cue, Andy bolts up the driveway to the car, like Heck yeah, we’re doing this!

“I’m sure it’s gonna happen,” insists Billy. “Toby, our first sheepdog… I taught him to take the bag off the Sunday newspaper, dig through it, find the comics, and bring them to me. Andy’s got this. I’ve got till April to teach him. With my resolve and his native intelligence, we will be fine.”

After all, resolve is the largest part, stresses the inventor, who, no doubt, has more tricks up his sleeve.

“When I’m working on a magic trick, I’m the same guy who works on a heart. I’m just coming up with ideas, vetting them, and evolving them as I have new information presented to me. I work hard at everything that interests me,” he says.

“At the end of the day when you put your head to the pillow, it’s great to be able to say, ‘What a day!’ The more of that you get in your life, the more fun it is.”

School Buzz 2024-2025

by Caroline Siegfried, staff writer

hartphoto.com

SCHOOL BUZZ A group of 2024-2025 School Buzz reporters gathered at The Emery/Weiner School to meet each other and take headshots for the upcoming year. Front row, from left: Megan Wang (Bellaire), Gray Hevle (Memorial), Kate Burke (Emery), Jordan Muscal (Kinder HSPVA), Agnes Tang (Westbury Christian), Ana Sofia Maguchi (Duchesne); second row, from left: Beatrix Gnemi (DeBakey), Alden Farrow (Memorial), Sean Boyle (Strake Jesuit), Runo Mukoro (Saint Thomas’ Episcopal), Eden Williams (Westbury Christian), Keira Donovan (Memorial), Sophie Lighvani (Kinkaid); third row, from left: Jake Rodriguez (Kinder HSPVA), Colin Wu (Emery), Vishakha Medha Rao (Awty), Shaivi Moparthi (Kinkaid), Siddharth Dasari (Carnegie Vanguard), Nina Koshy (Village); back row, from left: Alexandra Wong (St. Agnes), Ailey Takashima (St. John’s), Anya Bhojwani (Awty), Wesley Taaffe (Lamar), Madeleine Skaufel (St. Agnes), Ryan Mantel (Post Oak), Kelsy Donovan (Memorial), and Lucy Walker (St. John’s).

T

his fall marks the 11th year of School Buzz. We’re proud of how this program has grown over the years, and how it enables high school students to practice journalism skills while connecting to the broader community. Each year, our student reporters write about their schools and share their perspectives with Buzz readers at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Technology, in many ways, has created a lonely world for today’s teenagers.

Paradoxically, constant connection makes it harder to build the community that comes from face-to-face interaction. It’s a point of pride to us that many School Buzz reporters tell us how this program has brought them into groups and events they never would have otherwise encountered. These students want to meet new people, to stray outside their comfort zone – School Buzz provides that opportunity.

It can be easy to believe that you don’t need to be a good writer anymore to succeed; that AI can write anything for you; that journalism is dead. But the drive to express oneself in writing

hasn’t faded in the least.

Out of a large pool of exceptionally talented applicants to the 2024-25 School Buzz program, we chose 37 students, from 19 local high schools.

Read on to see how they began their journeys with writing, in their own words.

Sophie Lighvani, The Kinkaid School I've lived in Houston my entire life, and for as long as I can remember, the white blocky Buzz headline has caught my eye every month. I remember my childlike wonder when I thought of how there were over two million people in our city – far too many for my mind to comprehend. And somehow everything I saw happening around me was perfectly summed up in a neat package on my doorstep, combined with so many other things happening in the area that I didn't know about before. I've been drawn to writing and journalism ever since The Buzz ran an article on my local children's community theater troupe. I eagerly pointed out pictures of my fellow classmates to my parents, knowing that

I wanted that to be me someday – not the person in the article, but the person writing it.

Gray Hevle, Memorial High School Growing up, I always knew exactly what I wanted to say. The sentences naturally constructed themselves in my mind. Words always came easily to me, but speaking them never did. I’m not sure what it was exactly that I feared, but I often forced myself to bite my tongue around others, keeping my thoughts close to my chest. Yet, I always wanted to share my feelings, opinions, and words.

Writing became the perfect outlet for me. I filled page after page with my ideas. It felt so much more natural; while my mouth fumbled with syllables, my pen smoothly inked out every letter. My writing captured the thoughts that I had always wanted to share, and later I found that I could do that for others, too. I joined School Buzz because it allows me to pursue writing while amplifying stories that would otherwise go unheard.

Wesley Taaffe, Lamar High School The pencil is molded to fit (continued on page 22)

School Buzz 2024-25 Reporters The Awty International School Anya Bhojwani Vishakha Medha Rao Bellaire High School Melanie Fung Megan Wang Carnegie Vanguard High School Siddharth Dasari Carolyn Pan Aishwarya Singh Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions Beatrix Gnemi Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Isabel Fernandez-Cueto Ana Sofia Maguchi The Emery/Weiner School Dani Barg Kate Burke Colin Wu Kinder HSPVA Jordan Muscal Jake Rodriguez The Kinkaid School Sophie Lighvani Shaivi Moparthi Lamar High School Nithya Ravi Wesley Taaffe

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 20

Memorial High School Keira Donovan Kelsy Donovan Alden Farrow Gray Hevle The Post Oak School Ryan Mantel Second Baptist School Sarah Cela St. Agnes Academy Madeleine Skaufel Alexandra Wong St. John’s School Maggie Hester Yutia Li Ailey Takashima Lucy Walker Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Runo Mukoro School of the Woods Loulie Parker Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Sean Boyle The Village School Nina Koshy Westbury Christian School Agnes Tang Eden Williams

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 21

lawellphoto.com

hartphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

Gray Hevle

Wesley Taaffe

Kate Burke

Isabel Fernandez-Cueto

Anya Bhojwani

(continued from page 20) the curves of my fingers

(Accelerated Reader) quizzes, used to measure how many books we’d read and how advanced we were as elementary students. I’d always loved a challenge, and this was no exception. Every day was the same: come home from school and lock myself in my room to read. I was competitive, and this was another way of winning. As I’ve gotten older, my competitiveness hasn’t faded, nor has my love of reading. The time I’d spent reading created a passion I hadn’t realized before, writing. This love of reading, writing, and all things competitive is what compelled me to apply to School Buzz, an outlet to share my creativity and perspective of the world around me.

perfectly. That’s when it all clicked into place. I’ve always found myself passionate for words. The ones that slide off your tongue with ease and have an eternal essence to them. Aurora, Felicity, Labyrinth.

Words like this felt like keys to the music of poetry.

It was then I fell in love with the art of writing.

However, journalism wasn’t my initial yearning in life. I’ve always been drawn to the theatrical arts and getting my feet on stage. Although the discovery of journalism didn’t dim my love for the spotlight, it did open a new world for me. As a curious individual hoping to branch out, I decided to join my school magazine in sophomore year. It was as though two pieces to this huge puzzle of my life connected. The poetic aspect met my academic side and tied a ribbon around my love for storytelling and it began to blossom.

Kate Burke, The Emery/Weiner School Six hundred and fifty points. I flipped through the metal dog tags I’d collected from school, adding the number again to ensure there was no error. Again, the same number. Six hundred and fifty points I’d earned from taking AR

hartphoto.com

hartphoto.com

Sophie Lighvani

Isabel Fernandez-Cueto, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart School Buzz has given me the opportunity to explore different aspects of my community and the chance to share those unique stories with others.

I've researched topics I never would have even looked into, from freshman orientation traditions to teacher interviews. By delving into various facets of my community, I’ve been able to show others what makes my school so special. School Buzz has

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 22

fostered my passion for journalism, amplifying my interest in writing and sharing stories. Without School Buzz, I would not have had the opportunity to share my world and its story with others.

Anya Bhojwani, The Awty International School I always hated writing. Staring at a blank page, hoping an idea would come to mind, wishing my words would sound coherent, stuck by the restrictions of a prompt. Writing was the homework I would procrastinate until the last minute. However, my life changed forever after attending a writing camp I thought I would hate.

Imagining the possibilities of a blank page, millions of ideas overflowing my head, words streaming out like a river, creating my own prompts. I fell in love with the power of writing.

I want to share this power with others, so I started a writing club at my school to help students discover their passion for writing. I joined the school newspaper, became an editor, and fell in love with journalism as well. I enjoy investigating events at Awty and sharing those stories.

Through School Buzz, I am eager to spread these stories into the community. (continued on page 24)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 23

hartphoto.com

Melanie Fung lawellphoto.com

Megan Wang

Alden Farrow

Beatrix Gnemi, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions My favorite story for School Buzz was one where I worked with a school organization and its leaders to write an article about their impact on their community. Their organization focused on educating younger generations about correct dental practices, and the article ended up being published in the print edition of The Buzz! This experience taught me how to interview students and summarize what they said in the form of an entertaining article, which will be a very useful skill for this year and the future.

seeing what sticks and what doesn't. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but they still make for memorable stories – or at least good lessons. School Buzz has given me opportunities to explore that curiosity – just in a less messy way! From reporting on events to meeting new people, I’ve refined my skills and gained new perspectives.

(continued from page 22)

Melanie Fung, Bellaire High School I’ve been with School Buzz for two years now, and I’m thrilled to be back for a third. I’ve always been a curious person, which plays a big role in how I approach writing. I once received a pair of fuzzy elephant keychains and thought it’d be a great idea to dip them into blue slime, hoping they would turn blue. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Instead, I ended up with a sticky mess, and my mom wasn’t too thrilled!

But that kind of curiosity is what drives me to keep exploring ideas in my writing. I like to experiment,

Nina Koshy, The Village School I took my first journalism class in my freshman year, but my passion for writing began long before. When I reflect now, I realize my love of writing began in second grade. That year, we had to start each class writing from a prompt; I chose to write about boredom, and through that exercise, I discovered a joy in crafting narratives out of experiences, or in this case, a lack of experiences! It turned out, as long as I could hash out ideas into a story, I was never bored at all. I look forward to writing for School Buzz to continue to express myself and share the happenings in my school and my community.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 24

Nina Koshy Marlo Wise

hartphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

Beatrix Gnemi

Megan Wang, Bellaire High School My passion for writing followed my love for

Sarah Cela

reading. I developed a desire to not only read creative works, but to write them as well. In middle school and early high school, I started to take writing more seriously and engaged in various styles of writing (creative writing being my favorite). I admire School Buzz’s mission of empowering high school students to have a voice in the community.

I want to use my passion for writing to inform the community about the unique and abundant activities Bellaire has to offer, from students’ perspectives. I am eager to be more involved and serve my community by writing for School Buzz.

Alden Farrow, Memorial High School My favorite story I did for School Buzz was my highlight of Memorial’s musical last winter, Into the Woods. Through School Buzz, I was able to venture outside my niche and cover a topic unfamiliar to me.

The entire cast was so cooperative and helpful in the interviewing process, contributing to the success of the story. I was able to see the show as an audience member, and then learn the inner workings of its preparation and process. Exploring a variety of ongoing events at Memorial is extremely important to me. In such a big school, so (continued on page 26)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 25

hartphoto.com

Alexandra Wong

Dani Barg

Ryan Mantel

Yutia Li

Maggie Hester

(continued from page 24) many achievements and

grow as a writer and connect with the school community on a deeper level. When I think about why I write, I circle back to my English teachers’ inspiration and encouragement throughout my life, and I am reminded of my strong desire to help others through my writing.

wonderful stories fly under the radar. As a School Buzz reporter, it has been my duty to discover those untold stories and share them with the community.

Sarah Cela, Second Baptist School Through my involvement in the yearbook and the inspiration of a talented English teacher, I discovered my passion for writing. The process of capturing memories, telling stories, and highlighting moments that characterize the event’s emotion sparked something in my heart that made me feel connected to others and their situation. My English teachers have encouraged my passion, urging me to deeply analyze my surroundings and improve my writing skills. Their belief in my potential revealed to me that writing is a pursuit that I truly enjoy developing in. My passion for writing has allowed me to leap out of my comfort zone and try new endeavors. Writing for School Buzz provides me with a challenge and a unique opportunity to grow. I believe I can expand my passion for writing by giving a voice to the student body through my experiences.

Writing for School Buzz will give me a place to

hartphoto.com

hartphoto.com

hartphoto.com

hartphoto.com

Ailey Takashima

Ailey Takashima, St. John’s School My adoration for writing stems from my passion for reading. I used to be a huge introvert, and reading allowed me to make new friends and experience hundreds of diverse worlds. I loved it so much that I began writing to create my own magical worlds. But when I began writing about my culture and identity for a school project, I discovered that I could use writing to relay my perspectives and provide a platform for my thoughts. Writing became my outlet, and as I began to write about my identity, I gradually began to foster confidence. Writing means so much to me, and I wish to share the benefits of how expression through words can not only be therapeutic and fun, but impactful as well. Now, I strive to put a bit of myself in every word I write, and I can’t wait to share it!

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 26

Alexandra Wong, St. Agnes Academy Truthfully, when I joined School Buzz two years ago, I did not know what to expect. I was entering my freshman year at St. Agnes, and I barely knew a thing about my new school. It was a good day when I remembered my school log-in information, and my biggest worry was walking up the Science Wing staircase and not the Theology staircase. Now, reflecting on the past two years, School Buzz was integral in helping me find my place at St. Agnes. Through documenting and capturing the experiences that define our school identity – from the lively chaos of VVD (Veritas Vacation Day) to the whirlwind of Fish Week – I came to understand what the essence of the St. Agnes community is about. Being a School Buzz reporter has challenged me to explore aspects of my school that I might have otherwise overlooked, such as the behind-the-scenes preparation for our events and the personal stories that bring them to life.

School Buzz has allowed me to grow in who I am as a writer, and has shown me the significance of sharing narratives that bind and cele(continued on page 28) brate our community.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 27

lawellphoto.com

Shaivi Moparthi

Ana Sofia Maguchi

Sean Boyle

Aishwarya Singh

Runo Mukoro

Dani Barg, The Emery/Weiner School When I was younger, I didn’t like to pick up a pencil for anything besides sketching, much less journaling of any kind. I found writing daunting: terrifying to start, and stressful to finish. However, as I entered high school, and later joined School Buzz, I realized that writing is a process meant to be enjoyed the whole way through, not just one painstakingly perfected step at a time. Half-formulated brainstorms and rough drafts by the dozen, sheer willpower, and countless mistakes are all worth it to find the calming rush of the flow state, the “writer’s high” that sends words spiraling from my fingertips, eager to showcase the unique voices of my community. For the past two years in School Buzz, I’ve made it my mission to keep chasing that joyful flow, expanding my horizons both as a writer and a person to represent the passionate voices and varying accomplishments of the Emery/Weiner community, from theater and math tutoring to blood drives and community service. Thanks to School Buzz, I’ve found myself detaching from my timid 9th-grade self,

fearlessly interviewing students and teachers alike, and even presenting my writing at Opening Ceremony to kick off the year, the pencil behind my ear weighing down as a comfortable reminder of how far I’ve come.

(continued from page 26)

lawellphoto.com

hartphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

Colin Wu

Ryan Mantel, The Post Oak School I first discovered a passion for writing in my freshman year of high school. I wrote an essay focused on the advanced technology Great Britain used in the age of imperialism to conquer a quarter of the world’s land mass. This essay taught me how enjoyable expressing myself through words could be. I wanted to write for School Buzz because I love learning to write in different tones and styles, such as persuasive and expository, and because I want to improve my writing skills.

Yutia Li, St. John’s School Since I began my journalism career as a staff writer for my school newspaper, I’ve embarked on the most thrilling adventures. I’ve witnessed videos of towering flames a firefighter was extinguishing at 2 a.m. – five hours before she arrived at St. John’s for her dual job as an ambassador.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 28

I’ve gone behind the curtains of my school’s theater program, listening to stage managers share messages across headsets that audience members will never hear. I’ve shadowed the Spirit Club leaders on the day before Homecoming, helping them untangle streamers and hang up posters while taking pictures and recording snippets of our conversations. With each opportunity to capture these behind-the-scenes moments in words, I fall a little more in love with what I do. Through School Buzz, I can’t wait to take an even wider audience on these transformative adventures with me. What’s more – many programs at St. John’s that I participate in, such as the East Asian Affinity Group, Junior Classical League, and Varsity softball team, have shaped me into the person I am today. I want to offer a unique perspective on what makes these programs so special and perhaps inspire readers to foster similar environments in their lives along the way.

Maggie Hester, St. John’s School Through School Buzz, I have been able to interview students, teachers, and other faculty about passions and interests that I most (continued on page 30)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 29

hartphoto.com

Jordan Muscal

Siddharth Dasari

(continued from page 28) likely would have never

munity and can’t wait to represent Kinkaid for School Buzz this year. Go Falcons!

learned about. I have loved having the opportunity to form deeper and more meaningful connections, not only with my St. John’s community, but also with my School Buzz community. School Buzz has provided me with the chance to get to know other students who have a love and passion for writing, and I have loved developing relationships with them. Before I became a student correspondent for School Buzz, I had never led an interview. I’ve since gained the skills necessary to conduct a successful interview, as well as improving upon and gaining confidence in my writing skills. I am forever grateful to School Buzz for every single opportunity it has provided me and every lesson I have learned.

Colin Wu, The Emery/Weiner School As a Chinese immigrant, English is my second language. Although growing up in one of the best international schools in China, English was never my strong suit. As I started to write more in English, I recognized that it was quite an easy language compared to Chinese, which started my passion to learn and master it. I wanted to show other people that just because I am an immigrant doesn’t mean that I can’t master something that they could.

Shaivi Moparthi, The Kinkaid School I discovered my passion for writing at a young age, realizing that stories are powerful tools for connection and change. As a TIME for Kids Reporter in middle school, I had the unique opportunity to interview inspiring women in STEM like Dr. Jane Goodall and Vanessa Wyche, which solidified my passion for journalism. Today, I am the Editorial Board Director of iWRITER magazine, and the Digital Executive Editor of The Kinkaid Falcon. I see storytelling as a way to blend creativity with impact. The recognition I’ve received has further enhanced my love for writing and sharing knowledge.

Writing for School Buzz feels like a natural extension of that journey. I am proud to be part of Kinkaid’s welcoming and well-rounded com-

Ana Sofia Maguchi, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart I’m a pianist, karate kid, choir girl, and reader.

My passion for writing first sparked on a random night in seventh grade; I had to write a story for an assignment for the first time, and I had a blast! Being able to craft a story was so unbelievably fun for my middle school self that after that assignment, I started authoring my own. The wonderful thing about writing is that there’s so much you can do with your words, and everyone has their unique voice in their writing. I’m excited to write for School Buzz because I am passionate about writing, especially about people, culture, nature, and fashion, and because I’m considering a career in journalism.

Sean Boyle, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory For as long as I can remember, I have hated travel journals. As a kid, my parents would make me document my experiences whenever we went on vacation. I reacted how most kids my age would: with a lot of whining. Somehow, I always ended up acquiescing to my daily writing assignments, and it paid off. Elementary school essays became effortless, and sometimes even fun. My passion for writing did not stem from a revelation, but a consistent nurturing of the now relaxing practice. School Buzz was such an easy decision for me. My family has been reading articles from The Buzz for years, and when I learned about School Buzz this summer, I knew I had to apply. This opportunity allows me to combine my love for writing with the chance to learn and share what makes my school unique.

Aishwarya Singh, Carnegie Vanguard High School I’ve always been one to have my nose in a book, and it has deepened my appreciation for the impact of an author’s words. That’s why I aspire to create my own impact, through my

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 30

Carolyn Pan

own work. School Buzz is such a distinctive program, and reporters can provide such an intimate sneak peek into the lives of high school students in the Houston area. I would love to report on how district management changes are really impacting students.

Runo Mukoro, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School I have always been disposed to writing and putting my thoughts down about various subjects, but this is the first year where I am taking on the challenge of writing full articles on a regular basis. I must say that I am excited for the opportunity to expand on my skills and shed light on our school.

As a first-generation Nigerian American, I strongly believe that my experiences will give me a unique perspective on different stories – I’ve spent half of my life in the United States and half in Nigeria. Other fun facts about me are that I play football/soccer, and that I have been learning Chinese for five years, and French for seven.

Jordan Muscal, Kinder HSPVA Last year as a School Buzz reporter, I interviewed four HSPVA seniors to learn about their high school reflections, and it was one of my favorite writing experiences ever. To hear them talk about their younger selves, their first performances, and their future dreams was so moving, and I’m so happy I got to preserve their thoughts in a School Buzz article. In general, School Buzz has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to view my school community through the eyes of journalism. I’m so proud of HSPVA’s traditions, teachers, and events, and School Buzz has allowed me to share that with other people. As a young writer, having opportunities to develop my voice and learn from others has been so important, and I’m very excited for my second year as a School Buzz reporter.

Siddharth Dasari, Carnegie Vanguard High School As an avid geographer (continued on page 32)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 31

Jake Rodriguez

Eden Williams

(continued from page 30) and historian, I’ve always

express myself, but over time, I realized how writing can be a powerful tool to share stories, emotions, and connections. Since transferring to Carnegie, I’ve been further exposed to various writing styles and techniques, which have only fueled my love for writing. On the yearbook committee, I have been able to learn the importance of storytelling in capturing memories and moments that define our school community.

School Buzz is a fantastic platform where I believe I can bring fresh perspectives and highlight stories that matter to my peers. Whether it’s covering exciting events, spotlighting talented students, or discussing important issues, I want to use my writing skills to highlight my school’s culture, keeping people both informed and entertained.

been interested in uncovering the secrets of the Earth, the fascinating place that humans call home. My interest deepened in the spring of 2022 as I read the stories of journalists risking their lives to cover Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Their accounts of tragedy and heartbreak, along with hope and resilience, made me recognize the value that news media plays in a divided world.

My growing love and respect for storytelling led me to join my school’s newspaper in my junior year, and since then, I’ve experimented with all kinds of writing. However, nothing has surpassed my passion for writing features, uncovering the stories of the creative individuals that call our diverse city home. I hope to continue this newfound passion of mine as part of School Buzz, and I couldn’t be more excited to join this year’s group of reporters.

Carolyn Pan, Carnegie Vanguard High School I discovered my passion for writing in middle school, when I began journaling my daily experiences and thoughts. It began as a way to

Kelsy Donovan, Memorial High School As I enter my second year of School Buzz, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for all things journalism. Journaling as a hobby has always been a constant factor in my life, but I hadn’t formally written articles until joining

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 32

hartphoto.com

lawellphoto.com hartphoto.com

lawellphoto.com

Keira Donovan

hartphoto.com

Kelsy Donovan

Agnes Tang

Nithya Ravi

School Buzz. Last year, being a part of this program not only improved my writing skills but deepened my involvement in the Memorial High School community. My love for writing grew even further, and consistently curating articles improved my performance in the humanities. At the end of the 2024 school year, I joined Memorial’s newspaper staff to keep honing my craft. Beginning my junior year, I am eager to continue highlighting Memorial’s incredible student body to even more audiences.

Keira Donovan, Memorial High School During my past year in School Buzz, I was able to explore the ins and outs of Memorial High School through the lens of a journalist, which pushed me to immerse myself in my school, something I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. During my time I wrote many articles, most notably one highlighting a club on campus called Memorial Unified, which focuses on promoting inclusivity among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. This club was started by some of my best friends, which made the article very close to my heart. The (continued on page 34)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 33

lawellphoto.com

Lucy Walker

(continued from page 32) article remains one of my

wrote about Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Week at my school. It spread more knowledge and awareness of health problems that can affect all ages. Sharing stories like this through School Buzz allowed me to dig deeper into journalism. I was able to grasp multiple perspectives, and I could express them using my own creativity. I did not realize how much I loved to write about real-life happenings around me until School Buzz offered me that opportunity. No matter what profession I decide to pursue, journalism will always remain a principal element of my life, because so much can be learned from writing and reading an article.

As I participate in School Buzz for my second year, I cannot wait to discover new approaches to writing and engaging my audience.

favorite pieces I have ever written because it gave me an opportunity to inform my community on an important topic while also highlighting achievements that I believe should be recognized and commended beyond the walls of Memorial.

I am eager to begin my second year writing for School Buzz, and I can’t wait for everyone to learn more about MHS through my writing!

Agnes Tang, Westbury Christian School Last year, I participated in School Buzz as a reporter for Westbury Christian School. Writing for School Buzz has granted me a chance to discover aspects of our school that I previously overlooked. I am in a constant search for hidden stories among students and faculty members, and this allows me to view surroundings from a journalistic perspective. One of my favorite stories documented last year was about my 8thperiod art class carving pumpkins. Composing an article about this experience prompted me to recall every detail, from the size of our pumpkins to the carving tools we used. I learned that vivid details not only enhance accuracy but also captivate the audience. I can now use these observation skills I’ve acquired in my future work.

Most importantly, through each story crafted, School Buzz has helped me in finding my voice as a writer.

Jake Rodriguez, Kinder HSPVA Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for storytelling and journalism. I am currently a sophomore in the Creative Writing department at HSPVA, and I’m so happy that School Buzz will give me a platform to share my talents with my community. Other than writing, I’ve always had a love for performing, acting, volunteering, and doing anything I can to help others. I’m thrilled that I will get to showcase my unique style and perspective this year.

Eden Williams, Westbury Christian School My favorite story for School Buzz was when I

Nithya Ravi, Lamar High School Since my elementary school days, I couldn’t do anything without picking up something to read: books from my library, outdated newspapers from the kitchen side table, and even the back of the shampoo bottle in the bathroom (I used to know the Dove shampoo bottle ingredients by memory). My mom used to say, “Pick up a magazine or a newspaper once in a while.”

When I finally did, I didn’t regret it. I knew I wanted to write after reading the articles in newspapers and magazines, and I hoped one day to write for a magazine, to share a valuable story and see my name in a byline. I would write all the time, whenever I had a moment to spare. Being part of School Buzz gives me an opportunity to put pen to paper and tell stories with impact.

Vishakha Medha Rao, The Awty International School My interest in writing began when I was little, when I started a mini newspaper on my street for my neighbors. As I grew, my passion deepened, and I started to write for my student council’s newsletter as a grade representative. It was then I realized that writing was more than just a

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 34

lawellphoto.com

hartphoto.com

Vishakha Medha Rao

Madeleine Skaufel

hobby. It was a powerful tool for connecting communities and sharing reliable information.

Today, I carry forward this goal as a staff writer for my school’s newspaper, The Rampage. I look forward to expanding my reach to a larger audience as a School Buzz correspondent this year.

Lucy Walker, St. John’s School I began writing when I learned to read. I wanted to create stories like my favorite authors.

As I grew, this fascination with storytelling manifested in writing poems and short stories and entertaining my younger cousins and kids I babysit. When I started high school, I joined the school paper and have been hooked on journalism ever since. I love writing features because my favorite part of the writing process is interviewing interesting people. As a part of the School Buzz team, I am excited to share the successes and stories of kids at SJS. People here are extremely driven, which means lots of unique student-run organizations and teams working to create a strong sense of school community.

Madeleine Skaufel, St. Agnes Academy Writing for School Buzz this past year is one of the coolest opportunities I have ever been given. From article to article, I developed a unique writing style that I noticed was different from other School Buzz reporters. When I first noticed this as I read through my peers’ articles, I was nervous that I wasn't doing something correct, but as I began to write more articles and gain more confidence, I realized I truly loved the way I wrote. In my articles, I strove to include a meaningful message beyond the actual event, and weave metaphors into the fabric of my reporting. School Buzz has helped me discover my voice, and it has further pushed me towards my inclination to study journalism in college.

Check out the School Buzz blog at thebuzzmagazines.com/school-buzz throughout the year as these correspondents share school happenings.

Cindy Burnett

ARTS

.

by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Buzz Reads

Five picks for October

Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston (contemporary fiction) – 82year-old Frederick Fife is on the brink of homelessness due to medical debt incurred from his wife’s cancer treatments. While contemplating his next steps, he encounters a deceased man in a wheelchair who he attempts to assist, but instead Frederick stumbles, causing the man and Frederick’s wallet to wash away in the river.

Bernard Greer, the deceased man, was suffering from dementia, and so despite Frederick’s objections, the group whisks him back to the nursing home, thinking he is Bernard. This utterly delightful book demonstrates what a difference a kind person makes in the lives of others, and readers will be wanting a Frederick in their lives.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife hits all the right notes; it is funny, hopeful, poignant, touching, and engaging. It will appeal to fans of stories about found family and older protagonists.

Empresses of Seventh Avenue: World War II, New York City, and the Birth of American Fashion by Nancy MacDonell (nonfiction) – Empresses of Seventh Avenue is an engrossing look at the emergence of America’s fashion industry with an emphasis on the various women who made it happen. The book begins with a brief explanation of how Paris became the epicenter of fashion and then explains how fashion changed in the United States when Paris fell under Nazi control during the Second World War. In addition to exploring the trajectory of fashion as trends pivoted from haute couture to a more off-the-rack aesthetic, MacDonell focuses on these lost-to-history feminist figures and what each woman contributed. This deep dive into how the “American Look” came to exist is a must read for anyone interested in fashion or pop culture.

The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock (historical fiction) – The Fabled Earth is a beautifully-crafted, character-driven tale of friendship, family drama, mystery, and folklore, set in and around Cumberland Island, Georgia (the remote

island where John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette married). In the first half of the 1900s, the Carnegie family built several man- WHAT TO READ This month’s selections include a historical-fiction novel set on sions on Cumberland Island, Georgia, two novels starring older protagonists, a nonfiction deep dive into how American fashion developed, and a compelling novel about a ’90s Cumberland as musical duo. retreats which they and lows, and what led to both their meteoric subsequently abandoned after several decades. rise to fame and subsequent crash. This book is a This dual-timeline story toggles between 1932 good fit for music lovers, mystery readers, and and the opulence of the Carnegie family’s time those who enjoy a walk down memory lane. spent at these grand mansions, and 1959 in a The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda small coastal Georgia town near Cumberland, Cohen Loigman (historical fiction with a touch when people were grappling with integration, of magical realism) – This heartwarming, the Korean War, and misogyny. Both time perihumorous, and touching tale is set in two time ods are well-crafted and engaging, and Brock periods, 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Florida, and does a wonderful job of transporting the reader is a story of first love, loss, family, memories, forto another time and place; the marsh and the giveness, and the possibility of rekindling old island come alive with her descriptions. Readers flames. As her 80th birthday approaches, newly who enjoy learning about new places and earlier retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is unsure what time periods will love this slow-burn gem. to do next. When she moves from Brooklyn, The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley New York to Rallentando Springs – an active (contemporary fiction) – This unique and comsenior community in southern Florida – she is pelling book follows Jane Pyre, the former lead surprised to learn that Irving Rivkin, the delivery singer of The Lightning Bottles, one of the most boy from her father’s old pharmacy and the man popular rock ‘n’ roll duos of the 1990s, as she who broke her heart decades earlier lives in the seeks to discover what happened to Elijah, her same senior community. As the story toggles husband and the other half of The Lightning back and forth in time, the major events in Bottles, who disappeared years before. Jane and Augusta’s life are revealed as well as the choices Elijah shared a deep bond and were both she makes and how she is still haunted by some extremely talented, but the pressures of stardom of the decisions she made years before. The and the music industry caused them to crash authentic characters are skillfully created, the spectacularly. When Jane rents a house in rural prose is lyrical and entertaining, humor is woven Germany, she encounters a teenage mega fan throughout the story, and there is a touch of who believes that Elijah is alive, and the pair set magical realism. Fans of uplifting tales with realout to find him. In a cleverly crafted manner, the istic characters will love this one. pair follow clues left in artwork in an attempt to locate Elijah. Readers who grew up in this era Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett will revel in nostalgia as they read this book, also writes our weekly Page Turners column at which references maps, call-in shows and countthebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-windowns, Walkmans, and music trivia and details ning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page from the time period. The Lightning Bottles takes Podcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the readers on a memorable journey, connecting the Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regpast and present through flashbacks explaining ularly speaks to groups about books. how Jane and Elijah met, describing their highs

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 36

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 37

Jody Horton

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner L

The Goode Son: Charting his course

evi Goode leans on his father’s lessons as he strives to create his own restaurant legacy.

“My father was super creative,” said the West University resident. “He used to say, ‘Be bold.

Life is too short.’”

His father, Jim Goode, was a Houston food legend. He didn’t just create a brand – Goode Co. – the former graphic artist started a legacy in 1977 when he put down his ink pen for barbecue tongs. On a whim, he invested every cent into a failing red barn barbecue joint on Kirby Drive owned by a recent widow ready to pack her things and return home to East Texas.

Before the ink dried, the lady threw Jim the keys and said, “It’s yours.”

Levi was barely out of diapers then, just three years old. But the $6,000 gamble paid off handsomely. Within a decade of opening, Goode Co. Barbecue served 800-1,000 customers daily. The Lone Star State cookery icon passed on Feb. 2, 2016, but left an indelible impression.

“One of the first places I had barbecue was Goode Co. I remember being blown away,” said San Francisco native Robert Del Grande, Houston’s first James Beard Award-winning chef. “It captured everything I thought barbecue should be – the stacks of mesquite wood, the hand-rubbed brisket, the tables outside. It was this Texas thing where you know where you are by what you’re eating.”

Today, the Goode Co. name is nationally recognized, and its Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie is shipped worldwide. CEO Levi oversees the family-owned Goode Co. group, which operates 11 restaurants. Its six concepts are packed with loyal diners, many of whom know the menus by heart. Levi, twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, could have stopped here and focused on the tasks at hand. But Jim Goode’s only son is a chip off the old block. His father also taught him to “Keep it fresh and exciting.”

So, Levi, age 49, has tempted fate by launching his most ambitious project.

In August, he introduced two new concepts – his own – independent of the Goode Co. brand: Credence, a soaring, high-ceiling restau-

rant, and Sidebar, a modern 50-seat speakeasy. Both are located within The IN GOODE SPIRITS Chef-owner Levi Goode oversees the family-owned Goode McKinley at Memorial Co. group, originally started by his father, Jim. Now he has introduced two new City (9757 Katy concepts, independent of the Goode Co. brand: Credence, a restaurant that honFreeway), a resort-style ors his Texas roots and live-fire cooking, and Sidebar, a modern 50-seat luxury apartment high- speakeasy. Levi collaborated with award-winning whiskey producer Milam & Greene in Blanco, TX, to make his namesake single-barrel bourbon featured in rise across from Hotel The Improved Old-Fashioned serve at Sidecar.

ZaZa and Ciro’s Italian. brisket at Goode Co. Barbecue (5109 Kirby Drive).

“We’ve been working on this for quite some In 1981, Levi’s paternal grandmother, Emma time, years actually. It’s good to finally be in this “Nanny” Longoria Goode, inspired the mesquiteplace and share it with the public. We’ve pulled grilled fajitas and Mexican breakfasts at Goode Co. out all the stops,” said the fifth-generation Texan.

Hamburgers and Taqueria (4902 Kirby Drive).

He began with a clean slate. The name was The company’s famous pie? That’s hers. Years spent carefully chosen to start. He picked the name fishing and crabbing along Texas and Louisiana “Credence” to reflect belief and truth. “There are lured his outdoorsman of a black-bearded father no truer stories than our own. Nothing is more into opening Goode Co. Seafood (2621 Westpark authentic than something personal,” he said Drive) in 1986. So, Goode Co. doesn’t have an offiabout the restaurant that honors his Texas roots cial title “chef” for its restaurants. and live-fire cooking. The name “Sidebar” is selfHere, Levi is the chef-owner at Credence and explanatory. “We had a lot of fun with that one.

Sidebar. He collaborates with talented Joseph We wanted to do something along the way of the Geiskopf on the elevated Texas ranch-inspired 1930s regarding the design, inspired by Texas oil menus. Chef Joseph previously worked at CIEL wildcatters the likes of McCarthy and Cullen (4411 San Felipe), and several Michelin-starred types, who might have visited and enjoyed simrestaurants, including Pineapple & Pearls in ilar places after striking oil in their backyard.”

Washington, D.C. Credence’s dishes are drawn Sidebar smells of new leather from the chocofrom Levi’s travels, experiences, and memories. late brown leather panels covering the walls.

As you scan the offerings, it seems Levi has choAbove the snug reservation-only room, a shower sen his favorite hits for his new independent of silver beads, carefully hand-strung to form chanconcept. One outstanding is the Parisa, a raw deliers reminiscent of fringed Gatsbyesque flapper dish, and “a riff on beef tartare from the Alsatian dresses, illuminates the room. It is a transitional pioneers. I would always eat it whenever I was space for slow, unwinding, and deep conversations. in Medina County,” Levi said. “For ours, we use Sidebar customers are given a code to access a lightly cold-smoked beef tenderloin.” door in the back of the building off the parking lot Another standout is the Deviled Crabs with or through Credence. Open Thursday, Friday, and tomato butter served on the half shell. They are Saturday evenings only, it has a cover charge for filled with ample sweet jumbo crab and infused live music, Champagne service, and an extensive with a smoky flavor from a mesquite wood oven. handcrafted cocktail menu. Levi said the table size “Last night, a guy ordered two more after tasting might be small, but the bites are “decadent. I’ve those,” a waiter commented. got Beef Tartare Sliders – butter-toasted brioche Guests can watch a flurry of kitchen activities squares topped with caviar. There is a tasty hot from the dining room, including roasting whole oyster dish, Oysters Balinese, with creamed leeks, ducks, dry-aged steaks, seafood, carrots, and cabcrispy bacon, and béarnaise sauce.” bage over an open fire. “It’s my family signature Goode Co. restaurants are rooted in family style – cooking over coals and open fire. It’s not recipes, starting with Levi’s father, Jim, and his just my family; it’s Texas (continued on page 40) uncle, Joe Dixie, waking up hourly to check on the

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 38

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 39

Brian Kennedy

Brian Kennedy

VERY GOODE “It’s my family signature style – cooking over coals and open fire. It’s not just my family; it’s Texas and cowboys cooking on the trail. It’s all rooted in live-fire cooking," Levi said. Left: Whole ducks roasted over a live fire fueled with mesquite and post oak wood. Right: dry-aged prime steak and French fries with various dipping sauces.

Levi Goode’s Parisa

(continued from page 38) and cowboys cooking on

the trail. It’s all rooted in live-fire cooking. I grew up with that,” Levi said. “There was just something special about cooking over mesquite and oak. Maybe it was being around the campfire, but I always felt it made the food taste its best. So, I built a 12-foot-wide hearth – essentially a big fireplace – that we’re cooking out of at Credence.”

On a recent Sunday, typically a slow night for most restaurants, Credence was fully booked.

Couples and friends were sipping updated versions of Palomas and Negronis in the adjoining lounge while waiting for their tables. While savoring complimentary madeleines with paperthin slices of hickory-smoked Benton ham in the main dining room, a few guests inspected the soaring double barrel-vaulted ceiling and arches.

Architecture and design firm Gensler incorporated luxurious elements, such as antique rugs, brass fixtures, and rich, wood finishes. The design balances masculinity and femininity using greens, golds, and whites. Additionally, unique artworks and pieces collected by Levi from his travels, such as an 1870s rack adorned with cleavers, are featured in the space.

“I started from the bottom up,” Levi said. “I was 10 years old, washing dishes at the taqueria.

I stood on a milk crate to reach over the sink and wash those dishes. I’ve done every job in the restaurant. You have to do that to learn the business. I borrow on experience.”

He’s unsure if his three children will follow in his footsteps. His son, Mason, might. “We’ll see,” he said. He does know this: “The business is dynamic. We have to keep our ears to the ground and stay true to our roots. Evolution has also been a part of my upbringing, which is why we have a variety of concepts. My father started with barbecue and then went on to taqueria, then seafood. He liked to try new things. He taught me to do the same.”

There are many versions of this raw delicacy.

Levi likes to cold-smoke his beef, which adds another irresistible layer of flavor. This step is optional, so you can skip it if you’re lazy.

For garlic-shallot oil: 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled 3-4 shallots, peeled and cut in half 2 sprigs rosemary 5-6 sprigs thyme 2 cups olive oil For cold-smoked beef: 8 ounces beef tenderloin, butterflied 2 ounces wood chips For Parisa: (2-inch) thick jalapeños, halved, seeded and minced fine 2 tablespoons shallots, peeled and minced fine 1 ½ teaspoons capers, drained and minced 1 teaspoon serrano chile, roasted, peeled and seeded 2 ¼ teaspoon Creole mustard 1 teaspoon lime zest, grated with a microplane 1 ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons Aged White Cheddar Cheese, grated on a box grater, divided For garnish: 1 tablespoon chives or green onions, sliced thin 1 tablespoon fried crispy red onions or shallots (see note) 5-7 ounces of potato chips (waffle or ridged) To make garlic-shallot oil, place garlic, shallots, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil in a small saucepan and place over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally as the oil comes to a simmer. Once the oil simmers, allow the garlic cloves and shallots to cook for 20-30 minutes (or until flavors are infused into the oil). Strain and allow the oil to cool before using. Oil can be made a day in advance before use.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 40

Store at room temperature in an air-tight container.

Levi has devised a simple way for the home cook to cold-smoke the beef tenderloin. If you don’t have a smoker, place two ounces of wood chips in water and allow them to soak for 15 minutes. Drain the chips and place them on aluminum foil. Fold the foil sides up to create a “cup.” Place the cup on one side of a large food-safe container, such as a rectangular Pyrex baking dish. Position the beef tenderloin on the opposite side of the baking dish.

Light the wood chips and allow them to smoke for 1-2 minutes. Cover with foil and smoke the meat for 10-15 minutes. Remember: We want to add smoke flavor but not cook the meat. Once smoked, remove beef tenderloin and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to cut.

Prepare the Parisa in a mixing bowl by adding the smoked beef tenderloin, along with one and a half tablespoons of the garlic-shallot oil, jalapeños, fresh shallots, capers, serrano chile, Creole mustard, lime zest, sherry vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and two tablespoons of cheddar cheese. Mix ingredients very gently until they are well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for five minutes or until thoroughly chilled. Store remaining garlicshallot oil for another use, such as vinaigrette and stir-fries or to make more Parisa.

Transfer Parisa to a small bowl and garnish with one tablespoon of cheddar cheese, chives or green onions, and crispy red onions or shallots. Serve with waffle or ridged potato chips. Serves 4.

Note: You can find fried shallots and onions at the grocery stores. But if you want to make your own, it’s easy.

Peel and slice thin eight shallots. Bring about 11⁄4 cup of vegetable oil in a frying pan to temperature over mediumlow heat. Add shallots and stir them often with a fork to encourage rings to separate until shallots are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Pour shallots into a strainer to drain and transfer to paper towels, and then season with kosher salt (optional). Fried shallots will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a week.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 41

Shi-tze Lu

TRAVEL

.

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Adventures in Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice

I

celand, the land of fire and ice, as it’s long been known, offers travelers a landscape that feels ancient and at the same time surreal.

For five couples – each with their own approach to adventure – Iceland provided an escape filled with waterfalls, glaciers, and breathtaking natural beauty. From luxury cruises to demanding hikes, these travelers discovered the unexpected in very different ways.

A Journey Begins For Kelly and Carmela Frels, Iceland was a post-pandemic dream destination. They were drawn to Iceland in the summer of 2023 by a close friend, Carrin Patman, who had recently been named the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland.

Carrin was a former partner of Kelly and his colleague Cliff Gunter at Bracewell LLP; her husband, Jim Derrick, was Kelly’s UT fraternity brother.

“This was on the heels of Covid, so we were looking for someplace to go,” said Kelly. “So it all fit together here for us to be able to go to Iceland."

The Frels’ travel, arranged through the University of Texas Flying Longhorns alumni travel program, was carefully curated, ensuring they enjoyed Iceland’s sights in comfort.

Cliff and Katie Gunter opted for a cruise aboard the Silversea Silver Spirit. With 590 passengers and 400 crew members, the luxurious cruise ship became their base as they visited multiple Icelandic ports. "We had never been to Iceland or Ireland," Katie shared. "Cliff had traveled all over the world, but these were two places he had not been.”

Meanwhile, Lily Chen and her husband Shitze Lu, along with their friends Christine and Andy Wei, sought a more adventurous itinerary.

Traveling in late August 2024, they were eager to hike, explore, and immerse themselves in Iceland's natural wonders. "It's a place that I always hear so much about – how beautiful it is, how amazing it is – so it's been something on my bucket list," said Lily.

Similarly, John Beilue and Michelle Goldberg, celebrating their five-year anniversary in 2019, chose Iceland for its dramatic land-

scapes and the promise of daily hikes. "We wanted to make a commitment to travel abroad once a year," Michelle explained.

"I'm definitely more of RAINBOW FALLS Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods,” is among the most spectacular of Iceland’s many waterfalls. It is often crowned by a rainbow, as it an adventure, quieter, was during Lily Chen and Shi-tze Lu’s visit. nature-seeking type where the tectonic plates are slowly drifting vacation traveler, and I've always been fascinatapart, offered visitors a profound connection to ed by Iceland." the raw power of nature.

For Lily and her friends, the journey was all A Land of Contrasts about immersing themselves in nature. They Upon arrival, each couple was struck by rented a car and explored the Golden Circle, Iceland's stark contrasts. Kelly and Carmela visiting Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss marveled at Reykjavik's blend of old and new.

Waterfall, and the geothermal area of Geysir.

"It was reminiscent of Austin in the late 1960s Lily was particularly enchanted by the Brúarfoss and 1970s," Kelly remarked.

Waterfall. "The water is so … like a minty blue," Cliff and Katie were equally captivated. "It's she described. a beautiful, clean city," Cliff noted. "The people One of the highlights for Lily was hiking the were extremely pleasant. Everybody spoke Skógafoss waterfall trail. “We climbed up about English, and they were all very friendly."

527 steps and did the trail for 10 miles,” she said.

Lily and her group began their journey by “That was the most amazing hike. The whole exploring Reykjavik's famous Rainbow Street time the scenery was spectacular.” and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. "The John and Michelle also embraced Iceland's design is pretty amazing," Lily said. "After we did rugged terrain. They explored the entire island the visit, we realized why the design is in the via the Ring Road, tackling challenging trails columns – because the Cathedral’s rising and experiencing the unfiltered power of nature. columns forming the exterior and tower were At Mývatn, they climbed to the rim of a volinspired by Iceland’s landscape." cano. "The vertical just to get up to the crater John and Michelle's adventure started with an rim was so extreme that our calves were on fire," unexpected encounter at the airport. Michelle, Michelle recounted. an avid CrossFit enthusiast, met her personal Their hike on Falljökull, meaning "the falling hero, Annie Thorisdottir, an Icelandic CrossFit glacier" because it cascades steeply down the champion. "She was super nice and wonderful," mountainside, was another memorable experiMichelle recalled. They were off to a great start. ence. "We wanted to do that because they tell us the glacier won't be there for much longer The Great Outdoors: Hikes and because of climate change," Michelle explained.

Natural Wonders “So it was kind of a really sad thing, but someThe country, formed entirely by volcanic thing we wanted to experience while we could.” activity, sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where Despite the physical demands, they were awed the North American and Eurasian tectonic by the glacier's majesty. plates meet. This makes Iceland the only place in the world where you can see the boundary Close Encounters and Cultural between two major tectonic plates above sea Insights level. The dramatic landscapes, including lava All five couples shared encounters with fields, geothermal hot springs, and the Iceland’s unique wildlife (continued on page 44) Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir National Park,

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 42

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 43

John Beilue

JOURNEY SNAPSHOTS Clockwise from upper left: John Beilue and Michelle Goldberg wanted to hike a glacier while it is still possible to do so; Carmela and Kelly Frels at the ridge between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates – the only place in the world where you can see the boundary between two major tectonic plates above sea level; colorful Rainbow Street in Reykjavik leading to Hallgrímskirkja Church. (continued from page 42) and culture. Lily's group

visited Heimaey Island, where they were delighted to see puffins returning to their burrows in Stórhöfði, the southernmost point of the island and home to one of the world’s largest puffin breeding colonies. “They are so cute,” Lily said. “We spent a lot of time watching them.”

John and Michelle were amused by the free-roaming sheep that have right of way on the roads. “They warned us when we picked up our rental car that the sheep have crossing rights,” Michelle laughed. “If you hit one, you owe the farmer.”

Kelly and Carmela enjoyed learning about Iceland’s innovative use of natural resources, particularly in geothermal energy and fishing. A discussion with Ambassador Carrin provided insights into Iceland’s geopolitical importance and sustainable practices, deepening their appreciation for the country.

Challenges and Reflections Traveling in Iceland presented its own set of challenges. Weather was unpredictable and could change very quickly. John and Michelle experienced strong winds atop a volcano that nearly blew Michelle off her feet.

Despite these challenges, the couples found the journey rewarding. “It's the most unique country that we have visited,” Carmela mused.

“It's so different. You can’t compare it to any other place that you’ve been.”

John echoed this sentiment. “I was very impressed with all of the raw nature,” he said. “It's

very clear that you're on a smaller place in the middle of the North Atlantic, and nature is very much just sort of doing whatever it does around you.”

A Place Worth Returning To All five couples expressed a desire to return to Iceland. Lily is considering a trip in the wintertime to experience the Northern Lights and ice caves.

The best time to visit Iceland depends on your priorities. Summer (June to August) offers mild temperatures between 50-60 degrees and nearly 24 hours of daylight – ideal for hiking.

Winter (November to February) is colder, with temps around 30-40 degrees, and is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. Fall and spring provide cooler weather and fewer tourists, with the Northern Lights visible from September through April. If it’s puffins you’re after, puffin season typically runs from late April to midAugust, with the peak viewing time being between June and early August. By midAugust, the puffins start leaving, and they are usually gone by mid-September as they migrate out to sea.

Katie and Cliff are also hoping to return for a deeper dive into all that Iceland has to offer.

“We’d go back in a heartbeat,” Katie said.

Tips From Our Travelers Katie and Cliff: Worth the splurge: Our Silversea cruise Don’t miss: FlyOver Iceland experience – an immersive virtual flight over Iceland’s stunning

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 44

landscapes, almost like a carnival ride Favorite restaurant: Apotek Packing: Must pack with layering in mind Don’t bring: Dressy clothing Don’t forget: Lots of dollar bills for tipping Local favorite: The pubs and hamburgers Kelly and Carmela: Don’t miss: Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland's Golden Circle. It’s the only place on Earth where you can walk along the visible rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are usually hidden beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

Not really worth the trouble: Blue Lagoon was nice, but it was pricey, especially considering there are less expensive and less crowded hot springs available in Iceland.

Amazing thing we learned: Iceland creatively utilizes nearly every part of the fish from its fishing industry for everything from supplements and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and fashion items. Carrin had a tiny and very cute bag made from fish skin, and a poster in the airport pictures a burn victim recovering with fish skin wound dressings.

John and Michelle: Worth the splurge: Definitely Geosea, the hot spring-fed spa we stopped at on the west side of the country.

Don’t miss: Skóga Trail, the hike up the trail beyond at Skógafoss, and/or one of the many glaciers available for travelers to hike. They are still going away, sadly. (continued on page 46)

VIRTUAL TRAINING PERSONAL TRAINING MASSAGE THERAPY NUTRITION COACHING LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT Reclaim your energy, passion and motivation in body, mind and spirit.

Call 713.401.2841 or visit PledgeToFitness.com to schedule your free session assessment + workout + stretch Offer expires 10/31/24

Visit our COVID-19 protocol-compliant location at 5312 Bellaire Blvd., Suite A WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 45

John Beilue Lily Chen

LAND OF CONTRASTS Clockwise from upper left: Cliff and Katie Gunter enjoy a drink aboard the Silversea Silver Spirit; John and Michelle were amused by the sheep grazing throughout the countryside, learning that Icelandic sheep have specific rights; Lily and Shi-tze exploring one of many sparkling ice formations on Diamond Beach, which are the reason for its name; traditional turf houses at Skógar Museum, showcasing Icelandic rural heritage.

Favorite restaurants: Kaffi Lára in Seyðisfjörður Currency exchange: When we were there, the exchange rate was $1 = 123.4 Krona.

Exchange could be done easily in the capital, possibly difficult anywhere else. That said, credit cards worked well just about anywhere with a connection but remember to tell your creditor/bank you’ll be traveling!

Packing: We lived out of large hiking backpacks, and that made a world of difference to me. More convenient than lugging a suitcase of equivalent size.

Don’t forget: Layers! And waterproof clothing (jackets, slickers, etc. – we both got some thin waterproof pants at REI that were a lifesaver), waterproof hiking boots, and outlet converters.

We have a whole kit for converting to European electrical outlets. Important to do some research, as some of their outlets deliver more volts or amps than US equipment is used to, and if not throttled down, this can damage your stuff.

Safety tip: Sneaker waves, or unpredictable, powerful waves that appear suddenly. It is also worth reminding travelers that warnings in general there are more subtle than in the States, so if it looks like there is a rope or a barrier, best not to

(continued from page 44)

cross it, as the consequences could be quite dire.

Not really worth the trouble: Food is expensive in Iceland due to so much of it needing to be imported. Outside of the cod and lamb, food won't be the best part of your trip. We have no regrets saving money by eating lots of PB&Js and only eating out once a day. Save your money for more adventures!

Unexpected hit: Geosea spa. Great view, warm water, nice people, wine and beer. Fun time.

Lily Chen and Shi-tze Lu: Worth the splurge: Sky Lagoon hot spring spa, Hotel Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tour. If you love to hike, be sure to climb the 527 steps at Skógafoss and continue along the Waterfall Way Trail for more stunning terrain and waterfalls. While exploring the area, don’t miss Gjáin. If you're visiting Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall that is famous because you can walk under it, make sure to check out nearby Gljúfrabúi, the waterfall hidden inside a gorge. Other highlights include Brúarfoss, Gullfoss, and Diamond Beach, which is just across the road from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Favorite restaurants: The restaurant in Hotel Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. But we did not eat at any place fancy. We liked Black Crust

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 46

Pizzeria and the Soup Company, both in Vik. Don’t forget: Electricity adapters type C or F. But you will also need a converter if what you are plugging can’t handle 230 volts. Warm jackets, waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, hiking shoes/ boots, and waterproof shoes.

Avoid this local scam: Not exactly a scam, but everyone says you have to try the fermented shark.

I think it was the worst food I’ve ever had (Lily).

Safety tip: Due to harsh conditions some roads might be closed. Download the SafeTravel-Iceland app for the road conditions, especially for smaller roads or remote conditions. See En.vedur.is, the Icelandic Meteorological Office, to check weather and Northern Lights predictions.

Car rental: We used Lotus Car Rental.

Others recommended Blue Car rental. Make sure the car is covered with premium insurance due to wind and road hazards. Through Lotus, the premium insurance came with portable WiFi. Make sure to check the tires before leaving the rental cars company. Ours were balding.

If you are driving on the F Roads (unpaved gravel roads), you will need a 4x4.

About the puffins: If your visit is during puffin season, it’s worth taking the ferry to Heimaey Island. It has the largest puffin colony in the world.

35 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 47

SPORTS

by Todd Freed, staff writer Kathryn Childers

.

SportzBuzz W

ith an impressive 34-7 victory over St. Thomas, the St. John’s Mavericks were off to a great start in the 2024 football season. “It was obviously a huge win for our program especially since we haven’t beaten St. Thomas in quite some time,” said Mavericks head coach Kevin Veltri.

The season opening win was highlighted by a sensational night from four-year starting running back Cole Allen, who rushed for a lofty 278 yards and five touchdowns. “Cole is an amazing player and even better person off the field,” said Veltri about the Harvard University commit. “He’s the quintessential captain that you want on your football team.”

The victory over St. Thomas also marked a successful debut for junior Shea Quinn as the Mavericks starting quarterback. The six-footthree signal caller is the son of former NFL quarterback Mike Quinn. The Mavericks offense is also bolstered by the return of four-year starting offensive lineman and captain Wyatt Childers.

Defensively, senior cornerback Yahya Mir has committed to play college football at Amherst College, while sophomore defensive end Malachi Booker already has collegiate offers in both football and basketball. “Yahya is one of our captains and leaders,” said Veltri. “He’s just a great kid.”

In addition, senior defensive lineman Alexander Rustay is a key returning starter.

“Alexander is a high-energy guy,” said Veltri.

“He’s also the closer for our SPC Champion baseball team and is trying to decide which sport he’ll play at the next level.”

I

n six-man football, the Emery/Weiner School Jaguars are in pursuit of a second straight state championship in TAPPS Division 1. “We’ve won four state championships, but never back-to-back so we’re definitely focused on going after another title,” said Jaguars head coach Samuel Costello.

Emery returns several top players from last season’s state championship team including senior quarterback Bennett Grossman. “Bennett is calm under pressure and can make almost any throw on the field,” said Costello. One of Grossman’s favorite targets at wide receiver is Byron Strug, who is back for his senior season.

MIGHTY MAVERICK It’s been a sensational four-year career for St. John’s Maverick running back Cole Allen. Allen rushed for an explosive 278 yards in the Mavericks season opening victory over St. Thomas.

“Byron is an extremely intelligent player. He knows the offense well and has great chemistry with Bennett,” said Costello.

Two of the top defensive returnees for the Jaguars, according to Costello, include junior Blake Saikin, who had a pair of interceptions in the Jaguars season opening win over Brazosport Christian as well as all-state defensive back Brenden Domsalla.

“We have a lot of depth on our team. We’re up to 39 players, which is quite a lot for six-man football. It brings out a lot of competition for playing time. The great thing about Emery is that the school really embraces six-man football. The community rallies around us and the kids just love playing this style of football,” added Costello.

I

n volleyball, it was a hard-hitting start to the season for the Stratford Spartans, who won 20 of their first 21 games. The victory total included seven wins in eight matches at the prestigious Katy ISD/Cy Fair Volleyball Classic, which featured many of the region’s – and even the state’s – top teams. “That’s a really great tournament so I was really proud of the way our girls rose to the occasion,” said Spartans head coach Jenny Adcock.

The Spartans then followed up by winning four straight matches in consecutive days at the Bridgeland Invitational tournament. “To play back-to-back three out of five matches over two days was a great test of our stamina,” said Adcock.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 48

“You had four great teams in Fulshear, Bridgeland, Tomball, and ourselves competing, so it was just a fantastic showing by our girls to go undefeated.”

Leading the way for Stratford this season is six-foot-five junior Sarah Hickman, who has committed to play college volleyball at Stanford University. “Sarah not only leads our team kills and aces, but she’s playing in six rotations in both the front and back rows,” said Adcock.

In addition, junior Providence College commit Gwen Koss provides the Spartans with another powerful force on the court. “Gwen is a fantastic ball control player,” said Adcock. “She’s very intelligent and crafty with her shots.”

The Spartans feature another future collegiate player in junior setter Audrey Cook, who has committed to Grand Canyon University, while junior libero Rachel Ashby is also a major contributor to the Spartans lineup. “Audrey just does a great job of handling and distributing the ball, while Rachel is extremely smart and athletic. Rachel is also the starting point guard for our basketball team.”

Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CW39 and Monday-Thursday on AT&T SportsNet SW. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 49

SPORTS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

SportzBuzz Jr. W

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

School history made A group of hardworking students achieved a big milestone. After an exciting season on the golf course, the Trafton Academy golf team won the Greater Houston Athletic Conference (GHAC) Golf Championship. This accomplishment was even sweeter as it was the first golf championship in the school’s history. With the encouragement of the team’s coach, Amy Gillespie, each team member sharpened their skills throughout the season and consistently produced impressive results. Jack Van Valen was awarded the overall tournament individual winner out of 75 participants.

Congratulations to this group of young men. Tryouts for the next golf season will begin in February. Coach Gillespie is a lifelong golfer who recently qualified in the distinguished, invite-only USGA 62nd U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur in September. Pictured (from left) are team members Caden Vazquez, Noah Reby, Asher Wilson, Jack Van Valen, Eli Davis, Carter Comstock, Owen Walters, Ben Chapin, Rush Sheaffer, and Chase Mould. Not pictured: Landon Massey and Harrison Westbrook.

On the big field Three young dancers recently had the spotlight at an Astros game. The group, including (pictured, from left) Ellie Hsia, 6, Quinnlan Walsh, 7, and Kinley Canonico, 7, were featured in the Junior Shooting Stars pregame performance show. They dance together at The Dance Barre HTX. The trio, dancing to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off, performed on the field alongside the Astros Shooting Stars in the 6-8 age division. Each summer, the Houston Astros provide this exciting opportunity for kids aged 6 to 17 to showcase their talent, allowing them to experience the thrill of performing in front of a major league crowd. This year’s event was particularly special for these young dancers, as they got to bring their love of dance to one of Houston's biggest stages.

Rising golf star Arjun Jethani (pictured), a fourth grader from West University Elementary, has a passion for golf. Arjun's love and talent for golf has taken him to new heights as he recently qualified for the sub-regionals at the First Tee-FM Law Park tournament in the boys 7-9 years category. His precise drives and chips and accurate putts have set him apart in the local golfing community. Arjun's dedication and hard work on the course are commendable for someone his age. The young golfer is constantly working hard on his skills and continues to showcase his talents and make his mark in the world of junior golf.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 50

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 51

SPLASH OF COLOR River Oaks Baptist eighth grader Valentina Marks loves colorful, unexpected art, like the interactive exhibits at Color Factory. This September, Valentina’s artwork was displayed at the Heidi Vaughan Fine Art gallery.

KIDS

by Valentina Marks, age 13

Buzz Kidz I

The unlimited paths for creativity

f you were to walk into my room, you would see piles of art supply boxes and stacks of white canvases, ready to be painted on.

There’s very little white in my room; most of my walls are covered in pink paintings. The joyfilled, pastel pieces are the result of my imagination and creativity.

I grew up in a house full of art. My dad is an art collector, and people often say our house looks like an art museum. I think most of my inspiration started from seeing the art all around me.

I love painting with acrylic paint, especially with the color pink, and try to incorporate disco balls everywhere. I am attracted to pink in my art as it represents fantasy, childhood, joy, and whimsy. I want people to look at my art and feel happy thinking back to their earliest and most

playful memories.

When an idea for creating a piece of art comes into my mind, it is usually unplanned and late at night. I think art is the most genuine when it is organic. I find inspiration when reflecting on my happiest times, and memories associated with people I love. I also refer to Pinterest when sourcing materials for my art because it helps make my pieces feel more complex. I am reminded that my artwork does not have to be a simple two-dimensional painting on canvas. I can add multimedia, such as clay, plaster, beads, and even disco balls. I think art is meant to be interesting to look at, and adding unexpected materials makes the art feel more alive.

Being an artist is a major part of me. I am constantly reminded how there is no one path

Your smile can last forever

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

3642 University Blvd., Suite 102 Houston, TX 77005 www.westuortho.com 713-481-4885 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 52

that I take to create a piece of art. There is no one singular method when making a painting.

I make art spontaneously, and each piece has a different inspiration and memory associated with it. To me, that is what makes art so special. It has taught me that there is no right answer for creativity.

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.

Create a buzz for your biz.

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

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

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Farm and ranch estate planning On his mother’s death, my uncle Price bought out his siblings and kept the family farm going the rest of his life. On his death, no one left was able or interested in the farm, and his children sold it, an inevitable but melancholy outcome.

Sentiment complicates estate planning for farm and ranch properties. Is it a family legacy or just an occasional retreat? Do Mom and Dad want the property to stay in the family? Do all the kids feel the same way? Do any of them? Does the property generate more income than expenses? Who maintains it? Who pays for that?

If everyone is happy to be rid of the property but wants to wait until Dad’s gone, little more than a will is required, naming an executor with a power of sale. For large properties, a lifetime gift to an irrevocable trust can reduce estate taxes.

If one child but not others want the property, a specific bequest in the will can suffice, assuming there are other assets to equalize each child’s inheritance. If not, life insurance can provide liquidity for what’s essentially a buyout of the disinterested children.

When there’s little more to the estate than the farm or ranch, and multiple children to satisfy, several options are worth exploring. First, there can be spin-off opportunities, e.g., one child gets the crop or livestock enterprise, another gets the minerals, and another gets the recreational leases, wind, and solar rights. Second, if one child can operate the property as a business, the others can be paid, perhaps as equal partners, as preferred shareholders, or with guaranteed payments. Third, the property can be partitioned

amongst the children, with each making their own decision whether to keep or sell.

Limited liability companies if not family limited partnerships are standard when planning for multiple owners across multiple generations. Custom provisions regarding cash flow management, sale and withdrawal options, and conflict resolution can extend family ownership and minimize the drama when family ownership inevitably ends. Conservation easements, e.g., to a land trust for public access, can minimize the cash value of a property, provide an income tax deduction to Mom or Dad, and minimize estate taxes borne by the kids, but they favor beneficiaries who desire to retain the property over beneficiaries tempted to liquidate and access the cash value.

Texas offers significant liability protection to rural landowners regarding livestock and recreation risks. Operations if not estate plans should exploit the Texas Agritourism Act, the Farm Animal Liability Act, and the Texas recreational use statute.

We write wills and go to probate court. 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, bellaireprobate.com/blog

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 53

PETS

Neighborhood Tails Bella, age 6 months, English Labrador, Tartan Ln. Hi, I’m Bella, a precious sixmonth-old Champion Bloodline English Labrador. My family adopted me from a breeder in Missouri just a couple of months ago. Thank goodness they did, because I am a much bigger fan of Texas than Missouri. I love going on walks around my neighborhood in West University and sniffing every yard I pass. Although I am young, do not be fooled. I am incredibly smart and will do anything for food. My mom taught me that I can’t eat my meals or treats until I hear the words “yum yum.” In case you couldn’t tell, that is my favorite phrase. I am also great at fetching and will fetch anything my brother Connor tells me to. Even though I am new to the area, I know I am going to be the queen of West U in no time!

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.

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

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 54

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

2024 update on nose sprays The most popular type of preventative nose sprays for allergy contains small amounts of steroids. Examples include Flonase, Nasacort, and Nasonex.

For the past several years, they’ve been available without a prescription (OTC). Regular Flonase contains phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), which gives it that floral odor. Many people find the odor unpleasant, though others tell us it’s the “smell of relief.” PEA, an alcohol, can dry the inside of the nose and cause nosebleeds. Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasacort contain benzalkonium chloride (BKC), another preservative that can dry out the nose. In March 2017, Glaxo (owner of Flonase) put Veramyst OTC, renaming it Flonase Sensimist. It has no PEA or BKC, so it is gentler. Why would Glaxo put its superior product OTC? To sell some! They couldn’t sell much prescriptiononly Veramyst for $250, but OTC Flonase Sensimist sells for $28. Costco has it in a pack of three that goes on sale for about $45 a few times a year. As of September 2024, Amazon.com sells a pack of 2 of Sensimist for $29.71 using subscribe and save.

Flonase, which contains fluticasone propionate (along with PEA and BKC), is losing more and more market share to generics, which can sell for less than half the $20 price. Recently, Costco had a package of five bottles of its Flonase generic, called Aller-Flo, on sale for $18.99! That’s less than $4 each, plus each bottle contains 144 sprays instead of 120.

Unlike decongestant nose sprays, such as Afrin, you can’t become physically dependent on steroid nose sprays. The decongestant nose sprays go to work more quickly than steroid nose sprays, but the more you use them, the less effective they are. They work for stuffy nose, but not for sneezing, itching,

or runny nose.

Besides steroid sprays, you can also get antihistamine nose sprays (e.g., azelastine or olopatadine), and anticholinergic nose sprays.

Both of the antihistamine sprays provide faster relief for sneezing and itching than nasal steroids, and Astepro went OTC in 2022, but its generic might be cheaper from the pharmacist using the GoodRx coupon for $17.59 at CVS or Target. Ipratropium nasal, an anticholinergic spray, works like magic for runny or drippy nose, but doesn’t relieve any other symptoms. It is Rx only, but inexpensive as a generic. As of September 2024, GoodRx has it for $16.60 at Target.

Also OTC is Nasalcrom, a steroid-free anti-inflammatory spray. It’s less effective than the steroid sprays, and must be used 3 or 4 times a day, but if you’re worried about low-dose steroids, it’s a reasonable choice.

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

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

OCTOBER 3.4.5 2024 Thursday. Friday. Saturday

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 55

Daniel Ortiz

NEIGHBORS

.

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

Buzz About Town Quy Tran

Preparing for the Tapestry Gala

for Volunteerism and Civic Service. See imgh.org/gala2024.

NFL player comes home Brian Orakpo (pictured, fifth from left), Lamar High School Class of 2004 graduate and former professional football player, returned to his alma mater to tour the new weight room he helped fund. He was recently inducted into the HISD Athletic Hall of Honor. While at Lamar, Orakpo was a two-time first team all-district defensive end, two-time all greater Houston selection, and had 27 sacks. After graduation, he attended the University of Texas where he was a standout player winning awards including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Ted Hendricks Award, and Bill Willis Trophy, and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 2009 NFL Draft and spent 10 years in the league playing for both the Redskins and the Tennessee Titans.

A soiree to remember

Sushma and Devinder Mahajan (pictured) will be honored with the Spirit of Respect award at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s 2024 Tapestry Gala, in recognition of their work in co-founding the Eternal Gandhi Museum. The annual Tapestry Gala takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Hilton Americas-Houston, and will recognize board member and Tapestry honoree Randall Evans. Event co-chairs Paula Sutton and Bill Gross and Nadia Tajalli and Dr. Shahin Tavackoli join Interfaith Ministries President and CEO Martin B. Cominsky and Board Chair Dr. Kathy Flanagan to invite guests and supporters to an evening celebrating the work of Interfaith Ministries, including efforts to support Greater Houston through Meals on Wheels/Animeals, Refugee Services, Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships, Volunteer Houston and SERVE HOUSTON through the Vic Samuels Center

Melanie Fitzpatrick and Jennifer Roane (pictured, from left) were among Houston’s “hautest” young professionals at Women of Wardrobe’s 21st annual Summer Soiree. Nearly 300 fashionable partygoers gathered at Tootsies

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 56

for the event that raised more than $27,000 for Dress for Success Houston. Guests were treated to the latest fall trends from Tanya Taylor and LeMel Jewelry while shopping and enjoying sips and local bites including salmon tartare and watermelon-and-avocado salad. DJ Johnny Bravo provided entertainment and the 360° photo booth was also a big hit. Dress for Success Houston assists local women with professional attire, support, and development opportunities to thrive in the workplace.

Something blue After they each lost their spouse to cancer years ago, Beverly Vosko and Jim Jackson found new love. The couple was married at Dukessa, surrounded by family and friends including bridal attendants wearing dresses in a variety of shades of blue. Piper Jackson, Michelle Levin, Emily Caughey, bride Beverly Vosko Jackson, Jennifer Caughey, and Olivia Jackson (pictured, from left) took part in the beautiful ceremony accented by white roses. Special family members at the ceremony included Beverly’s (continued on page 58)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 57

Jessica Ortiz

The celebration included performances by jugglers, musicians, and dancers with a festive glitter-and-glam theme.

Raising awareness for dyslexia

(continued from page 56) daughters and sons-in law

Jennifer and Ryan Caughey and Michelle and Dan Levin, Jim’s sons and daughters-in-law Justin and Kristen Jackson and Brandon and Courtney Jackson, and grandchildren Emily Caughey, Olivia Jackson, Piper Jackson, William Levin, Joshua Levin, James Caughey, and Quinn Jackson.

Daniel Ortiz

Mountaintop escape

Will and Mary Williams and Suzanne and Dr. Jamie McCarthy (pictured, from left) enjoyed the alpine air at the AspenX Mountain Club during the Memorial Hermann Foundation’s annual donor gathering. Guests at Elevated

Connections 2024 traveled by gondola to the peak of Aspen Mountain for an escape from Houston’s heat. Event hosts Elizabeth and Will Galtney, Stephanie and Mark Hamilton, Melissa Juneau, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Leticia and Steve Trauber, and Loraine and Scott Wegmann welcomed guests who were treated to music from internationally known guitarist and composer Hunter Perrin. The second day of the event featured brunch in the outdoor garden at Hotel Jerome which was transformed into a Parisian café with a floral-decorated champagne cart.

Le Cirque du Mint Julep Shannon Hall, Jordan Knight, Marcus Sloan, Don Mafrige Jr., and Milton Townsend (pictured, from left) joined fellow supporters at Le Cirque du Mint Julep, benefiting Legacy Community Health and honoring Richard Werner and Tony Bravo. The sold-out 22nd annual Mint Julep event welcomed more than 400 supporters to the Bayou Music Center and raised a record-breaking $317,000 for Legacy’s HIV/AIDS programs and services. Event cochairs Kevin Aloysius, Cyndy Garza Roberts, and Ray Purser introduced guests to the carnival-themed afternoon featuring emcees Ginger Grant, Domenic Cusano, and Angela Mercy.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 58

Dyslexia advocates Jennifer and Jill Hyland (pictured, from left) worked with fellow supporters to lobby state legislators in Austin to pass House Bill 3928, a law enacted in 2023 that improved the way dyslexia services are provided in Texas schools. Now, the mother-daughter duo is looking forward to celebrating Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Oct. 8 proclamation declaring October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. City Hall will be lit (continued on page 60)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 59

(continued from page 58) red to commemorate the

occasion. Jennifer began advocating for improved dyslexia diagnosis and treatment eight years ago after learning her daughter Jill was among the 20 percent of the population affected by the learning difference. Jill struggled with reading from an early age and was fortunate to be diagnosed as a young child and received appropriate intervention which made a huge difference in her reading skills. She is now a thriving sophomore at Stratford High School.

However, Jennifer saw that many children do not receive the intervention they need, and this prompted her to become what her friends call an “accidental advocate.” She now runs the Texas Dyslexia Coalition and, with Jill and a team of other advocates, works to help ensure each child has access to the services they need to become successful readers and students.

Hayden Caltagirone

Water polo Junior Olympians

Alma Lopez, Terri Drabik-O’Reilley, Maria Berretta, CCSC Youth Services Manager Sara Hans, Kenya Rodriguez, Perla Kenley; (bottom row, from left): Courtney Lerch, Leisa Novak, and Elizabeth Detweiler; not pictured: Karen Womack, Sarah Lopez, Whitney Anderson, and Mayra Marshall.

Welcoming Maccabi athletes Claire Browning, Hayden Caltagirone, Angie Rodriguez, Lauren Gonzalez, and Gretchen Soika (pictured, from left) competed in the Junior Olympics Water Polo tournament. The athletes were among a team of 13 from Lamar High School who participated in both Texas and California at the gold-medal competition between the nation’s top water polo teams.

During the weeklong event, the athletes battled it out in the water with hundreds of other hopeful teams. Teammate Rayce Bagley (not pictured) says the level of competition was initially intimidating, but as they progressed through the games, the Lamar team gained confidence and performed well against top-tier teams.

The Mizrahi family hosted a group of 13-yearold athletes from Dallas for the 2024 JCC Maccabi Games, which took place in Houston this August. More than 1,000 teens from around the world gathered in Houston for the Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sports competition for Jewish teens. Basketball player Tori Zimmerman, swimmer Teryn Fitzgerald, and basketball player Maya Zarfati (pictured, from left, with Reut Mizrahi, right) enjoyed Houston

Ready for the school year Christian Community Service Center’s (CCSC) Back to School event was a huge success. More than 500 volunteers worked from April through August to provide new school supplies, backpacks, and clothing gift cards to more than 4,000 underserved students so they could have a good start to the new school year.

Bellaire United Methodist Church hosted program registration for pre-K through 12th-grade students and supplies were distributed at Faith Lutheran Church during the August event.

Pictured are the 2024 Christian Community Service Center Back to School committee members (top row, from left): Jessica Canizales, WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 60

hospitality during their stay to participate in the annual sports competition. Reut and Guy Mizrahi welcomed the Dallas girls into their home where they all spent time together for a group dinner and outings around town to see the sights. The Mizrahis’ daughter, Shira (not pictured), competed on the dance team, and also joined in the fun with the Dallas guests. The 2024 Games marked the sixth time the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston has hosted, the most recent being in 2012. Several hundred families hosted teen athletes, and more than 500 volunteers helped throughout the week.

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 OCTOBER 2024 61

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Dilling, staff writer

Back Porch S

Sunday Dinners: Connecting at the table

unday dinner was always a given when I was growing up in Galveston. Whatever the season, my parents, sister, and I would gather with our grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins – all from my mom’s side because my dad grew up in New Jersey, except for Grandma Helen and her Aunt Fannie who both moved to Texas to be close to us. One of my mom’s brothers was a Texas politician, so that dictated much of the grown-ups’ conversation, and there were always extras – family friends or cousins’ girlfriends.

The menu, like the core company, was pretty steady: take-out barbecue or fried chicken, iceberg lettuce salad with La Martinique True French Vinaigrette dressing, and my Aunt Marilyn’s bubbly-cheesy hominy or her mac and cheese topped with oleo (a.k.a. margarine) and Ritz cracker crumbs.

Diana Brackman, whose grandchildren are now young teenagers, remembers her own family’s Sunday dinners as “command performances” that they all looked forward to. “Mother was the baby of nine,” she says. “She never wore plaid clothes because all of her clothes were hand-me-downs from her sisters, and they were always wearing plaid.

“There are several years of age difference between the cousins, but, because of those [Sunday] dinners, all of the cousins are extremely close,” Diana says. “I am very grateful to my mother for creating this family tradition.” On their menu: Luby’s.

Tina Pyne, always the consummate hostess, says her favorite Sunday tradition is family dinner. “I’ll cook a big pot of gumbo or a big pot of chili, somebody typically makes a cake or some crazy dessert that they saw on TikTok, and we have a family dinner,” she says, adding, “Any strays around town are always welcome.”

Studies show that children lack guidance from older adults because of limited opportunities for “meaningful exchange.” That pattern, studies say, is linked to a decline in life satisfaction among older people and an increase in negative stereotypes toward the aging among younger people.

In response to that growing divide, Penn State’s

behance.net/runamokstudios

.

Intergenerational Program studies the impact of cross-generational activities on people of all ages.

“Younger and older people have skills and talents that can help mutually address each other’s needs and aspirations,” the program’s literature explains.

“Participants [in intergenerational programs] become COME TOGETHER A Sunday dinner tradition is more than just a weekend wind-down. less susceptible to ners a lifetime ago, what I remember most is the negative age-based stereotypes, derive richer life feeling of being at home, ours or my Aunt perspectives, learn new skills, [and] expand Marilyn’s, surrounded by family. Just picturing their social support networks.” The National that hominy brings it all back.

Institutes of Health says intergenerational gatherings are also good for our health – older peoAunt Marilyn’s Hominy ple benefit in the forms of improved self-esteem 1 tablespoon olive oil and depression. ½ large yellow onion, chopped Maybe the answer is as simple as Sunday dinner.

1 green bell pepper, chopped We’ve all heard about the general benefits of 1 15-ounce can yellow hominy, drained family dinners: kids who eat with their families and rinsed have more extensive vocabularies, better 1 15-ounce can white hominy, drained grades, higher resilience, better self-esteem, and rinsed lower rates of drug and alcohol abuse, less 1 15-ounce can red enchilada sauce (we like instance of depression, and less tendencies Hatch medium-hot) toward eating disorders. (For more on the ben2 cups shredded cheddar cheese efits of family dinner and for ideas on how to implement them, including timely conversation Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a starters and menu ideas, check out The Family 9-by-13-inch baking dish (or equivalent) with Dinner Project, a program based in Boston at nonstick cooking spray. Heat the oil over mediMassachusetts General Hospital’s Psychiatry um heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and Academy, at thefamilydinnerproject.org.) bell pepper, and cook until they are soft and But something about Sunday dinner is spetranslucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cial. Even The Emily Post Institute advocates hominy and then the enchilada sauce. Simmer “bringing multiple generations of friends and for 10 minutes. family together around the table,” especially on Pour the hominy mixture into the baking Sunday evenings. Practically, “Sunday night is dish. Top with the cheddar cheese. Bake for 25 a ‘school night,’ [so] an afternoon or early minutes. Turn on the broiler and cook for evening meal covers both lunch and dinner and another 4 minutes or so, until the cheese bublets everyone get home in time to prepare for the bles and browns. Let the hominy rest for 10 minupcoming week.” utes before serving.

As I think back to our Galveston Sunday din-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ OCTOBER 2024 62