The West University Buzz - September 2016

Morgan Garvey

One for the Books

Private School Directory Sushi by the Season

by Jennifer Oakley

Chef’s Corner: Hori Manabu Travel Buzz: National Parks Going Pokémon Pregnancy Loss The New TV Family Dinner Time Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Comfort-Food Casserole

EDITOR’S NOTE “Like sleep, water and exercise, reading is a form of self-care,” says Dr. Mollie Gordon, one of several Buzz-area book lovers featured in this month’s One for the Books, by Jennifer Oakley. Reading is healthy and provides a better understanding of the world and the people who live in it. We like to think that The Buzz contributes to our readers’ lives in the same way.

Part of our mission is – like the best books – to share stories that wouldn't otherwise be told, in an over-the-backyard-fence kind of way, thanks to our talented writers. Additionally, I love the feeling of finding a great, can’t-put-it-down, stay-up-all-night-reading kind of book. Along those lines, I am proud to announce the launch of our online Book Buzz blog, in partnership with the Houston Public Library, the Harris County Public Library and the Bellaire Library. Starting this month, you’ll find reading recommendations for all ages and more from Buzz-area neighborhood librarians at thebuzzmagazines.com/book-buzz. If you and your family love to read, be sure to check out Jennifer’s article in this issue and Book Buzz online. 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 Publisher Associate Editors Design Manager Staff Writers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Jessica Malzahn Strake Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Helen van Rensburg Benjamin Cohen Jamie Hassell

On our cover: Morgan Garvey says books by authors Cormac McCarthy, Brené Brown and Emily St. John Mandel have changed her life.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 4

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Annual photo issue is favorite Thank you to all at The Buzz who put on the photo contest [The Buzz Magazines 2016 Photo Contest, July 2016]. I look forward to the contest and the photo-edition magazine each year. This year’s photos were again fantastic. As an amateur photographer it is a great thrill to have my photos chosen for an award and worthy to be printed in a magazine. I was especially grateful and happy to see my photo on the cover of the [West University Buzz] magazine again this year. I have five children, three girls and two boys. Now that my daughters have all graced the cover of your magazine I have to try my best to get my sons on the cover too. (I do not want them getting jealous). I am already hard at work/play taking photos for next year’s contest.

Bradley Sabloff Response from the publisher: Thank you, Bradley. Congratulations on having your photo, Rodeo Fun, featured on our West University Buzz cover. We are often asked how we decide which of the winning photos to feature on our covers, since they are not necessarily the first-place winners, so here is a good chance to explain. First, is it a vertical shot and can it be used without cropping out any critical information? Second, is the file size (resolution) large enough to print as a full page? Third, does the photo lend itself for a cover, allowing for the masthead and headlines? To see all our covers, click on “In Print” at thebuzzmagazines.com.

bed in her school clothes, and even though as a parenting coach, I can’t exactly imagine doling out that suggestion, my motto is “connection not perfection,” so if the pajamas/school clothes system is working for ya to keep the peace, then it sounds like a success to me! I appreciated Andria reaching out to me, picking my brain, and was so happy to help contribute on this topic. I have received lots of positive feedback from the community on this fun article. Thanks again!

Randi Rubenstein

Buzz Baby fan As a first-time mom, I look forward to learning about my baby and what is yet to come. The topics you cover range from lighthearted child's play to real postpartum issues. I take comfort in knowing that there are other moms nearby that are going through the same stages and changes as me.

Thank you for doing what you do and keep up the good work!

Kristi Vidaurri Foley Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Annie Blaylock McQueen, writer of our print column Buzz Baby and the online blog Moment Moments.

Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.

Life is good This was so touching [Life is Good: Robert Flatt lives in focus with photography and Parkinson’s, by Cheryl Ursin, July 2016]. How brave he is to embrace his disease as a chance to start a new chapter in his life rather than consider it the end of his life. I am inspired.

Kathy Knott Editor’s note: Thank you, Kathy. We are also inspired by Robert Flatt and his extraordinary life. For those who missed the story, you can find it and all Buzz stories at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Super moms are so yesterday Thank you for for the article by Andria Frankfort titled Early rising for late risers [Back Porch, August 2016], about the stressful back to school reality that many parents dread – getting our kiddos back on task and ready for school bright and early. I thought Andria did a great job as a writer combining humor, imperfectly perfect parenting and some real mom perspectives. She offered the perspective that parents can get creative and do what works for your individual family. In fact, the super mom image is SO yesterday! One of the moms interviewed spoke about putting her kid to WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 6

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have a recent trip to share.

• Have a compelling or funny holiday story.

• Have a compelling parenting tale.

• Know a fascinating neighbor to profile.

• Have a unique passion or hobby.

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

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FOOD lawellphoto.com

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Dinner Time All in the family

T

he summer hiatus is ending. Time for my oven to get back in gear. Problem is, if my oven needs to get going, so do I. And even though the heat and the addictive slower summer pace have got me in another mode, I’m starting to think about family dinners again.

My friend Heather Kearney says one of the keys to getting inspired in the kitchen is engaging your kids. “For us it started when Bridget [Heather’s now-14-year-old daughter] asked what I knew how to cook. I told her when I got married I knew how to make five things: eggs, grilled cheese, my grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies and her King Ranch casserole, and meatloaf.

“To this day, those are the things my kids ask for. They’re what I do well.”

Bridget is following her mom’s footsteps and developing her own repertoire. At 14, she’s adept at lasagna, tacos, breaded chicken and coffee cake.

“Bridget came home from camp one year – Camp Mystic, where I went, too – and said, ‘Mom, you have to learn how to make Richard’s [the chef’s] lasagna.’ So I called the camp and got the recipe, and she started making it. Now she can make it herself.”

Heather, who owns the children’s clothing store The Stork Club and sometimes works late, made sure that Bridget could safely operate their gas stove to brown meat for lasagna. She taught Bridget never to preheat a pan, but to put the meat in it and then add heat. “I don’t ever want the meat to splatter,” she says.

“One day, I was running late and asked Bridget to brown the meat before I got home. It was a leap of faith. She was all alone with the dogs.” Now, Heather says, “I’ll call home and ask if Bridget can prep the lasagna. She’s browning beef, pouring tomato sauce in, mixing egg and cottage cheese. It’s not exactly Julia Child, but she’s doing it.”

When Heather leaves town on buying trips, Bridget will prep and layer a lasagna, cover it with foil and write 350 on it. Then she’ll leave for sports, and her dad Wayne comes home and puts it in the oven. “She’s so proud to feed herself and Wayne,” Heather says.

Heather loves the independence Bridget

BACK TO COOKING Bridget Kearney already has a repertoire of dinners she can make for her family, thanks to mom Heather's instruction.

gains from learning the recipes, and, she says, “It’s a great way for us to connect in the kitchen, especially after she’s been at camp. During the year, it’s a good homework break. And if she loses interest and wanders, I just let it go.”

Amy Anton also started early, developing a love of cooking during high school. “I cooked in college for roommates and my boyfriend, who became my husband,” she says. Now, the selftaught cook and mother of three teenaged boys teaches cooking classes through her aaCooks forum (kitchenunderground.com), where she

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shares recipes and techniques for family dinners.

“I want people to start with a recipe,” Amy says. “That’s your foundation, and you can go from there.” She focuses on what’s in season, and most of her go-to recipes contain 10 ingredients or less. “When I give someone a recipe,” Amy says, “I give a lot of substitutions. I don’t want them to say, ‘I can’t make chicken with chorizo because I don’t have an orange on hand.’

Use a lemon. I teach them to taste and eat to know what flavors go together.

“I also like to make (continued on page 10)

Your smile can last forever Anna Maria Salas, D.D.S., M.S. Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

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(continued from page 8) things

that can be prepped in the morning or afternoon, and they can sit. As soon as school starts everyone is on a different schedule. We love sitting down to a family dinner, but sometimes that consists of everybody sitting at the island at 6:30 and then we all rush out the door. It’s got to be ready to go.” Options also are important: “If you make a salad with avocado, it’s on the side, so someone can leave it out.”

For someone who loves to cook, family dinner can be a joy. “My three boys eat quite a bit of food,” Amy says. “It’s nice to have a good audience.”

Like Bridget, Amy’s boys are cooks-in-themaking. “They all have their favorite things that they can make,” she says. “The twins love to make Saturday-morning egg tacos. And my oldest likes kale Caesar.” That’s another tip Amy offers: “When you give kids kale or zucchini, let them have as much parmesan or dressing as they want. Who wouldn’t like that?”

and Bridget use a small container of cottage cheese and say that low-fat is okay) 1 egg, lightly beaten 1-pound package of lasagna 1 pound mozzarella cheese 1 cup or more grated Parmesan cheese Shape the meat into marble-sized balls and brown in the olive oil. Add the tomato sauce and let simmer until ready to use; then strain out the meatballs.

Preheat the oven to 350. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta or cottage cheese together with the egg. In a baking dish about 2 inches deep, cover the bottom sparingly with tomato sauce and line the disk with a layer of lasagna. Dot with spoonfuls of the ricotta or cottage cheese, slivers of mozzarella and a little Parmesan. Spread with the sauce and add all the meatballs. Repeat with another layer of lasagna, sauce and cheeses.

Bake uncovered about 45 minutes. Cool slightly before serving. Serves 12.

Heather and Bridget Kearney’s Lasagna Adapted from Camp Mystic and former New York Times food editor Craig Claiborne ½ pound lean ground beef 2 Tablespoons olive oil 3 cups jarred tomato sauce (Heather and Bridget use Central Market Organic Marinara) 1 pound ricotta or cottage cheese (Heather

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Amy Anton’s Rainbow Trout 4 rainbow trout fillets, butterflied Salt and pepper 2 lemons, sliced Olive oil Fresh rosemary Salsa verde Heat the oven to 400. When it is hot, turn it

to broil. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and a thin layer of cooking spray.

Open the trout like a book and drizzle olive oil inside them. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside, lay down lemon slices, and place the herbs on top. Close the trout and place them on the sheet pan.

Place the sheet pan in the middle of the oven and broil for 5 minutes. Check the fish to make sure they are not getting charred. If they are, turn off the broiler and cook for 3 minutes more, or just return to the oven to finish cooking.

Check the thickest part of the fish for doneness.

It should be firm to the touch. Serve with salsa verde. Serves 4.

Salsa Verde 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons capers, chopped 1 lemon, zested and squeezed 2-4 Tablespoons red wine vinegar ½ cup olive oil Sea salt 1 bunch parsley, chopped (2 cups) In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, capers and lemon juice/zest. Whisk in the red wine vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. Throw in a large pinch of sea salt, and then mix in the parsley. Taste! If it is too lemony, add a little salt and/or olive oil. This will keep for a week or so in the refrigerator.

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lawellphoto.com

NEIGHBORS

by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer

One for the Books Stories that changed their lives

A

lan Gordon always wanted his daughter to love books as much as he does. So, decades ago as a young parent, he started giving her photos of his alma mater, Columbia University, and of libraries.

“My dad used to cut out pictures of libraries and put them on my desk,” recalls Dr. Mollie Gordon, who chuckles and admits that the subliminal messaging must have worked. “I don’t even know what you are supposed to cut out of magazines and put on a teenager’s desk because all I got were libraries. Cars maybe? Or dresses?

But I have always loved to read.”

For Alan, a retired intellectual property attorney, the pictures made perfect sense. “I thought these were good places for her to go,” the River Oaks resident says. As an undergraduate scholarship student at Columbia, Alan worked in the campus library. “I loved the silent power of the library. I used to talk to Mollie about the 20 stories of stacks of books at Columbia Butler Library. I had all these photos of libraries that I had studied in during college that are breathtakingly beautiful – gorgeous structures, filled with old leather chairs and wood paneling – and are wonderful places to study.”

Inspired by the libraries and the house rule that they “were allowed to buy ‘as many and any’ books we wanted from the bookstore,” Mollie did become enchanted with reading. “I also had some teachers along the way who really encouraged my love of reading,” says Mollie, a Bellaire resident. “Especially Dr. Z. Bart Thornton at Kinkaid and Dr. Farah Griffin at Penn, whose love of books was contagious.”

These days she reads everything from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jhumpa Lahiri to comedian Tina Fey, but early on there were some books that made a significant impact on her life.

“I think a lot of the Holocaust literature I read as a kid, Anne Frank, Elie Wiesel and, as an adult, Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, made me become interested in the illnesses that are perpetuated by man, against man. Quite possibly the one book that impacted me the most is The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick, about the Holocaust and the death of a prisoner’s daughter in the first chapter. It encouraged an interest in

SPELLBOUND Dr. Mollie Gordon, a Bellaire resident, says The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick influenced her to become a psychiatrist.

both the resilience of human nature and the ability to perpetuate harm. I think about this book often, especially since becoming a mother, and I wonder if it didn’t have some influence in my choice to become a psychiatrist.”

The concept of a book influencing life changes is supported wholeheartedly by Southampton resident Morgan Garvey. “When I read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown at age 39, I felt as though she handed me the instruction manual for my life,” says the stay-athome mother of three, who will turn 40 this November. “This book and her next two books,

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Daring Greatly and Rising Strong, have helped me understand human behavior – mine and everyone else’s. After being introduced to the concepts in her books, I started seeing everyone with whom I interact in a new, more compassionate way.”

Additionally, Garvey counts two fictional novels, The Road by Cormac McCarthy and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, as impacting the way she views life. “They are both works of dystopian literature set after worldwide catastrophic events, which sound bleak, but I love them because they’re both so beautifully

home; the remaining crew members died when the plane was shot down on Feb. 22, 1944. I started out to learn what happened to my father when he was wounded in combat; that led me to a much larger story.”

As in fiction, Boyce’s search took him on a personal journey to discover the quiet hero in his father.

“I regretted not trying harder to communicate with my father while he was alive. The book was a good way to confront that regret head on and do something productive with it.

I sometimes think of this book as the conversation I never had with my father. And with the benefit of hindsight now, looking back on my father’s story, I think absolutely he was heroic – not BOOKING IT River Oaks resident Bill Boyce wrote Miss Fortune’s Last Mission to just the time spent understand why his father never discussed his time as a soldier in World War II. in Italy in WWII, me on a course for a vivid imagination, acting but also in the years after when he was struggling and ultimately my first college degree – a BFA against the ailments and injuries – that’s pretty in theater from SMU.” heroic right there.”

Two books that impacted her are Edmund de Mollie Gordon says reading is an integral part Waal’s The Hare with Amber Eyes and The White of what humans need. “I also think, like sleep, Road. “Both books trace the history of manwater and exercise, reading is a form of selfmade objects of art and utility, and both have care,” she says. “The process of reading is caused me to look at hand-crafted objects with healthy and pro social.” a more appreciative eye. My definition and Memorial resident Eve Harrell agrees and says appreciation of what constitutes ‘art’ – old and that even though she enjoys being with friends new – has definitely expanded. I am amazed and and family, she finds reading to be restorative. “I interested that throughout history, different civlove the solace – the quiet time – that proper ilizations have always taken the time not just to reading demands of me,” says Harrell, an attorney create tools but to create beauty in simple, and community volunteer. “I like to focus on the everyday objects. For me, books are an extension words and phrases that the author uses. And I of that same expression.” love the effect of being spirited away into a good Mollie Gordon echoes that sentiment about a book – whether about history, art, psychology, love of books – and libraries. “If I were not a physireligion, food and wine, fiction or non-fiction.” cian,” she says, smiling, “my dream job would be Harrell says her parents read to her as a child. a rare-book librarian.”

“Reading for me began as a magical, shared experience – one that transported me into the Editor's note: Thanks to the Houston Public Library world of make-believe,” she says with a broad for the use of Looscan Neighborhood Library, at 2510 smile at the memories. “The pivotal book of my Willowick, for our photo shoot. childhood was J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, which set lawellphoto.com

written and thought-provoking. The Road is fundamentally about the love between a father and son and a son’s need for safety and protection from an available and sensitive father. Station Eleven is my all-time favorite book. It’s about humanity and civilization after a flu virus wipes out most of the world’s population. I love a book that sticks with me and makes me see the world in a new way.”

Garvey has multiple books on hand to read at all times. So do her children and spouse, Dr. Patrick Garvey. “I love it when my husband and I are moved by or interested in the same book,” she says. “We both loved The Martian by Andy Weir and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.”

Likewise, Mollie says choosing books to read with her husband, Dr. Ron Karni, is a shared activity, with date nights that regularly include a bookstore stop. “I enjoy historical fiction, narrative fiction and poetry, and I have tried and failed miserably to be a better non-fiction reader,” says Mollie. “My husband is better at that than I am for sure. My husband teases me that I read textbooks for fun!”

Reading is an integral part of the job for Bill Boyce, justice of the 14th Court of Appeals.

“When I read briefs at the court, I read them skeptically, looking for gaps in logic, assertions that don’t withstand scrutiny, misstatements of the law and factual assertions that sound stretched or implausible. That’s not a relaxing form of reading. In contrast, when I read fiction for pleasure I have more room to suspend disbelief and just go where the story takes me.”

Boyce says two books that have shaped his life are Watership Down by Richard Adams and Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. “There are parallels between these books. At a general level, both books describe an epic journey undertaken by an unlikely band of travelers whose conventional lives are disrupted by an unexpected event. Both books challenged my idea of how a hero acts. Heroism can look like a daring act in a dangerous situation; it also can look like quiet determination in a hopeless situation.”

Boyce also has an affinity for historical fiction, as well as non-fiction books about World War II. Boyce’s father was a veteran who had been injured during the war, yet never spoke a word about the circumstances. “This subject was off limits when my father was alive. He didn’t want to talk about it, and he didn’t want to hear any questions about it,” says Boyce. “In early 2013, about 25 years after my father died, I decided to start looking for answers to the questions I never asked while he was alive.”

Those questions led Boyce to write a book about his father called Miss Fortune’s Last Mission, which explores the elder’s Boyce’s wartime experiences. With an undergraduate degree in journalism from Northwestern and years working as a reporter in Illinois and Oregon, Boyce was familiar with writing. “It describes the story of my father and the B-24 Liberator bomber crew he flew with in WWII. My father and another crew member came

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Their favorite books

GOOD READS Memorial resident Eve Harrell counts Edmund de Waal’s The Hare with Amber Eyes and The White Road as books that have impacted her life.

Dr. Mollie Gordon’s Recommendations Favorite modern fiction author: Jhumpa Lahiri Historical fiction: Orphan Train, The Invention of Wings Favorite book in high school: Donna Tartt’s Secret History Summer reads: Liane Moriarty, Elin Hilderbrand, Katherine Center Short stories: You are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett Poetry: Rosmarie Waldrop and Mary Oliver Reading now: Inherited Disorders, “by a atmospheric-studies major from Harvard about relationships between fathers and their sons and the inheritance of burden and expectation.”

Children’s authors: Roald Dahl, Judy Blume Morgan Garvey’s Recommendations Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt The Road by Cormac McCarthy A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by Brené Brown A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara David Sedaris (everything he writes) Room by Emma Donoghue Children’s books: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein Best First Book Ever by Richard Scarry Olivia series by Ian Falconer Wonder by R.J. Palacio Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea Ivy and Bean series by Annie Barrows Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman Lord of the Flies by William Golding Let’s Read and Find Out Science series by various authors

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Bill Boyce’s Recommendations Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything; A Walk in the Woods; One Summer: America, 1927; At Home Watership Down by Richard Adams Lonesome Dove series by Larry McMurtry The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown Seabiscuit: An American Legend and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand The Wright Brothers by David McCullough Citizen Soldiers and The Wild Blue by Stephen Ambrose A Higher Call by Adam Makos and Larry Alexander Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Eve Harrell’s Recommendations To Kill A Mockingbird and Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns and And the Mountain Echoed by Khaled Hosseini The Language of Threads, Dreaming Water and The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera

by Gabriel García Márquez Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1897 and How It Changed America by John M. Barry All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor Candide and Intimate Enemies: The Two Worlds of Baroness de Pontalba by Christina Vella A History of God by Karen Armstrong Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Cooked by Michael Pollan The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins The Agony and The Ecstasy by Irving Stone The Widow Clicquot by Tilar Mazzeo Saving Italy by Robert M. Edsel For younger readers: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie Swiss Family Robinson by Robert Louis Stevenson Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Brontë The Jungle Book and Gunga Din by Rudyard Kipling The Charge of the Light Brigade by Lord Alfred Tennyson

BOOK BUZZ Love to read? Be sure to check out our new online collaboration with neighborhood libraries. Find all the buzz about books at thebuzzmagazines.com/book-buzz.

Now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year.

Please call to schedule a tour!

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NEIGHBORS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Going Pokémon Hooked on virtual treasure hunt

A

s most of us have figured out by now, those people walking with their phones held at an odd angle, stopping every once in a while to sweep their finger across the screen, are playing Pokémon Go, a phone-app game based on Nintendo’s popular Pokémon characters that was released in the U.S. on July 6. Less than a week later, according to USA Today, the game was being used by more people, for more time per day, than any other app.

“I think it definitely attracted a much wider audience than expected,” said Ben Gentry, an eighth grader at Spring Branch Middle School.

“People of all ages are getting together.”

That audience includes Ben’s dad, Ron Gentry, a doctor. Even when Ben and his sisters were away during the summer, Ron would “still

Catch ‘em all safely Don’t play while driving.

Be careful of traffic while on foot.

Don’t trespass.

Police are concerned that people could be lured to deserted spots – literally, someone could put a lure, part of the game, at an isolated PokéStop – and be robbed of their phones, or worse.

Memorial Villages Police Chief J.D. Sanders suggests parents remind their kids to try not to alarm their neighbors by, for example, hanging near their front yards at night.

Some Pokémon characters only come out at night. “Use the buddy system – play with friends – particularly at night and tell people where you’re going,” said Angela Douglas of the Houston Police Department.

To non-players, police say, still, if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call it in. As Chief Sanders wrote in a message to his community, “We would much rather visit with hundreds of Pokémon enthusiasts than miss one bad guy.”

go out on walks with his phone,” said his wife Catherine.

“I know he’s catching Pokémon.”

“I definitely am,” said Ron, who, when we talked, was a level 18 Pokémon trainer to Ben’s level 12. The game makes a walk more fun, he said.

“And if Catherine and I are going to CATCHING THEM ALL, TOGETHER Father and son Ron, left, and Ben Gentry team go on a walk,” said up to catch Pokémon on evening walks.

Ron, “Ben tells us playing (he’s OK); two men in California fell off now, ‘I’ll go.’” In the first week of the game’s a bluff while playing (they’re OK too). Some release, Ben says he walked at least 10 kilometers people, distracted by the game, have been robbed because of it. (In addition to catching virtual and assaulted, particularly when playing at night.

Pokémon, players can also hatch eggs by walking Local police have yet to see any incidents.

2, 5 or 10 kilometers.)

The PokéStops, where players can pick up When the game first launched, some media goodies like Pokeballs, and Gyms, which players reports fretted that it was yet another digital discan claim by having their Pokémon battle other traction that would keep people isolated. When Pokémon, often are interesting public places in Chase May, a teacher and mother of three, ages the real world. For instance, in Rice Village, a 12, 16 and 18, looked into it, she was delighted stenciled piece of street art, of Pepe Le Pew, is a to find that it was something she and her teens Gym, while the “Wild Boar of Florence” statue could play together. Also, she found herself is a PokéStop. Players say Memorial City Mall chatting with strangers while playing. Catching is a treasure trove of PokéStops and Gyms, as are the characters is not competitive: When a Memorial and Hermann parks and Discovery Pokémon appears, everyone can catch it.

Green. The Nature Discovery Center in “Given where we are as a nation right now, that Bellaire’s Russ Pitman Park is near two Gyms connection with strangers is nice,” Chase said. and three PokéStops; the center even chalWhen Maddy Payne’s friends were first lenged players to post photographs of real plants talking about Pokémon Go, “It sounded so and animals found in the park for prizes. lame,” admitted the University of Oklahoma The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, sophomore from Bellaire, “but then I was out with two Gyms and over 20 PokéStops on its till 12 in the morning at CityCentre with 155 acres, held its first Pokémon Go event, feafriends playing it. Everyone around you is turing real-life scavenger hunts, in July, and playing, asking each other ‘Did you catch it? would like to remind people that its five miles Did you see it?’ People aren’t isolated; they’re of trails, which are dog-friendly, are an excellent just really focused.” place to hatch eggs seven days a week. “We’ve There have been news reports from around seen a lot more folks, including many who didn’t the world of Pokémon Go players being the viceven know we existed,” said the arboretum’s tims of accidents and crimes. A teenager in Christine Mansfield.

Flower Mound was bitten by a copperhead while

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Private School Directory F

inding the right fit for your child’s education is vital to academic and personal growth. Buzz-area residents are fortunate in that Houston is home to many of the nation’s top private schools, most of which are located right here in our neighborhoods.

The Buzz Magazines Private School Directory, for Pre-K through high school, has been a valuable online resource to our residents and readers for many years – so much so that it is being included in print this year.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all private schools. Instead, our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each school, as a starting point in the research process. You can also view this directory online, where you will find links to schools’ websites, plus Buzz articles that mention these schools.

Additionally, you will find articles about local high schools written from students’ perspectives on our popular School Buzz blog. See the directory at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory.

Alexander-Smith Academy High School Co-ed • Est. 1968 10255 Richmond Ave., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77042 713-266-0920 • www.alexandersmith.com Pam Rameau and Margaret Waldner De La Garza, Admissions Open House Dates: TBD, please call Alexander-Smith Academy’s mission is to offer a college-preparatory high school education in a relaxed and safe environment. Treating students as young adults fosters graduates who are equipped to lead productive lives. ASA’s primary goal is to create an environment in which each student can acquire the knowledge necessary to develop intellectual maturity. A structured curriculum is fundamental in achieving this goal, as is the unique class size of five to seven students and daily tutorials.

Annunciation Orthodox School Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1970 3600 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 713-470-5600 • www.aoshouston.org Mr. Rob Wise, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Early Childhood, Sept. 14, 9 a.m., Sept. 29, 6 p.m.; Kindergarten-Grade 4, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.; Kindergarten, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.; Middle School, Nov. 13, 1 p.m.; All Grades, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.

Annunciation Orthodox School, having grown from a ministry of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, celebrates the diverse and individual qualities of all children and their families. AOS provides a superior education in a secure and stimulating Christian environment which encourages the individual child to achieve academic, spiritual, emotional, social and physical excellence, and to become a responsible member of our society.

The Awty International School Preschool / Lower School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1956 7455 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055 713-580-0579 • www.awty.org Soraya Diaz Tamayo, Director of Enrollment, Outreach and Management Open House Dates: Preschool, Sept. 20, 6 p.m., Oct. 19, 6 p.m.; Lower School, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.; Middle/Upper School, Nov. 6, 2 p.m.

The Awty International School, Houston’s premier international school, educates 1,600 students, from preschool through 12th grade, to become responsible world citizens. The leader in international education, Awty is a diverse community of students and teachers, hailing from over 55 nations. In the culminating grades, our students pursue either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate. Join us on campus to learn more about Awty!

Becker Early Childhood Center 15 months to 5 years Co-ed • Est. 1989 1500 Sunset Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005 713-535-6400 • www.emanuelhouston.org Paula Katz, Early Childhood Director Open House Dates: N/A We nurture children to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that respects each child. We believe young children learn best through play and need opportunities to investigate their interests in a meaningful way. We understand that children’s growth and development are enhanced by the respectful, individualized relationships developed between the teachers and parents. Family and community participation are a priority in creating a positive environment for the children and our families.

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Bellaire United Methodist School for Little Children Mother’s Day Out and Preschool Co-ed • Est. 1950 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-666-1111 • www.bellaireumc.org Rhonda Sampiere, Director Open House Dates: N/A School for Little Children provides a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the development of the “whole child”. Experienced teachers provide developmentally appropriate activities and experiences that encourage intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

Beth Yeshurun Day School Early Childhood and Elementary School Co-ed • Est. 1949 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • www.byds.org Mireille Chait, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Next year previews for individual grades, Jan. 2017 Beth Yeshurun Day School combines tradition with innovation to create an extraordinary dual program. Families join our school to be a part of a welcoming, nurturing community and families stay for the individualized instruction through small classes. Our administration’s open-door policy offers parents the support they need when they need it. Since 1949, more than 2,000 students have graduated from BYDS, becoming doctors, attorneys, businessmen and women, civic leaders, and leaders in the Jewish community.

The Branch School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1977 1424 Sherwood Forest, Houston, Texas 77043 713-465-0288 • www.thebranchschool.org Lynne Rankin, Admissions and Marketing Coordinator Open House Dates: Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan 21, 2017, 2-4 p.m.

The Branch School, celebrating its 40th anniversary, educates students three years old through 8th grade. The school is known for its higher level thinking curriculum that includes critical-thinking, problem-solving and peacemaking skills and promotes students “thinking outside the box.” Hands-on, projectoriented learning complements the “whole-child curriculum.” Parents and students appreciate the environmental education taught in the Outdoor Classroom nature studies program, the focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and a comprehensive language arts program.

The Briarwood School Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1967 12207 Whittington Drive, Houston, Texas 77077 281-493-1070 • www.briarwoodschool.org Georgia Stanton, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Tours held Sept. 8, Oct. 4, Oct. 20, 9-10:30 a.m.

The Briarwood School is one of the premier schools in the country for children with a broad range of learning differences. Our Tuttle School is designed for children with developmental disorders. The goal of Briarwood is to provide a learning environment that fosters the total development of each student and builds academic skills, increases motivation, and bolsters self-esteem. By identifying a child’s learning style, remediating weaknesses, and teaching to strengths, Briarwood provides each child with a solid foundation that serves as the basis for future successes.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School All Girls • Est. 1960 10202 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-8211 • www.duchesne.org Mrs. Beth Anchondo, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 6 Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart instills the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ intellectual and spiritual graces into each girl’s mind, heart and life from age three to grade 12. Your daughter’s formation starts with heart – hers and ours. Enveloped in Duchesne’s joyful, stimulating and compassionate community, each girl grows into a unique, complex and conscientious young woman who uses her clear voice, affirming spirit and discerning mind to fulfill her God-given purpose.

The Emery/Weiner School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1978 9825 Stella Link Road, Houston, Texas 77025 832-204-5900 • www.emeryweiner.org Ms. Caroline Sarnoff, Director of Admissions

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(continued from page 19) Open House Dates: Middle School, Nov. 13, Upper School, Nov. 1

The Emery/Weiner School is a private, college-preparatory middle and high school which offers the finest academics and educates the whole child in an environment framed by and infused with progressive and pluralistic Judaism. Our unique student culture empowers students, instilling a sense of responsibility for their school community and the community at-large. Through this learning partnership, students graduate with a profound sense of self and moral self-reliance, and a sense of ownership in the institution.

Episcopal High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1983 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-512-3400 • www.ehshouston.org Carol Wasden, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Nov. 2, 7-9 p.m.

Episcopal High School is an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, established for the purpose of providing a superior education in preparation for college and a significant life thereafter. Through a rich offering of academic, spiritual, artistic and athletic programs, the school provides an opportunity for each student to reach his or her maximum spiritual, intellectual, social and ethical potential. Operating as a Christian community within the beliefs and traditions of the Episcopal Church, EHS in its teaching philosophy emphasizes understanding and responding to the individual needs and capabilities of each student. In an effort to reflect the community we serve, EHS strives to maintain a student body that represents social, economic, ethnic and academic diversity.

The Fay School Pre-K / Elementary Co-ed • Est. 1991 105 Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-681-8300 • www.thefayschool.org Allison Teare, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Nov. 3, 6 p.m., Dec. 6, 9 a.m., Jan. 11, 9 a.m., 2017 The Fay School is a nondenominational, not-for-profit, co-educational school in which children of diverse talents and backgrounds with average to above average academic abilities are offered a high-quality education in a secure, nurturing, and academically challenging environment. Here children learn and grow intellectually, physically, socially, ethically, and artistically while developing self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning through an active partnership among educators, parents, and students.

Holy Spirit Episcopal School Infants / Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1962 12535 Perthshire Road, Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-5138 • www.hses.org Ross Purdy, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 12 Holy Spirit Episcopal School offers an exemplary education that develops the whole child while achieving academic excellence in a dynamic Christianbased environment. We offer a small classroom environment and a consistent level of excellence in curriculum and instruction in each of the school’s divisions. Your child will receive age-appropriate programs in all areas. Our goal is to help create the next generation of global leaders who will solve problems, think independently and be the influence as the Creator intended.

Houston Christian High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1997 2700 W Sam Houston Parkway N, Houston, Texas 77043 713-580-6000 • www.houstonchristian.org Danielle Belvin, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

Houston Christian is an exemplary, college preparatory high school providing outstanding academic and leadership programs aimed at preparing each student for collegiate study and beyond. HC offers a distinctive curriculum and a spiritual focus, all while giving students the opportunity to compete and perform in award-winning sports and fine arts programs. Located in the heart of Houston’s growing west side, HC is housed on a 45-acre collegiate-styled campus.

Incarnate Word Academy High School All Girls • Est. 1873 609 Crawford Street, Houston, Texas 77002 713-227-3637 • www.incarnateword.org Ms. Kate O’Brien, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Nov. 6

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Incarnate Word Academy, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women, is uniquely situated in thriving and diverse downtown Houston.

Incarnate Word Academy is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and is celebrating over 143 years since its inception in 1873. Today, the student body represents 56 Catholic parishes and 108 zip codes across Houston, yet remains a friendly, intimate community of just over 300 young women.

Marine Military Academy Boarding School All Boys • Est. 1965 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-423-6006 • www.MMA-TX.org Jay Perez, Assistant Director of Admissions Open House Date: April 28, 2017, 8 a.m.-noon Marine Military Academy is a college-preparatory boarding school for young men in grades 8-12 with an optional post-graduate year. Since 1965, MMA is the only private school in the world based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps. Located in Harlingen, Texas, MMA has been home to thousands of sons from across the world and is quarters to the historic Iwo Jima Monument.

Memorial Lutheran School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1980 5800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77057 713-782-4022 • www.memoriallutheranschool.org LouAnn Webber, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Pre-Kindergarten, Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.; Elementary and Middle School, Nov. 15, 6 p.m.; Kindergarten, Nov. 30, 11:30 a.m.

Building a strong foundation through classical education is our mission at Memorial Lutheran School. It reflects our commitment to give children both a strong spiritual foundation and a strong academic foundation. Memorial Lutheran School provides excellence in comprehensive, classical education preparing students to be successful learners and effective leaders. Children will leave Memorial Lutheran School a better person, equipped academically for service in the world, with faith in Christ that is evident in his or her life.

Memorial Private School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 2004 14333 Fern Drive, Houston, Texas 77079 281-759-2288 • www.memorialprivateschool.com Pamela Camp, Admissions Open House Dates: By appointment Our school builds confidence, enabling students to achieve their dreams. The small teacher-to-student ratio, structured classroom settings, numerous school activities and college preparatory curriculum make our school great. The typical student enjoys smaller group settings and wants a faith-based school. We maintain a 60-student maximum. High achieving students find a peaceful environment and those who also have learning issues make great strides in their academics. Accredited by SACS.

Pines Presbyterian Preschool 18 months through Kindergarten Co-ed • Est. 1968 12751 Kimberly Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-467-9358 • www.pinespresbyterianpreschool.com Dorothy Hobbs, Executive Director Open House Dates: 18 months through age 4, Jan. 25, 2017, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge Class and Kindergarten, Jan. 26, 2017, 7-8 p.m.

We are committed to teaching the whole child. Our curriculums are age appropriate and holistic, so that children learn life skills as well as academics.

Children discover Christian faith through an atmosphere of love and concern. Our goals are to support each child in early development to become a confident, self-sufficient and caring individual.

Presbyterian School Early Childhood / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1988 5300 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77004 713-520-0284 • www.pshouston.org Kristin Brown, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Open House Dates: Early Childhood and Lower School, Nov. 2, 6 p.m.; Middle School, Nov. 16, 6 p.m.

Presbyterian School believes children should be educated in an environment integrating the three major institutions in their lives (family, school and church). The School is rooted in 21st century technology, skills and habits of mind that appeal to a diversity of learners. In the heart of Houston, Presbyterian School is the destination for families who seek a Christ-centered community that inspires perseverant leaders and servants to grow in belief and understanding, wisdom beyond knowledge, character above accomplishment, and confidence to last a lifetime. (continued on page 22)

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(continued from page 21)

Rainard School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1986 11059 Timberline Road, Houston, Texas 77043 713-647-7246 • www.rainard.org Tara Tomicic, Ph.D., Head of School Open House Dates: Sept. 18, 2-4 p.m.; Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m.

Inspiring joy in learning for bright, inquisitive minds, Rainard is Houston’s nonprofit, private school for gifted students. Students learn in small classes designed to meet their social and emotional needs, challenge them intellectually, and allow them to advance at the pace that is most appropriate for them.

The Regis School of the Sacred Heart Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School All Boys • Est. 1991 7330 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055 713-682-8383 • www.theregisschool.org Beth Schneider, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 30, 1-3 p.m.; Group tours 9-11 a.m., first Tuesday of each month beginning Oct. 4 The Regis School of the Sacred Heart, educating boys in Preschool 3 through 8th grade, offers an advanced educational curriculum specifically designed to teach and motivate boys. For 25 years, Regis has been educating scholars and gentlemen. With our small class sizes, combined with experienced teachers who know how to inspire boys to learn and grow, Regis graduates are well-prepared to attend the high schools of their choice.

River Oaks Baptist School Preschool / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1955 2300 Willowick, Houston, Texas 77027 713-623-6938 • www.robs.org Kristin Poe, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Preschool & Lower School, Oct. 13; Middle School, Nov. 10 River Oaks Baptist School’s student-centered approach to education will advance your child’s energetic mind and budding character. We intentionally meld ambitious academics with abiding values, preparing students with the tools to identify and solve nuanced problems in a changing world. Our graduates thrive in Houston’s top high schools, some of America's best boarding schools, and beyond. ROBS’ two-fold curriculum will challenge your child, always, to be the example of a mind and heart seeking ever-forward.

Robert M. Beren Academy Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1969 11333 Cliffwood Drive, Houston, Texas 77035 713-723-7170 • www.berenacademy.org Loren Chorn, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: TBD, please call Robert M. Beren Academy is a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school that adheres to standards of academic excellence and exemplary moral conduct as it prepares its students to become self-confident, compassionate, practicing Jews as well as committed citizens and life-long learners. We provide an integrated college preparatory education in an atmosphere of excellence with a commitment to Torah and to the Jewish people. We foster the development of a spiritual bond with Israel and the dedication to our American heritage and achievement in contemporary society.

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1955 4900 Jackwood, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-3111 • www.stes.org Danny Kahalley, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Lower School, Oct. 23, 2-4 p.m.; Middle and Upper School, Nov. 9, 7-9 p.m.

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating its 62nd year as a Pre-K through 12th grade college preparatory school offering a classical education grounded in Christian values. Over the last two years, STE students have won state championships in swimming, cross-country, orchestra, yearbook, and soccer. We also offer a worldrenowned Scottish Arts program that includes Highland dance, piping and drumming. In a typical year 100 percent of our graduates go to four-year colleges and universities.

School of the Woods Pre-K / Elementary / Woods Middle School / Woods High School Co-ed • Est. 1962 1321 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055 713-686-8811 • www.schoolofthewoods.org Sara Sornson, Admissions/Registrar Open House Dates: November, 2016 and January, 2017. Call the office for dates or to schedule an appointment.

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School of the Woods offers a continuum of Montessori education for pre-school through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. It is an independent, non-sectarian, Texas non-profit corporation. Founded in 1962, Woods Middle School was established in 1985 and Woods High School, in 1999. The school provides an educational program proven and strengthened through more than five decades of successful experience. Applications are accepted at any time.

Second Baptist School Pre-K-grade 12 Co-ed, Christian • Est. 1946 6410 Woodway Drive, • Houston, Texas 77057 713-365-2310 • secondbaptistschool.org Mrs. Andrea Prothro, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Lower School, Oct.12, 8:30 a.m.; Middle School, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m.; Upper School, Oct. 5, 9 a.m., Oct. 28, 6 p.m.

The mission of Second Baptist School is to train students in areas of knowledge that will allow them to understand clearly, to think deeply, to judge wisely, and to have the courage to live their lives on the great principles and convictions of biblical truth as they engage an innovative and digitally based global community.

St. Agnes Academy High School All Girls • Est. 1906 9000 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77036 713-219-5400 • www.st-agnes.org Brigid Schiro ’81, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 26 Rooted in the Dominican tradition, St. Agnes Academy provides a Catholic college preparatory education that encourages young women to develop intellectual curiosity, to work for social justice and to act with integrity and compassion.

St. Anne Catholic School Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1930 2120 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77098 713-526-3279 • www.stannecs.org Paige McCauley, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Tours each Thursday, 9 a.m. throughout the school year Since 1930, St. Anne Catholic School has been educating children from the Houston area with the Basilian philosophy of “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” Eighty-five years later, our commitment to educating students in the Catholic faith continues. We are blessed with a rich history, a committed and energetic faculty and staff, and a diverse community that reflects the city of Houston.

St. Catherine’s Montessori Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1966 9821 Timberside, Houston, Texas 77025 713-665-2915 • www.stcathmont.org Laurie Farris, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Tours on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m.

St. Catherine’s provides an academically and spiritually engaging environment, and a culture of environmental stewardship. Academic progress is a crucial focus of our program, but it is only part of our goal. Our underlying mission is to help students develop the character, confidence and resilience to handle whatever life brings. For 50 years we have provided an education that serves the hearts, minds and spirits of our students.

St. Francis Episcopal School Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / High School opening in 2018 Co-ed • Est. 1952 335 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77024 713-458-6100 • www.stfrancishouston.org Morgan B. Scoville, MEd, Head of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 16; Primary School Tours, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 10, Dec 1; Lower and Middle School Tours; Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Nov. 15 Founded in 1952, St. Francis combines rigorous academics and thoughtful religious instruction with competitive athletics, superb fine arts, advanced technological instruction, and compassionate service programs to create a truly inspired education. In the Anglican tradition, St. Francis Episcopal School challenges and motivates students in an academically and spiritually stimulating environment to become imaginative, critical thinkers and people for others. Cornerstones: faith, scholarship, courage, honor.

St. Mark Lutheran Church and School Infants / Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1949 1515 Hillendahl, Houston, Texas 77055 713-468-2623 • www.gostmark.org

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(continued from page 23) Gabriella Gonzalez, Director of Admissions

Open House Dates: Nov. 16, 9-10:30 a.m.; March 8, 5-6:30 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran School has integrated Christian principles and values with a demanding academic curriculum since 1949. Students benefit from high academic standards, competitive athletics, computer assisted learning including a 1:1 iPad program for 6-8th grades, and diverse fine arts opportunities. Our dedicated teachers know their students personally and give them the guidance, encouragement and challenges they need to realize their full potential.

St. Mark’s Episcopal School Early Childhood / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1960 3816 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77025 713-667-7030 • www.stmes.org Mr. Matt Burgy, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m.

The community of St. Mark's Episcopal School celebrates the uniqueness of each child. We are stewards of our students' intellectual curiosity, faith, and passion for discovery. We cultivate joy, playfulness and growth in a child-centered environment.

St. Pius X High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1956 811 W. Donovan Street, Houston, Texas 77091 713-692-3581 • www.stpiusx.org Kathryn Griep, Admissions Open House Date: Nov. 2 St. Pius X is Houston's premier co-ed Catholic high school. Founded in 1956 by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, SPX is recognized for its strong academic programs, its tradition of champions in athletics and fine arts, and its wide range of extracurricular activities. Education at SPX is rooted in the Four Pillars of the Dominican charism – prayer, study, community and preaching. St. Pius X is a welcoming community that embraces diversity.

St. Thomas High School High School All Boys • Est. 1900 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 713-864-6348 • www.sths.org Taffy Daussin, Director of Admissions and Recruiting Open House Date: Nov. 6, 1 p.m.

St. Thomas High School is a Catholic college preparatory institution whose sacred mission is to teach goodness, discipline and knowledge in the tradition of the Basilian Fathers with a vision to develop the complete student ... faith-filled, life-long learners who think critically, communicate effectively and prepare thoroughly to excel personally and professionally. A man of St. Thomas actively serves his community and integrates Christian morality into all aspects of his life.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1943 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77025 713-666-2345 • www.saintvincentschool.org Renee McCurry, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 9, 2:30-4 p.m.; Nov. 6, 2:30-4 p.m.

It is the mission of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School to develop students to their fullest potential in an environment permeated with Gospel values.

The Tenney School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1973 3500 South Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77063 713-783-6990 • www.tenneyschool.com Mike Tenney, Head of School Open House Dates: Please call for personal tour Our mission is to promote individualized learning and the acquisition of positive attitudes, advanced knowledge and skills for success.

Trafton Academy Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1973 4711 McDermed, Houston, Texas 77035 713-723-3732 • www.trafton.org Yvonne Cosgrove, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Grades 4-8, Oct. 21, 8:30 a.m., Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.; Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 3, Oct. 28, 8:30 a.m.; Small Group Tours, WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 24

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Oct.-Dec. (sign up on website beginning in October) Trafton Academy’s mission is to provide the environment and opportunity for the maturation of each child into a well-adjusted adult, equipped to work in and enjoy the world in which he or she lives. Education is student-centered; each child is recognized as an individual with unique interests, needs and abilities.

Students learn most effectively in a low student-teacher ratio environment, and class sizes do not exceed 20 students. The school establishes an atmosphere in which students develop abilities to think originally and analytically, to draw logical conclusions and to express these thoughts in written and spoken form.

Veritas Christian Academy of Houston Preschool / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 2002 7000 Ferris Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-773- 9605 • www.veritasca.org Zachary Villafuerte, Director of Admissions and Communication Open House Date: Oct. 5, 9 a.m.

“Deep in Learning, Deep in Christ.” Our desire is to raise a generation of strong academic ambassadors of Christ. Veritas offers a holistic education that is aimed to shape excellence in academics, faith and virtue by utilizing a strong Biblically integrated curriculum, a language-intensive education with French, Latin and Spanish, a rigorous science and math program, history and literature classes taught within the classical tradition, and special programs of art, drama, logic, apologetics, technology and travel.

The Village School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1966 13077 Westella Drive • Houston, Texas 77077 281-496-7900 • www.thevillageschool.com Jen McMahon, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Early Childhood and Elementary, Nov. 2, 6:30-8 p.m.; Middle School and High School, Nov. 3, 6:30-8 p.m.

Founded in 1966, The Village School has a tradition of a rigorous curriculum and a highly personalized learning approach. Located in the energy corridor, its student body represents more than 60 countries and six continents. Known for its strength in math and science, Village is dedicated to STEM education. In August 2016, The Village School opened its French-English Bilingual Program. Limited placements for Preschool 2s through grade 12. An International Baccalaureate School.

Westbury Baptist Church Weekday Programs Pre-K Co-ed • Est. September 1969 10425 Hillcroft Street, Houston, TX 77096 713-723-6428 • www.WBCHouston.org/weekday-programs Geneva Melo, Director Open House Dates: TBD, please call Westbury Baptist Weekday Programs encompass four primary programs: Day School, Childcare, Mother's Day Out and Playcation. The staff is selected to be warm, loving and trustworthy with children. The teachers are examples of Christ's love through the use of positive guidance techniques and their modeling of caring, acceptance and cooperation. The curriculum used allows all the experiences a child has at school to make constructive growth socially, emotionally, intellectually, creatively, physically and spiritually.

Western Academy Elementary / Middle School All Boys • Est. 2010 1511 Butlercrest Street, Houston, Texas 77080 713-461-7000 • www.westernacademy.net John G. Power IV, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 23 Western Academy is a private, independent, liberal arts, lower school and middle school for boys. Through personal attention and dedicated effort, teachers foster a genuine passion for learning and provide an integrated education, assisting parents in the developing the whole person: intellectual, moral, physical and spiritual.

With a spirit of adventure and freedom, students are encouraged to approach their academic work with professional excellence and to strive in the life of virtue.

Yorkshire Academy Preschool / Elementary Co-ed • Est. 1984 14120 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079 281-531-6088 • www.yorkshireacademy.com Yvonne Galloway, Admissions Director Open House Date: Jan. 26, 5-7 p.m.

Yorkshire Academy, a private school located in the Memorial area, was established in 1984, with its primary goal being to create an environment in which children can develop to their fullest potential at their own individual rate. Students range in age from 18 months to Grade 5. Yorkshire’s extensive afterschool enrichment program offers classes as diverse as engineering, yoga, chess, piano, tae kwon do and dozens more. Its summer program consists of academics, over 50 enrichment camps, theme-based camps for little ones, and full time care. These programs are open to the community, and attract families from all over the Houston area.

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KIDS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Experiencing pregnancy loss

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

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here’s a members-only parenting club that nobody wants to join. Charlotte and David Hedrick belong. So do Betsy and Patrick Amis.

They have experienced the devastating and unexpected loss of a pregnancy. They are parents on the front lines of grief, with family, friends, doctors, nurses and even strangers as their support system.

Charlotte and David lost Thomas David Hedrick Jr. at 35 weeks into Charlotte’s pregnancy, in April 2012. “I had gotten in bed that night and realized I had not felt him move,” she said.

Hours later, while their 2-year-old daughter Hayden slept, Charlotte awoke to contractions. “I went into the bathroom to run a bath, and I looked in the mirror and saw my body,” she said. She knew something was wrong. Her stomach had changed shape, and things just didn’t look right.

Hours later, nurses at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women told her they couldn’t find a heartbeat.

Through shock, tears and prayer, Charlotte made it through that day. “I knew I had to be strong. I had to deliver the baby.” Later, she held him. “We said our prayers and looked at every little part of his body,” said Charlotte. Their parents arrived and had their own moments with Thomas before his little body was taken away.

Despite tests, no cause was found; it was an unexplained stillbirth.

After a small funeral service, Charlotte sought grief counseling at Bo’s Place. She wanted to tell Thomas’ story. “We want to remember him and remind everyone else. He was a real baby. I didn’t want people to forget him,” said Charlotte.

David ensured they stayed strong together. He said he put his feelings on hold to keep their emotional grounding. “It took three years and another child for me to have the time to grieve. I don’t recommend waiting that long,” said David.

Questions still loom and, Charlotte knows, always will. “I wish I could have seen his eyes.

I’ll never know the color of his eyes, until one day when I get to Heaven and we are reunited,” she said.

Charlotte and David welcomed a healthy child the next year, Vivian, who is now 2, and have a little boy on the way this November. Big sister Hayden is now 6.

Ben Becker

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etsy Amis, an occupational therapist, and her marketing-manager husband Parker, excitedly made the announcement to their family during Christmas Eve dinner in 2014 that they were expecting their second AFTER THE STORM Charlotte (holding daughter Vivian) and David Hedrick lost their baby boy when Charlotte was 35 weeks pregnant, in April 2012. Vivian arrived the child. following year. They call her their “rainbow baby.”

Betsy knew the Parker would take their toddler Charlie for news would be uplifting for her grandmother, playtime so Betsy could have some alone time Anne “Mamoo” Wallace. “[Mamoo] had been to grieve. “That time was all about supportbattling cancer for a long time,” said Betsy. “She ing” Betsy, said Parker. “Though very sad, I always seemed to perk up or attempt more wanted to focus on the positive, that we were chemo when she had an event like a wedding, fortunate to not have problems getting pregbaby or engagement to look forward to.” nant and it would happen again when the Betsy embraced pregnancy. “My first, Charlie, time was right." was an easy pregnancy, so I assumed nothing bad “We were pregnant again in February,” said could possibly happen to me.” One week later, Betsy. “[I was] still very anxious and scared until at 7 weeks along, Betsy miscarried. She called my second trimester. I thought every cramp was the doctor, frantic, only to hear a seemingly cold a sign something bad was coming. I tried my best medical explanation of what to do if excruciatto leave it in God’s hands.” ing pain began. That did not happen, and she They welcomed a healthy baby boy, Henry, stayed home to weather the miscarriage. nine months later, Nov. 3, 2015, on what would Afterward, she wondered: "Did I do somehave been Mamoo’s 90th birthday. While Mamoo thing wrong? Eat something bad? Are my eggs never got to meet her great-grandson, Betsy feels bad? Will this happen again?" comfort in trusting he has a guardian angel.

She said at first she was embarrassed that she had announced her pregnancy at only 6 weeks.

“A few people heard I was pregnant, and I hated For more baby stories, see thebuzzmagazines.com for having to tell them it wasn't true any longer. writer Annie Blaylock McQueen’s column, “Mommy Looking back, I am so glad I told my family and Moments.” If you have stories to share, leave a comclose friends. Otherwise, I would not have had ment online or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com. that support system.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 26

MORE ONLINE

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 27

TRAVEL

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz National Parks: 100 years of America at its best

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rom the purple majesty of the Grand Tetons to the fiery oranges of the Grand Canyon, from the rolling green Smoky Mountains to the steaming, multicolored rarities of Yellowstone, our national parks represent the most transcendent of who we are as a nation.

This year, as the National Park Service celebrates the centennial of its founding, we visited with three families for whom the parks have played a key role.

For Howard and Melissa Fisher, their first trip as a young couple was to the Grand Canyon National Park; they were so moved they made a plan to visit all 59 of them together. So far they’ve made it to 49 of them.

For Becky Luman, the annual trips to national parks formed a highlight of her childhood, and now that she and her husband, John, have children, sharing those parks has become one of their greatest joys.

And for physician and landscape photographer Steve Fadem, the landscapes of the national parks have formed a stunning backdrop for his travels.

Forty-nine and counting Howard and Melissa Fisher had been married for less than a year when they decided to go to the Grand Canyon. “We certainly didn’t have any expectations that we were going to fall in love with the National Parks...,” said Howard, “but it was something we’d heard of, and we wanted to see what the fuss was all about.”

They spent a week there, getting up at 5 a.m. to see the sunrise, hiking around the South Rim, trekking down into the canyon, marveling at the vibrant colors as the sun shone on the rocks.

“As you step deeper into the geologic layers, it’s like walking back in history,” said Melissa.

She remembers training for six months to make their hike down into the canyon, carrying 30pound packs around the neighborhood and walking up and down the stadium of Rice University.

Subsequent journeys took them all over the map. They learned what an everglade was when they traveled to South Florida. They saw the remains of an ancient civilization in Mesa Verde National Park. They watched the lava flows at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. They looked

STRIKING A POSE Long before “selfies” were a trend, Howard and Melissa Fisher made a tradition of setting up the tripod and shooting their picture in front of every national park they visited. So far they’ve been to 49.

through “The Window” at Big Bend National Park. They explored a lush tropical forest turned into a vast array of petrified logs in the Arizona desert. They traveled 70 miles west of Key West to the tiny islands known as Dry Tortugas National Park, and found them full of American history and surrounded by aquatic life.

They traveled to the far west to see Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and to the near west, a West Texas-New Mexico loop, including Carlsbad Caverns, the Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Park.

In the Smoky Mountains they learned a little-known secret. “People always want to have the best weather – but we didn’t have the best weather. It rained an awful lot, but we didn’t let it stop us and did a lot of hiking in rainy, foggy, dreary weather,” said Melissa. “What we found is how different a park can be, and the sounds you can hear, the way it feels, the smells….”

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“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices,” chimed in Howard. “We decided we would never let the weather bother us; if it’s raining or snowing or whatever’s happening, we’re going to get out in it.” They went to Yellowstone in late May and found 8-foot snow banks, and Crater Lake National Park in June, when they awoke to find snow falling all around.

Now recently retired – Howard from his work as a construction manager and Melissa as an executive in the medical field – they headed north this summer to Alaska, to five national parks, including the biggest: the vast Wrangell– Saint Elias National Park.

In Denali they saw grizzly bears and black bears, moose and golden eagles, trumpeter swans and ptarmigans, and a whole herd of caribou.

“Eagles in the Inside Passage were as common as cardinals and bluejays are here,” said Melissa.

They saw the fjords of Kenai Fjords and the gla-

TOGETHERNESS IN THE WILD The national parks have become a fundamental part of family travels for the Lumans – (from left) Becky, Zane, Ariana and John, here at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park.

ciers of Glacier Bay. Finally, they made their way to Lake Clark National Park, which is only reachable by bush plane.

Looking back over the years, highlights include visits to the deserts: first, to Death Valley, where they expected a barren landscape, but were greeted with one of the century’s most dynamic wildflower blooms. Another was in Joshua Tree National Park, where they hiked through a hot, dry desert to a palm tree oasis.

“We were the only ones there, and it was the only shade for miles around – and then another couple walked up.” They were from Australia, just starting a journey to see the national parks, and asked the advice of the veterans.

“It really brought home that this isn’t just a gift we have for ourselves,” said Melissa. “It’s a great gift we have for the world. “

Learning as a family When Becky Luman was growing up, her mother would map out extensive vacations for their large family, always starting the summer by getting the six kids out of Texas and up to the mountains. “Taking us camping and exploring would bring us all together,” recalls Becky, who grew up the youngest in a family with an age span of 10 years.

Now as the mother of Ariana, 12, and Zane, 10, she’s finding that modern life with all its activities takes its toll, and once again the road trips are what brings them all together. So far, they’ve visited an estimated 65 National Park Service sites – including national monuments,

national historic sites and other designations under the National Park Service domain.

Before planning road trips to visit relatives, Becky’s mother would find the national parks along the way and map their journey accordingly. That strategy took them to many parks of the East that commemorate our country’s early years – such as the Liberty Bell, Ellis Island, the Boston National Park, where they saw the colonists’ blacksmith shops and learned how they stored their food by canning. “The East is so much older than what we see growing up in Texas,” she said. “You can say, ‘This is where pilgrims landed; this is where they either worked with Indians or not….’”

They also traveled to the great parks of the West – Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier. Those journeys ingrained an understanding of “Christian stewardship, combined with a respect for our Indian heritage that tells us to protect the Earth for seven generations” and eventually led her to become an environmental consultant.

Nowadays, she and lobbyist/lawyer husband John figure out where they want to go, pull out a national park system map and overlay it on the route. They have opened a window onto history and into other cultures that has become a passion.

“I always saw Oklahoma as Indian Territory,” Becky said, “but never realized they called it that because the U.S. government had forcibly moved all the Indians there. We learned that when we explored the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.”

The next year, they took the kids and trav-

eled along the Trail of Tears, the paths several Indian nations were forced to take when they were expelled from their homelands. “We saw that injustice in the name of progress, so we were able to tie that experience into what we’d seen at the Jefferson Westward Expansion Memorial – and ask ourselves, ‘How did we do this, and how do we use history to fix this?’”

One year the family went to Abraham Lincoln’s home, and the next year to the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Lately they’ve been educating their children about the Civil Rights Movement by visiting such national monuments as Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., where nine black high school kids had to have a military escort to go to school every day after the Supreme Court decision Brown vs. Board of Education. There was Montgomery, where they walked the road where slaves were dropped off and sent to market to sell. “The kids were in disbelief,” said Becky. “They are very blessed to have grown up at Briargrove Elementary, an elementary school that’s very socially, economically and culturally diverse, and they couldn’t believe this happened in our country.”

But they also went northward, up through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, to its headwaters in Minnesota, and westward, toward Colorado and Utah, to immerse themselves in the natural wonder of parks such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park, where they slid down the giant dunes in the morning and hiked up to fresh mountain (continued on page 30)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 29

Steve Fadem

NATURAL WONDERS Physician and photographer Steve Fadem found a wealth of inspiration at Yosemite National Park and at other national parks.

(continued from page 29) waterfalls in the after-

noon; Dinosaur National Monument of Colorado and Utah, where they got to touch million-year-old dinosaur bones; and Colorado National Monument, whose dramatic scenery she found to be easily the rival of the much more famous Canyonlands.

Becky expressed gratitude for those with the vision to protect the national parks. “Our family was not wealthy, but my parents were able to save and organize and do this for their children.

I’m trying to do the same and making the time to do it, because they’re only kids once.”

Through a special lens Ansel Adams was an accomplished pianist, but was inspired to become a photographer during his trips to Yosemite National Park.

Physician Steve Fadem found his parallel in the iconic Arches National Park in Utah.

He had just gotten a new medium format camera and was learning his way around it, and he couldn’t have chosen a better place. “Every few feet I had to stop and use it. It was so inspiring, a year later I went back,” he recalls. “There are just no words to describe how beautiful these arches are.”

Since then he’s photographed African safaris and the Peruvian Andes, but nothing calls to him more than the national parks, and photography is the best way he’s found to interact with them.

Like the Fishers, he’s tagged Big Bend as a favorite; he goes for the splendid bird photography, for the dramatic vistas, for the dynamic weather that makes for a constantly changing

scene. “There’s an area called the Basin in the center of the mountain range… where if the clouds are just right you feel like you’re in The Lord of the Rings; it’s got this eeriness to it makes you feel you’re in a different part of the world.

It’s hard to believe you’re still in Texas.”

He celebrated the Centennial with a trip to Montana, where he and wife Joyce spent the August anniversary of the National Park Service on a trip to Glacier Bay National Park.

Highlights include Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks in Utah. Both can be seen on the same trip, and both have totally different characteristics, Fadem says. Bryce Canyon is characterized by unusual geological formations called hoodoos. “The erosion has caused these little statue-type structures. There are just tons of them, and the way they’re carved out, it reminds you of the Terra Cotta Warriors.”

The best way to take in this unearthly landscape is to go with a tripod before the sun rises, he says, and have your camera set up to take photos while first light of the sun is hitting them.

Likewise, when he went to Zion he found a peak experience for photographers on the bridge crossing the Virgin River. “The bridge has little markings where everyone stands with their tripods so at sundown you’ll have 30 tripods all lined up and everyone’s trying to get their shot,” he said.

“The sun behind you gives you an amazing glow along the mountains, and then there’s the cottonwood trees along the river, with their gorgeous yellow leaves that just glisten....”

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons have also

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 30

left their mark on Fadem. “The Grand Tetons are young mountains, not weather-worn but sharp … to see them at sunrise with the Snake River winding around them is just an amazing view. Yellowstone is this gigantic underground volcano so you have all this steam and hot pits with chemicals that create different colors.”

For Fadem, the most amazing of all is Sequoia National Park, with its monumental thousandyear-old trees. “They’ve survived fires and all kinds of weather; you really feel the awe of being in nature when you go around the Sequoias.”

When Fadem reflects on what the national parks have taught him, he draws on the inspiration of John Muir, an early conservationist and a tireless advocate for Yosemite and other national parks.

“We’re guests on this planet; we don’t own it.

We cohabitate it with other creatures and we have to respect their existence just like we want them to respect ours,” he said. “You can’t just grow a sequoia in your backyard; it takes a whole forest to nurture the area where the sequoia live.

“You have to recognize to respect your environment. It’s not a partisan thing – it’s not liberal or conservative, it’s common sense. If we destroy it we won’t have the beauty to hand on to our children, and they deserve it as much as our grandparents did and as we do.”

MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for Becky Luman’s personal essay about finding her park and a national parks photo gallery by Steve Fadem.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 31

FOOD

by Jessica Malzahn Strake, contributing writer

The Junior League of Houston

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

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was born and raised in the Midwest. When I moved to Texas to attend college I learned more than just academics. I discovered TexMex. It seems that on any given week there comes an evening following a longer-than-usual day that requires this type of comfort food.

Unfortunately, most of the time that means we drive to our local favorite and stuff ourselves full of queso. In our crazy lives how do we pair healthy eating with good comfort food that is easy to make? You can start by making the Fiesta Casserole from the Houston Junior League Cookbook.

This is a quick and easy homemade dinner. I made this casserole in 13 minutes (not including the 45 minutes in the oven, but still) and managed to only use a handful of kitchen utensils that needed cleaning. I ate the leftovers for breakfast (it has eggs) and lunch the next day.

Want to save even more time? Serve with steamed vegetables (the kind you can steam in the bag) and a bowl of cantaloupe. If you have time, it pairs nicely with the Cilantro Lime Summer Corn Salad and the Ginger Margaritas from Peace Meals (both of which can be made in advance).

Make the casserole ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you need it. Know someone who just moved or had a tough week? This is the perfect thing to bring.

Here are the kitchen utensils that you need: A greased casserole dish (roughly 6”x10”x2”).

A pan to brown the meat in.

A cutting board (not necessary if you buy prechopped onion).

A knife (not necessary if you buy pre-chopped onion).

Measuring spoons.

Measuring cup.

Slotted spatula.

An extra pan that is bigger than your casserole dish (you won’t even have to wash this one).

And here are the ingredients that you need:

EASY BREEZY With a short list of ingredients and few dishes to clean at the end, the Fiesta Casserole is quick homemade comfort food.

1 large onion, chopped Butter or olive oil 1 pound ground beef Salt and pepper 2 cans (4 oz. each) whole green chiles 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1½ cups milk 4 eggs, beaten ¼ cup flour ¼ teaspoon pepper sauce Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350. Dice the onion (or save more time, and tears, by purchasing pre-diced onions).

Step 2: Heat up a spoonful of butter or olive oil in your pan and swirl it around so that it covers the whole bottom of the pan. Add the meat and onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Break up the meat with your spatula and push it around until it is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. This takes about 7 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Open the chile cans and drain the liquid out. I just use my hand over the top of the can to save on dishes that need to be washed, but you can use a colander if you have that kind

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of time. Pull out the chiles and tear them in half brushing off any leftover seeds that may have gotten left behind. Using half of the chiles (1 can), arrange them in the bottom of the greased casserole.

Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the peppers.

Step 5: Using your slotted spatula, arrange the meat/onion mixture on top of the cheese. Cover with the remaining chiles.

Step 6: Using your measuring cup combine the milk, eggs, flour, ½ teaspoon salt and the pepper sauce and whisk together (I use the measuring spoon – fewer dishes – but you can use a whisk if you want). Pour over the chiles.

Step 7: Fill your extra pan with about 1-2 inches of hot water. Place your casserole dish inside the pan and place both into the oven.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until the eggs are set, and let sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Serves about 6.

MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for other recipes mentioned in this story.

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SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz A

s the high school football season kicked off this month, the Bellaire Cardinals were looking to build upon a historymaking season, having won their first playoff game in 43 years.

Last season’s 35-31 bi-district victory over Cinco Ranch broke a playoff-victory drought that had extended back to 1972. “I think it’s important for our program to maintain the momentum of that historic win and propel forward,” said Cardinals head coach Herb Kunz.

“It won’t be easy. We graduated a large senior class, but I’m excited about our young guys.”

Offensively, the Cardinals will go with junior Darion Manning at quarterback, who threw for 600 yards and nine touchdowns as a part-time starter last season. Three-year letterman Alex Spadone returns as a key target at wide receiver, while Kunz expects a big season from running back Robert Atlee. On the offensive line, the coach likes what he sees from Isaac Beaubrun.

“He’s an outstanding player and just a tremendous young man.”

Defensively, Donovan Stiner is a three-year letterman who has multiple collegiate offers, as does 6’-6”, 260-pound defensive lineman Jayden Peevy. “Jayden is just a huge force on the line,” said Kunz. “He had five sacks in that playoff win over Cinco Ranch, and Jayden already has about 14 offers from collegiate football programs.”

Another player with several collegiate offers is senior defensive end Alex Duke, while threeyear starting linebacker Jackson Twyman is expected to make a big impact for the Cardinals.

A major change in the high school football landscape has the Memorial Mustangs and rival Stratford Spartans back in the same UIL district for the first time in six years, with Stratford moving back up to the highest classification of UIL football. “I think it’s great to be aligned with

Memorial and also to have all four Spring Branch high schools back in the same dis- QUITE A HIT The Strake Jesuit Crusaders welcome the return of several key defensive starters, including hard-hitting junior defensive lineman James Webster. Strake Jesuit trict,” said advanced to the third round of the UIL playoffs for the first time in school history last season.

Stratford head though we lost several seniors, we’ve got guys football coach Eliot Allen. coming back with big-game experience.”

While there’s familiarity with the fellow Perhaps the biggest hole the Crusaders will Spring Branch schools, the newly aligned dishave to fill is at quarterback, with the departure trict now also includes the four high schools of Zach Zubia, who’s now at Tulane University from Klein ISD. “That was kind of a shocker,” on a baseball scholarship. “We’re looking forsaid Allen. “We’ve never really played against ward to seeing what senior Felix Read can do in the Klein schools. The stranger thing is that Zach’s place,” said Clancy. we’ve been moved to UIL Region II, which priAnother key player lost to graduation was marily includes central and north Texas, so once wide receiver Christian McStravik, who’s playany of our teams reach the second round of the ing football at Boston College this fall. But playoffs, chances are we’ll be traveling to the Clancy feels the Crusaders should be in good Austin area and then even to Dallas for the hands at that position with returning starters third round of the post season.”

Colin Groves and senior Jacob Piekielniak, For the Spartans to make a deep playoff run, who started all 13 games last season. Senior runthey will rely on a talented yet relatively young ning back Michael Purvey offers an explosive lineup, having graduated several starters from threat as a rusher, receiver and special teamer. last year’s 10-2 team. On offense, three-year Defensively, the Crusaders return several key starting quarterback Mark Murdock returns, as starters, including linebacker George Ikott, who does highly touted receiver Jaetavian Toles. had two interceptions in last season’s playoff win Toles has committed to play college football at over Reagan. “George has great playmaking Tulane University. On defense, Northwestern ability,” said Clancy. The Crusaders’ head coach University commit and three-year starting also projects outstanding seasons from senior defensive end Sam Miller returns, while senior defensive end Tommy Upton, junior defensive linebacker Randall Royall, who has committed lineman James Webster and senior linebacker to Rice, is also back for the Spartans.

John Rush.

After advancing to the third round of the UIL football playoffs for the first time in school hisEditor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardtory, the Strake Jesuit Crusaders will have winning co-host and producer of the KUBE some major holes to fill to repeat that kind of SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 record-setting season. p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school “The main thing for us is to capitalize on last sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, year and continue to be successful,” said please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Crusaders head coach James Clancy. “Even

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Ask me Recently my wife asked, “Russell, when you get dementia, do you still want your flu shot?” Not about to commit, I replied, “Ask me then.”

Later it hit me. “Wait a minute. She’s already got my medical power of attorney. Who says she has to ask me anything?”

Gather ’round children. It’s time to learn about Chapter 166, Subchapter D, of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Your Texas medical power of attorney appoints someone to make medical decisions for you when you can’t. Your medical agent has no authority until the attending physician certifies in writing that you are incompetent.

Even then, you may still object to your agent’s decision to give or withhold treatment, and you may also revoke your agent’s authority altogether. You are in charge as long as you can communicate.

When you can’t, your wishes, including religious and moral beliefs, have priority over your agent’s. Your medical agent is supposed to make the decision you prefer, not the one he or she prefers. Your wishes are disregarded only if they are unknown.

Now that you know, what should you do? Think about what you want, discuss with your agent, and relax. You can always change your mind.

The American Bar Association offers a Toolkit for Health Care Advance Planning. Tool #7, The Proxy Quiz for Family or Physician is my favorite. I shared it with my colleagues. For your own copy, start at eepurl.com/8YXVb. The quiz is a quick way to document your wishes, and likely explores issues you’d never considered, much less articulated.

My wife and I took the quiz. We sat around the kitchen table one night

and took turns answering questions about our own health care wishes and our best guess as to the other’s. Turns out our personal preferences were very similar, but each of us guessed wrong three or four times about the other. We had similar values, but didn’t know it. Or as the quiz graded us, “More discussion needed.”

The flu shot question arose almost two years later. It’s fair to add, “Frequent discussion needed.”

Don’t have a medical power of attorney? Most estate planning attorneys include them with the basic will or trust package. Glenn Karisch also posts free forms at texasprobate.com/consumer-forms.

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

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 35

SPORTS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

Repeat district champs The 12U Bellaire District team (top photo) won the District 16 Championship game, 8-7, against a tough West University American team.

The Bellaire Little League team then headed to Sectionals, where they lost in the finals against Pearland in a back-and-forth battle to the end. These boys have played together since they were 8 years old, and have won the district championship three times. As 9U and 10U players, they also won Sectionals, and in their 10U season they made it all the way to the state finals. The all-stars are (top row, from left) Carter Dixon, Matt Chotiner, Jacob Stavinhoa, Conner Denham, Noah Beinart and Charlie Mullen; (middle row, from left) manager Corey Ayers, coach Luke Mandola, Matt Whitting, Luke Mandola, Caden Biedermann, Aidan Reichek, Cody Ayers, Josh Blum, Max Melamed and coach Rich Chotiner; and (bottom row) Reece Tiras.

On the attack The Third Coast Lacrosse Elite 2020 team (middle photo) competed in the Texas Draw tournament in Dallas. After weather delays canceled the first day of play, the teams consolidated all of the games into a single-day tournament. Third Coast competed against several regional teams from Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, and finished strong in the standings. The team’s summer tournament schedule also included the Big Easy Classic in New Orleans. The Elite 2020 team members are (top row, from left) coach Christian Daly, Nathan Lee, Spencer Frederickson, Josh Tucker, Payton Herleth, Zach Kroencke, Brian Short and coach Erinn O’Hara; (bottom row, from left) Carson Grimm, Jack Riddle, Roe Crawford, Grant Farrow, Garrett Noteboom, Ethan Points, Thomas Minton and Everett Esterby. Not pictured: Sean Kennedy and Zoe Rodriguez.

Victory at state The West University Intermediate All-Star team (bottom photo) had a great summer season. The boys, ages 13 and 14, defeated Post Oak, 6-5, in the district championship game and moved onto the sectional tournament.

They were victorious again in the Intermediate Section 3 championship with a 20-0 win over Pearland. Next stop was the state championship, and the all-stars are now the Texas East Champions in the Intermediate 50/70

Proud sponsor of West University and neighboring sports WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 36

Division. The state champs are (top row, from left) coach Matt Luna, coach John Kerns, Drew Leach, Gunnar Brown, Aidan Bernardy, Landon McKelvey and Connor Bartlett; (bottom row, from left) Matt Fleming, Gabe Sondock, Max Roffwarg, Angel Roman, Joseph Powell, Alex Mintz, Kirk Waller, Jack Goldstein and coach Kyle Whitney.

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

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Handling emotions in financial decisions Family, finances and emotions are three things that often go together.

While that’s not an inherently bad thing, it can be a recipe for conflict.

Picture siblings Janet, age 51, and Michael, 60, who recently inherited a rural home on 200 acres from their father. Michael retains fond memories of living there as a boy, before the family moved to Atlanta. Janet, on the other hand, has only seen the property once and holds no sentimental attachment to it.

As each sibling looks out on their eventual retirement, they see very different pictures. While a large part of Michael’s retirement will come from his employer, Janet’s is fully dependent on her own investments. While Michael imagines one day bequeathing the old family home to his children, Janet wonders about the financial and philanthropic possibilities that would open up if the real estate were sold.

How’s that for a powder keg of a situation? How do the siblings even begin to come to a wise, informed decision about the property that takes their contrasting situations and desires into account?

Here is a helpful three-step process that Janet and Michael, or anyone facing an emotionally charged financial decision, can follow. Before starting, acknowledge that emotions are involved. Agree up front to be considerate of everyone’s feelings, and agree that the goal is to make a wise and fair decision that preserves family relationships.

Now list each party’s goals in the matter. For instance, one of Janet’s goals is to provide for her retirement. One of Michael’s is to pass the property down to the next generation. If the next generation is old enough to be part of the decision, get their input. If they’re younger and don’t yet have a voice

in the matter, still consider implications for them.

Second, examine the issue from a strictly financial standpoint. To ease fears, make sure everyone knows this is simply to understand the options available. Bring in an advisor if needed to fully and objectively analyze all relevant data. In the case of Janet and Michael’s real estate, they established the market value of the property; calculated the expected return on potential uses such as timber or hunting leases; and discussed alternative investment strategies if the property were sold.

Finally, outline each potential path forward (selling the property, growing timber, Michael buying out Janet’s share, etc.) and the financial impact on each party.

What decision did Janet and Michael make? Let’s just say the process of acknowledging emotions and then putting them aside enabled Janet and Michael to wisely combine soft hearts, hard heads and objective facts to come to a decision that felt good to both of them. Best of all, they gained respectful insight into each other’s unique needs and preserved the family closeness so important to them.

Is there a circumstance in your life that could benefit from this kind of measured, respectful and objective approach?

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

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NEIGHBORS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town A determined gymnast Sophia Neylon (pictured) is a member of the Houston Gymnastics Academy competitive optionals team. She recently completed Level 7 state and regional competitions. Sophia has had a passion for gymnastics since she was 6 years old and joined the team when she was 8. Sophia’s year-round, 20-hours-a-week practice paid off at state and

regionals this year, where she became the balance beam and uneven-bars champion. Sophia had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials in San Jose in July, and excitedly cheered on the U.S. gymnastics team in the Olympics on television.

10 years and counting The 10th anniversary of Fathers ’n Flashlights will be celebrated this year at the annual event Oct. 1-2. Aaron and Daryl Hoover (Daryl is pictured, at right), along with honorary cochair Jennifer Gatto (at left), say they had a simple vision one decade ago: Create a neigh-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 38

borhood event, surround it with fun-filled activities, and hopefully bring families and the community together while raising money for The Friends of West University Place Parks Fund, Inc. A decade later, the event is sold out every year. They thanked the volunteer chairpersons and Donna LaMond, executive director of the parks, for her efforts in keeping the tradition going. Co-chairs are Kelly and Sean Butler, Kristine and Joaquin Martinez, and Kara and Curt Schaefer. Registration is online. See westuparks.org.

A winning weekend A group of 10-year-old Select Baseball team players played in their first travel tournament, at the USSSA July Mash at the “Field of Dreams” complex in Dripping Springs. The group rented a ranch house on the Blanco River that slept all 11 boys, the two managers and nine dads who accompanied the team for the weekend. The team played two games on Saturday, winning by scores of 8-4 and 14-2. They were the No. 1 seed in the tournament going into the bracket games on Sunday. They first played the Texas Crushers and beat them 9-1 and then

played the South Texas Heat in the championship game and beat them 11-4. Pictured with their first-place rings after the game are (front row, from left) Andy Fuselier, Josh Horn, Billy Theroux, Luke Jamieson, Jack Magnus, (top row, from left) Cory Hulsey (manager), Samuel Chase, John Burnett, Brady McGee, Walker Dellinger, Nicholas Carlin, Bennett Van Brunt and Ryan Suescun (manager).

Make a run for it The City of Southside Place is starting a new neighborhood tradition. The city is having its first

Southside Place Color Dash on Oct. 8. The event starts at 8 a.m. at the Southside Place City Hall and ends at the Southside Clubhouse. Runners will cover two miles around the Southside neighborhood while being showered by bystanders with colorful powder. Mindy Rippstein and JC AlUqdah, event organizers, together with Melissa Byers, president of the Fire Truck Park Fund, are planning the event. There are two ways to participate in the Color Dash. Register as a runner or buy colorful powder to throw at the runners.

Registration is open to everyone, including nonresidents. Call Mindy Rippstein at 713-443-8312 or JC Al-Uqdah at 713-594-2726. Registration is open at active.com.

Globe trotters A group of 28 Pin Oak Middle School seventh and eighth graders embarked on a 10-day adventure to Paris and Munich with the Pin Oak Middle School foreign-language program. Highlights of the trip were going to a Munich market (continued on page 40)

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rattlesnakes and several trees downed by severe weather, and they crossed the Eastern Continental Divide. They gave each other a pat on the back for their strong finish.

Garden club guest

and getting some delicious fresh fruit, taking a cooking class in Paris, and taking a train ride from Paris to Munich. Pictured are Karli Fisher, Callie Gray, Jennifer Caxaj, Chloe Sue Baker, Francisco Zurcher, Emily Jones, Tessa Johnson, Bailey Maierson, Xander Fell, Alex Euscher, Anna Bernal, Grace Massey, Messiah Farinas, McKenna Clement, Havana Farinas, Emma Bernshausen, Drew Zivley, Oliver Buttram, Luke Melton, Chris Zhou, Gannon Amendola, Roshni Kumar, Jackson McGlothlin, Riley Hulbirt, Naomi Alberts, Claire Meador, Ava Janczak and Angelina Lees.

(continued from page 39)

Ride to remember In this photo, Troop 55 of St. John the Divine Church stands at the end of the Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail in Pittsburgh, Penn. The scouts are (from left) Austin Wrubel, Luke Poirot, Conner Adzgery, Will Johnston, Ryan Disch, Wilson Grant and Cade Williams. They completed a 370-mile bike trek from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh.

The group biked the 185 miles of the C&O Canal Trail, 150 miles of the GAP Trail and an additional 35 miles to and from the trails. Along the way, the Scouts encountered a black bear,

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 40

Linda Gay, former director of the Mercer Arboretum and currently working as a consultant for McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park, spoke at the West University Community Building. Thirty-four people attended, including members of the newly reinstated West U Garden Club. The West U Garden Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of

the month at 11 a.m. in the Community Building. Pictured (from left) are Celeste Mead, Diane Wells, Sarah Ballanfant, Jan Weeks Franzen, Dorothy Zink, Gay, Pam Harris, Lynn Smith, Diana Freeman, Starr Schatte and Sheryl Pere.

And they’re off St. Mark’s Episcopal School is excited for the members of its graduating Class of 2016, who are in the first few weeks of high school. The recent St. Mark’s graduates are attending 10 different Houston-area high schools. Pictured are (front row, from left) Rafiq Hamzeh, Michael Artlip, Madelyn Scholtes, Abbey Sizemore, Madeline Bollinger, Abby Lynch, Laith Elserag,

Catherine Andrews, Tara Arora, Charlotte Hoebig, (middle row, from left) Spencer Scheps, Diego Garcia-Moros, Nicholas Janssen, Jamesy Trammell, Lauren Lotze, Gigi Gaetti, Abby Bailey, Joseph Stiles, Connor Hrachovy, Riley Harrison, Audrey Leonard, Will Walmsley, Giselle Henry, Natalie Gonzales, Ashley Mamuko, Emma Birdwell, Lani McHenry, Dania Siddiqi, Raegan Roylance, (back row, from left) Paul Champagne, Sterling Smith, Josh Boihem, Duncan Green and Jake Klucznik.

House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston on Sept. 26 at Riverbend Country Club (1214 Dulles Ave. Sugar Land). The event is chaired

by Tim Smith. Auction chair Debbie Adams has secured unique items for golfers to bid on.

The day kicks off with 8 a.m. registration and breakfast followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

A barbecue lunch and awards will follow.

Proceeds will benefit the RMHC's Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program, which provides medical and dental care to children. See rmhcghg.org.

Golf for good

In memory of Joan

Join the fun at the GHA Red Shoe Classic golf tournament benefitting Ronald McDonald

Students from The Emery/Weiner School, Lamar and Bellaire are planning a second annual Find Your Sunshine Benefit Concert.

Supporters include Lucy Frankfort, Elise Shoss, Sterling Rosenthal and Nick Wizig. The concert is in memory of Joan Triestman, Emery student Sofia Heyl's aunt, who passed away from ovarian cancer. All of the proceeds will go to ovarian-cancer research. All performers are high school students. The concert is at The Last Concert Cafe (1403 Nance Street) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 10. Tickets are $15.

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 SEPTEMBER 2016 41

MISSION COMPLETED Dylan Hoover, a freshman at St. John’s School, volunteered in Guatemala as part of a mission trip this summer.

KIDS

by Dylan Hoover, age 14

Buzz Kidz B

Drilling for clean water

etween summer camp and a family vacation, I was fortunate to volunteer for a one-week mission trip to Guatemala with Living Water International, along with several friends from my middle school, River Oaks Baptist. The goal of our trip was to drill a water well for a community in desperate need of clean drinking water, while also spreading God’s love and teaching the importance of proper hygiene.

Our group, consisting of 10 student volunteers and three adult leaders (Matt Morris, Melissa Morris and Jim Briggs), woke up each morning at 5 a.m. to get to work. After a quick breakfast, we traveled over an hour from our house to the worksite, which was located in the yard of a school. The community lacked basic resources we often take for granted. The Guatemalan chil-

dren were truly sweet. The villagers welcomed us despite language and cultural barriers.

Drilling a well is tough work. It requires a high-power drilling rig with trained technicians, along with several helping crew members like ourselves to prep the site, move drilling sediment (soil and rock), and transport tools. After our first three days of drilling the well at a depth of 150 feet, we initially had no water. Although it was frustrating, it did not diminish our passion for starting over and making another attempt.

With only three days remaining and against the odds, we pulled together as a team, worked longer days, and drilled a second well on a pace faster than the first one. Thankfully, this one was a success! We had the perfect water well at 70 feet deep.

The village had a celebration on our final afternoon to celebrate the well and to express gratitude for our efforts. The schoolchildren and village now had a permanent source of clean drinking water, replacing the contaminated, shallow and hand-dug original well.

I am so proud to have participated on this mission trip to Guatemala. I admire the children and the community for their spirit and closeness. This trip changed my perspective on life and has inspired me to do more for others who are less fortunate.

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

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DINING GUIDE

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

This Month in Dining

Sushi by the season

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s the seasons change, so does the choice of sushi in Japan. In the summer, abalone, horse mackerel and the simple taste of sea bass highlight menus. Come winter, diners look eagerly to savoring fat-rich chu-toro and o-toro. Here, in the U.S., diners are less swayed by outside temperatures when ordering sushi.

The star appeal of bluefin toro will prompt many to order it in the heart of July, even though it may not taste its best. Like fruits and vegetables, prime time varies from fish to fish, and to really get your money’s worth – because sushi is not cheap – maybe it’s time to start ordering sushi that’s in season like the Japanese.

It was chef Addison Lee of Kuu (947 Gessner) who turned me on to this idea, taking my dining experience a step further. Like most diners, I would order the holy trinity of sushi – every time: top-selling salmon, tuna and himachi. Now, salmon, especially when farmed in Scotland, is good year-round, said executive chef Horiuchi “Hori” Manabu of Kata Robata (3600 Kirby). Flavor and texture remain consistent.

“But bonito, uni, or sea urchin, bluefin and yellowfin tunas – the wild catches – are at their peak fall and winter. All fish get better really,” Manabu said. “When the water gets cold, the fish gets fatter to survive.”

Inspired by Japanese friends, I savored sushi and sashimi as they are, with the barest dab of wasabi and the subtlest splash of soy sauce. And for once, I didn’t order salmon and tuna.

Instead, I ordered what was in season.

At Nippon (4464 Montrose), chef Naoki Yoshida suggested aji (horse mackerel) and shima aji – both popular in the summertime. I savored the freshness of both, side by side, and was blown away by the differences in texture.

The aji was soft and tender while the firmer, meatier shima aji was between a mackerel and a yellowtail.

But it was executive chef Teddy Wang of Sage 400 (2800 Sage Road, A400) who taught me that tasting fish, especially in the same family, side by side, can be eye-opening. “Look at the difference in color,” he said, holding up trays

SAGE 400 JAPANESE CUISINE Especially popular is the sashimi platter with yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, yellowtail himachi and Scottish salmon. Try it with fresh, chopped wasabi leaves.

of yellowfin and bluefin. “The yellowfin is a lighter red; the bluefin is dark, brilliant red.”

Milder in flavor, yellowfin would appeal to nonfishy diners, while the bluefin exploded with robust brininess.

Fall and winter are just around the corner – the ideal time to splurge on sushi and explore an ocean of possibilities.

Sushi by the season Fall: Bonito, sea urchin, himachi (yellowtail) and tuna (skipjack, bluefin, yellowfin),

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 44

hake, soft shell crab, squid, mussels, striped bass, lobster Winter: Most fish, particularly tuna, chu-toro (medium fat), o-toro (fattiest), sea bass, saba, sea urchin, mahi mahi, escolar Spring: Triggerfish, snapper, oyster, flounder, soft shell crab, mussels, squid, sea bass, sea perch, mahi mahi, escolar, halibut, black grouper, Spanish mackerel Summer: Wild salmon (king, sockeye and coho), aji, shima aji, mussels, lobster, grouper, trigger fish, eel, gizzard shad

Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person

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

Antica Osteria Regional Italian Neighborhood: Southhampton Antica Osteria, in a vintage brick house, attracts an eclectic mix with its warm, oldfashioned feel. There are Turkish movie stars,

socialites, ingénues, young lovers, media types and, even, parents with well-behaved children. The attractions are the well-prepared pastas; spaghetti carbonara lush with cream and pancetta makes the strongest impression, along with abundantly friendly service and a homey vibe. Every meal begins with complimentary bruschetta and ends with a gracious smile. In between, there are simple, satisfying antipasti. Many customers order pastas as their entrées, but for those who must have meat, consider the deftly prepared osso buco – an occasional special – or the grilled angus fillet.

Dinner Mon.-Sat. 2311 Bissonnet, 713-5211155. anticarestaurant.com. $$$ – D.H.

Costa Brava Bistro French-and-Spanish cuisine Neighborhood: Bellaire Working backward at this Spanishinspired restaurant, the refined desserts include crema Catalan with a miraculous crunchy sugar glaze and an apple tart that smartly blends smoky caramel with buttery pastry. The flavorful seafood paella from owner Angeles Duenas’ grandfather sports perfectly al dente rice. Moist roasted duck and shrimp piquant with garlic make this upscale spot pleasing. Lunch & dinner Mon.Fri. and dinner Sat. 5115 Bellaire Blvd., 713839-1005. costabravabistro.com. $$$ – D.H.

Dolce Vita Pizzeria Enoteca Italian Neighborhood: Montrose The two-story Dolce Vita, with its pleasant patio, helped to set the standard for artisanal wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas paired with an excellent, all-Italian wine list. Granted, since opening in 2005, Dolce occasionally stumbles, but when it’s in top form, diners can anticipate beautifully crisped, lightly charred thin-crust pizzas along with suavely prepared appetizers and antipasti choices, such as fried artichokes, a parsley salad tossed with pancetta, egg toast with black truffle and shaved brussels sprouts showered with sharp pecorino cheese. And hats off to chef-owner Marco Wiles for introducing countless Houston diners to such unique creations as the Zucca, a pizza topped with butternut squash, pancetta, red onion and smoked buffalo mozzarella, not to mention the addictively pungent Taleggio cheese pizza crowned with spicy arugula, sweet pears and truffle oil.

Lunch & dinner Tues-Sun. 500 Westheimer, 713520-8222. dolcevitahouston.com. $$ – D.H.

Étoile Authentic French Neighborhood: Galleria area When several talented French chefs urge you to try the food at Étoile, it’s hard to dispute their keen taste for (continued on page 46)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 45

Nick de la Torre

Chef's Corner: Horiuchi “Hori” Manabu

HORI MANABU Kata Robata’s Horiuchi "Hori" Manabu is among the few chefs in Houston certified to serve poisonous blowfish at his restaurant.

by Dai Huynh, staff writer Find out where the experts eat, with our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviewed chef Horiuchi Manabu.

Two out of three chefs we've interviewed over the years declared Kata Robata (3600 Kirby Drive) as their favorite sushi joint. From Charivari chef-owner Johann Schuster to Fluff Bake Bar owner Rebecca Masson, toques praised the freshness of Kata's fish and executive chef Horiuchi "Hori" Manabu, a James Beard Award finalist who started his career at age 16 cooking with his mom in a retirement home in Japan.

Later, Hori attended Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan, where he earned a certificate to prepare blowfish. No, not every (continued from page 45) the food of their home-

land. Just as they said, the flavors here are true, and owner-chef Philippe Verpiand and wife Monica Bui have created an alluringly warm showcase for a hearty coq au vin and tender sole meunière with lemon caper sauce, fingerling potatoes and roasted cauliflower – both brunch items. Briny mussels flavored with tomatoes and onions are served with homemade pomme frites and garlic aioli. The beauty of this place is almost everything is made from scratch, including the crusty baguettes. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. Happy hour: Sun.-Fri, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., 832668-5808. etoilecuisine.com. $$ – D.H.

sushi chef is allowed to serve the lethal, poisonous blowfish. The chef must be licensed, after three years or more of rigorous training.

But even then, passing isn't a sure thing. About 70 percent of applicants fail the exam. Hori, graduating with honors, went to work at the prestigious Sushi-Ko Honten and Ichimura Kansai Kappou restaurants in Tokyo. Eventually, he arrived in Houston as the Japan consulate general's personal chef, followed by a stint at the nowshuttered Kubo's Sushi Bar and Grill and, then, Kata. We caught up with the 42 year old to talk about his favorite restaurants.

Kata is a big draw for chefs who are fans of sushi.

Where do you go for sushi?

I really don't eat sushi in Houston, but when I'm in New York, I like to go to Sushi of Gari (402 E. 78th Street). In Seattle, they use a lot of local fish, and there, a good place is Nishino (3130 E. Madison Street). In October, I'm going back to Japan. My friend and I always go to the fish market there. Have you heard of it? It's amazing – the biggest in the world. We would get there right when it opens: 5 a.m.

We go there for the freshest sushi imaginable. We stuff ourselves with sushi, and afterward, we would go home to sleep it off.

What about in Houston? What are some favorite places?

I love Vietnamese food. I go to Huynh Restaurant (912 Saint Emanuel Street) almost every week. I live near there, but don't ask me the name of the dishes I eat. I go by the numbers. My favorites are No. 94 and No. 99. Ninety-four is a noodle soup with pork, shrimp and fish cake. Ninety-nine is thin, steamed rice cakes with shrimp. It's so good. In Chinatown, I go to Mala Sichuan (9348 Bellaire Boulevard). I'll try different things when I go, but I always get the mapo tofu – it is so spicy, but good. I used to go to Fu Fu Cafe (9889 Bellaire Boulevard) a lot for the clear noodles with soy sauce and garlic. And for Indian, I like Pondicheri (2800 Kirby), just down the street, and for steak, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (5839 Westheimer).

partner Akira Asano. Instead, Kubokawa is in the kitchen prepping homey noodle soups, stews and izakaya, or Japanese tapas of grilled and fried meats and vegetables, best enjoyed with friends over good, cold beers. Food by Kubo-san can be a revelation. Simplicity defines Japanese cookery, and he has mastered its succinctness. Want to learn about real Japanese food? Here is your chance. A great perspective is the rotating halfand-half lunch special, consisting of a rice dish and a noodle dish – a rare duo offering in the U.S., but common in Japan. Lunch Tue.-Thurs. & dinner Tue.-Sun. 12665 Memorial Drive, 713461-0155. izakayawa.com. $$ – D.H.

Jinya Ramen Bar Izakaya Wa Authentic Japanese Neighborhood: Memorial You can tell a lot about a restaurant by the diners. In this case, about 80 percent of the customers at Izakaya Wa are Japanese. Here, they can savor the true flavors of home without flying home. No wonder. Kubo-san is in the kitchen.

Hajime Kubokawa is revered by chefs around town. There is artistry in how he wields the knife. His expertly sliced sushi and sashimi melt on the palate. But at Izakaya Wa, he has left the sushi bar in the very capable hands of business

Asian noodle house Neighborhood: Midtown Steaming earthen bowls of ramen noodles weave through the sleek dining room of Jinya Ramen Bar, lined with dark wooden tables illuminated above by glass lanterns. This Midtown noodle shop attracts young Asian professionals – six out of 10 customers – and that’s a good thing.

Most of these 20-to-30-something hipsters grew up eating ramen and know what a bowl of satisfying ramen should taste like. The predominantly Asian clientele is testament that Jinya Ramen Bar is doing it right, with the umami goodness of

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2016 46

the miso ramen (cooled al dente) with rich simmering broth, ground pork, green onions, bok choy and chili oil. Another to slurp and kidfriendlier is the subtle, mild-tasting premium tonkotsu white with roasted pork, fried onions and poached egg. Open lunch & dinner Mon.Sun. 3201 Louisiana, Suite 105, 832-925-8596. jinya-ramenbar.com. $$ – D.H.

South Coast Grill Gulf Coast cuisine Neighborhood: Downtown Satisfying food can be such a good trip down memory lane. The restaurant formerly known as Massa's Seafood Grill provides that and more. Owner Joseph Massa continues to honor his family’s 72-year-old tradition of good, solid Gulf Coast seafood and Creole specialties. We find ourselves delving into Massa's spicy grilled catfish with red beans and rice. Try, too, the pecan-crusted rainbow trout lovingly doused with lemon buerre blanc and served with potatoes au gratin. The composition pairs beautifully with a crisp sauvignon blanc. The shrimp and grits with blackened shrimp is another crowd favorite. Open lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. & Sat. for dinner. Happy hour: Mon.-Fri, 4-7 p.m. 1331 Lamar, 713-655-9100. southcoastgrill.com. $$$$$ – D.H.

Southern Goods Gastropub Neighborhood: Heights There is no shortage of eateries in the Heights. Almost every corner of this iconic Houston neighborhood is evidence of foodie growth. Southern Goods opened its doors in 2015 and has remained a popular destination for food, drink and music. The Southern Goods Burger features two Wagyu beef patties with cheddar cheese for those with a good appetite.

The burger is accented with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and Comeback Sauce (SG’s version of the popular Thousand Island style), atop a bakery-style salt and pepper bun. A nice side of Southern-style (mustard and new potatoes) potato salad accompanies the burger. Cool wood tones and ceramic accents create an inviting environment, with a large center bar at the foot of a generous spirits selection. A covered outdoor seating area offers a casual dining alternative on warm summer afternoons and evenings. Southern Goods also offers an increasingly popular Sunday brunch. 5 p.m.midnight Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat., noon10 p.m. Sun. 632 W. 19th St., 346-980-8152. southerngoodshouston.com. $-$$ – R.W.

State of Grace Southern American Cooking Neighborhood: River Oaks

State of Grace in River Oaks has a sleek Southern-inspired interior, attentive service and an excellent house burger. Chef Ford Fry’s Butter Burger is served carpetbagger-style – topped with a fried oyster. This double-patty masterpiece is made with house-ground beef with frozen butter blended in, with American cheese, caramelized onions and a slather of mayo, and is skewered by a fried oyster on a perfectly grilled bakery bun, with a slice of crispy, bistro-style, shoestring fries. Adding house-smoked bacon enhanced the flavors with just the right amount of spiciness and smokiness. This graceful dish is served only at lunch. To avoid a wait at lunch, sit at the bar and order your burger, and enjoy conversation with the friendly staff. Happy hour & dinner Mon.-Sat. 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832-9425080. stateofgracetx.com. $-$$ – R.W.

The Lemongrass Café Asian fusion Neighborhood: Bellaire Polite service and a thoughtfully conceived menu endear Lemongrass Café to Houstonians.

Chef-owner Fah Vorarittinapa marries the flavors of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, French and American cooking. Her signature dish remains the juicy tiger shrimp, stuffed with bacon and swaddled in crisp kataifi noodle, anointed by a sweet, spicy tamarind sauce. Pad thai is given a

twist with a Japanese egg crepe. Her trio soup sampler is a composition of the soup of the day, French mushroom consommé and Thai tom yum chicken. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sun., 5109 Bellaire, 713664-6698. lemongrass-cafe.com. $$ – D.H.

Tony’s Upscale Gulf Coast Italian Neighborhood: Upper Richmond High ceilings and an elegant backdrop provide a cinematic setting for star sightings, anniversaries, birthdays and engagements over fresh flowers, Riedel glasses and Christofle flatware. Life unfolds under the watchful eye of consummate restaurateur Tony Vallone, whose contemporary Italian menu sparkles with deftly prepared seafood and homemade pastas. For an overview of this posh Houston landmark, explore the nightly tasting menus, starting at $95 for five courses. Lunch can be a bargain, even at Tony’s, with a three-course menu for $23, or $29 if you opt for the chargrilled hanger steak with salsa verde as your main course. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. & dinner Sat. 3755 Richmond, 713-622-6778. tonyshouston.com. $$$$ – D.H.

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

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Update on dog allergy A few years ago, I wrote about whether there really was such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog. The answer was “sort of.” Breeds claimed to be hypoallergenic, like a Bichon or Poodle, produce just as much dog allergen per square inch of body-surface area as Golden Retrievers. But Goldens are bigger than Bichons, so one Bichon produces less allergen than one Golden.

Also, Bichons and Poodles shed a lot less than Goldens, so the dog allergen stays on the dog, and doesn’t get spread all over the house.

What if you are allergic to your dog? It’s best not to have the pet you’re allergic to, but dogs become part of the family, and it can be hard to part with them. Allergy shots work great for dog allergy, if your allergist is following the latest Practice Parameters for Allergen Immunotherapy.

Unfortunately, that’s a big “if.” Most allergists only test for one dog allergen, either Acetone Precipitated (AP) dog, or dog epithelium. AP dog is great because it has about 50 times more of the most important dog allergen than dog epithelium has. But using it alone isn’t good enough. AP dog doesn’t have any of the minor dog allergens. That’s why we test for and treat for both AP dog and dog epithelium (that’s also why we test for and treat for both cat hair and cat pelt, but that’s a subject for another day). I can’t tell you how many patients we have seen where their previous allergist told them, “You’re not allergic to dog,” and then find out they’re just allergic to the other dog allergen.

Sometimes, the patient who has allergy symptoms around the dog really isn’t allergic to dog at all. Dogs go outside to walk and do their business, and their fur is really good at trapping pollen grains and mold spores and

bringing them inside. And mostly-inside dogs who use the same soft bed usually share that bed with lots and lots of dust mites. Dust mites aren’t picky; they don’t mind eating shed human skin or dog dander. Dust mite-avoidance tips should be applied to the dog’s bed, too; wash the bed covering in hot water once a week and prevent the humidity from getting too high where the dog sleeps.

If possible, keep your bedroom free of pets. If that’s not possible, then at least keep the dog out of your bed. And if in spite of the avoidance measures listed above you are still having allergy symptoms when around your dog, then it’s time to make an appointment to see us.

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

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

nurturing young minds emphasis on individuality

respect for students

focusing on academics

Alexander-Smith Academy

An extraordinary college preparatory high school

713/266-0920 • www.alexandersmith.com

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Enchiladas Abuelitas

Guadalajara Mexican Grille and Bar Introduces

2925 Southwest Freeway

Same location! Between Buffalo Speedway and Kirby

713.942.0772 | WWW.GUAD.COM

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How to talk to teenagers about drugs For many parents, it’s not just sex that’s difficult to talk about with teenagers; bringing up the topic of drugs is often just as hard. But it’s just as imperative.

With teens back in school, now’s the time to begin having conversations about drugs and the choices that they get to make about whether or not to use.

Talk and talk and talk Parents should remember one key thing: Talking about drugs will not cause a teenager to start using them. Plus, they should keep in mind that teens already know about drugs, probably more than their parents do.

“The goal is to have these conversations over and over as your child matures,” said John O’Neill, EdD, LCSW, LCDC, CAS, director of addictions services at The Menninger Clinic. “Your child will have new experiences, friends and influences over time, so the earlier you start having these conversations the easier they’ll become and the more likely that your child will tell you what’s going on.”

And listen, too Routinely raising the subject of drugs is important, yet Dr. O’Neill cautions that it is imperative to do more than talk. Listening is a key ingredient as well.

“Parents should invite participation in these conversations,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a lecture because teens will interpret that as an insult. Be open to exploring with them what they are thinking and feeling about drug use as their experiences in the world change.”

With parents and teens engaged and participating in the conversation, the underlying reasons for any drug use, such as depression, anxiety, sadness,

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fear, etc., may be uncovered, which can then be addressed with the appropriate professional help.

Know the signs If, after such talks, parents become worried their teen is using drugs, it’s time to get help. The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids suggests these behaviors may be warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored: • Changes in relationships with friends or family members.

• Complaints of tiredness or lethargy.

• Mood changes, including hyperactivity and inability to focus.

• Loss of interest in schoolwork or hobbies.

• Unusually clumsy.

• Disappearing for long periods of time.

• Deceitful or secretive behavior.

• Disappearance of prescription medicines, money or valuables.

• Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain.

• Avoiding eye contact.

“Often teens will self-medicate, so it’s important to get help from an addictions professional who can address the substance use while also examining the underlying issues,” said Dr. O’Neill.

The Menninger Clinic, 12301 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77035, 713.275.5000, www.MenningerClinic.com

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Finding the right private school

A minute with Maisie

One of the most important decisions we will make as parents is where to send our children to school. During the school year, the average student will spend 55-65 percent (7-8 hours) of awake time each day at school. So how do we choose where our child will spend so much time?

A friend’s opinion or internet reviews can be misleading. We should not assume one student’s experience will be the same as another student’s experience. Using biased or unreliable sources can steer us towards a school that, in the end, may not be the best school for our child.

To find the right fit we must compare your values with the school’s values, which can be a monumental task with so many schools in the Houston area. Every school has its own unique strengths. A school may stress academics, athletics, fine arts, character development or a combination.

At Firat Educational Solutions, we will work with you to navigate these decisions and customize a system to help you find the best fit for your child, your family and your values. If you would like to learn more about our school-placement process, transition program or academic support and enrichment programs, please call or email us. We would love to customize a program to fit your needs.

Firat Educational Solutions, LLC, Nicholas Morgan, Ed. D., Chief Academic Officer, 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 390, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.871.1048, ext. 706, www.firateducation.com

Many clients ask me, “What do you do when your co-parent refuses to follow the court order?”

Texas courts issue orders every day with the expectation that parties will follow them and avoid the need for further litigation. However, family-law cases involve ex-spouses, blended families and children’s changing needs and activities. Therefore, when a co-parent refuses to follow a court order, the legal remedy is to file an enforcement action requesting the court to punish the person and request attorney’s fees.

These are very technical pleadings and require significant detail, so it is best to try to work out your differences and rely on an enforcement action as a last resort. Always try to communicate with the other parent about these issues without involving the children.

However, if you have tried to communicate but the other parent refuses to cooperate with you, an enforcement action may be the correct course of action. Maisie A. Barringer is a partner at Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., a full-service, boutique, family-law firm specializing in divorce, child-custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

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

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sponsored by

PETS

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Different training options

Neighborhood Tails

713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Lulu, age 7, Cockapoo, Grennoch Lane Hello. My name is Lulu, and I’m a barkoholic. I guess I should start from the beginning.

Growing up, we lived across the street from a huge park so I had to watch other dogs play all day. They were constantly walking in my front lawn, and I had to protect my house from the huge dogs. I may be all bark with no bite, but that’s the only way I know. I have tried to cut back to barking only 90 percent of my day. The other things I do in a day include standing on elevated surfaces to attempt to assert my dominance and begging for food. One of my favorite things is go to my neighbor’s house and hang out with my best friend Kruzer. We like to bark at other dogs together. At the end of a long day, I love to sleep cuddling up next to my mom and dad. It’s a good life.

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

A Portrait Remembers Specializing in hand-tailored finishes including canvas, Giclee, fine art printing, wall portrait décor and much more.

A portrait remembers 713.523.4916 nikky@lawellphoto.com www.lawellphoto.com

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Whether you need help getting your puppy through potty training, helping your older dog learn good manners, or teaching both of you a new sport, a number of training options are available to fit every dog owner’s needs, budget and busy schedule.

In group classes, you and your dog work on skills such as “sit,” “stay” and “down.”

Puppy classes allow you and your puppy to work on issues such as potty training, chewing and mouthing, while having the opportunity to socialize with other puppies and their parents. Private lessons are a great option for those who need one-on-one attention tailored to the specific problems they are experiencing with their dog. Having a professional trainer come into your home can be a big advantage when addressing problem behaviors that are specific to your home environment. Many pet resorts also offer a board-and-train program, where your dog stays at the facility for two weeks or longer so the trainer can spend focused time shaping your dog’s behavior. This is a great option if you are going out of town on a business trip or vacation, and most facilities provide a private lesson at the end of the training to teach you how to reinforce your dog’s behavior at home. Whichever type of training you choose, remember that follow-up training and positive reinforcement from every member of the family is crucial. Most importantly, it’s never too late to learn.

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

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First aid: the RICE regimen

College-prep checklist

Who hasn’t missed a step or stubbed a toe on a piece of furniture? Such accidents can cause severe pain, sprain or fracture.

If you injure your foot, remember the acronym RICE. Four simple steps will help limit pain and prevent additional damage.

REST: Sit or lie down. Take the pressure off your injured foot.

ICE: To reduce inflammation, apply ice to the injury. You can use crushed ice wrapped in a towel, an ice pack or even a bag of frozen peas.

COMPRESSION: Wrap an elastic compression bandage or Ace wrap around the injured area to provide support and reduce swelling. Wrap it snugly, but be careful it’s not too tight to hinder circulation. If your toes turn white or purple, or if they feel numb or tingly, you need to loosen the bandage.

ELEVATION: To reduce inflammation and pain, prop your foot on a pillow. Just be sure it is raised above your waist level.

It is sometimes possible to walk on a broken foot. If you continue to have severe pain that persists even after the RICE regimen, you need to consult with your podiatrist immediately. You could possibly have a foot fracture, which, if left untreated, might not heal properly, causing you persistent pain or even deformity.

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

Coming out of summer to school in full force is not easy. However, you cannot have a mediocre start to the school year – the recovery will be too difficult later in the year when the material is compounded. Start solid to ensure the first progress report shows As and Bs. This will not only “buy you time” later in the year when material is tougher, but also increase chances in college admissions. When you add the SAT/ACT prep to the mix, a strong start becomes a must-have.

Here’s your September checklist: • Sophomores and juniors: Start building your college list.

• Create your testing timeline. Which test, SAT or ACT, and when?

• Take a FREE 2nd SATurday practice test on Sep. 10 at Firat Education.

• Are you ready? Take the first official ACT of the academic year on Sep. 10.

• Register for the official October SAT (Deadline: Sep. 2/late deadline: Sep. 16).

• Speak up and get to know your school teachers. You might need a recommendation one day!

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

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

Watch Their Smiles Grow

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

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NEIGHBORS

Back Porch

The new TV

I

t seems like the world is talking about fabulous TV shows – shows I have never seen and, until now, had no idea how to watch.

These new shows – critically acclaimed and smart in a way that the sitcoms many of us grew up on never were – are born not on one of four networks, but on HBO, Showtime, FX. You don’t just sit down at 8 on a Sunday to watch them. Although if you’re enthralled enough by a series and dedicated enough to keeping up with the seasons, you certainly can.

Adam Josef, who owns Crossroads Construction, knows what’s on TV. But, he says, “None of the shows I watch are current.

“The way it all started was my needing something to do on long flights,” Adam says. So he looked into downloading TV shows to his iPad,

Watching TV today Streaming – accessing a show on your computer without storing it.

Downloading – saving the show to your computer to watch it later.

On Demand – using a cable TV service to watch what you want, when you want.

Digital (DVR) recording – pressing “record” on your cable remote, or scheduling in advance, to record and watch a show later.

Where to start: HBOgo.com (check out the hilarious political satire Veep, nominated for 17 Emmy Awards in 2016, and The Night Of, a critically acclaimed, “slow-burn” legal drama) Sho.com (watch Ray Donovan, Californication, and – one not to miss this fall documenting the current election – The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth) Netflix.com iTunes.com Hulu.com

behance.net/runamokstudios

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

.

and now he’s hooked. “On a four-hour flight to Boston you can mow through a bunch of episodes,” he says.

“I search on iTunes, and then I buy all the episodes. You can do it by the season for $24.99. You type in your [iTunes] password.

It takes forever, THE NEW TV Tuning in to a wide range of compelling shows has never been several hours or more flexible. overnight, to Group, says, “I am Adam’s TV guru. I turned download all the episodes.”

Adam on to Deadwood and Boardwalk Empire.

Among Adam’s favorite shows is the BBC “Deadwood was probably my favorite show show Peaky Blinders, available through Netflix. ever. It had everything I really like. It was dark “It’s about a gang that’s in Birmingham, and a really slow burn.” Which is the main reaEngland, right after World War I.” When asked son Kevin likes non-network shows. “They what’s great about this show, Adam says, “The don’t feel the need to do what a lot of these netquestion is not what is great about it; it is what work TV shows do, where they pack a lot into a isn’t great about it.” A fourth season of Peaky small package. They can let characters develop Blinders will likely hit Netflix late this fall. over a whole season. That’s because they sign Other favorites Adam suggests: “Justified is a the season in advance.” great show about a U.S. marshal in Kentucky and Kevin says he mostly downloads TV shows and his day-to-day dealings with the local villain, who watches them on his iPhone. “My wife will go to happened to be his buddy growing up. One became sleep, and I’ll watch a little before bed. I know that’s an outlaw criminal and the other a marshal. not supposed to be great for your sleep patterns.

“Californication is another great show,” Adam “As much as I love these shows, I try to keep it says. “Ellyn [his wife] got me into that. It’s sort under control. I wait until the kids go to bed, try of NC-17.” Showtime calls it a “wild, witty and to not excessively watch and set a good example.” sexy ride in the California fast lane.”

To start, Kevin suggests looking at Netflix While Adam admits to “binge-watching” most “because it has such a huge variety of shows,” he shows (“which leads to lack of sleep”), the one says. “They keep adding more and more, from current show he tunes into at regular times is other networks. Like Mad Men and Breaking Showtime’s Ray Donovan. “Ray Donovan is a Bad. It’s like $9 or $10 a month. They’ll tell you, ‘fixer’ in Hollywood, so the show goes back and ‘If you like this, then you’ll like this.’ forth between his job of fixing the problems of “For better or worse, it spirals on itself.” athletes and high-profile stars, like someone who’s gotten caught having an affair or doing drugs, Editor’s note: To share your favorite TV shows intertwined with his personal life, which is a train with other readers, leave a comment under this wreck.” Season 4 was released this summer. story at thebuzzmagazines.com or email Adam’s had some help finding shows he loves. info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Kevin Frankel, who owns Frankel Building

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