The West University Buzz - September 2017

Liz, Lucas, Jose Luis and Tessa Vittor

Private School Directory Global Family: The Waters Chef’s Corner: Domenic Laurenzo

Tackling Type 1 Diabetes

Movie with a Mission Welcoming New Neighbors

by Jennifer Oakley

Buzz Baby: IVF Journeys Four-Legged Library Buddies Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID

What is the Whole30?

US Postage PRSRT STD

Rotisserie Chicken Meals

EDITOR’S NOTE

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

This summer we had our largest group of interns ever, nine students. Each came in with a unique set of skills, goals and personalities, but all connected with each other. Every challenge was met with enthusiasm and creativity and, often, laughter. There were many funny adventures, such as the time Jordan Miller-Mandel and Maddy Payne returned to the office wearing beach towels over their damp swimsuits after we sent them kayaking down Buffalo Bayou for a blog post or the time we sent Trevor Schneider in search of a hard-tofind e-cigarette to go with Michelle Groogan’s story on vaping. Thank you to all of our 2017 summer interns – Jordan, Maddy and Trevor, plus Karina Arnold, Andrew Duong, Aaron Feldstein, Eli Maierson, Nicki Miller and Sophia Wayne – for your hard work and passion. Now that you are back at school, the office is a lot quieter these days. We hope your experiences at the Buzz prepared and inspired you for the year ahead. You certainly inspired all of us. 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

Contributing Writer Account Managers Sales Associate Production Assistant Interns

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 Jaclyn Luke Andrea Blitzer, Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Amber Lewis Dylan Aguilar Karina Arnold, Andrew Duong, Aaron Feldstein, Eli Maierson, Nicki Miller, Jordan Miller-Mandel, Maddy Payne, Trevor Schneider, Sophia Wayne

On our cover: Liz, Lucas, Jose Luis and Tessa Vittor (from left) all support Lucas, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes six years ago.

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 © 2017 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 2017 4

World-class Indian Cuisine

Lunch • Afternoon Tea • Dinner • Bar

2925 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098 (next to Levy Park) 713.960.8472 • kiranshouston.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Getting rid of uninvited pests Regarding Back Porch, Airing our dirty laundry [by Andria Frankfort, August 2017], I had first heard about my new uninvited "pet" at a coffee I was having for a club I belong to. (We had an entirely newly remodeled home, which I was happy to share.) One of my friends remarked that I had all kinds of pets, dogs, cats, birds and also a hamster that must be loose, since she just saw something run from the pantry to go underneath my refrigerator! I freaked out, knowing I had NO hamster! Then I was in my pantry soon thereafter, and one of my pasta bags was moving, so I picked it up and EEEEEK, a rat jumped off the shelf onto my FOOT (!!!), then under the refrigerator! I had an exterminator come and put traps and poison in the attic and all that jazz. To no avail. I found out about a great gizmo from another friend, who secretly shared that she, too had had rats in the past. The Rat Zapper! I bought two. I had to encase my entire pantry in plastic containers, but now we are rat free. P.S.: I cannot believe I am putting my name on this article.

Pam Sengelmann

smiles all at the same time. You captured the torture of hoping for your child's success while wishing they would continue to need you. Beautiful and heart-wrenching. Great job!

Molly Holub

Tourette’s column makes impact Thank you so much! It [Buzz Kidz: What having Tourette’s is like, by Noa Strauss, August 2017] received incredible comments on my Facebook page when I shared it. I think I got almost 500 likes and 100 comments!

She [Noa] is returning today from the Maccabi games in Birmingham, where she won a gold medal in girls basketball! It's been a fantastic summer for her.

Lisa Shapiro Strauss Editor’s note: Lisa’s daughter Noa wrote about the realities of living with the neurological disorder Tourette Syndrome. While the print version of her story ran in The Bellaire Buzz, residents from other neighborhoods can find it and all our stories and photos at thebuzzmagazines.com. And if you know a kid or teen who wants to write for us, send us an email at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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

Editor’s note: In last month’s Back Porch, columnist Andria Frankfort shared her “unspeakable” experience of bed bugs as well as other Buzz residents’ horror stories of critters among us, prompting this response. Pam, you made us laugh, and, trust us, you are not alone.

From breakfast to model This is so exciting! When you asked me to do this, I thought that I would just submit a recipe, but it has been so sweet to see the people that have texted and said that they are going to try the recipes. I know that I always need tons of help, so hopefully it will help someone else. You were so kind to think of me and the girls. They have had so much fun with the issues.

Eleanor ran around the house saying, "I'm so cute! I'm so cute!"

Mary Rebecca Dick Editor’s note: Thanks, Mary Rebecca, for sharing your recipes in Jennifer Oakley’s story [The Breakfast Club: Home cooks who rule in the morning, August 2017] – and for joining in Nikky LaWell’s photo shoot along with your girls, Eleanor and Catherine. And Eleanor is right.

Parenting essay nailed it I just read your Buzz article [Letting Go: From Cheerios to college, by Andria Frankfort, August 2017], and it's amazing. I had tears, chills and WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 6

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Are or know veterans in our communities who would like to share their stories.

• Have special holiday traditions.

• Have interesting travel stories.

• Know a compelling neighbor to profile.

• Enjoy unique hobbies.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 7

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

lawellphoto.com

The Whole Story What is Whole30 anyway?

F

ebruary 28. Fat Tuesday. I had just finished off the last of a Gambino’s cream cheese king cake and sat down on the sofa, scrolling through Facebook and trying to feel better in spite of the cake, gin and fried oysters I’d ingested at Mardi Gras the previous weekend.

So it was fate that the first post I saw was from my perpetually cheerful friend Mary Schneideau. “My diet the last few days has been mainly fried food, vodka and king cake,” she wrote. “Has anyone else over-indulged this Mardi Gras? [Are you] interested in starting the ‘Whole30’ program with me tomorrow?

C’mon, think of how good we will feel!

Message me if interested.”

That was it. I had no idea what Whole30 was, but if it was going to make me feel better and wean me off king cake, I was in.

A quick Google later, I learned that Whole30 lies somewhere between a diet, a lifestyle change, a challenge and a cult. I couldn’t get through the hundreds of pages of “official” Whole30 information and advice from people who had done it. For 30 days, these people, who seemed to be everywhere, quit processed foods, including anything dairy, grain, alcohol, legume (all manner of beans) and sugar (real and fake).

Pretty much everything except protein, veggies and fruit, staples being eggs, sweet potatoes, avocado, lean meat. No substitutions. Oh my.

Next day Mary added me and maybe 20 others – most of whom were strangers to each other and also happened to be Buzz readers – to a secret Facebook group she named “Yes We Can Do the Whole30!” Starting then, Mary became our improbable group’s Whole30 guru and cheerleader, posting and inspiring others to post tips, recipes, rules and motivation.

“I had always been plagued with migraines, and they went away,” Mary, mother of two teenagers, says of the first time she did Whole30 in 2013, prompted in the same way by a friend on Facebook. “Not only that, but once I had changed the way I ate, it was easy to stick to.”

The Whole30 website says it’s “designed to change your life in 30 days,” touting benefits too many to list, but including more energy, better sleep, clearer skin, improved GI issues and

CHEERLEADER Mary Schneideau (at left) organized a Facebook group of friends sticking to a Whole30 diet.

Renae Nunez (at right) was one of many encouraged by Mary.

decreased pain. Even whiter eyes and fresher breath. Really?

According to Mary, yes. “The only reason I do it is because it makes me feel fantastic,” Mary says. “It’s not a scary diet like eating cabbage soup all day. Just healthy eating, and you only do the elimination part until you figure out how you react to certain foods.”

After the 30 days, if you’re truly following the Whole30, you integrate food groups back into your diet, one at a time, being mindful of how each affects the way you feel physically and mentally. The idea is to target any foods that make you feel less than optimal, and either permanently eliminate or significantly reduce their presence in your daily diet. Weight loss is merely a side effect, says sports nutritionist (and now-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 8

author) Melissa Hartwig, who co-founded the program in 2009 after blogging about her own 30-day “life-changing” clean-eating experiment.

No weigh-ins and no calorie counting allowed.

After completing an initial 30 days of virtue, Mary says, “For a couple of years, I kind of stayed on 80 percent of the time, but for the other 20 percent could have my tacos and margaritas that I loved so dearly. But this past year I had all this false confidence, and I went back to my old ways. And the horrible migraines.”

Barbara Shreffler, a fundraiser at Texas Children’s Hospital and violinist with the Houston Ballet, was suffering allergic reactions to something just about the time Mary floated that first post. “If Mary says there’s something to do, I never regret joining (continued on page 10)

"Your child's health is precious and your time is valuable!"

What makes us unique?

1. Newborn house call visits - We can come to you!

2. Free secure text messaging 24/7 with the doctor!

3. Generous 30 minute appointment times.

4. Friendly staff who really love caring for children!

We accept most insurance plans.

Free ADHD Learning Event September 30, 3pm - call to register Janet C. Pate, MD and Tina K. Leung, MD Board Certified Pediatricians since 2005 6900 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire, TX 77401 713.894.2751 • www.nurturepediatric.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 9

lawellphoto.com

WHOLE GANG Whole30 buddies Lisa Glatstein, Kim Moore, Renae Nunez, Barbara Shreffler and Mary Schneideau (from left) supported each other in a Facebook group while eliminating dairy, grains, alcohol, legumes, sugar and anything processed from their diets. (continued from page 8) her,” she says. “I didn’t

know what this thing was, but I said, ‘Yes!’ Although after [changing our diets], my husband says I have to run these things by him first.”

Even so, Barbara says she’s grateful to Mary.

“Something was up, but I thought, ‘Maybe at 58 you metabolize differently.’ But I didn’t want to just give up and say that’s just how it’s going to be.

Once I fundamentally changed some things, my skin’s improved, my hair is better, my gut is better – what’s not to like? Well, no wine. But at least now I find I’m completely satisfied with one glass.

“Also my coffee ritual,” Barbara says. “It’s very important to me, and I was bummed about losing dairy. I was the one shopping at Whole Foods wondering, ‘What the hell is paleo?’ Mary made the suggestion [on the Facebook page] to try coconut milk and cocoa powder in my coffee. It was actually delicious. I thought after 30 days I’d go back [to dairy], but I just don’t like it as much.

Now, I’m not going to turn down a Starbucks at a meeting, but at home, this is really good.”

Barbara did have one fallback. “In my third week – a week out from finishing! – I just wanted a piece of wheat toast so badly, and I wanted it now. And it was a glorious piece of wheat bread. I didn’t put anything sweet or peanut butter on it. No, I put almond butter and dried fruit [both of which are compliant with the Whole30 plan; peanut butter and jelly are not]. So it was only a half-ass fail.”

Lisa Glatstein, another member of Mary’s group and a physical therapist, says, “My back was hurting so much that I ended up switching jobs, taking time to rest and decreasing my activ-

ity level. I was taking a lot of Advil just to go to work and play golf with my husband,” she says.

“That’s when Mary initiated this group. By the third week [of being on Whole30], I realized I wasn’t taking Advil. I still feel some stiffness, but it went away by 80 percent.”

Lisa’s biggest challenge was giving up Diet Coke. “You’ll see me complaining about it on Facebook,” she says. “But now I’m convinced that I was sensitive to fake sugar. I ate a lot of it in the name of dieting – protein bars, protein shakes, Skinny Cow ice creams, Diet Coke.

Which kept me wanting sweet things.

“There are still days when it would be nice to sit with a magazine and a Diet Coke. But I know I don’t want that pain to come back. I don’t think you realize how bad you feel until you don’t feel bad.”

Even with glowing reports from the “Yes We Can!” group and their compassion for fails and cravings, not everyone sings as much success.

Officially, Whole30 promotes a strict no-cheating policy that calls for a total re-start from Day 1 if a mere drop of alcohol or dab of cream should cross your lips – even if it’s on Day 29.

Some say the plan sets participants up for failure.

Almost as many “Whole30 failure” entries exist on Google as do success stories – many with read-me headings like, “Screw the Whole30,” or, “I did the Whole 3.”

A 46-year-old lawyer who had been Whole30ing for a few months at the time of this writing says he’s been “unsatisfied with the food and bored.” The good side: “After two years of having a screwed-up trigger finger, it’s back to normal.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 10

Got a really painful steroid shot that wore off about a year ago. Has to be the diet. Very weird.”

And then he adds: “I want a cupcake.”

There are other 30-day clean-eating plans out there, like Clean Food Crush and The Paleo Secret, all a little different but with the same premise: clean up your diet, kick sugar, feel better. Megan Schwartz, a registered licensed dietitian and owner of Kids Nutrition Houston, says they’re all basically good for you. “It’s good to get away from processed foods,” she says. “But if you just do it for 30 days, it will only work then. So I like that they offer a way to work back into your life without being so strict. The drawbacks can also be benefits. Doing [Whole30] requires a lot of cooking and prep. You have to really plan when going to the store, which is one of the hardest things, even though it’s a good habit.”

As for my own experience on Whole30, which has now turned into Whole90-something, I can say this: Day 25-ish I sunk into a depression when I realized I had been eating everything clean for a month and had lost zero pounds. Even with clearer skin (yes, it happened), sounder sleep (I’m now the person who wakes before my 5:30 a.m. alarm), more focus (I get in a serious zone) and amazing energy (I keep describing Whole30 as natural ADHD-med Vyvanse), I couldn’t shake my addiction to weight loss. But by week 7-and-a-half, with 7 pounds gone, I had drunk the Kool-Aid. The thing is, though, life is short. Doughnuts are good. And when I asked Mary why she didn’t stick to Whole30 all the time, she quickly said, “Because fried food, vodka and king cake!” Amen.

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

713-481-4885 3642 University Blvd., Suite 102

Houston, TX 77005 w w w. w e s t u o r t h o . c o m

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 11

lawellphoto.com

NEIGHBORS

by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer

Tackling Type 1 When diabetes is part of the family

L

iz Vittor knows the day that transformed her family. It was March 31, 2011, and her then-7-year-old son Lucas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

“When we received the call from the doctor’s office that Lucas’ blood sugar was unreadable at over 600, we were told to go straight to Texas Children’s Hospital, and we were rushed right in,” recalls Liz. “They took us right back, started an IV and began the process of injecting Lucas with the insulin his body could no longer make.

Then everything changed.”

The magnitude of a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis was quickly impressed upon Liz, husband Jose Luis, son Lucas and daughter Tessa. That fracture in life – that “before and after” split– is felt acutely by people who have a family member diagnosed with Type 1.

“Over the five days we were in the hospital, we had to learn how to give shots, test blood sugars, count carbs, adjust everything for exercise, illness, stress and growth,” Liz says. “All the while the message comes across that if you don’t do this right, your child will suffer complications: blindness, organ failure and possibly even death. And, by the way, there is no cure, so Lucas will live with this the rest of his life.”

Trying hard to be brave for Lucas, Liz says she initially was floored with fear. “A diagnosis of Type 1 is like being hit with a freight train,” she says. “I spent every free minute on my computer, searching for a cure, some hope. People often confuse Type 1 with Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle and diet do not cause Type 1 diabetes; it is the result of the immune system attacking the pancreas and killing off beta cells, which the body needs to produce insulin, which is needed for a person to survive. Lucas, like many others who are diagnosed, had no family history of Type 1 diabetes.”

More than six years since that first day, Liz wants folks “to understand the gravity of the disease and also to have them see the hope in this disease.” An attorney, she has become an advocate for Type 1 diabetics and was recently named president of the Gulf Coast chapter of the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Her mission is to educate people about the signs of Type 1 and help families cope

AN APP FOR THAT Lucas Vittor, who has Type 1 diabetes, wears a continuous glucose monitor that is tracked with an app on his iPhone.

with a diagnosis.

She stresses that diabetes becomes part of the family – not just the patient.

Liz says in the weeks before Lucas was diagnosed, she and Jose Luis had attended the annual JDRF gala as guests of a friend whose son has Type 1. Looking back, she credits the gala as being serendipitous, giving her knowledge of the symptoms Lucas was having.

“Signs of Type 1, which the incidence of is on the rise, are extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, sudden weight loss and sudden vision changes,” says Liz. “If I had not been at the JDRF gala only a month before this time, we may not have been able to diagnose Lucas in time to save his life.”

“The moment a family member is diagnosed, the entire community is involved,” says Jose Luis Vittor, a law partner with Hogan Lovells. “At the

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 12

inception, Tessa would ask Lucas before a meal if he checked his blood to see if he could eat or not.”

The Vittors, who live in Braes Heights, point out that Type 1 diabetics can eat all kinds of food but they have to plan ahead. “I have noticed that Type 1 diabetics are generally very selective about where they take in their carbs, as we all would be if we had to count every carb that goes into our body,” says Liz. Lucas, now 13, is an avid tennis player, and Liz says he has to be careful with his insulin, food and drink intake while playing. “Exercise tends to lower blood sugars, so Lucas needs to reduce his insulin intake before exercise and treat with Gatorade for long periods of exercise,” she says.

“It is a challenge but one that has not stopped him from playing the sports he enjoys.”

As a former collegiate basketball player, Spring Valley Village resident (continued on page 14)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 13

proof that Type 1 diabetics can walk the line between diabetes and playing sports. Growing up, William played competitive basketball and baseball. It was during his 12-year-old Post Oak Little League season that he was diagnosed with diabetes.

“He was diagnosed the day of the POLL Championship,” says his dad, attorney Fred Hagans. “That same day we learned how to give injections, and we went to the championship game with insulin, syringes and juices in a cooler.” When it came time for William to give himself injections, he came up with a perfect item for practice. “I learned how to do insulin injections into a Nerf ball,” he says.

Mom Patty Hagans says she was distraught when the pediatrician gave them the diagnosis.

“I thought it was the end of the world, and I just went to church and prayed for a cure,” says Patty, a retired teacher at St. Michael’s Catholic School. “But over time my prayer changed to just keep him healthy and let him live a long and healthy life.” Now a trial lawyer who practices law with his father at Hagans Montgomery & Rustay, William has done that in spades.

William had gone in for a camp physical, and a routine urinalysis showed high sugars. Their doctor had them return the next day for a glucose tolerance test. “My pediatrician said that in all his years, he had never had a child walk in healthy and walk out with diabetes,” Patty says.

“His pediatrician, Dr. Jim Hoyle, whom we still love to this day, said, ‘Your life does not have to change because of this.’ We have always believed that.”

But the Hagans did have to adapt. A drawer in their Tanglewood kitchen became a repository for “all the needles, alcohol swabs, meters, strips, used needles,” says Patty. “We had our own little pharmacy in our kitchen.” Patty kept a running, detailed notebook with all of the times of day that William’s blood was tested and what his levels were, and how much insulin he took – monitoring that was around the clock.

“For a long time I would get up in the middle of the night and would check him,” says Fred. “I would go into his room and before waking him up, I would test his blood sugar and see if he needed his insulin even before he woke up. That was one finger prick and one shot he did not have to deal with at school.”

And, Fred says, everyone was always helpful to William, from the school nurses to the college basketball trainers. The Hagans made sure William’s school staff understood Type 1 diabetes and William’s need for monitoring.

“Insulin does not cure diabetes,” says Patty. “I think that a lot of people think that because insulin is available, diabetics can take it and go on their merry way. But insulin is not the same amount every day. It depends on your diet, exercise, stress level. William will have diabetes the rest of his life.”

Lindsay Hagans, a staff attorney at the 14th Court of Appeals, works to educate others about her brother’s disease. “I’ve included my friends

lawellphoto.com

(continued from page 12) William Hagans, 37, is

ON THE BALL William Hagans, an attorney who played basketball in college, wants others to know that they can live, work and play sports with a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

in coming to the Walk with us or the Gala because it exposes those closest to me to a greater familiarity and understanding of Type 1.”

In the 25 years since William was diagnosed and the six years since Lucas was diagnosed, the families say strides have been made in treating the disease. Lucas now wears a continuous glucose monitor so he does not have to prick his finger to test his blood sugars. “My CGM has a small wire that goes into my skin and checks my blood glucose and sends the numbers to my phone,” says Lucas, an eighth grader at Presbyterian School, referring to an app that tracks his levels 24 hours a day. Liz and Jose Luis have the app on their phones, too, which allows them to keep an eye on Lucas’ blood sugar at all times. The distinctive beeps they receive on their phones are a lifeline. “Every night Lucas goes to

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 14

bed, there is a risk he will not wake up to treat his low or high blood sugar levels,” says Jose Luis.

Back when William was diagnosed, the family was given some upbeat news. “The doctor said to William: ‘You will live a perfectly normal life except you won’t be able to be a commercial airline pilot and you can’t serve in the military,’” recalls Fred.

William says he was able to accept that news and go on with life, thanks in part to support from the JDRF. “The individuals and families that make up our chapter are remarkable for the work they do,” says William, “both for fundraising to eventually find a cure and for support for newly diagnosed folks. Being a part of JDRF is one of the things I am most proud of, even though I look forward to the day we put it out of business for good.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 15

KIDS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Movie with a Mission Bringing awareness to child abuse

T

he fear and panic as he was dragged to the basement. The rope that restrained him. The sting of a heavy, square belt buckle as it met violently with flesh. Welts rising like swollen rivers, coursing his legs and feet.

Freeze-frames of a childhood.

“I remember that belt buckle. It was there for a long, long time in my life, says Braes Heights resident Scott Jarnagin, 58.

He pauses. Wipes at his eyes.

“You can see this isn’t the easiest thing to talk about. But it’s important. Awareness of the problem is important. It does things to a person.

For years I suffered in silence. I wanted to be perfect. If you’re perfect, bad things can’t happen to you, right? If I had enough of this or that, I’d be happy. But I was a troubled soul.”

Scott, a driven, empathetic man with pale, blue eyes, is a child-abuse survivor. He has wrestled his demons through years of therapy and come out the stronger for it. Early last year, this devoted father of five, grandfather to four, drew from that dark well, scripting a screenplay for his Houston-based movie Sanitatum (Latin for “healing”). The psychological thriller deals with four adult survivors of child-abuse, laying bare the monstrous grip it’s had on their lives. He’s submitting the movie to the Sundance Film Festival and is planning a Houston screening.

“Most people, especially the upper class and upper middle class, think that child abuse is based on demographics or economics and poverty when, in fact, that’s not the case. It’s going on right across the street from you,” says the entrepreneur and owner of Bacco Wine Bar. He’s the executive producer and producer of the self-funded film, partially based on his childhood experience.

Elisabeth Rohm, formerly of Law & Order: SVU fame, and Richard T. Jones of the new CBS fall show Wisdom of the Crowd play lead roles and love interests in the film. She’s a therapist counseling four adult survivors of childabuse; he’s a detective investigating a string of vigilante murders in which they are suspects.

Local talent “gave unbelievable performances,” says Scott. Austin actors Nick Stevenson, Elle LaMont, Paul Wright and Stephanie Drapeau

play significant roles, as do Houstonians Dave Maldonado and Drew Starlin.

Child actors from Houston, Emma Post, Camden Baker and Alexis Arnold, “were absolutely fantastic,” he adds.

“Interestingly enough, I didn’t learn of the cause of the film until I’d signed on,” says Drapeau, who plays a child-abuse survivor and murder suspect. “I discovered the heart of Sanitatum when Scott sent me a welcome email and included a long list of child-abuse statistics. I underON SET Houston actress Alexis Arnold, who plays a child-abuse victim in Sanitatum, stood then that the takes an off-screen break with screenwriter and executive producer Scott Jarnagin. intention fueling bottom and down on your knees, you have to this film was far deeper than entertainment.” get back up and realize it’s going to be okay.”

The project was a community affair, with The He credits therapy and his relationship with Art Institute of Houston providing interns to his children and longtime girlfriend, “the help with a variety of functions. Scott Noe, who anchors of love and stability,” with helping him teaches entertainment law there, helped with heal. Forgiveness begets healing, he says. Most production. Locales were offered for free, times the abuser was also abused. They never Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s office, La learned love. Ending the cycle of abuse is key.

Colombe d’Or Hotel, Antica Osteria restaurant Scott wants the movie to shock. and Alyson Jon Interiors, to name a few.

“Remember The Passion of the Christ? Do you According to the Child Welfare Information remember any other movie about Christ other Gateway, 40 million children are victims each year, than that one, to be honest? No. That’s what I with 1,850 dying of abuse. Eighty percent of those want this film to do for child-abuse. I want peodying are younger than age 4. ple to be shocked, get up and walk out or sit Scott began therapy in his 30s when life’s there stunned. We throw $150 billion a year at pendulum hit rock bottom with a divorce, his the problem thinking it’s going to stop, and it’s mom’s death and business troubles hitting all at just not happening. If this movie saves just one once. “I didn’t want to deal with the despair and kid from the nightmare, I’ve met my goal.” pain I was carrying anymore. When you’re at the

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 16

Build a Reason to Live Outdoors

Patio covers • Outdoor living rooms Outdoor kitchens • And more!

Texas Custom Patios • 281-265-1994 Check out more projects on our website www.PatioHouston.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 17

lawellphoto.com

KIDS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Library Buddies Animals make reading aloud fun

I

t’s amazing this works. Take a room in a public library. Throw in 6 to 12 dogs, maybe a cat or two. Then, let excited children in.

Sound like a recipe for chaos? Oddly, it’s not.

Volunteers bring their therapy animals to local libraries, including Spring BranchMemorial Branch Library, Bellaire Library and the Looscan Neighborhood Library in River Oaks, so children can read to them. Research has shown that children given even short opportunities to read aloud to animals not only show more improvement in reading fluency than their peers, but are also more likely to report that they love to read. Two reasons mentioned in the research: The animals are fun, and they don’t judge.

Most of the therapy animals are dogs. Many are rescues. Some are in costume. Baby, a beagle – dressed recently as a bumblebee, complete with antennae, at Spring Branch-Memorial Branch Library – gets excited when owner Elizabeth Emery pulls out one of her many costumes because, Emery says, Baby knows she’s going to a therapy-animal event.

Perky, a rare therapy cat, owned by Janis Zinn, loves nothing better than to drape her body, like a warm, living scarf, around anyone who will hold her.

Lyli, a pug owned by Kristi Rodriguez, had a

Where and when Spring Branch-Memorial Branch Library, 930 Corbindale, 713-464-1633, first Wednesday of month, 4-5 p.m. (Registration for time slots begins at 3:30 p.m.)

Bellaire Library, 5111 Jessamine, 713-662-8160, first Saturday of month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Bellaire Library will be closed Sept. 3 for Labor Day Weekend. That month, the event will be held Sept. 9.)

Looscan Neighborhood Library, 832-393-1900, 2510 Willowick, second Saturday of month, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

spinal stroke, suffering total, temporary paralysis, and lost one of her front legs before being nursed back to health by PugsHeart, a local specialized rescue organization. Now, she basks in attention at therapyanimal events.

Members of The Alliance of Therapy Dogs bring their dogs to Spring BranchMemorial Branch Library. Families sign up for 15-minute slots.

Alani Dickens, a second grader at Memorial BOY, BOXER & BOOKS Maddux White, age 6, and Baker, a Faithful Paws therapy boxer owned by Judith Moore, find a book of mutual interest at the Drive Elementary, read Bellaire Library. to Sharon Cuevas’s dog from the Humane Society, watched the animals’ Gracie, a wheaten terrier in a purple tulle tutu impeccable and calm behavior in awe. One of and a matching collar with pom poms. Alani has her puppies “has a tail like a whip that she’s not been coming every month since she was 6. even aware of,” Roxzan said.

“At first, she was shy and afraid of dogs,” said Therapy animals are not the same as service her father Ray. Alani explained that the dogs animals. Service animals, such as guide dogs for don’t sit in your lap, but beside you “because the blind, are trained to do tasks for people with they need to be able to see the pictures.” disabilities and illnesses. Therapy animals and Meanwhile, sisters Sarai, 10, and Abbey, 7, their owners do go through classes through the read to two dogs: Sarai to Missy, an Australian organizations to which they belong, but that is shepherd who chose which book she wanted by to ensure that they will be well-behaved. slapping it with her paw (and was rewarded with The events at public libraries result in other Cheerios by owner Denise Perkins), and Abbey benefits beyond the reading, said Kate Lilly, to Baby, the costume-loving beagle. Their mom, owner of therapy dog Ezra and a teacher at The Tien San Lucas, thinks that reading to the genJoy School. “Some children and their families tle, nonjudgmental dogs makes children who are come in with some big fears about dogs. These shy about reading aloud more comfortable. visits ease those.” Others note that foreign famThe Bellaire Library hosts monthly visits from ilies, hailing from countries with no tradition of the organization Faithful Paws. Families do not keeping pets, come to meet companion animals. have to sign up for time slots, and children wanSome, thinking of getting a pet themselves, pepder among the animals. One goal, explained per owners with questions. library director Mary Cohrs is to get children “to And everyone – child, adult, human, animal see the library as a friendly place.”

– ends up happier for the experience.

Evan Zager, 7, visited several dogs, and his sister Olivia, 6, wore the ever-relaxed Perky the cat around her neck and even at one point on See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links her head as she read to her, while their mom to local libraries and therapy-animal organizations.

Roxzan, having recently adopted two puppies

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 18

MORE ONLINE

THE STORYBOOK SANTA EXPERIENCE Would your children like to meet Santa Claus in a private one-on-one setting?

As soon as you enter our Storybook Santa studio, the magical, nostalgic feeling of Christmas will overwhelm you.You will sit back and watch your children experience Santa’s workshop where he will share his magic, find their names on the Nice List, read a story, have milk and cookies and more. We will capture as many scenes and as many natural expressions as possible.

We offer prints, heirloom canvases, framed metal art, storybooks and a variety of gift items to help remember your Storybook Santa experience.

Book before October and receive a special gift from Santa. Valued at $100.

Book your one-of-a kind experience today 12151 Westheimer Rd. October 7 - November 30

281.726.1657 www.sockmonkeyphotography.com

Where Magic and Memories Meet WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 19

FOOD

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

lawellphoto.com

Rotisserie Chicken Buy, bring home, then what?

T

hey’re everywhere. Those domed plastic boxes cradling whole, store-cooked rotisserie chickens sitting under heat lamps.

Not too appetizing on first glance.

But with a little imagination and not a lot of time, there’s a whole lot that can be done to transform those odd birds into something delicious.

Elizabeth Williams, who owns Cheesecakes

by Elizabeth and regularly feeds any mix of her blended family of six children and a husband, not to mention friends stopping by all the time, loves a rotisserie chicken.

“They make dinner so easy,” she says.

“Remove the meat and shred it with a fork. I like to use it in chicken enchiladas, chop it up to make chicken salad, or I’ll mix it with onion and cheese to make quesadillas. Also, there’s a salad at Costco that’s a super weeknight dinner. It’s an Asian chopped salad. You take the chicken off the bone and put that on top. So easy. Or, if you don’t use the nut and wonton package [that comes with the salad], just take the cabbage and carrots and whatever comes in the salad and put it in bone broth. It literally takes five minutes and makes a great Asian soup.”

Elizabeth’s bone broth also starts with rotisserie chickens. Often, she’ll freeze the meatless carcasses until she’s saved three or four, enough to make soup. “Put carrots, onions and celery in a crock pot, just like chicken soup. Use just the bones of the chicken, though, no meat. Then add some apple cider vinegar to bring out the collagen and nutrients from the bones. I add turmeric because that’s super healthy, too. Then put it on low and cook it for like nine hours. If you don’t use a crock pot, just keep it at a superlow simmer on the stove. When it’s done, I’ll drink it from a cup, or I’ll use it as a base for other soups. However you use it, you’ll get health benefits.” Some of those benefits, according to bone-broth devotees, include improved digestive health, better skin, increased immune function and detoxification.

“Costco, for sure, has the best rotisserie chicken,” Elizabeth says. “It’s like a 3-pound chicken, which is bigger than all the grocery stores sell. I don’t think it’s organic [it’s not], but it’s always perfectly cooked and tastes great.” Another perk

WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER Elizabeth Williams, with her children Eloise and Andrew Vallone, often uses rotisserie chicken as the base for dinners like chicken enchiladas.

– Costco birds are $4.99, while the grocery storevariety, while smaller, can cost almost twice that. If you’re lucky, you’ll hit the store on a day when they’re selling the chicken already off the bone. One less step.

Leslie Margolis, mother of two middleschoolers, says that people love her rotisserie chicken green chile stew. “It’s probably why some people like me, if you want to know the truth,” she says. “I’ve made a lot of friends with this recipe, especially during football season.

“You start with one jar of HEB’s Green Chile Stew. Just dump it in the pot, and then shred up the whole [rotisserie] chicken and add it. I buy onions and celery already chopped up, but do it however fits you best. I sauté them with a little olive oil in a separate pan and then dump them into the stew. Then I add one can of white cannellini beans, some cumin powder, and a whole thing of tomatillos. They’re in a large can, which is not easy to find. You’ll have to look on the bottom shelf at the grocery store. I cut the big tomatillos up, take the little stem out of the mid-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 20

dles, and then throw them all in. If it needs to be thinned out, you can add some chicken broth. Or, pour in the chicken juice from the bottom of the rotisserie chicken. Then, I just heat it up until it comes to a boil, then let it simmer for a while and all cook together.”

Leslie is notably organized in all things, so it’s fitting that she has an entire menu planned around her friend-making green chile stew. “I serve cornbread with it,” she says, offering another easy, “doctored-up” recipe. “Use the Marie Callender’s cornbread mix; then add half a can of [Del Monte] Summer Crisp Corn to that recipe. I also add one cup of sharp cheddar cheese. That makes 12 muffins.

“And then there’s a salad we put with it: Mix a bag of spring mix [lettuce], slivered almonds – they have to be toasted – thinly sliced red onion, supremed grapefruit [fruit with the membrane and pith removed], and add your favorite dressing.”

The best part? Once it’s a component of a great recipe, nobody will ever be the wiser that you didn’t roast that chicken yourself.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 21

S

P

E

C

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

I

S

I

N

G

S

E

C

T

I

O

N

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 again 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 thebuzzmagazines.com.

Alexander-Smith Academy High School Co-ed • Est. 1968 10255 Richmond Ave., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77042 713-266-0920 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 Rob Wise, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Middle School; Nov. 12, 2017, 1 p.m. The rest of our tours are made by appointment at www.aoshouston.org.

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. We live by our motto: "The School for Hearts and Minds.”

Becker Early Childhood Center 15 months through 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: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, 9:30 a.m.

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 is 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.

Bellaire United Methodist School for Little Children Mother’s Day Out / Preschool Co-ed • Est. 1950 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-666-1111 • www.bellaireumc.org Rhonda Sampiere, Director Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour.

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.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 22

P

R

I

V

A

T

E

S

C

H

O

O

L

D

I

R

E

C

T

O

R

Y

Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1987 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 713-551-7200 • www.erjcchouston.org Bonnie Kasner, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Aug. 27, 2017 The Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center provides a nurturing environment where young children learn through an emergent curriculum anchored by values of community, kindness and compassion. We’re identified as a Sheva Lab Community School by the Jewish Community Center Association of North America. Our program is NAEYC-accredited and a 4-Star Texas Rising Star. BAS offers a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed experiences so children become flexible and successful learners.

Beth Yeshurun Day School Early Childhood / Elementary Co-ed • Est. 1949 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • www.byds.org Lauren Kupor, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Next-year previews for individual grades start December 2017.

Beth Yeshurun Day School combines Jewish 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 Briarwood School Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1967 12207 Whittington Drive, Houston, Texas 77077 281-493-1070 • www.briarwoodschool.org Debbie Etheridge, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Sept. 14, 2017, 9 a.m., Oct. 3, 9 a.m., Oct. 19, 9 a.m., Nov. 30, 9 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.

Chapelwood School for Young Children Infants though Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1958 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Texas 77024 713-465-4657 • www.chapelwoodschool.org David Walker, School Director Open House Dates: Oct. 18, 2017, 10 a.m., Nov. 14, 10 a.m., Jan. 18, 2018, 9:30 a.m.

Children are a gift from God. We build a strong foundation for faith, learning, creativity, community and confidence so that your children grow confident in God’s love and fully prepared for life.

Crossroads School, Inc. Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1977 5822 Dolores Street, Houston, Texas 77057 713-977-1221 • www.crossroadshouston.org Tami Riggs, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Call to schedule a personal tour.

Crossroads School, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit school that prepares students with learning differences (K-12) to integrate into a conventional school or college by facilitating maximum academic and social potential in an emotionally safe and supportive environment. The school employs individualized curriculum, targeted teaching strategies and multi-sensory approaches to learning. Specializing in the education of children with learning differences since 1977, Crossroads accepts students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia, expressive/receptive language disorders, auditory/visual processing disorders and gifted and talented.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Girls • Est. 1960 10202 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-8211 • www.duchesne.org

(continued on page 24) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 23

S

P

E

C

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

I

S

I

N

G

S

E

C

T

I

O

N

(continued from page 23) Beth Anchondo, Head of Admissions and Mission Communications

Open House Date: Nov. 9, 2017, 6 p.m.

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 3 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.

Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1989 1120 Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-5567 • www.erjcchouston.org Jenny Rochkind, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Aug. 27, 2017 The Early Childhood Schools of The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston embrace the JCCA’s Sheva Early Learning Framework as our primary curriculum source. Children learn through active investigation of their environment and in partnership with peers and teachers. Our teachers help children become independent, confident and inquisitive learners, while aiding in their social, emotional and cognitive development. We maintain a low child-to-teacher ratio with talented, credentialed educators.

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 Open House Dates: Middle School, Nov. 12, 2017, Upper School, Nov. 1, 2017 The Emery/Weiner School is a private, college-preparatory middle and high school offering an exceptional education in a supportive environment, framed by and infused with progressive and pluralistic Judaism. Our unique, inclusive culture encourages students to pursue a wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic interests while developing a strong sense of self and community. Small class sizes allow for talented teachers to help students grow in confidence and competence. Emery students graduate with a profound sense of moral self-reliance, empowered to advocate for themselves and others.

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 Dates: Nov. 8, 2017, 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 Primary / 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: Oct. 24 and Dec. 5, 2017, 9 a.m., Jan. 10, 2018, 9 a.m.

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.

Fusion Academy Houston Galleria Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1989 5065 Westheimer Rd., Suite 840, Houston, Texas 77056 713-963-9096 • fusionhoustongalleria.com Elizabeth Beguerie, School Director Open House Dates: See FusionHoustonGalleria.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 24

P

R

I

V

A

T

E

S

C

H

O

O

L

D

I

R

E

C

T

O

R

Y

Fusion Academy Houston Galleria is a revolutionary, accredited private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential.

With one teacher and one student per classroom we’re able to personalize curriculum and teaching to students’ individual strengths and learning styles.

Our campus includes a Homework Café® where students complete all homework before going home. Fusion students are all unique but have one thing in common: traditional school doesn’t work.

Houston Christian High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1997 2700 W Sam Houston Parkway N, Houston, Texas 77043 713-580-6020 • www.houstonchristian.org Anne Dalton, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 2, 2017, 7 p.m., Nov. 2, 2017, 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 Girls • Est. 1873 609 Crawford Street, Houston, Texas 77002 713-227-3637 • www.incarnateword.org Kate O’Brien, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Nov. 5, 2017, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Incarnate Word Academy, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women, is uniquely situated in downtown Houston. For the past 144 years, IWA has empowered Women of the Word with a rigorous education rooted in academics, values, and spirituality. IWA is home to the innovative Young Leaders Program, a four-year character and leadership development curriculum that develops in-demand leadership skills built upon a foundation of strong personal character.

Lutheran High North High School Co-ed • Est. 1980 1130 W. 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018 713-880-3131 • www.lutheranhighnorth.org Kendra Benson, Admissions and Marketing Open House Dates: Please call to schedule a private tour or visit us at our Friday Night Lights Open House, Oct. 20, 2017, 5:30-8:30 p.m. School tours at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kickoff at 7 p.m.

Lutheran High North has a rich history of preparing and equipping students to become Christian leaders in their communities and places of vocation.

Many opportunities exist at LHN, both academically and within the different extracurricular activities, which help to promote and develop our students' leadership qualities. At LHN, we are proud to claim that Every Day is a Great Day to Be a Lion!

Marine Military Academy Boarding School 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 Dates: April 13, 2018, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

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 home to the historic Iwo Jima Monument.

Memorial Lutheran Classical 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-K Preview (ages 3-4), Nov. 9, 2017, 11:30 a.m.; Prospective Families for K to 8th, Nov. 14, 2017, 6 p.m.; Kindergarten Preview, Nov. 29, 2017, 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. Band, Orchestra, Choir, Art, Physical Education, and field trips add the enrichment component to our strong core curriculum of Math, Science, Language Arts, History/Geography, and Latin. Memorial Lutheran serves children 6 weeks to 8th grade. (continued on page 26) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 25

S

P

E

C

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

I

S

I

N

G

S

E

C

T

I

O

N

(continued from page 25)

Montessori Learning Institute 3 months through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1987 5812 Maple Street, Houston, Texas 77074 5701 Beechnut Street, Houston, Texas 77074 713-774-3793 (Maple) • 713-771-5600 (Beechnut)• www.montessorilearninginstitute.com My Le Vo, M.Ed., School Director Montessori Learning institute Developing outstanding, Confident scholars Open House Date: Sept. 28, 2017, 5 p.m.

The faculty and administration of Montessori Learning Institute are committed to provide the most nurturing and stimulating environment, in which each student is respected for his uniqueness and encouraged to blossom into the best he or she can be. We foster our students' total development – academic excellence, strong moral character, and a lifelong joy of learning. We strive to develop confident and responsible scholars who will work together to build a peaceful world.

Pilgrim Lutheran School Early Childhood / Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1954 8601 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, Texas 77096 713-432-7082 • www.plshouston.org Megan Hill, Admissions and Marketing Director Open House Dates: Call to schedule a private tour.

Save the date, Saturday, December 9, 2017, as we celebrate Pilgrim's 70th Anniversary. Nurturing God-given gifts and talents through academic excellence, Pilgrim Lutheran School is a private school offering a traditional education to students 18 months through 8th grade who live in the Greater Southwest Houston area.

Pines Presbyterian Preschool 18 months through Kindergarten Co-ed • Est. 1970 12751 Kimberly Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-467-9358 • www.pinespresbyterianpreschool.com Connie Pike, Executive Director Open House Dates: 18 months through age 4, Jan. 24, 2018, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge Class and Kindergarten, Jan. 25, 2018, 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 so he or she can become a confident, self-sufficient and caring individual.

The Post Oak School 14 months through High School Co-ed • Est. 1963 4600 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401 1010 Autrey Street, Houston, Texas 77006 713-661-6688 • www.postoakschool.org Vivian Blum, Admission Director Open House Dates: Elementary, Oct. 10, 2017; High School, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 7, 2017, Jan. 11, Feb. 6, April 3, 2018 Post Oak offers a comprehensive education from infancy through high school, which includes the International Baccalaureate diploma program for grades 11 and 12. Students at each level benefit from carefully prepared environments including a second campus dedicated to adolescent development that accesses partner institutions in the Museum District, Texas Medical Center, and downtown. As life-long learners, our students develop academic, social, and entrepreneurial skills that help them pursue their passions and live purposeful, successful lives.

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/Lower School, Oct. 25, 2017, 6 p.m.; Middle School, Nov. 15, 2017, 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.

The Preschool At Christ The King Preschool Co-ed • Est. 2017 1201 Silber Road, Houston, Texas 77055 713-892-5464 • www.thepreschoolatchristtheking.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 26

P

R

I

V

A

T

E

S

C

H

O

O

L

D

I

R

E

C

T

O

R

Y

Katie Whitehead, Preschool Director Open House Dates: Please visit the website to schedule a tour.

The Preschool at Christ the King is a ministry of the church that works alongside families to educate children in a Christian environment and point them to a life of glorifying God. We believe that all children are a gift from God, created in the image of God for his glory, and that the years of early childhood provide a unique opportunity to encourage, inspire and establish strong educational practices and lay the foundation for a life of faith in Christ according to Biblical principles.

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: Please check our website for details.

Inspiring joy in learning, Rainard is Houston’s only school dedicated to gifted education. Our classrooms are designed to help bright, inquisitive students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through like-minded peer relationships, differentiated instruction, rigorous academics, small class sizes, and a close connection with nature.

The Regis School of the Sacred Heart Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Boys • Est. 1991 7330 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055 713-682-8383 • www.theregisschool.org Beth Schneider, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Every other Wednesday beginning Sept. 27, 2017 through Feb. 21, 2018, 9-10:30 a.m. Register online.

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 Admission Open House Dates: Preschool and Lower School, Oct. 12, 2017; Middle School, Nov. 9 ROBS melds ambitious academics with abiding Christian values, preparing students to identify and solve nuanced problems in an ever-changing world.

Through our student-centered approach, ROBS will challenge your child to be the example of an eager mind guided by a faithful heart. Our graduates become leaders in Houston’s top high schools, premier boarding schools, and beyond. If your hopes for your child include intellectual curiosity and a strong moral compass, come visit us.

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. RMBA students are 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 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: Kindergarten and Kindergarten-Bridge, Oct. 4, 2017, 9:30-11 a.m.; Middle School and Upper School, Oct. 25, 7-9 p.m.

Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating its 63rd year in Meyerland as a Pre-K through 12th grade Christian college preparatory school offering a classical education. Over the last three years, STE students have won state championships in soccer, swimming, cross country, orchestra, choir, and yearbook. We also offer a world-renowned Scottish Arts program that includes Highland dance, bagpiping, and drum- (continued on page 28) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 27

S

P

E

C

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

I

S

I

N

G

S

E

C

T

I

O

N

(continued from page 27) ming. Graduates attend universities throughout the nation; acceptances in 2017 came from a wide array of universities, including

Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Rice, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon.

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, 2017, and January, 2018. Call the office for dates or to schedule an appointment.

School of the Woods offers a continuum of Montessori education for pre-school through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. It is an independent, nonsectarian, 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 through 12 Co-ed, Christian • Est. 1946 6410 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas 77057 713-365-2310 • secondbaptistschool.org Andrea Prothro, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Lower School, Oct. 17, 2017, 8:30 a.m.; Middle School, Sept. 19, Oct. 20, Nov. 9, Dec. 6, 2017, 9:30 a.m., Jan. 29, 2018, 9:30 a.m.; Upper School, Oct. 4, 9 a.m., 2017, Oct. 27, 5:30 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 digitallybased global community.

The Shlenker School Pre-K / Elementary Co-ed • Est. 1982 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 713-270-6127 • www.shlenker.org Tara Gassett, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 24, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

Families choose The Shlenker School because of the school’s commitment to an outstanding secular education with integrated Jewish learning and values.

We provide an outstanding education that prepares our students for the next stage of their academic life. We foster the whole child in a developmentally appropriate learning environment that is nurturing and challenging. When you visit, meet our faculty, and speak with Shlenker parents, you will understand why Shlenker graduates have become scholars, professionals, and leaders within and beyond our community.

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.” More than 85 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. 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 and Enrollment Management Open House Dates: Primary School, Oct. 19, 2017, Nov. 29, Dec 4.; Lower and Middle Schools, Oct. 22, 2017, Nov. 2, Nov. 30; Upper School; Sept, 24, 2017, Oct. 22, Nov. 8, Dec. 5 Founded in 1952, St. Francis combines rigorous academics and thoughtful religious instruction with competitive athletics, superb fine arts, advanced technological instruction, and compassionate service learning to create a truly inspired education. Mission: 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, Dignity, Courage, Scholarship.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 28

P

R

I

V

A

T

E

S

C

H

O

O

L

D

I

R

E

C

T

O

R

Y

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 Gabriella Gonzalez, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: PS-8th, Nov. 15, 2017, 9-10:30 a.m., March 7, 2018, 5:30-7 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 Matt Burgy, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Oct. 25 and Nov. 8, 2017 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. Michael Catholic School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1954 1833 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056 713-621-6847 • www.stmichaelcs.org Tana Adamo, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 6, 2017, 9:30 a.m.

Established in 1954, St. Michael Catholic School integrates faith and knowledge in the tradition of providing a Catholic education to boys and girls from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. We educate the whole person, promoting growth and development of the mind, body and spirit. We take pride in the history of our Catholic beliefs, while cultivating the values of faith, conscience, scholarship, and service to empower our students to be leaders and good stewards of the community.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1971 1800 Sul Ross, Houston, Texas 77098 713-821-9100 • ssesh.org Ky Willson, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Tour dates are Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Sept. 7, 2017, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, Jan. 18, 2018, Feb. 1, April 5, May 3, June 7. Prospective Family Tour and Luncheons are Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 27, 2017, March 2, 2018.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School educates students 15 months-8th grade using the curricula of Montessori and IMYC with a fully integrated and robust fine arts program. St. Stephen’s leads in student acceptance, where everyone is valuable for who they are. We are a proud progressive Christian school, rooted in Episcopal values, accepting families of all faiths, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our students approach challenges from multiple perspectives and have confidence to question, create and contribute.

St. Thomas High School College Preparatory 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: Jan. 7, 2018, 1-4 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, lifelong 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

(continued on page 30) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 29

S

P

E

C

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

I

S

I

N

G

S

E

C

T

I

O

N

(continued from page 29) 713-666-2345 • www.saintvincentschool.org

Renee McCurry, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 8, 2017, 2:30-4 p.m.; Nov. 5, 2017, 2:45-4:15 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School is a 2016 Blue Ribbon and fully accredited school. Its mission is to develop students to their fullest potential in an environment permeated with Gospel values.

Trafton Academy Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1973 4711 McDermed, Houston, Texas 77035 713-723-5888 • www.trafton.org Yvonne Cosgrove, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Grades 4-8, Oct. 5, 2017, 8:30 a.m., Nov. 8, 8:30 a.m.; Pre-K-Grade 3, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m.; Small group tours, Oct.-Dec. (sign up on website beginning in October); Individual meetings by appointment 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 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 Dates: Oct. 4, 2017, 9 a.m., Jan, 17, 2018, 9 a.m.

Veritas is an independent Christian school in the classical tradition that prepares students for lives of service and learning through Biblical literacy, academic excellence, character formation, and intentional engagement opportunities.

The Village School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1966 2005 Gentryside Drive, Houston, Texas 77077 281-496-7900 • www.thevillageschool.com Jen McMahon, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: STEAM Day, Nov. 8, 2017, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pre-K through Middle School, Feb. 9, 2018, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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. It's known for its excellence in math and science, and recently announced a new collaboration with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which will enhance its widely recognized STEAM curriculum. The Village School is a proud member of the Nord Anglia Education’s network of schools. Limited placements for Preschool 2s through grade 12. An International Baccalaureate School.

West U Baptist: A Children’s Village Preschool 6 months through Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1997 6218 Auden, Houston, Texas 77005 713-667-5180 • www.wubc.org/acv Patina Sehorn, School Director Open House Dates: Sept. 7, 2017 A Children's Village is a licensed Preschool/Mother’s Day Out program for children ages 6 months (by September 1st) through pre-K. We offer differentiated curriculum adopted from two popular programs: FunShine Express and Mother Goose Time. These are aligned to Texas State Standards and provide activities that support cognitive, motor, language, social, and emotional development. They also include faith-based lessons – Experience God & Faith Lesson – that link directly to the monthly themes. These lessons are consistent with the Christian principles of West U Baptist.

Westbury Baptist Church Weekday Programs Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1969 10425 Hillcroft Street, Houston, Texas 77096 713-723-6428 • www.WBCHouston.org/weekday-programs Geneva Ponce, Director Open House Dates: TBD, please call WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 30

P

R

I

V

A

T

E

S

C

H

O

O

L

D

I

R

E

C

T

O

R

Y

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.

The Westview School Pre-K / Elementary / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1981 1900 Kersten Drive, Houston, Texas 77043 713-973-1900 • www.westviewschool.org Becky Mattis, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Tours given year-round by appointment The Westview School is a private, non-profit school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder from ages 2 to 15 years. Westview’s challenging, well-rounded curriculum includes a full range of academic programs and a strong emphasis on social communication and social skills. We offer opportunities to pursue the arts, extracurricular activities, and real-world experiences. The enhancement of self-esteem and the development of appropriate behavior allow our students to become successful members of the community.

Yorkshire Academy Preschool through Elementary Co-ed • Est. 1984 14120 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079 281-531-6088 • www.yorkshireacademy.com Yvonne Galloway, Admissions Director Open House Dates: January 25, 2018 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.

The Reason for HOPE Pediatric Therapy Center • Early Childhood Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program • One-on-One ABA Therapy • Diagnostic and Psychological Services • Parent Training Services • Serving children 12 months - 6 years old

Proudly serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders since 2008 and providing support to families in a positive and HOPEful environment.

All services by appointment only • Health insurance accepted 5959 West Loop South, Suite 202 Bellaire 77401 832-632-2177 ext. 105 • www.thereasonforhope.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 31

KIDS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

IVF journeys

Buzz Baby is a column about life with little ones.

Writer Annie McQueen has three children under the age of 3.

L

auren Mills, a petite accountant and blogger, sat in her doctor’s office chair. She whispered the same Bible verse she always did, I Samuel 1:27. “For this child I have prayed…,” she murmured, as the needle poked her arm.

“I can’t count the number of times I repeated this verse,” she says now. “It got me through every blood test and every shot.”

Lauren, with her landman-husband Scott, had been trying to get pregnant for three years when she learned that she had a blockage in her fallopian tubes.

With that news, their fertility journey began.

After four failed intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures, which involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus for fertilization, the couple decided to start in vitro fertilization. In IVF, an egg is fertilized outside of the body and then implanted in the uterus.

Lauren had been referred by her regular obgyn to the doctors at Houston IVF. They began the two-month process. “I started with a cycle of birth-control pills. Then came the shots,” Lauren said. “It was a lot of pressure to make sure I mixed the vials appropriately and gave myself the correct dosage.” She gave herself one to three shots a day.

She described the egg retrieval and implantation process in the doctor’s office as “relatively painless” – she was under full sedation for the retrieval and partial for the implantation.

“Some couples have a ‘babymoon,’” said Lauren. “We [took] a post-IVF moon. We went to the Bahamas for a week as soon as it was safe to travel.”

They returned to some good news. “The nurse called a few hours after my lab work with the sweetest news that I was indeed pregnant,” said Lauren. They welcomed their son Ford in February 2016.

Graphics designer Cassie McClung and her civil-engineer husband Mike became first-time parents to their 9-year-old daughter, Avery,

without any trouble. “In fact, she was a nice surprise,” said Cassie.

Avery arrived and everything seemed fine, but then, within an hour of her birth, she suffered a seizure. She was rushed to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and had lifesaving brain surgery within a week.

The couple would learn that Avery has a genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis. They had no idea that Mike A MOTHER’S JOURNEY Lauren Mills (pictured) and her husband Scott had was a carrier of this rare their son, Ford, in 2016 with the help of in vitro fertilization. condition. “I knew that that all of my embryos were affected by the conif we had more children, with the genetic condition,” said Cassie, through tears. At that dition my daughter carries, that there was a moment, standing in a cold medical room, she 50/50 chance my other children would get it,” said she wanted to give up. said Cassie.

She didn’t. After a short break, she started the Mike and Cassie opted to try preimplantation entire process over. It worked. They welcomed genetic screening, a process of IVF that would their third child, Lee, in February 2017. identify embryos without the gene disorder.

IVF doesn’t always work. Physician assistant “Outside of infertility, it’s not uncommon Renee Clary, with her college sweetheart-husthat patients will go through IVF for screening band Ryan, struggled to get pregnant. She had of embryos for a specific genetic disorder as well diminished ovarian reserve, a low number of as a chromosomal disorder,” said Dr. Katherine and/or impaired development of eggs.

McKnight, a reproductive endocrinologist at Renee and Ryan completed multiple rounds Houston IVF. “There are families whose chilof IUI and IVF, only to hear heartbreaking news dren are affected with disorders that are life at the end of each round, either that it did not altering, and some are caused by an extra or work, or that it resulted in a pregnancy that deleted chromosome, while others are simply a would not thrive. small missing piece of DNA. Both of these situDespite all of this, Renee said she knew she ations can actually be screened or identified would be a mom one day. “After the third misthrough IVF, therefore significantly decreasing carriage, my husband and [our doctor] both sat the risk of the couple having another child with me down and said, ‘We have got to take a difthe same disorder.” ferent path,’” said Renee. “In my heart, I knew After a successful round, Cassie got pregnant that.” The couple had already started researchwith their second daughter, Maddie, who is now ing adoption.

6. Years later, as she was going through IVF A short time after the decision to close their again for a possible third, Cassie recalled standIVF chapter for good, Renee and Ryan opened a ing with Avery at an MRI appointment. new one. They adopted their son Charlie, now 2, Her phone buzzed in her purse. It was her in 2015, and, recently, their daughter Kate Louise.

Houston IVF nurse. “She was calling to tell me

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 32

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 33

TRAVEL

.

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Global family: the Waters

This is the second in a series on families who take extended study-abroad trips together. Last month, we visited with the peripatetic Germains. Next month, we’ll catch up with the Kramers in Paris.

M

aybe it was the moment when, rappelling down 40-foot cliff drops in a waterfall in Ecuador with “truly terrible” guides, Gerry Waters turned to her children and said, “If anything happens to me, I want you to get my phone and call your father.”

Maybe it was the moment Luke, then 9, nearly sliced off his toe on a barnacle on an island in Thailand with no health-care facilities – and Gerry googled to find that barnacle cuts in tropical waters can be life-threatening.

Or maybe it was the moment when husband Lou was pulled aside by security in the Istanbul Atatürk Airport and sent to jail for breaking an obscure antiquities law – where he was shoved in a cell with five other men – all for buying an antique knife.

The scariest moment of the Waters’ global sojourn is still up in the air; Gerry related their Top 10 in the family blog, World Wide Waters.

And the scary stories are fun to tell – but so are the strange and wonderful ones.

The Waters, like the Germains from last month, had been talking for years about taking a trip together around the world. Gerry is British, and Lou’s parents live in the Hill Country, so most family travel time is spent in one place or the other. They wanted to have a trip together – just the five of them. And they realized time was running out before their eldest, Sacha, then 12, would be in eighth grade and applying to high schools.

So in August of 2014, the family – Gerry, Lou, and Sacha; Thalie, who was then 10; and Luke, who was 9, hit the road. Their first stop: Nosara, Costa Rica, where they thrilled to the roar of the howler monkey, iguanas and parrots in their backyard, and waves beneath their feet.

In the Coconut Harry surfing school, all three were up on their boards from the first day.

Sadly for Lou, a serial entrepreneur, the idyll was not to last. He had planned to spend the year on the road with his family, but a company

he and partners had purchased needed his help.

After 10 days soaking up Costa Rica, he headed back to Houston for a while, and the rest of the family soldiered on.

“It was an adjustment,” said Gerry. “We missed him terribly, but this decision saved about 1,000 jobs, so it was definitely the right call.”

Lou joined them at several points along the way for a total of six weeks of their ninemonth journey. “We operated broadly on a no-news-is-good-news policy, so would just text back and forth a few times in a week,” wrote Gerry in an eLEAPING LARGE AT THE TAJ The Waters children celebrate the beauty of the Taj mail interview. “If ever Mahal. From left: Sacha, 15 (then 12); Thalie, 13 (then 10); and Luke, 12 (then 9). one of us said we needed exploration of the Galapagos on a catamaran. to talk, it generally meant: “It is impossible to describe the impression the • (husband) You know I said I was going to join islands will make on you, but it is easy to say that you in Peru/India/Cambodia? Well, something’s they are all you’ve ever heard about them – and come up… more,” he wrote on the family blog.

• (wife) Um, I need to pay our hotel bill in cash, Next up was Peru, where Lou flew in to join and the cash machine won’t give me any more them again for a quick weekend in the Sacred money/Thalie is really, really sick in hospital in India Valley. The remaining Waters took on the fourand no one can speak English and I don’t know what day Inca Trail hike, learned Spanish in Cusco to do and I’m really scared and went backpacking around rural Peru, stopThe next stop was Ecuador, where they spent ping in indigenous communities before landing time in the Amazon with a Quichua communiin the stunning southern city of Arequipa. Not ty, marveling at one-room thatched homes, the content with typical tourist fare, they signed up abundance of tropical fruit and the white-seeded for a “reality tour,” which gave them an eyecacao. They paid a visit to Yasuni National opening glimpse into the deep social inequality Park, where they swam with electric eels and of the country, with visits to a shantytown and a piranhas (not dangerous, Luke clarified, because stone quarry with slavelike working conditions. “they only attack stuff bigger than them if it’s After Peru, it was time to circle home to Houston bleeding, sick or weak.”) for a visit with Dad, and then to England to rest and Up in the highlands, they visited with connect with family there and share their advenweavers in Quito and explored the colorful tures. By November, they were ready to set off for a street markets of Otavalo. whole other world: India.

Lou caught up with them for a weeklong (continued on page 36)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 34

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 35

WHITSUNDAY WONDERLAND The Waters relax after scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef during their year of travels. From left: Luke, Lou, Thalie, Gerry and Sacha.

Back in Houston now, Sacha and Thalie attend St. John’s School, and Luke goes to Presbyterian School.

Tea plantations and tiger sanctuaries, ancient ruins and modern skyscrapers, mangy dogs and beautiful people – first impressions were overwhelming. Luke was struck by the “man-skirts,” or lunghis; the girls loved the saris and salwars, colorful tunics coupled with matching pants, and the scent of jasmine. Luke loved the curry; Thalie steered clear. After a brief stay in Delhi they flew to Kerala, India’s most prosperous state, where highlights included tours of tea and spice plantations, an elephant ride and a full immersion in the December Hindu pilgrimage.

A place they longed to linger was Varkala Beach, where cliffs line the Arabian Sea and a dip in the waters is believed to wash away sins.

Gerry described it as “a combination of Hindu pilgrimage and sacred site, fishing village and low budget Goa vibe.”

But the real highlight in India was the two weeks they spent volunteering at Rising Star Outreach, which supports 15 leprosy colonies and a school – an option they learned about from another family’s travel blog. They lived with the children at the boarding school, eating meals with them, sitting cross-legged, using their hands.

During the day they would travel to different leper colonies in the network and assist medical teams in cleaning wounds, taking blood pressure or maintenance.

(continued from page 34)

They learned contracting leprosy is very unlikely with a healthy immune system, and is easily cured in the early stages – a tragic irony that did not escape them as they attended to those with advanced stages of the disease who were quarantined for life. Still, they were amazed at how peaceful and happy the communities seemed to be.

“The people we went to treat were so friendly and welcoming and amazing that within 20 minutes we were just getting on with it and laughing and singing – and the kids absolutely loved it,” said Gerry. “It was scary, and at same time it was brilliant.”

Likewise, the high point of their time in Cambodia was a volunteering stay with Ponheary Ly, a survivor of the Killing Fields who went from beggar to teacher, saving her money to found a network of schools to take children off the streets. She helps fund the schools by running a guesthouse out of her home, the Seven Candles Guesthouse. The Ponheary Ly Foundation supports 2,800 children with education, food and clothing, and won the World of Children Education award in 2016.

“Staying at her house was amazing,” said Gerry. “She would come and talk to us about her life, and we met her children and grandchildren.

We were there for two weeks and spent it between the house and helping in the schools.

A hugely generous, funny and gentle person.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 36

The experience was especially wonderful, she added, given the contrast of the three weeks they had just spent in New Zealand. “We were all miserable,” she confessed. “I let someone else plan it, and we were just driving from one place to another. It’s a beautiful country, but it felt like we were in a car the entire time… there was no connection with the people of the country at all.”

After New Zealand, they still had five more countries and 3.5 more months to go – you can read about it on their lively blog (highly recommended: “Tigers” by Sacha; “Aboriginals in the Blue Mountains” by Thalie; and “So Many Stories” by Gerry.)

I end with wise words from Sacha’s Round-up: “…But the place where I learned the most about the lives that other people lead was in India. There I saw houses held together by string and a sheer will to survive. There I saw people with stumps for fingers painting beautiful works of art. There I saw poverty. And it was terrifying.

“India is hot and dry and dusty, and its people are poor. And they are wonderfully happy.

“Because joy is free.”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for direct links to blog posts and websites, plus an online exclusive with round-the-world travel advice from Gerry Waters.

Create a buzz for your biz.

BELLAIRE WEST UNIVERSITY MEMORIAL TANGLEWOOD RIVER OAKS To advertise in The Buzz Magazines, contact us at 713.668.4157, ext. 11 or advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 37

The Junior League of Houston

FOOD

by Jaclyn Luke, contributing writer

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

I

n the words of one of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, “Hospitality is about love, not about performance,” a philosophy I embrace wholeheartedly.

I may not have the time or ability to prepare gourmet meals, but I love to host a good dinner party. And thankfully, so do our friends.

Gatherings in someone’s home feel more intimate, and the conversations are richer. We are able to linger around the table longer in a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, we don’t have to hire a babysitter as long as there’s a Pack ’n Play and an empty room.

Over the years, my friends and I have really learned our way around each other’s kitchens – where to find the wine openers, serving utensils and water glasses. That kind of comfort among friends makes hosting (and cleanup) even easier.

I like to serve homey, unfussy food: a simple appetizer, a hearty main course, a green salad, a delicious side, and a light but satisfying dessert.

If we’re hosting a large group, I’ll let The Pantry at the Junior League of Houston do the heavy lifting and will pick up the Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Creamed Horseradish and Rolls for the main course along with the Crudités and Fresh Dip for an easy appetizer.

The seasoned fresh vegetables are offered with a choice of fresh dill, creamy blue cheese or roasted red pepper dips.

On my way home, I’ll pick up a succulent red fruit Pinot Noir and a rich Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the flavorful tenderloin.

For a fall gathering, I love to serve the Avocado Cucumber Soup with Cilantro. It pairs well with the Arugula, Corn and Tomato Salad. Both recipes can be found in Peace Meals.

Then before anyone has left the table, I’ll bring out a platter of Hazelnut Dream Cookies, also from Peace Meals. A ready-plated, no-fuss dessert is a wonderful way to round out the meal.

I hope you’ll consider hosting a dinner party instead of making a restaurant reservation the next time you gather around the table with friends.

VINAIGRETTE, PLEASE Just whisk, combine and toss to make the breezy Arugula, Corn and Tomato Salad from Peace Meals.

To buy a Junior League of Houston cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.

Avocado Cucumber Soup with Cilantro From Peace Meals Ingredients: 1½ cups chicken broth 2 avocados, pitted, peeled and chopped 1 medium sweet onion, chopped (about 1½ cups) ½ to 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and coarsely chopped 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped (about 2½ cups), plus additional slices for garnish 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, plus additional ½ teaspoon coarse salt ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ cup fresh lime juice 1 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream) This recipe requires advance preparation.

Puree the ingredients except yogurt in a blender until smooth. Refrigerate for at least three hours or up to one day. Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of yogurt and garnish with cilantro and slice of cucumber. Serve chilled.

Serves six.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 38

Arugula, Corn and Tomato Salad From Peace Meals Ingredients for Vinaigrette: 1 ⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 ⁄8 cup Balsamic vinegar 1 ⁄8 cup chopped fresh basil 1 medium vine-ripened tomato, seeded and diced 2 large cloves garlic, mashed Ingredients for Salad: 2 ears of corn, shucked and kernels cut from cob 5 ounces baby arugula 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. Combine the corn, arugula, tomatoes and pecans in a large serving bowl. Toss with just enough of the vinaigrette to coat evenly; season with salt and pepper, and top with cheese to serve.

MORE ONLINE For other recipes mentioned in this story and in past columns, see thebuzzmagazines.com.

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Making the EpiPen® affordable Since Mylan bought the rights to the EpiPen from Dey in 2007, the price for two units has gone up from about $100 to over $600. In response to terrible publicity from what were called predatory price increases due to its monopoly, the company came out with an authorized generic, selling for $300. This generic is the exact same device with a different label that says “epinephrine autoinjector” instead of “EpiPen.” You can save an additional $25 on the copay of that generic with a coupon at: my-generic-epinephrine-auto-injector.com.

However, that price is still unaffordable to many. Two different epinephrine autoinjectors are available in the U.S., one more expensive and one less expensive.

The Auvi-Q is a pocket-sized autoinjector that talks and flashes lights to instruct one in how to use the device. Auvi-Q was taken off the market (because of uncertainty in the dose being administered) in 2015, but as of 2017 is being sold again. It sold for about $400 when it was marketed by Sanofi a few years ago. Now kaleo pharma markets it, and its list price is $4,600, but it has its own co-pay assistance program. Per the company, uninsured patients with household incomes under $100,000 can get the device for free. See their website for details.

The third autoinjector is the generic of the Adrenaclick. This cylindrical device looks like an old EpiPen and operates similarly. It is only sold as the generic. Many pharmacies have a cash price of $109 for it, and there is also a $50 coupon at epinephrineautoinject.com.

There is more competition to come.

In June 2017, the FDA approved Adamis’ prefilled epinephrine syringe.

Though not an automatic injector, this device is straightforward and should be the least expensive of all when it is available later this year. It will be sold under the name, “Symjepi” (weird name – simple injectable epinephrine?).

If your doctor prescribes “EpiPen,” the pharmacist cannot offer you the Adrenaclick or any other device since they are not “AB rated” generics. If you prefer the less expensive device, ask your doc to prescribe “epinephrine autoinjector.” The dose is 0.3 mg if you weigh 66 pounds or more, and 0.15 mg if your weight is less than 66 pounds.

Even though you may have medical insurance, it is sometimes less expensive not to use your insurance, depending on the value of the coupon at goodrx.com. As of this writing, CVS is selling the authorized generic of EpiPen for $141.25 with a goodrx.com coupon.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 39

El Tiempo Cantina

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Domenic Laurenzo

Find out about your favorite chefs in our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews El Tiempo Cantina chef-owner Domenic Laurenzo.

D

omenic Laurenzo has vivid memories of his grandmother. But he isn’t the only one who remembers Maria Ninfa Rodriguez, who became a Laurenzo when she married her Italian beau, also named Domenic. Many food historians credit the effervescent grandmother of 18 for helping to put fajitas on the map.

She wasn’t the one who came up with the sizzle of the skirt steak. No, that credit goes to the vaqueros and their families in South and West Texas. But the Rio Grande Valley native popularized fajitas and Tex-Mex counterparts at her tiny namesake restaurant on Navigation that appealed to factory workers in the East End, along with socialites and celebrities (John Travolta, Aerosmith and ZZ Top).

“Mama” Ninfa passed away in 2001, but through her oldest grandchild, Domenic, her culinary legacy will continue. Domenic and his father, Roland, operate the successful El Tiempo Cantina. Currently, there are seven locations.

An eighth is expected to open before Christmas in Webster, followed by two more in 2018, bringing the total to 10 Tex-Mex hibachigrilling locations in the Houston-Katy-Clear Lake areas.

For the Laurenzo family, it’s a dramatic comeback, given that they lost the rights to the Ninfa’s name in Chapter 11 in the late ’90s.

And the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is owned by Houston’s Legacy Group. But time heals, and on Oct. 22, The Ninfa Laurenzo Foundation (tnlsfhouston.org) will host Tacos Over Texas to raise money for scholarships in the parking lots of El Tiempo Cantina (2814 Navigation Blvd.) and the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (2704 Navigation Blvd.). Mama Ninfa would be proud.

But Domenic shared candidly that the road back wasn’t easy, and El Tiempo Cantina almost didn’t make it.

Twenty-five years after your grandmother opened the first Ninfa’s, a humble taco stand to

boost her tortilla factory, you and your dad, Roland, opened El Tiempo Cantina (3130 Richmond).

We opened on April 8, 1998, with little fanfare. Days and weeks went by, and we had miserable lunches. The sales, or lack of, was starting to put a strain on us. My DOMENIC LAURENZO Mama Ninfa’s grandson, Domenic Laurenzo, is preserving his family’s Tex-Mex tradition with the planned fall opening of an eighth El Tiempo Cantina, grandmother would this one in in Webster. Two more are planned for 2018. come for lunch. It and I love it. It’s got its place in the world of was the only positive thing: her coming to have food. But the outside skirt, if done correctly, is lunch every day and me sitting down to talk to her. as good as a filet at The Palm. We use the outFinally, my father approached me about shutside skirt steak. ting down the restaurant. I was beside myself.

We know how much you love Tex-Mex, but Then a few days later, a friend of my grandmothare there other cuisines you enjoy with the family? er’s, who was in the police force and a big part of You know I’ve got five kids, so I find myself the gay community, came for lunch. He called my going to a lot of places that revolve around my dad over. He said, ‘I drove here for breakfast and kids, like Buca di Beppo (5192 Buffalo you’re closed. Why are you closed on Sunday?’

Speedway) and the Rainforest Cafe (5015 That following Sunday we were opened for Westheimer). But for me personally, I love Mala breakfast. We got the pancake mix, the charro Sichuan (9348 Bellaire Blvd.). I order the boiled beans, and this guy packed El Tiempo with his spicy beef and the dumplings in spicy oil. The friends, packed it until 8 that night. We never crispy chicken is just crazy good. We also like looked back after that.

Vietopia (5176 Buffalo Speedway), and I love the Your grandmother taught you about cuspho at Les Ba’get (1717 Montrose). Vietnamese tomer service and that “the customer is king.” is my favorite food outside of Tex-Mex. What about your dad, Roland?

Tex-Mex has grown up since the days of My father has an arsenal of ideas. His jumbo Mama Ninfa and her taco al carbon. What are crabmeat nacho, for example, and the veggie your thoughts? fajitas. I get my creative side from my dad, the People are much more knowledgeable, and hardest working man I know. I love his there are people who didn’t grow up with Texapproach to our culture and food.

Mex, but are opening Tex-Mex restaurants.

El Tiempo is famous for its tender fajitas. When Everyone is serving Tex-Mex; even some selecting fajita meats, what should you look for?

Vietnamese restaurants are serving Vietnamese You have the outside skirt and the inside fajitas. You know if you find it in a Vietnamese skirt. The inside is chewier with more tendons. restaurant, Tex-Mex has taken deep roots.

It’s a lesser quality than the outside skirt.

Outside skirt is a bit thicker than inside skirt and Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh more uniform in shape. A lot of taquerias use the is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and inside skirt. They pummeled it until tender. longtime Houston-based restaurant writer.

This is their business model, and it’s delicious

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 40

Happiness Starts With a Smile!

Beautiful You The DermSurgery Difference Brundha Balaraman, M.D. is a nationally recognized board-certified dermatologist with expertise in advanced cosmetic and laser procedures, medical dermatology, and skin cancer. She performs all the latest cutting-edge procedures including Botox® and filler injections, Kybella®, skin tightening, laser resurfacing, Coolsculpting®, scar revision, sclerotherapy, PicoSure® tattoo removal, and more.

Brundha Balaraman, M.D. 4747 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 240, Bellaire, TX 77401 Call to schedule your appointment 713-669-9222

West U Family Dental provides an exceptional dental experience through hospitality, amenities, quality and efficiency.

• 3D CT Scan at no additional charge • Emergency visits available • Cosmetic care • Insurance friendly • TVs and music in treatment room

FREE WHITENING! FOR NEW PATIENT APPOINTMENT CALL FOR DETAILS

Jonathan Schulze, D.D.S. • Brett Murphey, D.D.S. 3173 W. Holcombe Blvd. @ Buffalo Spdwy.

Houston, TX 77025 713-766-9600 • www.westufamilydental.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 41

ProShots

SPORTS

.

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz W

ith the return of a pair of talented offensive weapons, including quarterback Darion Manning and wide receiver Kealon Jackson, the Bellaire Cardinals could be a team to watch out for as football season kicks off this month.

Manning, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season, enters his third season as the Cardinals starting quarterback. “Darion had an outstanding summer,” said Cardinals head coach Herb Kunz.

“He also played the best game of his career in the playoffs last year against Cy Ranch, so we’re looking for that to continue this season.”

Meanwhile, Jackson was the district sophomore of the year last season. “Kealon is a talented athlete and a terrific young man,” said Kunz.

Kunz expects to get additional offensive firepower from junior Axavier Green, who missed much of last season with a knee injury. “We’re looking for Axavier to have a breakout year. We’re excited about what he’ll bring, not just as a receiver, but also on special teams and defense.”

On defense, the Cardinals will have to fill several holes with the loss of five starters. For that, Kunz expects big seasons from defensive linemen Craig Lofton and Cam Johnson, in addition to defensive backs Dontre Scott and Malik Walker. “Those guys are all returning lettermen who bring loads of leadership to our team.”

There’s no shortage of experience at quarterback for the Stratford Spartans, with senior Mark Murdock back for his fourth season as the Spartans’ starting Q.B. “We expect big things from Mark,” said Spartans head coach Eliot Allen. “For any player to start all four years at the varsity level, much less at quarterback, is pretty unique and impressive. It’s also the first time he’s 100 percent healthy going into the season.”

On the ground, the Spartans will count on two-year starting running back Chaise Ellis to

TAKING ON THE WORLD Pitcher Jake Arthur helped lead the West University Senior League All-Stars to this summer’s Senior League Baseball World Series. Arthur pitched a no-hitter in the semifinals of the U.S. bracket.

carry the load. Ellis ran for over 700 yards last season, and, at 210 pounds, gives the Spartans a big threat in the backfield. The offensive line is led by all-district senior Thomas Howell.

Defensively, the Spartans boast a trio of standout linebackers in Jonathon Ziobrowski, Ben Kuhn and Ben Miller. Kuhn is an all-district pick who already has collegiate offers from Air Force and San Diego. Miller, the district defensive newcomer of the year last season, is the third of the Miller brothers to suit up for the Spartans in the last four years. Older brothers Sam and Alex are now both playing collegiate football at Northwestern University. On the defensive line, 6’3”, 290-pounder Colin Christman-Gourley should be a force for the Spartans.

It was another magnificent summer for the West University Senior League All-Stars (1516 year olds), who earned a berth to the Senior League World Series for the sixth time since 2009, having won World Series Championship in three of those years. “Most of these kids grew up together in West University, and we’ve been able to keep this core group together for several years,” said head coach Clint Sauls. “That continuity has a big reason for our continued success. These kids take great pride at making a run to a World Series championship every year.”

“It’s been a ton of fun playing in the West University league since I was 9 years old,” added outfielder and leadoff hitter Brendan Cumming.

“Getting to the World Series this year has been

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 42

a dream come true.”

Representing the Southwest USA, this year’s West University team came within three victories of a World Series title, ultimately being eliminated in the semifinals of the USA bracket.

West University pitcher Jake Arthur was magnificent in that semifinal game against the Western USA All-Stars, throwing a no-hitter in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat. “Jake was sensational all summer,” said Sauls. “He was definitely our pitching ace.”

Another force on the mound this summer was Jacob Doxakis, whose older brother John was a key part of the 2014 and 2015 West University World Series Champions. “Jacob has definitely followed quite nicely in his brother’s footsteps,” said Sauls. “He’s also been one of our top hitters, even us giving us the game-winning hit in our eightinning victory over the Eastern USA All-Stars.”

At the plate, catcher Beckett Vine led the team in home runs and was rock solid defensively. “Beckett is our biggest power threat, and he’s also pretty amazing behind the plate,” said Sauls. “Runners don’t have a chance to steal against him.”

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

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Charlie Gard and Texas right to transfer laws Charlie Matthew William Gard died this summer, a week shy of his first birthday. Born in England with a fatal genetic disorder, his parents had sued the National Health Service (NHS) to compel an experimental treatment. The NHS argued that treatment was futile and life support cruel. After his condition deteriorated, Charlie’s parents yielded, and life support was withdrawn.

Similar dramas play out in our own Texas Medical Center. Doctors and family disagree about treatment, and a life hangs in the balance. Texas offers extensive procedures to protect both physicians and patients when conflicts arise. Chapter 166 of the Texas Health and Safety Code addresses advance directives, including medical powers of attorney, out-of-hospital DNR orders, and directives to physician.

Section 166.046 requires review by an ethics or medical committee whenever a physician refuses to honor a patient or family’s treatment request, whether expressed in an advance directive (“withhold life support” or “do not withhold life support”) or a contemporaneous decision (“heroin, please”). Life support is provided pending review and at least 10 days following the committee’s report. Extensions are made when a court finds a reasonable chance a different doctor or facility would honor the request.

The process would be familiar to Charlie Gard’s parents: conflict, internal review, judicial oversight.

Texas also makes an effort to educate patients and family before conflict arises, and to help frustrated patients transfer to a more cooperative setting.

Section 166.004 requires health care providers, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities (but excluding emergency rooms),

to develop written policies regarding advance directives and to share them upon treatment or admission. Every Texan, every time, is entitled to “a clear and precise statement of any procedure the health care provider is unwilling or unable to provide or withhold in accordance with an advance directive.”

When a conflict regarding life-sustaining treatment arises, part of the review process is a notice explaining the patient’s rights. Featured prominently is an explanation that, even if the committee decides the treatment request is inappropriate, the physician and facility must assist in finding other, willing providers.

In addition, the notice includes a list of providers and referral groups that have volunteered to accept or help transfers. Texas maintains a registry of those volunteers, located at www.dshs.texas.gov/THCIC/AdvanceDirectivesRegistry.shtm.

To date, the only groups registered support continued life-sustaining treatment.

None support patients who request withholding or withdrawal of treatment.

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 2017 43

SPORTS

.

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz, Jr. W

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

On top of the world Boy Scouts from St. John the Divine’s Troop 55 stand (top photo) at the top of a mountain at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The boys completed an 11-day, 56-mile trek that included more than 4,000 feet of elevation change. They reached the summit of two of Philmont’s most difficult peaks, Black Mountain and Big Red, and also hiked to the top of Mt. Phillips, which stands at 11,750 feet. During their trek, the scouts enjoyed archery, blackpowder rifles, rock climbing and tomahawk throwing. The accomplished mountaineers are (top row, from left) Jonathan Riley, Stone Shannon, Chad Disch, Peter Wade, Austin Wrubel, Luke Poirot, Jeffrey Chen, Karl Poirot and David Shannon; (bottom row, from left) Ryan Disch, Wilson Grant and Lee Riley.

Summer baseball champs The 14U Kyle Chapman (KC) Titans are the undefeated champs in both their Sectional and Coast Regional tournaments. KC is a PONY baseball league in southwest Houston, and the teams are composed of recent SW Houston Little League alumni. The players and their parents credit the 35year veteran coach, Nick Ozuna Jr., for a large part of the Titans’ success.

The champions are (back row, from left) coach Rick Rojas, George Mills, Reed Bourlon, head coach Nick Ozuna Jr., Ben Finley, Will Russo, Carson Brown, Nicholas Sorak and coach Randy Rojas; (bottom row, from left) Adam Montgomery, J.D. Jones, Riley Gwin, Manuel Crespin, Max Barrocas and Grant Stringer; not pictured: Steven Denning.

Coyotes on the attack The LC Houston 2025/26 Coyotes competed in the Wild Card Tournament in Lewisville. The elementary school-aged boys are fairly new to lacrosse, but their athletic talent, combined with coaching, resulted in a strong showing at the tournament. The boys learned quickly and were tough competitors against more experienced tournament teams that play year round. Coaches Joey Gauss and Drew Tingleaf were helped by 3D Lacrosse master coaches Chris Harren, Paul Kirkaldy, Dan Jeannotte and Nick Fersen. The Coyotes are (top row, from left) coach Joey Gauss, Mason Riddle, Jake Lovoi, Scotty Eckert, Chase Nguyen, Kenneth Owen, Jackson Schwieder, Luke Duffield, Cooper Gregory, Forrest Balette, Mac Barrow, Ben Robishaw, Jack Borgen, Drew Long and coach Drew Tingleaf; (bottom row, from left) Jackson Maddox, Hunter Williams, Zach Christie, Nathan Horn, Anderson Dihn, Hayden Halaska and Justin Stubbs.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 44

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

What to look for when you’re looking for a therapist When you’re experiencing emotional distress, you want relief.

But what qualities should you look for when you decide it’s time to seek help from a therapist?

Resources Check out the websites of Mental Health America of Greater Houston, the Houston Psychological Association, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Houston or similar organizations to find prospective clinicians.

Asking friends, family members and primary care physicians for referrals is often another avenue. If you choose this route, Megan Kale, LCSW, director of outpatient assessments and a staff therapist at The Menninger Clinic, advises against being treated by the same therapist a family member or friend uses. “Set healthy boundaries by finding someone else for your own therapy,” she says.

Criteria for selection “When evaluating a therapist’s qualifications, make sure they are licensed by their discipline’s state board and went to an accredited training program,” says Kale. “Those are essential qualifications.”

Once you find a therapist with these qualifications, make an appointment to discuss your needs. Ask them about their treatment philosophy and their experience treating individuals with similar needs. How long do they estimate the course of treatment will be? What types of assessments will they perform?

Also, make sure the therapist uses evidence-based treatments.

“There are many different treatments available, but they’re not all based in rigorous science,” says Michelle Patriquin, PhD, director of clinical outcomes and a staff therapist at Menninger. “Receiving evidence-based treatment helps ensure the benefits from treatment are maximized.”

If you’re evaluating a therapist for a child or adolescent, Dr. Patriquin recommends visiting effectivechildtherapy.org to learn more about what’s considered evidence-based treatment for those age groups.

Finally, Kale says, “Don’t make a decision based on a first impression.

Give the therapist at least two or three appointments before you decide whether or not to continue. That way, you can evaluate how safe you feel during the sessions and how likely you are to form a strong therapeutic bond with the therapist. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to try different therapists and even different therapies.”

The bottom line: Treatment is often very effective, and there’s a therapist out there who’s right for you and ready to help.

For a therapy appointment with Megan Kale, LCSW (pictured), Dr. Patriquin or another Menninger therapist, call 713-275-5178.

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

5802 Lake Street • West University • Offered for $1,199,000

Charity O'Connell Yarborough

Stephanie Montalbano

Mollie O'Connell Yarborough

Stacey Christman

2927 Ferndale • Houston, TX 77098 713.626.1030 • OYProperties.com

5207 Grand Lake • Bellaire • Offered for $1,595,000

Lauren Blaylock Teare

5130 Grape Street • Meyerland • Offered for $1,349,000

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 45

DON’T HATE Lucy Frankfort, a senior at Lamar High School, started a No Place for Hate club at her school.

KIDS

by Lucy Frankfort, age 17

Buzz Kidz E

Creating a kinder community

verywhere you go, you see people sitting alone. Some of these people must be happy sitting alone, but I have to think that some aren’t. This has always bothered me.

When I was in elementary school, I would see kids sitting by themselves at lunch, and it bothered me. I would say to my friends, “Y’all, let’s go sit over there so that (insert a name) has someone to sit with.”

Now, seven years later, I don’t physically go sit with the kids who sit alone at lunch. That feels silly and intrusive in high school. But I always look at those kids, smile and wonder whether or not they are happy sitting alone. Last year, I started thinking about those kids sitting alone, kids who might not have the easiest time in high school. I decided that it was time for my

school to become No Place for Hate.

I spoke with my friends about the idea, and they all loved it and sort of teased me about it saying things like, “That’s so you.” I sat down and contacted the Anti-Defamation League, and with just a little effort and help from friends, we have now organized a school club that anyone can join. The club has meetings throughout the year and puts together activities that create an environment to meet new people or learn about someone else’s culture. Our goal is that by bringing No Place for Hate to our high school, we will create awareness about being respectful and tolerant, about those of us who might be having a hard time and about those of us sitting alone.

I hope that No Place for Hate will continue

at my school after I leave, and that it can be the start of a kinder community. Maybe now when I walk by people who are sitting alone, it won’t be completely out of place to sit with them.

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.

Have you ever wondered how the tooth fairy tradition started?

Join Abella, a precocious little fairy, on her journey through Tulip Hollow and discover how she accidentally starts the tooth fairy tradition.

Join local author, Zane Carson Carruth Book Signing • Saturday, Sept. 23 10:30am – 12:30pm Tomfoolery Toys & Books 4844 Beechnut St www.worldsfirsttoothfairy.com

T-Shirt Quilts Let me turn those t-shirts into a unique gift!

Graduation • Birthdays Sports • Activities • Greek Life Pet Photos • Anniversaries Other types of quilts also available

Lisa Jones 713-664-3933 lisaquilts4u@gmail.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 46

25% off all dresses 9/1-9/30

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Cram Crew: Tutoring in modern academia My name is Larry Ting, and I am the brand development coordinator at Cram Crew. After graduating from Memorial High School, I attended the University of Houston Honors College for my undergraduate degree and again for my MBA in marketing.

Tutoring is no longer just reactionary support. It is now a proactive plan and a necessary tool for success. Academic competition is more fierce, the necessity for higher education is greater, and additional academic services are all the more imperative. A student’s ability to succeed will rely more and more on services like Cram Crew, which provides students the tools and academic advantages they need to reach their most ambitious goals. We aspire to teach our students the work ethic, skills, and diligence needed to reach those goals and beyond. Cram Crew helps students stand out above the rest.

Cram Crew is a resource specializing in personalized tutoring, superb test preparation (SAT, ACT, PSAT, etc.), and a unique college-readiness bundle. Our academic consultants come to you in your own home, and each student is matched with expert consultants who provide oneon-one sessions to deliver undivided attention so that each student’s areas of improvement are directly addressed and monitored. We schedule those sessions based on the student’s schedule, whenever the student is available. Our consultants are not just tutors; our consultants are academic mentors, highly qualified and specially trained to provide what is best for each student. Our test-preparation services also include periodic mock exams hosted in our offices (available to all Cram Crew members)

and unique Cram Crew study manuals, among other content-specific resources developed by qualified Cram Crew experts. Our college-readiness department edits student résumés and college essays and advises on college applications, ensuring each family has the support and the know-how to navigate the college-application process in the most proficient manner.

Cram Crew, at its core, is focused on providing quality experiences. When I consider how formative academic experiences were on my life, I realize how different that experience is for the students of today. One needs only to briefly observe modern academia in Houston to realize the need for a service like Cram Crew. The means to succeed have evolved, and the rules of the game have changed. Cram Crew offers the academic advantage needed to achieve even the most ambitious educational goals. Every educational experience is unique and personal, but the importance of education is universal. Join us, today, as we are building brighter futures, One student at a time...® Larry Ting, Brand Development Coordinator, Cram Crew, 10641 Shadow Wood Drive, Houston, Texas 77043, 713.464.CRAM, lting@cramcrew.com, www.cramcrew.com

Island Facts: We cook with extra virgin olive oil We use certified Angus Beef We use Boar’s Head deli meats We use hormone-free chicken We use fresh eggs whites Our smoothies are made with real fruit Our fish is wild cod from Norway and Alaska FREE HUMMUS with purchase of TWO Entrées 4 locations to serve you 5709 Woodway, 77057 • 979 Bunker Hill, 77024 4024 Bellaire Blvd., 77025 • 2365 Rice Blvd. @ Morningside, 77005 islandgrillhouston.com

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Your neighborhood grill

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 47

sponsored by

PETS

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

A moment with Dr. Montfort

Neighborhood Tails

713.662.2119 www.roveroaks.com

Calvin, age 2, Lab/Pointer Mix, Amherst St. My name is Calvin. I am a Chocolate Lab and German Shorthaired Pointer mix, and I am 2 years old. I live with my twin human brothers and my human parents.

They adopted me from K-9 Angels. My favorite game to play is definitely fetch. I could play for the whole day, but unfortunately my brothers have to go to school. I have a huge collection of tennis balls in our yard, ready for whenever someone comes outside to play. I also love to chew on things. I especially like to rip stuffed animals to shreds. My record is 30 seconds!

Luckily, my brothers always try to bring me new ones from the claw machine at Little Matt’s. I used to hate swimming, but now I don’t hesitate whatsoever – at least when there is a ball in the water for me to fetch!

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.

Dr. Natalie Montfort is a clinical psychologist and director of The Stewart Center, a full-service psychology clinic serving families in the Greater Houston area.

She is passionate about educating our community on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

As medical professionals, we are often tasked with the difficult duty of delivering unpleasant news. Perhaps a child is getting a diagnosis such as ADHD or autism, or parents are finding out their unborn child might have Down Syndrome. We are also given the unique opportunity to give these families hope. Part of this guidance is to recommend schools that will offer a specialized learning environment for their children.

In Houston, we are at a wonderful advantage because our area is home to some of the most prestigious special-needs schools in the country.

Whether a child has learning differences or severe behavioral disorders, there is a school in Houston that can cater to each family’s needs.

I would like to invite all medical professionals to breakfast on October 17 at 8 a.m. to learn about special schools in Houston, to help your clients make informed decisions about their children’s education.

The event will be held at the United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, 77007. Continuing-education credits will be offered. To learn more, contact Donna Marshall, president of the Special Schools Coalition of Houston, at dmarshall@westviewschool.org.

Special Schools Coalition of Houston, Dr. Natalie Montfort, 1900 Kersten Drive, Houston, Texas 77043, 713.973.1900, www.sschouston.org

BBQ GRILL CLEANING

We can make it sparkle like new again! Our cleaning products are: Bio-degradable and eco-friendly •Odorless •Effective Call today! 281-203-0880 • www.SirSizzleBBQcleaning.com Mention this ad for $20 off

How do I make the most of my private school application?

Shakti Dalal has 15 years of experience in private school admissions, working with parents and their children on narrowing down a good fit for a private school, the application process, and increasing chance of acceptance. She is a mom of 3 children who attend private school.

Shakti Dalal, M.A.T. 713-294-5990 • shakdalal@gmail.com www.excelprivateschoolconsulting.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 48

Engelbrink & Associates, PLLC Certified Public Accountants

• Serving the Houston community for over 30 years.

• Family owned and operated.

• Offering tax preparation and consulting services for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and trusts. www.engelbrinkcpa.com (713) 534-1328

9575 Katy Fwy., Suite 470, Houston, TX 77024

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Insurance against Black Swans New clients can be a little like students in a new school – asking questions, absorbing the details of their environment. Often they will contact me after a major, unexpected global news event. They want to know how the event will affect their investments, and whether any changes are needed in their portfolio.

My response is to advise calm, not because the event in question will not impact the investment markets, but because their portfolio already has a kind of built-in insurance against these “Black Swans.”

Simply put, a Black Swan is an unexpected event. The metaphor refers to a time when people thought all swans were white. When the black variety was first seen, it altered everyone’s thinking.

Remember Brexit? The night before the referendum on whether the UK would remain in the European Union, the polls and pundits said the “Stay” side would win. Instead, the British people voted to “Go.” Remember the Arab Spring? It began when a Tunisian street vendor, fed up with municipal authorities who confiscated his products, set fire to himself in protest. Who could have predicted such a thing? And once the movement was underway, spreading from nation to nation, remember how many media pundits hailed it as a new dawn of freedom and democracy in the Middle East? That prediction also turned out to be off, or at least premature.

Today the region is as chaotic as ever.

Black Swan events like Brexit and the Arab Spring are hard if not impossible to predict. But when they happen, volatility in investment markets may follow.

How do we protect our assets?

One way is through diversifying geographically.

There is a wide world of equity opportunities out there, easier than ever to invest in. In fact, there is now almost as much stock market capitalization outside the U.S. as within it. We are talking about a non-U.S. investment space of over 10,000 firms in some 40 countries.

Diversifying across this lets you access new opportunities for superior returns, while also protecting against unexpected events that usually hit one region harder than others.

Think about the Great Recession that began in late 2007. That was a Black Swan that had very bad effects on U.S. stocks. The total return of the S&P 500 for the 10year period 2000-2009 was -9.1 percent, its worst decade showing in history.

But during the same timeframe, some other parts of the world fared better.

Emerging Market stocks, in particular, experienced tremendous returns.

In the years since, the opposite has generally been the case. U.S. stocks have outperformed most other parts of the world. That’s geographic diversification at work. It lowers your risk because when one region is down, others are likely to be up. Knowing that can help you stay relaxed during Black Swan events, while staying focused on living your best life.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 49

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

What is myopia control?

Free ADHD learning event

Nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population has a myopic, or nearsighted, prescription. Myopia means that objects at distance are blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, so light is not focused properly when it enters the eye.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for myopia, but there is a way to slow the progression.

Fitting children in soft multifocal contact lenses has shown to decrease stress and fatigue associated with focusing the eye and slows down the progression of myopia. Many of the studies have demonstrated a 30 percent reduction in progression in children ranging in age from 8 to 14.

Myopia-control lenses not only slow the progression of myopia and may keep your child out of having to wear thick corrective eyeglasses, but they also decrease the chances of serious eye problems later in life, such as early cataracts, glaucoma and even detached retina.

Be sure to visit your optometrist to see if your child is a candidate to be fit with proper vision correction for this upcoming school year.

Mary Shatleh, O.D. is a therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. Dr. Shatleh sees patients of all ages and is known for her expertise in specialty contact lens fitting and treating medical conditions like glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Vision Source Greenway-Galleria, 3800 Southwest Frwy., #112, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.627.3937, www.visionsource-greenway-galleria.com

ADHD is a real disease. It is disruptive to family and classroom dynamics, but the most worrisome effect is the low self-esteem of the child with unrecognized ADHD. This can lead to depression, anxiety, anger and acts of defiance. Teens with untreated ADHD may seek drugs to “self-treat” their symptoms. A recent study in The American Journal of Psychiatry (Joel Yager MD, June 29, 2017) found that ADHD medications may reduce substance abuse. Treatment of ADHD has been shown to improve highschool and college graduation rates and reduce risk of juvenile delinquency.

Psychological services are the most important treatment for ADHD. Brittany Senseman, LPC-S, from Anthology Counseling and Wellness will be at Nurture Pediatrics on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. to provide counseling advice to parents of children with suspected or diagnosed attention disorders.

You won’t want to miss this valuable opportunity to hear from an expert in the field. The event is free, but space is limited, so please call today to reserve your spot for this one-hour seminar and Q&A event on ADHD. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, we are here to help you!

Nurture Pediatrics, Dr. Janet Pate and Dr. Tina Lueng, 6900 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire Texas 77401, 713.894-2751, www.nurturepediatric.com; Anthology Counseling and Wellness, Brittany Senseman, LPC-S, 713.987.3161, www.anthologycw.com

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

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

Sponsored by

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 50

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

A minute with Maisie

2017 real estate market

Many clients ask me, “What do I do if my co-parent is not paying his or her child support as court ordered?”

As a single parent, budgeting for your family becomes extremely difficult when your co-parent doesn’t contribute financially pursuant to the court order. Holding your co-parent accountable means filing a Petition for Enforcement of Child Support and forcing this parent to explain to the court why he or she is not paying the child support. While a parent may have excuses, such as job loss, it is that parent’s responsibility to modify the child support obligation immediately to avoid contempt of court. If the court finds that the co-parent had the ability to pay the support but failed to do so, the court can impose several remedies, including finding the co-parent in contempt of court, ordering attorney’s fees, levying bank accounts and even jail time. While this may seem extreme, the Texas Family Code provides that failing to support your children is not merely irresponsible. It is criminal.

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

The West U/Southside Place real estate market has experienced the strongest first half of the year since 2013, with 126 closed sales, which is 33 percent above 2016’s slow first half. The average sales price was $1,376,680, a 6 percent increase from the same time last year. Price per square foot was up 5 percent to $388.64/sf. It still appears to be a seller’s market, with 3.9 months of inventory and new listings taking about 48 days to go under contract. I will be watching these trends since June surprised me with only 18 closed sales, underperforming the prior 8 years. Is this a sign of market slowing or just a pause as buyers and sellers escape on summer vacations?

The 10 new-construction sales through MLS were 8 percent of West U/Southside Place sales, at an average price of $2,025,486. Builders have been aggressively purchasing building sites, and we’ve tracked 21 purchases in the first half that we believe are for new construction, some going as high as $140-plus per square foot.

On a separate note, you may find the distribution of sales interesting; 70 percent of West U/Southside combined sales were under $1.5 million, 17 percent were in the $1.5 to $2 million range, and 13 percent were over $2 million. Of those over $2 million, 2 were over $3 million, and 2 were $4 million and above. (All statistics come from MLS.) Please feel free to email your questions to george@greenwoodking.com, your West U neighbor.

George Sutherland, Greenwood King Properties, 832.435.7942, george@greenwoodking.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 51

Lauren Baril

NEIGHBORS

.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz About Town European adventure

a day trip to L'Escala in Costa Brava just north of Barcelona. The girls were able to cover lots of ground since they traveled each day on their fold-up scooters. Zac took both girls home to Houston, and Kimberly stayed to celebrate a high school friend's 40th.

Anne’s plans

Parents-to-be (this October), for the third time, Zac and Kimberly Harrington took their daughters, Faye, 9, and Hazel, 6, on their last family vacation as a family of four. They traveled through Spain and France and met up with Houston friends in Paris, where they took a motorcycle sidecar tour of the city at sunset.

They stumbled upon a breathtaking sunflower field while driving back to Palamos, Spain, from

Anne Shen (pictured, center, with her father Jiajun Shen and brother Sean Shen), a graduate of Clements High School and Wellesley College, received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award. Anne received the award to travel to the Republic of Georgia to study apidologie from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. At Georgian Agrarian University, Shen will study the behavioral adaptations of honeybees in the Caucasus region. Shen is one of over 1,900 U.S. citizens who will conduct research, teach English, and provide expertise abroad for the 2017-2018 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as record of service and leadership potential.

Clowning around The “Oden clowns,” including (pictured, from left) Amy Oden, Joy Oden and Eric Oden, participated in the K-Days Festival in Edmonton, Alberta, as part of a family tradition. The parade is the kickoff to one of Edmonton’s summer festivals, K-Days, formerly called Klondike Days, which was a celebration of the 1890s gold rush in the area. The route was only a mile, but for these unicyclists, it was practically three times that. Joy’s son, Eric, age 22, flew in from Maryland, where he’s undertaking a Ph.D. in applied mathematics. Daughter Amy, age 20, arrived from Houston; she’s home between her third and fourth year at Pomona College in California. “We rode around an airplane float ‘piloted’ by my nephew, 5-year-old Ryder Edwards, from Vancouver,” said Joy. “We tooted horns, high-fived onlookers, waved and tried to stay upright. And we were all successful, except for just one or two sudden dismounts.”

On that note Virtuosi of Houston hosted the ninth annual Small Ensemble Summer Workshop for a group of young musicians, including (pictured, next page, from left) Tina Li, Laura Papeians, Ryan Mayeux, Maya Rocha and Lucas Velasquez.

The faculty instructors for the workshop were professional musicians from the Fidelis Quartet.

The ensemble consists of violinists Rodica Gonzalez and Mihaela Frusina, violist Wei Jiang and cellist Jeffrey Butler, who are also musicians with the Houston Symphony. Professional musicians from the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera also assisted in the workshop, including violinist Chavdar Parashkevov, violist Dawson White, cellist (continued on page 54) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 52

Heirloom Portraiture Specializing in hand-tailored finishes including canvas, Giclee, fine art printing, wall portrait dĂŠcor and much more.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 53

Debi Beauregard, Deb B Photo, Katy TX

ily worked together to make the event a success.

See www.johnritterresearchprogram.org and www.remben.org.

Queen bee Wendy Smith-Butler and bassist Curry Duffey. Virtuosi of Houston provides music education and performance programs for students. See virtuosiofhouston.org.

(continued from page 52)

Hats on Around 50 volunteers from The Junior League of Houston Sustainer Transfer Club gathered for the annual luncheon in the home of Barbara Isham.

The women wore bonnets while they sipped mint juleps and ate tea sandwiches. Co-chairs Cindy Trice and Mary Ann Blalock were thrilled to see everyone at the luncheon. Admiring the spectacular view of Buffalo Bayou from the veranda was Connie Williams, among others.

Charity golf tournament On a sunny day, Dr. Hariya Pannu, actress Amy Yasbeck and Dr. Dianna Milewicz (pictured, from left) attended the inaugural Remembrin’ Benjamin Charity Golf Tournament at Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club in Katy. The non-profit Remembrin’ Benjamin Inc. was formed by the Bradford family to raise funds for medical research after the loss of 24year-old Benjamin to an undiagnosed aortic dissection in July 2012. The UTHealth John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases, led by Dr. Dianna Milewicz, was the primary beneficiary of this year’s tournament.

Over 100 players, sponsors, volunteers and fam-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 54

Lynn Bullard (pictured, center), a retired teacher, won the West University Community Building’s spelling bee (second place went to Patricia Lobo, at right, and third place to Lea Shenker, at left). After (continued on page 56)

Named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School

Open House for Prospective Students October 8, 2017, 2:30 - 4:00 PM • November 5, 2017, 2:45 - 4:15 PM in the Monsignor Jamail Family Center Now accepting online applications for the 2018-19 school year via www.saintvincentschool.org For further information please contact Renee McCurry in Admissions rmccurry@svdp-edu.org

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School • 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX

Houston’s Premier Selection of Flooring, Countertops & Window Coverings

2504 Bissonnet Street 281.668.8590 www.vbaf.com Family Owned Since 1952

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 55

seven rounds, Bullard spelled the word “chauffeur” correctly for the win. This was the first spelling bee held in six years. The previous winner was Sylvia Knudsen.

YMCA of Greater Houston

(continued from page 54)

Singles winner

Penelope Jank and Nanette Beisner (pictured, from left) recently played in a badminton tournament at the West University Community Building. Jank was the winner. The community building employees purchased a new net for senior-activity chair volleyball, so they had the idea to use it for badminton as well. For more information about West University Senior Services activities, call 713-662-5896.

Practice makes perfect The Pin Oak Middle School Company Dance Team held a two-day dance camp. More than 40 seventh- and eighth-grade students were coached by dance teacher Christy Landgraf, as well as the Crowd Pleasers Dance Company, to learn dance routines for the homecoming football game and pep rally. Dance Team officers are (pictured, from left) Kevriana Scott, Natalie Faris, Bella

Mansfield, Charlotte Murphy, Anna Yim, Tori Allen and Alexandra Stephens.

For Houston YMCA seniors Elena Dinkin (pictured, hugging YMCA member John Zanders) is a finalist in the TexanPlus Championship, a regional contest for people who actively support senior citizens. Dinkin is a former medical social worker and now manages Active Older Adult (AOA) programs at the YMCA of Greater Houston, which has more than 30,000 senior-citizen members. Dinkin spends time helping seniors, some of whom struggle with physical ailments and emotional issues. She encourages seniors who come to the

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 56

Y to make friends, exercise, garden and share their stories and concerns. The contest is sponsored by TexanPlus, a local health plan, and the Houston Astros. If Dinkin wins, the YMCA of Greater Houston will receive $25,000 for AOA programs. She also will get to throw out the first pitch at the Astros game on Sept. 22. She’s competing with four others in a 12-county region in southeast Texas. Voting is at texanpluschampions.com/elena through Sept. 18.

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.

THE WAY MOVING SHOULD BE

We are a local family owned and operated moving company providing premium services for residential, commercial, and corporate needs. We believe in choosing relationships over maximizing profits, and seek to provide as much as possible while charging as little as possible.

We're here for you - however you need us.

No trip charge. No hidden fees. No exceptions.

832.267.6160 - www.thirdcoastmovingservices.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 57

NEIGHBORS

.

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

Welcome to the neighborhood behance.net/runamokstudios

Y

ears ago, a week or so after I had moved into a new home, I was sitting in the back yard with a friend visiting from my old street, watching our toddlers play in the sprinklers. I remember hearing my side gate open, and into the back yard walked my now-longtime friend Robin Roth. We had children the same age, and she lived a few blocks away in my new neighborhood – West U. Robin had come with a welcome cake, what I remember as a pistachiochocolate bundt. That memory might be off a bit, but here’s what’s not: Robin, who I really didn’t know too well at the time, made the effort to bake a cake and drive over, just to say, “Welcome to the neighborhood.” It’s something I’ve never forgotten.

Whether it’s a bundt or cookies or just a note, welcoming gestures from new neighbors make a new street feel so much more like home. Tevia McLaren, who lives with her husband and two teenaged boys, often plays the role of welcoming neighbor. “There is a rental house across the street from us,” she says. “Tenants are usually executives and their families who are here for a year or two. When we see the trucks arriving on moving day, we take [the new neighbors] cups of strong coffee, with sides of milk and various sweeteners. We use Styrofoam cups – not ecologically sound, but they can wash and reuse them until their kitchen is unpacked. Who doesn’t need a cup of coffee on move-in day?”

Kate Lykes, a mom of four children, is always up for a party, and her neighborly advice follows suit. “Host a block party!” she says. “It’s such a fun way to meet and connect with neighbors. Block off the street for the kiddos and go pot luck.”

For something lower-key but still sweet, Rebecca Starr, director of advancement at The Emery/Weiner School, says to give new neighbors seeds they can grow in their new garden.

“Be sure they’re area-specific,” she says.

Another great idea: “When I meet new people in the ’hood,” says one West University mom of three, “I always give them a list of our favorite restaurants (manners expert Emily Post adds the thought of delivering several takeout menus from nearby restaurants), doctors, dentists, hair stylists and more. This is especially helpful for new

WELCOME When moving into a new house, a warm reception from new neighbors makes all the difference.

neighbors who are new to Houston.”

What if they’re not only new to Houston, but also new to the States? That’s not far-fetched, considering Houston is the country’s most racially and ethnically diverse city, having surpassed New York in 2010, according to sociology professor Stephen Klineberg’s study at Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. How can we make these true newcomers feel at home with more than traditional southern charm? Knowing a bit about international traditions might spark some ideas.

If they’re German, know that acorns – symbols of the revered oak tree – are known to protect against evil spirits. And roosters also are thought to keep trespassers out. For gifts, think small figurines of acorns or roosters, or even ceramic bakeware adorned with the motifs. For neighbors hailing from India, bring flowers and fruit. From Italy? Tradition calls for a broom to sweep away the old (evil spirits included) and make space for the new. If they’re from France, they’ll appreciate a selection of cheeses and cured meats – Tiny Boxwood’s French Picnic

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2017 58

(packaged to go) would be perfect. For Mexican neighbors, white flowers are a good choice, but don’t bring red (might cast spells), yellow (symbolizes death) or purple (symbolizes funerals).

If you’ve got Japanese neighbors moving in, don’t be surprised if they give you a gift. It’s customary for them to bring hand towels or cookies to surrounding neighbors.

For new neighbors who are Jewish, tradition calls for a housewarming gift of a loaf of bread, a box of salt and a bag of sugar. “So the house may never know hunger, so that life will always have flavor and so that life will always be sweet.”

Other symbolic gifts include honey for a sweet home, coins for good fortune, wine for good cheer and candles for light in the new home. Bringing new neighbors a basket filled with a combination of these is sure to make them feel welcome.

And back to our Buzz readers’ neighborly advice, here is this from Nancy Beck, who we can always count on to bring humor to any situation. Her suggestion? “A big bag of nuts with a card that says, ‘Are you nuts to move here?’”

TRUST LOOKS LIKE THIS.

When you choose UT Physicians, you are selecting individualized care from a team of more than 1,000 clinicians ready to meet your medical needs. UT Physicians offers advanced technologies with a personalized touch at our flagship location in the Texas Medical Center and a growing number of sites throughout the greater Houston area.

888-4UT-DOCS UTPhysicians.com