The West University Buzz - September 2019

Ditching the Car for a Bike

Private School Directory Pin Oak’s Outdoor Classroom Racing a Vintage Porsche

by Deborah Lynn Blumberg

Friends Gone Fishing Section 120 Astros Fan Club A Social Media Diet

Christopher Knapp

Chef’s Corner: Sunil Srivastava Travel: Sailboat Racing Cindy Gabriel: Rumi Says Houston, TX

Backyard Sips and Eats

Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Parenting While Pregnant

JEFF RILEY, MARGARITA BARCENAS, AND JIM WATERS

EDITOR’S NOTE Last month, The Buzz hosted a community screening of Screenagers, a documentary about addiction to digital devices and the impact technology has on health. The film is aimed at teenagers but emphasizes that parents need to set examples for their kids. Seeing the film – and then catching myself immediately checking my phone right after – suggests I am an addict. The film recommends that kids replace some screen time with activities, such as sports or a musical instrument. I, too, need a hobby. My kids have been out of the house for years. What am I waiting for? The neighbors we feature in this month’s issue are engaged in all sorts of fun hobbies – fishing with friends, gardening, sailing the world, fan clubbing with the Astros, biking all over town, racing vintage Porsches. Their stories definitely inspire me to get out more and leave my phone behind.

Gardening perhaps? But first I need to Google what to plant … and the Astros score … on my phone. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

Wealth well managed, without the burden of doing it all yourself.

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

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Suite 102 Houston, TX 77005 www.westuortho.com WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 4

Contributing Writer Account Managers

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Pooja Salhotra John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Deborah Lynn Blumberg Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Cheryl Ursin Russell Weil Karen Vine Fuller, Ashley Seals Andrea Blitzer, Stephanie Goldfield Leslie Little, Jo Rogers

On our cover: Christopher Knapp rides his bike all over town rather than driving a car.

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 © 2019 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions The fabulous Bormasters I just finished reading the story about the fabulous Bormaster family [The Bormaster Family: Ties that bind – no matter what, by Pooja Salhotra, August 2019]! Pooja Salhotra did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the Bormaster family. Congratulations to Scott and Leslie on having such an inspirational family whose members clearly know what the meaning of family and love really are. They are all truly blessed to have each other. I loved reading about Kim and all her accomplishments. She is one amazing young lady!!

Linda Freedman Block

Dangers of co-sleeping As pediatricians and mothers, we often get asked how being pediatricians changes the things we are concerned about as parents. Our answer is that having both perspectives makes us less nervous about some common things (like fevers, coughs, and runny noses), but more worried about other things (like water safety, booster seats, and co-sleeping with infants). The reason why these things make us more worried is because we have seen children and babies of very loving, very responsible parents die from drowning, from car accidents, and from co-sleeping with infants. Because of this, we were frustrated to read the article about co-sleeping in your most recent edition [Baby Buzz: Co-sleeping, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, August 2019] which did not mention the risk of death for infants who co-sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends against co-sleeping, especially if the infant is younger than 4 months. This is not because pediatricians are trying to be mean, disrupt family dynamics, or disrespect different cultures. It is because we have seen the faces of parents who unintentionally rolled over on their infant in the night or whose infant became stuck between the mattress and the headboard, and we do not want that parent to be you. See healthychildren.org for the current AAP recommendations for safe sleep in infants.

If your readers have any questions about this topic, or want to discuss it further, we strongly encourage them to talk to their pediatricians.

Lindy McGee, MD, and Christina Propst, MD

Getting calls on D-Day article Tracy, thank you for the article and the pictures [Travel Buzz: Reflections on D-Day and Dad, by Tracy L. Barnett, August 2019]. I have already gotten calls from friends, and the magazine was just delivered yesterday! I also must say that I like the article on Al Mampre and his daughter Virginia.

Again, thanks and all my best.

Gene Dewhurst

From exchange students to peace I just wanted to thank you for the great article about AFS in The Buzz Magazines [Exchange Students: Part of the family, by Andria Frankfort, August 2019]!

It is a wonderful and warm piece that captures the love, adventure, and care that makes our organization so special. Thank you for taking the time to get to know WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 6

3 of our wonderful families and for making them shine! We have 33 new foreign exchange students arriving in August, making for another magical year for AFS and Houston. Thank you again for all your support of foreign exchange, and for highlighting the power we have to build a more peaceful and just world.

Kelly Nugent, AFS-USA TX Gulf Coast

She kept all her 45s Thanks for the story [Vinyl 45s: When music was round, by Russell Weil, August 2019]. I am 70 years old and have all of my 45s from the ’60s and all my yellow childhood 33s records. When friends come over for dinner we play a game called “name that tune.” They win prizes when they guess the song.

Lizzy Hargrove

45s were a lot of fun I read Russell Weil’s article on vinyl 45s with great interest. I have thousands of 45s going back to the ’50s. My first 45 was probably either The Ballad of Davy Crockett by Bill Hayes or Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets. I also have a 45 jukebox, an RCA 45 record player, and a hifi to play them on. Too bad the kids today don’t have 45s today. They were a lot of fun.

Robert Creager 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.

What’s your story?

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have special holiday traditions.

• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to profile.

• Have an interesting travel story.

• Have unique hobbies or collections.

• Have funny or unusual parenting stories.

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 2019 7

NEIGHBORS

by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer

Life is Rigged in Your Favor Julia Gabriel

And other things I wish I’d said

H

ope you don’t mind this little mind meandering while I’m waiting for the downtown AMC movie theater to open. Last night, some sweet usher found my phone on the theater floor and called Stan-theMan’s number minutes after I realized it was missing.

I had decided not to worry about it anyway.

I’ve been operating under the assumption that life is rigged in my favor, whether it’s true or not.

Worrying, fretting and panicking is just so hard on the body.

The exact quote is “Live as if life is rigged in your favor.” It’s a contemporary translation from a 13th century Persian poet, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi. We, in the West, call him Rumi. He is currently a best-selling author postmortem by about 800 years.

On another evening about dusk, Stan and I found ourselves in a desolate part of town with a flat tire, when a young man with dreadlocks pulled over in his van. He happened to have an electric air pump and all the right tools to address our problem. We sat there at his mercy as he devoted a good 40 minutes of his time, some muscle and sweat to fixing our spare, which, after some doubtful moments, was successful. He looked downright deflated when we handed him a couple of twenties for his effort.

He backed away and shook his head, “I didn’t do it for money.”

Even though we made him take the money, I felt it somehow cheapened this act of his, which was obviously heartfelt. “There are a lot of people in the world like that,” Stan said. He never gave us his name or shared anything personal.

He took on our problem as if he were following a calling. Then, he just went down the road and vanished.

“When you do things with your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” – another Rumi saying.

After yoga one day, a youngish-looking man in our class passed out cards and invited us to his art studio for an open house. I applauded him for pursuing his passion, only to learn that it started when a dialysis nurse handed him a coloring book to pass the time. It seems 40-year-old Austin Magruder had been on dialysis for nearly

FOLLOWING DREAMS South Sister and Broken Top mountains peek into Sparks Lake, Bend, Oregon.

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” – Rumi

four years with kidney failure. This would be his second kidney. His first one was donated by his mom, who matched his O negative blood type.

It got him from his early 20s to his mid-30s.

“What sucks is I have to have a kidney from someone with the same blood type,” said Austin.

So the wait was even more uncertain.

I was all ready to write a story on this brave young man and the beautiful graphic artist he grew into while waiting for a kidney. I had planned to approach him in yoga class, but he suddenly quit coming.

Then came the big announcement from instructor Dana Blue. Austin got a kidney!

Here I was, all set to write his story, hoping it would somehow help him get a kidney. But, I didn’t get to be a hero. That category is reserved for Austin, his family and, of course, the anonymous donor’s family. I hope to share more about Austin’s story when the time is right.

“Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you ever imagined.”

– Rumi The mountain you are looking at in this photo is in Bend, Oregon. Oregon has been calling my firstborn, Laura, and husband, Andy Gentile, for at least a couple of years. They’ve

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 8

been planning and saving to follow this dream longer that we probably knew. This summer, their one-year anniversary in Bend, was our opportunity to gather as a family to check in on their new lives.

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.” – Rumi My possessive, protective parenting antennas were out. Seeing their new friends, new house and new journey into their own lives as a young couple gives me permission to release them to their happiness.

“Life is a balance between holding on and letting go.” – Rumi Alas, my phone has found its way home, thanks to the honest people at the downtown AMC. “That which you are seeking is also seeking you.” – Rumi I and my phone, the flat tire and its stranger, my kids and Oregon, and Austin and his kidney have found each other.

Just got a text. Austin will be back in yoga this week. And, by the way, he’s now 41.

Footnote: Rumi’s popularity has grown considerably since the 1970s when poet and University of Georgia professor Coleman Barks interpreted his verses into more contemporary English. For more, treat yourself to colemanbarks.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 9

NEIGHBORS

Cycling the City

lawellphoto.com

by Deborah Lynn Blumberg, staff writer

He ditched the car for a bike

I

n a sprawling city like Houston, owning a car is the norm. West University resident Christopher Knapp, however, is bucking the trend.

Knapp, who owns a local investment-advising firm, ditched his car one summer after he took to biking around town while his car was in the shop. Now, on a given day, Knapp can be founding cycling to work in Montrose, biking to a local eatery for lunch, or grocery shopping with his backpack in tow. Over the years, he’s found that swapping four wheels for two has helped him cut down on stress and put him in touch with the local community, making him more mindful, present and happier overall.

“Cycling makes me feel more alive and a lot more connected to the city,” Knapp said. “I pay more attention to how I spend my time. I notice and enjoy the patterns of daily life – I’m not just hopping in the car mindlessly. It’s nice not to worry about a car.”

It started in 2017 when Knapp left his car with his mechanic to work on the transmission.

Repairs took longer than expected, and instead of renting a car, Knapp decided to bike, walk and use ride shares as needed. When he got his car back, he was sitting in 100-degree weather one day in “mind numbing” traffic dreaming about being on his bike. “I thought to myself, what if I just didn’t do this anymore?”

During a regular visit to his second home in New Mexico, Knapp left his car there, then got a ride back to Texas in a relative’s car. “I remember thinking, wow, maybe this is a new way to live here.”

In Houston, Knapp geared up. He bought lights for his bike and a reflective rain jacket. He joined the Zipcar car-sharing service for when he had meetings outside the city. He learned to buy smaller quantities of food, whatever he could fit into his backpack and his bicycle’s side packs, and he made more frequent trips to the grocery store. He’s found his food is fresher that way. He’s not wasting food like he used to.

Knapp’s transition to cycling coincides with Houston’s push to become a greener city by adding more bike lanes and paths to connect the city’s network of parks. Knapp grew up in Houston and fondly remembers a childhood hopping on his bike after school and exploring

CHOOSING TWO WHEELS Cycling has helped Christopher Knapp to cut down on stress and better connect with his city.

his neighborhood with his brother and friends.

The friendlier bike culture was a welcome change for Knapp when he returned home after years of living up east.

He lived in New York City in the 1980s when the city started to restore its famed Central Park, and got hooked on walking and biking through the park. Now, in Houston, he serves on the Houston Parks Board.

Since he started biking full-time, Knapp has found he’s more intentional about his days. He thinks more carefully about how he schedules meetings, and he focuses on purchases he needs, not just wants. He’s found that money-wise, he’s broken even, balancing the cost of car insurance, gas, car payments and airport garage parking for frequent business travel with the money he spends on Zipcar and ride shares.

“When you have a car, it’s easy to just get in to do an errand,” Knapp said. “Without a car, you actually think about these decisions.”

He also began to notice businesses in his neighborhood that before he’d fly by in his car.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 10

He stopped, got off his bike and he went in. He’s spent more time at neighborhood restaurants since giving up his car.

“When you’re not going 30 miles per hour, you see things you don’t normally see,” he said.

“Biking helps you to create a relationship with your city. It’s made me look at the city through a different lens.”

Knapp knows his proximity to work makes his lifestyle possible, a luxury many people don’t have—he’s just a 10-minute bike ride from his office. But, even people who can’t completely abandon their car can use their bikes to explore the city, he says.

There’s a freedom in biking, said Knapp.

“Some people might argue not having a car is an impairment to your quality of life, but I think it’s really enhanced mine.”

MORE ONLINE Search thebuzzmagazines.com for “Discovering Houston’s Trailways” by Janvi Pandya for a list of Houston bike trails.

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NEIGHBORS

by Jennifer Oakley, staff writer

Gone Fishing With The Favorite Foursome

T

his is not a fish story. But it is a story about fish. And fishing. And about how four friends have taken their friendship to a new level: hook, line and sinker.

But first, tennis Sometimes a quartet of friends is so tight that their text message group is given a proper name.

That’s what happened to Christy Galtney, Margaret Kitchen, Pam Lewis and Cindy Soefer.

They are from opposite ends of the globe and have children all over the map – yet none of that matters to them.

“We really genuinely like each other,” says Pam. “We all bring different things to the table with our different backgrounds and being in different times in our lives.”

They range in age from 53 to 65 and did not know each other well until a few years ago – but they all had one thing in common: tennis.

All four play at the highest (open) level of tennis in the Houston Ladies Tennis Association.

They all knew of Margaret, who is from South Africa and was recruited to play tennis for The University of Houston. She was a nationally ranked All-American who played on the professional circuit. In high school, Christy had been in the Texas rankings. Cindy started playing at 5 and played varsity in high school, while Pam never picked up a racket until 22 years ago when she started taking lessons.

One day, Pam organized a doubles match at The Downtown Club at The Met. The four connected and decided to quadruple up and play regularly at the club, on its indoor tennis courts.

Something clicked, and their lives have become woven together like the strings on a racket.

“We played doubles every week, and we rotated partners,” says Pam. “We all kept saying how much we looked forward to the morning we would be together and we almost always sat for an hour or so after the match to drink hot tea and talk.” In a short time, the mornings stretched into lunches and dinners, and the friendship grew. Texting their plans became a daily thing, so it seemed natural to name their group chat.

CONNECT FOUR Pam Lewis, Margaret Kitchen, Christy Galtney and Cindy Soefer (from left) make up the Favorite Foursome friends group. Here, they pause before an early morning fishing excursion in Rockport.

“After playing tennis, one of us would always say: ‘This is my favorite group,’” says Pam. “So we decided to call ourselves ‘The Favorite Foursome.’”

Hooked Cindy, who owns a house in Rockport and is a longtime fisherwoman, had the idea of introducing her competitive, tennis-playing pals to fishing. “We all found each other, and we just like each other a lot,” she says. "It is a safe relationship built on mutual respect, and they are all special friends. I love exposing women to fishing.”

Cindy was born and raised in Corpus Christi.

“I grew up fishing and crabbing with my parents every Sunday. That was my happy place,” she says.

A job brought Cindy to Houston as a young adult, and days spent on piers and boats went on the back burner. She was busy as a buyer for Foley’s, raising three daughters and then running husband Ron Soefer’s podiatry office.

About 20 years ago, Cindy’s good friend, Gloria Tenenbown, invited her to Rockport with rods and reels.

“And that rekindled my love of fishing,” she says with a smile. “As you grow older, you try and recapture your happy places and experiences, and that is where I am these days,” she says. “My parents have been gone a long time, but to be out on the water, it is peaceful, and it is a time to reflect and remember those times with my parents and my siblings. It is a harkening back.”

And it’s also a going forward, which is why Cindy has started bringing The Favorite

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 12

Foursome on girls-only fishing trips. “I don’t think women realize how much they would love fishing if they have not done it,” she says. “But once you do it, you are hooked forever. Fishing is liberating. I am all about woman empowerment, and I think fishing is part of that because it gives you confidence that you can do anything you want. You can go to any cocktail party any day of the week, and you can talk fishing with everyone. Men’s eyes get so big: You fish?! they will say. Then I ask them: What’s your favorite rod and reel? It always brings me such pleasure.”

Off the hook The transition from a tennis court to a fishing boat was fast for the foursome. “When you go fishing with tennis girls it’s on!” laughs Christy, a homemaking mom whose husband Matt is an insurance executive. “Who can get the biggest fish? We are all super competitive, and it’s really fun to have another competition we can all engage in.” Their recent trip to Rockport had them competing for who could catch the largest fish during the day to who could win the most dominoes games at night. They reeled in redfish, trout, drum, catfish and needlefish. Their guide caught flounder. When Cindy fishes with guests, she always hires a guide and a boat so they experience fishing from a boat.

“I caught the biggest redfish,” Christy says with a broad smile. “And I caught the biggest drum,” laughs Pam, who is retired from a career in medical sales and whose (continued on page 14)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 13

REELING ’EM IN At left: Pam Lewis, Christy Galtney and Cindy Soefer hauled in redfish, trout and drum fish. Their fishing guide caught the flounder in the front row. At right: Cindy Soefer caught and released this redfish in Rockport. (continued from page 12) husband

Jim is also retired. Cindy hooked the biggest trout.

Margaret did not win a biggest-fish award this time out, but there will always be another fishing trip. “Fishing is fun,” says Margaret, a homemaking mom from South Africa whose husband Ben is a retired investor, adding that the group is planning a fishing trip to Italy next summer.

“We all want to go fishing in Sicily.”

In Rockport, the group sets sail early, with a 6:15 am departure on a bay boat. “We fish in Aransas Bay, Copano Bay and St. Charles Bay,” says Pam. “It is really beautiful and peaceful, with lots of deer, birds, alligators and fish.” They spend about six hours out on the water, waiting for the bobbers to signal a fish on the line. “The connection is a competitiveness with yourself and the fish and also just about enjoying the environment,” says Cindy, who also enjoys pier, canal and dock fishing. “It’s really the whole experience. It is the excitement of hooking the fish and bringing it up.” Cindy uses a bait caster and not a spinning reel, and she fishes with live shrimp and cut mullet. When she fishes with live bait, she uses bobbers. When she fishes with dead bait, she casts instead. She and her guests use bobbers most of the time.

Before setting out, everyone has to obtain a Texas fishing license, either per day or an annual one. When fish are not the right size, based on the state rules, they release them. Legal ones get brought back in the boat. “We take our fish home and clean them and cook them,” says

Christy. “I just use a skillet and olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper. It’s very simple to cook and they taste so much better fresh! I did not have any leftovers!” Pam goes the oven route and bakes her fish. “We bake them with olive oil, lemon, garlic and rosemary,” says Pam. “I bake the fish at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, and it tastes very fresh and mild.”

Cindy cleans her own fish (“I can clean a trout in less than three minutes,” she proudly says), cooks fish twice a week and lately has been making homemade ceviche with her catch. “When we go out with a guide, they clean our fish,” says Cindy. “But when I fish in the canals or the piers, I do the cleaning myself.”

Fishing friends Fishing, it seems, is about more than just catching a fish. “The best part is that you are off the grid and are forced to have great conversations,” says Christy. “It is the friendship that is so important.”

Margaret agrees. “I have never been a fan of a group of girls, so this is a first for me,” she says of the foursome’s friendship. “I have usually hung around with foreign girls, and I have not had that many American friends. They are Texans, and I am from South Africa. They drink wine, and I do not. They talk about makeup and shoes, and I am not into fashion at all. But I fit the piece to the puzzle, and they cannot live without me.” Which is true, they all say. They can’t. “I feel like we are all mitzvahs in each

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 14

other’s lives,” says Cindy.

The foursome, who continue to play tennis every Tuesday, are thrilled they have added regular fishing gigs to their repertoire. Turns out, the thread that binds them together is now also made of fishing line.

Cindy Soefer’s Ceviche Fresh fish fillets, cubed Limes to juice Red or white onion, finely chopped Tomatoes, finely chopped Fresh jalapeño, finely chopped Cilantro Olive oil Juice of one orange Salt Pepper Avocado Tortilla chips I take whatever fish I catch and cube it and place in a dish. I then put enough lime juice to cover it and have it fully submerged. I cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. The next day, I drain the lime juice and put the cubes on paper towels and pat dry and set aside. In a bowl, I mix the onion, tomato, jalapeño and cilantro and mix up until it looks like a pico de gallo. Then I add the fish cubes and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil, juice from the orange and salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled with slices of avocado and tortilla chips.

NEIGHBORS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Going full-throttle for vintage car racing

M

arcus and Jennifer Pillion are far from adrenaline junkies. Skydiving? Nope.

Leaping from a bungee platform high above a river gorge? Uh, no. And they’ll kindly pass on that white-knuckle roller coaster ride with the crazy vertical loop and stomach-churning dive drop, too.

But put them behind the wheel of their 1960 Porsche 356 coupe, tires gripped to a track, and they’ll race you all day long. Their excitement revs just talking about it.

“It’s a very nimble car, a very competitive car,” says Marcus of the zippy black number that frequently zooms past competitors in vintage sports car races, a passion he shares with wife Jennifer.

“We call ourselves Come and Take It Racing,” he explains, borrowing from the historic Texas mantra, spurred by a battle over a cannon. (Think Texas Revolution and the Battle of Gonzales).

“This is a little cannon of a car, and it tends to race against cars that are, technically, faster.

It just handles so well. So it’s kind of like a dare.

Want to beat me? Come on. Take it. Our car can piss people off. Some get really upset because we beat them pretty bad and they don’t understand why.”

“It’s really fun,” chimes in Jennifer, one of few women in the world’s fastest growing motorsport. “I would call it a more elegant racing alternative as opposed to rally racing. But sometimes I don’t go quite as fast as I probably should because I’m not always trusting the drivers around me.”

The couple pursues their hobby through the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the largest, and one of the oldest, organizations of its kind in the world. Participants compete solo, then team up for one-hour enduro races, switching drivers after a mid-way five-minute pit stop.

And SVRA racers lap in the land of legends, gracing professional tracks: Watkins Glen in New York, California’s Sonoma Raceway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Formula 1 track in the rolling hills outside of Austin, among others.

Come Oct. 2-6, Marcus and Jennifer will compete in the SVRA’s U.S. Vintage National

Andy Fritts

The Pillions and Their Porsche Championship race at COTA. Competitors race by various car groupings, speeding around an undulating 3.4mile track with natural elevations and a signature 133-foot climb.

The top prize for winners? A gold racing helmet.

“Gold colored.

Not a helmet made of gold,” quips Marcus, who sees the paucity of a purse as a good thing.

“We’re in it for fun, not money. In most racing, on a competitive level, cars get banged up and wrecked, and I was never interested in that part of it.

REVVED UP FOR RACING Marcus and Jennifer Pillion love their laps in their 1960 You don’t do that Porsche 356, competing in vintage sports car races all across the country. in vintage car racThey are very good drivers, very professional and ing. For one, there are rules against it, and you’d passionate about the sport and their car.” get thrown out. Second, a lot of these are milBut the cars are, well, vintage, so things break lion dollar cars. People don’t race them to wreck from time to time. them.”

“It’s fun when races go well,” observes Tony Parella, owner and president of the Marcus, recalling when his Porsche’s gearbox SVRA, likens drivers’ opportunities in the cratered during a race at the Mid-Ohio Sports motorsport to top-talent college football players Car Course. He still finished, taking third, but who don’t quite make it to the National couldn’t participate in other weekend races. “I Football League. was in lap seven when it happened. I could still “There are only so many drivers who are drive it, but in a higher gear. Took a first-gear going to start the Indy 500, so odds that you corner in third. Not easy and not fun.” drive professionally at that level are slim. But He’s placed second and third in several races, this sport gives them a chance to play in that one of them an enduro race with Jennifer. same arena, on those same tracks,” Parella says.

Father’s Day 2017 is especially memorable. He “I’ve seen Marcus and Jennifer share the car in finished first in an enduro race at the Indianapolis an enduro race, and that’s a pretty cool deal, Motor Speedway, sharing (continued on page 18) husband and wife doing that. It makes it special.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 16

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 17

Andy Fritts

THE LITTLE CAR THAT COULD The Pillions’ vintage Porsche 356 coupe makes itself known on the racetrack, often zipping past competitors. (continued from page 16) his win and the podium

with that day’s racing partner, Loni Unser, she of the famous Unser racing family.

Her grandfather, Jerry Unser Jr., was the first Unser to race at the speedway and his brothers Al and Bobby won the Indy 500 four and three times, respectively. Loni’s dad, Johnny Unser, made multiple starts there, as well as other family members, giving the Unsers a combined Indy 500 ledger of 73 starts, nine victories and 27 topfive finishes.

Al Unser is the grand marshal in October’s Austin championship race.

“It was great to see Loni and Marcus win. It was the first time a female Unser has ever raced in Indy, and she won,” says Jennifer of the history-making moment. Marcus and Jennifer are friends with Loni’s dad, who taught at the MidOhio School. Marcus, Jennifer and Loni received racing certifications there.

“Yeah, we did the whole milk thing,” adds Marcus, of Indy’s tradition of giving winners bottles of the cold white stuff. They drink and then, um, “wear” some of the milk.

“Winning in my car was a blast. It’s a very good car to race,” he says.

He recalls how his racing dream went from idle to full-throttle.

Go-karting put things into gear. The former Detroit-area couple had a track near their home.

They’d gather up their sons, Will and Grayson, now 10 and 8, respectively, and strap them into two-seaters with them. A blast. “This became a thing we did for family fun. It was something we

all really enjoyed,” Jennifer says.

“Jennifer is an excellent go-karter. She tended to beat me,” Marcus quips.

It wasn’t long before thoughts turned to speedy vehicles of a different sort. Marcus, a Porsche enthusiast, was on the hunt for the car.

He found it in the form of a black 1960 Porsche 356, previously owned by Michigan’s Vic Skirmants. In racing circles, Vic’s “the man.”

He’s raced 356s for nearly 50 years, knows them inside and out.

“Everyone in the vintage race world knows who he is,” Marcus says. “My car has prominence. It’s a Skirmants-built and raced car.”

Through Skirmants’ company 356 Enterprises, he maintained the car for the couple, delivering it to and from races and seeing to its care during events.

“He recently retired from maintaining racing cars for people, so it’s with a group in Wisconsin now that does the same for us,” Marcus explains.

“You go through tires and brakes, believe me.”

“He really had a bug in his bonnet about racing when we started getting competitive in karting,” recalls Jennifer, who works for Wells Fargo’s global advisory group. “He came to me and had this whole business plan lined up for racing this vintage car. I think he thought I would say no.”

But she was all in.

“It was a little unnerving being in the car the first time because they don’t drive like a normal car,” she explains. “It takes getting used to.

Marcus would be on the radio, in my ear,

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yelling, ‘You’re burning my clutch! You’re burning my clutch!’ I was like ‘Sorry! I’m trying to get on the track!’”

“Yeah, it’s tricky at first,” he says, “because the car revs so high. It really only goes between very high rpms, so you can’t putz around or it’ll die.

So it’s hammer down constantly. Even just driving to get on the track, you’re basically in second gear putzing, trying to get it to the track.”

Jennifer shows off a bouquet of large, clanking medals, testament to wins. “Our youngest son likes to play with the medals and walk around like Michael Phelps,” she jokes.

The couple practice on a racing simulator in preparation for events. Marcus, CEO of TRITEC Performance Solutions, has a connection to the sport through work. “We do mostly seals and some other components for motor sports and a variety of industries. It’s kind of cool that there’s some overlap,” he says of the company and hobby association. TRITEC is a sponsor at SVRA races.

Even the family’s dog has a racing connection. They adopted Rey, a brindle-colored greyhound, a few years back from a rescue group in Michigan. Before an injury, she’d raced in Alabama and Florida, winning a few. Now she’s a content domestic princess who still breaks out in a zero-to-sixty mad dash around the house when the mood strikes.

Not Porsche fast, says Marcus, but for a canine speedster, she does okay. “When she breaks out, watch out. Yeah, she’s fast. She’s crazy fast.”

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KIDS

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Going Green Teachings from a school garden

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t all started about 13 years ago, when Angela Roth was volunteering at Kolter Elementary School for the kindergarten class of her second daughter, Lauren. “The teacher’s parents were very ill, and the sub didn’t know about kindergarteners very well – so I started hanging out and trying to be helpful,” she recalls.

Passionate about plants since childhood, Angela ran across a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture, and she proposed a Native Texas Alphabet Garden, where every letter of the alphabet was represented by a plant.

It would be the first of many school gardens she would help organize, first at Kolter, and then, years later, at Pin Oak Middle School, where her daughters also attended. She’s helped children plant a pizza garden and a Peter Rabbit garden, sweet potato gardens and butterfly gardens, hydroponic and tower gardens, to name just a few.

Seen another way, one could say it started many years before, with her grandfather, a telegraph operator for the railroad. She never knew him, but somehow he passed along a passion for plants. “I was genetically excited,” she explains with a laugh. Her great-grandmother grew begonias, which fascinated her, and her father brought home a spider plant, which Angela learned to propagate and share. She sold flower bulbs for a school fundraiser and watched as her neighborhood brightened with blooms.

As an adult it would be a while before she could follow that passion, as she spent 15 years in the Navy, leaving as a lieutenant commander.

But when she and husband Chris moved to a high rise in London, she found herself with a huge balcony and time. She returned to the horticultural arts with gusto, filling that balcony with flowers.

Wherever her gift for growing came from, it has manifested itself in her position as the Urban Agriculture and Farm to Table Cooking instructor for Pin Oak. She has worked with Scouts, students and parent volunteers to transform the space into a veritable Garden of Eden, and is teaching a garden-to-table curriculum. A flock of chickens graces the grounds, along with a fruit orchard and raised beds of herbs, vegeta-

bles and flowers. An urban agriculture class teaches the kids to grow the plants, and a cooking class teaches them to transform their produce into tasty dishes.

And their Farmers’ Market gives them lessons in entrepreneurism as they raise the money to pay expenses.

To Angela, gardening is a much-needed gateway to nature that today’s children lack.

CHICKEN CREW Pin Oak Middle School students are proud of their two chick“When I was growing en coops, "The Charger Chick Inn" and "Cluckingham Palace." Clockwise from up, we would go outside lower left: Izzy Perkins with a Production Red hen named Bambi; urban ag teacher Angela Roth; Riley Tackett with an Ameraucana named Thor; and Izzy Thrash and play all summer with Chick Fil A, a cochin hen. long – we’d only come “I was always kind of scared of bugs, except in for food. Both of my parents worked and I had the really good ones, like ladybugs,” she said. three younger siblings to take care of; but really, “But one day we found a centipede in one of our it was all outside – and we were so healthy.” mulch buckets and I was like – ‘A centipede!’ – Today’s children, by contrast, languish and someone else said, ‘Kill it!’ But I was the one indoors, connected to devices or concerned stopping them from killing it.” about heat, humidity and allergies. Angela susRiley Tackett, also in eighth grade, has been pects many of the maladies that feel like allergies involved since nearly the beginning, as well as are more related to the children’s diets and lack her older sister, Danielle. Her grandmother, who of exposure to the outdoors, which leads to a raises chickens, gave a presentation to the first downward cycle.

Urban Ag classes, leading to Pin Oak becoming “‘No child left inside’ is kind of a neat idea; one of very few schools in HISD to have a garthey talk about people having a nature deficit den program that includes animals. Now the disorder. Just getting sunshine and appreciating chickens lay eggs, which can be used in the nature is so important,” she said. cooking class and sold to raise money for the garAngela teaches heat survival strategies: wearden program. ing a hat, staying in the shade, working in the Riley shared a memory of “one of the most early hours, drinking lots of water. To repel mosawesome days” in the garden. The chickens quitoes, she uses clothing and plant-based repelwere out foraging for insects, as they often are – lents. To clean her classroom, she uses water serving as a natural form of pest control. with a few drops of lavender oil; the kids love to Suddenly, someone spotted a hawk flying overspray each other and learn about the uses of garhead, observing the chickens with what seemed den herbs. to be a hungry eye.

In the beginning, many children have an “Everyone immediately scrambled to find the intense fear of insects. “Instead of saying, oh, chickens and get them all into the coop, herd them that’s cool, they shriek and overreact; they’re in and then lock the door so they couldn’t get out, not used to seeing them.” and waiting until that hawk had flown off,” said Isabel “Izzy” Thrash, an incoming eighth Riley, “because everyone (continued on page 22) grader at Pin Oak, has both of Angela’s classes.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 20

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 21

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OUTDOOR CLASSROOM At left: Bella Hendricks holds "Thing 1," formerly known as “Nugget.” At right: Angela Roth, Urban Agriculture and Farm to Table Cooking instructor, shows off a particularly lush corner of the Pin Oak gardens. (continued from page 20) cared about the chickens,

even those who didn’t quite like the chickens.”

Like Izzy, Riley has learned a lot. What first comes to mind is the way she thinks about food and nutrition after taking Angela’s cooking class.

“It taught me how to be responsible with my food – it’s good to eat foods that don’t have all those chemicals on it,” she said. “And I learned how to cook food so it’s healthy and safe.”

Growing and then cooking the food brings the lessons home. One of the kids’ favorites is okonomiyaki – a Japanese veggie fritter, which Angela likes to make with collards and carrots.

Another favorite is roselle – the tangy flower used to make traditional Mexican agua de jamaica or hibiscus tea. Basil pesto is a huge hit, and the kids love Swiss chard, which serves as wraps for stir fry of broccoli and bell peppers and tomatoes.

They grow an enormous diversity of herbs – thyme, lemon thyme, cilantro, parsley, lemon verbena, mint, fennel – good for butterflies as well as humans. Herbs season recipes like meatballs, and also make teas and infusions.

The kids learn marketing as they raise funds for the cooking and gardening classes. And they have a great teacher in entrepreneurship, as well, as one of Angela’s many talents is finding support for those gardens. They’ve organized a weekly Farmers’ Market at the school and are adding a “flea market” of donated items to the fresh vegetables and eggs. It was Izzy who suggested going

door-to-door in the classrooms, selling Farmers’ Market leftovers to the teachers.

Angela is especially excited about the funding she’s procured for three new projects. There’s the Diversity Rose Garden, funded by The Garden Club of Houston, which will feature a broad spectrum to represent the respect for diversity in their school. There’s the Monarch Heroes’ Garden, funded by the National Wildlife Federation, to provide much-needed habitat for the threatened Monarch butterfly, which has seen a decline of 90 percent in the past 20 years.

And there’s the Resilient Garden, for which they’re awaiting word from the National Wildlife Federation, aimed at plantings that can withstand the extreme climate conditions that are becoming the norm. In the front entrance to Pin Oak, there’s a large area of trees that floods when it rains. The plan is to remove invasive species and replace them with wetlands plants that do well with intermittent flooding.

Since the beginning, her plantings have been “Texas tough,” and they’ve been chosen with wildlife in mind. Eighteen years ago, when the school was first opened, someone planted some East Palatka holly trees, whose abundant berries now attract a bevy of birds, visible from the cafeteria’s two-story windows. Once they found a Cedar waxwing on the ground, stunned after flying into the window. Since then, they’ve put

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 22

decals on the windows and have been more aware of the multiple species on display in their open-air aviary.

It’s been gratifying to see collaboration coming in from the community, said Angela. Urban Harvest, Trees for Houston, The Garden Club of Houston and the Native Plant Society of Texas have all been integral. Most of all, however, the Parent-Teacher Organization has been a strong support through the years. It’s been exciting to see parents and students continually enjoying the gardens.

“It seems most adults won’t go out much in the summer because it’s too hot – but if you learn about wearing hats and being in the shade, there’s so much beautiful wildlife here in Houston,” she said. “Being part of the natural world is really inspiring. I feel like I spent 15 years protecting my country; now the rest of my life will be spent in caring for this beautiful area and its creatures, for generations to come.”

Editor’s note: Buzz sustainable-living columnist Tracy L. Barnett is an award-winning freelance writer covering travel, the environment and social justice issues in the Americas.

MORE ONLINE At thebuzzmagazines.com, Angela Roth shares favorite recipes from her garden-to-table cooking class, such as Okonomiyaki, herbed meatballs and Chantilly Strawberry Cream Puffs.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 23

SPORTS

by Karen Vine Fuller, contributing writer

Section 120 Fan Club Seatmates bond over Astros baseball

AND ALTUVE TOO A No. 27 bighead sign leaves its mark on this Section 120 Fan Club selfie. Row 24 (back row, from left) Jordan Walker, Brooke Hudson Naghavi, Shahin Naghavi, Ryan Vest, Patty Hudson, Randy Hudson; Row 23 (middle): Alex Hale, Kate Hale, Tracy Hale, Georgene Britz; Row 22 (front row): SuZanne Feather (on far left), Peter Altinger, Leo Vasquez (taking selfie) and Roland Altinger.

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he road to the Section 120 Fan Club was long and loyal. SuZanne Feather and Leo Vasquez, proud Houstonians who bleed orange and blue, have been dedicated Astros season-ticket holders since the Astrodome days. Suzanne grew up on baseball fields with her older brothers in Lubbock. “I just love baseball,” she says. “When I’m at a game, I feel like I’m home.”

In 1999 they joined their fellow Astros faithful in lovingly waving goodbye to three decades of Astroturf, Dome Foam and the scoreboard’s snorting bulls and cowboys to choo-choo downtown to the bright and shiny train station turned ballpark, Enron Field. Leo and SuZanne’s new seats weren’t nosebleed, but they also weren’t as close to the action as they had wished.

The next decade and a half, the Astros had

their ups and downs in wins and losses as well as team colors and uniform choices. Even the name of the ballpark changed in 2002 when the Enron debacle led to the field being renamed Minute Maid Park (lovingly called the Juice Box). When other ticket holders decided to throw in their bats, SuZanne and Leo remained true and kept putting on their rally caps.

“Sometimes I was the only one sitting in our section,” says SuZanne. “Many times I sent out emails, text messages and posted on Facebook for anyone to use our four tickets, and not a single person would respond.”

The good news was that better seats came available, so SuZanne and Leo were able to upgrade. In 2014, the dedicated couple finally got the right-behind-home-plate seats of which they had always dreamed: in Section 120. They

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have been celebrating and bonding with their fellow season ticket holders ever since.

Thankfully the Astros’ luck started turning around about that time, too. “We love the Astros either way,” says SuZanne, “but I gotta tell you, it’s a lot more fun when they’re winning! Just bury me in Astros Orange!”

Soon after they moved to their new seats, Leo started a tradition of snapping a selfie of SuZanne, their two guests and himself in their seats and posting it on Facebook.

As they bonded with their Section 120 neighbors, more people would gather up for the group photo opp. Their Facebook friends never knew who might pop up in SuZanne and Leo’s Astros games photos.

After a few years, Leo decided to organize all of the photos into an online (continued on page 26)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 25

ALL SMILES Top photo: Astros president Reid Ryan stops by for a Section 120 selfie. Row 23 (from left): Jackie Gagliardi, Michael Gagliardi, Michael Gagliardi (son), Tracy Hale, Matt Moriarty; Row 22: Leo Vasquez, SuZanne Feather, Reid Ryan. Bottom, left photo: Row 24 (back, from left): Danielle Baeza, Laura Baeza, Brooke Hudson Naghavi, Shahin Naghavi; Row 23 (middle, from left): Heather Gisclair, Chandra Vemulapalli; Row 22 (front, from left): Jennifer Feather, SuZanne Feather, Twila Carter, Leo Vasquez. Bottom right photo: Kate Hale, Abbey Hale, Leo Vasquez, Kasey Cooper, David Cooper, Brooke Hudson Naghavi, Shahin Naghavi, Nathan Prudhomme, Jeremy Prudhomme, Nicholas Prudhomme, SuZanne Feather. (continued from page 24) album. “It was fun to see

all of our friends, family and guests that had used the seats over the years. I tried to decide what to name the album, and that’s how the Section 120 Fan Club was born.”

Different configurations of the Hale family sit in the four seats right behind SuZanne and Leo. Enthusiastic high fives are shared with the Hales and friends whenever the Astros score. The Hales’ youngest daughter, Kate, a seventh grader at Annunciation Orthodox School, is an avid fan (even her bedroom is decked out in orange and blue) who is often in the seats with a friend and her mom,Tracy.

Like a proud aunt and uncle, SuZanne and Leo glow, “We’ve enjoyed watching Kate grow up, and she really knows a lot about baseball!” Kate is a West University Softball Association pitcher.

The Section 120 seats are similar to the umpire’s point of view over the plate, so Kate likes to call pitches, and rumor has it she’s pretty accurate.

Kate says, “Sitting in our section is really fun because we all know each other. Even my friends like being in the group picture. I like when my Altuve, Springer or Bregman ‘big heads’ (faceshaped signs) show up in the photo.”

Newlyweds Shahin and Brooke Naghavis’ piece of Minute Maid Park real estate is the row behind the Hales. Shahin says, “We love how we’ve all bonded during the last five years. We’ve had opportunities to move closer to the field, but we don’t want to leave our Section 120 family!”

It’s hard to attend 80-plus home games during a season, so there’s often assorted family, friends, coworkers, clients and friends of friends filling the seats.

Shahin says, “It’s entertaining when SuZanne, who’s never met a stranger, huddles everyone, including confused guests and people that don’t know us sitting in one of our 12 seats, together for the group photo.”

The Naghavis admire Leo’s consistent taking of the section selfie. Shahin says, “Brooke and I ask them to please wait until we’re in our seats so we don’t miss taking the picture. We like checking Facebook after every game to see our group, or if we weren’t at the game, we can see who ended up sitting in our seats.”

One frequent Section 120 Fan Club regular is Jason Fuller. “At first I’d see photos from the Astros games on SuZanne and Leo’s Facebook posts. Then I started noticing there was a picture

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of them and their guests sitting with them at every game. Then you’d wonder (jokingly), ‘How come I’m not there with them in those awesome seats?!’

It’s become a regular thing to check the album and see who Leo and SuZanne are taking. They have so many friends it’s fun to see who’s there that you might know as well. It’s sort of like Six Degrees of Separation from Leo and SuZanne!”

SuZanne and Leo’s niece, Alex Fowler, says, “Loving baseball is in our family’s DNA. Aunt SuZanne is seriously one of the biggest fans you’ll ever meet. She even dyed her hair orange for the World Series. It took her three days because she had to bleach her hair out and then dye it orange!”

SuZanne and Leo’s daughter, Jennifer Feather, is also a true orange and blue fan.

Suzanne says, “Jennifer lives in North Carolina but is such a devoted Astros' fan that she plans her October work schedule around the playoffs.

The last three years she’s made sure she can be off and available to go to the games in case the ‘Stros need’ her.”

Twila Carter is executive director of the Astros Foundation but said that title is only surpassed by being a Section (continued on page 28)

THE MORE THE MERRIER Top photo, from left: Dr. Harris “Doogie” Hauser, Barbara Hauser (an original Astrodome Spacette usher), SuZanne Feather and Leo Vasquez. Bottom left photo: Random fans jumping in on the selfie fun, plus Sabrina Blinderman, Kate Hale, Jay Blinderman, Tracy Hale, Leo Vasquez, Jason Fuller, John Jackson, SuZanne Feather. Bottom right photo: Leo Vasquez, SuZanne Feather, Fiorella Conner, Matthew Conner, Astros Foundation executive director Twila Carter (photobombing at back). (continued from page 26) 120 Fan Club member.

Twila says, “It’s neat how Section 120 has become a community of fans that have gotten to know each other. They have some great seats and are having a good time supporting the team.”

Twila tries to stop by to say hello every game.

“I know they’re always posting their pictures on Facebook. Sometimes I try to photobomb because I’m always working, and they’re having a good time!”

Another VIP to appear in the Section 120 Fan Club is Barbara Hauser, one of the original Astros Spacettes, who were female ushers in outof-this-world uniforms when the Astrodome opened in 1965. The biggest VIP photobomber has been Houston Astros president Reid Ryan.

SuZanne said fans of other teams sit in their seats sometimes, too. “We appreciate all fans supporting their team, but it is a rule that you cannot dislike the Astros. In fact, our daughter's partner, Audra Abt, is an equally devoted Cleveland Indians fan. They were here for the Indians/Astros playoff games last year. We allow each to appreciate their team! It's baseball, a gracious and civil sport.”

So exactly who can be part of the Section 120 Fan Club? Anyone who sits in Section 120, anyone whose picture is taken in Section 120, and anyone who’s seen a picture of someone that was taken in Section 120. Basically anyone who likes baseball. Especially the Astros.

“We love all the players,” says SuZanne.

“This team has a ‘we are a team’ attitude and such skill. It is just a pleasure to watch all of them. I think they should all stop by to see us – but I would really like for [Jake] Marisnick to do a photobomb. I'm a devoted Marisnick fan. I think he is the best center fielder in the sport.

Leo would want Justin Verlander and his wife to stop by. I think he mostly wants Kate [Upton] to stop by!”

SuZanne reflected on some favorite Astros moments they’ve been lucky enough to witness in person. “The18-inning 2005 NLDS game against the Atlanta Braves when Chris Burke hit the home run! We actually had an elderly friend with us who probably wasn't up to an 18-inning game. When we left, he said, ‘I think next time I will bring my own car!’ and he never went to another game with us without his own car.

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Then there was the Cardinals’ Albert Pujols’ mammoth three-run homer off Astros closer Brad Lidge in Game 5 of the 2005 National League Championship Series. “Minute Maid went from the loudest, most roaring, ecstatically gleeful crowd ever to complete dismayed silence in the span of one second as the ball flew into orbit. As Leo says, ‘That ball is still in orbit circling the earth!’”

But of course SuZanne and Leo’s best memory will always be the epic 13-12 win against the Dodgers in Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, the 10-inning thrill ride also described by SuZanne as the “best game ever in MLB history.”

SuZanne and Leo’s thoughts on the Astros playing in October? Leo replied, “Could [Jeff] Luhnow and [A.J.] Hinch be or build a better team? No and No. May as well send the trophy to Houston right now. The team’s talent is precision at its best; the team ethos could not be better; the competitive spirit is at a peak.”

No matter where you watch Astros games, Minute Maid or home, or with whom you watch, Section 120 seatmates or your cat, or what you wear, an Astros jersey or pajamas, Astros fans are saying, “We will take it back!”

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Private School Directory F

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

The Buzz Magazines Private School Directory, for Pre-K through post-high school, has been a valuable resource to our residents and readers, both in print and online, for many years.

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 at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory, where you will find links to schools’ websites. Additionally, see our Schools section online for more articles related to schools, and check out our popular School Buzz blog for stories about local high schools written from students’ perspectives.

See thebuzzmagazines.com.

Annunciation Orthodox School Early Childhood / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1970 3600 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 713-470-5600 • admissions@aoshouston.org • www.aoshouston.org Molly Khalil, Interim Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Middle School, Nov. 10, 1 p.m.; register online for a tour.

Firmly established almost 50 years ago as The School for Hearts and Minds, we offer an innovative academic curriculum, an open and loving spiritual experience rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, robust fine arts and athletics, extensive extended-day programs, and a joyous parent community.

The Awty International School Early Learning / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Co-ed • Est. 1956 7455 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055 713-580-0579 • admissions@awty.org • www.awty.org Soraya Diaz Tamayo, Director of Enrollment Outreach and Management Open House Dates: Early Learning (PK3/PS-1st/CP), Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.; Lower School (2nd/CE1-5th/CM2), Oct. 18, 9:00 a.m.; Middle/Upper School (6th/6éme-12th/Tle), Nov. 10, 2 p.m.

The Awty International School, Houston’s premier international school, educates over 1,700 students, from PK3/Petite Section through 12th grade/Terminale, to become responsible world citizens. The leader in international education, Awty is a diverse community of students and teachers hailing from over 70 nations.

In the culminating grades, our students pursue either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate. Join us on campus to learn more about Awty!

Becker School 15 months through 5 years Co-ed • Est. 1989 1500 Sunset Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005 713-535-6400 • becdir@emanuelhouston.org • www.emanuelhouston.org Paula Katz, Early Childhood Director Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour 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.

Beehive Coop Preschool Preschool Co-ed • Est. 1973 3756 University Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005 713-660-7642 • admin@beehivecoop.org • beehivecoop.org Jennifer Jacobs, School Director Open House Dates: Oct. 29, 2019 Beehive is a play-based preschool that encourages children to become independent thinkers and explore learning through their interests. The school’s mission is to nurture the whole child by supporting academic, social, emotional and physical growth; create school readiness; and foster parent involvement in their child's education. Beehive teachers facilitate play-based learning in combination with established educational curricula, while parents have the unique opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s educational community.

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Beth Yeshurun Day School 3 months through Fifth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1949 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-1884 • admissions@byds.org • www.byds.org Vivian Blum, Director of Advancement Open House Date: Kinder Q&A: Oct. 17, 2019, 8:45 a.m.

Beth Yeshurun Day School combines Jewish tradition with innovation to create an extraordinary dual program. We offer small classroom sizes, excellent teachers who receive hours of professional development, student leadership opportunities, a warm and nurturing environment, a strong foundation of Jewish values, a comfortable and safe place to build confidence and character, and friendships and memories for life. Come see why our families choose to “Start Here.”

The Branch School Preschool through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1977 1424 Sherwood Forest St., Houston, Texas 77043 713-465-0288 • information@thebranchschool.org • www.thebranchschool.org Emily Smith, Head of School Open House Dates: Oct. 3, 2019, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (including STEAM Night); Jan. 25, 2020, 2-4 p.m.; Drop-In Friday Open House Events 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or as scheduled. Please see bit.ly/rsvp_tbs or contact the office for details.

The mission of The Branch School is to inspire students to love, learn, and lead. The school’s curriculum has a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) focus with students engaged in project-based, collaborative, and hands-on learning opportunities. At The Branch School, your child will experience a nurturing, respectful, and accepting environment that promotes a lifelong love of learning.

The Briarwood School Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1967 12207 Whittington Dr., Houston, Texas 77077 281-493-1070 • detheridge@briarwoodschool.org • www.briarwoodschool.org Debbie Etheridge, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Sept. 13, Oct. 8, Oct. 29, Nov. 19, 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.

British International School of Houston Age 2 through High School Co-ed • Est. 2000 2203 North Westgreen Blvd., Katy, Texas 77449 713-290-9025 • admissions@houston.nae.school • www.bishouston.org Jane Chastant, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour.

The British International School of Houston (BISH) is the leading international school for children ages 2-18 and is committed to transforming learning for students by thinking beyond traditional education. BISH is an inclusive and engaging learning environment accompanied by a warm and supportive community. BISH students consistently demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and college placement. Now enrolling.

Chapelwood School for Young Children Infants though Pre-K Co-ed • Est. 1958 11140 Greenbay St., Houston, Texas 77024 713-465-4657 • jharrison@chapelwoodschool.org • www.chapelwoodschool.org David Walker, School Director Open House Dates: Oct. 16, 2019, 10 a.m., Nov. 12, 10 a.m., Jan. 23, 2020, 10 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 School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1977 5822 Dolores St., Houston, Texas 77057 713-977-1221 • jdishongh@crossroadshouston.org • www.crossroadshouston.org Julianne Dishongh, Executive Assistant Open House Dates: Call to schedule a personal tour.

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(continued from page 31) 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 Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-8211 • admissions@duchesne.org • www.duchesne.org Tony Houle, Head of Admissions and Strategic Imperatives Open House Dates: Oct. 27, 2019, 2 p.m. Nov. 7, 2019, 6 p.m., Jan. 12, 2020, 2 p.m.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is Houston’s only all-girls Pre-K3 through 12th grade college preparatory school. At Duchesne, we help girls seek an active faith, embark on challenging intellectual journeys, put social awareness into forthright action, participate in a vibrant campus community, and develop independence. Our single-sex education ensures that our classes and community offer the support, challenges, and freedom that allow girls to shine.

Episcopal High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1983 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-512-3400 • cwasden@ehshouston.org • www.ehshouston.org Carol Wasden, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Open House Dates: Oct 24, 2019, 7-9 p.m.

From day one, Episcopal High School was designed to be different. A place where students fearlessly test out new waters. Take intellectual risks. Make great leaps of faith. Our curriculum, the Four Pillars, stretches students in bold new directions – academically, artistically, athletically, and spiritually. At EHS, students uncover their God-given gifts and discover their purpose along the way. Because we believe that when you know who you are and what you’re capable of, you can do extraordinary things.

The Emery/Weiner School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1978 9825 Stella Link Rd., Houston, Texas 77025 832-204-5900 • csarnoff@emeryweiner.org • www.emeryweiner.org Caroline Sarnoff, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Middle School, Nov. 10, 2019, Upper School, Oct. 30, 2019 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 values diversity and 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.

The Fay School Primary / Elementary School Co-ed • Est. 1991 105 Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-681-8300 • alyman@thefayschool.org • www.thefayschool.org Ali Lyman, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 2 and Nov. 6, 2019, 9 a.m.

The Fay School is a nonsectarian, not-for-profit, co-educational school in which children of diverse talents and backgrounds with strong academic abilities are offered a high-quality education in a secure, enriching, 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.

First Baptist Academy 6 weeks through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1998 7450 Memorial Woods Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-290-2500 • admissions@hfba.org • www.fbahouston.org Mary Torregrossa, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: PK-Eighth Grade Preview Nov. 5, 2019, Jan. 27, 2020; Early Childhood Preview Oct. 25, 2019, Jan. 24, 2020 Great leaders inspire and motivate others through everything they do. We focus on developing traits of great leadership – exceptional listening and communication, empathy, exploring all aspects of an issue, and being open to new possibilities. By equipping our students with these skills, we prepare them for any course in life that they may take. The best way to get to know FBA is through a visit. Come meet our students, get to know our teachers, and check out our campus. See the difference we can make for your child and family! Financial aid available for Bridge Kinder through Eighth Grade students.

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Gateway Academy Grades 6-12 Co-ed • Est. 2006 3721 Dacoma St., Houston, Texas 77092 713-659-7900 • Mjoseph@gatewayacademyhouston.org • thegatewayacademy.org Michele Joseph, M.Ed., Head of School Open House Dates: Tours available by request.

Gateway Academy serves 6th-12th grade students with social and academic challenges through innovative approaches to learning, physical fitness, and social awareness. Our graduates face a changing world with self-advocacy, opening a path to personal significance in college, career, and community.

Grace School 20 months through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1975 10219 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, Texas 77042 713-782-4421 • nhumlicek@graceschool.org • www.graceschool.org Nicole Humlicek, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Oct. 9, 2019, and Jan. 22, 2020; see website to schedule a tour Led by a vision to inspire compassionate, thoughtful students eager to engage in the world around them, Grace School is committed to staying at the forefront of educational advancements and preparing students to flourish and succeed. Grace School features a dynamic curriculum enhanced by a broad-based STEM program and a projectbased learning approach in all classes. Balancing exceptional academics, Grace offers vibrant fine arts and athletic programs and a welcoming and inclusive campus culture.

Incarnate Word Academy High School Girls • Est. 1873 609 Crawford St., Houston, Texas 77002 713-227-3637 • ssheppard@incarnateword.org • www.incarnateword.org Sarah Sheppard, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Nov. 3, 2019, 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 145 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 builds in-demand leadership skills upon a foundation of strong personal character.

Marine Military Academy Boarding School Boys • Est. 1965 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-423-6006 • admissions@mma-tx.org • www.MMA-TX.org Jay Perez, Assistant Director of Admissions Open House Dates: April 24, 2020, 8 a.m.-noon Marine Military Academy is a college-preparatory boarding school for young men in grades 7-12, 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 Private High School Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 2004 14333 Fern Dr., Houston, Texas 77079 281-759-2288 • registrar@memorialprivateschool.com • www.memorialprivateschool.com Pamela Camp, Admissions Open House Dates: By appointment The small teacher-to-student ratio, structured classroom settings, numerous school activities and college preparatory curriculum are designed to build confidence in our students. MPHS is highly selective in admissions, maintaining a maximum 60-student count. High-achieving students are fully challenged in an innovative and less stressful environment, and those who have learning issues make great strides in their academics.

AdvancED/SACS Accredited.

Pilgrim Lutheran School 18 months through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1954 8601 Chimney Rock, Houston, Texas 77096 713-432-7082 • schooloffice@plshouston.org • plshouston.org Ashlee Juarez, Principal

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(continued from page 33) Open House Dates: Email to schedule a tour.

Pilgrim Lutheran School provides an enriching, educational environment which is centered on Christian values and focused on academic excellence.

Pines Presbyterian Preschool 18 months through Kindergarten Co-ed • Est. 1970 12751 Kimberley Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 713-467-9358 • www.pinespresbyterianpreschool.com Connie Pike, Executive Director Open House Dates: 18 months through age 4, Jan. 29, 2020, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge Class and Kindergarten, Jan. 30, 2020, 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 St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 1010 Autrey St., Houston, Texas 77006 713-661-6688 • admission@postoakschool.org • www.postoakschool.org Ashley Krug, Admission Director Open House Dates: 14 months-Grade 6, Nov. 7, Dec. 3; Middle and High School, Oct. 22, Dec. 10 Post Oak challenges the norm – rows of desks, learning for tests, knowledge quickly forgotten. Instead, you’ll find collaboration and camaraderie, independence and self-confidence, creativity and perseverance, from the youngest students at 14 months old through 12th graders. Post Oak’s two campuses are Montessori environments serving the needs of students at each level of their development, including year-round internships for high school students at partner institutions in the Museum District, Texas Medical Center, and downtown.

Presbyterian School Early Childhood / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1988 40 Oakdale St., Houston, Texas 77006 713-520-0284 • kbrown@pshouston.org • www.pshouston.org Kristin Brown, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Open House Dates: TBD If you want your child to achieve and be happy while they do it, send your kids to Presbyterian School. It’s meaningful, joyful, soulful learning for every child, every day. It’s also the future of education with a faculty, curriculum, building, and location that make the most of the best new research about how students learn. We believe our way is not merely different – it’s better.

River Oaks Baptist School Preschool / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1955 2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, Texas 77027 713-623-6938 • kpoe@robs.org • www.robs.org Kristin Poe, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Preschool and Lower School, Oct. 3, 2019; Middle School, Nov. 7, 2019 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.

The Saint Constantine School Pre-K through High School Co-ed • Est. 2015 6000 Dale Carnegie Lane, Houston Texas 77036 832-975-7075 • admissions@saintconstantine.org • www.saintconstantine.org Lily Yee, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Private tours available by appointment.

The mission of The Saint Constantine School reaches far beyond sending well-educated, well-rounded students into the world. What happens in the classroom is important to us, but what happens in the heart of each student is the cornerstone of a Saint Constantine education. Small class sizes and passionate faculty mean students receive personalized instruction and care. Young students are not overburdened with take-home work, and spend hours playing outside in our natural playground and garden. Older students receive rigorous instruction in dual-credit courses, giving WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 34

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them a head start in college and preparing them for life as free-thinking, independent adults. As a mission of the Eastern Orthodox Christian church, Saint Constantine is an academically rich environment that firmly believes that each student is a soul made in the image of God, to be nurtured and enlivened.

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School K-Bridge / Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1955 4900 Jackwood St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-666-3111 • admissions@stes.org • www.stes.org Danny Kahalley, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Kindergarten and Lower School Oct. 22, 2019, 9:30-11 a.m.; Middle School and Upper School Oct. 29, 2019, 7-9 p.m.

Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating its 65th year as a Kindergarten through 12th grade Christian college preparatory school offering a classical education. STE students have won recent state and national awards in soccer, swimming, cross country, orchestra, choir, and yearbook. We also offer a world-renowned Scottish Arts program that includes bagpiping, drumming, and Highland dance. Graduates attend universities throughout the nation, with recent acceptances from Yale, Stanford, Columbia, Rice, UC Berkeley, NYU, Penn, Carnegie Mellon, UT, and Texas A&M. STE was named the 2019 Best Christian High School in Houston by Niche.

School of the Woods Preschool / Pre-K / Elementary School / Woods Middle School / Woods High School Co-ed • Est. 1962 1321 Wirt Rd., Houston, Texas 77055 713-686-8811 • www.schoolofthewoods.org Sara Sornson, Admissions/Registrar Open House Dates: Open houses in November and January. See our website for dates, or call the office to schedule an appointment for a tour.

School of the Woods offers a continuum of Montessori education for pre-school through grade 12 in Houston, Texas. It is an independent, non-sectarian, Texas non-profit corporation. Founded in 1962, Woods Middle School was established in 1985, and Woods High School in 1999. Come see our new 44,000-square-foot, purpose-built high school campus, which opened March 2019. 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-K3 through 12 Co-ed • Est. 1946 6410 Woodway Dr., Houston, Texas 77057 713-365-2310 • admissions@secondbaptistschool.org • secondbaptistschool.org Andrea Prothro, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Please visit secondbaptistschool.org/visit for information on tours and events for prospective families.

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

The Shlenker School 15 months through Fifth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1982 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 713-270-6127 • tgassett@shlenker.org • www.shlenker.org Tara Gassett, Director of Admissions Open House Date: To schedule a tour, please contact the director of admissions.

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

Our curriculum fosters the whole child in a developmentally appropriate learning environment that is both nurturing and challenging. When you visit our campus, you will feel the warmth of our community and see why students and families strongly believe in the foundation that The Shlenker School provides. Shlenker students graduate with confidence, knowing that they are prepared for the next stage of their academic life and beyond.

St. Anne Catholic School Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1930 2120 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77098 713-526-3279 • admissions@stannecs.org • www.stannecs.org Dawn Martinez, Principal Open House Dates: Tours each Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., throughout the school year.

Since 1930, St. Anne Catholic School has been committed to teaching the Basilian philosophy of “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, (continued on page 36) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 35

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(continued from page 35) and Knowledge,” in a nurturing environment. The St. Anne philosophy embraces the uniqueness of the whole child and celebrates

the diversity of the student body. In collaboration with the family as a partner, St. Anne endeavors to provide an opportunity for the optimal growth of each child, while celebrating our Catholic heritage.

St. Cecilia Catholic School Pre-K3 through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1958 11740 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-9515 • admissions@saintcecilia.org • www.saintceciliacatholicschool.org Jeff Matthews, Principal Open House Dates: Nov. 14, 2019, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Individual tours are also available by appointment.

Our mission at St. Cecilia Catholic School is the ongoing Catholic formation and education of the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit, in preparation for an adult life of commitment and service.

St. Francis Episcopal School Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1952 Main Campus 335 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77024 South Campus 2300 S. Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77063 713-458-6100 • jglover@stfrancishouston.org • www.stfrancishouston.org Jennifer Glover, Head of Admissions and Enrollment Management Open House Dates: Group Tours: Primary School Sept. 27, Oct. 20, Nov. 7, Dec. 6; Lower and Middle School Sept. 24, Oct. 20, Oct. 29, Dec. 3; Upper School Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 11 St. Francis offers an inspired education combining rigorous academics, thoughtful religious instruction, competitive athletics, robust fine arts, advanced technological instruction, and compassionate service learning. It’s a place where learning truly comes to life for our students. 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.

St. Mark Lutheran Church and School Six weeks through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 1949 1516 Pech Road, Houston, Texas 77055 713-468-2623 • jbradford@stmarkhouston.org • gostmark.org Jennifer Bradford, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Early Childhood (Infants-Preschool 3) Nov. 5, 2019, 9 a.m.; Elementary School (PreK-5th) Nov. 12, 2019, 9 a.m.; Middle School (5-8) Nov. 12, 2019, 1 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran School seeks to introduce Houston families to the life-changing love of Jesus through scholarship, ministry, and leadership.

St. Mark’s Episcopal School Early Childhood / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1960 3816 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77025 713-667-7030 • aduplantis@stmes.org • www.stmes.org Amanda Duplantis, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Campus Tours and Open Houses will be hosted in the fall. Visit website to register.

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 School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1954 1833 Sage Rd., Houston, Texas 77056 713-621-6847 • tadamo@stmichaelcs.org • www.stmichaelcs.org Tana Adamo, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Oct. 4, 2019, 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.

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St. Pius X High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1956 811 W. Donovan St., Houston, Texas 77091 713-692-3581 • admissions@stpiusx.org • www.stpiusx.org Jeff Guedry, Admissions Open House Date: Nov. 20, 2019 St. Pius X is Houston's premier co-ed Catholic high school. Founded in 1956 by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, SPX is recognized for its strong academic programs, its tradition of champions in athletics and fine arts, and its wide range of co-curricular activities. Education at SPX is rooted in the Four Pillars of the Dominican charism – Prayer, Study, Community and Preaching. St. Pius X is a welcoming community that embraces diversity.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1971 1800 Sul Ross St., Houston, Texas 77098 713-821-9100 • admissions@ssesh.org • ssesh.org Office of Campus Life Open House Dates: Tour dates are 9 a.m. Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, 2019; Jan. 16, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, Apr. 2, May 7, 2020.

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. At St. Stephen’s, students are valued for who they are. We are a proud progressive Episcopal school, rooted in our values, accepting families of all faiths, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our students approach challenges from multiple perspectives and have the confidence to question, create and contribute, ultimately matriculating to Houston’s finest private and public high schools.

St. Thomas High School College Preparatory Boys • Est. 1900 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007 713-864-6348 • admissions@sths.org • www.sths.org Maxwell Holmes, Admissions and Recruiting Open House Date: Dec. 8, 2019, 1-4 p.m.

St. Thomas High School is a Catholic college-preparatory institution that places students in top universities within Texas, nationally and abroad.

With more than 100 years of teaching tradition, the Basilian Fathers’ sacred mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge continues to inspire 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 School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1943 6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77025 713-666-2345 • rmccurry@svdp-edu.org • www.saintvincentschool.org Renee McCurry, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 13, 2019, 2:30 p.m.; Nov. 17, 2019, 2:30 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.

Thrive Academy First through Eighth Grade Co-ed • Est. 2018 1231 Wirt Rd., Houston, Texas 77055 713-263-3800 • contact@thriveacademyhouston.org • thriveacademyhouston.org Mark Kelly, Head of School Open House Dates: Please call for information.

The mission of Thrive Academy is to create a joyful environment where children love to learn, teachers are passionate about student success, and parents are confident that their children will excel.

Trafton Academy Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1973

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(continued from page 37) 4711 McDermed Dr., Houston, Texas 77035

713-723-5888 • admissions@trafton.org • www.trafton.org Yvonne Cosgrove, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Open House Dates: 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11 (Upper Elementary-Middle), Nov. 7 (Upper Elementary-Middle) and Nov. 8 (Pre-K, Kinder, Grades 1-3). Individual tours and small group tours begin in October.

Trafton Academy provides the environment and opportunity for the maturation of each child into a well-adjusted adult, equipped to succeed in the world in which we live. Education is student-centered; each child is recognized as an individual with unique interests, needs, and abilities.

Students learn most effectively in a low student-teacher ratio environment, and class sizes do not exceed twenty students. The staff is dedicated to cultivating a love-of-learning in students while helping them develop organizational skills, a strong work ethic, team spirit, discipline, and self-worth.

Veritas Christian Academy of Houston Preschool / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 2002 7000 Ferris St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-773-9605 • www.veritasca.org • admissions@veritasca.org Kim Berger, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Oct 23, 2019, 9 a.m.; Jan 15, 2020, 9 a.m.

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

The Village School Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School / High School Co-ed • Est. 1966 2005 Gentryside Dr., Houston, Texas 77077 281-496-7900 • admissions@thevillageschool.com • www.thevillageschool.com Jen McMahon, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Innovation Open House, all-school open house, Nov. 8, 2019 The Village School has a tradition of rigorous and highly personalized learning paired with hands-on innovative methods of teaching. Located in the Energy Corridor of Houston, Village offers an American educational experience to its diverse and international student body who represent six continents and more than 60 countries. The Village School is known for its excellence in math and science and utilizes a collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to enhance its widely recognized STEAM curriculum. The Village School is a proud member of the Nord Anglia Education’s network of schools.

West U Baptist: A Children’s Village Preschool Ages 1 through 5 Co-ed • Est. 1997 6218 Auden St., Houston, Texas 77005 713-667-5180 • acv@wubc.org • www.wubc.org/acv Patina Sehorn, School Director Open House Dates: We offer tours every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please call to schedule yours.

A Children's Village is a licensed Preschool/Mother’s Day Out program for children ages 1 year (by Sept. 1) through 5. 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.

Yorkshire Academy Preschool through Elementary School Co-ed • Est. 1984 14120 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77079 281-531-6088 • admissions@yorkshireacademy.com • www.yorkshireacademy.com Janet Howard, Principal Open House Dates: Jan. 23, 2020, 5-7 p.m.; Open House Coffee, Jan. 24, 2020, 10 a.m.

Yorkshire Academy, a private school located in the Memorial area, was established in 1984, with its primary goal being to create an environment in which children can develop to their fullest potential at their own individual rate. Students range in age from 18 months to Grade 5. Yorkshire’s extensive afterschool enrichment program offers classes as diverse as coding, 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. Yorkshire invites you to visit to see for yourself why its tagline, “A Little School Making a Big Impact,” rings so true.

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Watch Their Smiles Grow

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 39

KIDS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Parenting while pregnant

Buzz Baby is a column about life with little ones.

Writer Annie McQueen has three children age 5 and under.

I

remember my first pregnancy back in 2014. If I felt tired after work, I would put my feet up.

If I wanted to take a long nap, I would take a nap. If I didn’t feel like doing the laundry, I waited. It was still challenging, like most pregnancies tend to be, but being my first, it was easier to focus on my needs throughout those months.

Fast forward to 2019.

At the beginning of this summer, I was facing an experience I wasn’t sure I was up for: surviving my third pregnancy with a houseful of small children (our twins, who turned 5 in July, and our daughter, 2), not to mention our three (yes, three) spoiled rescue dogs.

Welcoming a child – through pregnancy or adoption – is one of life’s greatest gifts, and clearly, we humans were made to do it. Yet, it can still be one of the hardest physical and emotional experiences that life will hand you.

Thoughts raced through my mind pre-summer (back in the easier season of school and cooler days): What happens if I have morning sickness and can’t lie down? How will I take care of myself when I am constantly tending to little ones’ needs? What about the heat? How will I manage the weekly grocery store trips? Oh, and the neighborhood pool. Do I really have to take my kids while feeling like a whale?

Of course, I had these thoughts while pregnant the second time, but I felt them even more this time. This time around though, I did summer-while-pregnant differently.

I just didn’t.

I didn’t stay on top of the laundry, the meals, the grocery-store trips, the be-a-perfect-mom life. I just hunkered down and put myself into a survival mode.

And, as life tends to do, it just worked out.

We managed to eat and find clean clothes. We ate out more frequently. I started assigning chores to the twins: bringing dirty cups from upstairs and putting their laundry away.

I utilized Amazon. I got rid of things (I “Marie Kondo’d” our house) to keep my sanity. I down-

loaded a fabulous grocery-delivery app (Shipt). I stretched each morning. I invested in comfortable maternity clothes.

Our dogs made it too (with fewer walks, but they’re still happy). It did help that we escaped Houston in July and headed to Colorado. The travel there and back was daunting – but totally worth it.

I talked with other veteran pregnant moms too.

Carrie George and her husband Jamie BABY NO. 3 At left: Sarah Dillingham (with Lucy and Hayes) hung out at indoor playjust welcomed her grounds to survive the summer heat while pregnant with her third. At right: Carrie and Jamie George welcomed their third son, Stiles, earlier this year. The Georges, here with third child, Stiles. Jay and Kelley, accepted offers of help from friends and family when Stiles arrived.

Stiles is the ultrasounds and got to see the baby moving youngest of three boys, with older brothers Kelley, around and wave,” she said.

5, and Jay, 7. Carrie says this pregnancy was difFinally, the boys got to pick out their favorite ferent for her than the others because she was books and stuffed animals for the nursery. Her tending to the boys throughout the pregnancy. favorite moments are to watch Jay read to Stiles She urges other expectant parents who have little or see Kelley give one of his sacred “lovie” blanones at home to “take the help when it’s offered.” kets to his baby brother.

As life got busier for the George family, so did Former first-grade teacher Sarah Dillingham their needs. “I would look up, and it would be and her husband Todd spent the summer 5:30 and I would have put no thought into dinmonths awaiting the arrival of their third child ner,” said Carrie. She said friends and family (due in early September). Sarah says the hardest who helped or brought dinner were a godsend. part of this pregnancy was the physical exhausShe also accepted more help for Jay and Kelley. tion paired with keeping up with her two small “When people offered to help with the bigs, like children, Lucy, 3, and Hayes, almost 2. drive them to and from Vacation Bible School or “Toddlers have endless amounts of energy that I take them to Typhoon Texas Waterpark, I would just cannot seem to match,” she laughed. She says say yes. You must embrace that village. Your she spent many summer days at indoor playgrounds. friends and family are there for a reason.”

To all the moms and dads out there, the strugShe got the boys involved in the pregnancy gle is most certainly real. In the end, the days where she could. She and Jamie took them to when they are young are fleeting, so (I’ve been three of her prenatal appointments, including told) it’s worth it. the gender reveal. “They went to one of the last

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 40

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 41

TRAVEL

.

by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

A regatta to remember

S

ailing has been a central theme for Liz Wilder since her childhood in a seaside village in New Jersey. “We were on the water all summer,” she says. “It was a nice way to grow up, to entertain yourself on a small tidal river, just like kids do in Galveston or Kemah today.”

She grew up to become a banker in New York, but her weekends revolved around sailboat racing on Long Island Sound. So when she met the man who was to become her husband, Warren Wilder, through mutual friends, her first question was: “Do you sail?”

Indeed he did. Warren Wilder grew up on the opposite coast, in Seattle, and learned to sail as a boy. Shortly after marrying, they bought a 19foot Lightning. They raced this boat for many years, moving it from home to home as they moved for job opportunities.

Warren is in the petrochemicals business, so it was inevitable that the couple would end up in Houston. After moving to West University in 1998, they joined the Seabrook Sailing Club.

Their three children all raced small boats on the “Texas Circuit,” a group of southern sailing clubs that organize monthly youth regattas.

“Sailing is a great way to meet people everywhere, and it will take you all over the world,” she said. The Wilders should know; they have tested that theory in numerous countries over the course of their 35-year marriage, including Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Croatia, Italy, South Africa, India, Oman and Norway.

The couple spent four years in Saudi Arabia, from 2013 to 2017. “I loved sailing in Saudi Arabia – it was the only place I wasn’t walled in,” she recalls. “I’d round up a few women, get a driver to take us to the beach, and teach them to sail on my little Sunfish. The wind is light on the Arabian Gulf in the mornings, so I’d swim after them, coaching!”

Before Saudi, the couple lived in Mumbai where they were able to find a temporary membership at the Colaba Sailing Club, right at the famous Gateway to India. “They had these ancient British club boats there, wooden, very slow,” Liz said. “But it’s still fabulous to be out on the water, racing around the buoys in the harbor.”

Since retiring, Warren spends a third of the

AFTER THE RACE The Wilder crew, happy to be back at the dock after a long day of offshore racing. From left: Bob Brown, Ken MacDonald, Liz and Warren Wilder, Kathy Bubinas.

year in his native Seattle, which has a longstanding Sister City relationship with Kobe, Japan.

Over 30 years ago, the Seattle Yacht Club and the Kobe Suma Yacht Club decided to become sister yacht clubs. Every three years, the clubs organize a friendship regatta that alternates between the United States and Japan. This summer, the Wilders made the trip to Kobe.

“I had never really thought about Japan as an island nation having a lot of great sailors,” said Liz. “It’s wonderful to see a country from the water.”

The dramatic landscape of the Kobe area formed a picturesque backdrop for their adventure. “The land is very different from Texas in that there are steep hills rising up out of the water around Osaka Bay. It was very pretty, and that really struck me.”

The pair came away deeply impressed with the country, the people and, especially, the sailing community.

“The hosts had done a magnificent job of preparing for us,” she said. “They were so generous and helpful. At most regattas, you show up and there’s a printed list of instructions. Here they

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 42

made sure everything was completely understood.”

The race itself quickly became a lesson in humility – but it didn’t diminish the thrill of the experience.

“Honestly they were way better than us – they kicked our butts,” she said with a laugh. “We did our best, and I was really proud of my crew, but their team was far better than ours.”

The four days of racing were intense, with sixhour days on the water. The first three days were a series of short-distance races around a triangular setup of buoys, in identical J-24 sailboats.

Kobe acquired a better group of finishes than the Seattle team, and won the Takarabune Trophy.

The fourth day was a regional regatta among Japanese yachts – a long-distance race – and one of their competitors, former Commodore Ota, invited the couple to join his team.

“I thought he was joking when he said, ‘Liz, you be skipper!’ I said yes, thinking he was teasing me.” The couple boarded Mr. Ota’s 35-foot sailing yacht the next morning and quickly realized he wasn’t kidding. “I think he wanted to see how a pair of Americans (continued on page 44)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 43

RACING IN JAPAN Top, left: Like the rest of the U.S. sailors, the Wilder crew was gifted with special summer kimonos: (from right) Liz and Warren Wilder, Ken MacDonald, Bob Brown and Kathy Bubinas. Top, right: Warren Wilder celebrates with a part of their Japanese crew after the long-distance race. Commodore Ota is on the lower right, with a white shirt and white hair. Bottom: The Wilder crew on Osaka Bay rounding the mark fourth, behind the Japanese team. They have just completed one leg of a buoy course and are about to launch the spinnaker (a big colorful sail, like the first boat has going up). (continued from page 42) ran a race differently from

how he runs a race,” she said.

With Liz at the helm and Warren managing tactics, they had a blast with their new Japanese friends. At first, she wasn’t sure how she would run a crew with seven out of 10 not speaking English. “It made for a very interesting event because I’d tell Mr. Ota what I thought we needed to do, and he’d tell the rest of the crew so there’d be a little lag while he explained.”

The Japanese were excellent sailors who sailed together often, so things went smoothly. But it was thanks to Warren’s navigating that they crossed the line fifth out of 55 boats, Liz said.

“We had not done so well on the first leg because I misjudged tidal currents, so we were at about 40th at the first mark – but heading down to the next mark, Warren looked at the compass points and did some math, and then he said, ‘They’re all sailing in the wrong direction! This is your compass heading, Liz. You sail this course.’

“I could hear the Japanese muttering what I guess was: ‘Everyone else is over there, and we’re over here.’ But we passed 35 boats that leg.”

The currents change quickly in Osaka Bay, so Liz speculated that the first boat – which won the race – did a great job executing a plan to go wide and then turn left and catch the current.

“But if you don’t do your own math the way Warren did, understanding your own boat speed, you can get stranded. No one could see

the mark, but I steered the course Warren selected. By the time it came into view, the other boats had to change course and sail toward us — but by that point we had kind of done the short side of the triangle.”

To the Wilders, this thrill of the unexpected – and the testing of skills with others who share their love of sailing – are a big part of what makes this way of travel so appealing. “It’s the silence on the water, it’s the wind, it’s having to figure out how to go as fast as you can in the circumstances you’re in that makes sailing special,” she said.

“There’s a saying in sailing: If two boats are on the water, going in the same direction, then they are racing.”

And of course, there is nothing like connecting with the people. The Wilders stayed with a Japanese host family in a large home that would easily blend into West U. The hosts, Kuni and Naoko, plus his parents and their three teen children, made sure to show the Wilders all aspects of Japanese life. They walked their host family’s neighborhood together, they went to the neighborhood Shinto temple and met the family’s priest. One of the grandmothers, who was nervous at first, warmed up to them and ended up organizing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for them.

“They had us burn special papers, and they told us about what they believe,” said Liz. “They looked up our birthdate and said Warren has the

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 44

best kind of luck, which is very rare. We told them about our own Christian religion.”

The Wilders were truly impressed with the generosity of the Japanese, and were showered with gifts during their stay. Each U.S. sailor was gifted with a special summer kimono (see photo).

“I must say, it’s really hard to out-gift a Japanese host family. I came with a whole suitcase of gifts, and I left with more gifts than I came with.”

Liz also noted that she and Kuni are both Rotarians, and both are Cub Scout leaders. “We have so much in common.”

To those who might be intrigued by the idea of seeing the world by sailboat but don’t know where to start, Liz has some practical suggestions.

“You don’t need to be a racer to enjoy a vacation on the water,” she said. In many places, like Croatia or Greece, you can rent a boat with a captain for a week for about $3,000 a week — $1,000 for a week of sailing with a professional skipper, and $2,000 for the boat rental. Dividing that cost between two couples would be $1,500 per couple for a week that includes accommodations, sightseeing, tour guide and transport all in one, tied up in places like Capri or Dubrovnik or the British Virgin Islands.

“Try it yourself, for a unique look at a land,” she encouraged.

Most important is the love of the sport of sailing that transcends language. “Sailors are the friendliest people in the world.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 45

by Ashley Seals, contributing writer

Cooking Buzz

Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Houston

FOOD

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

T

he summer has ended, the school year is here, and the bustle of the holidays is around the corner. For many of us, calendars will fill with football games, field trips and meetings. As much as we all could not wait for relief from the heat, I know I will miss lazy Sundays at the pool, backyard cookouts, early morning walks in the park and snow cone runs.

I am hosting one final hurrah featuring three easy cocktails and delicious bites to say “adios” to summer. Rosé Wine Freezes are always a crowd favorite, especially when it’s hot outside.

Sometimes I substitute the strawberry daiquiri mix for margarita mix for a tangy kick. For a sweet and fun presentation, I add pink sugar to the rim.

The Mint Crush is quick and guaranteed to please. You can use vodka, rum or gin. Be sure to buy a few extra mint leaves too. They make a beautiful garnish and have a Southern look.

Nothing sounds more refreshing than a fresh Gin Breeze. When I see the name, it makes me want to close my eyes and wake up on an island on the edge of the water. The lemonade makes it sweet, but not too sweet. If I am preparing a sit-down meal, I love pairing it with a light salad such as the Summer Watermelon Salad with Honey Orange Vinaigrette dressing from Peace Meals and grilled fish.

For a weekend backyard gathering, pair these drinks with a full mouth-watering menu. The Madras Shrimp or Southwestern Shrimp Fritters with Ginger Chili Sauce from Peace Meals make lovely hors d’oeuvres. Both dishes are full of bold flavors and relatively quick to prepare. For non-seafood eaters, consider the Tomato Pesto Tarts as a simple, yet satisfying option. As a main course, try the Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers with Jicama Slaw. The jicama slaw gives these burgers a satisfying crunch and a kick. And for dessert, everyone loves a cool treat. The Raspberry Peach Sorbet from Peace Meals or the Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream from Stop and Smell the Rosemary make a palate-pleas-

REFRESHING TREAT The Raspberry Peach Sorbet from Peace Meals is a crowd-pleaser at al fresco gettogethers.

ing finale.

Happy end of summer!

Raspberry Peach Sorbet From Peace Meals 1 cup sugar 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup 1 package (1 pound) frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed and juices reserved 1 pound ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced

thawed 6 ounces rosé wine 6 ounces club soda 1 lime, cut into wedges Sugar Combine the liquid ingredients in a blender and fill with ice; blend until slushy. Rub the rims of martini glasses with the lime and dip in sugar.

Pour and serve immediately.

Gin Breeze This recipe requires advance preparation.

Combine the sugar and corn syrup with ⅔ cup of water in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside. Place the raspberries and any thawed juice in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade. Purée the berries until smooth then transfer to a strainer set over a large bowl. Press the mixture firmly to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the seeds and any solids. Combine the berry purée with the peaches in the blender or food processor and process until smooth. Add the reserved syrup and mix well. Transfer the sorbet mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Pour the sorbet mixture into an ice cream machine and follow the directions.

Upon completion, transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

Serves 8.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 46

Rosé Wine Freezes From Peace Meals 6 ounces frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 6 ounces frozen strawberry daiquiri mix,

From Stop and Smell the Rosemary 1 can (12 oz.) frozen limeade concentrate ¾ cup of gin ½ cup Triple Sec 4 cups crushed ice 1 cup fresh mint, loosely packed Combine limeade, gin, and Triple Sec in a blender. Mix well. Fill blender with ice to the top, add mint, and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Mint Crush From the Houston Junior League Cookbook 1 small can (6 oz.) frozen lime-lemonade concentrate ¾ cup gin, vodka or rum 12-15 fresh mint leaves Mix all ingredients in blender. Add enough crushed ice to thoroughly chill. Pour into cocktail glasses. Serves 4-6.

MORE ONLINE See thebuzzmagazines.com for more recipes.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 47

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Sunil Srivastava

Find out about your favorite chefs in our Chef’s Corner column. This month, restaurant writer Dai Huynh interviews Verandah chef-owner Sunil Srivastava.

I

ndian food in Houston entered a progressive era in the early 2000s with the opening of two upscale restaurants. In New York City – the center of American dining at the time – the buzz was about a new generation of high-end Indian restaurants that argue with credibility that their cooking is just as sophisticated as French and Italian cuisines. And many Houstonians and diners across the country got their first glimpse of regional dishes from all over India that went beyond the usual bottled curry mishmash.

The thinking at the time, including that of Verandah chef-owner Sunil Srivastava, is that there would be more restaurants like chef Anita Jaisinghani’s Indika (now shuttered) and Kiran Verma’s namesake, Kiran’s. That hasn’t been the case.

The number of posh Indian restaurants in the Bayou City area in the last two decades have been few and far between. Compare this to the explosion of upscale Latin, Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants. Despite its ancient, colorful culinary traditions, diners still look upon Indian food as cheap eats, said Sunil.

Even so, the 45 year old hopes to change some people’s thinking with his Chef’s Table tastings and well-scripted modern menu at the new 2,960-square-foot Verandah Progressive Indian Restaurant (3300 Kirby Drive). He is optimistic, too, that Indian haute cuisine eventually will get the recognition it has in New York City and London; both boast Michelinstarred Indian restaurants, including Tamarind, where Sunil was the executive chef in 2005-06 when the restaurant first appeared in the Michelin Guide’s recommended section. Here, the Jaipur-born chef talks about aged basmati and why he grinds his own spices.

Why and when did you and your front-of-the-house partner and wife, Anupama, moved to Houston?

In 2009. I was hired to help improve the menu at an Indian restaurant. After that, I worked as a consultant for another Indian restaurant. Eventually, my wife and I decided to

open our own, Great W’Kana Café and W’Kana Xpress.

H o u s t o n Chronicle critic Alison Cook once said that you’re one of the most underrated chefs, probably because your restaurant was outside the loop. Now, you’ve closed W’Kana to focus on Verandah inside the loop. How CHEF SRIVASTAVA Sunil Srivastava and his wife Anupama opened their first innerdid you come up loop restaurant, Verandah Progressive Indian Restaurant. with the name? And dum style. What is dum? And do you need to order what two dishes should we try on our first visit to in advance?

Verandah?

Biryani takes about 20-25 minutes, so you In many Indian homes, there was a verandah can’t just order and expect it to arrive at the where families and friends gathered to dine or table right away. Dum is a technique where you simply socialize. The verandah is an important layered parboiled rice with raw chicken, goat, place in an Indian home. As to what dishes to lamb or jackfruit along with fruits and warm try… I would start with the kebabs. People think spices before sealing the top to create a pressure kebabs are as simple as adding a few things to cooker. Cooking biryani is very precise. I’m also cubed meats, then grilling them. But to do it particular about the rice I use. For my biryani, I right, it’s a multi-step process. For me, it takes like to use basmati that has been aged three two days to prep the kebabs before grilling them years or more. It’s like aged wine. Aging the rice in the clay oven. gives it a lot of flavor. I remember my mom buyYou also grind your own spices for the kebabs, ing rice during the harvest, then storing it in biryanis and curries. That’s really labor intensive. boxes and not using the rice until a year later.

Why bother?

She was adamant about this.

I use a stone grinder. You should see it. Indian When you and your family go out to eat, do you food is old, bold and beautiful. But we’ve lost have a favorite Indian place? What are some some of that in doing food in a typical pattern, favorite eateries? like using bottled spices or powders. People have When we go out to eat, we go with our kids, this perception that Indian food is cheap. But it and the kids don’t want to go for Indian. They say, really isn’t. Spices – black pepper, fennel, car“We can eat your food.” So we’ll go and explore damom, saffron and cinnamon – are very expenNick’s Italian Restaurant (11511 FM 1464, sive and volatile. It’s like coffee; once you grind Richmond). Anything seafood is good there. We the beans, the flavors and aromas start to fade. also like Ambassador Chinese Restaurant (4326 Just compare a spice like coriander that has been Richmond Ave.) for Peking duck. ground the day of vs. a store-bought bottle that has been sitting in the warehouse two months Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh and then another two, three months on the grois a James Beard food-journalism award winner and cery shelves. longtime Houston-based restaurant writer.

You’re noted for your complex biryanis, cooked

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 48

www.vbaf.com • Family Owned Since 1952

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 49

SPORTS

by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz S

eason two of the Mike Lindsey coaching era kicked off with high expectations for the perennial powerhouse Lamar Texans football team.

“I definitely feel a lot better going into this second season, and our players are certainly more comfortable with the system,” said Lindsey, who replaced legendary Lamar coach Tom Nolen just before the start of last season.

“The kids have an awareness of what we expect from them day in and day out, and that’s been the most positive thing so far for this team.”

The Texans entered the season having won a remarkable 61 consecutive games against district opponents, and leading the way in quest of keeping that streak intact is returning quarterback Troy Tisdale. The district’s offensive MVP, Tisdale rushed for over 1,000 yards while passing for over 1,500 yards last season. “I think by the time this season is done with, Troy will be the marquee type of player Lamar has grown accustomed to producing over the years. He’s a tremendous dual-threat quarterback, and the sky’s the limit for him,” said Lindsey. “We have a lot more experience as a whole than last year, and I’m pretty excited about the season ahead.”

It's also season two of the Klay Kubiak coaching era at Strake Jesuit, and if season one is any indication, there should be plenty of more great things ahead for the Crusaders football program. The Crusaders are coming off a season in which they posted a lofty 10-2 record, including victories over powerhouse Class 6A programs such as Pearland Dawson, George Ranch, Beaumont Westbrook and others. Strake’s season ended in the second round of the playoffs in a rematch against a Beaumont Westbrook team that ultimately advanced to the Class 6A state championship final.

“We may not have the numbers of the larger Class 6A programs we play each week, but our coaching staff does a great job of getting our players prepared,” said Kubiak. “Our players are smart, love the game, and are dedicated to the program.

Plus, we have great support from our school administration and community. It all adds up building the right type of culture for our program.”

As for this year’s team, Kubiak welcomes the

Elaine Matte Mut

.

TERRIFIC TEXANS Senior quarterback Troy Tisdale leads the way for the Lamar Texans’ offensive attack this season. Tisdale, seen here scoring a touchdown against Bellaire, rushed for over 1,000 yards while passing for more than 1,500 yards last season.

return of all-district running back Dylan Campbell, who rushed for over 1,300 yards last season, as well as three-year starting offensive lineman Barclay Briggs. Defensively, the Crusaders are led by safety Denzel Blackwell, who has committed to play college football at Boston College, as well all-district linebacker Christian Gordon and returning defensive end Grant Perry.

It's the start of a new era for the St. John’s Mavericks football program, with Kevin Veltri taking over as the Mavericks head football coach. Veltri replaces St. John’s coaching icon Steve Gleaves, who’d been the Mavericks head football coach the last 25 seasons. Gleaves will remain at St. John’s as the varsity tennis coach and the eighth-grade girls basketball coach.

Veltri comes to St. John’s after spending the last five years as the offensive coordinator for the rival Kinkaid Falcons. “I’m beyond excited,” said Veltri. “St. John’s kind of reminds me of my schooling growing up in Kansas. This being a Kthrough-12th-grade school offers a unique opportunity to be around players from the time they are 6 years old until they graduate high school.”

At The Kinkaid School, Veltri guided an offensive attack that dominated St. John’s over the last several years, so he now faces the chal-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 50

lenge of returning the favor while turning around a program that’s struggled in recent seasons. “I told our players when I took this job our goal wasn’t to finish third in the SPC, but the first and foremost goal is to win championships.”

To reach those goals, Veltri believes it isn’t only about Xs and Os on the football field. “We have to make football the exciting thing to be a part of here on campus. We need to bring up the participation numbers at all levels, and we’re off to a good start with more kids turning out this year.

So that’s a good sign.”

A good sign on the playing field itself includes the return of several key players led by senior tight end Will Leger. “Will is being recruited by several Division 1 schools, and he’ll be a big part of our offense.” Other top returnees include senior wide receiver and defensive back Will Skinner as well as senior linebacker and fouryear starter Miller Humphreys.

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.

Sylvan Learning of Bellaire 5316 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 51

SPORTS

.

by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

SportzBuzz Jr. W

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

Space City fencers Students at the Alliance Fencing Academy won top medals at the Battle in Space City in the Youth 12 women’s epee competition. Victoria Zhang, Tanishka Padhye, Zoe Chernis, Felicity Sebastian and Margarita Potapenko (top photo, pictured, from left) are all nationally ranked fencers, and each placed in this regional competition, out of 28 total competitors. The girls compete at the local, regional and national levels to earn eligibility to compete in Summer Nationals, the largest fencing event in the country. In order to keep up with an intense competition schedule, each of the girls practices three to five days each week, taking classes and additional lessons. As they get older and advance to the Youth 14 category, they will be on their way to international competitions.

Girls of summer The West University Softball Association (WUSA) 8U Wave team wrapped up a busy summer schedule with a championship win at the Spring Bayer Park tournament. After battling teams on one of the hottest days of the season, the Wave run-ruled five teams to win the championship on the final Sunday of play. During the course of the summer, the girls played 45 games with a record of 35-10, with four first-place finishes. The big winners are (middle photo, top row, from left) coaches Jay Chen, Kris Westbrook, Kwok Li, Billy Forney (head coach), Dan Bass and Joy Puzon; (bottom row, from left) teammates Tiffany Li, Lauren Chen, Lexie Forney, Celeste Reed, Isabella Vaquero, Caroline Loper, Eve Puzon, Kirstin Moon, Sadie Westbrook and Kathalina Garcia; not pictured: Maya Lester.

Siblings on the national stage Siblings Joshua and Naomi Alade (bottom photo, from left) both won national titles in taekwondo. Naomi, 11, is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the under-47kg female cadet division for Olympic Sparring Taekwondo.

She holds the national title in Minneapolis, and also won the gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Cadet championship, defeating girls from Mexico, Brazil and Canada. She wrapped up the summer representing the U.S. at the Cadet World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Younger brother Joshua follows in her footsteps; he won the USA Taekwondo championship in the under-40kg weight division, and also the Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo championship. Both Naomi and Joshua train under Master Gianni Giambi of the Houston Center for Taekwondo, and have been competing since they were 4 and 5 years old.

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 2019 52

Open House

13

Oct 2019

Open House

17

Nov 2019

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 53

THE GREATEST SHOW Ellie Veeningen, an eighth grader at Veritas Christian Academy, won a Scholastic national gold medal for her short story. She attended an award ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

KIDS

by Ellie Veeningen, age 14

Buzz Kidz T

Future creators of America

his year, I won a Scholastic national gold medal for a short story I wrote, Our World.

The story was about a Native American girl who falls in love with a European explorer who brings a plague to her land and people. For the award, I was invited to go to New York City.

New York was astonishing. At first, I felt like an alien in a different world because it was so different from Houston, Texas. Alas, I caught the “New York Bug,” as my mom likes to say. By the end of the trip, I did not want to go home.

The highlight of my trip was the award ceremony at Carnegie Hall. There was a sense of disbelief around the whole event. People like Stephen King and Andy Warhol had received this award, and I couldn’t fathom that I had as well. I was nervous for some inexplicable reason.

Sitting around me were the future artists, writers and poets of America! Just to be involved in that was unfathomable.

Carnegie was beautiful. The building and stage were painted with whites and golds. The place was huge! At six o’clock, people started piling in, and all four or five tiers were filled. The room darkened, and video clips of the young writers and artists played to music from The Greatest Showman.

There was a moment where the announcer asked us all to stand up and turn around. He announced us as the “Future Creators of America.” I remember the lights being so bright as I looked towards my family hearing the words, “This is the greatest show….”

One of the heads of Scholastic came and

spoke to us, calling us the “artistic elite.” Tina Fey was the opening speaker. She shared stories from her experience in the arts industry and helpful advice. Other speakers included Rose Byrne and Zac Posen, who was also a past recipient of the award. I thought Tina Fey was by far the funniest.

I had a really great time in New York and hope to go to school there one day.

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

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Shakti Dalal has nearly 20 years of experience in private school admissions. A seasoned teacher and admissions director, she is connected with schools and can help guide you in choosing the right one for your child. As a mom of three children, she knows Houston-area private schools inside and out.

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 55

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Prudence, age 11, Shorthair, Dartmouth Ave. They call me Prudence (as in “Dear Prudence” – who knows, right?). I live on Dartmouth Avenue with a great family.

There were four humans but only two now.

I think someone said something about college? I don’t know about that. I’m a social animal and am mostly concerned with head rubs, meals served on time and no closed doors. That’s rude, isn’t it? My goal is to get in the girl’s room and lay on her bed. I can open the door by myself and do it most of the time. I remain indoors at all times, but I love to be held up high and outside to see all the “wildlife.”

There is an outside cat who looks like me and comes by sometimes. The humans think it’s funny when we are nose to nose, but I could not be bothered. I really hate it when I see suitcases – that means they are all about to leave me.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 56

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Dinner and probate When you go out for dinner with the family, who picks up the check?

You or the kids? Whether the children are 15 or 53, if they can’t pay for dinner without a loan, that’s telling.

Without a will, the State of Texas lets adult heirs pick the administrator of your estate. If the heirs are not mature enough or won’t agree, that’s another reason to make a will, one that names your preferred executor. The right choice can ensure the children enjoy as comfortable a retirement as you do. Even a merely adequate nest egg can be a blessing for grandchildren who otherwise might have to support their parents.

Lifetime descendants’ trusts are a good vehicle for passing wealth from one generation to the next, and beyond. On the surviving spouse’ death, the remainder of the estate is divided among the children, with each child’s share in a separate trust, exempt from creditors’ claims and protected from divorce and avoidable estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes.

The downside includes a fiduciary income tax return, accountings, and a trustee. Responsible children may serve as their own trustee. So may irresponsible children.

Corporate trustees welcome large, liquid trusts, e.g., $3 million in IRAs or mutual funds. Corporate trustees are expensive. For a $1 million trust, fees can begin at 3 percent of trust assets per year. Corporate trustees are picky. They often reject real estate, including the home, family farm, or rental property. They can reject children, too. Is your number one son in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice? In rehab? At war with siblings? Corporate trustees may decline to serve.

After inflation and taxes, a well-managed trust may not throw off more than 4.5 percent in annual income. With a corporate trustee at 3 percent, that means 2 for them, and 1 for you (or your heirs), assuming you want the trust to last in perpetuity, or at least long enough for the grandkids’ turn.

Knowing the stakes, smart families do more than play dinner bill gotcha. The successful ones, those who preserve wealth past the third generation, do three things. They educate the children about finances and wealth, communicate the family’s values, and hire good advisors. For a good discussion, visit www.nytimes.com/2019/08/02/yourmoney/parenting-wealth-discussions.html.

This article was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by the taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.

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

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 57

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New-construction sales up School time and divorce Following the record-setting 2018 in West U/Southside single family real estate, the first half of 2019 has shown slight slowing. The average sales price is down 1 percent to $1,412,429, and the median is down 2.7 percent to $1,262,350.

The highest MLS-reported sale thus far in 2019 is $5,050,000, so that’s two years in a row with a sale over $5 million. Inventory of active listings has crept up to 125, or about 5.5 months supply vs. 4.3 months supply this time in 2018.

Distribution of 2019 West U/Southside sales remains about the same as the prior two years: 23 percent under $1 million, 63 percent between $1 and 2 million and 14 percent over $2 million.

However, new-construction sales are the story this year. Although resale prices are about 10 percent lower, new construction is lifting the averages, with the newconstruction sales price average up 22 percent to $2,186,000, over $2 million for the first time. The number of new sales is up 36 percent, pushing the dollar volume of new-construction sales up over 60 percent. New construction represents 17 percent of the sales in West U/Southside vs. 10 percent last year. Keep in mind that some new-construction sales are direct and not reported on MLS. West U and Southside continue to be wonderful places to live and enjoy our village lifestyle with outstanding amenities in the heart of the fourth largest U.S. city. Please call or email me with your residential real estate questions or to chat about buying or selling your home.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 58

All parents have certain rights with regard to their children’s education and activities. For example, parents have the right to access their child’s educational records, even those that do not make it home in the backpack.

A parent also has the right to consult with any school official regarding their child’s welfare and educational status, including any student activities. That said, the school is entitled to provide that information through their selected school official, which could be the teacher, the principal, or any other school administrator.

All parents, subject to any school restrictions, also have the right to attend school activities. Some separated parents have tried to argue that this right was limited to the days in which a parent had a period of possession with the children. However, the Texas Legislature made clear in 2019 that this right applies to parents at all times and includes the right to have lunch with your child, as well as attend school performances and field trips.

It is now clear that divorced parents can be involved even when it isn’t necessarily their parenting day. Lastly, a parent has the right to be designated as a person to be notified in case of an emergency. The beginning of each school year is a great time to check to make sure all of your information is correct and up to date.

Angela Pence England handles complex divorce and family matters in both litigation and collaboration.

Tindall England PC, Angela England, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law; Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 515 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77027, 713.622.8733, www.tindallengland.com

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Can you be allergic to marijuana?

Yes, you can be allergic to marijuana. As more states have legalized medical and/or recreational use of marijuana, the prevalence of allergic reactions has increased. While most reactions are mild, some can be life threatening.

The Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology published a review of marijuana allergy in 2015 (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 114 (2015) 187-192).

Lead author Dr. Thad Ocampo stated: “It wasn’t necessarily a surprise that a pollinating plant could cause allergies, but I was surprised by the variety of allergic conditions that have been attributed to cannabis use and exposure.” Besides rhinitis symptoms of runny nose, sneezing or watery eyes, exposure to marijuana can also cause hives or dermatitis. However, sometimes symptoms can be very severe.

Kathryn is a former police detective in a small town outside of Houston.

She began to experience anaphylaxis upon indirect exposure to marijuana in 2010. She would get itchy skin, then her throat would close up and a few seconds later, she would lose consciousness. After calling several allergy clinics and being told that severe marijuana allergy either does not exist or is something that can’t be treated, she called us. We found a medical regimen that kept her out of emergency rooms, though she does still get mild reactions (tingling of the skin) when exposed, and we presented her case (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vol. 131, Issue 2, AB215) at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Unfortunately, the best way to treat marijuana allergy is to avoid it.

There is no commercially available method to test for it and is no current method to desensitize to the allergy, like how we would use allergy shots

to treat dust mite or pollen allergy, or how we use oral peanut solution to treat severe peanut allergy.

Per Dr. Ocampo, there are many allergens in marijuana, so it’s possible to be allergic to hemp or CBD oil as well.

For those living in states where marijuana is legal, avoidance may involve changing occupations. Although still relatively uncommon, allergic disease associated with marijuana exposure and use has been reported with increased frequency, and will undoubtedly increase further as more states legalize it. Direct treatment of marijuana allergy by use of desensitization is not yet on the horizon, but if exposure cannot be avoided and symptoms are bothersome, we should be able to devise a treatment plan to minimize symptoms.

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 2019 59

NEIGHBORS

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by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Buzz About Town Picture-perfect proposal

comes boys fifth grade through high school. For more information, contact scoutmaster Gerritt Ewing at gerrittewing@sbcglobal.net.

One family’s fight

Jackson Sandeen proposed to Milena Radovancevic this summer. Jackson got down on one knee at the Heart of Santorini (Greek island) and asked her to marry him. While she wondered how he had traveled so far and long with the ring in his possession, she said she could not have pictured a more perfect place to accept his proposal. Milena, a graduate of Episcopal High School, and Jackson, a graduate of Lamar High School, met while earning their MBAs from Rice University. While this vacation served as a celebratory graduation trip, the couple came home with even more reasons to celebrate. Wedding planning has begun, and the lovebirds are eyeing Cabo San Lucas as their destination of choice for the big day.

Back-to-school supplies Sisters Nora and Kate McQueary recently volunteered at Christian Community Service Center’s Back To School distribution event. The McQuearys, including their mom Kathleen, are members of the Heart of Texas chapter of the National Charity League, a mother-daughter service organization. CCSC’s Back To School program equips about 6,500 low-income students, Pre-K through 12th grade, with school

supplies and vouchers for new school uniforms/shoes so they can start the school year off right. Pictured are Kate (center) and Nora (on right) helping a CCSC client during the back-to-school event. See ccschouston.org.

Let the games begin West University Boy Scout Troop 266 enjoyed a week-long adventure at Bear Creek Scout Reservation in Hunt, Texas. Accompanied by six adult leaders, the 30 boys earned a combined more than 125 merit badges, including cooking, lifesaving, astronomy, rifle and canoeing. Troop 266 was the largest troop in attendance during that session and was the winner of the Bear Creek Games. Grant Dionne and Colin Senftleber (pictured, from left) won the Swim Race. Karsten Wilkinson won the Ecology Quiz with the highest score of the summer. Reid Delgado won the Top Shot Award in rifle shoot with a score of 37/50. Robert Day, senior patrol leader, participated in the C.O.P.E. Program and won the Climbing Award. Troop 266 meets every Tuesday at West U Methodist and wel-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 60

Last summer, Frani Broussard Denenburg (pictured, top right), along with five other members of her immediate family, including (pictured, from left) her younger brother Vinnie Broussard, mother Marian Broussard (seated), 5-year-old daughter Giorgiana, 2-year-old son Oliver and younger brother Patrick were diagnosed within several weeks of each other with a rare, neurodegenerative disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Frani and her family sprang into action, researching and contacting specialists around the country. Frani has flown to California and Boston for face-to-face meetings with doctors. The family has recently created a foundation, Arrivederci ALD (“goodbye” in Italian, a nod to their Italian roots). Funds will go towards researching more treatments and a cure. The foundation’s inaugural fundraising event, Arrivederci ALD, will be held Nov. 2, 3-7 p.m., at a private (continued on page 62)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 61

(continued from page 60) home, with a brainstorm-

ing-session kickoff event for the host committee in September at wine bar Merchant Cafe. At Arrivederci ALD, guests can mangia e bevi Italian food, beer, and wine and there will also be music, children’s activities, and a silent auction. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children. See arrivederciALD.org.

Daniel Ortiz

Just wanna have fun

Rangerettes Ready The award-winning Lamar High School Rangerettes attended the HTE Dance Summer Camp, learned routines and leadership skills and participated in team-bonding activities. Pictured are (front row, from left) Abby Garcia, Lauren Holcomb, Emilie Hynes, Mikala Coley, Elizabeth Lok, Alice Giannoni; (second row, from left) Ms. Tara Williams, Ellie Clark, Jessica Tidwell, Calista Dovik, Grace Massey, Ailinh Phan, Hannah Cherry, Mr. Andy Ayala; (third

“smash” cake. As the sugar rush set in, guests departed with cowboy and cowgirl hats!

Life in the Bateyes

Wyatt’s Wild West Mike Wilson

Legacy Community Health’s Mint Julep 2019 event was hosted at Rich’s nightclub. This year’s theme was Girls and (Guys) Just Wanna Have Fun, and the vibrant event raised $70,000 for Legacy’s HIV/AIDS programs. Co-chairs were Tony Bravo, Yvonne Cormier and Linda Cantu. Emcees were Domenic Cusano and the Fabulous Miss Ginger Grant. Legacy’s leadership, Katy Caldwell, Chree Boydstun and Elia Gabbanelli, presented this year’s Mint Julep Honorees Award to EPAH (Executive and Professional Association of Houston), Allison Thigpen, Laura Freeman, Gary Hammett and David LaDuke. Entertainers lighting up the electric stage included Wonders, Mona Lott Gill, Tequila Sheila and Clubby Christopher Prado. More than 200 revelers seen dancing all afternoon long included Liz Stepanian, Lizzy Perrin, Frank Billingsley, Kevin Gillard, David LaDuke and Amand Cloud. Pictured are (from left) Carter and Lizzy Perrin and Liz and Andrew Stepanian.

row, from left) Kristen Castilleja, Emily Foster, Tomia Jackson, Erika Techmanski, Theophane Polydoros, Amanda Zavala, Samantha Maldonado, Cami Runnels, Mary Ferris, Julia Klein, Kendall Pierson, Sage Jones, Maya Olson, Lisa Yamamoto; (back row, from left) Leigh Ryan, Sydney Milliom, Madelyn Arteaga, Chandler Jones, Adyson Schultz, Nadia Apolinar, Paidon Hartfield, Lindsey Vessels, Lauren Hilder, Ava Mitchell, Sofia Clark, Makoto Caddeo. See all their hard work in action at a Lamar football game this season.

Wyatt Sachs, dressed in his western best, celebrated his first birthday with 20 fellow cowboys and cowgirls at Little Gym. The babies rode on over and enjoyed free play and a parachute exercise, followed by saloon snacks such as quick draw queso, cactus juice, mutton busters’ pigs in a blanket, giddy up guacamole, and gold nuggets.

While the Wild West was fun, parents CeCe and Zeke Sachs said the real excitement of the day for Wyatt was when he was presented with a giant cupcake from CRAVE that served as his

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 62

Rachel Kim (on left) and Rachel Tompson (on right), juniors at St. John’s School, traveled to the Dominican Republic with the student travel program Rustic Pathways. The program, Life in the Bateyes, focused on critical issues in the Bateyes, communities of impoverished Haitian immigrants. Students spent the majority of their time working on construction projects like building durable homes for families previously living in deteriorating conditions. For two days, the student group put together a kids’ camp for local children, where they taught art, math and English and led sports. In between service days, the group had the opportunity to visit beautiful Dominican beaches. The program ended with two nights spent at an eco-lodge, an opportunity to experience environmen- (continued on page 64)

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The Junior League of Houston, Inc.

(continued from page 62) tally sustainable living.

Both Rachels say they plan to participate in another Rustic Pathways trip next summer.

90210 in 2019

Beverly Hills, 90210 was one of Anita Bormaster’s favorite shows when she was growing up, so she was thrilled when the iconic show was rebooted this year. She hosted a girls night with a 90210 theme with friends from high school and college days. The evening included peach bellinis and lots of laughter and reminiscing. Pictured are (from left) Danielle Fink Kruger, Allison Friedlander Feldman, Anita Blustein Bormaster, Leslie Steinberg Sutin, Dara Cohen Frankel and Lauren Cohen Saikin.

Passing the gavel The Junior League of Houston announced its 2019-20 leadership team. Stephanie Lowery Magers (on right) passed the gavel to 2019-20

president, Jayne Sheehy Johnston (on left), as JLH turned over its executive leadership team and board of directors during its last membership meeting of the year. Members celebrated the start of the new League year at the President’s Tea, which was held at the home of past president Sarah Heck Snyder. Over the summer, the League hosted a member-engagement event at

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2019 64

Brennan’s of Houston. New president Johnston introduced her theme for the year, “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” which reflects the League’s strong foundation and deep roots in the Houston community, as well as the commitment to empowering women, strengthening the Houston community and improving lives.

Traveling to Tanzania This summer, a group of students and teachers, most from The Emery Weiner School, traveled to Moshi, Tanzania, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the second trip that Emery teacher Amber Gaudet has coordinated to bring students to Uru Academy – a school built and founded by EWS alumna Mandy Stein. The school provides food and education to many orphans sponsored through Mandy’s nonprofit, Neema International. Travelers volunteer at the school by reading to the kids, teaching art or math, playing at recess and even building a new playground. Several students chose to sponsor kids. While in Tanzania, the group also spent time exploring the area, including experiencing a safari. Pictured are (back row) Uru Academy teachers with (fourth from right) Emery teacher Amber Gaudet and Aaron Markham (on right). Pictured are (front row, from left) students Pierce Hays, Abigail Goldman, Julia Yanosik, Mia Giamalva, Emma Barber, Troy Hays, Maddie Ross, Sami Leder and (center) Stein. See neemainternational.org.

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NEIGHBORS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch L

A social media diet

ast month, I shared a story online at thebuzzmagazines.com challenging readers to unplug from social media for a few days. Nothing drastic – just a few days’ break as a way for people to take full advantage of the waning days of summer by being fully present in their own lives, rather than checking out what everyone else was doing.

USC sophomore and The Buzz Magazines summer intern Elizabeth Barineau was game.

Generally, she’ll scroll through social media when she’s bored, or when she’s looking to learn more about a celebrity. Elizabeth deleted the Instagram app from her phone for a weekend, and only allowed herself to continue Snapchat streaks, without engaging in conversations. (Fyi, a Snapchat “streak” happens when you send daily photos and correspondence to a friend, back and forth, every day with no break.

Snapchat keeps track of how many consecutive days you’ve connected with that friend, rewarding streaks with special emojis.)

Teenagers take note: “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be,” Elizabeth says. “I’d find myself reaching to go on Instagram and realizing it wasn’t on my phone, so I’d do something else to distract myself. I didn’t even put the app back on my phone until the afternoon” after the challenge was over.

But it’s not just teenagers needing a break. Ali Katz makes it her business – literally – to coach people on how to be more mindful and present in their lives. “Instagram is how I connect with people,” she says. “I would go on under the guise of work, but all of a sudden, I’d be on for an hour. Well, that’s not work anymore.

“My rock bottom was when I was in the airport with a book I couldn’t wait to read sitting on my lap. Instead of reading it, I was watching a blogger on Instagram try on clothes at Old Navy. My job and passion are teaching people how to live a mindful, present life. Social media was taking away from me doing that myself.”

That was when Ali decided to take the summer off. “It was eye-opening to see that so much of what I was doing was about sharing on social media, versus just doing it for myself,” Ali says.

“I had to do some soul searching about why shar-

ing was so important to me. I realized I want to share and inspire, and I want to get back to that, but I don’t want to go back to the mindless scrolling.

“You can get really sucked into ‘stuff’ and what other people are doing or have. It’s not comfortable to talk about, but there’s a lot of judgement and comparisons. In just a couple of days, I was so much more relaxed and satisfied with my own life, not having all that stuff in my face all the UNPLUGGED There are consequences from taking a break from social media, and time.” pretty much all of them are good.

Lindsay Parmer, photos. I’m making something instead of just a yoga teacher and mom of two young boys, says posting. she regularly does a social media “mini-detox.”

“Social media is like coffee in the morning,” Every Sunday, she goes to church and leaves her she says. “You get a hit off of it. Originally you phone at home. And she won’t touch it all day. get on for connection and community, but at “It’s a way for me to re-center,” she says. Also, the same time, there’s this voyeuristic aspect to she doesn’t keep the Facebook app on her it. It’s very complicated.” phone. “That way, it takes a lot more effort for Everyone – Elizabeth, Ali and Lindsay – me to get on and post when I need to add somereported the physical urge to click into social thing to the moms’ groups or my kids’ school media when they first stopped. “I’d go to pick up groups,” she says. my phone,” Lindsay says. “I had to retrain my This summer, Lindsay took a full couple brain.” weeks’ break from Instagram. “You think you’re This fall, Ali has vowed to “determine the missing something, but I wasn’t missing anyappropriate time I want to be on. In between, thing. Most of the time I’m scrolling so fast that I’ll delete the apps, so I can only use it when I’m it’s just a blur anyway.” signed in mindfully instead of scrolling in the Lindsay says her break put social media into grocery line. That’s the boundary I’ll set for perspective for her. “Now I’ve connected myself, because I like the way I feel now and Instagram to Chatbooks, so I post pictures of my want to keep that. I’m being really honest here kiddos, and every so many pictures, Chatbooks – I have to set myself up for success.” sends me this cute, printed book with our family

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